Illumination device
The lighting device addresses the limitations of conventional fixtures by using a lighting adjustment unit that switches between transparent and opaque states, allowing for dynamic adjustment of light patterns and meeting diverse application requirements in an energy-efficient manner.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025000961U
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Conventional lighting fixtures often provide only fixed lighting patterns, which can lead to wear and damage due to mechanical adjustments, and may not meet diverse application requirements.
A lighting device with a housing, a controller, a light-emitting unit, and a lighting adjustment unit that can switch between a transparent and opaque state, allowing for continuous adjustment of lighting effects and various illumination patterns.
Enables the lighting device to dynamically adjust between focused and diffused light patterns, meeting different application needs while being energy-efficient and reducing the risk of mechanical damage.
Smart Images
Figure 0003251438000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, and more particularly to a lighting device capable of switching between different lighting patterns.
Background Art
[0002] Flashlights are preferred for portable and mobile lighting in daily use, and work lights are mainly used in industrial production environments such as automobile repair sites. Conventional lighting fixtures usually provide only a fixed lighting pattern. In some fixtures, various beam shapes can be formed by adjusting optical components such as moving the light source or focusing lens, but this mechanical adjustment method is susceptible to wear and damage. Over time, damage may occur due to friction between mechanical parts, and the entire lighting fixture may malfunction.
[0003] Furthermore, in recent years, the multi-functional integration of lighting devices has become a development trend. To address this, some lighting fixtures are designed to have multiple light-emitting units to meet the lighting needs of different application scenarios through various units. However, in actual use, the functions of these light-emitting units may be restricted by each other, making it difficult to meet diverse application requirements.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a lighting device capable of switching between different lighting patterns by controlling a lighting adjustment unit. By controlling the current of the lighting adjustment unit to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state, the lighting effect can be continuously adjusted, enabling the lighting device to meet the requirements of various application conditions.
[0005] According to the present invention, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved by an illumination device including a housing, a controller, a light-emitting unit, and an illumination adjustment unit that is electrically connected to the controller and can switch between a transparent state and an opaque state so that light rays from the light-emitting unit can provide different illumination patterns.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0006]
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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0007] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12 of the drawings, a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This lighting device includes a housing 10, a controller 20, a light-emitting unit 30 electrically connected to the controller 20, and a lighting adjustment unit 40 electrically connected to the controller 20 and capable of switching between a transparent state and an opaque state so that the lighting device can provide different lighting patterns. The controller 20, the light-emitting unit 30, and the lighting adjustment unit 40 are attached to the housing 10.
[0008] The controller 20 includes a control circuit board 21 and a power supply module 22 disposed on the housing 10 and supplying electrical energy to the light-emitting unit 30 and the lighting adjustment unit 40. The power supply module 22 may include a rechargeable battery and has an electrical connection port for connecting to an external power source.
[0009] Therefore, in this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 30 includes at least two light sources including a first light source 31 and a second light source 32 electrically connected to the control circuit board 21 of the controller 20. The first light source 31 is attached to the housing 10, and the first light source 31 and the housing 10 form a lamp body. The second light source 32 is movably attached to the lamp body, and the second light source 32 does not affect the relative positional relationship between the first light source 31 and the housing 10 during the relative movement with respect to the lamp body.
[0010] The first light source 31 can be realized as a movable light source or a fixed light source, and is not limited by the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first light source 31 can be movably attached to the housing 10 to form a movable light source. In other embodiments of the present invention, the first light source 31 is fixedly attached to the housing 10 to form a fixed light source.
[0011] In some application scenarios, it is worth mentioning that in order to enable the lighting device to be used as a flashlight, it is necessary to ensure that at least one light source in the lighting device can emit light in a specific direction from the end of the housing 10. In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical axis direction of the first light source 31 may coincide with the longitudinal axis direction of the housing 10 so that the lighting device can be used as a flashlight.
[0012] The first light source 31 includes a light emitting element 311, a light collecting element 312, and a lens 313 in front of the light emitting element 311. The light collecting element 312 in this embodiment can be an embodiment including a light reflecting bowl having a receiving cavity, and the light emitting element 311 is disposed in the receiving cavity. The lens 313 is located in front of the light emitting element 311 so that light rays can pass through. In some embodiments, the lens 313 may be a plano lens or a condenser lens that can collect light. The light collecting element 312 may include a light reflecting bowl and an additional light converging lens. When the light collecting element 312 is a light reflecting bowl, the light emitting element 311 is disposed within the light reflecting bowl. When the light collecting element 312 is a light converging lens or another type of lens, the light collecting element 312 is disposed in the optical path of the light emitting element 311.
