Vehicle warning lights

Abstract

The goal is to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring high visibility. [Solution] The system comprises a variable illumination unit in which multiple light sources can be sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, and a fixed illumination unit that emits light in a predetermined direction, with the variable illumination unit positioned outside the fixed illumination unit in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a result, light is emitted from the variable illumination unit without the variable illumination unit rotating, and the light emitted from the variable illumination unit is less likely to be blocked by the fixed illumination unit, thus ensuring high visibility while reducing manufacturing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of warning lights for vehicles that are installed and used on the roofs of patrol cars and the like.

Background Art

[0002] There are warning lights for vehicles that are installed and used on the roofs of patrol cars, construction vehicles, and the like. Some of these warning lights for vehicles include a rotary irradiation unit that irradiates light in a circumferential direction with respect to an axis (imaginary line) extending vertically, and a fixed irradiation unit that irradiates light in a predetermined direction (see, for example, FIG. 5 of Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the warning light for vehicles described in Patent Document 1, light is irradiated in the radiation direction by a rotary irradiation unit having a reflector, and light is irradiated forward, backward, etc. by a fixed irradiation unit arranged in a state of being fixed to the base.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in a warning light for vehicles having two irradiation units, namely a rotary irradiation unit and a fixed irradiation unit as described above, light is irradiated in various directions from the rotary irradiation unit and the fixed irradiation unit. Therefore, the visibility to pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles is increased, and it becomes possible to exhibit a high attention-grabbing function for pedestrians and passengers of other vehicles.

[0006] However, because the rotating irradiation unit is rotated to emit light, it requires a mechanism to rotate the irradiation unit and a drive motor or other drive unit, which can easily lead to a complex structure and increased manufacturing costs.

[0007] Therefore, the vehicle warning light of the present invention aims to reduce manufacturing costs while ensuring high visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The vehicle warning light according to the present invention comprises a variable irradiation unit in which a plurality of light sources can be sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, and a fixed irradiation unit that irradiates light in a predetermined direction, wherein the variable irradiation unit is positioned outside the fixed irradiation unit in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0009] As a result, multiple light sources are sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, causing light to be sequentially emitted from the variable illumination unit in the surrounding direction. At the same time, light is emitted from the fixed illumination unit on the central side of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and light is emitted from the variable illumination unit on the outside of the fixed illumination unit in the left-right direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, multiple light sources are sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, causing light to be sequentially irradiated from the variable irradiation unit toward the surroundings. At the same time, light is irradiated from the fixed irradiation unit on the central side of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and light is irradiated from the variable irradiation unit on the outside of the fixed irradiation unit in the left-right direction. As a result, light is irradiated from the variable irradiation unit without the variable irradiation unit rotating, and the light irradiated from the variable irradiation unit is less likely to be obstructed by the fixed irradiation unit. Therefore, high visibility can be ensured while reducing manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]Figures 2 to 11 illustrate embodiments of the vehicle warning light of the present invention, and this figure is a perspective view of the vehicle warning light with the cover separated. [Figure 2] This is a schematic plan view of a vehicle warning light. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the variable irradiation unit with the cover lens detached. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the variable irradiation unit. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a variable irradiation unit that shows the direction of light irradiation. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the inner lens. [Figure 7] This figure shows the on / off waveforms in patrol driving mode. [Figure 8] This figure shows the on / off waveforms in emergency driving mode. [Figure 9] Figures 10 and 11, along with this figure, illustrate an example where the control of the emitted light is set to different states depending on the direction. This figure shows an example where the light is emitted in six different directions. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of light being shone in eight different directions. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of light being shone in four different directions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments for implementing the vehicle warning light of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, directions will be indicated by symbols as needed, with the front S and rear T being the front, and the outer side in the left-right direction of the vehicle being referred to as the outer direction V and the inner side (center side) as the inner direction W.

[0013] The vehicle warning light 1 is mounted on the roof of, for example, a patrol car or construction vehicle, and has the function of warning pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles.

[0014] <Outline configuration of vehicle warning lights> The vehicle warning light 1 is formed, for example, in a horizontally long shape (see Fig. 1). The vehicle warning light 1 includes a pair of shallow concave mounting bases 2 that are horizontally spaced apart and open upward, a pair of stands 3 that are attached to the roof of the vehicle or the like, a speaker unit 4 disposed between the pair of mounting bases 2, and a pair of covers 5 that close the openings of the mounting bases 2, respectively. The vehicle warning light 1 is attached to the roof or the like with the speaker unit 4 positioned at the central portion in the left - right direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The mounting base 2 is formed in a horizontally long shallow container shape and has a mounting portion 2a facing in the vertical direction and a peripheral surface portion 2b protruding upward from the outer peripheral portion of the mounting portion 2a.

