Lights for the vehicle's tailgate lifter

Abstract

To provide a light for vehicle tailgate lifter that does not require wirings and can be easily retrofitted, and can automatically control light-on and light-off.SOLUTION: A light for vehicle tailgate lifter comprises: a base part 11 to which a transparent lens 17 is attached and which is fixed to a vehicle tailgate lifter; an LED element 12a provided with one LED element 12a; a solar panel 13 that generates electricity from sunlight and so on; a rechargeable battery 14 that stores current generated by the solar panel 13; an inclined switch 15 which is switched on or off on the basis of an inclination angle of a light 1 for the tailgate lifter; and an LED control circuit 12b which controls light-on and light-off of the LED element 12a by supplying or blocking current from the chargeable battery 14 to the LED element 12a on the basis of the inclined switch on or off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light for a tailgate lifter of a vehicle, which is attached to a tailgate lifter for lifting and lowering a load or the like on a loading platform at the rear of a vehicle such as a truck.

Background Art

[0002] Inventions have been proposed in which lights for a tailgate lifter such as LED lights are attached to a tailgate lifter for lifting and lowering a load or the like on a loading platform at the rear of a vehicle such as a truck in order to promote the safety of not only passengers but also pedestrians and cyclists (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the lights for the tailgate lifter of the vehicles of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, the power supply for the lights for the tailgate lifter is not clearly disclosed. In the case of a configuration in which power is supplied from a battery mounted on the vehicle like a normal headlight or taillight, there is a problem that the wiring becomes troublesome and the retrofitting requires time and effort.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a light for a tailgate lifter of a vehicle that does not require wiring, is easy to retrofit, and can automatically control lighting and extinguishing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the vehicle tailgate lifter light according to the present invention is a vehicle tailgate lifter light that is attached to the tailgate lifter of a vehicle, comprising: a solar panel; a rechargeable battery for storing the current generated by the solar panel; a light-emitting means that emits light using the current from the rechargeable battery; a tilt switch that turns the tailgate lifter light on or off based on the tilt angle; and a control unit that controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting means by supplying or interrupting the current from the rechargeable battery to the light-emitting means based on whether the tilt switch is on or off. The device comprises a base portion on which the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit are mounted. The base portion is elongated in shape to conform to the side surface of the tailgate lifter. The tilt switch is configured such that a movable switch body rolls to turn on and off according to the tilt angle of the tilt switch. The tilt switch is positioned parallel to the shorter direction on the base portion, and the mounting direction of the movable switch body is changed to reverse the polarity, allowing it to be used with either the left or right tailgate lifter of the vehicle. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the tailgate lifter light for a vehicle according to the present invention is also characterized in that it has a transparent lens that covers the solar panel mounted on the base, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit, and the tilt switch is mounted on the base so as not to overlap with the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, and the control unit, so as to be visible from the outside through the lens. Furthermore, in the tailgate lifter light of the vehicle according to the present invention, A tailgate lift light for a vehicle, which is attached to the tailgate lift of a vehicle, comprising: a solar panel; a rechargeable battery for storing the current generated by the solar panel; a light-emitting means that emits light using the current from the rechargeable battery; a tilt switch that turns the tailgate lift light on or off based on the tilt angle; and a control unit that controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting means by supplying or interrupting the current from the rechargeable battery to the light-emitting means based on whether the tilt switch is on or off. The system comprises a base portion on which the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit are mounted, the base portion having an inclined surface corresponding to the inclination of the side surface of the tailgate lifter, the tilt switch being configured such that a movable switch body rolls to turn on and off according to the tilt angle of the tilt switch, and the tilt switch being mounted at an inclination according to the inclined surface of the base portion. of It is characterized by. Furthermore, the tailgate lifter light for a vehicle according to the present invention is also characterized in that it has a transparent lens that covers the solar panel mounted on the base, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit, and the tilt switch is mounted so that the lens side is covered by the solar panel and the light-emitting means. Furthermore, in the tailgate lifter light for a vehicle according to the present invention, the control unit emits light when the tilt switch repeatedly turns on or off due to chattering. means Another feature is the inclusion of a capacitor to prevent the lights from turning on or flashing while the vehicle is in motion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The vehicle tailgate lifter light according to the present invention charges a rechargeable battery with current generated by a solar panel, turns on or off based on the angle of the tailgate lifter light using a tilt switch, and automatically turns on and off the light-emitting means by supplying or cutting off current from the rechargeable battery based on the on or off state of the tilt switch. As a result, it is possible to provide a vehicle tailgate lifter light that does not require wiring, is easy to retrofit, and can automatically control the on and off state. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a tailgate lifter light (for a retractable gate) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a tailgate lifter light (for retractable gate) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] (a) to (d) are plan view, side view, front view, and cross-sectional view along line AA of the tailgate lifter light (for storage gate) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 4] This is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the LED control circuit for the tailgate lifter light (for retractable gate) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operating angle of the tailgate lifter light (for retractable gate) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are enlarged cross-sectional and plan views, respectively, showing the reflection direction of LED light by a two-directional V-shape provided on the lens of the tailgate lifter light (for the retractable gate) of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 7](a) and (b) are side views showing the tailgate lifter light (for retractable gate) of Embodiment 1 of the present invention attached to the retractable gate of the truck bed, and in the extended and lowered state, respectively, and a side view showing the light raised from the lowered state. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the appearance of the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gate) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of a tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] (a) and (b) are a plan view and a front view, respectively, of the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 11] (a) and (b) are left and right side views, respectively, of the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 12] (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views along line BB and line CC, respectively, in Figure 10(a). [Figure 13] (a) to (c) are a plan view, a cross-sectional view along line DD, and a cross-sectional view along line EE of the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing the operating angle of the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are side views showing the tailgate lifter light (for vertical lifting gates) of Embodiment 2 of the present invention attached to a vertical lifting gate, and a side view showing the vertical lifting gate in an expanded state, respectively. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 and 2 of the light for a tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that Embodiments 1 and 2 described below are merely examples of the present invention including their dimensions and the like, and the present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 and 2 below, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

