Lighting equipment

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to make the inside of a room uniformly bright regardless of the time of day. This lighting device includes: a light source unit for emitting light toward a floor surface of a room; a storage unit for storing light distribution zone data relating to a zone in the room into which the light is shone, in association with time information; a time information acquiring unit for acquiring time information relating to the current time; a light distribution zone setting unit for setting a light distribution zone for the light from the light source unit; and a control unit for reading the light distribution zone data corresponding to the time information acquired by the time information acquiring unit from the storage unit, and controlling the light distribution zone setting unit on the basis of the light distribution zone data. The brightness inside the room can be made uniform, regardless of the time of day, by setting the light distribution zone data appropriately.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device. [Background technology]

[0002] A lighting fixture having a liquid crystal light control element is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the lighting fixture disclosed in Patent Document 1, light is controlled by applying an electrical signal to the liquid crystal light control element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-65001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, if there is a window in a room, the brightness in the room varies depending on the time of day. Since the light entering the room through the window differs depending on the time of day, for example, the light entering the room through the window differs between morning and afternoon, so the brightness in the room differs between morning and afternoon. For this reason, it is not possible to make the brightness in the room uniform regardless of the time of day.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that can provide a uniform brightness in a room regardless of the time of day. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An illumination device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source unit that emits light toward a floor surface of a room, a storage unit that stores light distribution range data relating to a range to be irradiated with light in the room in association with time information, a time information acquisition unit that acquires time information relating to a current time, a light distribution range setting unit that sets a light distribution range of light from the light source unit, and a control unit that reads out light distribution range data corresponding to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit from the storage unit and controls the light distribution range setting unit based on the light distribution range data. The light distribution range setting unit includes a liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization are stacked together. A signal based on the light to be irradiated is given to the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, and light emitted from the light source unit is irradiated through the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, thereby setting the light distribution range based on the light distribution range data read out by the control unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an illumination device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the lighting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents stored in a storage unit for implementing the operation of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the storage unit in the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the size of the light distribution range is gradually changed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape of the light distribution range is gradually changed from a circle to an ellipse. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape and size of the light distribution range are gradually changed at the same time. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the size of the light distribution range is changed so as to switch instantaneously between large and small. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape of the light distribution range is instantly switched. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the size and shape of the light distribution range are changed little by little. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process performed by the control unit of the lighting device. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a control unit of a lighting device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal light distribution panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing wiring of an array substrate of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing wiring on a counter substrate of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing wiring of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a liquid crystal light distribution section. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of light distribution control using a light distribution control area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The form (embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiment. In addition, the components described below include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, in order to make the explanation clearer, the drawings may be schematic in terms of the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but they are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with respect to the previous figures may be given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an illumination device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the illumination device 100. In Fig. 1, the illumination device 100 has a light source unit 80, a liquid crystal light distribution unit 700, and a control unit 60. The light source unit 80 includes a light source 800. The liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 includes a plurality of liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4.

[0010] The lighting device 100 is an lighting device that is provided so that the irradiation range (light distribution range) of light from the light source 800 of the light source unit 80 can be individually controlled using the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700. The liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 functions as a light distribution range setting unit for setting the light distribution range of the light from the light source 800. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 can realize a light distribution range H11 in which the light from the light source 800 is widely diffused, and a light distribution range H12 in which the light from the light source 800 is narrowly diffused. The liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 includes a liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization. A detailed configuration of the liquid crystal light distribution panel included in the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 will be described later.

[0011] Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 60 has a memory unit 61, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 62, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63, a D (Digital) / A (Analog) conversion unit 64, a light source driving unit 65, and a time information acquisition unit 66.

[0012] The storage unit 61 stores the light distribution range data in association with time. The contents stored in the storage unit 61 will be described later.

[0013] The MCU 62 can read out light distribution range data corresponding to the time from the storage unit 61. The MCU 62 outputs various signals to the FPGA 63 and the light source driving unit 65. The MCU 62 controls each unit of the lighting device 100.

