Lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device (100) comprises: a lens module (1) that includes a plurality of liquid crystal panels; a holding member (2); and a held member (3) that rotatably supports the holding member (2). The lens module (1) has a panel unit (111) in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels (11) are laminated, and an electroconductive member (500) that is provided on a side surface of the panel unit (111) and extends in the Z direction. A wire harness (200) is electrically connected to the electroconductive member (500) via an electroconductive metal plate (114).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device and a lens module.

Background Art

[0002] A lighting device including a light source such as an LED is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The lighting device of Patent Document 1 is an LED lamp including a base, an LED (light source), and a cylindrical member that connects the base and the LED. Since the cylindrical member has flexibility, the direction of the LED with respect to the base can be changed by bending and deforming the cylindrical member in the axial direction.

[0003] In addition, when the shape of the emitted light from the lighting device (light distribution pattern) is not circular centered on the optical axis (for example, elongated in one direction), a lighting device capable of rotating the light distribution pattern about the axis is desired.

[0004] Such a lighting device includes, for example, a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member that rotatably supports the first cylindrical member, a plurality of liquid crystal panels fixed to the first cylindrical member, a control board fixed to the second cylindrical member and controlling the liquid crystal panels, and wiring that electrically connects the liquid crystal panels and the control board.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when rotating the first cylindrical member to which a plurality of liquid crystal panels are fixed with respect to the second cylindrical member to which the control board is fixed, the wiring may be twisted and the connection portion between the wiring and the liquid crystal panel may be damaged.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a lighting device and a lens module that can suppress damage to the connection between the wiring and the liquid crystal panel in a lighting device that rotates the liquid crystal panel with the central axis as the center of rotation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A lighting device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a holding member having a central axis extending in a first direction, a retained member that supports the holding member so as to be rotatable in the direction of the axis of the central axis, a lens module mounted on the holding member and including a plurality of liquid crystal panels, a relay board mounted on the holding member and electrically connected to the lens module via a wire harness, a light source mounted on the retained member, and a control board mounted on the retained member and electrically connected to the relay board, wherein the lens module has a panel unit in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels are stacked in the first direction, and a conductive member provided on the side surface of the panel unit and extending in the first direction, and the wire harness is electrically connected to a conductive elastic member, and the elastic member and the conductive member are electrically connected when the elastic member comes into contact with the conductive member.

[0009] A lens module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a panel unit in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels are stacked in a first direction, and a conductive member provided on the side surface of the panel unit and extending in the first direction, wherein an elastic member that is electrically connected to a wire harness and is conductive is in contact with the conductive member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the lens unit. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the lens unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a rear view of the lens unit. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the lens unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lens unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the lens module. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lens module. [Figure 9] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the lens module, the metal plate, and the wire harness. [Figure 10] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the metal plate and the conductive member in the first modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the orientations of the lower substrate and the upper substrate in a plan view for each liquid crystal panel constituting the panel unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the lens module, the metal plate, and the wire harness. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] [[ID=********]]FIG. FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic view of part A in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing the metal plate and the conductive member in the first modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the metal plate and the conductive member in the second modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lens module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17. <000********]]

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments (embodiments) for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the content described in the following embodiments. Also, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate.

[0012] It seems there is an error in the original text where "図1は、第2実施形態に係るレンズモジュールの斜視図である。" should be "図17は、第2実施形態に係るレンズモジュールの斜視図である。" in the context, and I've corrected it in the translation. Also, there is an unclear "********" in the original which has been left as is in the translation.Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and for those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art with appropriate modifications while maintaining the gist of the disclosure, they are naturally included in the scope of the present disclosure. Also, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual embodiment, but it is merely an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present disclosure. Further, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with respect to the existing drawings may be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be appropriately omitted.

[0013] [First Embodiment] First, the lighting device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0014] (Configuration of the Lighting Device) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a lens module 1, a holding member 2, a held member 3, an intermediate substrate 4, a control substrate 5, wire harnesses 200 and 201, and an LED (light source) 110.

[0015] The holding member 2 is a cylindrical member having a central axis AX. The holding member 2 rotates around the axis of the central axis AX with respect to the held member 3. Thereby, the lens module 1 rotates around the axis of the central axis AX. The central axis AX extends in the Z direction (axial direction, first direction). That is, the axial direction of the central axis AX is the same direction as the Z direction and the first direction. On the inner circumference of the holding member 2, a protrusion 53 protrudes radially inward. The protrusion 53 is annularly connected across the entire circumference of the inner circumference of the holding member 2.