[0016] The stand 3 has its upper end coupled to the mounting portion 2a of the mounting base 2 and is positioned below the mounting portion 2a.

[0017] The speaker unit 4 has an acoustic output portion (not shown) inside, and both left and right end portions are attached to the pair of mounting bases 2.

[0018] The cover 5 is formed in a horizontally long container shape with an opening downward and is made of, for example, a red transparent material. The lower end of the cover 5 is attached to the peripheral surface portion 2b of the mounting base 2 and is positioned on both left and right sides of the speaker unit 4. In the state where the cover 5 is attached to the mounting base 2, the internal space formed by the cover 5 and the mounting base 2 is the lamp chamber 6.

[0019] A fixed irradiation unit 7 and a variable irradiation unit 8 are disposed in the left - and - right - positioned lamp chambers 6, respectively (see Figs. 1 and 2). Therefore, in the vehicle warning light 1, the fixed irradiation unit 7 and the variable irradiation unit 8 are disposed on both sides in the left - right direction of the speaker unit 4, respectively. Since the arrangement states of the fixed irradiation unit 7 and the variable irradiation unit 8 in the left - and - right lamp chambers 6 are symmetric, the fixed irradiation unit 7 and the variable irradiation unit 8 disposed in one of the lamp chambers 6 will be described below.

[0020] <Configuration of fixed irradiation unit and variable irradiation unit, etc.> The fixed irradiation unit 7 consists of a first irradiation unit 9 that irradiates light toward the front S, a second irradiation unit 10 that irradiates light toward the rear T, and a third irradiation unit 11 that irradiates light toward the diagonal front. Light from the third irradiation unit 11 is irradiated diagonally toward the outward V side.

[0021] In this vehicle warning light 1, the fixed illumination unit 7 emits light in three different directions, thereby improving visibility. In particular, it can ensure a high level of alert to pedestrians at intersections.

[0022] The first irradiation unit 9 has a housing 9a, a light-transmitting cover 9b, and a fixing base 9c. The housing 9a and the light-transmitting cover 9b are connected horizontally, and the fixing base 9c is located below the housing 9a and the light-transmitting cover 9b. The fixing base 9c of the first irradiation unit 9 is attached to the placement section 2a of the placement base 2. The light-transmitting cover 9b has a substantially planar light-emitting surface, and the light-emitting surface is positioned to face forward.

[0023] The second irradiation unit 10 and the third irradiation unit 11 have the same configuration as the first irradiation unit 9. The second irradiation unit 10 has a housing 10a, a light-transmitting cover 10b, and a fixing base 10c, with the fixing base 10c attached to the placement unit 2a. The third irradiation unit 11 has a housing 11a, a light-transmitting cover 11b, and a fixing base 11c, with the fixing base 11c attached to the placement unit 2a. The light-emitting surface of the light-transmitting cover 10b of the second irradiation unit 10 faces backward, and the light-emitting surface of the light-transmitting cover 11b of the third irradiation unit 11 faces forward diagonally to the side.

[0024] Inside the first irradiation section 9, the second irradiation section 10, and the third irradiation section 11, respectively, are arranged a light-emitting element (not shown) that emits light and a light-emitting element substrate (not shown) that controls the light-emitting element. As the light-emitting element, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) is used.

[0025] The first irradiation unit 9 and the second irradiation unit 10 are arranged side by side, front to back, and the third irradiation unit 11 is located inside W of the first irradiation unit 9, on the front side of the first irradiation unit 9 (see Figure 2).

[0026] In this vehicle warning light 1, the first illumination unit 9 and the second illumination unit 10 are arranged front to back, and the third illumination unit 11 is positioned to the side of the first illumination unit 9. This prevents the space required for the fixed illumination unit 7 from becoming excessively large in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, thus enabling miniaturization in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions.

[0027] The variable irradiation unit 8 includes a chassis 12, multiple substrates 13, multiple light sources 14, multiple inner lenses 15, and a cover lens 16 (see Figures 3 to 5).

[0028] The chassis 12 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, which has high heat dissipation properties, and each part is integrally formed. It has a mounting base 17 that is attached to the mounting portion 2a of the mounting base 2 by screws or the like, and a substrate mounting column 18 that protrudes upward from a part of the mounting base 17.

[0029] The mounting base 17 is open downwards and has a low, flat shape. The mounting base 17 is provided with an annular lens positioning portion 17a that protrudes upward. Multiple substrate positioning portions 17b are provided on the mounting base 17, spaced circumferentially and protruding upward inside the lens positioning portion 17a. For example, three pairs (six) of substrate positioning portions 17b are provided along the lens positioning portion 17a, and a portion of each is bent to the opposite side from the lens positioning portion 17a.

