Passenger lighting equipment and water walkways

Abstract

To provide a lighting device on which people can ride safely. [Solution] The lighting device 100 comprises a light source 20, a support 30 arranged to form an installation space for the light source 20, and a lattice-shaped top cover 50 arranged on the support 30, and is configured so that a person can stand on the top cover 50.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device that people can ride on. In particular, the present invention relates to a riding lighting device for use underwater. The present invention also relates to an overwater walkway formed by placing a plurality of riding lighting devices underwater. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an underground lighting device. This underground lighting device can be lit while buried underground outdoors in a park, on a sidewalk, etc. The lighting device in Patent Document 1 includes a buried box buried underground, a luminaire placed inside the buried box, and a light-transmitting part attached to the top of the buried box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-68101 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the lighting device described in Patent Document 1 is said to have a light-transmitting portion attached to the top of the buried box that is made of a material such as glass. However, if the light-transmitting portion is made of ordinary glass, the light-transmitting portion will have low load-bearing strength (strength). Therefore, if a person stands on the light-transmitting portion, there is a risk that the glass will break or be damaged. In this way, it can be said that the lighting device described in Patent Document 1 is not designed for people to stand on the light-transmitting portion. On the other hand, if it becomes possible for people to stand on the lighting device, the uses of the lighting device can be expanded.

[0005] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that can be safely ridden by people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventor of the present invention has intensively studied means for solving the problems of the above-mentioned conventional inventions, and has discovered that by providing a support to form an installation space for a light source and using the support to support a lattice-shaped top cover, a person can safely stand on the top cover. Based on this discovery, the inventor has come to the realization that the problems of the conventional inventions can be solved, and has completed the present invention. Specifically, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 according to the present invention includes a light source 20, a support 30, and a top cover 50. The support 30 is provided on a base 10 to form an installation space for the light source 20. The support 30 may be, for example, a column-like structure provided at multiple locations to surround the light source 20, or a frame-like structure provided to surround the light source 20. The top cover 50 is lattice-like and provided on the support 30. A lattice is a structure formed by regularly combining plate-like or rod-like members, with openings formed between each member that penetrate vertically. Light emitted from the light source 20 passes through the through openings in the lattice-like top cover 50. In this way, in the lighting device 100, the lattice-like top cover 50 is supported by the support 30 provided around the light source 20. The lattice-like structure of the top cover 50 allows light from the light source 20 to pass through and increases the structural strength against loads. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, people can safely stand on the top cover 50.

[0008] The lighting device 100 according to the present invention preferably further includes a light diffusing member 40 disposed between the light source 20 and the top cover 50. The light diffusing member 40 is preferably further provided below the top cover 50. As the light diffusing member 40, for example, a light diffusing plate, a light diffusing film, or a solid material that diffuses light, such as glass or crystal, can be used. In particular, as the light diffusing member 40, it is preferable to use a plate-shaped member (light diffusing plate) interposed between the support 30 and the top cover 50. In this way, by providing the light diffusing member 40, it is possible to illuminate the entire area around the feet of a person standing on the lighting device 100.

[0009] The lighting device 100 according to the present invention may further include an exterior member 70. The exterior member 70 is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the top cover 50, and at least the light source 20 and the support 30 are disposed therein. By providing the exterior member 70 in this manner, the light source 20 and the support 30 can be made less visible from the outside. In addition, it is preferable that the exterior member 70 has a mirrored outer surface. By mirror-finishing the outer surface of the exterior member 70 in this manner, the side surfaces of the lighting device 100 become less noticeable, thereby making the light emitted from the top more noticeable. In particular, when the lighting device 100 is installed underwater, the mirrored exterior member 70 allows the exterior member 70 to visually blend into the water when viewed from above the water.

[0010] In the lighting device 100 according to the present invention, the bracket 30 may be columnar, and a plurality of brackets 30 may be provided. In this case, the lighting device 100 preferably further includes a frame member 80 to which the plurality of brackets 30 are fixed. The frame member 80 allows the plurality of columnar brackets 30 to be connected together. Furthermore, the light source 20 can be installed within the space defined by the frame member 80.

[0011] The lighting device 100 according to the present invention may further include a light diffusion member group 90 consisting of a plurality of light diffusion members stacked on the light source 20. Each light diffusion member may be small and stackable, such as in the shape of a small piece, sphere, or block. In this way, by providing the light diffusion member group 90 on or around the light source 20, the light emitted from the light source 20 may be diffused.

