Runway-embedded flashing devices

Abstract

This invention provides a new runway-embedded flashing device that is lightweight, has a long lifespan, high effective luminous intensity, allows for luminous intensity switching, consumes little power, and can be placed on the ground with its base facing downwards. [Solution] The runway embedded flashing device 1 of the present invention includes a cylindrical body 10, a ceiling member 11, a light guide member 12, an LED flashing light source 13, and a bottom cover member 16. The cylindrical body 10 is embeddable in the runway, the ceiling member 11 is positioned at the upper opening of the cylindrical body 10, and the ceiling member 11 is provided with a flashing light irradiation window, the light guide member 12 is positioned at the flashing light irradiation window, the LED flashing light source 13 is positioned inside the cylindrical body 10 in a manner that allows flashing light to be irradiated toward the light guide member 12 positioned at the flashing light irradiation window, the flashing light irradiated from the LED flashing light source 13 by the light guide member 12 can be irradiated toward the outside through the flashing light irradiation window, and the bottom cover member 16 is positioned in a manner that allows closing the lower opening of the cylindrical body 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a runway-embedded flash device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a guiding sign for an airport runway, a sign lamp that irradiates sign light has been embedded under the road surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the embedded sign lamp embedded under the road surface, a discharge lamp filled with xenon may be used as a flash light source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, a flash device using a xenon flash light source has problems such as being heavy, having a short lifespan, having a low effective luminous intensity, being unable to switch the luminous intensity such as high, medium, and low, and having a large power consumption. In addition, since a runway-embedded flash device has a cable ground or the like at the bottom, for example, when the device is taken out for installation or maintenance, when the device is placed on the ground, it is necessary to prepare a stand, turn the device upside down, or tilt it. Therefore, the work becomes complicated and there is a risk of damaging the cable ground or the like.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a new runway-embedded flash device that is light, has a long lifespan, has a high effective luminous intensity, can switch the luminous intensity, has a small power consumption, and can be placed on the ground with the bottom facing down without requiring a stand or the like.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the runway-embedded flash device of the present invention A runway-embedded flashing device, It includes a cylindrical body, a ceiling member, a light guide member, an LED flashing light source, and a bottom cover member. The aforementioned cylindrical body can be embedded in the runway. The ceiling member is positioned at the upper opening of the cylindrical body. The ceiling member is provided with a window for flashing light, The light guide member is positioned in the flashing light irradiation window, The LED flashing light source is arranged inside the cylindrical body in such a state that it can emit a flash of light towards the light guide member located in the flashing light illumination window. The light guide member allows the flash emitted from the LED flash light source to be projected outwards through the flash light irradiation window. The bottom cover member is positioned in such a way that it can close the lower opening of the cylindrical body. The bottom cover member has three or more U-shaped support portions protruding from the outer surface on the outer surface opposite to the cylindrical body side of the bottom cover member, The support portion allows the runway-embedded flashing device to be placed on the ground with its bottom facing downwards. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The runway-embedded flashing device of the present invention is lightweight, has a long lifespan, high effective luminous intensity, allows for switching of luminous intensity, consumes little power, and can be placed on the ground with its bottom facing down without requiring a stand or anything similar. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an example of a runway-embedded flashing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top-down perspective view showing an example of a cylindrical body and ceiling member in a runway-embedded flashing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view from below showing an example of a cylindrical body and ceiling member in the runway-embedded flashing device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing an example of an LED flashing light source in the runway-embedded flashing device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an LED flashing light source in the runway-embedded flashing device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the runway-embedded flashing device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of an example runway according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic side view illustrating the flash irradiation in the runway-embedded flashing device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view showing an example of a light guide member and LED flashing light source inside the runway-embedded flashing device shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figures 10(A) and (B) show variations in the support portion of the runway-embedded flashing device of Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The present invention is not limited or restricted in any way by the embodiments described below. In Figures 1 to 10, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. The descriptions of each embodiment can be used interchangeably with each other. Also, in the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the structure of each part may be simplified as appropriate, and the dimensional ratios of each part may differ from the actual dimensions and may be shown schematically.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an example of a runway-embedded flashing device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the runway-embedded flashing device 1 includes a cylindrical body 10, a ceiling member 11, a light guide member 12, an LED flashing light source 13, and a bottom cover member 16.

