Indicator

Abstract

To provide a display device that offers excellent visibility and can effectively suppress the growth of snow accumulation. [Solution] The light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member are arranged alternately with a gap between them. The first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b are connected vertically by a link 11. The first state is when the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward and the front surfaces of the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the front surfaces of the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b are located at approximately the same front-to-back position. The second state is when the second light-emitting member 9b moves backward and the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b are located with a gap between them in the front-to-back direction. By changing from the first state to the second state in this way, the gap between adjacent light source mounting sections 3 can be widened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device such as a traffic signal that can prevent snow accumulation, particularly in snowy regions.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the change of the global environment, damage caused by a large amount of snowfall under strong winds in winter has become a problem. Heavy snow not only becomes an obstacle to road traffic, but also causes snow to accumulate on the lamp of a traffic signal due to a snowstorm, blocking the emission of traffic signal colors and leading to a situation where the traffic signal cannot be visually recognized. Therefore, snow accumulation countermeasures for display devices such as traffic signals are desired.

[0003] As such snow accumulation countermeasures, there is a method of providing a hood or cover that covers the signal (for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

[0004] In addition, there is a method of using a heating element to melt the accumulated snow (for example, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4).

[0005] However, in the method of providing a large-scale hood or the like as in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, even if snow accumulation is less likely to occur, once snow accumulation occurs, the snow accumulation part grows and hinders the visibility of the signal.

[0006] In addition, when using infrared rays as a heat source as in Patent Document 3, since electric energy is converted into light, the efficiency related to conversion and absorption is poor, and it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of heat to remove the snow accumulation on the light emitting surface, requiring an extremely large amount of electric energy.

[0007] Moreover, Patent Document 4 provides a cover to form a dark-colored part that absorbs light serving as a heat source to generate heat, but there are problems such as poor efficiency when using light as an energy transmission means and hindering the visibility of the signal during normal times by covering such an object.

[0008] In response to this, a display device has been proposed in which multiple light source units are arranged at predetermined intervals, so that wind and snow from the front can escape to the rear through the gaps between adjacent light source units (Patent Document 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-305025 [Patent Document 2] Publication No. 2009-190554 [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3161877 Gazette [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-108861 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-26658 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] According to Patent Document 5, wind and snow from the front pass through the gaps between adjacent light source installation units to the rear, so by appropriately setting the gaps between the light source installation units, snow accumulation on the front of the light source installation units can be suppressed. However, especially in the case of snowflakes with a high moisture content, the snowflakes may not pass through the gaps to the rear but instead adhere to the gaps, and there is a risk that snow accumulation will grow from this point.

[0011] In contrast, widening the gaps between adjacent light source installations can suppress snow accumulation, but this also leads to a decrease in visibility under normal conditions. Therefore, a method is desired that can efficiently suppress snow accumulation in the gaps between light source installations while ensuring visibility.

[0012] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide a display device that is highly visible and can efficiently suppress the growth of snow accumulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a display device comprising: a light source arrangement section having a light source attached thereto; a first light-emitting member in which a plurality of the light source arrangement sections are connected at predetermined intervals; a second light-emitting member in which another plurality of the light source arrangement sections are connected at predetermined intervals; and a drive structure for moving the second light-emitting member forward and backward relative to the first light-emitting member. In a front view, the light source arrangement section of the first light-emitting member and the light source arrangement section of the second light-emitting member are arranged with a gap between them; in a first state where the second light-emitting member is moved forward, the front surfaces of the light source arrangement section of the first light-emitting member and the light source arrangement section of the second light-emitting member are positioned substantially the same; in a second state where the second light-emitting member is moved backward, the light source arrangement section of the second light-emitting member is positioned at a gap behind the light source arrangement section of the first light-emitting member; and the display device has a holding structure for holding the second light-emitting member in both the first and second states.

[0014] The second light-emitting member may have an impact generating unit that applies a pulse-like impact force to the second light-emitting member when it is moved forward or backward.

[0015] The first light-emitting member comprises a rotating shaft provided on the first light-emitting member, an arm member rotatable on the rotating shaft, a second light-emitting member support portion provided at a predetermined distance from the rotating shaft of the arm member to which the second light-emitting member is rotatably attached, and a restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the arm member, wherein when the arm member is rotated to the restricting portion in front, the second light-emitting member support portion is positioned above the rotating shaft, resulting in the first state, and when the arm member is rotated to the restricting portion in rear, the second light-emitting member support portion is positioned behind the first light-emitting member, resulting in the second state.

[0016] A weight is provided near the tip of the arm member, and a moment is generated in the arm member due to the weight of the weight and the weight of the second light-emitting member, with the rotation axis as the starting point. In the first state, the arm member is subjected to the moment such that the second light-emitting member moves forward, thereby maintaining the first state. In the second state, the arm member is subjected to the moment such that the second light-emitting member moves backward, thereby maintaining the second state.