[0014] Under the control of the MCU 62, the FPGA 63 performs information processing for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal light distribution section 700, and outputs a signal indicating the result of the information processing to the D / A conversion section 64.

[0015] Based on the digital signal from the FPGA 63, the D / A conversion unit 64 outputs an analog signal for operating the multiple liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 included in the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700. This configuration may be one circuit or may include multiple circuits.

[0016] The light source driving unit 65 is a controller that performs ON / OFF control of the light source 800 included in the light source unit 80 and light emission intensity control when ON under the control of the MCU 62. The controller may be a single circuit or may include multiple circuits.

[0017] The time information acquiring unit 66 acquires time information related to the current time. The time information acquiring unit 66 may acquire the time information from a clock unit (not shown) inside the lighting device 100, or may acquire the time information from an external communication network outside the lighting device 100.

[0018] Control unit 60 reads out light distribution range data corresponding to the time information acquired by time information acquisition unit 66 from storage unit 61. Control unit 60 reads out the light distribution range data from storage unit 61 at regular time intervals. Control unit 60 controls liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 based on the light distribution range data.

[0019] Illumination device 100 configured as described above acquires time information by time information acquisition unit 66, and reads out light distribution range data from storage unit 61 based on the acquired time information. The light distribution range data includes data on the light distribution shape and data on the size. Illumination device 100 controls liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 so that the light from light source 800 of light source unit 80 has the light distribution shape and size according to the read light distribution range data.

[0020] 2 shows an example of the operation of the lighting device 100 installed on the ceiling of a room R. For ease of explanation, furniture and the like in the room R are not shown.

[0021] In FIG. 2, a room R is provided with a window W1 and a window W2. External light enters the room R through the window W1 and the window W2. The amount of external light entering the room R varies depending on the time of day. In this example, the light distribution range of the light irradiated from the lighting device 100 toward the floor F is changed. The lighting device 100 changes the light distribution range based on time information. By changing the light distribution range, it is possible to keep the brightness in the room R the same at any time of day, or to achieve a desired brightness depending on the time of day.

[0022] In this example, the light distribution ranges of the lighting device 100 are light distribution ranges H11, H12, H22, and H23. The shape of the floor F of the room R is rectangular.

[0023] The light distribution ranges H11 and H12 are circular in shape. The circle of the light distribution range H11 and the circle of the light distribution range H12 share a common center point P. The circle of the light distribution range H11 is larger than the circle of the light distribution range H12. The light distribution ranges H11 and H12 can be realized by emitting light from the lighting device 100 almost directly downward.

[0024] Light distribution ranges H22 and H23 are elliptical. The ellipse of light distribution range H22 and the ellipse of light distribution range H22 share a common center point P. The major axis of the ellipse of light distribution range H22 faces the directions of corners CN1 and CN2, which form diagonals on floor F. The major axis of the ellipse of light distribution range H23 faces the directions of corners CN3 and CN4, which form diagonals on floor F.

[0025] The lighting device 100 changes the light distribution range according to the time, for example, from light distribution range H22, light distribution range H23, light distribution range H22, light distribution range H11, and light distribution range H12 in this order. By changing in this way, for example, it is possible to irradiate light into the room R as follows. That is, after sunrise, the light distribution range is slowly and smoothly changed from H22 to H23 to H23 over time to illuminate dark places in the room R in accordance with the external light from the windows W1 and W2. As time passes and the sun sets, the light distribution range is changed to H11 to illuminate the room R widely, and at dinner time, the light distribution range is changed to H12 to illuminate the center of the room R.

[0026] (Example of contents stored in the memory unit) Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the storage unit 61 for realizing the operation of Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the storage unit 61 stores light distribution range data in association with time and light distribution range data. Specifically, the light distribution range data of time "6:00" and "light distribution range H22", the light distribution range data of time "9:00" and "light distribution range H23", the light distribution range data of time "12:00" and "light distribution range H22", the light distribution range data of time "15:00" and "light distribution range H11", and the light distribution range data of time "18:00" and "light distribution range H12" are stored in association with each other.