[0011] The cylindrical body 10 can be embedded in the runway 2 as will be described later with reference to FIG. 7 in Embodiment 2. The cylindrical body 10 may be, for example, a cylinder as shown in FIG. 1, or may be a cylindrical shape other than a cylinder such as an elliptical cylinder or a rectangular cylinder.

[0012] The ceiling member 11 is arranged at the upper opening of the cylindrical body 10 in a state where it can be exposed on the runway surface when the cylindrical body 10 is embedded in the runway 2.

[0013] The cylindrical body 10 and the ceiling member 11 may be separate and independent members as shown in FIG. 1, or may be an integrally molded product as shown in FIG. 2. Examples of the integrally molded product include castings of aluminum, castings of titanium, castings of aluminum alloys, castings of titanium alloys, etc. Since they are lightweight, castings of aluminum and castings of titanium are preferred, and castings of aluminum are particularly preferred because they are inexpensive. Even when the cylindrical body 10 and the ceiling member 11 are separate members, the cylindrical body 10 and the ceiling member 11 may be, for example, castings of aluminum, castings of titanium, castings of aluminum alloys, castings of titanium alloys, etc., similar to the case of the integrally molded product.

[0014] The ceiling member 11 is provided with a window for flash irradiation, and the light guide member 12 is arranged in the window for flash irradiation. In the runway-embedded flash device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, there are two or more of the windows for flash irradiation, and the light guide member 12 may be arranged in each of the windows for flash irradiation. If there are two or more light guide members 12, the load on the light guide member 12 can be further reduced and damage can be prevented. The window for flash irradiation and the light guide member 12 may be divided into two or more by a reinforcing plate member 14 described later, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. Examples of the light guide member 12 include a prism lens. The material of the prism lens is not particularly limited, but is, for example, glass.

[0015] The ceiling member 11 may include, for example, an upper ceiling section 11a and a lower ceiling section 11b, and may have a stepped structure in which the upper ceiling section 11a is positioned behind the direction of illumination of the flash illumination window and the lower ceiling section 11b is positioned on the side in the direction of illumination of the flash illumination window.

[0016] The runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment may further include, for example, a reinforcing plate member 14, the reinforcing plate member 14 being positioned on the outer surface of the lower ceiling portion 11b in an upright position vertically to the outer surface of the lower ceiling portion 11b. The ceiling member 11 and the reinforcing plate member 14 may be, for example, separate and independent members, or they may be a single molded product. When the ceiling member 11 and the reinforcing plate member 14 are separate members, the reinforcing plate member 14 may be made of, for example, an aluminum casting, a titanium casting, an aluminum alloy casting, a titanium alloy casting, etc., as in the case of a single molded product.

[0017] The runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment further includes, for example, a fixing member 15, the fixing member 15 being positioned on the outer circumference of the ceiling member 11, and the fixing member 15 may be provided with screw holes for passing screws for fixing it to the runway 2. The fixing member 15 may be, for example, tapered with its outer surface inclined so that its thickness decreases toward the outer circumference. The ceiling member 11 and the fixing member 15 may be, for example, separate and independent members, or they may be a single molded product. If the ceiling member 11 and the fixing member 15 are separate members, the fixing member 15 may be, for example, an aluminum casting, a titanium casting, an aluminum alloy casting, a titanium alloy casting, etc., as in the case of a single molded product. At least one of the ceiling member 11 and the fixing member 15 may have a hole for, for example, pulling up the runway-embedded flashing device 1 with a tool.

[0018] The LED flash source 13 is positioned inside the cylindrical body 10 in a manner that allows it to emit a flash of light towards the light guide member 12 located in the flash illumination window. Figure 3 shows a perspective view from below of an example of the cylindrical body 10 and ceiling member 11. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the inner surface of the ceiling member 11 (the surface facing the cylindrical body 10) may have a section for arranging the LED flash source 13 in the lower part of the flash illumination window. The light guide member 12 allows the flash emitted from the LED flash source 13 to be emitted outwards through the flash illumination window.

