Horn with integrated lamp

Abstract

To provide a lamp-integrated horn that can eliminate restrictions on the installation location of a horn body in a motorcycle. [Solution] A lamp-integrated horn (1) is installed on a motorcycle and comprises a fog lamp (2), an electronic horn, and a housing (4) that houses the fog lamp and electronic horn. The fog lamp is housed in a lamp housing (41) at the front of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the electronic horn is housed in a horn housing (42) at the rear of the housing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamp-integrated horn. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, electronic horns for motorcycles (especially dual-tone horns with high and low tones) have been large and heavy, and installation locations are limited. On many motorcycles, horn installation locations are limited, making it difficult to install electronic horns (especially spiral-type electronic horns). As a result, it is difficult to replace the horn to increase volume or improve sound quality. Additionally, installing both a high-tone and a low-tone horn makes the wiring more complicated, increasing installation costs. On the other hand, fog lamps can be attached to existing stays (such as pipe frames) and can be installed in positions that do not pose a safety risk. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fog lamp for an automobile that is equipped with a reflector and a xenon bulb. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-123146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fog lamp disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a simple structure that can shorten the length in the optical axis direction, making it easier to secure installation space for the fog lamp. However, it does not disclose or suggest an electronic horn.

[0005] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a lamp-integrated horn that can eliminate restrictions on the installation location of the horn body by integrating the fog lamp and the electronic horn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A lamp-integrated horn according to one aspect of the present invention includes a fog lamp, an electronic horn, and a housing that accommodates the fog lamp and the electronic horn. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a lamp-integrated horn that can eliminate restrictions on the installation location of the horn body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a lamp-integrated horn according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the lamp-integrated horn according to the embodiment together with a fog stay. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing an example in which a lamp-integrated horn according to an embodiment is installed on a motorcycle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a lamp-integrated horn, a fog lamp-integrated horn (a structure in which a fog lamp and an electronic horn are integrated) that can be installed on a motorcycle.

[0010] In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial," do not only mean such arrangements or states in the strict sense, but also include arrangements or states in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component may be changed as appropriate to make each component recognizable.

[0011] <Lamp integrated horn> Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a lamp-integrated horn 1 according to an embodiment as seen from the front, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lamp-integrated horn 1 according to an embodiment as seen from the rear. 1 and 2, the lamp-integrated horn 1 includes a fog lamp 2, an electronic horn 3, and a housing 4 that accommodates the fog lamp 2 and the electronic horn 3.

[0012] In the following explanation, an X, Y, and Z Cartesian coordinate system will be used as necessary. The X direction corresponds to the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1. The Y direction corresponds to the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction (up-down direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1. In the following explanation, of the X, Y, and Z directions, the side indicated by the arrow in the figure will be referred to as the plus (+) side, and the side opposite the arrow will be referred to as the minus (-) side. The +Z side corresponds to the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment. 3, in the lamp-integrated horn 1, the fog lamp 2 and the electronic horn 3 are housed in a common housing 4. Note that a portion of the fog lamp 2 and the electronic horn 3 (portions for fulfilling auxiliary light performance and sound emission performance) are exposed to the outside of the housing 4.

[0014] The fog lamps 2 include a light source 21, a reflector 22, and a lens 23. The fog lamps 2 have the function of illuminating a wide area of ​​the road surface from a low position in bad weather. The fog lamps 2 are turned on by receiving power from a battery via a relay that controls the current with a switch, for example. Note that the switch, relay, battery, etc. are not shown in the figure.

[0015] The light source 21 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an HID (High Intensity Discharge), a halogen, etc. The reflector 22 (reflecting plate) has the function of collecting and reflecting the light from the light source 21. The lens 23 has the function of creating a predetermined light distribution pattern and widely illuminating the road surface.

[0016] The electronic horn 3 includes a diaphragm 31, a resonator 32, and contacts 33. The electronic horn 3 has the function of emitting sound at a predetermined timing. When the horn button of the electronic horn 3 is pressed, for example, current flows from the terminals through the contacts 33 and coil inside the horn, causing the air to vibrate due to the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm 31. The vibrated air then resonates with the resonator 32, amplifying the sound and emitting it. Note that the horn button, terminals, coil, etc. are not shown in the figure.

[0017] The diaphragm 31 includes a piezoelectric element (not shown) that deforms when a voltage is applied, for example. The diaphragm 31 is a piezoelectric diaphragm 31 made by bonding a ceramic piezoelectric element to a metal plate. When a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, causing the bonded metal plate to bend, generating an air signal (sound wave).