[0010] Embodiment 1. <Configuration of the light 1 for a tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention> The light 1 for a tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the retractable tailgate lifter 2b of the vehicle 2, and includes a base portion 11, an LED light emitting portion 12 on which an LED element 12a as a light emitting means is mounted, a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14, a tilt switch 15, tilt switch mounting terminals 16a, 16b and a lead wire 16c, a lens 17, and the like.

[0011] The base portion 11 is a portion on which the LED light emitting portion 12, the solar panel 13, the rechargeable battery 14, the tilt switch 15, etc. are mounted, and to which a lens 17 covering them is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, it has a rectangular shape in plan view, and both ends are formed in a semi-circular shape. Lift fixing screw holes 11a, 11a for attachment to the retractable tailgate lifter 2b are provided at both ends thereof, and an LED board fixing screw receiving portion 11b for receiving a screw 12e for fixing the LED board 12c of the LED light emitting portion 12 is provided.

[0012] The LED light emitting portion 12 is a portion for controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the LED element 12a by mounting one or more (here, for example, one) LED elements 12a as a light emitting means, an LED control circuit 12b as a control portion, and a plurality (for example, six are shown in FIG. 2) of terminals 12d, etc. for connecting to a lead wire 16c connected to the rechargeable battery 14 and the tilt switch 15 on the LED board 12c. The LED board 12c is provided with screw holes 12e for fixing to the base portion 11 with screws 12e or the like.

[0013] As shown in Figure 4, the LED control circuit 12b is equipped with an LED element 12a and includes a flicker prevention capacitor 12b1, resistors 12b2 to 12b5, a MOSFET 12b6 as a switching element, a Zener diode 12b7, etc., between the rechargeable battery 14 and the tilt switch 15 and the LED element 12a. Based on whether the tilt switch 15 is on or off, it controls the supply or interruption of current from the rechargeable battery 14 to the LED element 12a, thereby controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the LED element 12a.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, the reason why a blink-preventing capacitor 12b1, resistors 12b2 to 12b5, Zener diode 12b7, etc. are provided between the rechargeable battery 14, the tilt switch 15 and the LED element 12a is that a contact ball type tilt switch 15 is used as a switch to control the supply or interruption of current from the rechargeable battery 14 to the LED element 12a.