[0017] In the first state, the lower part of the second light-emitting member may be in contact with the stopper, and the second light-emitting member may be held so that its upper part is slightly tilted forward.

[0018] The device has a rotating member for rotating the arm member, the arm member is provided with a pin portion, and the rotating member is provided with a slit of a predetermined length into which the pin portion fits, the slit is provided along the rotation radius of the pin portion, and when rotating the arm member forward, the rotating member may be rotated forward to push the pin portion at the rear end of the slit and rotate the arm member, and when rotating the arm member backward, the rotating member may be rotated backward to push the pin portion at the front end of the slit and rotate the arm member.

[0019] According to the present invention, gaps are formed between multiple adjacent light source placement units, allowing wind to pass through these gaps. This suppresses stagnation of airflow in front of the light source placement units, thereby suppressing snow accumulation on the front of the light source placement units. Furthermore, in conditions such as when snowflakes with high moisture content are blowing through, the second light-emitting member can be moved behind the first light-emitting member to widen the gaps between adjacent light source placement units, thereby more reliably suppressing snow accumulation in the gaps. Even in this case, since only the second light-emitting member moves to the rear, when the display unit is viewed from the front, there is no significant change in the gaps between adjacent light source placement units, thus minimizing the impact on visibility.

[0020] In addition, when the second light-emitting member is moved forward or backward, an impact generating portion that applies a pulsed impact force to the second light-emitting member is provided, so that water droplets or snow adhering to the second light-emitting member or the like can be dropped downward by the impact force, and the growth of snow accumulation can be suppressed.

[0021] In addition, by making the second light-emitting member movable back and forth by the rotation of the arm member, the movement of the second light-emitting member can be performed smoothly and promptly.

[0022] In this case, by setting the front of the balance position of the moment applied to the arm member as the first state and the rear of the balance position as the second state, the second light-emitting member can be stably maintained in each state.

[0023] In addition, a stopper is provided at the lower part of the second light-emitting member, and in the first state, the second light-emitting member is held so that the upper part is slightly inclined forward, so that the backward movement due to the rotation of the arm member becomes easy.

[0024] In addition, in order to rotate the arm member, a rotating member having a slit is used, and the arm member is rotated by the reciprocating rotation operation of the rotating member, so that the rotation angle of the rotating member can be reduced and the arm member can be efficiently reciprocally rotated.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that is excellent in visibility and can efficiently suppress the growth of snow accumulation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] (a) is a diagram showing the traffic signal 10 using the display device 1, and (b) is a diagram showing the mask plate 8 in a perspective view. [Figure 2] (a) and (b) are side views showing the operation of the second light-emitting member 9b. [Figure 3] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2(a), and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 4] Figures (a) to (f) show the operation method of the second light-emitting member 9b by the arm member 15. [Figure 5] Figures (a) to (c) are diagrams showing the moments acting on the arm members, corresponding to Figures 4(b), 4(d), and 4(f). [Figure 6] Figures (a) to (d) show a method for moving the second light-emitting member 9b forward using the rotating member 25. [Figure 7] Figures (a) to (d) show a method for moving the second light-emitting member 9b backward using the rotating member 25. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the structure that allows the three lights of traffic light 10 to operate simultaneously. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an impact generating unit that applies a pulsed impact force to the second light-emitting member 9b. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the operation method of the second light-emitting member 9b using the stopper 29. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are side views showing other operating methods of the second light-emitting member 9b. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are partial cross-sectional views showing other operating methods of the second light-emitting member 9b. [Figure 13] (a) and (b) are side views showing yet another way in which the second light-emitting member 9b operates. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1(a) is a front view showing a traffic signal 10 using the display unit 1, and Figure 1(b) is a view of the mask plate 8 as seen through. In the illustrated example, the rear light-shielding member and the like are omitted from the illustration. In the following description, an example of a traffic signal 10 with three display units 1 connected horizontally will be described, but the display unit 1 of the present invention may be connected vertically, or it may be a two-unit traffic signal. In addition, the display unit 1 can be used as a display unit to show traffic information, warnings, signs, and other information, in addition to being a traffic signal.

[0028] The display unit 1 mainly consists of a light source arrangement section 3, light sources 5, a frame section 7, etc. Multiple light sources 5 are arranged in the longitudinal direction in the light source arrangement section 3. The light sources 5 are, for example, LED light sources. In the illustrated example, the light sources 5 are arranged in a single row in each light source arrangement section 3, but they may be arranged in two or more rows. However, if the width of the light source arrangement section 3 is wide, the amount of snow accumulation may increase, so it is preferable for the width of the light source arrangement section 3 to be narrow.