[0030] The substrate mounting column 18 has a plurality of mounting portions 19, for example, three mounting portions 19, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, a plurality of connecting portions 20, which are positioned between the mounting portions 19, and a top surface portion 21 provided as the upper surface. The outer surfaces of the mounting portions 19 are oriented horizontally. The vertical length of the connecting portions 20 is the same as the vertical length of the mounting portions 19, and the width is smaller than the width of the mounting portions 19. The outer circumference of the top surface portion 21 is continuous with the upper ends of the mounting portions 19 and the upper ends of the connecting portions 20, and has a plurality of heat dissipation holes 21a that penetrate vertically.

[0031] The internal space of the mounting base 17 and the internal space of the substrate mounting column 18 are in communication with each other, and a light source substrate (not shown) and a connection substrate (not shown) connected to the light source substrate are arranged in these internal spaces.

[0032] For example, three substrates 13 are provided and are formed in a vertically elongated, roughly rectangular shape. The three substrates 13 are arranged in the circumferential direction as the first substrate 13P, the second substrate 13Q, and the third substrate 13R, and each is attached to the mounting portion 19 of the substrate mounting column 18.

[0033] The light source 14 is mounted on the outer surface 13a of the substrate 13. For example, a light-emitting diode is used as the light source 14. For example, six light sources 14 are mounted on one substrate 13, arranged in a configuration of three arranged vertically and two arranged horizontally. Three vertically arranged light sources 14 are mounted in pairs on each substrate 13. Three vertically arranged light sources 14 mounted on one substrate 13 are designated as the first light source 14A and the second light source 14B, respectively. Three vertically arranged light sources 14 mounted on another substrate 13 are designated as the third light source 14C and the fourth light source 14D, respectively. Three vertically arranged light sources 14 mounted on yet another substrate 13 are designated as the fifth light source 14E and the sixth light source 14F, respectively.

[0034] As described above, with the first substrate 13P, the second substrate 13Q, and the third substrate 13R each attached to the mounting portion 19, the angle between the first substrate 13P and the second substrate 13Q is defined as the arrangement angle K1, the angle between the second substrate 13Q and the third substrate 13R is defined as the arrangement angle K2, and the angle between the third substrate 13R and the first substrate 13P is defined as the arrangement angle K3 (see Figure 5).

[0035] In the vehicle warning light 1, for example, the arrangement angles K1 and K2 are the same, while the arrangement angle K3 is different from the arrangement angles K1 and K2. Therefore, the three circuit boards 13 are configured to correspond to the sides of an isosceles triangle.

[0036] In this way, by making the two arrangement angles K the same on the three substrates 13, the three substrates 13 are arranged in a direction that forms an isosceles triangle. Therefore, the number of substrates 13 can be kept to the minimum necessary, and the degree of freedom in the direction of light emission from each light source 14 can be improved without causing a surge in manufacturing costs.

[0037] Furthermore, in the case of the vehicle warning light 1, the arrangement angles K1, K2, and K3 may all be set to different angles.

[0038] Furthermore, in the vehicle warning light 1, the number of circuit boards 13 and light sources 14 is not limited to the number shown above. It is sufficient that at least three circuit boards 13 are provided spaced apart in the circumferential direction, and at least two light sources 14 are mounted on one circuit board 13, arranged side by side. However, a flexible printed circuit board may be used as the circuit board 13, in which case it is possible to configure the circuit board 13 so that each part of a single flexible printed circuit board (circuit board 13) that is bent in the circumferential direction is attached to multiple mounting parts 19.

[0039] In the variable illumination unit 8, the light sources 14 are configured to be switched on and off sequentially in the circumferential direction, or all light sources 14 are switched on and off simultaneously. When the light sources 14 are switched on and off sequentially in the circumferential direction, the first light source 14A, the second light source 14B, the third light source 14C, the fourth light source 14D, the fifth light source 14E, and the sixth light source 14F are switched on in order, while the first light source 14A, the second light source 14B, the third light source 14C, the fourth light source 14D, the fifth light source 14E, and the sixth light source 14F are switched off in order.

[0040] In this way, in the variable irradiation unit 8, the light source 14 is switched on and off sequentially in the circumferential direction, so the variable irradiation unit 8 itself does not rotate relative to the placement base 2, but the light is sequentially irradiated outwards, creating a pseudo-rotation state that makes it appear as if the variable irradiation unit 8 is rotating.

