JP4623643B2 - Light emitter and light control element - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a light emitter that converts the light quality of light emitted from a light source and outputs the light to the outside, and a light control element used in the light emitter and the like.

  The cover of the lighting fixture is used not only for protecting the light source but also for changing the texture of bare light and matching it with the surrounding atmosphere, and various types have been developed in the past. For example, the use of a translucent material for the cover is well known, and more recently, the shape of the light source is not recognized from the outside due to design requirements, etc. There is even something that can only be seen when it lights up.

However, a cover that greatly changes the light texture of the light source or pursues the design in this way, on the contrary, blocks a lot of light from the light source. Therefore, the light from the light source cannot be used efficiently for illumination. As a result, with this type of lighting fixture, bright illumination cannot be obtained, or a light source with a large amount of light must be used, which may cause heat problems.
In other words, in the conventional lighting fixture, if the light quality is changed or a design that does not show that is pursued or the like, the use efficiency of light is inevitably deteriorated.
Utility Model Publication 5-97014

  Therefore, the present invention generates a light control element that transmits light very efficiently from only one side by utilizing the fact that light is an electromagnetic wave and has the same properties as radio waves, and combines the light control element and the light source. Therefore, it is an essential task to provide a light emitter that can transmit light by efficiently transmitting the light of the light source when it is turned off, and that can effectively emit light when it is turned on. The aim is to create completely new lighting fixtures, light indicators, etc. with very good lighting efficiency, while improving, improving design, matching with the surrounding environment, and the like.

  That is, a light emitter according to the present invention includes an (internal) light source, and a plate-like light control element that passes light emitted from the light source in the thickness direction and emits the light to the outside. The light control element includes a light shielding plate in which shielding portions and openings penetrating in the thickness direction are alternately arranged, and the light shielding element that is fitted in or faces each opening. And a projecting body having light permeability projecting from the plate to the light source side, and the form and arrangement pitch of the projecting body exhibit an antenna effect with respect to light from the light source, that is, exhibit a light collecting effect. In addition, a reflection surface that scatters or specularly reflects part or all of light from the outside is formed on at least the surface on the side opposite to the light source of the light shielding plate.

  In such a case, at the time of lighting, the light from the internal light source can be emitted to the outside with very little loss, and at that time, the external light is reflected on the reflection surface of the light control element. In addition to being able to easily obtain a very bright light-emitting surface, it can be illuminated by adding color or unevenness to the reflective surface. The texture of light can be changed freely.

  On the other hand, since the reflection surface of the light control element can be freely designed when the light is extinguished, the appearance can be easily assimilated with the surroundings or can be made to appear as a completely different article. Therefore, when the light is extinguished, it is completely recognized as another article and the light source is turned on, so that it is possible to create a completely new lighting device or indicator that can be recognized for the first time.

  If it is such, it is possible to control the light transmittance to 0 to 98% depending on the shape and arrangement pitch of the protrusions. It is desirable that the light transmittance of light from one surface side is about 80 to 98% on average for visible light.

  Moreover, you may make it attach a color to the said reflective surface (or the back side) in consideration of design property.

  In order to reflect the light from the outside most efficiently, the reflection surface is used as a mirror surface so that the light is regularly reflected, and the light shielding plate can be recognized as a mirror when viewed from the outside. preferable.

  On the other hand, in order to apply to other articles such as walls and handrails, the reflection surface is made to be an uneven surface so that light is scattered and reflected, and a desired texture is given to the light shielding plate when viewed from the outside. It is desirable to do so.

  The openings and the protrusions do not necessarily have to be provided all over the region of the light shielding plate, and may be provided only in a partial region of the light shielding plate. For example, when it is desired to convey some message when the light source is turned on, the area may be set to have a meaningful shape or character.

  When the light from the light source passes through the protrusion and goes outside, the light collecting effect is further increased, or when more light from the outside is transmitted to the inside, the protrusion is arranged. It is preferable to arrange a second projecting body that projects further to the light source side than the light shielding plate in the gap that is not provided. For example, if a second opening penetrating the light shielding portion is formed at the position corresponding to the arrangement of the second projecting body, more light from the outside can be transmitted through the inside.

  According to the present invention configured as described above, the light source cannot be seen by the shielding plate when the light is turned off, and the light from the light source can be efficiently transmitted and emitted when the light is turned on. Therefore, by making the surface (reflective surface) of the shielding plate into a desired form, while improving the design and matching with the surrounding environment, etc., a completely new lighting fixture and light indicator with very good lighting efficiency Etc. can be created.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitter 100 according to the present embodiment includes an internal light source 1 such as a light bulb and an LED, and a light control element 2 having a plate shape with one surface facing the light source 1. And the light emitted from the light source 1 is emitted to the outside through the light control element 2.