[0016] The held member 3 is a cylindrical member having a central axis AX. The tip of the held member 3 fits into the inner circumference of the holding member 2. On the outer circumference of the held member 3, a concave groove 54 that recesses radially inward is provided. The protrusion 53 of the holding member 2 fits into the concave groove 54. Thereby, the holding member 2 rotates around the axis of the central axis AX with respect to the held member 3.

[0017] The holding member 2 is equipped with a lens module 1, a wire harness 200, and a relay board 4. The lens module 1 is positioned on the inner circumference of the Z1-side end of the holding member 2. The lens module 1 is, for example, a plurality of liquid crystal panels 11. The liquid crystal panels 11 include, for example, a first liquid crystal panel 10, a second liquid crystal panel 20, a third liquid crystal panel 30, and a fourth liquid crystal panel 40.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the lens module 1 includes a panel unit 111. The panel unit 111 is constructed by stacking multiple liquid crystal panels 11. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panels 11 are exemplified by, for example, a first liquid crystal panel 10, a second liquid crystal panel 20, a third liquid crystal panel 30, and a fourth liquid crystal panel 40. Specifically, in the panel unit 111, the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second liquid crystal panel 20, the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40 are stacked in the axial direction, starting from the LED 110. In the lighting device 100 according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal panel for p-wave polarization and a liquid crystal panel for s-wave polarization are stacked and combined.

[0019] The relay board 4 is attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical member 52. The wire harness 200 extends along the Z direction. The relay board 4 is electrically connected to the lens module 1 via the wire harness 200. Specifically, the metal plate 114 (elastic member) is in contact with the conductive member 500 in the lens module 1, and the wire harness 200 is connected to the metal plate 114. The metal plate 114 and the conductive member 500 will be described in detail later.

[0020] The retained member 3 is equipped with a control board 5, LEDs 110, and a wire harness 201. The control board 5 is attached to the inner circumference of the Z2 side end of the retained member 3. The control board 5 controls each of the liquid crystal panels 11 in the lens module 1.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the wire harness 201 electrically connects the relay board 4 and the control board 5. The wire harness 201 extends along the Z direction. The length of the wire harness 200 is shorter than the length of the wire harness 201. As mentioned above, the retaining member 2 rotates relative to the retained member 3. The wire harness 201 is slack when the rotation angle of the retaining member 2 relative to the retained member 3 is 0 degrees. Furthermore, even when the rotation angle of the retaining member 2 relative to the retained member 3 is 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or even 360 degrees (when the retaining member 2 has rotated a full turn relative to the retained member 3), the wire harness 201 is still slack and has excess length. The heat sink 55 is attached to the inner circumference of the retained member 3 via the mounting member 56, as shown in Figure 1. The LED 110 is fixed to the Z1 side of the heat sink 55. That is, the LED 110 is fixed to the retained member 3 via the heat sink 55 and the mounting member 56.

[0022] (Lens unit configuration) Figure 2 is a front view of the lens unit. Figure 3 is a side view of the lens unit. Figure 4 is a rear view of the lens unit. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lens unit. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the lens unit.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the lens unit 117 comprises a lens module 1, a frame 112, and a mounting member 113.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the frame 112 houses the lens module 1. The frame 112 has a bottom portion 112a and a side portion 112b. As shown in Figure 6, the bottom portion 112a has an annular (ring-shaped) form centered on the central axis AX, with an opening 112d in the center. Four bosses 112c are provided on the bottom portion 112a. Recesses 112e are provided on the bosses 112c. Metal plates (elastic members) 114 and fittings 116 are attached to the bosses 112c via pins 115. Specifically, the metal plate 114 is placed on the top of the boss 112c, and the fittings 116 are placed on top of the metal plate 114. In this state, the pins 115 are inserted into the through holes in the metal plate 114 and the fittings 116, and the pins 115 are fitted into the recesses 112e. As a result, a metal plate 114 and a fitting 116 are attached to each of the four bosses 112c. The side portion 112b extends from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom portion 112a toward Z2. The side portion 112b is cylindrical. The four bosses 112c are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the side portion 112b.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the mounting member 113 has a main body portion 113b and a mounting portion 113a. The main body portion 113b has a circular opening 113c in the center. The main body portion 113b is annular. There are two mounting portions 113a, each protruding radially outward from the main body portion 113b. The mounting portions 113a of the mounting member 113 are fixed to the mounting portion 112f of the frame 112 via bolts (not shown). That is, with the lens module 1 housed in the frame 112, the lens module 1 is supported by the frame 112 and the mounting member 113 by fixing the mounting portion 113a of the mounting member 113 to the mounting portion 112f of the frame 112 via bolts (not shown). This completes the assembly of the lens unit 117.