[0019] Examples of LED flashing light sources 13 include LED modules. The LED flashing light source 13 includes a substrate 13a and LEDs 13b, as shown in Figure 1, with the LEDs 13b arranged on the substrate 13a. In the example shown in Figure 1, there are two LED flashing light sources 13, but there may be one LED flashing light source 13 or three or more.

[0020] The mounting conditions for the LEDs 13b on substrate 13a are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate according to the desired optical characteristics. Figure 1 shows an example in which 72 LEDs 13b, consisting of two 4×9=36 matrix arrays, are mounted on substrate 13a.

[0021] The shape of LED13b is not particularly limited and is generally square or rectangular. The size of LED13b is not particularly limited; in the case of a square, the length of one side is, for example, 1.8~2.2mm, 3~3.5mm, or 4~5.3mm, and in the case of a rectangle, the length of the shorter side is, for example, the same as the length of the square, and the ratio of the shorter side to the longer side is, for example, 1:1~3. On the mounting surface of LED13b on substrate 13a, the width between adjacent LEDs is, for example, 0.2~0.5mm.

[0022] The LED flash light source 13 includes a lens member 13c, as shown in the partially enlarged perspective view of Figure 4 and the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, for example. The lens member 13c is positioned above the LED 13b, and the lens member 13c may be a lens member that provides a uniform illuminance distribution on the irradiation surface of the flash light emitted from the LED 13b. Examples of the lens member 13c include a fly-eye lens and an integrator lens. For example, as shown in Figure 5, by dividing the lens member 13c into two or more parts so that it does not become too large, the load on the lens member 13c can be further reduced and damage can be prevented. It is preferable that the lens member 13c is not made too small so that there is no loss in the extraction of the irradiated flash light.

[0023] The runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment may further include, for example, a heat dissipation member 13d, as shown in Figure 5, and the heat dissipation member 13d may be positioned on the substrate 13a of the LED flashing light source 13 on the side opposite to the mounting surface of the LED 13b. In Figure 5, an example is shown where the heat dissipation member 13d is a heat dissipation fin, but it is also possible to dissipate heat using a fan or the like that blows air toward the substrate 13a.

[0024] The bottom cover member 16 is positioned in a manner that it can close the lower opening of the cylindrical body 10. The bottom cover member 16 has a support portion 17 protruding from the outer surface opposite to the cylindrical body 10 side of the bottom cover member 16. Examples of materials for the bottom cover member 16 include aluminum, titanium, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, or castings thereof.

[0025] The support section 17 only needs to enable the runway-embedded flashing device 1 to be placed on the ground with its bottom facing down without the need for a stand or the like, and there are no particular restrictions on its shape, size, height, number, or other configuration. Figure 1 illustrates a runway-embedded flashing device 1 in which two support sections 17, each consisting of two support columns rising from the outer surface and a beam spanning the upper ends of the two support columns, are arranged on the outer surface of the bottom cover member 16, facing each other. The two support sections 17 have the same height protruding from the outer surface. For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the support sections 17 also serve as handles, making it easier to carry the runway-embedded flashing device 1 by hand.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the runway-embedded flashing device 1 shown in Figure 1. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the bottom cover member 16 may include a cable gland 16a and an external ground terminal 16b. From the viewpoint of preventing the cable gland 16a and the external ground terminal 16b from coming into contact with the ground and being damaged, it is preferable that the height of the support portion 17 protruding from the external surface is equal to or greater than the height of the cable gland 16a and the external ground terminal 16b protruding from the external surface. Furthermore, if the bottom cover member 16 is attached to at least one of the cylindrical body 10 and the LED flashing light source 13, for example, with a screw 16c and an O-ring (not shown), the runway-embedded flashing device 1 can be made waterproof.