[0012] In the lighting device 100 according to the present invention, the light source 20 is preferably a lighting fixture that can be used underwater. In this case, the lighting device 100 can be installed underwater. For example, by installing the lighting device 100 underwater so that the top cover 50 is located near the water surface (below the water surface or 0 to 20 cm above the water surface), a person can stand on the lighting device 100.

[0013] It should be noted that the application of the lighting device 100 according to the present invention is not limited to installation underwater. For example, the lighting device 100 according to the present invention may be simply installed on the ground, or may be buried in the ground.

[0014] The second aspect of the present invention relates to an over-water walkway 200. The over-water walkway 200 according to the present invention includes a plurality of the lighting devices 100 according to the first embodiment described above. Specifically, the over-water walkway 200 according to the present invention is formed by arranging a plurality of lighting devices 100 side by side or spaced apart in water. In this way, by using the lighting devices 100 according to the present invention, a path (walkway) for people to walk on can be created on water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a lighting device that people can ride on safely. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an illumination device installed underwater. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal structure of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a walkway over water formed using a plurality of lighting devices. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the lighting device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and includes appropriate modifications of the embodiments described below within the scope obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0018] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a lighting device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a riding lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment installed in water with a person riding on it. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 100 is designed to have a structural strength sufficient to withstand the weight of, for example, 1 to 3 people (upper limit: 100 to 300 kg). The lighting device 100 has a light source installed therein, and light emitted from the light source passes through the upper surface (transparent surface) on which people ride and is emitted to the outside. As a result, from an external perspective, the upper surface of the lighting device 100 appears to be luminous. In addition, in this embodiment, the lighting device 100 can be installed underwater. The upper surface of the lighting device 100 may be above the water surface or may be submerged below the water surface. In this manner, a person can ride on the lighting device 100 that is installed underwater and emits light.

[0019] 1, in this embodiment, the lighting device 100 is shaped like a substantially quadrangular prism, such as a cube or rectangular parallelepiped, which is a quadrilateral in plan view. However, the lighting device 100 is not limited to a quadrangular prism shape, and may be shaped like a cylinder, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, or any other polygonal prism. The internal structure of the lighting device 100, which is shaped like a substantially quadrangular prism, will be described in detail below.

[0020] 2 and 3 show the internal structure of an illumination device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in these figures, the illumination device 100 includes, as its main components, a base 10, a light source 20, a support 30, a light diffusing member 40, an upper cover 50, a fixing bracket 60, and an exterior member 70.

[0021] The base 10 is a foundation that serves as the foundation for the other components of the lighting device 100. The base 10 may be made of a cement-based material such as concrete or mortar, or a metal material such as iron or stainless steel. Among these, it is preferable to use a cement-based material that is resistant to corrosion when installed underwater. In this embodiment, the base 10 is shaped like a rectangle in plan view, and stud bolts 11 are embedded vertically near each of the four corners. These stud bolts 11 are used to secure the support 30 to the base 10.

[0022] The light source 20 is a lighting fixture that emits light from the inside of the lighting device 100 to the outside. This light source 20 is fixed near the center of the base 10. The light source 20 emits light upward, i.e., toward the top cover 50. Known lighting fixtures such as LED lamps, halogen lamps, sodium lamps, or fluorescent lamps can be used as the light source 20. Furthermore, the light source 20 may be capable of changing its emitted color. In this embodiment, the lighting device 100 is assumed to be installed underwater. Therefore, the light source 20 is a lighting fixture with waterproof performance that can withstand underwater use. Known, commercially available underwater lighting fixtures may be used. Specifically, underwater lighting fixtures may include a light source that is controlled by a moisture-proof electronic circuit housed inside a pressure-resistant, waterproof housing with a seal to prevent water intrusion. The light source 20 receives power and control signals related to on / off and light color control via a cable 21. This cable 21 passes through the base 10 and is connected to an external power source (not shown) and a control device (not shown).