[0026] (Lens module configuration) Figure 7 is a plan view of the lens module. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lens module. Figure 9 is a plan view of the lower substrate of the liquid crystal panel. Figure 10 is a plan view of the upper substrate of the liquid crystal panel. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the orientation of the lower and upper substrates in a plan view for each liquid crystal panel constituting the panel unit.

[0027] As shown in Figure 7, the lens module 1 comprises a panel unit 111 and conductive members 500. The panel unit 111 includes a first liquid crystal panel 10, a second liquid crystal panel 20, a third liquid crystal panel 30, and a fourth liquid crystal panel 40, as described with reference to Figure 1. The conductive members 500 include conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the panel unit 111 has an octagonal shape in plan view. Specifically, the panel unit 111 has a first side 71, a second side 72, a third side 73, a fourth side 74, a fifth side 75, a sixth side 76, a seventh side 77, and an eighth side 78 in plan view. In the present invention, the external shape of the panel unit 111 and the liquid crystal panel 11 is not particularly limited, and polygons other than octagons, as well as circles and ellipses, are also included in the present invention. A conductive member 510 is placed on the first side 71, a conductive member 520 is placed on the third side 73, a conductive member 530 is placed on the fifth side 75, and a conductive member 540 is placed on the seventh side 77. The conductive member 500 is placed in the center of each side of the panel unit 111 in plan view. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the conductive member 500 is provided on the side surface of the panel unit 111, extending in the Z direction (first direction) from the Z2 end to the Z1 end of the panel unit 111. The conductive member 500 can be made of, for example, silver (Ag) or carbon (C), or materials containing these conductive materials. The conductive member 500 is formed, for example, by applying a paste containing a conductive material to the side surface of the panel unit 111 and curing it.

[0029] As shown in Figure 8, in the panel unit 111, four liquid crystal panels 11 are stacked from the Z2 side to the Z1 side. Specifically, the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second liquid crystal panel 20, the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40 are stacked from the Z2 side to the Z1 side. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panels 11 stacked in the Z direction (axial direction) are four liquid crystal panels 11, each with the same configuration. That is, the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second liquid crystal panel 20, the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40 have the same configuration, differing only in the angle around the central axis AX in a plan view. Adjacent liquid crystal panels 11 in the Z direction are joined together via an adhesive layer 57. The first liquid crystal panel 10 has a lower substrate S11, an upper substrate S12 positioned on the Z1 side relative to the lower substrate S11, and a liquid crystal layer 60 filled between the lower substrate S11 and the upper substrate S12. The second liquid crystal panel 20 includes a lower substrate S21, an upper substrate S22 positioned on the Z1 side relative to the lower substrate S21, and a liquid crystal layer 60 filled between the lower substrate S21 and the upper substrate S22. The third liquid crystal panel 30 includes a lower substrate S31, an upper substrate S32 positioned on the Z1 side relative to the lower substrate S31, and a liquid crystal layer 60 filled between the lower substrate S31 and the upper substrate S32. The fourth liquid crystal panel 40 includes a lower substrate S41, an upper substrate S42 positioned on the Z1 side relative to the lower substrate S41, and a liquid crystal layer 60 filled between the lower substrate S41 and the upper substrate S42.

[0030] (LCD panel configuration) The terminals and wiring of each substrate will be explained using the lower substrate S11 and upper substrate S12 included in the first liquid crystal panel 10 as examples. As shown in Figure 9, the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10 has an octagonal shape. In a plan view, the lower substrate S11 has the first side 211, the second side 212, the third side 213, the fourth side 214, the fifth side 215, the sixth side 216, the seventh side 217, and the eighth side 218.

[0031] A wide, strip-shaped first terminal 210 is provided on the Y1 side of the lower substrate S11, and a wide, strip-shaped first terminal 220 is provided on the Y2 side of the lower substrate S11.

[0032] Specifically, a first terminal 210 is provided along the edge of the second side 212, the third side 213, and the fourth side 214. The first terminal 210 has a main body portion 210a, an extension portion 210b, and an extension portion 210c. The main body portion 210a is provided on the third side 213, the extension portion 210b is provided up to the middle of the second side 212, and the extension portion 210c is provided up to the middle of the fourth side 214.

