AT13039U1 - REFLECTOR UNIT FOR LEDS, LED LIGHT SOURCE, POSTER BOX AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING THE LED LIGHT SOURCE - Google Patents

Abstract

Reflector arrangement (6) for LEDs, comprising: - an LED module (12), - a lens (8), and - a reflector (1), wherein the reflector (1) has a main part, and the main part (4) two Side parts (3), wherein the two side parts (3) are partially permeable.

Description

Austrian Patent Office AT13 039U1 2013-05-15

description

REFLECTOR UNIT FOR LEDS

The present invention generally relates to a reflector assembly that can be applied to a linear or a rectangular LED light source as a surface illumination / backlight for signage (illuminated characters), poster boxes or light boxes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a poster box and a method for mounting the LED light source.

[0002] Linear LED light sources or linear light engines for poster box lighting are known in the art, e.g. " Philips Affinium LED Posterbox Module ". Individual lenses (with lens holder) are mounted on the LEDs. These are mounted on a substrate and the LEDs are of individual e.g. surrounded conically shaped reflectors of the known linear LED light sources for surface or backlight applications. Reflectors molded as part of the lens holders are also available in other known, commercially available products.

Signages, poster boxes or light boxes have a transparent or semi-transparent front cover (or screen). An illustration (picture or drawing) which is mounted on this front cover is illuminated. The back of the boxes includes a relatively well reflective element. The LED light engine is normally located inside the poster box, especially on the side (s) of the box. Optionally, the light engine can be mounted on the back. The LED light engines illuminate the inner volume (cavity) of the poster box.

The lenses in combination with reflectors are typically used to achieve a predefined radiation characteristic, smaller / larger radiation angles and / or more diffuse illumination / radiation.

The first object of the present invention is to provide a reflector arrangement which provides a predefined asymmetrical radiation characteristic which can be used for diffuse illumination. The proposed reflector arrangement has a further advantage, namely simplified and cost-effective assembly and manufacturing processes.

In LED arrays or LED light sources for homogeneous surface illumination, an LED module is mounted on / in a profile located in the object to be illuminated (e.g., poster box). Typically, the LED Light Engine (mechanically or by some other type of attachment) is mounted on the frame of the box.

The cited known LED light engines with a lens or with a lens / reflector combination usually have the disadvantage in the surface lighting applications that so-called " hot spots " on the front side / front cover of e.g. a poster box are generated. These " hot spots " show an inhomogeneous illumination appearance of the targeted presentation and disturb the viewer.

Another object of the present invention is to propose an LED light source which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of prior art LED light sources by providing " hot spot " Avoids formation and provides a homogeneous radiation characteristic in surface lighting applications. These objects are achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims further form the central concept of the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

The first aspect of the present invention is thus a reflector assembly for LEDs, comprising an LED module, a lens and a reflector with a main part and two side parts. The two side parts can be made semitransparent / semitransparent.

The main part may be substantially U-shaped in a cross-sectional view. 1/18 Austrian Patent Office AT13 039U1 2013-05-15 [0011] The side surface of the main part may be conical or cylindrical.

The side parts may have a substantially triangular shaped cross-section.

The main part of the reflector may have a recess, preferably a substantially rectangular recess.

The recess may have a linear side, preferably two linear sides.

Two linear sides of the recess may be parallel to each other.

The recess may have a curved side.

The height (H) of the main part may be greater than or equal to the diameter (D) of the base of the main part.

The main part may have an elongated shape.

The side parts may have a substantially linear or curved cross-section.

The side parts may extend from the main part of the reflector, up or down in the vertical direction.

The side parts may be parallel to each other.

The main part may have at least two releasable fastening means, preferably snap or sliding connections.

The reflector can be made of plastic or metal or a mixture of them.

The reflector may have a structured, patterned and / or coated surface for improving the scattering properties.

The main part can be arranged with its lower part above the LED module.

The reflector can be positioned on a lens, preferably with its lower portion.

The reflector assembly may include a lens holder.

