Light source unit for attracting insects

Abstract

To provide an insect attraction light source unit which attracts walking insects reliably because when flying insects or walking insects intrude a factory or the like, they need to be caught speedily and because an insect trap (an insect attraction light source unit) targeting the walking insects is under development whereas an insect trap (an insect attraction light source unit) targeting the flying insects is developed as flying insects are more likely to intrude but an insect trap (an insect attraction light source unit) targeting the walking insects is not under development.SOLUTION: An insect attraction light source unit is for attracting walking insects and includes: an LED irradiating light; an LED substrate mounting the LED; a lower part reflection plate which mounts the LED substrate and reflects light irradiated by the LED; and a light guide plate guiding light irradiated by the LED. The light guide plate has a hole part, and the LED is mounted in the hole part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light source unit for attracting insects, and more particularly to a light source unit for attracting insects used in an insect trap for capturing walking insects.

Background Art

[0002] A light source unit for attracting insects is a component that attracts insects by light and constitutes an insect trap. Insects are attracted by the light source unit for attracting insects and captured by an adhesive sheet or the like provided in the insect trap. Note that the light includes not only visible light rays that can be perceived by humans, but also ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, and other electromagnetic waves, and is light in a broad sense that affects the sensory organs of living organisms.

[0003] Insects may enter factories and the like, and in such cases, they may be mixed as foreign substances in products. Therefore, factories and the like are designed to prevent the entry of insects, but insects may enter due to the entry and exit of people and objects, and it is impossible to completely eliminate the entry of insects. Therefore, an insect trap is installed to capture the insects that have entered.

[0004] When classifying insects generated inside factories and the like or insects that enter from the outside, they can be roughly divided into flying insects and walking insects. As insects that enter factories and the like, the proportion of flying insects is higher, so many insect traps are for capturing flying insects, and there is a situation where the development of insect traps for capturing walking insects has not advanced.

[0005] As an insect trap that attracts insects by light, for example, an insect trap that emits ultraviolet light from the front surface of a light guide plate by arranging an ultraviolet lamp facing the end surface of the light guide plate is known (Patent Document 1). The insect trap described in Patent Document 1 attracts insects by causing the light guide plate to emit surface light with an ultraviolet lamp. In addition, a reflective tape is attached to the edge portion to emit light on the surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-180220 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, since the insect trap of Patent Document 1 mainly aims to trap flying insects by causing a light guide plate to emit surface light, the insect attracting effect on walking insects is weak.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the problems in such conventional inventions, and an object of the present invention is to provide an insect attracting light source unit for more surely attracting walking insects. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention comprises at least the following configuration or executes the following procedure.

[0010] The insect attracting light source unit of the present invention is an insect attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, and includes an LED that irradiates light, an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted, a lower reflector that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light irradiated from the LED, and a light guide plate that guides the light irradiated from the LED, wherein the light guide plate has a hole portion, and the LED is disposed in the hole portion. With such a configuration, since light can be irradiated from the edge (edge portion) of the light guide plate, light can be irradiated in the side direction. Thereby, walking insects can be more surely attracted.

[0011] Preferably, an upper reflector is disposed above the LED. With such a configuration, since the light irradiated from the LED in the upper direction can be guided to the light guide plate, it is strongly emitted from the edge portion, and walking insects can be more surely attracted.

[0012] Also preferably, the lower reflector is an aluminum plate. With such a configuration, since the light irradiated from the LED, particularly ultraviolet light, can be reflected, stronger light can be irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate. Further, since the lower reflector (aluminum plate) absorbs and dissipates the heat emitted from the LED, malfunctions due to heat can be reduced.

[0013] Also preferably, the light guide plate is characterized in that it is processed for surface light emission. With such a configuration, since the surface portion of the light guide plate emits light, it becomes easier to attract not only walking insects but also flying insects.

[0014] Also preferably, a black seal, black paint, or a light-shielding plate is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate so as to form a shaded portion. With such a configuration, since a shadow is formed on the surface portion of the light guide plate, insects that prefer the shadow portion can be more strongly attracted.

[0015] Also preferably, a phosphor or fluorescent paint is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate. With such a configuration, light having a wavelength different from that of the light emitted from the LED can be added and irradiated, so that various insects can be more strongly attracted. This is because when the light irradiated from the LED irradiates the phosphor or the like, light of various wavelengths is irradiated from the phosphor or the like.

[0016] The insect attracting light source unit of the present invention is an insect attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, and includes an LED that irradiates light, an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted, a lower reflector that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light irradiated from the LED, and a light guide plate that guides the light irradiated from the LED. The light guide plate has a dome-shaped portion, and the LED is disposed within the dome-shaped portion. With such a configuration, since light can be irradiated from the edge (edge portion) of the light guide plate, light can be irradiated in the side direction. As a result, insects can be attracted more reliably. Also, light can be irradiated horizontally with respect to the floor surface, and light at a low position can be propagated far.

