JP7521095B1 - lighting equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a lighting fixture that can adjust the illuminance in front of the eyes without changing the illuminance on the floor surface. [Solution] The lighting fixture 1 of the embodiment comprises a pair of light sources 3 spaced apart on both sides in the width direction, and a light control film 33 that protrudes from between the pair of light sources 3 in a direction intersecting a straight line 30 that connects the pair of light sources 3. When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules in the film, for example, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the direction of the electric field and light passes through, making the light control film 33 transparent. When no voltage is applied, for example, the liquid crystal molecules are irregularly aligned and scatter light, making the light control film 33 milky white. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting fixture.

Among lighting fixtures, there is known one in which a reflector is attached to the underside of a light source attached to the ceiling, and the light irradiated from the light source to the reflector is reflected by the reflector. By reflecting light with the reflector, it is possible to improve the sense of spaciousness and brightness of an indoor space and create a calm atmosphere (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Some lighting fixtures are known to have a vertical reflector attached to the underside of the light source, and the light irradiated from the light source to the vertical reflector is transmitted directly below the vertical reflector and reflected in the direction of a person's line of sight by the vertical reflector. By transmitting the light directly below the vertical reflector and reflecting it in the direction of the line of sight, it is possible to improve the sense of brightness indoors (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-6525 JP 2001-291404 A

With conventional lighting fixtures, for example, when adjusting the amount of light entering the human eye (brightness) to suit the indoor environment, it is necessary to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the light source. For this reason, with conventional lighting fixtures, the illuminance of the floor surface changes when adjusting the amount of light entering the human eye. Hereinafter, the amount of light entering the human eye may be referred to as "preocular illuminance." Meanwhile, there is a need for practical application of lighting fixtures that can adjust the preocular illuminance to suit the indoor environment without changing the illuminance of the floor surface.

The present invention provides a lighting device that can adjust the illuminance in front of the eye without changing the illuminance on the floor surface.

As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration.
A lighting fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of light sources spaced apart on both sides, and a dimming film extending between the pair of light sources in a direction intersecting a straight line connecting the pair of light sources.

When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal molecules in the film, the liquid crystal molecules become oriented in the direction of the electric field, allowing light to pass through, making the light-control film transparent. When no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are irregularly aligned, scattering light, making the light-control film milky white. In other words, the light-control film can be instantly switched between a transparent state and a milky white state by switching between energizing and deenergizing.

This light-control film is extended from between the pair of light sources. Therefore, the light emitted from the pair of light sources can be irradiated onto both surfaces of the light-control film (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as both sides). In this state, by passing electricity through the light-control film to make it transparent, the light irradiated onto both sides of the light-control film can be transmitted through the light-control film.

On the other hand, by turning off the current to the light control film and turning it into a milky white state, the light irradiated on both sides of the light control film can be reflected on both sides. Therefore, the sense of brightness on both sides of the light control film can be increased without changing the intensity (e.g., color temperature) of the light emitted from the pair of light sources. This makes it possible to increase the amount of light entering the human eye (i.e., preocular illuminance).
Here, by not changing the intensity of the light emitted from the pair of light sources, the illuminance of the floor surface can be kept unchanged, and therefore the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted without changing the illuminance of the floor surface.

The above configuration may include a casing body that houses the pair of light sources, and the light control film may be fixed to the casing body at a position opposite the direction in which the light control film extends, based on the pair of light sources.

By configuring it in this way, the light-adjusting film is fixed to the casing body at a position opposite the direction in which the light-adjusting film extends, based on the pair of light sources. This makes it possible to prevent the fixing member that fixes the light-adjusting film from affecting the light 40 emitted from the pair of light sources, and allows for good adjustment of the illuminance in front of the eye.

The above configuration includes a casing body that houses the pair of light sources, and a pair of translucent panels that can transmit light emitted from the pair of light sources, and the pair of translucent panels may be provided inside the casing body and further back than a decorative section that faces the interior.

