JP5136885B2 - Lighting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an illuminating device, and more particularly, to an illuminating device using a CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp).

  As lighting used in a large indoor space such as an entrance lobby of a building, a lighting device that emits light uniformly over a large area may be used. Conventionally, such an illuminating device has been realized by arranging a large number of fluorescent lamps vertically and horizontally. A large number of fluorescent lamps are arranged on a plane and covered with a light diffusion layer that diffuses light, thereby realizing an illumination device that emits light uniformly over a wide area.

  However, the fluorescent lamp has a relatively large diameter and is 15 mm or more even if it is thin. Therefore, when a planar lighting device is created, a large space is occupied. More specifically, when the power supply unit is included, a thickness of about 20 to 30 centimeters is required. In particular, when a flat lighting device is provided on the wall surface or ceiling, the sacrificial living space is large.

  Furthermore, conventional fluorescent lamps have a relatively short life, and in actual operation, replacement is required about once every two years. However, in a space where a flat illumination device is used, it is often difficult to replace the fluorescent lamp. More specifically, a fluorescent lamp installed on a high ceiling such as an atrium structure involves great difficulty in replacement and other maintenance work.

  CCFL is known as an illuminant that can replace a fluorescent lamp. Until now, the CCFL has been mainly used as a backlight for liquid crystal displays and the like. The CCFL has a feature that its diameter is a fraction of that of a fluorescent lamp, specifically, several millimeters, and its life is several times that of a fluorescent lamp, specifically 50 to 60,000 hours.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a planar illumination device using a plurality of CCFLs.

The lighting device according to the present invention includes a CCFL layer and a light diffusion layer. Here, the CCFL layer has a plurality of CCFL units. The light diffusing layer is parallel to the CCFL layer, and is used to transmit and uniformize light emitted from a plurality of CCFL units. Each CCFL unit includes at least one CCFL and a power supply unit. Here, the power supply unit is for supplying predetermined power to the CCFL. The thickness of the CCFL layer is 5 centimeters or less. Each of the at least one CCFL in each CCFL unit is linear. The plurality of CCFL units are arranged in a plane. Each CCFL includes two terminals for supplying power and a light emitting unit that emits light by being supplied with power from the two terminals. The power supply unit includes at least one other CCFL unit for illuminating the vicinity of a place where two terminals of at least one CCFL are connected.

  According to the illumination device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a planar illumination device in a narrow installation space having a thickness of several centimeters, more specifically about 5 centimeters. Further, according to the lighting device of the present invention, it is not necessary to replace parts for a long period of time, and more specifically, maintenance at a frequency of about once every ten years is sufficient.

  The best mode for carrying out a lighting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall view of a CCFL 10 used as a light emitting unit of the illumination device of the present invention. The CCFL 10 includes a cylindrical light emitting unit 11 and two terminals 12 at both ends thereof. When appropriate power is supplied to the two terminals 12, the light emitting unit 11 emits light. The thickness of the light emitting unit 11 is about several millimeters, and more specifically, a thickness of about 1.8 millimeters to about 4 millimeters is often used. However, a thicker CCFL 10 can also be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the CCFL 10 and the power supply unit 20. The power supply unit 20 is electrically connected to the two terminals 12 of the CCFL 10 at two locations. The power supply unit 20 includes an inverter circuit for outputting power to be supplied to the CCFL 10. However, the power supply circuit is not limited to the inverter circuit. The power supply circuit is further supplied with power from outside.

  Although not particularly shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that an appropriate member for supporting the CCFL 10 is provided in the power supply unit 20.

  Further, the power supply unit 20 includes a reflection surface 21 for reflecting light emitted from the CCFL 10.

  The shape of the CCFL 10 can be changed almost freely like a so-called neon tube. The shape of the power supply unit 20 shown in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and may be any shape in practice.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one method of making a lighting device having a large area with a plurality of CCFLs 10. By arranging the CCFL 10 and the power supply unit 20 connected as shown in FIG. 2 in a plane in the vertical and horizontal directions, it can be used as a lighting device having a large area. However, it does not necessarily have to be regularly arranged as shown in FIG. 3, and can be designed freely.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another method of making a lighting device having a large area with a plurality of CCFLs 10. By changing the wiring of the power supply unit 20, the overall thickness can be further reduced. In this case, it is also possible to output the light emitted from the CCFL 10 toward both surfaces of the plane formed by the lighting device.