[0018] The electronic horn 3 may be an electromagnetic horn (flat type, spiral type, etc.) that produces sound by striking the diaphragm 31 with the force of an electromagnet, or an electronically controlled horn (electronic oscillation type) that generates sound in an electronic circuit and amplifies it with a speaker. For example, in the case of an electromagnetic type, an electromagnet (solenoid) that uses electrical energy to vibrate the diaphragm 31 functions as the actuator. For example, in the case of an electronically controlled type, a solenoid valve that controls a valve with electrical vibration functions as the actuator.

[0019] Although not shown, the fog lamp 2 is configured to include a power supply circuit (for example, a constant current driver, overheat protection, EMI countermeasures, etc.). The constant current driver refers to an electronic circuit that supplies a constant current to the light source 21 and stabilizes the current value regardless of voltage fluctuations of the light source 21. Overheat protection refers to a safety function that prevents electronic devices from reaching abnormally high temperatures. EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) countermeasures refer to preventing the generation of noise (for example, noise when the horn is operating) that affects other circuits.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a front view of the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view of the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a rear view of the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment together with a fog stay. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example in which the lamp-integrated horn 1 according to the embodiment is installed on a motorcycle 10. 4 to 8, lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed on motorcycle 10. Fog lamp 2 is housed in the front part of housing 4 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Electronic horn 3 is housed in the rear part of housing 4 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0021] When the lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed on the motorcycle 10, the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1 corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1 corresponds to the vehicle width direction (left-to-right direction), and the height direction (up-down direction) of the lamp-integrated horn 1 corresponds to the vehicle up-down direction.

[0022] In this embodiment, the housing 4 includes a cylindrical lamp housing portion 41 that houses the fog lamp 2, and a cylindrical horn housing portion 42 that is integrally connected to the lamp housing portion 41 and houses the electronic horn 3. The outer diameter D1 of the lamp housing portion 41 is the same as the outer diameter D2 of the horn housing portion 42 (D1 = D2). The lamp housing portion 41 and the horn housing portion 42 are arranged so that their central axes are coaxial.

[0023] The lamp housing portion 41 houses the light source 21, the reflector 22, the lens 23, and the like that constitute the fog lamp 2. The lens 23 is exposed to the outside of the lamp housing portion 41.

[0024] The lamp housing section 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lens 23 bulges forward from the front end of the lamp housing section 41 in a side view. The front edge of the lens 23 is formed in a curved (arcuate) shape so that the center of the lens 23 bulges furthest forward in a side view. The lens 23 is formed in a circular shape in a front view.

[0025] The lamp housing 41 may be formed in a shape other than cylindrical (for example, a rectangular box shape). The lens 23 may be formed in a shape other than circular (for example, rectangular) when viewed from the front. For example, the lens 23 is formed in a shape that satisfies the light distribution characteristics (wide beam, cut line, etc.) of the fog lamp 2. The wide beam of the fog lamp 2 means that it brightly illuminates a wide area from the front to the left and right. The cut line (light boundary line) of the fog lamp 2 means the boundary between the area where the light of the fog lamp 2 hits and the area where it does not hit. The shapes of the lamp housing 41 and the lens 23 can be changed according to design specifications as long as they satisfy the auxiliary light performance.

[0026] The horn housing 42 houses the diaphragm 31, the resonator 32, the contacts 33, and other components that make up the electronic horn 3. The electronic horn 3 is, for example, a spiral-type electronic horn. The electronic horn 3 has a sound-producing section 30 in which an air passage is formed. The sound-producing section 30 (the portion forming the air passage) is exposed to the outside of the horn housing 42.

[0027] The electronic horn 3 is not limited to a spiral type electronic horn. For example, the electronic horn 3 may be a Yankee horn (air horn), an echo horn (music horn), a dual-tone horn (high and low tone set), a Benz horn, etc. The form of the electronic horn 3 can be changed according to the design specifications as long as it satisfies safety standards.

[0028] Horn housing section 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Sound producing section 30 bulges rearward from the rear end of horn housing section 42 in a side view. Sound producing section 30 is curved so that its length in the X direction gradually increases from a portion of the rear edge of horn housing section 42 closer to the +Z end toward the -Z end in a side view. The right edge (outer edge in the Y direction) of sound producing section 30 is formed so as to extend linearly from the -Y end toward the -Z end of horn housing section 42 in a rear view. The left edge (inner edge in the Y direction) of sound producing section 30 is formed so as to extend while curving from a portion closer to the -Y end of horn housing section 42 toward the -Z end in a rear view.