[0023] The supports 30 function as supports for mounting the light diffusion member 40 and the top cover 50 above the base 10 while ensuring installation space for the light source 20. In this embodiment, four supports 30 are used, each fixed near a corner of the base 10. Specifically, each support 30 includes a rectangular upper surface 31 and a lower surface 32 facing each other, and two side surfaces 33 and 34 extending between the upper surface 31 and the lower surface 32. The two side surfaces 33 and 34 are positioned adjacent to each other and perpendicular to each other, and the cross section of the two side surfaces 33 and 34 is L-shaped. A bolt 35 is fixed vertically to the upper surface 31 of each support 30. The bolt 35 is used to secure the light diffusion member 40 and the top cover 50 to the support 30. A bolt hole 36 is formed in the lower surface 32 of each support 30. A stud bolt 11 embedded in the base 10 is inserted into the bolt hole 36 of the support 30. Then, with the stud bolt 11 inserted into the bolt hole 36 of the support 30, a nut 37 is attached to the tip of the stud bolt 11, thereby fastening the base 10 and the support 30 together. Such bolt and nut fastening is performed for each support 30. As will be described later, a light diffusion member 40 and an upper cover 50 are fixed to the top of each support 30, and the support 30 serves as a support, ensuring that there is sufficient space between the base 10 and the light diffusion member 40 for installing the light source 20.

[0024] The light diffusion member 40 is a member for diffusing light emitted from the light source 20. In this embodiment, a plate-shaped member having light diffusion properties is used as the light diffusion member 40. Such a light diffusion plate may be constructed, for example, by containing fine particles inside the plate or by having fine irregularities on the surface of the plate, thereby scattering light passing through the plate in various directions. The light diffusion plate uses a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass, as its base material, and the base material contains light diffusion particles inside or has an irregular surface. Examples of light diffusion particles include fine particles of titanium dioxide, silica, and PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Examples of irregular surface treatments include etching, sandblasting, and texturing. Alternatively, the light diffusion member may be a member that controls light scattering by stacking layers with different refractive indices. In this embodiment, the light diffusion member 40 is a rectangular plate-shaped member having bolt holes 41 formed at the four corners. The bolts 35 of the support 30 described above are inserted into the bolt holes 41, respectively.

[0025] The top cover 50 is a component that transmits light from the light source 20 and forms a tread surface for people to stand on. The top cover 50 is configured in a lattice shape by combining multiple plate-like members, with multiple planar rectangular openings 51 formed between the plate-like members. More specifically, the lattice-shaped top cover 50 is configured by combining multiple parallel horizontal members and multiple parallel vertical members at right angles. This lattice shape improves the strength of the top cover 50. Such a lattice-shaped top cover 50 is also called a grating. The top cover 50 must be thick enough to withstand the weight of a person. For example, the thickness of the top cover 50 is preferably 20 mm or more, 30 mm or more, or 40 mm or more. The upper limit of the thickness of the top cover 50 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 150 mm or less or 100 mm or less. Screw holes 52 are also formed in multiple locations on the side of the top cover 50. A screw 72 is inserted into the screw hole 52 of the top cover 50 when attaching the exterior member 70 to the top cover 50 .

[0026] The material forming the top cover 50 may be a metal material such as stainless steel, iron, or aluminum, or a reinforced plastic material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, or aramid fiber reinforced plastic. The plastic used for the reinforced plastic may be at least one selected from thermosetting or thermoplastic resins such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, vinyl ester resin, phenolic resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polypropylene resin, polycarbonate resin, and acrylic resin. These plastic materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. It is particularly preferable to use a transparent or translucent reinforced plastic material for the top cover 50. Making the top cover 50 transparent or translucent allows for easier transmission of light emitted from the light source 20.

[0027] The fixing bracket 60 is a member used to secure the light diffusing member 40 and the lattice-shaped top cover 50 to the support 30. In this embodiment, the fixing bracket 60 has an abutment surface 61 that abuts on the upper surface of the light diffusing member 40, and a locking portion 62 that extends vertically upward from the abutment surface 61 and has an inverted U-shaped hook portion at its apex. A bolt hole 63 is formed in the abutment surface 61 of the fixing bracket 60. As shown in FIG. 2 , a bolt 35 provided on the upper part of the support 30 is inserted into the bolt hole 41 of the light diffusing member 40 and the bolt hole 36 of the fixing bracket 60. At this time, the locking portion 62 of the fixing bracket 60 is inserted into one of the openings 51 of the top cover 50, and the hook portion of the locking portion 62 presses the top cover 50 downward. In this state, by attaching a nut 64 to the tip side of the support 30, the support 30, the light diffusion member 40, and the fixing bracket 60 can be fastened together, and at the same time, the top cover 50 can be fixed onto the light diffusion member 40 via the fixing bracket 60.