With this configuration, the pair of transparent panels are located further back than the decorative part of the casing body that faces the interior. Therefore, for example, the transparent panels can be located in a position recessed from the ceiling. This allows the light emitted from the transparent panel itself to be hidden by the casing body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light emitted other than that reflected by the light control film from reaching the human eye, and the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted more effectively.

In the above configuration, a casing body is provided that houses the pair of light sources, and the light control film has a first portion disposed within the casing body and a second portion that protrudes from the casing body, and the distance from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second portion may be longer than the distance from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first portion.

By configuring it in this way, the first portion of the light control film 33 is disposed inside the casing body 14, and the second portion protrudes from the casing body 14. Furthermore, the distance (length) from one end to the other end of the second portion is made longer than the distance (length) from one end to the other end of the first portion. Therefore, the second portion can be expanded in a stepped manner compared to the first portion. This makes it possible to expand the range over which the illuminance in front of the eye can be increased.

Here, when attaching lighting fixtures to a ceiling, multiple lighting fixtures are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, if the second section is the same length as the first section, gaps will be created in the light control film between adjacent lighting fixtures. For this reason, it is not possible to increase the illuminance in front of the eye where the gaps are created.

In contrast, the second section of the light control film 33 is wider in a stepped manner than the first section. Therefore, for example, the second section can be made the same length as the casing body 14. This allows the light control film to be placed continuously between the lighting fixtures with no gaps when multiple lighting fixtures are arranged in the longitudinal direction, thereby increasing the illuminance in front of the eye.

The above configuration may include a casing, a light source housed in the casing, and a light control film that is fixed to the casing while being spaced apart from the light source and that extends from the casing in a direction intersecting the direction in which the light source is spaced apart.

By configuring it in this way, the light-control film is extended from the light source. Therefore, light emitted from the light source can be irradiated onto one surface of the light-control film (hereinafter sometimes referred to as one side). In this state, by passing electricity through the light-control film to make it transparent, the light irradiated onto one side of the light-control film can be transmitted through the light-control film.

On the other hand, by turning off the current to the light control film and turning it into a milky white state, the light irradiated on one side of the light control film can be reflected on the other side. Therefore, the sense of brightness on one side of the light control film can be increased without changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source (e.g., color temperature). This makes it possible to increase the amount of light entering the human eye (i.e., preocular illuminance).
Here, by not changing the intensity of the light emitted from the light source, the illuminance on the floor surface can be kept unchanged, and therefore the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted without changing the illuminance on the floor surface.

According to the present invention, the illuminance in front of the eye can be adjusted without changing the illuminance on the floor surface.

1 is a perspective view showing a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion III in the lighting device of FIG. 2. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which light irradiated to both surfaces of a brightness adjustment section is transmitted in an embodiment of the present invention. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which light irradiated to both surfaces of a brightness adjustment section is reflected in an embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example in which luminance is changed by a luminance adjustment unit according to the FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting fixture according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting fixture according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

Next, a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the direction of arrow A is the longitudinal direction, the direction of arrow B is the width direction, and the direction of arrow C is the up-down direction.
<Lighting equipment>
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a lighting fixture according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of Fig. 1 taken along line II-II. Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part III of the lighting fixture of Fig. 2.
1 to 3 , the lighting fixture 1 is, for example, a light that is attached to a ceiling 100 and illuminates an interior space 102. The lighting fixture 1 includes, for example, a fixture body 2, a pair of light sources 3, and a brightness adjustment unit 4.
<Device body>
The fixture body 2 is attached to, for example, a ceiling 100. The fixture body 2 includes, for example, a casing 11 and a power supply unit 12. The casing 11 includes a casing body 14, a casing decorative part 15, and a pair of translucent panels 16. The casing body 14 is disposed above the ceiling 100 through an opening 103 in the ceiling 100. The casing body 14 has a cross section in the width direction formed into a substantially rectangular frame and extends in the longitudinal direction. The casing body 14 includes a pair of support parts 18, 19 that sandwich the brightness adjustment part 4 described below.

The decorative casing part 15 is provided at the bottom of the casing body 14 and is arranged indoors 102 along the surface 100a of the ceiling 100. The decorative casing part 15 is arranged with its surface facing the indoors 102. The decorative casing part 15 has a pair of openings 21. The pair of openings 21 are formed on both sides of the brightness adjustment part 4 (described later) in the width direction and extend in the longitudinal direction.