[0027] As described above, the MCU 62 sequentially acquires time information. The MCU 62 reads out light distribution range data corresponding to the acquired time information from the storage unit 61. If the light distribution range data corresponding to the acquired time information is not stored in the storage unit 61, the MCU 62 reads out light distribution range data corresponding to time information close to the acquired time information from the storage unit 61.

[0028] The light distribution range data indicates the light distribution shape and size, and the MCU 62 calculates a panel voltage based on the light distribution shape and size. The panel voltage is a voltage applied to each of the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 in the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700. Under the control of the MCU 62, the FPGA 63 performs information processing for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700, and outputs a signal indicating the result of the information processing to the D / A conversion unit 64. The analog voltage that is the conversion result of the D / A conversion unit 64 is input to the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700. As a result, each of the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 in the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 is controlled, and the distributed light is irradiated toward the floor F.

[0029] When the current time information or the nearest time information is the time "6:00", the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H22" is read out from the storage unit 61. As a result, as shown in FIG 2, elliptical light based on the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H22" is irradiated toward the floor F.

[0030] When the current time information or the nearest time information is the time "9:00", the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H23" is read out from the storage unit 61. As a result, as shown in FIG 2, elliptical light based on the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H23" is irradiated toward the floor F.

[0031] When the current time information or the nearest time information is the time "12:00", the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H22" is read out from the storage unit 61. As a result, as shown in FIG 2, elliptical light based on the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H22" is irradiated toward the floor F.

[0032] When the current time information or the nearest time information is the time "15:00", the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H11" is read out from the storage unit 61. As a result, circular light based on the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H11" is irradiated toward the floor F, as shown in FIG.

[0033] When the current time information or the nearest time information is the time "18:00", the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H12" is read out from the storage unit 61. As a result, circular light according to the light distribution range data of "light distribution range H12" is irradiated toward the floor F, as shown in FIG.

[0034] As described above, the light distribution range data is read out in sequence from storage unit 61 based on the time information of the current time, and light corresponding to the read light distribution range data is irradiated towards floor F. By appropriately setting the light distribution range data, it is possible to make the brightness in the room uniform regardless of the time.

[0035] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the brightness of the room R is kept as uniform as possible from sunrise to sunset. The basic configuration of the lighting device 100 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the stored contents of the storage unit 61 are different.

[0036] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the storage unit 61 in the second embodiment. In this example, the storage unit 61 also stores light distribution range data in association with time. Specifically, the light distribution range data of a time "6:00" close to sunrise and "light distribution range H6a", the light distribution range data of a time "8:00" and "light distribution range H8a", the light distribution range data of a time "10:00" and "light distribution range H10a", the light distribution range data of a time "12:00" and "light distribution range H12a", the light distribution range data of a time "14:00" and "light distribution range H14a", the light distribution range data of a time "16:00" and "light distribution range H16a", and the light distribution range data of a time "18:00" close to sunset and "light distribution range H18a" are stored in association with each other. By storing the light distribution range data in the storage unit 61 in association with time information from sunrise to sunset, it is possible to adjust the brightness in the room R at least from sunrise to sunset. In order to irradiate the entire floor with light like the light distribution range H6a, the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 is controlled so that the light is larger than the rectangular floor and irradiates the walls surrounding the floor. The same applies to the light distribution range H18a.

[0037] In this example, the control unit 60 controls the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 so that the light distribution range has a shape similar to the shape of the dark parts (shown by hatching) of the room R in the brightness distribution of the room R before the lights are turned on. The light distribution range of the lights, that is, the light irradiation range (shown by diagonal hatching) is changed over time. By approximating the shape of the dark parts of the room R, it is possible to keep the brightness in the room R uniform throughout the day.