[0029] Multiple light source units 3 are arranged approximately parallel to each other with a predetermined interval between them. In the illustrated example, the multiple light source units 3 are arranged in a vertical grid pattern in the vertical direction. In this way, gaps are formed between multiple adjacent light source units 3, allowing wind from the front to pass through the gaps between adjacent light source units 3 to the rear. Note that the formation of gaps between adjacent light source units 3 means that there is an intentional space between adjacent light source units 3 through which wind can pass.

[0030] Each light source unit 3 is equipped with multiple light sources 5. Since the light source units 3, which are approximately the same length, are arranged at predetermined intervals, the light-emitting area where the light sources 5 can be installed is approximately rectangular. In these multiple light source units 3 arranged in a roughly rectangular shape, the light sources 5 are arranged so that they form a roughly circular shape when viewed from the front (Figure A). In this way, the light is emitted in a roughly circular shape and can be perceived as circular light.

[0031] Furthermore, the front surface of the traffic light 10, excluding the circular light-emitting part, is covered by the mask plate 8. Therefore, the light source 5 may also be placed in areas other than the circular part.

[0032] Next, the basic operation of the display unit 1 will be explained. Figure 2(a) is a side view of the display unit 1, and Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 2(a). Also, Figure 2(b) is a side view of the display unit 1 with the second light-emitting member 9b moved, and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 2(b).

[0033] In this embodiment, there are a first light-emitting member 9a and a second light-emitting member, each formed by connecting multiple light source arrangement sections 3 at predetermined intervals. That is, the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b are each formed by integrating multiple light source arrangement sections 3. The first light-emitting member 9a is fixed to the frame section 7 (see Figure 1).

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), the light source arrangement sections 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the light source arrangement sections 3 of the second light-emitting member are arranged alternately with gaps between them. That is, the spacing between the light source arrangement sections 3 in the first light-emitting member 9a is wider than the width of the light source arrangement section 3, and the spacing between the light source arrangement sections 3 in the second light-emitting member 9b is wider than the width of the light source arrangement section 3. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the display unit 1, gaps are formed between adjacent light source arrangement sections 3.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2(a), the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b are connected vertically by a link 11. That is, by rotating the link 11, the second light-emitting member 9b can rotate backward relative to the first light-emitting member 9a (in the direction of arrow D in Figures 2(b) and 3(b)).

[0036] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), the first state is defined as the condition in which the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward and the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b are located at approximately the same front-to-back position (up-down direction in Figure 3(a)). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(b), the second state is defined as the condition in which the second light-emitting member 9b moves backward and the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b are located at a distance from each other in the front-to-back direction. In this embodiment, the movement of the second light-emitting member 9b forward or backward includes not only cases where the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward or backward only, but also cases where it moves in the up-down direction in addition to the front-to-back direction, accompanied by rotation. Furthermore, in the first state, the front surfaces of the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b do not necessarily coincide perfectly; their front-to-back positions may differ slightly. For example, "approximately identical front-to-back positions" refers to a state in which the difference in front-to-back positions is small compared to the difference in front-to-back positions between the front surfaces of the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b in the second state.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, a restricting portion 13a is provided above the first light-emitting member 9a. When the second light-emitting member 9b is moved forward relative to the first light-emitting member 9a, the second light-emitting member 9b moves until it contacts the restricting portion 13a. Also, a restricting portion 13b is provided below the first light-emitting member 9a. When the second light-emitting member 9b is moved backward relative to the first light-emitting member 9a, the second light-emitting member 9b moves until it contacts the restricting portion 13b.

[0038] In this way, the position of the second light-emitting member 9b in the first and second states is restricted by the restricting parts 13a and 13b. Note that the arrangement and structure of the restricting parts 13a and 13b are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, if the second light-emitting member 9b is to be movable until it comes into contact with the first light-emitting member 9a or the frame part 7, then the first light-emitting member 9a or a part of the frame part 7 functions as the restricting part 13a.

[0039] In this way, by changing from the first state to the second state, the gap between adjacent light source placement sections 3 can be widened. This prevents the gap from being blocked by snow accumulation. Furthermore, even if the second light-emitting member 9b is moved backward, the gap between adjacent light source placement sections 3 does not change significantly when viewed from the front. Therefore, even in the second state, a decrease in visibility can be suppressed.

[0040] Next, an example of a structure for realizing the operation of the second light-emitting member 9b described above will be explained. Figure 4(a) is a partial plan view, and Figure 4(b) is a partial side view. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) represent the second state. Also, although Figure 4(a) shows only one side in the width direction of the display unit 1, the other side has a substantially symmetrical structure.

[0041] A rotating shaft 17 is provided at the top of the first light-emitting member 9a, and an arm member 15 is connected to the rotating shaft 17. The arm member 15 functions as the link 11 shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b). The arm member 15 is roughly L-shaped, formed by integrating a pair of plate-like members of a predetermined length so as to be roughly perpendicular to each other, and the rotating shaft 17 is rotatably connected near one end of the arm member 15.