The pair of light-transmitting panels 16 are provided so as to cover the pair of openings 21. Thus, the pair of light-transmitting panels 16 are disposed along the decorative casing portion 15. The light-transmitting panels 16 are capable of transmitting light emitted from a light source 3, which will be described later.
In the embodiment, an example in which the pair of light-transmitting panels 16 are arranged along the casing decorative part 15 will be described, but the pair of light-transmitting panels 16 may be arranged on the rear side of the casing main body 14. Specifically, the pair of transparent panels 16 may be provided inside the casing main body 14 and on the rear side above the casing decorative part (decorative part) 15 that faces the indoors 102.
The power supply unit 12 is provided on the top 14a of the casing body 14. The power supply unit 12 adjusts the color temperature (light intensity) when a pair of light sources 3 (described later) are turned on to emit light. The power supply unit 12 also controls switching between energization and de-energization of the luminance adjustment unit 4.

<Light source>
The pair of light sources 3 are attached to the casing main body 14 via a substrate 24. That is, the pair of light sources 3 are housed in the casing main body 14 (casing 11).
The pair of light sources 3 are located above the pair of translucent panels 16 and are arranged facing the pair of translucent panels 16. The pair of light sources 3 are provided on both sides of a brightness adjustment unit 4 (described later) with a gap therebetween in the width direction. The pair of light sources 3 are arranged in the longitudinal direction along the pair of translucent panels 16. For example, white light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used as the light sources 3. In the embodiment, a white light source will be described as an example of the light source 3, but the light source 3 is not limited to white. As another example, a light source containing a large amount of melatonin suppressing light (480 nm) components may be used.

The color temperature (light intensity) of the light source 3 is adjusted by the control of the power supply unit 12. For example, the color temperature of the light source 3 is adjusted to a range of 2700 to 5000 K by the control of the power supply unit 12. In the embodiment, an example in which the color temperature of the light source 3 is adjusted to a range of 2700 to 5000 K is described, but the range of the color temperature of the light source 3 can be selected arbitrarily.

<Brightness adjustment section>
The brightness adjustment unit 4 is disposed between the pair of light sources 3 in the width direction and is provided in the casing body 14. The brightness adjustment unit 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. In the embodiment, an example in which the brightness adjustment unit 4 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape will be described, but the shape of the brightness adjustment unit 4 can be selected arbitrarily. The brightness adjustment unit 4 is supported (fixed) in a state in which the upper end portion 4a is sandwiched between the pair of support portions 18, 19 by fixing members such as a plurality of bolts 26 and a plurality of nuts 27. The upper end portion 4a is located above the pair of light sources 3. Therefore, the fixing members such as the plurality of bolts 26 and the plurality of nuts 27 are located above the pair of light sources 3. That is, the brightness adjustment unit 4 is fixed to the casing body 14 at an upper position in the opposite direction to the direction in which the brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes downward with respect to the pair of light sources 3.
In this state, the brightness adjustment unit 4 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the straight line 30 connecting the pair of light sources 3. The brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes downward from between the pair of light sources 3, and hangs down from the casing body 14 into the indoor space 102.

The brightness adjustment unit 4 has a first section 5 disposed within the casing body 14 (casing 11) and a second section 6 extending from the casing body 14 (casing 11). The distance (length) from one end 6a to the other end 6b in the longitudinal direction (direction A) of the second section 6 is longer than the distance (length) from one end 5a to the other end 5b in the longitudinal direction of the first section 5.

The brightness adjustment unit 4 includes a decorative panel 32 and a light control film 33. The decorative panel 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape from, for example, a light-transmitting acrylic plate having a plate thickness of 5 mm. The plate thickness of the acrylic plate is not limited to 5 mm and can be arbitrarily selected. The acrylic plate has high transparency, and the transparency can be increased when the light control film 33 is energized. Therefore, the light irradiated to both sides 33a of the light control film 33 can be transmitted well from the light control film 33. This allows the illuminance in front of the eyes to be well adjusted without changing the illuminance of the floor surface.
In the embodiment, an example in which the decorative panel 32 is formed from an acrylic plate will be described, but the decorative panel 32 may be formed from a transparent plate material other than an acrylic plate.