[0015] In other words, the contact ball type tilt switch 15 generates chattering, where the contact ball moves due to vibrations during vehicle 2 operation, causing it to repeatedly switch on and off. This can cause the LED element 12a to repeatedly flash while the vehicle is in motion, potentially violating regulations. However, in the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a blinking prevention capacitor 12b1, resistors 12b2 to 12b5, and Zener diode 12b7 are provided between the rechargeable battery 14 and the tilt switch 15 and the LED element 12a. As a result, even if the tilt switch 15 is momentarily or briefly turned on while the vehicle is in motion, the MOSFET 12b6 will not turn on, preventing the LED element 12a from lighting up. Conversely, the power stored in the blinking prevention capacitor 12b1 prevents the LED element 12a from emitting light even if the tilt switch 15 is momentarily or briefly turned off when the LED element 12a is emitting light.

[0016] The solar panel 13 is a well-known solar panel that is fixed to the base portion 11 and generates a current to light up the LED element 12a, which serves as a light-emitting means.

[0017] The rechargeable battery 14 is a well-known and commercially available solar cell (solar cell), such as a Li-Po battery, which is used to charge the current generated by the solar panel 13 during the day. As shown in Figures 2 and 3(d), it is installed on the underside of the solar panel 13 and fixed between the solar panel 13 and the base 11.

[0018] The tilt switch 15 is a cylindrical tilt switch 15 in which a contact ball (not shown), which is a movable switch body, is provided. The switch operates on / off by the contact ball (not shown) rolling based on gravity according to the angle of the tilt switch 15. For example, a commercially available NKK Switches Corporation DS-A01 can be used.

[0019] Here, the tilt switch 15 has a contact ball (not shown) built into a cylindrical tilt switch 15 that is rotatable, and the base portion 11 is configured to install the tilt switch 15 in the shorter direction of the base portion 11.

[0020] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating angle of the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0021] In Embodiment 1, the tailgate lifter light 1 is upright or standing in a range of ±10 degrees from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and the tilt switch 15 faces horizontally. As a result, the contact ball (not shown) built into the tilt switch 15 is also unstable, and the on / off operation of the tailgate lifter light 1 is unstable.

[0022] In the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1, within the range of 0°+10° to 180°-10°, the contact ball (not shown) in the tilt switch 15 rolls in the ON direction, turning on the tilt switch 15, supplying current to the LED element 12a as a light-emitting means, and causing it to light up.

[0023] In contrast, in the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1, within the range of 180°+10° to 360°-10°, the contact ball (not shown) in the tilt switch 15 rolls in the opposite direction, the off direction, turning off the tilt switch 15 and extinguishing the LED element 12a as a light-emitting means.

[0024] Furthermore, the tilt switch 15 has a contact ball (not shown) built into a cylindrical tilt switch 15 that is slidably mounted, and the base portion 11 is configured to install the tilt switch 15 in the shorter direction of the base portion 11. Therefore, by reversing the installation direction of the tilt switch 15 relative to the base portion 11, this tailgate lifter light 1 can be used on the left and right tailgates.

[0025] In other words, the tilt switch mounting terminals 16a and 16b are terminals that contact both the left and right terminals of the tilt switch 15 and output the on / off state of the tilt switch 15 to the terminal 12d of the LED light-emitting unit 12 via the lead wire 16c. By changing the orientation of the tilt switch 15 and attaching it to the tilt switch mounting terminals 16a and 16b, this tailgate lifter light 1 can be used on both the left and right tailgates.

[0026] The lens 17 is a transparent resin component that is fitted into the base 11 by means of a snap-in or the like. It protects the LED light-emitting unit 12, solar panel 13, rechargeable battery 14, tilt switch 15, etc., mounted on the base 11, and also acts as a component to illuminate the LED light emitted from the LED element 12a of the LED light-emitting unit 12 to the outside.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3(a), the lens 17 is provided with a two-directional V-shaped recess 17a above the LED element 12a, which serves as a light-emitting means. The light emitted from the LED element 12a is reflected at a wide angle mainly in the α and β directions along the longitudinal direction of the tailgate lifter light 1 by the two-directional V-shaped recess 17a on the surface of the lens 17, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), thereby improving visibility to approaching vehicles and pedestrians from the rear of the vehicle.

[0028] Furthermore, by efficiently diffusing the light emitted from the LED element 12a through the two-directional V-shaped recess 17a, only one LED element 12a is needed, resulting in a lower current consumption, which contributes to extending the continuous lighting time.

[0029] <Installation and operation of the tailgate lifter light 1 for a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention> Next, the installation and operation of the tailgate lifter light 1 of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which is configured as described above, will be explained.

[0030] The light 1 for the tailgate lift of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the retractable tailgate lift 2b of the vehicle 2, as shown in Figure 7.