[0038] In this example, a light distribution range for each two-hour period in a day is determined as an initial value, and the time and the light distribution range data are associated with each other and stored in advance in the storage unit 61. This process is an initial setting process described later. In the initial setting process, N sets (N is an integer of 2 or more) of time and light distribution range data associated with each other are stored in the storage unit 61. That is, at least two sets (i.e., N=2 or more) of time and light distribution range data associated with each other are stored in the storage unit 61. Then, the light irradiation range can be changed over time by reading from the storage unit 61 based on current time information. If the number of sets stored in the storage unit 61 is increased, the light irradiation range can be changed in a more complex manner. It is preferable to change the shape of the light distribution range smoothly.

[0039] (Other examples of changes in light distribution shape and size) In addition to the above, the light distribution shape and size can be flexibly changed by liquid crystal light distribution section 700. Below, an example of changing the light distribution shape and size will be described.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of gradually changing the size of the light distribution range. As shown in Fig. 5, the size of the irradiated light can be gradually changed from light distribution range H1 to light distribution range H2 by the voltage input to liquid crystal light distribution unit 700.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape of the light distribution range is gradually changed from a circle to an ellipse. As shown in Fig. 6, the light to be irradiated can be gradually changed from light distribution range H1 to light distribution range H3 by the voltage input to liquid crystal light distribution unit 700.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape and size of the light distribution range are gradually changed at the same time. As shown in Fig. 7, the light to be irradiated can be gradually changed from light distribution range H1 to light distribution range H4 by the voltage input to liquid crystal light distribution unit 700.

[0043] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which the size of the light distribution range is instantly changed from large to small. As shown in Fig. 8, the light distribution range of the irradiated light can be gradually changed in the order of H1, H1a, H1b, H1c, H1d, H1e, and H1f, depending on the voltage input to the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of instantaneous switching of the shape of the light distribution range. As shown in Fig. 9, depending on the voltage input to the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700, the irradiated light can be changed in the following order: circular light distribution range H1, elliptical H2a, H2b, circular light distribution range H2c, elliptical H2d, H2e.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the size and shape of the light distribution range are changed little by little. As shown in Fig. 10, the light to be irradiated can be changed little by little in the order of circular light distribution range H1, H3a, H3b, H3c, H3d, H3e, and H3f, depending on the voltage input to liquid crystal light distribution unit 700.

[0046] (Initial setting process) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an initial setting process by control unit 60 of lighting device 100. As shown in Fig. 11, first, a specific time and light distribution range data at that time are set (step S101). As described above, the light distribution range data includes data on the light distribution shape and data on the size. The time and light distribution range data are set by an input means (not shown) such as a keyboard or a mouse under the control of MCU 602. MCU 602 stores a pair of the time and the set light distribution range data in storage unit 61 (step S102).

[0047] Next, the MCU 602 determines whether or not N or more pairs of corresponding time and light distribution range data have been set (step S103). If the number of pairs is less than N (No in step S103), the MCU 602 returns to step S101 and continues processing. If the number of pairs is N or more (Yes in step S103), the initial setting processing by the MCU 602 ends.

[0048] (Processing by the control unit) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the control unit 60 of the lighting device 100. Fig. 12 mainly shows the contents of processing by the MCU 62.

[0049] 12, the MCU 62 acquires current time information from the time information acquisition unit 66 (step S201). Based on the acquired time information, the MCU 62 reads out light distribution range data corresponding to a time close to the current time from the storage unit 61 (step S202).

[0050] The MCU 62 determines the light distribution shape and size at the current time based on the light distribution range data read from the storage unit 61 (step S203). The MCU 62 calculates the panel voltages to be applied to the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 of the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 (step S204). The MCU 62 applies the panel voltages calculated in step S204 to control the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 (step S205).

[0051] Next, the MCU 62 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed (step S206). If it is determined in step S206 that the certain period of time has elapsed (Yes in step S206), the MCU 62 returns to step S202 and continues the process.