Effect of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, by irradiating light into the space at a height that is easy for the visual organs of walking insects to enter, walking insects can be attracted more reliably.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely specific examples for carrying out the present invention, and do not limitatively interpret the present invention.

[0020] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing each component of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the periphery of an LED of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The insect attracting light source unit 100 includes an LED 110 that emits light, an LED substrate 120 on which the LED 110 is mounted, a lower reflector 130 that mounts the LED substrate 120 and reflects the light emitted from the LED 110, and a light guide plate 140 that guides the light emitted from the LED 110. Further, it includes an upper reflector 150 that reflects the light irradiated upward from the LED 110. The light guide plate 140 has a hole 141 near the center, and the LED 110 is disposed in the hole 141. The upper reflector 150 is disposed above the LED 110, reflects the light emitted from the LED 110, and guides the light to the end face of the light guide plate 140 so that the light does not escape upward. The light emitted from the LED 110 passes through the light guide plate 140 and is irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. Since the light is irradiated from the edge portion, the light is irradiated horizontally over 360 degrees, so it is easily recognized by walking insects. Therefore, walking insects can be attracted more reliably. The insect attracting light source unit 100 also includes a power source 160 for causing the LED 110 to emit light.

[0021] LED110 uses a commercially available product. Note that the power supply 160 of LED110 can be of the type that directly connects a wire from an electrical outlet, or it can be a rechargeable battery or the like. If it is of the type that directly connects a wire from an electrical outlet, there is no need to charge it. On the other hand, if a battery or the like is used, it is convenient to carry, but there is a need to charge it regularly. Therefore, it is advisable to use them appropriately according to the need.

[0022] The LED substrate 120 is a substrate for mounting the LED110 and is formed of a resin material. Note that it may also be formed of a metal material instead of a resin material. When a metal material is used, it becomes easier to dissipate the heat generated from the LED110, so it can be protected from failures due to heat. Also, it is preferable to apply a coating that reflects ultraviolet rays.

[0023] The light guide plate 140 is for diffusing the light irradiated from the LED110 360 degrees in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the light guide plate 140 has holes 141, and the light irradiated from the LED110 disposed in the holes 141 enters the side wall surface of the holes 141, and the light is radiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. Thereby, the light can be diffused 360 degrees in the horizontal direction so as to attract walking insects. When the LED110 is disposed in the holes 141, it is disposed so that the LED110 can be accommodated in the holes 141. By disposing it in this way, the light irradiated from the LED110 can easily enter the light guide plate 140.

[0024] The light guide plate 140 may be processed so that light is irradiated from the surface of the light guide plate 140. Specifically, the surface of the light guide plate 140 may be scratched with a laser, grooved, or printed with a dot pattern. As a result, light is reflected at the processed area and irradiated from the surface. In addition, when the surface is processed so that light is emitted from the surface, fluorescent paint may be applied to the surface of the light guide plate 140, or a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material may be disposed. When the light irradiated from the LED 110 is irradiated onto the fluorescent paint, etc., a wavelength different from the wavelength irradiated from the LED 110 is emitted from the fluorescent paint, etc., so that various (different kinds) of insects that detect different wavelengths can be more effectively attracted.

[0025] Since the light guide plate 140 is made of synthetic resin, measures must be taken to prevent deterioration due to ultraviolet rays and heat. By installing the LED 110 in the center of the hole 141, the light is irradiated evenly around the circumference of the hole 141, and the highly directional LED 110 is not focused, so deterioration due to ultraviolet rays can be delayed. Also, by placing a gap between the central LED 110 and the end face of the hole 141, heat conduction can be reduced and heat deterioration can be delayed. Also, by installing the LED 110 parallel to the ground (floor surface), it can be irradiated horizontally. Since the space at approximately the same height as the visual position of the walking insect is irradiated, the attraction is increased.

[0026] The upper reflector 150 is disposed above the LEDs 110 so as to cover the holes 141 provided in the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 110 and guides the light toward the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 is made of aluminum, which easily reflects the light from the LEDs 110.

[0027] The lower reflector 130 has the LED substrate 120 mounted thereon and is made of aluminum. Since the lower reflector 130 is made of aluminum, it can absorb and dissipate heat emitted from the LEDs 110. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent breakdowns due to heat.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which light is irradiated in a 360-degree direction from the insect-attracting light source unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which light is irradiated in a 360-degree direction from the end of the light guide plate of the insect-attracting light source unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The light emitted from the LED 110 is irradiated in a 360-degree direction. Further, since the light passes through the light guide plate 140 and is irradiated from the end of the light guide plate 140, walking insects can be more reliably attracted.