[0031] (Mounting position of retractable tailgate lifter 2b and vehicle tailgate lifter light 1) The retractable tailgate lifter 2b includes, for example, rail sections 2a1 provided on both the left and right sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2 and located under the cargo bed 2a at the rear of the vehicle 2, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b); a sliding section 2b1 that slides in the longitudinal direction according to the rail sections 2a1 on both the left and right sides by means of a motor (not shown) or hydraulics (not shown); and a first link 2b2 whose base end is rotatably provided on the sliding section 2b1 by means of a motor (not shown) or hydraulics (not shown). This is a well-known structure comprising a second link section 2b3, horizontal plates 2b4 provided at the ends of each of the second link sections 2b3 to maintain a horizontal position at all times, and an opening / closing plate 2b5 provided at the end of the horizontal plate 2b4 so as to be rotatable by a motor (not shown) or hydraulics (not shown) to open and close. The horizontal plate 2b4 and the opening / closing plate 2b5 are raised and lowered by driving a motor (not shown) or hydraulics (not shown) through operation by an operator or worker to operate the first link 2b2 and the second link section 2b3.

[0032] Here, the tailgate lifter light 1 of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is fixed to both the left and right sides of the opening and closing plate 2b5 of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b at the rear of the vehicle 2 using screws, double-sided tape, or the like.

[0033] (Operation of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b of Embodiment 1) As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), when the retractable tailgate lifter 2b is retracted, the tailgate lifter light 1 is facing horizontally. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the tailgate lifter light 1 is within a 270-degree range of being off, and the LED element 12a is off.

[0034] In this configuration, the tailgate lifter light 1 is fixed to both the left and right sides of the opening and closing plate 2b5 of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b and is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the solar panel 13 generates electricity from sunlight, etc., and charges the rechargeable battery 14 with the generated electricity.

[0035] Then, when vehicle 2 stops, the driver or worker operates the retractable tailgate lifter 2b as shown in Figure 7(a), causing the opening and closing plate 2b5, to which the tailgate lifter light 1 is fixed, to protrude rearward from under the cargo bed 2a at the rear of vehicle 2, and lowering the horizontal plate 2b4 until it touches the ground.

[0036] As a result, until the horizontal plate 2b4 touches the ground, the opening and closing plate 2b5 of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b slides horizontally backward from its storage position below the cargo bed 2a and maintains a nearly horizontal position as it descends to the ground, and the tailgate lifter light 1 also maintains a nearly horizontal position. Therefore, if the tilt switch 15 is tilted by 10 degrees or more due to vibration or the like, the LED element 12a, which acts as a light-emitting means, will light up, but the tilt switch 15 remains off and the LED element 12a, which acts as a light-emitting means, remains off.

[0037] However, when the horizontal plate 2b4 of the tailgate lifter light 1 comes into contact with the ground and the opening / closing plate 2b5 that was overlapping with the horizontal plate 2b4 is rotated, the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1, which was fixed to both the left and right sides of the opening / closing plate 2b5, rotates in an off state from the 270-degree off position to an angle of approximately 360 degrees (0 degrees), as shown in Figure 5. However, as shown in Figure 5, the contact ball (not shown) in the tilt switch 15 rolls in the ON direction at an angle of ±10 degrees from 360 degrees (0 degrees), turning on the tilt switch 15 and lighting up the LED element 12a as a light-emitting means. This notifies drivers, workers, or pedestrians that the tailgate lifter light 1 is in operation and that it is dangerous to approach.

[0038] As a result, the LED element 12a lights up while the opening / closing plate 2b5 is rotating, making it possible to alert the surroundings during nighttime work, thus preventing accidents such as pedestrians and cyclists coming into contact with or colliding with the tailgate lifter light 1. In addition, workers using the retractable tailgate lifter 2b can recognize the presence of the operating retractable tailgate lifter 2b by the illumination of the LED element 12a, thus preventing workers from stepping off or tripping over the retractable tailgate lifter 2b.

[0039] Furthermore, when the opening / closing plate 2b5 is fully open and the opening / closing plate 2b5 and the horizontal plate 2b4 are flush as shown in Figure 7(b), the angle of the tailgate lifter light 1 becomes 90 degrees as shown in Figure 5 and it lights up. Therefore, even when the opening / closing plate 2b5 and the horizontal plate 2b4 are raised and lowered to load or unload cargo, the tailgate lifter light 1 remains lit, informing drivers, workers, or pedestrians that the tailgate lifter light 1 is in operation and that it is dangerous to approach.