The light control film 33 is formed on one surface 32a of the decorative panel 32. Therefore, the light control film 33 can be stably suspended from between the pair of light sources 3 into the interior 102. Furthermore, by forming the light control film 33 on one surface 32a of the decorative panel 32, the light control film 33 can be stably supported by a single decorative panel 32. Therefore, the decorative panel 32 that stabilizes the light control film 33 can be simplified, and the brightness adjustment unit 4 can be made lighter. Here, the light emitted from the pair of light sources 3 is irradiated to both surfaces 33a of the light control film 33.

In the embodiment, an example in which the light-control film 33 is formed on one surface 32a of the decorative panel 32 is described, but this is not limited to the above. As another example, the light-control film 33 may be formed on both surfaces 32a of the decorative panel 32. Alternatively, the light-control film 33 may be formed in a state in which it is sandwiched between a pair of decorative panels 32.

When the light-control film 33 is in an ON state, for example when a voltage is applied from the power supply unit 12 to the liquid crystal molecules in the film, the liquid crystal molecules are oriented in the direction of the electric field and transmit light, making the film transparent (clear). When the light-control film 33 is in an OFF state, for example when no voltage is applied from the power supply unit 12, the liquid crystal molecules are irregularly aligned and scatter light, making the film milky white (opaque, frosted). In other words, the light-control film 33 can be instantly switched between a transparent state and a milky white state by switching the power supply unit 12 between energized (ON) and de-energized (OFF).

In the embodiment, the light control film 33 is described as being switched to a transparent state when current is applied and to a milky white state when current is not applied, but is not limited to this. As another example, for example, a light control film 33 that switches to a milky white state when current is applied and to a transparent state when current is not applied may be used.

In the embodiment, the light control film 33 is described as being switched between a transparent state and a milky white state by switching between energized and non-energized, but is not limited thereto. As another example, the light control film 33 may be one that is switched between a transparent state and a colored state by switching between energized and non-energized.
This light control film 33 may be one that switches to a transparent state when electricity is applied and to a colored state when electricity is not applied, or one that switches to a colored state when electricity is applied and to a transparent state when electricity is not applied.
That is, the light control film 33 used can be switched between a light transmitting state and a light reflecting state by switching between an energized state and a non-energized state.

Here, the light control film 33 is formed on one surface 32a of the decorative panel 32. Therefore, compared to when the light control film 33 is formed on both surfaces of the decorative panel 32, more light irradiated from the pair of light sources 3 can be transmitted. As a result, by de-energizing the light control film 33 and turning it into a milky white state, the light irradiated to both sides 33a of the light control film 33 can be stably reflected by both sides 33a, and in the light transmitting state, light transmission by the decorative panel 32 can be maintained. Therefore, the illuminance in front of the eyes can be well adjusted without changing the illuminance of the floor surface.

Next, an example of the operation of the lighting device 1 will be described with reference to Figs.
First, an example of transmitting light irradiated to both surfaces 4b of the brightness adjustment section 4 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as both surfaces 4b) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which light irradiated to both sides of a brightness adjustment unit in an embodiment is transmitted.
As shown in Fig. 4, light 40 is emitted from a pair of light sources 3 and irradiated onto both sides 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4. In this state, the power supply unit 12 energizes the light control film 33 to make the light control film 33 transparent. As a result, the light 40 irradiated onto both sides 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4 passes through the light control film 33.

Next, an example of reflecting light irradiated to both sides 4b in the brightness adjustment section 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which light irradiated onto both sides of a brightness adjustment unit in an embodiment is reflected.
5, light 40 is emitted from a pair of light sources 3 and irradiated onto both surfaces 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4. Here, in the pair of light sources 3, the light 40 emitted from one light source 3 will be described as "40A" and the light 40 emitted from the other light source 3 will be described as "40B."