[0033] The liquid crystal drive electrode 230 is connected to the first terminal 210. The liquid crystal drive electrode 230 extends along the Y direction. Specifically, multiple liquid crystal drive electrodes 230 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0034] Furthermore, a first terminal 220 is provided along the edge of the sixth side 216, the seventh side 217, and the eighth side 218. The first terminal 220 has a main body portion 220a, an extension portion 220b, and an extension portion 220c. The main body portion 220a is provided on the seventh side 217, the extension portion 220b is provided up to the middle of the eighth side 218, and the extension portion 220c is provided up to the middle of the sixth side 216.

[0035] The liquid crystal drive electrode 231 is connected to the first terminal 220. The liquid crystal drive electrode 231 extends along the Y direction. Specifically, multiple liquid crystal drive electrodes 231 are provided at intervals in the X direction. Each liquid crystal drive electrode 231 is positioned between adjacent liquid crystal drive electrodes 230 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 9, the liquid crystal drive electrodes 230 and 231 are bent in a roughly V shape in plan view. Specifically, they have a roughly V shape that is convex toward the X1 side at the center in the Y direction. The liquid crystal drive electrodes 230 and 231 have a shape that is almost symmetrical on the Y1 side and the Y2 side with respect to the center in the Y direction. The effective region 81 is shown by a dashed line. An annular wall is formed by a sealing material to constitute the effective region (not shown), and the upper substrate and the lower substrate are joined by the sealing material. A liquid crystal layer is filled into the effective region. An alignment film covering the liquid crystal drive electrodes 230 and 231 is provided on the upper substrate. Figure 9 shows the orientation direction of the alignment film with an arrow. The alignment film is made of, for example, polyimide (PI). The alignment film is provided to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules when it is required that the liquid crystal molecules be aligned in one direction over a relatively large area.

[0036] As shown in Figure 10, the upper substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal panel 10 has an octagonal shape. In a plan view, the upper substrate S12 has a first side 311, a third side 313, a fourth side 314, a fifth side 315, a sixth side 316, a seventh side 317, and an eighth side 318.

[0037] A wide, strip-shaped second terminal 310 is provided on the X2 side of the upper substrate S12, and a wide, strip-shaped second terminal 320 is provided on the X1 side of the upper substrate S12.

[0038] Specifically, a second terminal 310 is provided along the edge of the second side 312, the first side 311, and the eighth side 318. The second terminal 310 has a main body 310a, an extension 310b, and an extension 310c. The main body 310a is provided on the first side 311, the extension 310b is provided up to the middle of the second side 312, and the extension 310c is provided up to the middle of the eighth side 318.

[0039] The liquid crystal drive electrode 330 is connected to the second terminal 310. The liquid crystal drive electrode 330 extends along the X direction. Specifically, multiple liquid crystal drive electrodes 330 are provided at intervals in the Y direction.

[0040] Furthermore, second terminals 320 are provided along the edges of the fourth side 314, the fifth side 315, and the sixth side 316. The second terminal 320 has a main body portion 320a, an extension portion 320b, and an extension portion 320c. The main body portion 320a is provided on the fifth side 315, the extension portion 320b is provided up to the middle of the fourth side 314, and the extension portion 320c is provided up to the middle of the sixth side 216.

[0041] The liquid crystal drive electrode 331 is connected to the second terminal 320. The liquid crystal drive electrode 331 extends along the X direction. Specifically, multiple liquid crystal drive electrodes 331 are provided at intervals in the Y direction. Each liquid crystal drive electrode 331 is positioned between adjacent liquid crystal drive electrodes 330 in the Y direction. As shown in Figure 10, the liquid crystal drive electrodes 330 and 331 are bent in a roughly V shape in plan view. Specifically, they have a roughly V shape that is convex towards the Y1 side at the center in the X direction. The liquid crystal drive electrodes 330 and 331 have a shape that is almost symmetrical on the X1 side and the X2 side with respect to the center in the X direction. The effective region 81 is shown by a dashed line. Furthermore, an alignment film covering the liquid crystal drive electrodes 330 and 331 is provided on the lower substrate. The orientation direction of the alignment film is indicated by an arrow in Figure 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, for example, a positive-type twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN liquid crystal) is used as the liquid crystal layer 60, and the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is oriented in the same direction as the orientation direction of the alignment film. Furthermore, in each of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second liquid crystal panel 20, the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, the orientation direction of the alignment film on the lower substrate and the orientation direction of the alignment film on the upper substrate intersect. As a result, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 60 are oriented such that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is twisted by 90 degrees from the alignment film on the lower substrate to the alignment film on the upper substrate, without being affected by an external electric field.