[0027] Figures 10(A) and (B) show variations of the support portion 17. As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the runway embedded flashing device 1 can be placed on the ground with its bottom facing down without the need for a stand, even with three or more support portions 17 of various shapes such as cylindrical or U-shaped. When there are two or more support portions 17, it is preferable that the two or more support portions 17 are arranged in a circumferential direction on the outer surface of the bottom cover member 16, and that the circumferential arrangement is at equal intervals. Although not shown, the runway embedded flashing device 1 can also be placed on the ground with its bottom facing down without the need for a stand, even with a single support portion 17 of a columnar shape (e.g., cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular prism, etc.) or cylindrical shape (e.g., cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular tube, etc.).

[0028] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the runway-embedded flashing device 1 emits an upward flashing light with an angle α of about 3° with respect to the direction parallel to the runway surface, for example, as shown in Figure 8. An example of the light guide member 12 and LED flashing light source 13 inside the runway-embedded flashing device 1 shown in Figure 8 is shown in Figure 9.

[0029] While a flashing device using a xenon flashing light source weighs 65 kg or less, specifically around 40 kg, the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment weighs, for example, 18 kg or less, specifically around 11 kg. Thus, according to this embodiment, a lightweight runway-embedded flashing device can be provided.

[0030] While the lifespan of a flashing device using a xenon flashing light source is approximately 500 hours, the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment can be used indefinitely, for example. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a runway-embedded flashing device with a long lifespan.

[0031] While the effective luminous intensity of a flashing device using a xenon flashing light source is 1000 cd or more, specifically around 1200 cd, the effective luminous intensity of the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment is, for example, 6000 cd or more, specifically around 7000 cd. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a runway-embedded flashing device with high effective luminous intensity.

[0032] While flashing devices using xenon flashing light sources cannot switch between high, medium, and low luminosity levels, the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment has a high effective luminosity, as described above, making it possible to switch between luminosity levels such as high (e.g., 6000 cd or more), medium (e.g., 1000 cd or more), and low (e.g., 250 cd or more). Thus, this embodiment makes it possible to provide a runway-embedded flashing device with switchable luminosity levels. The high luminosity level is used, for example, during the daytime when visibility is poor due to fog, rain, etc., the low luminosity level is used, for example, at night, and the medium luminosity level is used, for example, in the evening.

[0033] While a flashing device using a xenon flashing light source consumes approximately 500W, the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of this embodiment consumes approximately 80W (maximum 114W at high brightness, 31W at medium brightness, and 24W at low brightness). Thus, this embodiment makes it possible to provide a runway-embedded flashing device with low power consumption.

[0034] [Embodiment 2] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a runway in this embodiment. In Figure 7, although it is schematically simplified, the runway 2 is formed by embedding the runway-embedded flashing device 1 of Embodiment 1 with the ceiling member 11 exposed.