[0041] The inner lenses 15 are formed from, for example, a transparent resin material, and there are the same number as the substrate 13, for example, three of them, and they are formed in a vertically elongated, roughly rectangular shape (see Figures 3, 4, and 6). The inner lenses 15 are attached to the mounting portion 19 of the chassis 12 by screws or the like, covering the substrate 13 from the outside. The inner lenses 15 have the function of controlling the light emitted from the light source 14.

[0042] The inner lens 15 has a flat base surface portion 22, a first contact portion 23 and a second contact portion 24 protruding from the inner surface 22a of the base surface portion 22 which is the surface facing the substrate 13, a plurality of light-receiving portions 25 protruding from the inner surface 22a of the base surface portion 22, and a plurality of control step portions 26 protruding from the outer surface 22b of the base surface portion 22.

[0043] The first mounting portion 23 protrudes from the upper end of the base surface portion 22 and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first mounting portion 23 also functions as a mounting boss for attaching the inner lens 15 to the mounting portion 19 by screw fastening.

[0044] The second attachment portion 24 protrudes from the lower end of the base surface portion 22, and two of them are provided, for example, spaced apart on the left and right.

[0045] The number of light-receiving sections 25 is the same as the number of light sources 14 mounted on a single substrate 13, for example, six. When the inner lens 15 is attached to the mounting section 19, each light-receiving section 25 is positioned opposite the light source 14. The outer surface of the light-receiving section 25 is formed, for example, as a sphere, and has the function of focusing (concentrating) the incident light.

[0046] The control step units 26 are provided in the same number as the light sources 14 mounted on a single substrate 13, for example, six units. The control step units 26 are located on opposite sides of the light receiving section 25, with the base surface 22 in between. The control step units 26 have a function to concentrate and control the light, as well as a correction function to change the direction of light propagation.

[0047] When the inner lens 15 is attached to the mounting portion 19, the first contact portion 23 and the second contact portion 24 are pressed against the outer surface 13a of the substrate 13, and are positioned relative to the substrate 13 in the thickness direction. Therefore, when the inner lens 15 is attached to the mounting portion 19, the first contact portion 23 and the second contact portion 24 overlap with the substrate 13.

[0048] The inner lens 15 is engaged with the substrate positioning portion 17b at both the left and right ends of the lower end of the base surface portion 22, with each end being pressed from the outside, thereby positioning it relative to the chassis 12. With the inner lens 15 positioned relative to the chassis 12, mounting screws (not shown) are inserted through the first contact portion 23 and the upper end of the substrate 13 and screwed into the mounting portion 19 to attach it.

[0049] Furthermore, while it is possible to form the inner lens 15 as a single integrated unit of three, in the variable irradiation unit 8, as described above, the same number of inner lenses 15 are provided for each of the multiple substrates 13. Therefore, by changing the shape and size of the light-receiving portion 25 and the control step portion 26 of each inner lens 15, the degree of freedom in controlling the light emitted from the light source 14 by the inner lens 15 can be improved. In addition, by providing the same number of inner lenses 15 for each of the multiple substrates 13, it becomes possible to form the inner lens 15 in a substantially flat shape, making the molding of the inner lens 15 easier and improving moldability.

[0050] The cover lens 16 is formed, for example, from a transparent resin material and has a substantially cylindrical control surface portion 27 with its axial direction oriented vertically, a circular closing surface portion 28, and a flange portion 29 that protrudes outward from the lower end of the control surface portion 27. The outer circumference of the closing surface portion 28 of the cover lens 16 is continuous with the upper end of the control surface portion 27. The lower end of the control surface portion 27 of the cover lens 16 is fitted onto the lens positioning portion 17a and positioned on the chassis 12, and the flange portion 29 is attached to the mounting base 17 by screws or the like. When the cover lens 16 is attached to the mounting base 17, the substrate mounting pillars 18 of the chassis 12, the substrate 13, and the inner lens 15 are covered from above and from the outside.

[0051] A first lens step 27a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the control surface portion 27, and a plurality of second lens steps 27b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the control surface portion 27. The second lens steps 27b are, for example, spaced apart in the circumferential direction and formed in three vertical positions, each corresponding to the control step portion 26 of the inner lens 15.

[0052] The first lens step 27a has the function of diffusing light in the lateral (horizontal) direction. The second lens step 27b has the function of diffusing light in the lateral (horizontal) direction and converging (concentrating) light in the vertical direction.

[0053] Multiple heat dissipation holes 28a are formed in the closed surface portion 28, penetrating vertically. Therefore, the heat dissipation holes 28a of the closed surface portion 28 are located directly above the heat dissipation holes 21a formed in the top surface portion 21 of the chassis 12.