The reflector can be arranged, preferably with its lower part, on the upper side of the lens holder.

The lens holder may have at least 6 releasable attachment means.

The lens holder may be formed with the lens and / or the reflector as a unit.

The lens holder may serve as a spacer holding the lens via the LED module.

The lens holder may be configured to hold the lens such that there is an air gap between the light exit surface of the LED and the central portion of the lens.

The lens may be in the form of a funnel, a hemisphere or a part thereof.

The lens may have a reflective and / or a refractive surface.

The lens may be a TIR lens.

The material of the lens may be glass or plastic (PMMA, PC, PMMI, PET, acrylic, silicone, epoxy, etc.) or a mixture thereof. Lenses coated with a thin metal film can also be used. The surface of the lens may be covered by a pattern and / or a diffuse layer and / or a reflective layer.

The surface of the lens or the reflector may be a phosphor (e) e.g. have a phosphor layer.

The LED module may comprise an LED and an LED covering encapsulation.

The LED module may have an electronic component.

The LED module may include at least one LED (LED chip or SMD LED) and color-converging means around a portion of the light generated by the LED (eg, blue light) at a longer wavelength (eg, a yellow light ) so that the mixture of the emitted light and the converted light results in a white light.

As the color conversion materials, phosphors for LEDs of the prior art can be used. One or more phosphors (phosphor mixtures) in an organic (e.g., silicone resin (s)) or inorganic matrix (e.g., ceramic materials) can be applied to the LEDs. Optionally, in the case of different LEDs, different phosphor (s) or phosphor mixtures may be used to achieve a particular light color / tone and a particular color distribution.

The color conversion material could be applied directly to the LED, e.g. As a thin layer or incorporated into an encapsulation (or potting material) as a globe top (eg dome-shaped encapsulation) which covers the LED. The globe top could be applied to at least one LED, or a plurality of LEDs positioned on the LED module.

The attached LEDs of the LED module (s) could emit the same or different colors. The LEDs could be phosphor converted (e.g., white light emitting, phosphor converted LEDs) or monochromatic (e.g., monochromatic red LEDs).

The proposed reflector unit can be used in an LED light source, preferably in a light engine, particularly preferably in a linear light engine.

Another aspect of the present invention is an LED light source having a reflector assembly and a profile comprising a linear side.

The shape of the profile may be substantially U-shaped.

The profile may be made of a thermally highly conductive material (eg, metals or ceramics, eg, Al) which improves the thermal characteristics of the LED light source.

The LED light source may comprise a cover, preferably two covers, and an electrical connection cable.

The LED light source may have a substantially rectangular or oblong or circular shape.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a light box (or poster box) having a transparent or semi-transparent front cover, a substantially reflective back, and an LED light source.

The invention also proposes a method for mounting an LED light source in a surface-illuminated object, preferably a signage, a poster box or a light box. This comprises the following steps: [0053] - Attaching an LED module in a profile, - Attaching a lens via the LED module, - Assembly of the Reflectors over the lens, wherein the LED light source is mounted in / on the surface-illuminated object, by mechanical or other fastening means.

Other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the attached detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a reflector according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a reflector according to the present invention

Invention Fig. 3 shows differently shaped and / or dimensioned reflectors according to the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a linear LED light engine in a perspective view according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, Fig. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a linear LED light engine according to any one of FIG

Embodiments of the Present Invention Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of a linear LED light engine in a perspective view according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of a linear LED light engine in a cross-sectional view according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, and Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a linear LED light engine in a perspective view according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.

Fig.1 shows an embodiment of the reflector assembly 6 according to the invention. As can be seen from Fig.1, the present invention proposes the reflector 1, preferably made of a plastic material (other possible materials such as metal may also be applied in the form of a metal layer, also other types of layers may apply as applicable) as secondary optics , The reflector assembly 6 comprises an LED module 12, a lens 8 and a reflector 1. The reflector 1 has a U-shaped cross section, which is formed by two lateral parts 3 on.