[0040] <Summary of the light 1 for the tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention> As described above, the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes an LED light-emitting unit 12 on which an LED element 12a and an LED control circuit 12b are mounted, a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14 that stores the current generated by the solar panel 13, and a tilt switch 15 that turns on or off based on the tilt angle of the tailgate lifter light 1 which emits light with the current from the rechargeable battery 14.

[0041] Therefore, the tailgate lift light 1 for a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention charges a rechargeable battery 14 with the current generated by the solar panel 13, and a tilt switch 15 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the LED element 12a based on the angle of the retractable tailgate lift 2b to which the tailgate lift light 1 is attached. As a result, it is possible to provide a tailgate lift light 1 for a vehicle that does not require wiring, is easy to retrofit, and can automatically control lighting and extinguishing.

[0042] Furthermore, the tailgate lifter light 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention has a base portion 11 on which a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14, an LED element 12a, and a tilt switch 15 are mounted. The tilt switch 15 is configured to turn on and off by a contact ball (not shown) rolling according to the tilt angle of the tailgate lifter light 1, and the tilt switch 15 is configured so that the polarity direction can be reversed by changing the installation direction of the contact ball (not shown) in the base portion 11.

[0043] Therefore, when the tailgate lifter lights 1 of the vehicle in Embodiment 1 are attached to the left and right sides of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b, the base portion 11 is fixed to the left and right sides of the retractable tailgate lifter 2b so that the bottom surfaces of the base portion 11 face each other. When the same tailgate lifter lights 1 are fixed to the left and right sides, the contact ball (not shown) will be on the upper side on one side and on the lower side on the other. However, by swapping the position of the contact ball (not shown) of the tilt switch 15 on the left and right sides, it is possible to accommodate either the left or right retractable tailgate lifter 2b of the vehicle.

[0044] As a result, by swapping the positions of the contact balls (not shown) of the tilt switch 15 on the left and right sides, it is possible to accommodate either the left or right retractable tailgate lifter 2b of the vehicle, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0045] Furthermore, the base portion 11 of the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention has an LED light-emitting unit 12 on which an LED element 12a and an LED control circuit 12b are mounted, a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14, and a transparent lens 17 that covers the tilt switch 15, etc. The tilt switch 15 is mounted on the base portion 11 so as not to overlap with the solar panel 13, the rechargeable battery 14, and the LED element 12a, so that it can be seen from the outside through the lens 17.

[0046] Furthermore, the lens 17 of the tailgate lifter light 1 of Embodiment 1 according to the present invention is provided with a two-directional V-shaped recess 17a above the LED element 12a, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3(a), etc.

[0047] Therefore, the light emitted from the LED element 12a is reflected at a wide angle mainly in the α and β directions along the longitudinal direction of the tailgate lifter light 1 by the two-directional V-shaped recess 17a provided on the surface of the lens 17, thereby improving visibility to approaching vehicles and pedestrians from the rear of the vehicle and enhancing safety. Furthermore, by efficiently diffusing the light emitted from the LED element 12a with the two-directional V-shaped recess 17a, only one LED element 12a is needed, reducing the amount of current consumed and contributing to longer continuous lighting times.

[0048] Embodiment 2. The tailgate lifter light 1' for a vehicle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is used by being attached to the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' of a vehicle 2', as shown in Figure 15 and other figures described later. It comprises a base portion 11', an LED light-emitting portion 12' equipped with LED elements 12a' and an LED control circuit 12b', a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14, a tilt switch 15, a tilt switch holder 16', a lens 17', a bolt cover cap 18', and the like. Components identical to those of the tailgate lifter light 1 for a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The differences from the tailgate lifter light 1 for a vehicle according to Embodiment 1 are the shape of the base portion 11' and the lens 17', and the mounting positions of the LED light-emitting portion 12', solar panel 13, rechargeable battery 14, and tilt switch 15 on the base portion 11'.

[0049] In other words, the tailgate lifter light 1' of the vehicle in Embodiment 2 differs from the tailgate lifter light 1 of the vehicle in Embodiment 1 in that it is attached to a vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b'. The opening and closing plate 2b3' that moves up and down after being manually opened and closed relative to the vertical lifting rail 2b1' has its tip cut at an angle to provide an inclined surface 2b31', and is provided on the left and right sides 2b32', 2b32' of the inclined surface 2b31'.