[0035] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. (Note 1) It includes a cylindrical body, a ceiling member, a light guide member, an LED flashing light source, and a bottom cover member. The aforementioned cylindrical body can be embedded in the runway. The ceiling member is positioned at the upper opening of the cylindrical body so as to be exposed to the runway surface when the cylindrical body is embedded in the runway. The ceiling member is provided with a window for flashing light, The light guide member is positioned in the flashing light irradiation window, The LED flashing light source is arranged inside the cylindrical body in such a state that it can emit a flash of light towards the light guide member located in the flashing light illumination window. The light guide member allows the flash emitted from the LED flash light source to be projected outwards through the flash light irradiation window. The bottom cover member is positioned in such a way that it can close the lower opening of the cylindrical body. The bottom cover member has a support portion protruding from the outer surface on the outer surface opposite to the cylindrical body side of the bottom cover member. Runway-embedded flashing device. (Note 2) The aforementioned support part consists of two or more parts. The two or more support parts have the same height protruding from the outer surface. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) In two or more of the support portions, two of the support portions are arranged on the outer surface of the bottom cover member, facing each other. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) Two or more of the support parts are arranged in a circumferential direction on the outer surface of the bottom cover member. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 2 or 3. (Note 5) The circumferential arrangement of the two or more support portions on their outer surfaces is at equal intervals. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 4. (Note 6) The support portion includes two support columns that rise from the outer surface and a beam that spans the upper ends of the two support columns. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 5. (Note 7) The bottom cover member includes a cable gland and an external ground terminal. The cable gland and the external ground terminal protrude from the outer surface of the bottom cover member. The height of the support portion protruding from the external surface is equal to or greater than the height of the cable gland and the external ground terminal protruding from the external surface. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 6. (Note 8) The LED flashing light source includes a substrate, an LED, and a lens member. The LED is placed on the substrate, The lens member is positioned above the LED. The aforementioned lens member is a lens member that makes the illumination surface of the flash of light emitted from the LED uniform in terms of illuminance distribution. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7. (Note 9) Furthermore, it includes a heat dissipation component, The heat dissipation member is positioned on the substrate of the LED flashing light source on the side opposite to the mounting surface of the LED. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The ceiling member includes an upper ceiling section and a lower ceiling section, The upper ceiling section is positioned rearward from the direction of illumination of the flashing light window. The lower ceiling section is positioned on the side of the flashing light irradiation window that is in the direction of irradiation. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 9. (Note 11) Furthermore, including a reinforcing plate member, The reinforcing plate member is positioned on the outer surface of the lower ceiling portion in an upright position in the vertical direction of the outer surface of the lower ceiling portion. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 10. (Note 12) The cylindrical body and the ceiling member are integrally molded products. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 11. (Note 13) The aforementioned flash illumination windows consist of two or more, and the light guide member is arranged in each of the flash illumination windows. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 12. (Note 14) Furthermore, including a fixing member, The fixing member is arranged on the outer periphery of the ceiling member. The fixing member is provided with screw holes for passing screws through which screws are used to fix it to the runway. A runway-embedded flashing device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 13. (Note 15) The ceiling member and the fixing member are integrally molded products. Runway-embedded flashing device as described in Appendix 14. (Note 16) A runway in which a runway-embedded flashing device described in any of the appendices 1 to 15 is embedded. [Industrial applicability]

[0037] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new runway-embedded flashing device that is lightweight, has a long lifespan, high effective luminous intensity, allows for luminous intensity switching, consumes little power, and can be placed on the ground with its bottom facing down without requiring a stand or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Runway-embedded flashing device Runway 2 10. Cylindrical body 11 Ceiling components 11a Upper ceiling section 11b Lower ceiling section 12 Light guide member 13 LED flash light source 13a substrate 13b LED 13c lens component 13d Heat dissipation component 14 Reinforcement plate member 15 Fixing member 16 Bottom cover member 16a Cable Gland 16b External ground terminal 16c screw 17 Support part

Claims

1. A runway-embedded flashing device, It includes a cylindrical body, a ceiling member, a light guide member, an LED flashing light source, and a bottom cover member. The aforementioned cylindrical body can be embedded in the runway. The ceiling member is positioned at the upper opening of the cylindrical body. The ceiling member is provided with a window for flashing light, The light guide member is positioned in the flashing light irradiation window, The LED flashing light source is arranged inside the cylindrical body in such a state that it can emit a flash of light towards the light guide member located in the flashing light illumination window, The light guide member allows the flash emitted from the LED flash light source to be projected outwards through the flash light irradiation window. The bottom cover member is positioned in such a way that it can close the lower opening of the cylindrical body. The bottom cover member has three or more U-shaped support portions protruding from the outer surface on the outer surface opposite to the cylindrical body side of the bottom cover member. The support portion allows the runway-embedded flashing device to be placed on the ground with its bottom facing downwards. Runway-embedded flashing device.

2. The bottom cover member includes a cable gland and an external ground terminal. The cable gland and the external ground terminal protrude from the outer surface of the bottom cover member. The height of the support portion protruding from the external surface is equal to or greater than the height of the cable gland and the external ground terminal protruding from the external surface. The runway-embedded flashing device according to claim 1.

Images