[0029] <Second Embodiment> Next, the insect-attracting light source unit 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. For the same configurations as those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, detailed descriptions will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. In the present embodiment, mainly, configurations different from those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an insect attracting light source unit 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross section of the insect attracting light source unit 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The insect attracting light source unit 200 includes an LED 110 that irradiates light, an LED substrate 120 on which the LED 110 is mounted, a lower reflector 130 that mounts the LED substrate 120 and reflects the light irradiated from the LED 110, and a light guide plate 140 that guides the light irradiated from the LED 110. The light guide plate 140 has a dome-shaped portion 142, and an upper reflector 150 is disposed near the apex thereof. The LED 110 is disposed within the dome-shaped portion 142. Further, since the light guide plate 140 has the dome-shaped portion 142, the light irradiated from the LED 110 is transmitted along the shape of the dome-shaped portion 142. As a result, light is irradiated from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140. The upper reflector 150 may be bent along the shape of the dome-shaped portion 142. In this case, the upper reflector 150 can be stably installed. Also, a plurality of upper reflectors 150 may be installed. Although not shown, the insect attracting light source unit 200 also includes a power source 160 for causing the LED 110 to emit light. The light transmitted through the ceiling portion of the dome-shaped portion 142 hits a reflector and propagates in the direction inside the light guide plate 140. The light guide plate 140 is made of acrylic and has a higher refractive index than air. Therefore, it is reflected and propagated at the interface with air and is emitted from the end face of the light guide plate 140.

[0031] The dome-shaped portion 142 has a hemispherical shape. Further, the dome-shaped portion 142 is integrally formed with the light guide plate 140, but is not limited thereto, and may be separately formed later.

[0032] <Third Embodiment> Next, an insect attracting light source unit 300 according to a third embodiment will be described. For the same configuration as that of the insect attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the same reference numerals are given, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, mainly, a configuration different from that of the insect attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the insect-attracting light source unit 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The hole 141 of the insect-attracting light source unit 300 does not penetrate the light guide plate 140, and the hole 141 is provided only halfway. The upper reflector 150 fits into the hole 141 portion, reflects the light from the LED 110 here, and is configured to irradiate light from the edge portion of the light guide plate 140.

[0034] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the insect-attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Regarding the same configurations as those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, detailed descriptions will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, mainly, the configurations different from those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the insect-attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the insect-attracting light source unit 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The insect-attracting light source unit 400 includes three LEDs 110. The LEDs 110 are arranged at equal intervals. By arranging them in this way, light can be irradiated over a wide range, so that insects can be attracted more reliably. Note that two or three or more LEDs 110 may be arranged as appropriate.

[0036] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, the insect-attracting light source unit 500 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Regarding the same configurations as those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, detailed descriptions will be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, mainly, the configurations different from those of the insect-attracting light source unit 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an insect attracting light source unit 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view showing a cross section of the insect attracting light source unit 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. A shadow portion 143 is provided on the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 of the insect attracting light source unit 500. Since a groove or the like is provided on the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 of the insect attracting light source unit 500, when the LED 110 emits light, the light hits the groove or the like, and the surface portion of the light guide plate 140 emits light. Since a black seal or black paint is applied to the surface portion of the light guide plate 140, or a light shielding plate is arranged, a shadow portion 143 is generated when the surface portion emits light. Among insects, there are insects that prefer the shadow portion, so these insects can be attracted more reliably.

Industrial Applicability

[0038] The insect attracting light source unit according to the present invention can irradiate light 360 degrees in the horizontal direction, so that walking insects can be attracted more reliably. Therefore, if the insect attracting light source unit according to the present invention is incorporated into an insect trap, walking insects can be trapped more reliably. Therefore, it is particularly useful when used in a food factory or the like. Also, depending on the installation location and installation method, it can be a light source for attracting insects including flying insects as well as walking insects.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0039] 100 200 300 400 500 Insect attracting light source unit 110 LED 120 LED substrate 130 Lower reflector 140 Light guide plate 141 Hole portion 142 Dome-shaped portion 143 Shadow portion 150 Upper reflector 160 Power supply

Claims

1. An insect-attracting light source unit for attracting walking insects, comprising: an LED that emits light; an LED substrate on which the LED is mounted; a lower reflector that mounts the LED substrate and reflects the light emitted from the LED; a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the LED. The insect-attracting light source unit is characterized in that the light guide plate has a hole portion, and the LED is disposed in the hole portion.

2. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 1, wherein an upper reflector is disposed above the LED.

3. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower reflector is an aluminum plate.

4. The insect-attracting light source unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light guide plate is processed for surface light emission.

5. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 4, wherein a black seal, black paint, or a light-shielding plate is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate so as to form a shadow portion.

6. The insect-attracting light source unit according to claim 4, wherein a phosphor or fluorescent paint is disposed on the surface portion of the light guide plate.

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