[0042] Furthermore, at a predetermined distance from the rotation axis 17 (slightly away in the direction of the L-shaped corner of the arm member 15), the second light-emitting member 9b is connected to the arm member 15 by a second light-emitting member support 19 so that it can rotate. In addition, a weight portion 21 is provided near the end on the opposite side of the corner from the rotation axis 17 and the second light-emitting member support 19. The weight portion 21 is, for example, rod-shaped and connects the pair of arm members 15 provided near both ends in the width direction of the display unit 1. Note that the pair of arm members 15 may also be connected by other rod-shaped members, for example, near the corner.

[0043] As mentioned above, the first light-emitting member 9a is fixed to the frame portion 7, etc. Therefore, by moving the arm member 15, the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved relative to the first light-emitting member 9a. Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing the moment acting on the arm member 15, corresponding to Figure 4(b). Centered around the position of the rotation axis 17, the arm member 15 experiences a moment due to the weight of the weight portion 21 (E in Figure 5(a)) (M1 in Figure 5(a)) and a moment due to the weight of the second light-emitting member 9b (F in Figure 5(a)) (M2 in Figure 5(a)).

[0044] As shown in Figure 4(b), in the second state, both the second light-emitting member support 19 and the weight 21 are located behind the rotation axis 17, resulting in a moment in the clockwise direction in the figure. For this reason, for example, the second light-emitting member 9b stabilizes in contact with the restricting part 13b (see Figure 2(b)). That is, the arm member 15 stabilizes after rotating to the position where its clockwise rotational movement is limited. In this way, in the second state, a moment is applied to the arm member 15 so that the second light-emitting member 9b moves backward, and the second state is maintained.

[0045] Figures 4(c) and 4(d) show the state after the arm member 15 has been rotated by a predetermined angle counterclockwise from this state. As described above, when the arm member 15 is rotated by an external force that applies a moment, the second light-emitting member 9b connected to the second light-emitting member support 19 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 17. That is, the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward while being slightly pulled upward along an arc centered on the rotation axis 17.

[0046] Figure 5(b) shows the moment acting on the arm member 15, corresponding to Figure 4(d). As mentioned above, even in the state of Figure 4(d), with the rotation axis 17 as the center of rotation, the arm member 15 experiences a moment due to the weight of the weight portion 21 (E in Figure 5(b)) (M1 in Figure 5(b)) and a moment due to the weight of the second light-emitting member 9b (F in Figure 5(b)) (M2 in Figure 5(b)). In the state of Figure 4(d), the second light-emitting member support portion 19 is located behind the rotation axis 17, so the moment is in the clockwise direction in the figure, while the weight portion 21 is located in front of the rotation axis 17, so the moment is in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. Therefore, if we ignore the weight of the arm member 15 and consider only the second light-emitting member 9b and the weight portion 21 as the points of force application, there exists a state where the moment M1 due to the weight portion 21 and the moment M2 due to the second light-emitting member 9b are in equilibrium (a neutral position of the moment).

[0047] Figures 4(e) and 4(f) show the state after the arm member 15 has been further rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle from this state. As the arm member 15 rotates, the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward while being slightly pulled upward along an arc centered on the rotation axis 17, reaching the first state.

[0048] Figure 5(c) is a diagram showing the moment acting on the arm member 15 corresponding to Figure 4(f). As shown in Figure 5(c), in the first state, the second light-emitting member 9b is located approximately directly above the rotation axis 17, so there is almost no moment due to the weight of the second light-emitting member 9b. On the other hand, the weight portion 21 is located in front of the rotation axis 17 and has a moment in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, so overall, a counterclockwise moment is generated on the arm member 15. For this reason, for example, the arm member 15 stabilizes when the second light-emitting member 9b is in contact with the restricting portion 13a (see Figure 2(a)). That is, the arm member 15 stabilizes when it has rotated to its counterclockwise rotation limit. In this way, in the first state, a moment is applied to the arm member 15 so that the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward, and the first state is maintained. Note that the configuration of the restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the arm member 15 (second light-emitting member 9b) is not particularly limited.

[0049] Thus, when the arm member 15 is rotated counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 4(d) (for example, the state where M1=M2), it is stably held in the first state, and when the arm member 15 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in Figure 4(d), it is stably held in the second state. In other words, the arrangement of the weight portion 21, etc., with respect to the arm member 15 functions as a holding structure that maintains the state of the second light-emitting member 9b in both the first and second states.

[0050] In this way, by rotating the arm member 15 to the forward restricting portion, the second light-emitting member support portion 19 can be positioned approximately above the rotation axis 17 to achieve the first state. Furthermore, by rotating the arm member 15 to the rearward restricting portion, the second light-emitting member support portion 19 can be positioned behind the first light-emitting member 9a to achieve the second state.