FIG. 5 is an overall view of an example of a lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The lighting device of the present embodiment includes a CCFL layer 100 and a light diffusion layer 200. Here, the CCFL layer 100 includes a planar assembly of the plurality of CCFLs 10 and the power supply unit 20 in FIG. Or the aggregate | assembly of several CCFL10 and the power supply part 20 may be shapes other than FIG. 3 or FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an overall view of another example of the lighting apparatus according to the present embodiment. Here, the CCFL layer 100 includes a planar assembly of the plurality of CCFLs 10 and the power supply unit 20 in FIG. Instead of the reflective surface 21 in the combination of FIG. 5 and FIG. 3, the lighting device of FIG. 6 includes a reflective layer 300.

  Although not shown in particular, by providing the second light diffusion layer 200 instead of the reflective layer 300, the lighting device of the present invention can emit light from both sides. In this case, for example, application as a partition can be considered.

  The light diffusion layer 200 is for allowing light emitted from the plurality of CCFLs 10 to pass therethrough and be diffused and uniformized. The material of the light diffusion layer is not particularly limited because it is not related to the essence of the present invention.

  In addition, it is preferable that the illuminating device of the present invention also includes a frame for supporting the CCFL layer 100 and the light diffusion layer 200. A specific method for attaching the CCFL layer 100 and the light diffusion layer 200 is not particularly limited because it is not related to the essence of the present invention.

  The illumination device of the present invention is dramatically reduced in thickness by using CCFL 10 instead of the conventional fluorescent lamp. It is not difficult to keep the thickness of the lighting device of the present invention within a few centimeters. More specifically, the thickness can be kept within 5 centimeters.

  For this reason, it is relatively easy to incorporate the lighting device of the present invention into the wall surface and ceiling of a newly built building as well as a building that has already been built. That is, a conventional flat illumination device using a fluorescent lamp requires a thickness of about 30 centimeters. However, since the lighting device of the present invention is thin, the living space that is sacrificed during installation can be reduced.

  When using a conventional fluorescent lamp, the actual problem is that it needs to be replaced once every two years. However, the lifetime of the CCFL 10 used in the lighting device of the present invention exceeds 50,000 hours. Therefore, even if it is assumed that the lighting is performed for an average of 10 hours per day, in the case of the lighting device of the present invention, it is not necessary to replace parts for ten or more years. This is very advantageous especially in places where it is difficult to exchange fluorescent lamps, such as a hall with a high ceiling.

(Second embodiment)
7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of the illumination device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
7 or 8 according to the present embodiment is obtained by adding another CCFL 10 to the third or fourth embodiment according to the first embodiment. That is, the CCFL 10 in the vertical direction is added to the portion where the terminals 12 of the CCFL 10 in the horizontal direction are gathered. Note that whether the CCFL 10 in this description is vertically or horizontally is merely an example, and can be freely changed.

  Since the terminal 12 does not emit light, the place where the terminal 12 is densely becomes darker than the surroundings. Therefore, by adding the vertical CCFL 10 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the planar light emission of the lighting device of the present invention can be made more uniform.

  The position of the added CCFL 10 is not limited to that in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, and can be freely arranged. Furthermore, the added CCFL 10 is different from other CCFLs 10 in terms of parameters such as color temperature, so that it is possible to obtain an effect as a lighting device.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
The CCFL layer 100 of the present embodiment has a structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated. As an example, the case of a three-layer structure will be described here.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining in detail the structure of the CCFL layer 100 in the present embodiment.
The CCFL layer 100 includes a plurality of CCFL unit layers each parallel to the light diffusion layer 200. In this example, it is assumed that there are three CCFL unit layers 110, 120, and 130. Each of the CCFL unit layers 110, 120, and 130 includes at least one CCFL 10. In addition, although the power supply part 20 may be independent in each CCFL unit layer 110,120,130, it is preferable that it is common for the space saving property of the whole illuminating device.