  More specifically, the light control element 2 is fitted into the light shielding plate 3 in which the shielding portions 31 and the through holes 32 that are openings that penetrate in the thickness direction are alternately arranged, and the through holes 32. The light shielding plate 3 includes a plurality of protrusions 4 protruding from the light source 1 side surface.

  The light shielding plate 3 is a plate-shaped body made of metal (here, aluminum, thickness of about 0.2 μm), and the through holes 32 are formed at predetermined pitches on the square lattice points (vertically and horizontally) over the predetermined regions, for example. Is provided. The shielding part 31 other than the through hole 32 blocks light in the visible region (electromagnetic wave, hereinafter simply referred to as light). The surface of the shielding portion 31 (particularly the surface on the side opposite to the light source) is a reflecting surface 3a that reflects light. The reflection mode can be varied depending on surface roughness, color, and the like. For example, it may be a mirror surface that regularly reflects light, or may be diffused and reflected by adding color, unevenness, and the like. Of course, this light shielding plate may be made of a material such as a plate, stone, ceramics, or plastic to adjust the texture of the reflected light.

The protrusion 4 is made of glass (SiO ₂ ) having a cylindrical shape here, but may be formed of a dielectric that transmits light, such as ITO. The diameter, length (height), and pitch are, for example, about 0.5 to 2 μm, respectively, but this projecting body 4 can most effectively function as an antenna that collects and transmits light as electromagnetic waves. May be set as appropriate. Specifically, the diameter is 0.01 to 3500 times the wavelength of light in the band to be transmitted, the length is 0.009 to 2500 times the wavelength of light in the band to be transmitted, and the arrangement pitch is Is preferably set to 0.006 to 2000 times the wavelength of light in the band desired to be transmitted.

  In this embodiment, the projecting body 4 is integrally projected from one surface (surface on the light source side) of the light transmission plate 5 formed of the same material, and the light transmission plate 5 is reflected by the reflection surface of the light shielding plate 3. By forming a layer structure in close contact with 3 a, the projecting body 4 is inserted through the through hole 32 and protrudes from the light source side surface of the light shielding plate 3, and the light transmission plate 5 is reflected by the light shielding plate 3. The surface 3a is configured to be protected.

  FIG. 3 shows light transmission characteristics and reflection characteristics from each surface of the light control element 2 configured as described above. Light from the light source side is transmitted very efficiently, while light from the outside is reflected. For comparison, FIG. 4 shows the case of only a light shielding plate having no through hole and no protrusion, and FIG. 5 shows the case of an aspect having no protrusion. It can be seen that there is a great difference in the light transmission characteristics from the light source side in the light control element 2 having the protrusions 4.

  Therefore, according to the light emitter 100 having such a configuration, at the time of lighting, the light from the internal light source 1 can be emitted to the outside with very little loss, and at that time, the light from the outside can be emitted. Since light is reflected by the reflecting surface 3a of the light control element 2 and added to the transmitted light from the light source 1, a very bright light emitting surface can be easily obtained. In addition, the texture of the illumination light can be freely changed by adding color or unevenness to the reflecting surface 3a. Furthermore, at the time of lighting, not only the light source 1 can be recognized as it is by the lens action and the diffusion action of the projecting body 4, but also the effect that the light control element 2 emits surface light can be obtained.

  On the other hand, since the reflecting surface 3a of the light control element 2 can be freely designed when the light is turned off, the appearance can be easily assimilated with the surroundings or can be made to appear as a completely different article. Therefore, when the light is turned off, it is recognized as another different article, and the light source 1 is turned on, so that it is possible to create a completely new lighting fixture, indicator, etc. that can be recognized as the light source 1 for the first time.

  Next, various modifications of the light control element will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to members corresponding to the embodiment.

  First, another example of the shape of the protrusion 4 is shown in FIGS. The protruding body 4 may be not only a cylinder but also a polygonal column, and the tip may be rounded. Further, it may be a pyramid shape such as a polygonal pyramid, a cone, or a trapezoidal column, or a ridge extending in one direction. In short, it may be a protruding shape, and some or each form may be different from each other. The pitch may be set at random.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, you may make the protrusion 4 into the thing of the multilayered structure piled up in the height direction using the raw materials 4a-4d of a different refractive index. For example, when the layers are gradually multilayered from the tip layer 4a to the layer 4d having a higher refractive index in order, it is difficult for light that has entered once to be emitted from the protrusion. In addition, when layers of refractive indexes are multilayered in an appropriate order, light transmitted by the prism action emits a spectrum that varies depending on the angle, and the texture relating to the color of the light can be changed. It is also possible to set the number of layers and the thickness of the layers as appropriate to transmit the target spectrum more efficiently.