[0051] Next, an example of a drive structure that rotates the arm member 15 and moves the second light-emitting member 9b back and forth relative to the first light-emitting member 9a will be described. Figure 6(a) shows the state (second state) as shown in Figure 4(b). As shown in Figure 6(a), the drive shaft 23 is arranged on the same axis as the rotation shaft 17, and the rotating member 25 is fixed to the drive shaft 23. The rotating member 25 is a member for rotating the arm member 15. A drive unit such as a motor (not shown) is connected to the drive shaft 23, and the rotating member 25 can be rotated forward and in reverse by the drive shaft 23. Note that the rotating member 25 only needs to be arranged outside one of the arm members 15.

[0052] A pin portion 21a is provided near the tip of the arm member 15 (near the end opposite to the rotation axis 17) that protrudes outward. The pin portion 21a may be, for example, the tip of a weight portion 21 that penetrates the arm member 15.

[0053] The rotating member 25 is composed of a substantially fan-shaped plate-like member, and a slit 27 of a predetermined length is formed therein. The slit 27 is formed in an arc shape centered on the drive shaft 23 (rotation shaft 17). The pin portion 21a fits into the slit 27 of the rotating member 25. That is, the slit 27 is provided along the rotation radius of the pin portion 21a centered on the rotation shaft 17.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6(a), in the second state, the pin portion 21a is located near one end of the slit 27 (the end in the counterclockwise direction in the figure). When the drive unit is driven from this state and the rotating member 25 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure (sometimes referred to as forward rotation) as shown in Figure 6(b), the pin portion 21a will be located near the other end of the slit 27 (the end in the clockwise direction in the figure, which is the rear end). As mentioned above, the second state is stably maintained up to this point, so the arm member 15 (second light-emitting member 9b) does not rotate.

[0055] From this state, if the drive unit is driven further and the rotating member 25 is rotated further counterclockwise in the figure as shown in Figure 6(c), the pin portion 21a is pushed up by the end of the slit 27, and the arm member 15 rotates together with the rotating member 25. Note that the state in Figure 6(c) is the position where the clockwise and counterclockwise moments acting on the arm member 15 are balanced, as shown in Figure 4(d). In this way, by rotating the rotating member 25 forward and pushing the pin portion 21a at the rear end of the slit 27, the arm member 15 can be rotated forward to the neutral position of the moment.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6(d), when the drive unit is slightly driven from the state in Figure 6(c), the moment acting forward on the arm member 15 increases, and the arm member 15 rotates forward due to the moment from the weight 21. In this way, when the arm member 15 rotates forward beyond the neutral position of the moment, it no longer receives force from the rotating member 25, and the arm member 15 rotates forward, returning to the first state.

[0057] Figure 7(a) shows the state in which the rotating member 25 has been rotated to its rotation limit. When the rotating member 25 has rotated until the vicinity of the rear end of the slit 27 is positioned at the position of the pin portion 21a of the arm member 15, which has been rotated forward by the moment of the weight portion 21, the rotating member 25 stops rotating. The rotating member 25 stops when the rotation limit to the forward direction is detected by a limit switch or the like. Thus, in this embodiment, in the first state, the arm member 15 is held not only by the moment acting on the arm member 15 but also by the rotating member 25.

[0058] Figure 7(b) shows the state after reversing the rotation direction of the rotating member 25 from this state to a clockwise direction in the figure (sometimes referred to as rotation to the rear). When the rotating member 25 is rotated to the rear from the front rotation limit, the pin portion 21a comes to be located near the end of the slit 27 (the end side in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, which is the front end). As mentioned above, the first state is stably maintained up to this state, so the arm member 15 (second light-emitting member 9b) does not rotate.

[0059] From this state, if the drive unit is driven further and the rotating member 25 is rotated further in the clockwise direction in Figure 7(c), the pin portion 21a is pushed up by the end of the slit 27, and the arm member 15 rotates together with the rotating member 25. Note that the state in Figure 7(c) is the position where the moment acting on the arm member 15 is balanced, as shown in Figure 4(d). In this way, by rotating the rotating member 25 backward and pushing the pin portion 21a with the front end of the slit 27, the arm member 15 can be rotated backward to the neutral position of the moment.

[0060] When the drive unit is slightly driven from this state, as shown in Figure 7(d), the moment acting on the rear of the arm member 15 increases, and the arm member 15 rotates backward due to the moment from the weight 21, etc. In this way, when the arm member 15 rotates backward beyond the neutral position of the moment, it is no longer subjected to force from the rotating member 25, and the arm member 15 rotates backward to the second state. Note that the rotational speed of the arm member 15 due to the moment acting on the arm member 15 is sufficiently faster than the rotational speed of the rotating member 25. That is, although the rotation of the rotating member 25 is slight between the state in Figure 7(c) and the state in Figure 7(d), the arm member 15 rotates from the neutral position to the second state in one go. At this time, the length of the slit 27 is sufficiently long, and the pin portion 21a does not move to the rear end of the slit 27, so the arm member 15 can rotate to the second state without being restricted by the slit 27.