[0013] In this embodiment, the lighting adjustment unit 40 provided between the light emitting element 311 and the lens 313 can be switched between a transparent state and an opaque state, whereby the light rays from the light emitting element 311 can be switched between a focused light pattern and a scattered light pattern. The lighting adjustment unit 40 and the first light source 31 form the lighting assembly 100 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7.
[0014] When the lighting adjustment unit 40 is in a transparent state, light can pass through the lighting adjustment unit 40 without being obstructed, and the light can maintain a focused beam directed by the lens 313.
[0015] When the lighting adjustment unit 40 switches to an opaque state or a diffused state, the light scatters, the focus is disrupted, and a more diffused light pattern is formed. This is useful for applications that require a wide area of ambient lighting, such as general indoor lighting or diffused lighting in a large space.
[0016] By using the lighting adjustment unit 40 to switch between the transparent state and the opaque state, the lighting system can be dynamically adjusted between a focused light pattern and a diffused light pattern. The ability to switch between focused and diffused light with just a button press means that the system can easily adapt to various scenarios, such as a spotlight for presentations, soft lighting for relaxation, or wide-area lighting for general illumination.
[0017] By enabling adjustment of the light pattern without the need for an additional energy-intensive mechanism (such as a mechanical shutter), this system provides an energy-efficient solution. This system utilizes the characteristics of the lighting adjustment unit 40 to dynamically adjust the light output and is designed to be used only when energy is required to achieve the desired lighting effect.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 9, the lighting adjustment unit 40 includes two transparent indium tin oxide layers 41 and a liquid crystal layer 42 positioned between the two indium tin oxide layers 41. The indium tin oxide layer 41 is a transparent conductive layer that functions as an electrode for applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 42. This material is widely used due to its excellent conductivity and light transmissivity and is optimal for use in electronic and lighting applications where both light transmission and electrical control are required.
[0019] The liquid crystal layer 42 located between the two tin-doped indium oxide layers 41 contains a polymer liquid crystal material. Liquid crystals have the unique ability to align themselves or become disordered in response to an applied electric field, thereby changing the optical properties of the material.
[0020] When a voltage is applied between the two tin-doped indium oxide layers 41, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 42 are regularly arranged. Due to this arrangement, the liquid crystal layer 42 becomes transparent, allowing the light emitted from the light-emitting element 311 to pass through without changing direction or being scattered. In this state, the light is optimal for applications that require accurate and concentrated illumination in order to maintain its focused directional beam.
[0021] When the power supply is turned off, no voltage is applied to the tin-doped indium oxide layers 41, and the liquid crystal molecules become disordered. Due to this disordered arrangement, the liquid crystal layer 42 becomes opaque and effectively scatters light. The light emitted from the light-emitting element 311 enters the lighting adjustment unit 40 and is diffused, forming a wider and more diffused light pattern. This scattered light is more suitable for general lighting or ambient lighting scenarios where a softer and more uniform light distribution is desired.
[0022] Alternatively, the lighting adjustment unit 40 includes a polymer network liquid crystal film, also known as a transmissive dimming film, which is a functional film material made by polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology. The lighting adjustment unit 40 includes two flexible tin-doped indium oxide layers 41, which are conductive layers coated with a liquid crystal layer 42 in between. This advanced film provides an effective solution for controlling the transparency and opacity of light by electrical means.
[0023] The polymer network liquid crystal film is created by embedding liquid crystal molecules within a polymer matrix and sandwiching this composite material between two indium tin oxide layers 41, which are flexible and transparent conductors. The liquid crystal layer 42 plays a crucial role in the optical properties of the film as it enables the material to switch between a transparent and an opaque state when a voltage is applied or removed.
[0024] In this alternative mode, when a voltage is applied to the indium tin oxide layer 41, an electric field is generated across the liquid crystal layer 42, causing the liquid crystal molecules to become disordered. In this state, the molecules scatter light, preventing it from passing through the film. As a result, the polymer network liquid crystal film appears opaque, blocking the passage of light, which is useful in privacy settings or when light transmission reduction is desired.
[0025] When the voltage is turned off, the liquid crystal molecules are reoriented and regularly arranged under the influence of the alignment layer (or phase compensation layer). In this configuration, the liquid crystal allows parallel light to pass through, rendering the polymer network liquid crystal film transparent. This function is particularly useful when clear visibility or light passage is required.
[0026] The ability to control the film's transparency with a simple voltage adjustment allows for instantaneous changes between the opaque and transparent states. This fast response time is essential in dynamic environments where light control is needed on demand.
[0027] The lighting adjustment unit 40 in this system can be attached in multiple ways, improving the flexibility of integration within different lighting setups. Specifically, it can be attached either outside the lens 313 or directly to the light-emitting element 311. Each configuration has its own advantages and can be selected according to the desired application and performance characteristics.