[0052] If the result of the determination in step S206 is that the fixed time has not elapsed (No in step S206), it is determined whether or not to end the process (step S207). If the result of the determination in step S207 is that the process should not be ended (No in step S207), the process returns to step S206 and continues. This maintains the same light distribution range until the fixed time has elapsed. That is, the light distribution shape and size are maintained until the fixed time has elapsed.

[0053] If the result of the determination in step S207 is that the process is to be ended (Yes in step S207), the process by control unit 60 ends.

[0054] As described above, the lighting device 100 controls the liquid crystal light distribution section 700 so that the light from the light source 800 of the light source section 80 has a light distribution shape and size according to the read-out light distribution range data.

[0055] (Liquid crystal light distribution panel) Next, the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 included in the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing wiring of an array substrate of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the array substrate seen from above. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing wiring of an opposing substrate of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the opposing substrate seen from above. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing wiring of a liquid crystal distribution panel according to an embodiment, and is a view of the liquid crystal distribution panel seen from above. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 16. In the xyz coordinate system shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the direction along the x1 direction and the x2 direction is called the x direction. The x1 direction and the x2 direction are opposite. Also, the direction along the y1 direction and the y2 direction is called the y direction. The y1 direction and the y2 direction are opposite. Also, the direction along the z1 direction and the z2 direction is called the z direction. The z1 direction and the z2 direction are opposite. The x direction and the y direction are perpendicular to each other. The plane along which the x and y directions lie is perpendicular to the z direction.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 13, the liquid crystal distribution panel 1 includes an array substrate 2, a counter substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4, and a sealant 30. The array substrate 2 includes a counter substrate 3, a liquid crystal layer 4, and a sealant 30.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 16, the array substrate (first substrate) 2 is larger than the counter substrate (second substrate) 3. That is, the area of ​​the counter substrate (second substrate) 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate (first substrate) 2. The array substrate 2 has a transparent glass 23 (see FIG. 14). The counter substrate 3 has a transparent glass 31 (see FIG. 15). In the embodiment, the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 are square in a plan view seen from above, but the shape of the substrate according to the present invention is not limited to a square. A first terminal group area 21 and a second terminal group area 22 are provided on the surface 2a of the array substrate 2. The first terminal group area 21 is located at the end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 on the y1 side. The second terminal group area 22 is located at the end of the surface 2a of the array substrate 2 on the x2 side. The first terminal group area 21 and the second terminal group area 22 have an L shape when seen from above. The first terminal group 10 is arranged in the first terminal group area 21, and the second terminal group 20 is arranged in the second terminal group area 22. Since the area of ​​the counter substrate 3 is smaller than the area of ​​the array substrate 2, the first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are exposed. The first terminal group 10 and the second terminal group 20 are also simply referred to as terminal portions.

[0059] 13 and 16, the first terminal group 10 includes a first terminal 101, a second terminal 102, a third terminal 103, a fourth terminal 104, a first pad 105, a second pad 106, a third pad 107, a fourth pad 108, a fifth pad 109, a sixth pad 110, a seventh pad 111, and an eighth pad 112. The first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, the fourth terminal 104, the first pad 105, the second pad 106, the third pad 107, the fourth pad 108, the fifth pad 109, the sixth pad 110, the seventh pad 111, and the eighth pad 112 are arranged in order in the left-right direction from the x1 side to the x2 side. The first pad 105 and the eighth pad 112 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The second pad 106 and the seventh pad 111 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The third pad 107 and the sixth pad 110 are electrically connected via a lead wire 113. The fourth pad 108 and the fifth pad 109 are electrically connected via the lead wire 113.