[0043] The orientation of the lower and upper substrates in the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second liquid crystal panel 20, the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40 is as shown by the white arrow a in Figure 11. Figure 11 also shows a dashed arrow b and a solid arrow c. The dashed arrow b indicates the electrode extension direction in which the liquid crystal driving electrode extends. The solid arrow c indicates the initial alignment direction due to the alignment film. The initial alignment direction due to the alignment film (arrow c) intersects with the electrode extension direction (arrow b). Arrows a, b, and c will be explained in order below.

[0044] The direction and angle of arrow a indicated on the lower and upper substrates represent the direction and rotation angle when rotated around the central axis AX relative to the orientation of the lower substrate S11 in Figure 9 and the upper substrate S12 in Figure 10. The orientation of the substrates will be briefly explained below.

[0045] For example, the direction of arrow a on the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10 shown in Figure 11 is the same as the direction of the lower substrate S11 in Figure 9. Also, for example, the direction of arrow a on the lower substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal panel 30 is rotated 270 degrees clockwise relative to the direction of the lower substrate S11 in Figure 9. Similarly, the direction of arrow a on the upper substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal panel 10 shown in Figure 11 is the same as the direction of the upper substrate S12 in Figure 10. Also, for example, the direction of arrow a on the upper substrate S42 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise relative to the direction of the upper substrate S12 in Figure 10. Next, arrow b will be explained.

[0046] In Figure 9, the electrode extension direction of the liquid crystal driving electrodes 230 and 231 in the lower substrate S11 is the Y direction. As shown in Figure 11, in the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the electrode extension direction is the Y direction as indicated by arrow b, and in the upper substrate S12, the electrode extension direction is the X direction as indicated by arrow b. In the lower substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the electrode extension direction is the Y direction as indicated by arrow b, and in the upper substrate S12, the electrode extension direction is the X direction as indicated by arrow b. In the lower substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, the electrode extension direction is the X direction as indicated by arrow b, and in the upper substrate S32, the electrode extension direction is the Y direction as indicated by arrow b. In the lower substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, the electrode extension direction is the X direction as indicated by arrow b, and in the upper substrate S42, the electrode extension direction is the Y direction as indicated by arrow b. Next, arrow c will be explained.

[0047] As mentioned above, the initial orientation direction due to the alignment film (arrow c) intersects with the electrode extension direction (arrow b). Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, in the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the initial orientation direction is in the X direction, as shown by arrow c, and in the upper substrate S12, the initial orientation direction is in the Y direction, as shown by arrow c. In the lower substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the initial orientation direction is in the X direction, as shown by arrow c, and in the upper substrate S12, the initial orientation direction is in the Y direction, as shown by arrow c. In the lower substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, the initial orientation direction is in the Y direction, as shown by arrow c, and in the upper substrate S32, the initial orientation direction is in the X direction, as shown by arrow c. In the lower substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, the initial orientation direction is in the Y direction, as shown by arrow c, and in the upper substrate S42, the initial orientation direction is in the X direction, as shown by arrow c. Note that in Figures 9 and 10, the initial orientation direction intersecting with the electrode extension direction is indicated by arrow c. In Figure 11, the initial orientation direction due to the alignment film and the electrode extension direction intersect at 90 degrees for each panel substrate, but these may intersect at angles other than 90 degrees. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the liquid crystal driving electrode and the initial orientation direction intersect at an angle smaller than 90 degrees. Considering the need to maintain the torsional orientation state of liquid crystal molecules between the upper and lower substrates before and after the generation of an electric field between adjacent liquid crystal driving electrodes, and the need to suppress the rotation of liquid crystal molecules associated with the generation of the electric field to a certain extent, it is preferable that the liquid crystal driving electrode and the initial orientation direction on the same substrate intersect at an angle range of 80 to 90 degrees.

[0048] In Figure 11, the first terminals 210, 220 and the second terminals 310, 320 shown on each substrate are identified as having four types of terminals electrically connected by a single conductive member 500. Specifically, these are black, normal hatching, dot hatching, and white outline. That is, the terminal electrically connected to the conductive member 510 provided on the first side 71 of the panel unit 111 shown in Figure 7 is shown as black in Figure 11. The terminal electrically connected to the conductive member 520 provided on the third side 73 is shown as normal hatching. The terminal electrically connected to the conductive member 530 provided on the fifth side 75 is shown as dot hatching. The terminal electrically connected to the conductive member 540 provided on the seventh side 77 is shown as white outline.