When light 40A, 40B emitted from the pair of light sources 3 is irradiated onto both sides 33a of the light control film 33, the power supply unit 12 de-energizes the light control film 33, causing the light control film 33 to be in a milky white state. As a result, the light 40A irradiated onto one side 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4 is reflected by one side 33a of the light control film 33. Also, the light 40B irradiated onto the other side 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4 is reflected by the other side 33a of the light control film 33. In other words, the light 40 irradiated onto both sides 4b of the brightness adjustment unit 4 is reflected by both sides 33a of the light control film 33.

Next, a change in luminance in the luminance adjustment section 4 when the light irradiated to both sides 4b of the luminance adjustment section 4 is transmitted and reflected will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example in which the luminance is changed by the luminance adjustment unit in the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 6, the brightness adjustment section 4 (i.e., the light control film 33) is formed with a total length L = 1206 mm from one end 4c to the other end 4d in the longitudinal direction. The light control film 33 hangs down in a state where it protrudes from the casing decorative part 15 to the lower side 4e in the vertical direction into the indoors 102 by a first height H1 = 185 mm. Furthermore, the light control film 33 is attached to the ceiling 100 so that it has a second height H2 = 186 mm from the ceiling 100 to the lower side 4e in the vertical direction. The pair of light sources 3 are disposed at a third height H3 = 24 mm away from the casing decorative part 15 on the opposite side of the indoors 102.

In this state, the pair of light sources 3 was turned on at 5000 K and 2700 K to measure the luminance of the luminance adjustment unit 4. Specifically, the luminance of the luminance adjustment unit 4 was measured at nine measurement positions P1 to P9, and the average luminance of the nine positions was calculated.
Measurement position P1 is located 31 mm below the ceiling 100 at the longitudinal center of the brightness adjustment unit 4. Measurement position P2 is located 93 mm below the ceiling 100 at the longitudinal center of the brightness adjustment unit 4. Measurement position P3 is located 155 mm below the ceiling 100 at the longitudinal center of the brightness adjustment unit 4.

Measurement position P4 is located 163 mm from one end 4c of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 31 mm below the ceiling 100. Measurement position P5 is located 163 mm from one end 4c of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 93 mm below the ceiling 100. Measurement position P6 is located 163 mm from one end 4c of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 155 mm below the ceiling 100.
Measurement position P7 is located 163 mm from the other end 4d of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 31 mm below the ceiling 100. Measurement position P8 is located 163 mm from the other end 4d of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 93 mm below the ceiling 100. Measurement position P9 is located 163 mm from the other end 4d of the brightness adjustment unit 4 and 155 mm below the ceiling 100.

The average luminance of the luminance adjustment unit 4 measured at the measurement positions P1 to P9 is as follows.
When the pair of light sources 3 is turned on at 5000K and the light control film 33 is energized to transmit light, the average luminance of the luminance adjustment section 4 is 25.166 cd/ ^m2 .
When the pair of light sources 3 are turned on at 5000K and the light control film 33 is de-energized to reflect light, the average luminance of the luminance adjustment unit 4 is 32.447 cd/ ^m2 .
When the pair of light sources 3 is turned on at 2700K and the light control film 33 is energized to transmit light, the average luminance of the luminance adjustment section 4 is 15.863 cd/ ^m2 .

That is, when the pair of light sources 3 is turned on at 5000K and light is reflected by the light control film 33, the average brightness of the brightness adjustment unit 4 can be increased by 1.3 times compared to when light is transmitted through the light control film 33. Here, when the pair of light sources 3 is turned on at 5000K, the illuminance of the floor surface can be kept unchanged by switching the light control film 33 on and off. This shows that the average brightness of the brightness adjustment unit 4 can be adjusted by switching the light control film 33 on and off while keeping the illuminance of the floor surface constant.
In addition, when a pair of light sources 3 are turned on at 5000 K and the light is reflected by the dimming film 33, the average brightness of the brightness adjustment section 4 can be twice as high as when a pair of light sources 3 are turned on at 2700 K and the light is transmitted by the dimming film 33.

