JPH0615210U - Underwater decorative lighting device for aquarium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a lighting device for the purpose of enhancing the decorative effect and the ornamental effect of an aquarium by incorporating a light-sensing element into water. [Structure] A light source (5) is installed outside and under water. The light of this light source is guided into the water by one or a plurality of optical fibers (6) whose front end faces the water in the water tank, and the light is emitted at the front end of the optical fiber. Near the tip of the optical fiber (6), the light-emitting decorative members (7), (11), (13), (1)
5), (18) may be attached.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a decorative lighting device for an aquarium for aquarium fish breeding, and more particularly to an underwater decorative lighting device that can enhance the decorative effect and ornamental effect of the aquarium by emitting light in water.

[0002]

[Prior art and problems]

 In many households and public facilities, tropical fish and rare fish are bred in aquariums and used for ornamental purposes. In order to enhance the ornamental effect and decoration effect, it is common practice to install rare species of aquatic plants, natural or artificial rocks, driftwood, etc. in the tank to foster an atmosphere under the sea.

However, since such a decorative accessory is merely installed in the aquarium, it is impossible to express a light-dark contrast in the sea or a light-sensitive element such as a shadow with this. It was one more lacking in terms of effect.

It has been practiced to illuminate the water tank by providing a lighting device such as a fluorescent lamp or a halogen lamp above or at the side of the water tank. However, since all of these are for illuminating the aquarium from the outside of the aquarium as a whole or collectively, operations such as expressing a subtle contrast of light and shade in water or locally illuminating any part of the water are performed. Was impossible. Therefore, these illuminators are usually used for mere illumination at night or in a dark room, and no further effect can be expected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to enhance the decorative effect and the ornamental effect of an aquarium by incorporating an optical element into the water, and an illumination device for this purpose. Is provided.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the inventor focused on direct light emission underwater in view of the fact that conventional conventional total illumination from underwater has a delicate expression of subtle light and dark underwater and local illumination has limitations. As a point, as a result of further research, this device could be completed. That is, according to the present invention, with reference to the reference numerals of the drawings, the light source (5) installed outside and underwater is exposed to the water in the water tank while the light from the light source (5) is exposed to the water. The gist is an underwater decorative lighting device for an aquarium, which is equipped with one or a plurality of optical fibers (6) that are guided to the light source and emit light at the tip. Further, the light emitting decorative members (7), (11), (13), (15) and (18) may be attached near the tip of the optical fiber (6).

[0007]

[Action]

 Light from a light source installed outside the water is guided into the water by the optical fiber and emitted from the tip of the optical fiber exposed to the water in the water tank. Therefore, local underwater light emission and underwater lighting are possible at the tip of the optical fiber.In addition to forming light and dark contrasts and shadows in the water, the light emitting portion should be arranged appropriately or emit light of various colors if necessary. This enables a wide variety of displays and expressions. In addition, since the light source is installed outside the water, there is no danger of the electric wiring circuit for lighting coming into contact with water, the safety is extremely high, and no waterproof treatment is required.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the light emitting decorative material is attached near the tip of the optical fiber, the light emission is visually recognized through the decorative member, and therefore various kinds of light can be used as the decorative material. By using the one, an even more dramatic effect can be given to the underwater space.

[0009]

【Example】

 Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, (1) is a fish culture tank, which is formed of a transparent resin or the like into a box shape having an upper surface opening. The underwater lighting device (2) is attached to the aquarium.

The underwater lighting device (2) includes a light source box (3) and an optical fiber guide tube (4). The light source box (3) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped box shape so as to prevent light from leaking to the outside, as shown in detail in FIG. The inside of the light source box (3) is partitioned into a plurality of light source accommodating chambers (31) in the longitudinal direction, and the light source (5) is accommodated in each of the light source accommodating chambers (31) independently. There is. The upper lid (32) can be opened and closed in order to attach and replace the light source (5). Further, the lower surface of the light source box (3) is provided with one or a plurality of insertion holes (33) for inserting the optical fiber guide tube (4) in each light source housing chamber. On the other hand, the upper lid (32) is also provided with an air circulation hole (34) for each light source housing chamber so that the heat in the light source housing chamber (31) when the light source is turned on can be released to the outside of the light source box. There is. In addition, (20) shown in FIG. 1 is a power outlet for a light source.

As the light source (5), any one may be selected and used from various light sources such as a fluorescent lamp, a halogen bulb, an incandescent lamp, a light emitting diode, and an ultraviolet ray bulb. Further, it may be a single light source having a large diameter as shown in FIG. 2, or may be an assembly of small light sources. As for the color of the light source, color spheres of various colors such as red, blue, yellow and the like can be used in order to obtain a desired decorative effect. Further, a color filter may be provided at the light emitting portion at the tip of the optical fiber to cause color light emission to obtain a desired color. Further, instead of the same kind of light source, two or more kinds of light sources may be accommodated in the same light source accommodating chamber (31).