[0060] 13 and 16, the second terminal group 20 includes a fifth terminal 201, a sixth terminal 202, a seventh terminal 203, an eighth terminal 204, a ninth pad 205, a tenth pad 206, an eleventh pad 207, a twelfth pad 208, a thirteenth pad 209, a fourteenth pad 210, a fifteenth pad 211, and a sixteenth pad 212. The fifth terminal 201, the sixth terminal 202, the seventh terminal 203, the eighth terminal 204, the ninth pad 205, the tenth pad 206, the eleventh pad 207, the twelfth pad 208, the thirteenth pad 209, the fourteenth pad 210, the fifteenth pad 211, and the sixteenth pad 212 are arranged in order in the front-rear direction from the y2 side to the y1 side. The ninth pad 205 and the sixteenth pad 212 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The tenth pad 206 and the fifteenth pad 211 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The eleventh pad 207 and the fourteenth pad 210 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213. The twelfth pad 208 and the thirteenth pad 209 are electrically connected via a lead wire 213.

[0061] 13, the counter substrate 3 is disposed on the upper side (z1 side) of the array substrate 2. A sealant 30 and a liquid crystal layer 4 are provided between the counter substrate 3 and the array substrate 2. The sealant 30 is provided in an annular shape along the outer periphery of the counter substrate 3, and the liquid crystal layer 4 is filled inside the sealant 30. The region where the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided is an active region, the outside of the liquid crystal layer 4 is a frame region, and the first terminal group area 21 and the second terminal group area 22 are terminal regions.

[0062] Next, the wiring of the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the wiring is provided on the front surface of the substrate. That is, the surface on which the wiring is provided is referred to as the front surface, and the surface opposite to the front surface is referred to as the back surface. Specifically, referring to FIG. 17, the wiring is provided on the upper surface 2a of the front surface 2a and back surface 2b of the array substrate 2, and the wiring is provided on the lower surface 3a of the front surface 3a and back surface 3b of the counter substrate 3. In this way, the front surface 2a of the array substrate 2 and the front surface 3a of the counter substrate 3 are disposed to face each other with the liquid crystal layer 4 sandwiched therebetween.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 14, wiring 24 and first electrodes 25 are provided on the surface 2a of the transparent glass 23 of the array substrate 2. Specifically, the first terminal 101 and the fifth terminal 201 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. The fourth terminal 104 and the eighth terminal 204 are electrically connected via the wiring 24. A plurality of first electrodes 25 are connected to the wiring 24 connecting the second terminal 102 and the sixth terminal 202. A plurality of first electrodes 25 are connected to the wiring 24 connecting the third terminal 103 and the seventh terminal 203. The wiring 24 is provided with connection parts C1 and C2.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 15, the wiring 32 and the second electrode 33 are provided on the surface 3a of the counter substrate 3. Specifically, the wiring 32 is provided on the y1 side and the y2 side. The wiring 32 extends in the x direction. The second electrode 33 is electrically connected to the wiring 32. The second electrode 33 extends in the y direction. The wiring 32 is provided with connection parts C3 and C4. In the examples shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, the number of the first electrodes 25 and the number of the second electrodes 33 are eight, but this is a schematic diagram and does not indicate the actual number of the first electrodes 25 and the second electrodes 33. The number of the first electrodes 25 and the number of the second electrodes 33 may be two or more, and may be nine or more.

[0065] 16 and 17, the counter substrate 3 is disposed above the array substrate 2 with a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer 4 is filled between the array substrate 2 and the counter substrate 3. The connection portion C1 of the array substrate 2 and the connection portion C3 of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive pillar (not shown). The connection portion C2 of the array substrate 2 and the connection portion C4 of the counter substrate 3 are electrically connected via a conductive pillar (not shown).

[0066] 16, the first terminal 101, the second terminal 102, the third terminal 103, the fourth terminal 104, the first pad 105, the second pad 106, the third pad 107, and the fourth pad 108 can be electrically connected to an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 40 shown by a two-dot chain line. The liquid crystal distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 are connected to a D / A conversion unit 64 via, for example, the FPC 40 provided individually for each of them.