The two side parts 3, partially defined by curved 24 and 23 linear sections, are positioned through the recess 5 in the center of the main part 4 of the reflector 1. The side surface of the main part 4 of the reflector could be described by a cylindrical or conical shape. The side parts 3 look like triangles.

According to the invention, the reflector assembly 6 may further comprise a lens holder 11. The lens holder could have a cylindrically shaped element 31 (it is basically a ring) and six releasable fasteners 7. The releasable fastening elements 7 are arranged on both sides of the lens holder 11. Preferably, some of the releasable fasteners 7 are snap closures 10. In addition, some of them may look like legs that extend directly from the bottom of the cylindrically shaped member 31 and point downward in the vertical direction.

Two releasable fasteners 7 are positioned on the underside of the cylindrically shaped element 31 and serve as a positioning element 18 for an LED module 12. Last two positioning elements 18 (also referred to as releasable fasteners 7) can position an LED module 12 elastically and / or fix.

The detachable fastening elements 7 may have a substantially rectangular shape. However, the invention is not limited to a rectangular shape but may have any shape. For example, the releasable fasteners 7 may have an elliptical, circular, triangular, or other shape that may also change the dimension (s) or shape across the longitudinal axis.

The releasable fasteners 7 may be parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 1, be.

The reflector assembly 6 is shown in a perspective view in Fig.2. The conical, lateral surface of the main part 4 of the reflector 1 is clearly visible. However, the invention is not limited to a conical shape but may have any shape. For example, a cylindrical or a parabolic shape may also be used.

The lower part 2 of the reflector 1 has a circular shape, but it could also be elliptical or rectangular.

The inner and / or outer surface of the side member 3 may be covered by any type of pattern and / or layer (s) to enhance the diffusion radiation of the reflector 1.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the lens holder 1 with the lens 8 is preferably characterized by " snap " (or terminals) connected. In the embodiment shown, this is achieved by snap connections 10 (or other releasable attachment means) at a peripheral edge of the lens 8. It can be observed that the reflector 1 is positioned on the lens holder 11 through the lower part 2 thereof.

The example in Fig. 2 shows that the lens 8 is formed by a substantially funnel-shaped body. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lens may have a hemispherical shape or part thereof.

An LED (an LED chip and / or SMD LED) is mounted on the substrate 21 of the LED module 12 and preferably covered by a transparent encapsulation 17. Preferably, the LED module is a COB (chip-on-board) module. The LED module may also include an electronic component 22.

The transparent encapsulant 17 comprises a polymer matrix, such as silicone resin (a mixture of polymers may also be used) that can be filled. The fillers mentioned z. B. Color conversion substances (organic and inorganic phosphors) and / or scattering particles (TiO 2, SiO 2, Al 2 O 3, BaTiO 3, BaSO 4 etc.).

Preferably, the encapsulation is a globe top. The globe top may be mounted over the LED, e.g. by dispensing or other techniques known in the art.

For the provision of a white appearing emitted color, UV or blue light emitting LEDs in combination with green, greenish yellow, yellow and / or red light emitting phosphors (eg, grenades, orthosilicates, nitrides and / or SiAIONs) ( or their combination). LED chips or SMD LEDs may be mounted on the LED module 12 by known methods known in the art.

Figure 3 shows differently shaped reflectors 1. All of them show a recess 5 in the main part 4 of the reflector 1. The side parts 3 have substantially a semi-cylindrical surface. The shapes of the recesses 5 are substantially rectangular, although not all sides of the recesses 5 are linear 23. Some of the recessed sides may be linear and the others curved. All linear or curved lateral recesses 5 can also be used according to the present invention. The applications of the formed side parts 3 result in an asymmetrical radiation pattern. The section of the radiation pattern where the " recess " or the " hole " is narrowed, while at the " closed " Sections of the radiation pattern has a further radiation angle, which could radiate more diffuse. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a linear LED light engine 26, in which the LED modules 12 through the lens holder 11 (and / or by additional fastening means, such as a heat-conducting foil, pad or paste, aluminum-aluminum adhesive) are mounted in a profile 13.