The optical fiber guide tube (4) covers a large number of optical fibers (6) in a bundle, and protects the optical fibers (6) against cutting, damage, and the like, and protects the optical fibers from a predetermined portion. It plays a role of orderly induction. The optical fiber guiding conduit (4) is composed of a connection body of a metal pipe (41) forming a straight line portion and a rubber pipe (42) forming a curved line portion. Of course, the whole structure may be composed of only metal pipes, but because of its rigidity, bent pipes are not easy and bending flexibility is poor. On the other hand, if the rubber tube is used alone, it is difficult to form the straight part due to its flexibility, and the appearance is degraded. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the straight portion is constituted by the metal pipe (41) and the curved portion is constituted by the rubber pipe (42) to ensure the easiness of the piping and the good appearance.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, one end of the optical fiber guide tube (4) is inserted into the insertion hole (33) in the lower surface of the light source box (3) and is inserted into the tip of the guide tube. It is attached by a large stopper (43) so that it will not come off.

The plurality of optical fibers (6) housed in the optical fiber guide tube (4) in a penetrating state are such that both ends thereof are slightly projected from the guide tube (4). As is well known, the general structure of this optical fiber (6) is a fiber made of glass or resin and has a double structure consisting of a core with a high refractive index in the center and a clad with a low refractive index on the outside, and has a diameter of It is manufactured to about 0.25 to 2.0 mm. The diameter and the number of optical fibers (6) to be used may be appropriately selected according to the desired light emission and illumination area. The distance between the light receiving end (61) of the optical fiber exposed in the light source accommodating chamber (31) and the light source (5) may be appropriately determined according to the light amount of the light source (5).

The underwater lighting device (2) is mounted on the water tank (1) in the following manner. That is, while the light source box (3) is placed on the upper rear edge of the water tank (1), the optical fiber (6) hangs from the lower surface of the light source box (3), and the tip of the optical fiber box (6) is supposed to emit light in the water in the water tank. It is exposed to the part. Such position setting can be easily performed by adjusting the bending of the rubber tube portion (42) of the optical fiber guide tube (4). When the light source (5) is turned on in this state, the light from the light source (5) enters the light receiving section (61) at the tip of the optical fiber (6) exposed in the light source accommodating chamber (31), and then the optical fiber (6). ) And emitted from the light emitting part (62) at the other end of the optical fiber exposed to the water. The light emitting part (62) of the optical fiber (6) may be left exposed in the water so that it can be seen directly by the viewer, or it may be placed behind a natural or artificial rock or aquatic plant. Alternatively, these may be illuminated from the back or the side. In either case, subtle contrasts and shadows can be finely and freely expressed by local light emission and local illumination in the water, giving the viewer a fresh impression and surprise. In addition, an ultraviolet lamp is used as a light source, and a fluorescent coating is applied to the light emitting target or the light emitting target site, and the light emitting target or the light emitting target is irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the tip of the optical fiber. It is also possible to make the target region emit light. Furthermore, the light emission from the tip of the optical fiber may be blinked or the brightness may be continuously changed by controlling the blinking of the light source or continuously changing the light amount.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the installation position of the light source box (3) is changed. In this embodiment, the light source box (3) is arranged in the lower rear part of the water tank (1). Then, the optical fiber guide tube (4) is taken out through the upper surface of the light source box (3), and the taken out guide tube (4) is pulled upward along the rear surface of the water tank (1). It is spun around the upper edge of the rear surface and hangs down into the water in the water tank. Thus, by installing the light source box (3) behind the water tank, the light source box can be hidden outside the viewing area, and the overall appearance can be further improved.

5 to 9 show an embodiment in which a light emitting decorative member is attached in the vicinity of the light emitting portion of the optical fiber (6).

First, FIG. 5 shows that the eyes of the fish-shaped decorative member (7) are made to emit light. That is, the transparent resin window member (8) is fitted to the front eye portion of the decorative member (7), while the tubular joining member (9) is attached to the tip of the optical fiber guide tube (4). It is worn. The tip of the optical fiber guide tube (4) penetrates the back surface of the decorative member (7), and the window member (8) passes through the tip flange portion (10) of the joining member (9). It is bonded to the inner surface with an adhesive around the circumference of. As a result, the optical fiber guide tube (4) and the fish-shaped decorative member (7) are integrally attached, and the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber (6) is emitted through the window member (8). Therefore, it is possible to give the viewer an impression as if the eyes of the fish were shining.

FIG. 6 shows the L-shaped decorative member (11) attached. That is, an L-shaped transparent resin window member (12) is attached to the front surface of the decorative member (11), and the rear surface of the decorative member (11) is penetrated immediately after this window member (12). A plurality of optical fibers (6) are provided at the tip light emitting portions. The light emitted from the optical fiber (6) is transmitted through the L-shaped window member (11) and is emitted, so that the viewer can visually recognize the L-shaped light emission. The shape of the decorative member (11) is not limited to the L shape, and any other character shape or other shape may be selected.