[0028] When the lighting adjustment unit 40 is attached outside the lens 313, the light rays pass through the lens 313 before reaching the lighting adjustment unit 40.
[0029] Alternatively, the lighting adjustment unit 40 can be directly attached to the light emitting element 311 itself. In this configuration, this unit functions as a direct modifier of the light output from the light source. The light from the light emitting element 311 passes through the lighting adjustment unit 40 in a focused state (if the unit is transparent), or scatters if the unit is opaque.
[0030] Integrating the lighting adjustment unit 40 directly with the light emitting element 311 reduces the need for additional components, makes the system more compact, and makes the design more efficient. This arrangement allows direct control of the light transmission characteristics, adjusting the light quality from focusing to diffusion at the light source, and more effectively achieving the desired lighting effect.
[0031] According to the present invention, the ability to control the characteristics of light can optimize scene lighting where changing light intensity and spread are important. For example, the lighting unit can provide both a spotlight effect and ambient lighting by adjusting the opacity of the lighting adjustment unit 40.
[0032] The second light source 32 may be movably attached to the housing 10 or may be movably attached to the first light source 31, and is not limited to the present invention.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second light source 32 includes a mounting carrier 321 and a light emitting member 322 disposed on the mounting carrier 321. The mounting carrier 321 has a receiving cavity, and the light emitting member 322 is disposed within the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity has a cavity opening, and the second light source 32 also includes a light shield that covers the cavity opening of the receiving cavity to prevent contaminants from entering the receiving cavity through the cavity opening. The light shield is made of a light transmissive material that transmits the light emitted from the light emitting member 322.
[0034] In this embodiment, the second light source 32 can be switched between a first state and a second state while moving relative to the lamp body. In the first state, the second light source 32 is in its initial position, and the mounting carrier 321 of the second light source 32 is adjacent to the outer peripheral wall of the housing 10. In the second state, the second light source 32 moves away from its initial position.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 of the drawings, an illumination device according to an alternative mode of the above embodiment of the present invention is shown. This illumination device includes a housing 10, a controller 20, a light emitting unit 30 electrically connected to the controller 20, and an illumination adjustment unit 40 electrically connected to the controller 20 and capable of switching between a transparent state and an opaque state so that the illumination device can provide different illumination patterns. The controller 20, the light emitting unit 30, and the illumination adjustment unit 40 are attached to the housing 10.
[0036] Therefore, in this embodiment, the light emitting unit 30 may include only the first light source 31 including the light emitting element 311, the light collecting element 312, and the lens 313 in front of the light emitting element 311. As a result, the illumination device functions as a handheld flashlight.
[0037] Alternatively, the illumination device may include two or more illumination adjustment units 40 each capable of switching between a transparent state and an opaque state to adjust the illumination pattern. The number of illumination adjustment units 40 can be selected or adjusted according to actual illumination design parameters or required light output.
Claims
1. 1. A lighting device, comprising: Housing and A controller; a light emitting unit attached to the housing; and one or more light adjusting units electrically connected to the controller, the light adjusting units being adapted to switch between a transparent state and an opaque state so that light beams from the light emitting units can provide different lighting patterns.
2. The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting element, and the light-adjusting unit is provided in front of the light-emitting element.
3. The lighting device according to claim 2 , wherein the light-emitting unit includes a focusing element, and the light-emitting element is disposed within the focusing element, or the light-emitting element is provided adjacent to the focusing element, or the focusing element is disposed within an optical path of the light-emitting element.
4. The lighting device according to claim 3 , wherein the light-emitting unit includes a lens, and the light-adjusting unit is provided between the lens and the light-emitting element.
5. 2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting unit includes a first light source and a second light source attached to one of the first light source and the housing, the first light source includes a light-emitting element, and the lighting adjustment unit is provided in front of the light-emitting element.
6. The lighting device of claim 5 , wherein the second light source is pivotally mounted to the housing.
7. The lighting device according to claim 5 , wherein the first light source of the light-emitting unit further includes a concentrating element, and the light-emitting element is disposed within the concentrating element.
8. 8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein when a voltage is applied across each lighting adjustment unit, the lighting adjustment unit becomes transparent, and when no voltage is applied to the lighting adjustment unit, the lighting adjustment unit becomes opaque.
9. 8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein when a voltage is applied across each lighting adjustment unit, the lighting adjustment unit becomes opaque, and when no voltage is applied to the lighting adjustment unit, the lighting adjustment unit becomes transparent.
10. 1. A lighting assembly comprising: A light-emitting unit; and one or more light adjusting units that can be switched between a transparent state and an opaque state so that light from the light emitting units can provide different lighting patterns.