In this embodiment, the first height H1 of the light control film 33 is set to 185 mm, and the third height H3 of the pair of light sources 3 is set to 24 mm. Therefore, the light emitted from the pair of light sources 3 can be irradiated at an appropriate irradiation angle over the entire area of the brightness adjustment unit 4 (i.e., the light control film 33). This makes it possible to appropriately adjust the average brightness of the brightness adjustment unit 4 while keeping the illuminance of the floor surface uniform. Therefore, the illuminance in front of the eye can be well adjusted without changing the illuminance of the floor surface.

The first height H1 can be selected from a range of ±α with 185 mm as the reference. The third height H3 can be selected from a range of ±β with 24 mm as the reference. α and β are ranges in which the light emitted from the pair of light sources 3 can be irradiated at an appropriate irradiation angle over the entire area of the light control film 33. With the third height H3 = 24 mm, the pair of translucent panels 16 are provided on the upper back side of the casing decorative part (decorative part) 15 facing the indoors 102. By setting the height (distance) between the pair of light sources 3 and the pair of translucent panels to 12 mm, it is possible to make it difficult for light emission other than the light reflected by the brightness adjustment part 4 (light control film 33) to reach the human eye. Furthermore, the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted even better. In this case, it is preferable that the height (distance) between the pair of light sources 3 and the pair of translucent panels 16 is 25 to 75% of the third height H3.

As described above, according to the lighting fixture 1 in the embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the light control film 33 is suspended from between the pair of light sources 3 into the interior 102. Therefore, the light 40 emitted from the pair of light sources 3 can be irradiated onto both sides 33a of the light control film 33. In this state, by passing electricity through the light control film 33 to make it transparent, the light 40 irradiated onto both sides 33a of the light control film 33 can be transmitted through the light control film 33.

On the other hand, by de-energizing the light control film 33 to make it in a milky white state, the light 40 irradiated to both sides 33a of the light control film 33 can be reflected by both sides 33a. Therefore, the sense of luminance on both sides 33a of the light control film 33 can be increased without changing the intensity (e.g., color temperature) of the light 40 emitted from the pair of light sources 3. This makes it possible to increase the amount of light entering the human eye (i.e., the illuminance in front of the eye).
Here, the illuminance on the floor surface can be kept unchanged by not changing the intensity of the light 40 emitted from the pair of light sources 3. Therefore, by switching the light control film 33 between energized and non-energized, the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted without changing the illuminance on the floor surface.

The secretions that are subject to control by controlling lighting are known to be those that affect a person's life rhythm. Melatonin is known as one specific example of such a secretion. Melatonin secretion is affected by the light in a person's environment. For example, in an environment exposed to bright light, melatonin secretion is suppressed. On the other hand, in a dark environment, melatonin secretion is less suppressed, and more melatonin is secreted than in an environment exposed to bright light.

It is known that melatonin suppression by light depends not only on the brightness of the light but also on the light's spectrum. For example, the more the light overlaps with the melatonin-suppressing spectrum, the stronger the melatonin-suppressing effect of the light. Conversely, the less the light overlaps with the melatonin-suppressing spectrum, the weaker the melatonin-suppressing effect of the light.

Based on the characteristics of such melatonin suppression spectra, the emission of light of the first spectrum, which has a high melatonin suppression effect, and light of the second spectrum, which has a low melatonin suppression effect, is controlled to interact with a person's life rhythm and contribute to the promotion of human health. For example, in a person's life rhythm, control is performed so that light of the first spectrum is mainly turned on in the user's environment during times when the person is mainly active. Furthermore, control is performed so that light of the second spectrum is mainly turned on in the user's environment during times when the person is mainly sleeping.

The lighting device 1 can control the emission of light of the first spectrum and light of the second spectrum by switching the light control film 33 of the brightness adjustment unit 4 between energized and non-energized. In other words, the lighting device 1 can control the switching between a state with a high melatonin suppression effect and a state with a low melatonin suppression effect.