[0049] In other words, for example, the four black-painted terminals shown in Figure 11 are electrically connected by the same conductive member 500. Specifically, the conductive member 510 (see Figure 7) is electrically connected to the second terminal 310 of the upper substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second terminal 320 of the upper substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the first terminal 210 of the lower substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the first terminal 220 of the lower substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, and these terminals are at the same potential.

[0050] The conductive member 520 (see Figure 7) is electrically connected to the first terminal 210 of the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the first terminal 220 of the lower substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the second terminal 320 of the upper substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the second terminal 310 of the upper substrate S42 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, and these terminals are at the same potential.

[0051] The conductive member 530 (see Figure 7) is electrically connected to the second terminal 320 of the upper substrate S12 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the second terminal 310 of the upper substrate S22 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the first terminal 220 of the lower substrate S31 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the first terminal 210 of the lower substrate S41 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, and these terminals are at the same potential.

[0052] The conductive member 540 (see Figure 7) is electrically connected to the first terminal 220 of the lower substrate S11 of the first liquid crystal panel 10, the first terminal 210 of the lower substrate S21 of the second liquid crystal panel 20, the second terminal 310 of the upper substrate S32 of the third liquid crystal panel 30, and the second terminal 320 of the upper substrate S42 of the fourth liquid crystal panel 40, and these terminals are at the same potential.

[0053] (Contact state between the metal plate and the conductive material) Figure 12 is a plan view showing the lens module, metal plate, and wire harness. Figure 13 is a side view of Figure 12. Figure 14 is a schematic enlarged view of part A of Figure 13.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, four conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540 are provided at four locations on the panel unit 111. A metal plate 114 (elastic member) is in contact with each conductive member 500, and this contact electrically connects the metal plate 114 to the conductive member 500. In addition, different wire harnesses 200 are electrically connected to each of the four conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540. As explained with reference to Figure 11, terminals are electrically connected to the conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540. Therefore, by applying different potentials to each of the four wire harnesses 200, the potentials of the terminals connected to the conductive members 510, 520, 530, and 540 can be made different.

[0055] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the metal plate 114 comprises a main body portion 114a, a bent portion 114b, a bent portion 114c, and a contact portion 114d.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, the metal plate 114 is in contact with the side surface 500a of the conductive member 540. More specifically, the metal plate 114 is electrically connected when it is pressed against the side surface 500a (under pressure). This will be explained in detail below. As shown in Figure 14, the main body portion 114a is a flat plate extending in the Y direction. The bent portion 114b is bent diagonally from the Y1 side end of the main body portion 114a toward both the Y1 and Z1 sides. The contact portion 114d is located at the Y1 and Z1 side end of the bent portion 114b. The bent portion 114c is bent diagonally from the contact portion 114d toward both the Y2 and Z1 sides. The contact portion 114d has a shape that is convex toward the Y1 side of the metal plate 114. More specifically, it is a V-shape that is convex toward the Y1 side. Since the metal plate 114 is an elastic member, when the contact portion 114d is pressed, the bent portion 114b elastically deforms towards the main body portion 114a with respect to its base end. That is, the contact portion 114d is always in contact with the side surface 500a of the conductive member 540 under pressure. Also, as described above, the metal plate 114 and the fitting 116 are attached to the boss 112c via the pin 115. That is, the metal plate 114 and the fitting 116 are attached to the boss 112c.

[0057] As described above, the lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a lens module 1 including a plurality of liquid crystal panels 11, a holding member 2, and a held member 3 that rotatably supports the holding member 2. The lens module 1 is electrically connected to the relay substrate 4 via a wire harness 200. The lens module 1 has a panel unit 111 in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels 11 are stacked, and a conductive member 500 provided on the side surface of the panel unit 111 and extending in the Z direction (first direction). The conductive metal plate 114 (elastic member) is brought into contact with the conductive member 500, thereby electrically connecting the metal plate 114 and the conductive member 500.

[0058] The holding member 2 is provided with a lens module 1, a relay board 4, and a wire harness 200 that electrically connects the lens module 1 and the relay board 4. Therefore, when the holding member 2 rotates relative to the member to be held 3, the lens module 1, the relay board 4, and the wire harness 200 all rotate together. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress damage to the connection between the wire harness 200, which is the wiring, and the lens module 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the metal plate 114 is brought into contact with the conductive member 500, thereby electrically connecting the metal plate 114 and the conductive member 500. Therefore, when rotating the lens module 1, compared to an embodiment in which the metal plate 114 is fixed to the conductive member 500 by, for example, soldering or welding, this embodiment can more effectively suppress damage to the connection between the wire harness 200 and the lens module 1. Also, as shown in Figure 12, the four metal plates 114 can be fixed to the panel unit 111 from four directions in a plan view, and it is also easy to remove the metal plates 114 from the panel unit 111.