[0061] Figure 6(a) shows the state in which the rotating member 25 has been rotated to its rotation limit. When the rotating member 25 rotates until the vicinity of the front end of the slit 27 is positioned at the position of the pin portion 21a of the arm member 15, which has been rotated backward by the moment of the weight portion 21, the rotation limit is detected by the limit switch or the like and the drive unit stops. Thus, in this embodiment, in the second state, the arm member 15 is held not only by the moment acting on the arm member 15 but also by the rotating member 25.

[0062] When applying the above-described movement mechanism for the second light-emitting member 9b to the traffic light 10 (see Figure 1), a separate movement mechanism may be provided for each indicator unit 1, or the three indicator units 1 may be operated simultaneously. Figure 8 shows the state in which this embodiment is applied to a traffic light 10 consisting of three indicator units 1. As mentioned above, the rotating member 25 rotates due to the drive shaft 23 of the motor 31. At this time, the rotation shafts 17 and weights 21 of the three indicator units 1 are made common on the same axis. That is, when the arm member 15 is rotated by rotating the rotating member 25, the arm member 15 can move the second light-emitting members 9b of the three indicator units 1 simultaneously. In this way, by making the rotation shaft 17 and weights 21 (pin portion 21a) common and on the same axis, for example, all three colors of a three-color traffic light can be driven simultaneously.

[0063] As described above, the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved back and forth relative to the first light-emitting member 9a to switch between the first state and the second state.

[0064] Next, an example of a method for removing snow and other debris using this embodiment will be described. Figure 9(a) is a side view of the display unit 1, showing the state in which the arm member 15 is in the neutral position of the moment while rotating backward (see Figure 7(c)). As mentioned above, a restricting part 13b is placed at the bottom of the first light-emitting member 9a in order to restrict the rotation range of the second light-emitting member 9b. That is, the second light-emitting member 9b can rotate backward until its lower end contacts the restricting part 13b.

[0065] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the arm member 15 rotates slightly backward from the neutral position of the moment, the moment acting on the arm member 15 causes it to rotate rapidly to its rotation limit. Figure 9(b) shows the state in which the arm member 15 has rotated from the neutral position of the moment to the second state (see Figure 7(d)). As mentioned above, the rotation speed due to the moment acting on the arm member 15 is sufficiently fast, so the lower end of the second light-emitting member 9b collides with the restricting part 13b, and a pulse-like impact force is applied to the second light-emitting member 9b. As a result, this pulse-like impact force can cause snow etc. attached to the front and sides of the second light-emitting member 9b (and snow etc. attached to the front and sides of the first light-emitting member 9a to which the impact force is transmitted) to fall downward and be removed.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 9(b), the restricting part 13b applies an impact force to the second light-emitting member 9b when the second light-emitting member 9b moves backward. However, the restricting part 13a (not shown) may also apply an impact force to the second light-emitting member 9b when the second light-emitting member 9b moves forward. As mentioned above, the arm member 15 rotates quickly and rapidly from the neutral position of the moment, both forward and backward, faster than the rotation of the rotating member 25. Therefore, an impact force can be applied to the second light-emitting member 9b by collision with the restricting part. In other words, the restricting part functions as an impact generating unit that applies a pulse-like impact force to the second light-emitting member 9b when the second light-emitting member 9b is moved forward or backward.

[0067] The reversing operation of the rotating member 25 may be performed continuously or intermittently. For example, the drive unit (rotating member 25) may be operated only at predetermined times during the day or at night using a timer, or it may be operated under predetermined conditions by detecting temperature and weather using sensors, etc. For example, when snowfall is detected, the drive unit may be operated to enter the second state. Furthermore, during snowfall, by returning to the first state at predetermined intervals and then returning to the second state again, the aforementioned pulse-like impact can be applied to the second light-emitting member 9b at predetermined intervals. Also, in sunny conditions, visibility can be further enhanced by maintaining the first state.

[0068] Figure 10(a) is a diagram showing an example in which a stopper 29 is used, and is a diagram of the first state. In the embodiment described above, in both the first and second states, the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b are arranged substantially parallel to each other. In contrast, as shown in Figure 10(a), a stopper 29 may be placed on the first light-emitting member 9a, etc., so that in the first state, the lower part of the second light-emitting member 9b is in contact with the stopper 29. In this way, in the first state, the second light-emitting member 9b is held so that its upper part is tilted slightly forward.