The use of a thermally conductive adhesive has the additional effect of improving the thermal properties of these structures.

In the illustrated solution, a linear profile 13 with a U-shape with linear sides 27, described. The patterns 20 on the upper side of the lenses 8 are used to produce a more homogeneous radiation characteristic of the surface illumination light source.

Another embodiment of an LED light source 25 z. For example, a linear LED light engine is represented by Figure 5. As can be seen in Figure 5, the reflector 1 is designed as an elongated element (essentially as a kind of half-cylinder) with two semi-transparent parts, namely the side parts 3 of the main part.

Fig. 5 shows a reflector assembly 6 according to one aspect of the present invention in cross-sectional view. The lens 8 is mechanically held by the lens holder and the lens / lens holder unit is mounted in the grooves 14 of the profile 13 by releasable fasteners 7 (snaps 10) of the lens holder 11. The profile 13 has, for attaching a cover 3 0 which covers the end of the profile 13, two channels 15 for mounting elements such as screws 29th

The profile 13 comprises two recesses 16 for mounting and / or fixing a reflector 1, which covers the LED light source 25. In this embodiment, the reflector 1 has the additional function of mechanical protection and at the same time protects it from dust. The reflector 1 may also comprise phosphor (s).

Fig. 6 shows a linear LED light engine according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, but in a perspective view. Well visible z. B. two electrical connection cable 28, the light engine can be connected to a ballast for operation, also the light engine can be connected directly to the mains according to the present invention.

This linear LED light source 25 (or linear LED light engine 26) is applicable in cases such as signages, poster boxes, light boxes, showcases or refrigerated counters. The linear LED light engine 26 may be mechanically mounted on the frame of a light box or poster box through a recess 32 (or a plurality of recesses 32), e.g. be mounted with screws. Additionally or alternatively, for adhesion z. For example, an adhesive or an adhesive film or adhesive tape may be used. Cited adhesives could improve the heat dissipation of the light engine by transferring the heat to the frame of the light box and to the environment. These additional elements can extend the life of light engines and / or light boxes.

The poster box may comprise a transparent or semitransparent faceplate, a substantially reflective backsheet, and an LED light source in accordance with the present invention. The LED light source illuminates the volume of the poster box and is mounted on / in the frame (side panel) of the box. The front panel can have diffusive features that improve the homogeneity of the lighting through the LED light source / (linear) LED light engine. Materials and / or coatings which provide the aforementioned properties known in the art may be included in the faceplate. Alternatively or additionally, phosphors may be included in the front panel.

Fig. 7 shows a linear LED light engine with another embodiment of the present invention. The reflector 1 is shown as an elongated element and has two vertical side parts 3, which extend from the main part 4 of the reflector 1. These side parts 3 point upwards, while two further elements extend vertically downwards from the main body 4. These elements are molded as releasable fasteners (as snaps 10) and have a connection to the grooves 14 of the profile 13. The channels 15 for mounting are also shown.

FIG. 8 shows a linear LED light engine according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 in a perspective view. Recess for the electrical wiring 33 and recesses 32 for mechanical assembly are also apparent. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS: 1 Reflector 2 Lower part of the reflector 3 Side part of the reflector 4 Main part of the reflector 5 Recess 6 Reflector arrangement 7 Detachable fixing element 8 Lens 9 Base of the main part of the reflector 10 Snap closure 11 Lens holder 12 LED module 13 Profile 14 Groove 15 Channel 16 Recess 17 Encapsulation 18 Positioning element 19 Upper part of the lens holder 20 Pattern 21 Substrate of the LED module 22 Electronic component 23 Linear side of the recess 24 Curved side of the recess 25 LED Light source 26 Linear LED light engine 27 Linear side of the LED Light source 28 Electrical connection cable 29 Screw 30 Cover 31 Cylindrically shaped element 32 recess for mounting 33 recess for mounting the electrical wiring 7/18

Claims (33)