[0028] The exterior member 70 is a frame-shaped cover member that covers the above-described main components so that these components cannot be seen from outside the lighting device 100. In this embodiment, the exterior member 70 is configured in a rectangular tube shape and has an opening that penetrates vertically in the center. When the top cover 50 is installed inside the exterior member 70, the position is adjusted so that the top of the exterior member 70 and the top of the top cover 50 are aligned. Specifically, screw holes 71 are formed in multiple locations on the side surface near the top of the exterior member 70, and screw holes 52 are similarly formed in multiple locations on the side surface near the top of the top cover 50. After aligning the screw holes 71 of the exterior member 70 with the screw holes 52 of the top cover 50, screws 72 are inserted into both screw holes 71 and 52. As a result, the exterior member 70 is fixed to the top cover 50 with the positions of the exterior member 70 and the top cover 50 adjusted. When the exterior member 70 is fixed to the top cover 50 in this manner, the aforementioned base 10 (at least a portion), light source 20, support 30, light diffusion member 40, top cover 50, and fixing bracket 60 are positioned inside the exterior member 70.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least the outer surface of the exterior member 70 be formed from a mirror-finish material that reflects external light (specifically, visible light). Examples of suitable mirror-finish materials include polished metals, such as stainless steel, that are polished to a mirror finish, and vapor-deposited materials, such as glass or acrylic, that are coated with a highly reflective metal, such as silver or aluminum, on one side of the glass or acrylic sheet. In addition to typical mirrors with a light reflectance of 80 to 100%, half mirrors with a light reflectance of less than 80% and a light transmittance of 10 to 50% can also be used as mirror-finish materials. Note that the sum of reflectance, transmittance, and absorptance is 100% when the incident light is 100%. A typical half mirror has a reflectance of 20 to 40%, a transmittance of approximately 20 to 40%, and the remainder is absorptance. Thus, by forming at least the outer surface of the exterior member 70 from a mirror-finish material, the exterior member 70 can be made less noticeable from the outside. However, it is preferable that the exterior member 70 blocks light emitted from the light source 20 therein. In other words, the light emitted from the light source 20 does not pass through the exterior member 70, but passes through the upper cover 50 located above it and is released to the outside. In this way, the exterior member 70, which can emit light only from the upper side of the lighting device 100, preferably has a transmittance of 10% or less for light emitted from the light source 20, and particularly preferably has a transmittance of 5% or less.

[0030] The lighting device 100, in which the above-mentioned components are combined, is shown in a perspective view in Fig. 1 and in a cross-sectional view in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 1, the lighting device 100 is intended to be installed underwater, with approximately one to three people standing on it. The lighting device 100 may be installed so that the top cover 50 protrudes above the water surface, but it is preferable to install the lighting device 100 so that the top cover 50 is located below the water surface. In particular, it is preferable to install the lighting device 100 so that the top cover 50 is located 1 to 10 cm below the water surface.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an example in which the above-mentioned lighting devices 100 are arranged at multiple locations underwater to form a water walkway 200. This water walkway 200 is used for people to walk on the water surface. In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), multiple lighting devices 100 are arranged at intervals like stepping stones. However, the intervals between the lighting devices 100 are set to a level (30 to 70 cm) that allows people to step over them. In this way, arranging the lighting devices 100 like stepping stones creates a sense of tension when walking on this water walkway 200, which can provide passersby with an enjoyable, attraction-like experience.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), multiple lighting devices 100 are arranged adjacent to each other with no gaps between them. However, although not shown, connectors may be attached to connect adjacent lighting devices 100. In this case, there may be a gap between the lighting devices 100 corresponding to the connectors. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the lighting devices 100 are arranged in a single row, but they can also be arranged in two or more rows. In this way, arranging the lighting devices 100 adjacent to each other provides a sense of security to pedestrians walking along the overwater walkway 200.