[0054] The variable irradiation unit 8, configured as described above, is positioned on the opposite side of the speaker unit 4, with the fixed irradiation unit 7 in between (see Figure 2). Therefore, the variable irradiation unit 8 is positioned outside the fixed irradiation unit 7 in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the fixed irradiation unit 7 is positioned inward W from the variable irradiation unit 8, and the variable irradiation unit 8 is positioned outward V from the fixed irradiation unit 7.

[0055] At this time, the variable irradiation unit 8 is positioned with the outer surface 13a of the first substrate 13P facing forward. Therefore, the variable irradiation unit 8, in which the three substrates 13 correspond to the sides of an isosceles triangle, is positioned V outward from the fixed irradiation unit 7 when the reference line H is defined as a line segment that passes through the center of the second substrate 13Q in the horizontal direction and crosses the second substrate 13Q in the thickness direction, the reference line H is at an oblique angle to the front, back, left, and right (see Figures 2 and 5).

[0056] A light-shielding plate 30 is attached to the placement section 2a of the placement base 2 between the fixed irradiation unit 7 and the variable irradiation unit 8 (see Figures 1 and 2). The light-shielding plate 30 is formed, for example, in the shape of a horizontally elongated flat plate, with both sides in the thickness direction facing the fixed irradiation unit 7 side and the variable irradiation unit 8 side.

[0057] A control board (not shown) is located in the placement section 2a of the placement base 2. The control board has the function of controlling each part located in the lamp chamber 6. The control board is connected by connecting cords, etc., to the light-emitting substrate provided in the fixed irradiation unit 7 and to the light source substrate located inside the chassis 12. The light source substrate is connected to the substrate 13 via a connecting board located inside the chassis 12. The control board is also connected to the speaker unit 4 by connecting cords, etc.

[0058] As described above, in the vehicle warning light 1, a light shielding plate 30 is positioned between the fixed illumination unit 7 and the variable illumination unit 8, so that light is shielded between the fixed illumination unit 7 and the variable illumination unit 8 by the light shielding plate 30. Therefore, the incidence of light from the fixed illumination unit 7 to the variable illumination unit 8 and the incidence of light from the variable illumination unit 8 to the fixed illumination unit 7 are prevented, and an appropriate light distribution state can be ensured for the light emitted from the fixed illumination unit 7 and the variable illumination unit 8, respectively.

[0059] <Light irradiation conditions, etc.> As described above, in the variable irradiation unit 8, the light sources 14 are switched on and off sequentially in the circumferential direction, or all light sources 14 are switched on and off simultaneously. When light is emitted due to the illumination of the light sources 14, heat is generated from the light sources 14 and the substrate 13. This generated heat is transferred to the chassis 12 and sequentially released upward through the heat dissipation holes 21a formed on the top surface 21 of the substrate mounting column 18 and the heat exhaust holes 28a formed on the closed surface 28 of the cover lens 16, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the light sources 14 and the substrate 13. Therefore, the proper operating state of the light sources 14 and the substrate 13 is ensured.

[0060] Light emitted from the light source 14 enters the inner lens 15 from the light-receiving section 25, is controlled by the control step section 26, and is directed toward the control surface section 27 of the cover lens 16 (see Figure 5). At this time, the light is focused by the light-receiving section 25 and enters the control step section 26, where it is further focused and emitted with its direction of travel corrected.

[0061] Light directed towards the control surface 27 is incident on the cover lens 16 from the first lens step 27a, controlled by the second lens step 27b, transmitted through the cover 5, and irradiated outwards. At this time, the light is diffused horizontally by the first lens step 27a, further diffused horizontally by the second lens step 27b, and then emitted in a state where it is focused vertically.

[0062] In the variable irradiation unit 8, as described above, the light emitted from each light source 14 is controlled by the control step section 26 of the inner lens 15 to correct its direction of travel, and the light is irradiated in six different directions. Furthermore, the emission angle J of the light controlled by the control step section 26 is set to 30 degrees in all cases, for example. However, the emission angle J of the light controlled by the control step section 26 is not limited to 30 degrees, and may be set to other angles in the range of 15 to 45 degrees, for example.

[0063] As an example, specifically, the light A emitted from the first light source 14A is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees inward W with respect to the direction of emission (the optical axis direction of the emitted light), the light B emitted from the second light source 14B is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees outward V with respect to the direction of emission, the light C emitted from the third light source 14C is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees forward S with respect to the direction of emission, the light D emitted from the fourth light source 14D is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees backward T with respect to the direction of emission, the light E emitted from the fifth light source 14E is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees backward T with respect to the direction of emission, and the light F emitted from the sixth light source 14F is directed in a direction tilted 30 degrees inward W with respect to the direction of emission.