  9 and 10 show the protrusions 4 having a multilayer structure, and the layers 4a to 4d are bulged so that the center bulges upward. In FIG. 9, the cross-sectional shapes of the layers 4a to 4d are triangular, and FIG. 10 is an arc. 9 and 10, the spectrum can be controlled more easily than the flat layer type shown in FIG. Moreover, according to the thing of FIG. 10, there also exists an effect that light can be collected in the center of the protrusion body 4 for the lens shape.

  The light shielding plate 3 may be made of metal as described above, or may be made of a material such as a plate, stone, pottery, or plastic to adjust the light texture. If the light shielding plate 3 has other properties, that is, electrical conductivity and conversely insulating properties, thermal conductivity, and other necessary properties other than light shielding properties and light quality, a material having such properties may be used. For example, if it is a metal, it can be used as an electrode because of its high electrical conductivity, and it can be applied to an anti-fogging mirror or glass because of its high thermal conductivity. In addition, an effect of blocking electromagnetic waves in a specific band other than visible light can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the light shielding plate 3 may have a multilayer structure 31 a to 31 d. For example, this is the case when a paint is applied to a metal plate. As a result, effects such as prevention of oxidation and deterioration, and improvement of reflectance can be obtained, or the texture of light can be delicately controlled. For example, a fluorescent material may be applied to the paint, or a paint that selectively reflects only light in a predetermined band may be applied.

  Furthermore, the light shielding plate 3 may have a configuration in which a through-hole 32 is provided as an opening in a single plate (including a film) as in the above-described embodiment. The structure which has and is affixed on the light transmissive board 5 may be sufficient. In that case, the gap between the shielding parts 31 becomes an opening.

  On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the light transmittance from the light source 1 is close to 100%, and conversely, the light reflectance is almost 0%. To control, basically, the pitch of the protrusions 4 should be controlled first. For example, in order to control in the direction of decreasing the light transmittance (in the direction of increasing the light reflectance), the pitch may be sufficiently larger than the region where the light condensing effect by the protrusions 4 is generated. In addition, even if the shape of the surface of the shielding part 31 facing the light source is devised, the transmittance can be controlled, and the reflection mode of the light toward the light source can be changed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, a bulging curved surface or a concave cross section (a U-shaped section or a V-shaped section) can be considered.

  The light transmission plate 5 is not always necessary, and the light transmission plate 5 may be a member different from the projecting body 4 as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is an example in which the protrusion 4 is configured to penetrate the light transmission plate 5. FIG. 15 shows an example in which a hole penetrates the light transmission plate 5 below the protrusion 4. Further, a light shielding plate may be arranged on the light source plate on the side opposite to the light source.

  Moreover, the protrusion 4 and the through-hole 32 do not need to have the same diameter. Since the reflectance of light from the outside is roughly determined by the area ratio between the shielding portion 31 and the through hole 32, if the reflectance is to be lowered, the diameter of the through hole 32 is set to the diameter of the protrusion 4 as shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to enlarge, and what is necessary is just to make the diameter of the through-hole 32 smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 4 as shown in FIG. In this case, the transmittance of light from the light source 1 is deteriorated, but it is also possible to increase or decrease the decrease in transmittance by making the protrusion 4 have a multilayer structure as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 18 shows a form in which the side periphery of the protrusion 4 of the protrusion 4 is covered with a protection portion 9 for protection. In order to maintain the light collecting action at the protrusion 4, it is necessary to make the dielectric constant of the protrusion 4 larger than that of the surroundings, that is, larger than the dielectric constant of the protection portion 9. Moreover, the protection part 9 does not need to be the same as the height of the protrusion 4.