[0069] Therefore, when the arm member 15 is rotated backward, the lower end of the second light-emitting member 9b quickly begins to rotate backward, and can rotate to the second state as shown in Figure 10(b). For example, if the second light-emitting member 9b is positioned perfectly vertically in the first state, even if the arm member 15 is attempted to be rotated, the link 11 may not rotate and may become rigid, potentially hindering the rotation of the second light-emitting member 9b. However, by moving the lower end of the second light-emitting member 9b backward in advance and rotating the link 11 slightly backward, the second light-emitting member 9b can be rotated smoothly.

[0070] Thus, in the first state, the second light-emitting member 9b and the first light-emitting member 9a are not parallel, and there may be a misalignment between the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a and the front surface of the light source mounting section 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b, both above and below the second light-emitting member 9b. However, compared to the second state, the front-to-back positions of the second light-emitting member 9b and the first light-emitting member 9a become closer in both the upper and lower positions. Therefore, in the present invention, the state shown in Figure 10(a) is also described as "the front surfaces of both being positioned in substantially the same location."

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, since the structure allows wind and snow to blow through between adjacent light source units 3, the dynamic pressure received from the wind blowing in front of the light source units 3 can be significantly reduced. Therefore, snow accumulation on the light-emitting surface of the light source units 3 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, even if a large amount of snowflakes or snowflakes with high moisture content are blown in, the second state can be used to widen the gap between adjacent light source units 3, thereby suppressing snow accumulation. Even in this case, since there is no significant change in the spacing between the light source units 3 when viewed from the front, the reduction in visibility can be minimized.

[0072] Furthermore, by using the arm member 15, the second light-emitting member 9b can be rotated efficiently to switch between the first and second states. In this process, the weight 21 is used to stably maintain the first and second states through the moment applied by the arm member 15.

[0073] Furthermore, by rotating the arm member 15 with the rotating member 25, the arm member 15 can be rotated forward and backward within the minimum rotation angle range of the rotating member 25. For example, when rotating the arm member 15 forward, if the pin portion 21a is simply pushed up from the rear with a rod-shaped member to rotate it, then when rotating the arm member 15 backward, it is necessary to rotate the rod-shaped member in the opposite direction by more than 360° to push up the pin portion 21a from the front to rotate it. As a result, it takes time to rotate the arm member 15, and the operating time of the drive unit also becomes long. In contrast, by pushing up the pin portion 21a from the front or rear with the slit 27, the arm member 15 can be rotated forward or backward with a small angle of movement.

[0074] Furthermore, when the second light-emitting member 9b moves to the first or second state, a pulse-like impact force is applied to the second light-emitting member 9b by collision with the restricting part, which can cause snow and other debris attached to the second light-emitting member 9b to fall off and be removed.

[0075] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figures 11(a) and 11(b) are side views of the display unit 1a according to the second embodiment, and Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are partial cross-sectional views of the display unit 1a in plan view. Figures 11(a) and 12(a) show the first state, and Figures 11(b) and 12(b) show the second state. In the following description, components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 10, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0076] The second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment, but the movement mechanism of the second light-emitting member 9b is different. In the display unit 1a, the motor 31 is positioned approximately in the center of the width direction of the upper part of the first light-emitting member 9a. The motor 31 is fixed to a frame 7 (not shown), etc., and is positioned so that the tip of the rotating shaft 33 faces the first light-emitting member 9a.

[0077] Furthermore, a female threaded portion 35 is fixed to the second light-emitting member 9b. A male thread is formed on the rotating shaft 33 of the motor 31, and the threads and grooves of the female threaded portion 35 and the male threaded portion interlock with each other. Also, as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), guides 37 are installed near both ends in the width direction of the display unit 1a. One end of the guide 37 is fixed to the first light-emitting member 9a and passes through the second light-emitting member 9b. Furthermore, a spring 39 is positioned between the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b near both ends in the width direction of the display unit 1a. For example, as the unit moves from the first state shown in Figure 12(a) to the second state shown in Figure 12(b), the spring 39 becomes tensed.

[0078] When the rotation shaft 33 of the motor 31 is rotated, the female threaded portion 35 that screws onto the male thread of the rotation shaft 33 moves relative to the rotation shaft 33. That is, the female threaded portion 35 moves along the rotation shaft 33. Therefore, by rotating the motor 31 in one direction, for example, the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved backward relative to the first light-emitting member 9a, and by rotating the motor 31 in the other direction, the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved forward relative to the first light-emitting member 9a.

[0079] Furthermore, by detecting the position of the second light-emitting member 9b with a limit switch or the like, the rotation and stopping of the motor 31, as well as the direction of rotation, can be controlled. Therefore, the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved between the first and second states and maintained in those states.