[0064] In this configuration, the variable irradiation unit 8 emits light in six different directions outward from the cover lens 16, and the light source 14 is sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction. This creates the illusion of rotation, where the variable irradiation unit 8 appears to be rotating.

[0065] Furthermore, in the variable irradiation unit 8, multiple light sources 14 are mounted on the substrate 13, and the light emitted from at least two light sources 14 mounted on one substrate 13 is controlled by the control of the inner lens 15 to be emitted in different directions.

[0066] Therefore, it becomes possible to direct the light emitted from the light source 14 in many different directions, thereby improving visibility by expanding the illumination range.

[0067] Vehicle warning light 1 is used in patrol cars, etc., and Figures 7 and 8 show the change in the amount of light emitted over time for two modes of illumination: patrol driving mode and emergency driving mode.

[0068] In patrol driving mode, all light-emitting elements of the fixed illumination unit 7 are turned on and off simultaneously, and all light sources 14 of the variable illumination unit 8 are turned on and off simultaneously (see Figure 7). The upper part of Figure 7 shows the on / off waveform of the fixed illumination unit 7 in patrol driving mode, and the lower part of Figure 7 shows the on / off waveform of the variable illumination unit 8 in patrol driving mode.

[0069] In patrol driving mode, for example, all light-emitting elements are turned on and off simultaneously with a cycle of 2000ms, and all light sources 14 are turned on and off simultaneously.

[0070] In the fixed illumination unit 7 in patrol driving mode, for example, one cycle consists of a short-time illuminated state L1, a short-time off state L2, an illuminated state L3 that lasts longer than illuminated state L1, and an off state L4 that lasts longer than off state L2. In illuminated state L1, for example, there are instantaneous illumination and instantaneous extinguishing, and in illuminated state L3, for example, there are continuous illumination with gradually increasing light output and extinguishing with gradually decreasing light output.

[0071] In the patrol driving mode, the variable illumination unit 8, for example, consists of a short-duration on state M1, a short-duration off state M2, a longer-duration on state M3 than on state M1, and a longer-duration off state M4 than off state M2, all within one cycle. In on state M1, for example, there are instantaneous on and off periods, and in on state M3, for example, there are consecutive periods of on with gradually increasing light output and off with gradually decreasing light output. At this time, the start time of on state M1 is delayed by a certain amount of time compared to the start time of on state L1.

[0072] In emergency driving mode, all light-emitting elements of the fixed illumination unit 7 are switched on and off simultaneously, and the light sources 14 of the variable illumination unit 8 are switched on and off sequentially (see Figure 8). The upper part of Figure 8 shows the on / off waveforms of the fixed illumination unit 7 in emergency driving mode, and the lower part of Figure 8 shows the on / off waveforms of the variable illumination unit 8 in emergency driving mode.

[0073] In emergency driving mode, for example, in the fixed illumination unit 7, all light-emitting elements are switched on and off simultaneously with a cycle of 480 ms, and in the variable illumination unit 8, for example, the light sources 14 are switched on and off sequentially with a cycle of 240 ms.

[0074] In the fixed illumination unit 7 in emergency driving mode, for example, one cycle consists of a short-time on state G1, a short-time off state G2, a short-time on state G3, a short-time off state G4, a longer-time on state G5 than on state G1, and a longer-time off state G6 than off state G2. In on states G1, G3, and G5, for example, instantaneous on and instantaneous off occur.

[0075] In the variable illumination unit 8 in emergency driving mode, for each of the first light source 14A, second light source 14B, third light source 14C, fourth light source 14D, fifth light source 14E, and sixth light source 14F, for example, an on state H1 and an off state H2 occur in one cycle. In the on state H1, for example, there is a momentary on and a short period of time during which the emitted light gradually decreases before the light goes out. At this time, the start time of the on state H1 for the first light source 14A, second light source 14B, third light source 14C, fourth light source 14D, fifth light source 14E, and sixth light source 14F is sequentially delayed by a certain amount of time. Therefore, the first light source 14A, second light source 14B, third light source 14C, fourth light source 14D, fifth light source 14E, and sixth light source 14F are turned on sequentially at regular intervals.

[0076] Furthermore, in the variable illumination unit 8 for emergency driving mode, the sixth light source 14F, the fifth light source 14E, the fourth light source 14D, the third light source 14C, the second light source 14B, and the first light source 14A may be configured to light up in order at regular intervals. In this case, both the left variable illumination unit 8 and the right variable illumination unit 8 may light up the first light source 14A to the sixth light source 14F in order, or they may light up the sixth light source 14F to the first light source 14A in order. Alternatively, one of the left variable illumination unit 8 and the right variable illumination unit 8 may light up the first light source 14A to the sixth light source 14F in order, and the other may light up the sixth light source 14F to the first light source 14A in order.