[0029] Horn housing 42 may be formed in a shape other than a cylinder (for example, a rectangular box shape). Sound generating unit 30 may have a shape other than that described above. The shapes of horn housing 42 and sound generating unit 30 can be changed according to design specifications as long as sound generation performance is satisfied.

[0030] The housing 4 is provided with a connecting portion 43 between the lamp housing portion 41 and the horn housing portion 42 in the front-rear direction, which connects the lamp housing portion 41 and the horn housing portion 42. The connecting portion 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is smaller than each of the lamp housing portion 41 and the horn housing portion 42. The outer diameter D3 of the connecting portion 43 is smaller than each of the outer diameter D1 of the lamp housing portion 41 and the outer diameter D2 of the horn housing portion 42 (D3 <D1,D3<D2)。

[0031] The outer diameter D3 of the connecting portion 43 may be equal to or larger than the outer diameter D1 of the lamp housing portion 41 and the outer diameter D2 of the horn housing portion 42. The outer diameter D3 of the connecting portion 43 may be the same as or different from the outer diameter D1 of the lamp housing portion 41 and the outer diameter D2 of the horn housing portion 42. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 43 can be changed according to design specifications.

[0032] In this embodiment, the housing 4 is made of a material including aluminum die-cast or reinforced plastic. For example, the lamp housing portion 41, the horn housing portion 42, and the connection portion 43 that constitute the housing 4 are integrally formed from the same aluminum die-cast or reinforced plastic. Note that the lamp housing portion 41, the horn housing portion 42, and the connection portion 43 that constitute the housing 4 may be integrally formed from different materials.

[0033] For example, the electronic horn 3 may be configured to include a treble horn unit having a high frequency band (e.g., 4 kHz to 20 kHz) and a constant-tone horn unit having a low frequency band (e.g., 20 Hz to 600 Hz). In this case, the treble horn unit and the bass horn unit may be housed in a single housing 4, or may be separated and arranged separately.

[0034] The housing 4 may be provided integrally with a heat dissipation member (not shown, for example, a heat sink) that dissipates heat from the fog lamp 2 (light source 21, etc.) and the electronic horn 3 (piezoelectric element, etc.). The housing 4 may also be provided integrally with a vibration absorbing member (not shown) that absorbs vibrations from the electronic horn 3 (diaphragm 31, etc.). The housing 4 may also be provided with a structure (not shown) that suppresses resonance (performs phase / resonance control) so that the sound pressure and sound quality of the electronic horn 3 do not adversely affect the structure of the fog lamp 2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the housing 4 is configured to be attachable to a fog lamp stay 5 or bracket 6. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the housing 4 is attached to an existing fog stay (an example of a fog lamp stay 5). The stay 5 includes a plate-shaped flat plate portion 51 that extends along the XZ plane, and a pair of extending portions 52 that extend from the Y-direction outer edge of the flat plate portion 51 toward the -Z side. The -Z ends of the pair of extending portions 52 are fixed to the Y-direction outer end of the housing 4 (e.g., the lamp storage portion 41) via fastening members such as bolts.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed at the front fog lamp position on a motorcycle 10. The lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed at an existing mounting position (for example, a pipe frame) via an existing stay 5 and bracket 6. A pair of lamp-integrated horns 1 are installed, one on each side. The lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed on each of a pair of left and right front forks 11 (an example of a pipe frame). The lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed at a position near the upper end of the bottom bridge 12 of the pair of left and right front forks 11.

[0037] When the lamp-integrated horn 1 is installed in the front fog lamp position of the motorcycle 10, it is preferable that the mounting structure satisfy waterproof and dustproof performance. For example, it is preferable that the waterproof and dustproof performance be designed with IP (International Protection) standards (e.g., IP65 or higher) in mind.

[0038] <Action and effect> As described above, the lamp-integrated horn of this embodiment (for example, lamp-integrated horn 1 in the embodiment) comprises a fog lamp (for example, fog lamp 2 in the embodiment), an electronic horn (for example, electronic horn 3 in the embodiment), and a housing (for example, housing 4 in the embodiment) that accommodates the fog lamp and the electronic horn. This configuration allows the fog lamp and electronic horn to be integrated by being housed in a common housing. This eliminates restrictions on the installation location of the horn body (e.g., an existing horn). Furthermore, the integrated unit simplifies wiring, improving installation ease and reducing installation costs.