FIG. 7 shows a structure in which each single wire of the optical fiber (6) in the optical fiber guide tube (4) is inserted into the through hole (14) of the plate-like decorative member (13) for stippling and adhered. This makes it possible to form a large number of fine point-shaped light emitting sources in the decorative member, and to form a set of such points in the shape of a constellation to provide a stippled display body representing the sky in water. Further, not only the sky but also a painting or the like can be displayed in a stippled manner.

FIG. 8 shows that the viewing window of the submarine-shaped decorative member (15) is made to emit light. That is, the transparent resin window members (16) are attached to the positions corresponding to the viewing windows on the front surface of the decorative member (15), while the plurality of optical fiber guiding conduits (4) are passed through the rear surface of the decorative member (15). ) Has been placed. The optical fiber (6) extending from each guide tube is separated into two bundles, each of which is guided inside a separate window member (16). A cylindrical regulating member (17) is joined around the inner surface of the window member (16) so that the tip of the optical fiber (6) is housed in the regulating member (17) so that the tip of the optical fiber does not come out of the window member (16). It is supposed to prevent the regulation. In such a structure, the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber (6) is transmitted through the viewing window and is emitted, whereby the viewer can be provided with a decorative effect by the illumination of the viewing window.

FIG. 9 shows a structure in which a submerged building-like decorative member (18) is used and is provided with light-dark contrast. That is, while the transparent resin plate (19) is used in the part corresponding to the waist plate of the decorative member (18), the optical fiber guide tube (4) is installed below it so that the optical fiber (6) emits light upward. . As a result, the wainscot portion emits light in water, and a bright and dark contrast is played, so that the structure can be visually recognized in three dimensions.

Although the transparent plate is used as the window member or the member corresponding to the waist plate in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the semi-transparent plate is used to visually recognize the light emission in a blurred state, for example in an underwater atmosphere. It is also possible to make it more exciting, and various other variations are possible.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the same components as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0026]

[Effect of device]

 According to the above-mentioned invention, the light source installed outside the water and the tip end are exposed to the water in the water tank, and the light from the light source is guided into the water to emit light at the tip end. Since it is characterized in that it is equipped with an optical fiber, it is possible to perform local underwater light emission and underwater illumination at the tip of the optical fiber. Therefore, as compared with the conventional case where the decorative member is simply installed in the aquarium or the entire aquarium is illuminated from the outside of the water, the light-sensitive element can be abundantly incorporated into the water. In addition to forming light and dark contrasts and shades, it is possible to display and express a wide variety by arranging the light emitting parts appropriately and emitting light in various colors if necessary, and the idea with artistic elements It has the effect of creating an aquarium with excellent decorative and decorative effects.

Moreover, the light source may be installed anywhere outside the water, and since the light from the light source is guided into the water by the optical fiber, the length, the number of the optical fibers, the manner of wiring, etc. can be determined. By making appropriate changes, it is possible to emit light of any size at any position in the water, and it is possible to significantly improve the freedom of underwater illumination. In addition, since the light source is not immersed in water, there is no risk of the electrical wiring circuit for lighting coming into contact with water, it is extremely safe and does not require waterproof treatment, and the light source and optical fiber Combined with the simple structure, it can be manufactured and provided extremely easily and inexpensively. In addition, light sources can be replaced easily and quickly, and maintenance management is extremely easy.

Further, according to the invention as set forth in claim 2, since the light emitting decorative member is attached in the vicinity of the tip of the optical fiber, it is possible to visually recognize the light emission through this decorative member. By using various types of decorative members such as fish, letters, submerged buildings, etc., it is possible to give a more dramatic effect to the underwater space, and it is possible to create an aquarium that is more decorative and ornamental Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light source box.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a piping state of an optical fiber guide tube.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a modification of the installation position of the light source box.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view showing a state before the fish-like decorative member is attached to the tip of the optical fiber, and (b) is V- of (a). It is a V line sectional view.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a perspective view showing a state in which an L-shaped decorative member is attached to the tip of an optical fiber, and (B) is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of (A).

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a perspective view showing a state where a decorative member for stippling display is attached to the tip of an optical fiber, and (b) is VII-VII of (a).
It is a line sectional view.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a perspective view showing a state where a submarine-shaped decorative member is attached to the tip of an optical fiber, and (b) is a line (VIII) -VIII of (a).
FIG.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a perspective view showing a state in which a submerged building-like decorative member is attached to the tip of an optical fiber, and (b) is IX-I of (a).
It is an X-ray sectional view.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Water tank 2 ... Underwater lighting device 5 ... Light source 6 ... Optical fiber 7, 11, 13, 15, 18 ... Decorative member

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Office reference number FI technical display location G02B 6/00 331 6920-2K

Claims (2)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A light source (5) installed outside the water, and a tip portion thereof is exposed to water in a water tank, and light from the light source (5) is guided into the water to emit light at the tip portion.
Or a plurality of optical fibers (6), an underwater decorative lighting device for an aquarium. 2. A light emitting decorative member (7), (11), (13), (15), (18) near the tip of the optical fiber (6).
The underwater decorative illumination device for an aquarium according to claim 1, wherein the underwater decorative illumination device is attached.