[0033] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the lighting device 100 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted, and the description will focus on components different from those in the first embodiment described above.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, the lighting device 100 according to the second embodiment is a simplified version of the lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment, realizing a ride-on lighting device that can be used underwater with a minimal configuration. Specifically, the second embodiment omits the base 10 of the first embodiment and employs a frame member 80 instead. The second embodiment also omits the plate-shaped light diffusing member 40 of the first embodiment and employs a light diffusing member group 90 instead. The second embodiment also omits the exterior member 70 of the first embodiment, exposing the internal structure of the lighting device 100.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5 , the frame member 80 is a member for connecting four supports 30 on the bottom side. The frame member 80 is made by joining four plate-shaped metal fittings into a rectangular frame shape, and is shaped by combining two parallel plate-shaped metal fittings (horizontal members) and two parallel plate-shaped metal fittings (vertical members) orthogonally. One support 30 is fixed to each of the four corners of the frame member 80. A light source 20 can be placed within the frame member 80. However, this light source 20 is not fixed to the frame member 80. In this way, the frame member 80 and the four supports 30 ensure a space for placing the light source 20. A lattice-shaped top cover 50 is placed on the support 30, as in the first embodiment. The top cover 50 and each support are fixed by fixing brackets 60, as in the first embodiment.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the second embodiment, a light diffusion member group 90 is stacked on or around the light source 20 to diffuse the light emitted from the light source 20. The light diffusion member group 90 is formed by stacking a plurality of light diffusion members, e.g., small pieces, spheres, or blocks. The light diffusion members are made of transparent materials such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or glass, molded into small pieces. The light diffusion members used in the second embodiment may be small enough to be stacked in a group in this manner, excluding, for example, the plate-shaped members described in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the light source 20 can be hidden by the light diffusion member group 90, eliminating the need for the exterior member 70 described in the first embodiment. In this manner, the lighting device 100 can be realized with a simple structure that reduces costs.

[0037] In the above description of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings in order to express the contents of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes modifications and improvements that are obvious to those skilled in the art based on the matters described in the present specification.

[0038] The configurations described in the first and second embodiments can be interchanged. For example, in the first embodiment, a group of light diffusing members can be used instead of the plate-shaped light diffusing member 40. 90 may be disposed above and around the light source 20. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, instead of the light diffusion member group 90, a plate-shaped light diffusion member 40 may be disposed between the support 30 and the upper cover 50. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a frame member 80 may be employed instead of the base 10. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a frame member 80 may be employed instead of the base 10. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the exterior member 70 may be omitted, and conversely, in the second embodiment, the exterior member 70 may be employed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 10...Base 11...Stud bolt 20...light source 21...cable 30...Support 31...Top surface 32…Bottom surface 33…Side surface 34...Side 35...Bolt 36...Bolt hole 37...Nut 40...light diffusion member 41...bolt hole 50...Top lid 51...Opening 52...Screw hole 60...Fixing bracket 61...Abutment surface 62...Latching portion 63...Bolt hole 64...Nut 70...Exterior member 71...Screw hole 80...frame member 90...light diffusion member group 72...Screw 100...Lighting device 200...Water walkway

Claims

1. a light source (20) that is a lighting device that can be used underwater; a plurality of columnar supports (30) provided to form an installation space for the light source; A lattice-shaped upper cover (50) is provided on the plurality of supports, The light source is disposed in an installation space of the light source surrounded by the columnar support, and the light irradiation direction is directed toward the upper cover (50), The lighting device (100) is configured so that a person can stand on the top cover and is installed underwater.

2. The device further includes a light diffusing member (40) disposed between the light source and the top cover. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

3. The light diffusing member is a plate-shaped member interposed between the support and the upper cover.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2.

4. The device further includes an exterior member (70) formed in a frame shape so as to surround the periphery of the upper cover, and in which at least the light source and the support are disposed. The lighting device according to claim 1 .

5. The exterior member has a mirror-finished outer surface.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4.

6. a light source (20); a plurality of columnar supports (30) provided to form an installation space for the light source; A lattice-shaped upper cover (50) provided on the plurality of supports; a frame member to which a plurality of the supports are fixed; The lighting device is configured so that a person can stand on the top cover.

7. a light source (20); A support (30) provided to form an installation space for the light source; A lattice-shaped upper cover (50) provided on the support; a light diffusion member group including a plurality of light diffusion members stacked on the light source; The lighting device is configured so that a person can stand on the top cover.

8. A water walkway (200) formed by placing a plurality of lighting devices according to claim 1 adjacent to each other or at intervals in water.

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