[0039] In this embodiment, the lamp-integrated horn is installed in a motorcycle (for example, motorcycle 10 in the embodiment). The fog lamp is accommodated in the front part of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The electronic horn is accommodated in the rear part of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This configuration allows the horn function to be installed in a location that satisfies motorcycle safety standards (for example, the fog lamp location). The lamp-integrated horn can also be installed in the front fog lamp location that satisfies motorcycle safety standards. Furthermore, by installing the fog lamp and electronic horn simultaneously, nighttime visibility and warning sound performance can both be achieved.

[0040] In this embodiment, the housing includes a cylindrical lamp housing portion (e.g., lamp housing portion 41 in the embodiment) that houses the fog lamp, and a cylindrical horn housing portion (e.g., horn housing portion 42 in the embodiment) that is integrally connected to the lamp housing portion and houses the electronic horn. The outer diameter of the lamp housing portion (e.g., outer diameter D1 in the embodiment) is the same as the outer diameter of the horn housing portion (e.g., outer diameter D2 in the embodiment). With this configuration, it is easier to make the integrated unit compact compared to when the outer diameter of the lamp housing portion is different from the outer diameter of the horn housing portion.

[0041] In this embodiment, the housing is formed from materials including die cast aluminum or reinforced plastic. According to this configuration, the durability of the housing is improved because aluminum die-cast or reinforced plastic has excellent resistance to shock and vibration.

[0042] In this embodiment, the housing is configured so as to be attachable to a stay (for example, the stay 5 in the embodiment) or a bracket (for example, the bracket 6 in the embodiment) for a fog lamp. This configuration allows the horn to be installed in a location that does not pose a safety risk, using an existing fog lamp stay or bracket. For example, by attaching the housing to an existing fog lamp stay, a dedicated space for the horn is not required.

[0043] <Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the lamp-integrated horn is described as being installed on a motorcycle, but this is not limiting. For example, the lamp-integrated horn may be installed on other automobiles (four-wheeled automobiles, three-wheeled automobiles, etc.) or other vehicles. The installation mode of the lamp-integrated horn can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the fog lamps are housed in the front portion of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the electronic horn is housed in the rear portion of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, this is not limiting. For example, the fog lamps may be housed in the rear portion of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the electronic horn may be housed in the front portion of the housing in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, a lamp-integrated horn may be installed in the position of the rear fog lamp. The installation manner of the fog lamps and the electronic horn in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be changed according to design specifications.

[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the housing includes a cylindrical lamp housing portion that houses a fog lamp and a cylindrical horn housing portion that is integrally connected to the lamp housing portion and houses an electronic horn. The outer diameter of the lamp housing portion is the same as the outer diameter of the horn housing portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the outer diameter of the lamp housing portion may be different from the outer diameter of the horn housing portion. The size relationship between the outer diameters of the lamp housing portion and the horn housing portion can be changed according to design specifications.

[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the housing is formed from a material including die-cast aluminum or reinforced plastic, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the housing may be formed from other metal materials or resin materials. The form of the housing can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the housing is configured to be attachable to a fog lamp stay or bracket, but this is not limiting. For example, the housing may be configured to be attachable to an electronic horn stay or bracket. The manner in which the housing is attached can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0048] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, and the above-mentioned embodiments can also be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1... Horn integrated with lamp, 2... Fog lamp, 3... Electronic horn, 4... Housing, 5... Stay, 6... Bracket, 10... Motorcycle, 41... Lamp housing, 42... Horn housing, D1... Outer diameter of lamp housing, D2... Outer diameter of horn housing

Claims

1. Fog lamps and An electronic horn and a housing that houses the fog lamp and the electronic horn. Horn integrated with lamp.

2. The lamp-integrated horn is installed on a motorcycle, the fog lamp is housed in a front portion of the housing in the vehicle front-rear direction, The electronic horn is accommodated in a rear portion of the housing in the vehicle front-rear direction.

2. The lamp-integrated horn according to claim 1.

3. The housing includes: a cylindrical lamp housing portion that houses the fog lamp; a cylindrical horn housing portion that is integrally connected to the lamp housing portion and that houses the electronic horn; The outer diameter of the lamp housing portion is the same as the outer diameter of the horn housing portion.

3. The lamp-integrated horn according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The housing is formed from materials including die-cast aluminum or reinforced plastic.

3. The lamp-integrated horn according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The housing is configured to be attachable to a fog lamp stay or bracket.

3. The lamp-integrated horn according to claim 1 or 2.

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