[0050] In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the base portion 11' and lens 17' of the vehicle tailgate lifter light 1' have the tip of the lifting and lowering opening and closing plate 2b3' cut diagonally to match the shape of the inclined surface 2b31', and the tilt switch 15 and tilt switch holder 16' are housed along the inclined surfaces 11a' and 17b'.

[0051] Therefore, the base portion 11' and lens 17' of the tailgate lifter light 1' of the vehicle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention are formed to have inclined surfaces 11a' and 17b', respectively, as shown in Figures 8 to 12, and can be mounted close to the tip of the opening / closing plate 2b3', so that the light can be illuminated or flashed near the tip of the opening / closing plate 2b3', thereby improving safety.

[0052] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, since the tilt switch 15 cannot be used on both the left and right sides even if its orientation is reversed, the reversal of the tilt switch 15 is not considered, and the LED element 12a' is superimposed on the tilt switch 15 as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 12(a), etc.

[0053] Furthermore, in the LED light-emitting section 12a' of Embodiment 2, the opening and closing plate 2b3' of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' has its tip cut at an angle to provide, for example, a 63-degree inclined surface 2b31'. Therefore, a part of the LED substrate 12c' on which the LED control circuit 12b' is mounted is cut at an angle to match the shape of the inclined surface 2b31'.

[0054] The LED control circuit 12b' of Embodiment 2, although not shown in the figures, is configured similarly to the LED control circuit 12b of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 4. It includes a blinking prevention capacitor 12b1, resistors 12b2 to 12b5, a MOSFET 12b6 as a switching element, a Zener diode 12b7, etc., between the rechargeable battery 14 and the tilt switch 15 and the LED element 12a. It controls the supply or interruption of current from the rechargeable battery 14 to the LED element 12a based on whether the tilt switch 15 is on or off, thereby controlling the lighting and extinguishing of the LED element 12a.

[0055] Therefore, even if the contact ball type tilt switch 15 experiences chattering due to vibrations during vehicle 2 operation, causing the built-in contact ball to move and repeatedly switch on and off, the MOSFET 12b6 will not turn on, preventing the LED element 12a from lighting up, even if the tilt switch 15 is momentarily or briefly turned on during vehicle operation. This is achieved through the rechargeable battery 14, the anti-flashing capacitor 12b1, resistors 12b2-12b5, and Zener diode 12b7 installed between the tilt switch 15 and the LED element 12a. Conversely, the power stored in the anti-flashing capacitor 12b1 prevents the LED element 12a from emitting light even if the tilt switch 15 is momentarily or briefly turned off during LED element 12a illumination.

[0056] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating angle of the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2. In the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 14, the tilt switch 15 is mounted along the inclined surface 11a' of the base portion 11' and the inclined surface 17b' of the lens 17'. Therefore, in the range of ±10 degrees from 63 degrees and 243 degrees, the tilt switch 15 faces horizontally, and the contact ball (not shown) built into the tilt switch 15 is also unstable, resulting in unstable on / off operation of the tailgate lifter light 1'.

[0057] In the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2, in the range of 63°+10° to 243°-10°, as shown in Figure 14, the contact ball (not shown) in the tilt switch 15 rolls in the ON direction, turning on the tilt switch 15 and supplying current to the LED element 12a as a light-emitting means, causing it to light up.

[0058] In contrast, in the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2, in the range of 243 degrees + 10 degrees to 63 degrees - 10 degrees, the contact ball (not shown) in the tilt switch 15 rolls in the opposite direction, the off direction, turning off the tilt switch 15 and extinguishing the LED element 12a as a light-emitting means.

[0059] The lens 17' is made of a transparent resin material and is fitted into the base 11' by means of a snap-in or the like, covering the LED element 12a', solar panel 13, rechargeable battery 14, and tilt switch 15. Above the LED element 12a', which serves as a light-emitting means, there is a four-directional V-shaped recess 17a' that is recessed in four directions. As shown in Figures 13(a) to (c), the light emitted from the LED element 12a is reflected by the four-directional V-shaped recess 17a' on the surface of the lens 17 mainly in the γ and δ directions along the longitudinal direction of the tailgate lifter light 1, and in the ε and η directions along its short direction, thereby improving visibility to approaching vehicles and pedestrians from the rear of the vehicle.