  Further, a second projecting body 4 projecting to the side opposite to the light source 1 from the light shielding plate 3 may be disposed in a gap where the projecting body 4 is not disposed. In FIG. 19, the second protrusion 4 ′ is provided in the shielding part 31. As a result, the light transmitted through the projecting body 4 is condensed again by the second projecting body 4 ′, so that the texture of transmitted light and reflected light can be changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20A, a second opening 32 ′ may be formed at a position corresponding to the arrangement of the second protrusion 4 ′. As shown in FIG. A part or all of the projecting bodies 4 and the second projecting body 4 ′ may be made into a single rod-like shape, and may penetrate the light shielding plate 3 and project from both surfaces. . At this time, the second opening 32 ′ may be considered to overlap the opening 32. This makes it possible to adjust the transmittance of light from the outside to the internal light source side. Therefore, the light control element is determined by the arrangement ratio of the (first) projecting body 4 and the second projecting body 4 ′. It is possible to arbitrarily set the light transmittance from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside. And although mentioned later, the effect becomes remarkable when applied to the lighting fixture etc. which have the 2nd light source.

  Further, since the light source may be natural light or ambient light, the light control element can be used not only as a lighting fixture or an indicator, but also as a building material such as a wall or a window.

  Next, a usage mode of the light emitter 100 having such a configuration will be illustrated.

  First, an example in which the light emitter 100 is used as an interior or exterior lighting fixture will be described. In such a case, in consideration of the design viewpoint and matching with the surroundings, there is a case where a lighting fixture that cannot be seen as a lighting fixture when it is turned off and is understood only when it is turned on may be required.

  FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 show an example of a lighting fixture LD that can be attached to an indoor ceiling or wall. The light control element 2 has a triangular wave shape or a wave shape in cross section. A rod-like fluorescent lamp is used as the light source 1, and one light source 1 is arranged corresponding to each triangular portion of the light control element 2. In such a case, the light that has passed through the light control element 2 laterally from the light source 1 is reflected by the reflection surface 3a of the next light control element 2 on the side, and proceeds downward. Lighting efficiency is improved.

  A configuration in which a second light source is further disposed on the reflecting surface side may be used. If it is such, three types of irradiation patterns can be changed by turning ON / OFF the (first) light source and the second light source. (First) When only the light source is ON, only the transmitted light is illuminated. When only the second light source is ON, an indirect illumination effect by the reflecting surface is also obtained. When both light sources are turned on, it looks like a very bright glass or mirror. If this light control element is used for the partition and the first light source and the second light source are arranged on the front and back sides, it is possible to create a quaint lighting device in which the atmosphere of the illumination in each room separated by the partition is different.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a hollow polyhedral lighting fixture LD. A light source 1 is provided inside, and a light control element 2 is used on the outer wall. And the reflecting surface 3a is made into a mirror surface, and the atmosphere like an illumination ball is given at the time of light extinction. The hollow polyhedron may be on a desk or a floor, and various shapes such as a quadrangular pyramid can be considered.

  In addition, for example, the color and unevenness of the reflecting surface 3a are devised so that it can be seen as an object such as stone, brick, ceramics, etc. when turned off as shown in FIG. 24, or a handrail as shown in FIG. Those having other functions may be used as the illuminator. Although not shown, for example, a light control element may be used for the table top and a light source may be disposed below the table top. A light control element is used on the outer wall of a decorative object such as a Christmas tree, and the light source is stored inside, or the light source is located in another place and transmits light to the light control element with a light guide such as an optical fiber. But you can.

  FIG. 26 shows an example in which the light emitter 100 is applied to a microscope MS. In this example, the light control element 2 is used for the stage (mounting table) S, and the light source 1 is arranged on the opposite side of the objective lens T. Then, when the light source 1 is turned on, the light can pass through the stage S and irradiate the observation object W from the opposite side of the objective lens T.

  Various application examples are conceivable. Only the edge of the stage shines to illuminate the observation object from the side, multiple areas of the stage can be selectively illuminated, only a part of the observation object can be illuminated, and the color of the light can be changed It is possible to see an emphasized image only in response to a special component. In particular, when the observation object is irradiated with light to emit fluorescence and observed, the light can be reflected on the surface (reflection surface) of the stage (light control element), so that it is brighter and clearer. There is also an advantage that a fluorescent image can be obtained.

  Next, the example at the time of using this light emitter 100 as an indicator is given.

  In the following, the reflecting surface 3a of the light control element 2 is used as a mirror surface, and the light emitter 100 is normally used as a mirror.

  FIG. 27 shows a mode in which the light emitter 100 is used for the fender F of the automobile. Here, the mirror M is composed of the light control element 2, and a light source (not shown) is disposed inside the fender. Further, the projecting body 4 and the through-hole 32 are formed over the entire area of the mirror M. For example, when the light source 1 is blinked, the entire surface of the mirror M is blinked and can be used as a direction indicator or the like. It is. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28, only a part of the mirror M (outer part, inner part, upper and lower parts) may be lit, or each part may be selectively lit. Although not shown, the mirror cover may be formed of a light control element so that all or part of the cover can be lit.