[0067] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid crystal light distribution section 700. As shown in FIG. 18, the liquid crystal light distribution section 700 has, for example, four liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 stacked in the z direction. The four liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 are the liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 described with reference to FIG. 13 to FIG. 17. The four liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 are stacked such that the liquid crystal layers 4 overlap each other and the arrangements of the multiple first electrodes 25 and the multiple second electrodes 33 that each panel has overlap in a planar viewpoint. The planar viewpoint is a viewpoint in which a plane along the x direction and the y direction is viewed from the front. The region in which the multiple first electrodes 25 and the multiple second electrodes 33 are arranged functions as a light distribution control area LDA shown in FIG. 19 and the like to be described later.

[0068] 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of light distribution control by the light distribution control area LDA. As described above, the light distribution control area LDA is an area in which a plurality of first electrodes 25 and a plurality of second electrodes 33 are arranged in a plan view. That is, the light distribution control area LDA includes a plurality of electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction, and a plurality of electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction. The electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction are, for example, the first electrodes 25. The electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are, for example, the second electrodes 33.

[0069] The liquid crystal light distribution section 700 has four liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 overlapping in the z direction, so that the electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are four-fold in the z direction. By controlling the potential of each of the electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction of the four liquid crystal light distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4 of the liquid crystal light distribution section 700, the light distribution control area LDA can control the transmission range and the degree of transmission of light from one side of the liquid crystal light distribution section 700 to the other side, for example, as in examples E1, E2, E3, and E4 of the "examples of light distribution patterns" shown in FIG.

[0070] In the following description, it is assumed that the electric potentials applied to electrodes overlapping in a plan view are equal. Example E1 in Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of a light source (e.g., light source 800) in a plan view when all of the electric potentials of the multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are 0 volts (V). In example E1, most of the light from the light source passes through the light distribution control area LDA as it is.

[0071] Example E2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of the light source (e.g., light source 800) in a planar perspective when the potential of multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction is 0 volts (V) and the potential of multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction is a potential exceeding 0 volts (V). Example E2 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which, when comparing the spread of light in the x direction and the spread of light in the y direction, the light from the light source spreads relatively widely in the x direction, while the light distribution is controlled so that it does not spread much in the y direction.

[0072] Example E3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of the light source (e.g., light source 800) in a planar perspective when the potentials of multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction exceed 0 volts (V) and the potentials of multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction are 0 volts (V). Example E3 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which, when comparing the spread of light in the x direction and the spread of light in the y direction, the light from the light source spreads relatively widely in the y direction, while the light distribution is controlled so that it does not spread much in the x direction.

[0073] Example E4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the light distribution control area LDA is viewed from the opposite side of a light source (e.g., light source 800) in a plan view when all of the potentials of the multiple electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction and the multiple electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction exceed 0 volts (V). Example E4 shows the light distribution control area LDA in a state in which the light from the light source is largely blocked by the light distribution control area LDA, and thus the light distribution control area LDA appears dim overall when viewed from the opposite side of the light source across the light distribution control area LDA.

[0074] The light distribution control area LDA may have two or more electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction, and two or more electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction, when viewed from a plan view point. Here, a first condition is that one light distribution control area LDA has m electrodes extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction, and n electrodes extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction. A second condition is that in one of the liquid crystal distribution panels 1-1 to 1-4, the number of electrodes (e.g., first electrodes 25) extending in the x direction and aligned in the y direction is m×p, and the number of electrodes (e.g., second electrodes 33) extending in the y direction and aligned in the x direction is n×q. On the premise of the first and second conditions, the liquid crystal light distribution unit 700 can set p light distribution control areas LDA in the x direction and q light distribution control areas LDA in the y direction in a matrix. m, n, p, and q are natural numbers of 2 or more. Of course, the entire active area (area where the liquid crystal layer 4 is provided) of one liquid crystal distribution panel when viewed from a plan view may be one light distribution control area LDA.