[0080] Note that the arrangement of the motor 31, guide 37, spring 39, etc., is not limited to the illustrated example. Also, although the illustrated guide 37 is a guide pin that passes through the hole in the second light-emitting member 9b, it may take the form of a rail or other. Furthermore, the spring 39 is provided to assist the second light-emitting member 9b in moving back and forth while maintaining approximately parallelism with the first light-emitting member 9a, but it is not necessarily required, and other structures may also be used.

[0081] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the second light-emitting member 9b can be moved backward substantially parallel to the first light-emitting member 9a, the impact on visibility in a front view can be suppressed.

[0082] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show the operation of the display unit 1b according to the third embodiment. The display unit 1b has substantially the same structure as the display unit 1, but the movement mechanism of the second light-emitting member 9b is different.

[0083] In the display unit 1b, hinges 41 are positioned on the upper surfaces of the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b, and the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b are connected by the hinges 41. As shown in Figure 13(a), in the first state, the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b overlap and are positioned at approximately the same location.

[0084] In contrast, as shown in Figure 13(b), in the second state, the second light-emitting member 9b rotates relative to the first light-emitting member 9a by the hinge 41, causing the second light-emitting member 9b to move behind the first light-emitting member 9a.

[0085] Thus, the second light-emitting member 9b may be tilted and moved backward by the hinge 41 at the upper ends of the first light-emitting member 9a and the second light-emitting member 9b. The means for moving the second light-emitting member 9b is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, a motor (not shown). In this case as well, in the second state in which the second light-emitting member 9b is moved backward, at least a portion of the light source arrangement portion 3 of the second light-emitting member 9b is positioned at a rearward gap relative to the light source arrangement portion 3 of the first light-emitting member 9a.

[0086] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Thus, the movement mechanism of the second light-emitting member 9b and the like are not particularly limited.

[0087] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1, 1a, 1b……Display device 3……Light source installation part 5……Light source 7…Frame part 8………Mask board 9a………First light-emitting member 9b...Second light-emitting member 10... Traffic lights 11… Link 13a, 13b... Regulatory Department 15… Arm component 17... Rotation axis 19...Second light-emitting member support section 21…… Weight part 21a... Pin part 23... Drive shaft 25... Rotating member 27... Slit 29... Stopper 31... Motor 33... Rotation axis 35...Female thread section 37... Guide 39... Spring 41…Hinge

Claims

1. A light source installation section with a light source installed, A first light-emitting member in which multiple light source arrangement sections are connected at predetermined intervals, A second light-emitting member, in which multiple other light source arrangement sections are connected at predetermined intervals, A drive structure for moving the second light-emitting member back and forth relative to the first light-emitting member, It is equipped with, In a front view, the light source arrangement portion of the first light-emitting member and the light source arrangement portion of the second light-emitting member are arranged with a gap between them. In the first state, where the second light-emitting member is moved forward, the front surfaces of the light source arrangement portion of the first light-emitting member and the light source arrangement portion of the second light-emitting member are positioned at substantially the same location. In the second state, where the second light-emitting member is moved to the rear, the light source arrangement portion of the second light-emitting member is positioned at a rearward distance from the light source arrangement portion of the first light-emitting member. A display device characterized by having a holding structure that holds the second light-emitting member in the first state and the second state.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an impact generating unit that applies a pulse-like impact force to the second light-emitting member when the second light-emitting member is moved forward or backward.

3. A rotating shaft provided in the first light-emitting member, An arm member that can rotate on the aforementioned rotation axis, A second light-emitting member support portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the arm member, and the second light-emitting member is rotatably mounted thereto, A restricting unit that restricts the rotation range of the arm member, It is equipped with, When the arm member is rotated to the forward restricting portion, the second light-emitting member support portion is positioned above the rotation axis, resulting in the first state. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the arm member is rotated to the rearward restricting portion, the second light-emitting member support portion is positioned behind the first light-emitting member, thereby achieving the second state.

4. A weight is provided near the tip of the arm member, and a moment is generated in the arm member due to the weight of the weight and the weight of the second light-emitting member, with the rotation axis as the starting point. In the first state, the arm member is subjected to a moment such that the second light-emitting member moves forward, thereby maintaining the first state. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the second state, the arm member is subjected to the moment such that the second light-emitting member moves backward, thereby maintaining the second state.

5. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the first state, the lower part of the second light-emitting member contacts the stopper, and the second light-emitting member is held so that its upper part is slightly tilted forward.

6. The arm member has a rotating member that rotates the arm member, The aforementioned arm member is provided with a pin portion, The rotating member is provided with a slit of a predetermined length into which the pin portion fits, and the slit is provided along the rotation radius of the pin portion. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the arm member is rotated forward, the rotating member is rotated forward to push the pin portion at the rear end of the slit and rotate the arm member, and when the arm member is rotated backward, the rotating member is rotated backward to push the pin portion at the front end of the slit and rotate the arm member.

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