  FIG. 29 shows an example in which the light emitter 100 is applied to a road mirror M installed on a road, for example. As shown in the figure, the protruding body 4 and the through hole 32 are formed only in a partial region of the light control element 2 and are shaped so that they have meaning. When an internal light source (not shown) is turned on, “danger” and “snow” indicating danger are turned on in a recognizable manner.

  Of course, the reflective surface is a light diffusing surface, color is added, and the light source is turned on temporarily or continuously while providing harmony with the surroundings by giving it a texture like a wall or pillar, and functions as an indicator Such an embodiment is also possible.

  In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention may appropriately combine a part or all of the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The whole perspective view which shows the light emitter in one Embodiment of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element in the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the light transmittance and light reflectance of the light control element in the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the light transmittance and light reflectance in another light-shielding board. Explanatory drawing which shows the light transmittance and light reflectance in another light-shielding board. The fragmentary sectional view showing the internal structure of the light control element concerning the modification of the present invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the other modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the internal structure of the light control element which concerns on the further another modification of this invention. The illustration figure which shows an example which applied the light projector which concerns on this invention to the lighting fixture. Light traveling explanatory drawing which shows the advancing direction of the light ray in FIG. The illustration figure which shows an example which applied the light projector which concerns on this invention to the lighting fixture. The illustration figure which shows the further another example which applied the light projector which concerns on this invention to the lighting fixture. The illustration figure which shows the further another example which applied the light projector which concerns on this invention to the lighting fixture. The illustration figure which shows the further another example which applied the light projector which concerns on this invention to the lighting fixture. The illustration which shows an example which applied the light emitter which concerns on this invention to the mirror. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing another example in which the light emitter according to the present invention is applied to a mirror. FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing still another example in which the light emitter according to the present invention is applied to a mirror.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Light source 2 ... Light control element 3 ... Light shielding board 31 ... Shielding part 32 ... Opening part (through-hole)
3a ... reflective surface 4 ... projecting body

Claims (10)

A light source and a plate-like light control element that passes light emitted from the light source in the thickness direction and emits the light to the outside,
The light control element is provided with a light shielding plate formed by alternately arranging a shielding portion for shielding light and an opening portion penetrating in the thickness direction, and a position where the light control element is fitted to or faces each opening portion. And a projecting body having light transmittance projecting from the light shielding plate to the light source side,
The shape and arrangement pitch of the protrusions are set so as to collect light with respect to the light from the light source, and the tip of the protrusions is rounded, or a polygonal pyramid or a cone Further, a light emission surface characterized in that a reflection surface for scattering or specularly reflecting a part or all of light from the outside is formed on at least the surface on the side opposite to the light source of the light shielding plate. vessel.   The light emitter according to claim 1, wherein light transmittance from the one surface side of the light control element is about 0 to 98% for visible light.   The light emitter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective surface is colored.   The light emitter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reflection surface is a mirror surface so that light is regularly reflected so that the light shielding plate can be recognized as a mirror when viewed from the outside.   4. The light emitter according to claim 1, wherein the light is scattered and reflected by using the reflective surface as an uneven surface so that a desired texture is given to the light shielding plate when viewed from the outside. 5. .   6. The light emitter according to claim 5, wherein the opening and the projecting body are provided in a partial region of the light shielding plate, and the region is set to have a meaningful shape or character.   The light projecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second projecting body projecting to the side opposite to the light source from the light shielding plate is disposed in a gap where the projecting body is not disposed. It is a plate-like one arranged with its one surface facing the light source, and is fitted to the light shielding plate formed by alternately arranging the shielding portions and openings penetrating in the thickness direction, and the openings. Or provided with a light-transmitting protrusion that is provided at a position facing each opening and protrudes from the light shielding plate toward the light source, and the shape and arrangement pitch of the protrusions are the light from the light source. And the tip of the projecting body is rounded or has a pyramid shape such as a polygonal pyramid or a cone, and is at least opposite to the light shielding plate. A light control element characterized in that a reflection surface for scattering or specularly reflecting part or all of light from the outside is formed on a surface on the light source side.   9. The light control element according to claim 8, wherein a second projecting body that projects further to the light source side than the light shielding plate is disposed in a gap where the projecting body is not disposed.   The light control element according to claim 9, wherein a second opening penetrating the light shielding portion is formed at a position corresponding to the arrangement of the second protrusion.