[0060] The elastic member is a metal plate 114. Therefore, for example, by bending the metal plate 114, it is possible to easily manufacture an elastic member that connects to the conductive member 500. Furthermore, since the metal plate 114 is a plate-shaped member, it can be made lighter.

[0061] The metal plate 114 comprises a main body portion 114a connected to the wire harness 200, and a contact portion 114d connected to the main body portion 114a and in contact with the conductive member 500. By bringing the contact portion 114d into contact with the conductive member 500 in this manner, the electrical connection between the contact portion 114d and the conductive member 500 can be maintained more stably.

[0062] The contact portion 114d of the metal plate 114A contacts the side surface 500a of the conductive member 500. Therefore, even if the position of the contact portion 114d shifts in the Z direction, which is along the side surface 500a, the electrical connection with the conductive member 500 can be maintained more stably.

[0063] The lens module 1 includes a panel unit 111 in which a plurality of liquid crystal panels 11 are stacked in the Z direction (first direction), and a conductive member 500 provided on the side surface of the panel unit 111 and extending in the Z direction. A conductive metal plate 114, which is electrically connected to the wire harness 200, is in contact with the conductive member 500. Therefore, when the lens module 1 is rotated, compared to a configuration in which the metal plate 114 is fixed to the conductive member 500 by, for example, soldering or welding, this embodiment can more effectively suppress damage to the connection between the wire harness 200 and the lens module 1.

[0064] [First variation] A first modified example will now be described. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the metal plate and conductive member in the first modified example. In the first modified example, the shape of the metal plate 114A and the portion of the conductive member 500 that the contact portion 114Ad contacts differ from those of the first embodiment. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0065] The metal plate 114A according to the first modified example comprises a main body portion 114Aa, a bent portion 114Ab, a bent portion 114Ac, and a contact portion 114Ad.

[0066] As shown in Figure 15, the contact portion 114Ad of the metal plate 114A is in contact with the upper surface 500b (end face) of the conductive member 500. A detailed explanation follows. As shown in Figure 15, the main body portion 114Aa is a flat plate extending in the Y direction. The bent portion 114Ab is bent diagonally from the Y1 side end of the main body portion 114Aa toward both the Y1 and Z1 sides. The contact portion 114Ad is located at the Y1 and Z1 side end of the bent portion 114Ab. The bent portion 114Ac is bent diagonally from the contact portion 114Ad toward both the Y1 and Z2 sides. The contact portion 114Ad has a shape that is convex toward the Z1 side of the metal plate 114A. More specifically, it is a V-shape that is convex toward the Z1 side. Since the metal plate 114A is an elastic material, when the contact portion 114Ad is pressed, the bending portion 114Ab undergoes elastic deformation, bending relative to the main body portion 114Aa. Therefore, the contact portion 114Ad is always in contact with the upper surface 500b of the conductive member 500.

[0067] As described above, in the first modified example, the contact portion 114Ad of the metal plate 114A contacts the upper surface 500b (end face) of the conductive member 500. Therefore, even if the position of the conductive member 500 in the Z direction changes, the electrical connection between the contact portion 114Ad and the conductive member 500 can be maintained more stably.

[0068] [Second variation] A second modified example will now be described. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the metal plate and conductive member in the second modified example.

[0069] In the second modified example, the shape of the metal plate 114B and the portion of the conductive member 540 that the contact portion 114Bd contacts differ from those of the first embodiment. These will be described in detail below.

[0070] The metal plate 114B according to the second modified example comprises a main body portion 114BB, a bent portion 114Bb, a bent portion 114Bc, a contact portion 114Bd, and a bent portion 114Be.

[0071] As shown in Figure 16, the contact portion 114Bd of the metal plate 114B is in contact with the lower surface 500c (end face) of the conductive member 500. A detailed explanation follows. As shown in Figure 16, the main body portion 114Ba is a flat plate extending in the Y direction. The bent portion 114Bb bends diagonally from the Y1 side end of the main body portion 114Ba toward both the Y1 and Z1 sides. The bent portion 114Bc extends from the end 114Bf toward the Y1 side. The contact portion 114Bd is located at the Z2 side end of the bent portion 114Bc. The bent portion 114Be bends diagonally from the contact portion 114Bd toward both the Y1 and Z1 sides. The contact portion 114Bd has a convex shape toward the Z2 side. More specifically, it is a V-shape that is convex toward the Z2 side. Since the metal plate 114B is an elastic material, when the contact portion 114Bd is pressed, the bending portions 114Bb and 114Bc undergo elastic deformation, bending relative to the main body portion 114Ba. Therefore, the contact portion 114Bd is always in contact with the lower surface 500c of the conductive member 500.