The brightness adjustment unit 4 is fixed to the casing body 14 at a position opposite to the direction in which the brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes (i.e., at an upper position) based on the pair of light sources 3. This makes it possible to prevent the fixing members such as the multiple bolts 26 and multiple nuts 27 that fix the brightness adjustment unit 4 from affecting the light 40 emitted from the pair of light sources 3, and allows for good adjustment of the illuminance in front of the eyes.

Furthermore, a pair of transparent panels 16 are provided behind the surface of the casing body 14 facing the interior. Therefore, for example, the transparent panels 16 can be provided at a position recessed from the ceiling 100. This allows the light emitted from the transparent panels 16 themselves to be hidden by the casing body 14. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for light emitted other than that reflected by the brightness adjustment unit 4 (light control film 33) to reach the human eye, and the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted even better.

1 and 2, the first portion 5 of the brightness adjustment unit 4 is disposed inside the casing body 14, and the second portion 6 protrudes from the casing body 14. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow A), the distance (length) from one end 6a to the other end of the second portion 6 is made longer than the distance (length) from one end 5a to the other end 5b of the first portion 5.
Therefore, the second portion 6 can be expanded in a stepped manner in the longitudinal direction compared to the first portion 5. This allows, for example, the longitudinal length of the second portion 6 to be matched to the longitudinal length of the casing body 14. Therefore, the range in which the illuminance in front of the eye can be increased can be expanded.

Here, when attaching lighting fixture 1 to ceiling 100, for example, multiple lighting fixtures 1 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A). Therefore, when second portion 6 has the same length as first portion 5, a gap is generated in brightness adjustment portion 4 between adjacent lighting fixtures 1. For this reason, it is not possible to increase the illuminance in front of the eye at the location where the gap is generated.
In contrast, the second section 6 of the brightness adjustment unit 4 is wider in a stepped manner than the first section 5. Therefore, for example, the second section 6 can be made the same length as the casing body 14. As a result, when multiple lighting fixtures 1 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction, the brightness adjustment units 4 can be arranged continuously between the lighting fixtures 1 with no gaps, thereby increasing the illuminance in front of the eyes.

Next, a modified example of the lighting fixture 1 in the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that in the modified example, the same or similar parts as those in the lighting fixture 1 in the embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting fixture in the first modification.
7, the lighting fixture 50 of the first modification is provided with a brightness adjustment unit 4 (i.e., a light control film 33) so as to diagonally intersect with a straight line 30 connecting a pair of light sources 3. The lighting fixture 50 can also provide the same functions and effects as the lighting fixture 1 of the embodiment.
Furthermore, lighting device 50 may be provided with an angle variable mechanism (not shown) at upper end 4a of brightness adjustment unit 4. By providing lighting device 50 with the angle variable mechanism, it is possible to change crossing angle θ of brightness adjustment unit 4 in the width direction (direction B) with the indoor environment or over time, particularly when it is desired to change the illuminance in front of the eye depending on the indoor environment or time, using the angle variable mechanism.

For example, if it is desired to increase the illuminance in front of the eyes by the lighting device 50 (to increase the sense of brightness), the luminance adjustment unit 4 can be arranged perpendicular to the line 30 connecting the pair of light sources 3, as shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, if it is desired to decrease the illuminance in front of the eyes, the luminance adjustment unit 4 can be arranged to cross diagonally with the line 30 connecting the pair of light sources 3. Alternatively, the luminance adjustment unit 4 can be folded parallel to the ceiling 100 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the decorative panel 32 of the luminance adjustment unit 4 can be formed from a transparent polyvinyl chloride sheet, so that it can be stored in the casing 11 except when it is desired to increase the illuminance in front of the eyes (to increase the sense of brightness).

<Modification 2>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a lighting fixture according to the second modification.
8, the lighting fixture 60 is suspended from the ceiling 100 by a suspension tool (not shown), and the brightness adjustment unit 4 (light control film 33) is provided between the light source 3 and the ceiling 100. In this state, the brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes upward from between the pair of light sources 3, and is provided between the casing body 14 and the ceiling 100. In the case of the lighting fixture 60, as in the first modification, the brightness adjustment unit 4 may be provided to diagonally intersect with the straight line 30 connecting the pair of light sources 3.
Also, as in variant example 1, the decorative panel 32 of the brightness adjustment unit 4 may be formed from a transparent polyvinyl chloride sheet so that it can be stored within the casing 11 except when it is desired to increase the illuminance in front of the eyes (to increase the sense of brightness).