  The light emitted from the CCFL 10 is diffused when the CCFL and the light diffusion layer 200 are further apart. At this time, it is preferable that the CCFLs of the CCFL unit layers 110, 120, and 130 do not overlap in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the light diffusion layer 200.

  In the case of FIG. 10, the third CCFL unit layer 130 is farther from the light diffusion layer 200 than the first CCFL unit layer 110. Therefore, the light emitted from the CCFL 10 belonging to the third CCFL unit layer 130 is further diffused than the light emitted from the CCFL 10 belonging to the first CCFL unit layer 110.

  This makes it possible to set the diffusion strength when different CCFLs are used for the CCFL unit layers 110, 120, and 130. For example, by disposing CCFLs having higher color temperatures at positions farther from the light diffusion layer, it becomes possible to harmoniously blend the light emission of a plurality of CCFLs having different color temperatures.

  Furthermore, the light blending as a whole lighting apparatus can be adjusted by switching on / off each of the plurality of CCFLs 10 having different color temperatures. As one application example, by changing the ratio of the CCFL 10 that is turned on for each color temperature, it is possible to express “a refreshing light of awakening awakening”, “light of sunlight through a tree”, “warm gentle light”, and the like.

  At this time, it is also possible to change the lighting intensity of the plurality of CCFLs 10 using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or the like. However, in order to reduce the burden of maintenance of the lighting device according to the present invention, it is preferable to perform control only by simple lighting / extinguishing.

  Note that the distance between the CCFL 10 and the light diffusion layer 200 can be set freely in practice, and does not necessarily need to be set discretely for each CCFL unit layer.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 11 is an overall view of a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device of this embodiment is equivalent to the lighting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a texture layer 500 is added between the CCFL layer 100 and the light diffusion layer 200.

  The texture layer is a material that transmits light, and an arbitrary pattern is drawn on the texture layer. The texture layer is realized, for example, by printing an arbitrary pattern on a plastic film. However, the material and thickness can be freely selected. Further, this pattern can be freely selected in addition to printing ink as long as the intensity, color, and the like are changed when light is transmitted. Furthermore, the texture layer pattern may be realized by a technique other than dyeing, such as lace fabric with embroidery.

  Note that the light diffusion layer 200 may be disposed between the CCFL layer 100 and the texture layer 500. Further, the light diffusion layer 200 and the texture layer 500 may be integrated.

  The texture layer may be supported in close contact with the light diffusion layer. Conversely, a predetermined distance may be provided between the texture layer and the light diffusion layer.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is an overall view of a lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illuminating device of this embodiment is equivalent to the illuminating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention to which a half mirror layer 400 is added.

  The half mirror layer 400 transmits the light to the outside when the CCFL layer 100 is lit. The half mirror layer 400 functions as a mirror if the CCFL layer 100 is turned off. That is, the appearance of the half mirror layer 400 changes according to the lighting state of the CCFL layer 100.

  FIG. 13 is an overall view of an illumination device as an application example of the present embodiment. The CCFL layer 100 is divided into first to fourth CCFL units 101 to 104. Correspondingly, the half mirror layer 400 is also divided into first to fourth half mirrors 401 to 404. Further, the light diffusion layer 200 may be similarly divided. Moreover, you may provide the partition for preventing light from passing between adjacent half mirrors 101-104, or between adjacent CCFL units 101-104.

  By doing so, the lighting states of the CCFL units 101 to 104 can be made to correspond to the half mirrors 401 to 404, respectively. That is, only a part of the half mirror layer 400 can function as a mirror, and the remaining part can be lit. Therefore, the expressive power of the lighting device is further expanded.

  Of course, the number of divisions of each layer 100, 200, 400 is not particularly limited, and the shape and size of the division can be freely set.