[0072] As explained above, in the second modified example, the contact portion 114Bd of the metal plate 114B contacts the lower surface 500c (end face) of the conductive member 500. Therefore, even if the position of the conductive member 500 in the Z direction changes, the electrical connection between the contact portion 114Bd and the conductive member 500 can be maintained more stably.

[0073] [Second Embodiment] Next, a lighting device according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a perspective view of the lens module according to the second embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 17.

[0074] (Lens module configuration) As shown in Figure 17, the panel unit 111A has a rectangular shape in plan view. Specifically, the panel unit 111A has a first side 71A, a second side 72A, a third side 73A, and a fourth side 74A in plan view. The conductive member 500A includes conductive members 510A, 520A, 530A, and 540A. Conductive member 510A is placed on the first side 71A, conductive member 530A is placed on the second side 72A, conductive member 520A is placed on the third side 73A, and conductive member 540A is placed on the fourth side 74A. In plan view, the conductive member 500A is placed in the center of the longitudinal direction of each side of the panel unit 111A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the conductive member 500A is provided on the side surface of the panel unit 111A, extending in the Z direction (first direction) from the Z2 end to the Z1 end of the panel unit 111A. The material of the conductive member 500A is the same as that of the conductive member 500.

[0075] Examples of liquid crystal panels 11A include a first liquid crystal panel 10A, a second liquid crystal panel 20A, a third liquid crystal panel 30A, and a fourth liquid crystal panel 40A. As shown in Figure 18, in the lens module 1A, four liquid crystal panels 11A are stacked from the Z2 side to the Z1 side. Specifically, they are stacked in the order of the first liquid crystal panel 10A, the second liquid crystal panel 20A, the third liquid crystal panel 30A, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40A from the Z2 side to the Z1 side. In this embodiment, the liquid crystal panels 11A stacked in the Z direction (axial direction) are four liquid crystal panels with the same configuration. That is, the first liquid crystal panel 10A, the second liquid crystal panel 20A, the third liquid crystal panel 30A, and the fourth liquid crystal panel 40A have the same configuration, and only the angle in the direction around the central axis AX in a plan view differs. Furthermore, the stacking relationship of each liquid crystal panel may be the same as in the first embodiment, and a configuration in which all liquid crystal panels are simply stacked without rotating any of them can also be adopted.

[0076] As described above, in the second embodiment as well, a conductive metal plate that is electrically connected to the wire harness is in contact with the conductive member 500A. Therefore, when rotating the lens module 1A, compared to an embodiment in which the metal plate 114A is fixed to the conductive member 500A by, for example, soldering or welding, this embodiment can more effectively suppress damage to the connection between the wire harness and the lens module 1A. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. 1A Lens Module 2. Retaining member 3 Part to be held 4. Intermediate board 5. Control board 11, 11A LCD panel 100 Lighting devices 110 LED (light source) 111 Panel Unit 114, 114A, 114B Metal plates (elastic members) 114a Main body 114d Contact part 200, 201 Wire Harness 500, 510, 520, 530, 540 Conductive material 500a side view 500b Top surface (end surface) 500c Bottom surface (end surface) AX center axis

Claims

1. A retaining member having a central axis extending in a first direction, A member to be held that supports the holding member so as to be rotatable in the direction around the central axis, Mounted on the aforementioned holding member, and comprising a lens module including multiple liquid crystal panels, A relay board mounted on the holding member and electrically connected to the lens module via a wire harness, A light source mounted on the member to be held, A control board mounted on the member to be held and electrically connected to the relay board, Equipped with, The aforementioned lens module is A panel unit in which multiple liquid crystal panels are stacked in the first direction, The panel unit has a conductive member provided on its side surface and extending in the first direction, The wire harness is electrically connected to a conductive elastic member, The elastic member comes into contact with the conductive member, thereby electrically connecting the elastic member and the conductive member. Lighting device.

2. The elastic member is a metal plate. The lighting device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned metal plate is The main body connected to the aforementioned wire harness, It comprises a contact portion that is connected to the main body and contacts the conductive member, The lighting device according to claim 2.

4. The contact portion contacts the side surface of the conductive member, The lighting device according to claim 3.

5. The contact portion contacts the end face in the first direction of the conductive member, The lighting device according to claim 3.

Images