Austrian Patent Office AT 13 039 U1 2013-05-15 Claims 1. A reflector arrangement (6) for LEDs, comprising: - an LED module (12), - a lens (8), and - a reflector (1), characterized that the reflector (1) has a main part (4), and the main part (4) comprises two side parts (3), wherein the two side parts (3) are partially transparent. 2. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the main part (4) of the reflector (1) is configured in a cross-sectional view substantially U-shaped. 3. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lateral surface of the main part (4) is conical or cylindrical. 4. reflector assembly (6) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the side parts (3) of the reflector have a substantially triangular shaped cross-section. 5. reflector assembly (6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the main part (4) of the reflector (1) has a recess (5), preferably a substantially rectangular recess comprises. 6. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (5) has a straight side (23), preferably two straight sides (23). 7. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 6, characterized in that the two straight sides of the recess (23) are configured parallel to each other. 8. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 5, characterized in that the recess (5) has a curved side (24). 9. reflector assembly (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the height (H) of the main part (4) of the reflector (1) is greater than or equal to the diameter (D) of the base (9) of the reflector main part. 10. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main part (4) of the reflector (1) has an elongated shape. 11. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 10, characterized in that the side parts (3) of the reflector (1) have a substantially straight or curved cross-section. 12. reflector assembly (6) according to claim 11, characterized in that the side parts (3) of the reflector (1) protrude upwards or downwards in the vertical direction from the main part (4). 13. Reflector arrangement (6) according to claim 12, characterized in that the side parts (3) are parallel to each other. 14. Reflector arrangement (6) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the main part (4) of the reflector at least two releasable fastening elements (7), which are preferably designed as snap closures (10) or sliding connections, has. 15. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector (1) made of plastic or of metal or of the mixture thereof. 16. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main part (4) of the reflector (1) with its lower part (2) on the LED module (12) is applied. 8/18 Austrian Patent Office AT13 039U1 2013-05-15 17. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector (1) with its lower part (2) is applied to the lens (8). 18. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reflector arrangement (6) has a lens holder (11). 19. Reflector arrangement (6) according to claim 18, characterized in that the reflector (1) on the upper part (19) of the lens holder (11), preferably with its lower part (2) is positioned. 20. Reflector arrangement (6) according to claim 18, characterized in that the lens holder (11) has at least 6 releasable fastening elements (7). 21. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens (8) has the shape of a funnel, a hemisphere or parts thereof. 22. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens (8) has a reflective and / or a refractive surface. 23. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface of the lens (8) is covered by a pattern and / or a diffuse layer and / or a reflective layer. 24. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the lens (8) is glass or plastic or a mixture of these. 25. Reflector arrangement (6) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LED module (12) comprises an LED and an encapsulation and the encapsulation covers the LED. 26. Use of a reflector assembly (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 in an LED light source (25). 27. Use of a reflector assembly (6) according to claim 26, characterized in that the LED light source (25) is an elongate LED light engine. 28. LED light source (25) comprising: - a reflector arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 25, and - a profile (13), wherein the profile (13) has a straight side (27). 29. LED light source (25) according to claim 28, characterized in that the profile (13) is configured substantially U-shaped. 30. LED light source (25) according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the LED light source (25) has a cover (30), preferably at least two covers (30), and an electrical connection cable (28). 31. LED light source (25) according to any one of claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the LED light source (25) has a substantially rectangular or a substantially elongated or a substantially round shape. 32. Poster box, comprising: - a transparent or semitransparent front cover, - a substantially reflective rear wall, and - an LED light source (25) according to any one of claims 28 to 31. 9/18 Austrian Patent Office AT 13 039 U1 2013- 05-15 33. A method for mounting an LED light source (25) according to any one of claims 28-31 in a surface-lit object, preferably in a signage, a poster box or a light box, comprising the following steps: - Attaching an LED module ( 12) in a profile (13), - mounting a lens over the LED module, - mounting the reflector over the lens, wherein the LED light source (25) is mounted in / on the surface-lit object, by mechanical or other fastening means , For this 8 sheets drawings 10/18