  The embodiments described above can be freely combined with each other as long as no technical contradiction occurs. Furthermore, the overall image of the lighting device of the present invention is not limited to a thin flat shape, but may be a curved shape that matches the shape of the CCFL that can be freely deformed. Further, by freely arranging a plurality of CCFL units, a lighting device having a free shape by combining a plane or a curved surface can be realized by the present invention.

  The illumination device of the present invention can emit uniform light from a wide area. The CCFL used in the lighting device of the present invention is only a few millimeters in diameter and has less light unevenness than conventional fluorescent lamps. In addition, since the lighting device of the present invention occupies little space for installation, it can be realized in a place where it is impossible or difficult with a conventional fluorescent lamp or the like. As a result, the range of effects using light is wider than in the case of conventional fluorescent lamps. Furthermore, since the life of CCFL is several times longer than that of conventional fluorescent lamps, the maintenance cycle for parts replacement and the like is similarly several times longer. Specifically, once it is installed, maintenance of about once is sufficient about once every ten years or once every decade.

  Due to these characteristics, the lighting device of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in a space such as an entrance hall having a high ceiling and a large area.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a CCFL 10 used as a light emitting unit of the illumination device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the connection between the CCFL 10 and the power supply unit 20. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one method of making a lighting device having a large area with a plurality of CCFLs 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another method of making a lighting device having a large area with a plurality of CCFLs 10. FIG. 5 is an overall view of an example of the lighting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an overall view of another example of the lighting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the illumination device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the illumination apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a lighting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining in detail the structure of the CCFL layer in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an overall view of a lighting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an overall view of a lighting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an overall view of a lighting apparatus to which the fifth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

10 CCFL
11 Light Emitting Unit 12 Terminal 20 Power Supply Unit 21 Reflecting Surface 100 CCFL Layer 101 First CCFL Unit 102 Second CCFL Unit 103 Third CCFL Unit 104 Fourth CCFL Unit 110 First CCFL Unit Layer 120 Second CCFL Unit layer 130 Third CCFL unit layer 200 Light diffusion layer 300 Reflective layer 400 Half mirror layer 401 First half mirror 402 Second half mirror 403 Third half mirror 404 Fourth half mirror 500 Texture layer

Claims (7)

A CCFL layer having a plurality of CCFL (Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp) units;
A light diffusing layer that is parallel to the CCFL layer and transmits and uniformizes light emitted from the plurality of CCFL units;
Each of the plurality of CCFL units is
At least one CCFL;
A power supply unit for supplying predetermined power to the at least one CCFL ,
The CCFL layer has a thickness of 5 centimeters or less;
Each of the at least one CCFL in each of the CCFL units is linear.
The plurality of CCFL units are arranged in a plane,
Each CCFL is
Two terminals for power supply;
A light emitting unit that emits light by being supplied with the power from the two terminals;
Comprising
The power supply unit is
At least one other CCFL unit for illuminating the vicinity of the point where the two terminals of the at least one CCFL are connected
A lighting device comprising: The lighting device according to claim 1 .
The CCFL layer is
Comprising a plurality of laminated CCFL unit layers;
Each of the plurality of CCFL unit layers is
Parallel to the light diffusion layer,
A lighting device comprising the plurality of CCFL units. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
An illumination device further comprising a texture layer disposed in parallel to the light diffusion layer and having an arbitrary pattern for changing transmission of light emitted from the plurality of CCFL units. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-3 ,
Having at least one half mirror, further comprising a half mirror layer parallel to the light diffusion layer;
The half mirror layer is
When the plurality of CCFL units corresponding to the half mirror emit light, the light is transmitted;
An illumination device that functions as a mirror when a plurality of CCFL units corresponding to the half mirror are turned off. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
The power supply unit is
An illumination device comprising a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted from the plurality of CCFL units. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-4 ,
An illuminating device, further comprising a reflective layer disposed in parallel to the light diffusion layer for reflecting light emitted from the plurality of CCFL units. In the illuminating device in any one of Claims 1-6 ,
The lifetime of the CCFL is 50,000 hours or more.

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