[0077] As described above, in patrol driving mode, both the fixed illumination unit 7 and the variable illumination unit 8 turn on and off twice in a long cycle of 2000ms, while in emergency driving mode, the fixed illumination unit 7 turns on and off three times in a short cycle of 480ms, and the variable illumination unit 8 turns on and off once in a short cycle of 240ms. In addition, in emergency driving mode, the variable illumination unit 8 turns on and off once sequentially for multiple light sources 14.

[0078] Therefore, because the illumination patterns in patrol mode and emergency driving mode are clearly different, pedestrians and passengers in other vehicles can clearly recognize the difference between the two. In particular, people with hearing impairments, such as the deaf, can clearly recognize the difference in illumination patterns between patrol mode and emergency driving mode through their vision.

[0079] <Summary> As described above, in the vehicle warning light 1, the variable illumination unit 8 is provided with a chassis 12 having a plurality of mounting parts 19 arranged in the circumferential direction, a plurality of substrates 13 attached to each of the mounting parts 19, and an inner lens 15 positioned opposite the substrates 13 in the thickness direction, with the inner lens 15 positioned on the opposite side of the mounting parts 19 with the substrates 13 in between, overlapping the substrates 13.

[0080] Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 14 is controlled and irradiated by the inner lens 15, and the inner lens 15, which faces the substrate 13 in the thickness direction, is positioned so as to overlap the substrate 13. As a result, the light emitted from the light source 14 is controlled and irradiated in a predetermined direction by the inner lens 15, and the distance between the substrate 13 and the inner lens 15 is reduced, making it possible to miniaturize the variable illumination unit 8 and the vehicle warning light 1 while ensuring a highly visible light illumination state in the required direction.

[0081] Furthermore, since the variable irradiation unit 8 is configured as a pseudo-rotating unit in which light is sequentially irradiated in the circumferential direction while the variable irradiation unit 8 is not rotating, the manufacturing cost of the vehicle warning light 1 can be reduced by simplifying the structure of the variable irradiation unit 8.

[0082] Furthermore, three or more substrates 13 are provided, and the angle between two adjacent substrates 13 in the circumferential direction is defined as the arrangement angle K, with at least two arrangement angles K being different angles.

[0083] Therefore, since the multiple substrates 13 are not arranged in a way that forms a regular polygon, the degree of freedom in the direction of light emission from each light source 14 is increased, making it easy to irradiate light in the desired direction.

[0084] Furthermore, the vehicle warning light 1 is equipped with a variable illumination unit 8 in which multiple light sources 14 can be sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, and a fixed illumination unit 7 that emits light in a predetermined direction. In the left-right direction of the vehicle, the variable illumination unit 8 is positioned outside (outer V side) of the fixed illumination unit 7.

[0085] Therefore, as the multiple light sources 14 are sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, light is sequentially irradiated from the variable irradiation unit 8 toward the surroundings, and light is irradiated from the fixed irradiation unit 7 on the central side (inner W side) of the vehicle in the left-right direction, and light is irradiated from the variable irradiation unit 8 on the outside (outer V side) of the fixed irradiation unit 7 in the left-right direction. As a result, light is irradiated from the variable irradiation unit 8 without the variable irradiation unit 8 rotating, and the light irradiated from the variable irradiation unit 8 is less likely to be blocked by the fixed irradiation unit 7, thus ensuring high visibility while reducing manufacturing costs.

[0086] Furthermore, in the left-right direction of the vehicle, the first illumination unit 9 is positioned outside (outer V side) of the second illumination unit 10 and the third illumination unit 11, and the variable illumination unit 8 is positioned outside (outer V side) of the first illumination unit 9 in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0087] Therefore, since light emitted from the third irradiation unit 11 diagonally forward is less likely to enter the variable irradiation unit 8, it is possible to ensure an appropriate light distribution state for the light emitted from the variable irradiation unit 8 and the fixed irradiation unit 7.

[0088] Furthermore, the variable irradiation unit 8 is provided with three substrates 13 arranged in the circumferential direction, with orientations corresponding to the sides of a triangle. A light source 14 is mounted on the outer surface 13a of each substrate 13, which faces outward in the thickness direction. One substrate 13, for example, the first substrate 13P, is positioned with its outer surface 13a facing forward.

[0089] Therefore, the outer surfaces 13a of the three substrates 13 tend to face in directions different from the direction in which the fixed irradiation unit 7 is positioned, thus ensuring that the light from the variable irradiation unit 8 illuminates a wide area.