[0060] Reference numeral 16d' indicates a tilt switch housing box with terminals that accommodates the tilt switch 15, and 16e' indicates a lead wire. Reference numeral 18' indicates a bolt cover cap used when fixing the base portion 11' to the opening / closing plate 2b3' of the vehicle 2 with bolts or the like. The solar panel 13, rechargeable battery 14, and tilt switch 15 are the same as those used in Embodiment 1, so their description is omitted.

[0061] <Installation and operation of the tailgate lifter light 1' of a vehicle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention> Next, the installation and operation of the tailgate lifter light 1' of the vehicle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, configured as described above, will be explained.

[0062] The tailgate lifter light 1' of the second embodiment of the present invention is attached to the vertically rising tailgate lifter 2b' of the cargo bed 2a' of the vehicle 2', as shown in Figure 15(a).

[0063] (Mounting position of tailgate lift light 1 on vertical lifting tailgate lift 2b') The vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' consists of, for example, vertical rail sections 2b1' on both the left and right sides provided at the rear of the cargo bed 2a' as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), a vertical lifting mechanism 2b2' that moves up and down vertically (up and down) according to the vertical rail sections 2b1' by a motor (not shown) or hydraulics (not shown), and an opening / closing plate 2b3' whose base end is rotatably attached to the vertical lifting mechanism 2b2' and which is opened and closed manually. The driver or worker rotates the opening / closing handle 2b4' to lock it, or after unlocking it, presses the lifting switch 2b5' to raise or lower the opening / closing plate 2b3'.

[0064] Here, the tailgate lifter light 1' of the vehicle in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention is fixed to the left and right sides 2b32', 2b32' of the inclined surface 2b31' of the opening and closing plate 2b3' of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' at the rear of the cargo bed 2a' by screws, double-sided tape, etc.

[0065] (Operation of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' in Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 15(a), when the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' is retracted, the tailgate lifter light 1 is upright and facing vertically at a 0-degree angle, and as shown in Figure 14, it is in the off-range range of 243 (-117) to 63 degrees, and the LED element 12a is off.

[0066] In this configuration, the tailgate lifter light 1 is fixed to the left and right sides 2b32', 2b32' of the inclined surface 2b31' of the opening and closing plate 2b3' of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b', and is exposed to the outside. Therefore, the solar panel 13 generates electricity from sunlight, etc., and charges the rechargeable battery 14 with the generated electricity.

[0067] Then, when the driver or worker rotates the opening / closing handle 2b4' to release the lock and opens the opening / closing plate 2b3' to a horizontal position as shown in Figure 15(b), the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2 also becomes almost horizontal and is at a 90-degree angle, falling within the illumination range of 63 to 243 degrees as shown in Figure 14. As a result, the LED element 12a lights up, notifying the driver, worker, or pedestrian that the tailgate lifter light 1' is in operation and that it is dangerous to approach.

[0068] Subsequently, even when workers or drivers press the lifting switch 2b5' to raise or lower the opening / closing plate 2b3' for loading or unloading cargo, the opening / closing plate 2b3' remains in a nearly horizontal position as shown in Figure 15(b), and the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2 also remains in a nearly horizontal position, so the LED element 12a continues to be lit.

[0069] Therefore, according to the tailgate lifter light 1' of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when the opening / closing plate 2b3' of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' is opened during nighttime work, etc., the tilt switch 15 detects the angle of the opening / closing plate 2b3' and the tailgate lifter light 1' automatically turns on to alert those around, thereby preventing accidents such as pedestrians and cyclists coming into contact with or colliding with the tailgate lifter light 1'.

[0070] Furthermore, similar to the case of the tailgate lifter light 1 of the vehicle in Embodiment 1, workers using the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' can recognize the presence of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b' in operation by the illumination of the LED element 12a, thereby preventing workers from stepping off or tripping over the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b'.

[0071] <Summary of the tailgate lifter light 1' for a vehicle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention> As described above, the tailgate lifter light 1' of the second embodiment of the present invention includes an LED light-emitting unit 12 on which an LED element 12a and an LED control circuit 12b are mounted, a solar panel 13, a rechargeable battery 14 that stores the current generated by the solar panel 13, and a tilt switch 15 that turns on or off based on the tilt angle of the tailgate lifter light 1 which emits light with the current from the rechargeable battery 14.