[0075] Moreover, examples E1, E2, E3, and E4 shown in Fig. 19 particularly show the difference in shape of the light distribution range from a planar viewpoint due to potential control. As described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the shape and size of the light transmission range can be more flexibly controlled by the relationship between the potential applied to the first electrode 25 and the potential applied to the second electrode 33. This control makes it possible to change the shape and size of the irradiated light.

[0076] With respect to the claims, the present disclosure may take the following forms. <1> A light source unit that emits light toward a floor surface of a room; a storage unit that stores light distribution range data relating to a range to be irradiated with light in a room in association with time information; a time information acquisition unit for acquiring time information relating to a current time; a light distribution range setting unit for setting a light distribution range of light from the light source unit; a control unit that reads out, from the storage unit, light distribution range data corresponding to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit, and controls the light distribution range setting unit based on the light distribution range data. <2> the light distribution range setting unit includes a liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, The p-wave polarized liquid crystal light distribution panel and the s-wave polarized liquid crystal light distribution panel are laminated together, A signal based on the irradiated light is transmitted to the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization. LCD light distribution Give the panel, The light emitted from the light source unit is irradiated through the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, The control unit sets the light distribution range based on the light distribution range data read out. <1> 2. The lighting device according to claim 1 . <3> The light distribution range data includes a light distribution shape and a size, The control unit applies a voltage to the liquid crystal light distribution panel based on the light distribution shape and the size. <2> 2. The lighting device according to claim 1 . <4> The light distribution range data stored in the storage unit is data related to a light distribution shape and a size of the irradiated light, and the light distribution range setting unit sets the light distribution range so that the irradiated light has the light distribution shape and the size. <1> from <3> 13. A lighting device according to claim 12, wherein <5> The control unit reads out light distribution range data corresponding to a time close to the current time from the storage unit. <1> from <4> 13. A lighting device according to claim 12, wherein <6> The storage unit stores the light distribution range data in association with time information from sunrise to sunset. <1> from <5> 13. A lighting device according to claim 12, wherein <7> The control unit controls the light distribution range setting unit so that the light distribution range has a shape similar to a shape of the dark part of the room. <1> from <6> 13. A lighting device according to claim 12, wherein [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1-1~1-4 Liquid crystal light distribution panel 60 Control section 61 Storage section 62 MCU 63 FPGA 64 D / A conversion section 65 Light source driver 66 Time information acquisition section 80 Light source section 100 Lighting Equipment 700 Liquid crystal light distribution section 800 light sources H1-H4, H1a-H1f, H2a-H2e, H3a-H3f, H11, H12, H22, H23 Light distribution range

Claims

1. A light source unit that emits light toward a floor surface of a room; a storage unit that stores light distribution range data relating to a range to be irradiated with light in a room in association with time information; a time information acquisition unit for acquiring time information relating to a current time; a light distribution range setting unit for setting a light distribution range of light from the light source unit; a control unit that reads out light distribution range data corresponding to the time information acquired by the time information acquisition unit from the storage unit, and controls the light distribution range setting unit based on the light distribution range data, the light distribution range setting unit includes a liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, The liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization are laminated together, A signal based on the irradiated light is given to the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, The light emitted from the light source unit is irradiated through the liquid crystal light distribution panel for p-wave polarization and the liquid crystal light distribution panel for s-wave polarization, The lighting device sets the light distribution range based on the light distribution range data read by the control unit.

2. The light distribution range data includes a light distribution shape and a size, The lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit applies a voltage to the liquid crystal light distribution panel based on the light distribution shape and the size.

3. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light distribution range data stored in the memory unit is data regarding a light distribution shape and a size of the irradiated light, and the light distribution range setting unit sets the light distribution range so that the irradiated light has the light distribution shape and the size.

4. 3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light distribution range setting unit so that the light distribution range has a shape similar to a shape of a dark portion of the room.

Images