[0090] <Other> The above describes an example of a variable irradiation unit 8 in which the focusing (concentration) and diffusion of light emitted from all light sources 14 are controlled in the same way. However, in a variable irradiation unit 8, the focusing and diffusion of light emitted from each light source 14 may be configured differently, for example, as follows.

[0091] For example, it is possible to control the light emitted from the front and the light emitted from the rear using different controls (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0092] Specifically, for example, in a configuration where light is irradiated in six different directions, it is possible to configure the system so that light Z1 directed in three directions—forward and diagonally to the front—is irradiated as focused or parallel light, and light Z2 directed in three directions—rearward and diagonally to the rear—is irradiated as diffused light (see Figure 9). The convergence and diffusion of each irradiated light can be controlled, for example, by appropriately setting the type of inner lens 15 positioned opposite the substrate 13, the type of lens step formed on the control surface portion 27 of the cover lens 16, and so on.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, in a configuration where light is irradiated in eight different directions, it is possible to configure the system so that light Z1 directed in three directions—forward and diagonally to the front—is irradiated as focused or parallel light, and light Z2 directed in five directions—rearward, diagonally to the rear, and to the side—is irradiated as diffused light (see Figure 10). The convergence and diffusion of each irradiated light can be controlled in the same way as in a configuration where light is irradiated in six different directions, for example, by appropriately setting the type of lens step formed on the inner lens 15 or the control surface 27.

[0094] On the other hand, it is also possible to control the light emitted to the front and the light emitted in other directions using different controls (see Figure 11).

[0095] Specifically, for example, in a configuration where light is emitted in four different directions, it is possible to configure the system so that the light emitted forward is emitted as focused or parallel light, and the light emitted in the three directions (rearward and to the sides) is emitted as diffused light. The convergence and diffusion of each emitted light can be controlled by appropriately setting the type of lens step formed on the inner lens 15 and the control surface 27, similar to configurations where light is emitted in six or eight different directions.

[0096] As described above, by having some of the light sources 14 emitted from the multiple light sources 14 converge or align parallel to the light, and the light emitted from the other light sources 14 diffuse, it becomes possible to illuminate multiple directions where illumination is needed in an optimal state, thereby improving visibility and safety in each direction.

[0097] In particular, by converging or aligning the light towards the front, high visibility to distant areas can be ensured, improving safety and alerting capabilities during emergency driving. Furthermore, by diffusing the light towards the rear and sides, sufficient visibility to a wide area can be ensured, while preventing excessive light exposure to occupants of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, thereby improving safety while the vehicle is in motion and reducing glare for occupants of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians.

[0098] Furthermore, the variable irradiation unit 8 may be used in so-called unmarked police cars such as "four-wheeled vehicles for traffic enforcement," in which case the light is often directed in four, six, or eight directions, including the front and rear. Therefore, the configurations in which the convergence and diffusion of the light emitted from each light source 14 differ as described above are particularly suitable when the variable irradiation unit 8 is used in unmarked police cars.

[0099] When the variable illumination unit 8 is used in unmarked police cars, etc., the vehicle warning light does not have a fixed illumination unit. Although not shown in the diagram, for example, an outer cover of the color red is attached to the mounting base 17 of the chassis 12 to form a lamp chamber, and the variable illumination unit 8 is placed in the lamp chamber to constitute the vehicle warning light. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1. Vehicle warning lights 7 Fixed irradiation unit 8. Variable irradiation unit 9. First irradiation section 10 Second irradiation section 11 Third irradiation section 13 circuit boards 14 Light source 30 Light-blocking plate

Claims

1. A variable illumination unit in which multiple light sources can be sequentially switched on and off in the circumferential direction, It includes a fixed irradiation unit that irradiates light in a predetermined direction, In the left-right direction of the vehicle, the variable irradiation unit is positioned outside the fixed irradiation unit. Vehicle warning light.

2. The fixed irradiation unit is composed of a first irradiation unit that irradiates light forward, a second irradiation unit that irradiates light backward, and a third irradiation unit that irradiates light diagonally forward. A vehicle warning light according to claim 1.

3. In the left-right direction of the vehicle, the first illuminating unit is positioned outside the second illuminating unit and the third illuminating unit. In the left-right direction of the vehicle, the variable irradiation unit is positioned outside the first irradiation unit. A vehicle warning light according to claim 2.

4. The variable irradiation unit is provided with three substrates arranged in the circumferential direction, with orientations corresponding to the sides of a triangle. The light source is mounted on the outer surface of the substrate facing outward in the thickness direction. One of the substrates was positioned with its outer surface facing forward. A vehicle warning light according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3.

5. A light-shielding plate is placed between the variable irradiation unit and the fixed irradiation unit. A vehicle warning light according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3.

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