[0072] Therefore, the tailgate lifter light 1' of the embodiment of the present invention charges the rechargeable battery 14 with the current generated by the solar panel 13, and the tilt switch 15 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the LED element 12a based on the angle of the vertical lifting tailgate lifter 2b', thus providing a tailgate lifter light 1' for a vehicle that does not require wiring, is easy to retrofit, and can automatically control lighting and extinguishing.

[0073] Furthermore, the lens 17' of the tailgate lifter light 1' of the vehicle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is provided with a four-directional V-shaped recess 17a' above the LED element 12a, as shown in Figures 8 to 13.

[0074] Therefore, the light emitted from the LED element 12a is reflected and emitted at a wide angle, including not only in the γ and δ directions in the longitudinal direction of the tailgate lifter light 1', but also in the ε and η directions in the short direction, by the four-directional V-shaped recesses 17a' provided on the surface of the lens 17'. This improves visibility to approaching vehicles and pedestrians from the rear of the vehicle, thereby enhancing safety. Furthermore, by efficiently diffusing the light emitted from the LED element 12a by the directional V-shaped recesses 17a', only one LED element 12a is needed, reducing the amount of current consumed and contributing to longer continuous lighting times. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1.1' Lights for tailgate lifter 11,11' Base section 11a,11a Screw holes for fixing the lifter 11b LED board fixing screw receiver 12,12' LED element 12a LED element 12b LED light-emitting section 12c,12c' LED board 12d terminal 12e screw 12e screw hole 13 Solar Panels 14 rechargeable batteries 15. Tilt switch 16a, 16b Mounting terminals for tilt switches 16c lead wire 17,17' lens 17a Two-directional V-shaped recess 17a' Four-way V-shaped recess 18' Bolt cover cap 2,2' Vehicle 2a,2a' loading platform 2b Retractable tailgate lifter 2b 2b' Vertical lifting tailgate lifter

Claims

1. A vehicle tailgate lift light, which is attached to the tailgate lift of a vehicle, Solar panels and A rechargeable battery that stores the current generated by the solar panel, A light-emitting means that emits light using current from the rechargeable battery, An inclination switch that turns the tailgate lifter light on or off based on its inclination angle, A control unit controls the on / off state of the light-emitting means by supplying or interrupting current from the rechargeable battery to the light-emitting means based on whether the tilt switch is on or off, The system includes a base unit on which the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit are mounted. The base portion has an elongated shape in accordance with the side surface of the tailgate lifter. The tilt switch is configured such that a movable switch body rolls to turn on and off according to the tilt angle of the tilt switch, and the tilt switch is configured such that it can be used with either the left or right tailgate lifter of the vehicle by changing the installation direction of the movable switch body and reversing the polarity direction, while being parallel to the short side of the base portion.

2. A light for the tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to claim 1, further, The base portion has a transparent lens that covers the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit. The tilt switch is mounted on the base so as not to overlap with the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, and the control unit, and is visible from the outside through the lens, as a light for a vehicle tailgate lifter.

3. A light for a vehicle's tailgate lift, which is attached to the tailgate lift of a vehicle, Solar panels and A rechargeable battery that stores the current generated by the solar panel, A light-emitting means that emits light using current from the rechargeable battery, An inclination switch that turns the tailgate lifter light on or off based on its inclination angle, A control unit controls the on / off state of the light-emitting means by supplying or interrupting current from the rechargeable battery to the light-emitting means based on whether the tilt switch is on or off, The system includes a base unit on which the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit are mounted. The base portion has an inclined surface corresponding to the slope of the side surface of the tailgate lifter. The tilt switch is configured such that a movable switch body rolls to turn on and off according to the tilt angle of the tilt switch, and the tilt switch is mounted at an angle according to the inclined surface of the base portion, characterized in that it is a light for a vehicle tailgate lifter.

4. In the tailgate lifter light of the vehicle according to claim 3, further, The base portion has a transparent lens that covers the solar panel, the rechargeable battery, the light-emitting means, the tilt switch, and the control unit. The tilt switch is mounted such that the lens side is covered by the solar panel and the light-emitting means, and is a light for a vehicle's tailgate lifter.

5. A light for the tailgate lifter of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit is provided with a flashing prevention capacitor that prevents the light-emitting means from lighting up / flashing while the vehicle is in motion due to chattering, where the tilt switch repeatedly turns on or off. This is a light for a vehicle's tailgate lifter.

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