Furthermore, as another modified example of the lighting fixture, the pair of light sources 3 may be changed to only one of the light sources 3. That is, in the embodiment, an example in which the brightness adjustment unit 4 is disposed between the pair of light sources 3 will be described, but the brightness adjustment unit 4 may be disposed for one of the light sources 3 selected from the pair of light sources 3. This lighting fixture includes a casing body 14, the light source 3 housed in the casing body 14, and a brightness adjustment unit 4 (light control film 33) that is fixed to the casing body 14 in a state separated from the light source 3 and protrudes from the casing body 14 in a direction intersecting the separation direction of the light source 3.
The brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes downward when the lighting fixture is fixed to the ceiling 100 as in the embodiment. The brightness adjustment unit 4 protrudes upward when the lighting fixture is suspended from the ceiling 100 as in the second modification.

With this lighting device, light emitted from one light source 3 can be irradiated onto one surface (hereinafter sometimes referred to as one side) of the light control film 33. In this state, by passing electricity through the light control film 33 to make it transparent, the light irradiated onto one side of the light control film 33 can be transmitted through the light control film 33.

On the other hand, by de-energizing the light control film 33 to make it in a milky white state, the light irradiated on one side of the light control film 33 can be reflected on one side. Therefore, the sense of luminance on one side of the light control film 33 can be increased without changing the intensity (e.g., color temperature) of the light emitted from one light source 3. This makes it possible to increase the amount of light entering the human eye (i.e., the illuminance in front of the eye).
Here, the illuminance on the floor surface can be kept unchanged by not changing the intensity of the light emitted from one light source 3. Therefore, the illuminance in front of the eyes can be adjusted without changing the illuminance on the floor surface.

Furthermore, in another variation of the lighting fixture, the brightness adjustment unit 4 (light control film 33) may be arranged in a cross shape or a T shape in a plan view. This can further increase the brightness of the brightness adjustment unit 4. This allows the illuminance in front of the eyes to be adjusted more effectively without changing the illuminance of the floor surface. The pair of light sources 3 do not need to be fixed, and the angle of the pair of light sources 3 may be changed using a variable function so that they are arranged in a direction that intersects with the light control film. The degree of transmission and reflection of the light control film may also be changed by adjusting the voltage applied to the light control film.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the lighting fixture 1 is attached to the ceiling 100, but the location where the lighting fixture 1 is attached is not limited to the ceiling 100. For example, the lighting fixture 1 may be attached to another location, such as a side wall.

In addition, the components of the above-described embodiment may be replaced with well-known components without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the above-described variations may be combined.

1...Lighting fixture, 3...Light source, 4...Brightness adjustment section, 5...First section, 5a...One end of the first section, 5b...Other end of the first section, 6...Second section, 6a...One end of the second section, 6b...Other end of the second section, 11...Casing, 14...Casing body, 15...Casing decorative section (decorative section), 16...Translucent panel, 30...Straight line, 32...Decorative panel, 32a...One surface of the decorative panel, 33...Light control film, 40, 40A, 40B...Light, 102...Indoors

Claims (3)

A pair of light sources spaced apart on either side;
A light control film extending from between the pair of light sources in a direction intersecting a straight line connecting the pair of light sources;
a casing body that houses the pair of light sources;
a pair of light-transmitting panels capable of transmitting light emitted from the pair of light sources;
The pair of transmission panels include:
The air conditioner is provided inside the casing body and on the rear side of a decorative part facing the interior of the room.
lighting equipment. The light control film is
The light control film is fixed to the casing body at a position opposite to the direction in which the light control film is extended, based on the pair of light sources.
2. A lighting fixture according to claim 1. The light control film has a first portion disposed within the casing body and a second portion protruding from the casing body,
A distance from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the second portion is longer than a distance from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the first portion.
3. A lighting device according to claim 1 or 2.

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