EP2924346B1 - Optics for a luminaire - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an optic according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

Such optics, which comprise a light collector, a screen and a deflection means, can be used to cover a light source of a point light in its beam direction, whereby the beam characteristics of the point light and in particular its light distribution curve (LDC) can be adjusted.

State of the art

Nowadays, point-shaped lights are often used to illuminate indoor and outdoor spaces. These are mounted or attached directly to walls, suspended from ceilings or ceilings. Lights with light-emitting diodes (LED lights) are increasingly being used. Such LED point lights are advantageous for various reasons. For example, they are relatively long-lasting, economical and can be designed flexibly.

In particular, LED spotlights can also be configured relatively precisely. For example, LED lights can have relatively precisely defined light distribution curves (LDCs), which can be adjusted depending on the application of the LED spotlight. Accordingly, LED spotlights are increasingly being used to illuminate work surfaces, displays, rooms, etc. In some applications, such as for the basic lighting of a room, several LED spotlights are typically combined to form a luminaire array or luminaire arrangement.

To determine the LDC or to create a preferred illumination or a certain atmosphere, LED spotlights often include primary optics, which are usually assigned to the light-emitting diodes, secondary optics, which usually close the LED spotlights off to the outside, electronic controls, reflectors, refractors or similar means.

In some applications of LED spotlights, a relatively flat light is desirable in addition to the predefined illumination. For example, for basic lighting of a room with a lighting arrangement as mentioned above, the lighting arrangement is attached to the ceiling so that the light emitted by the individual LED spotlights shines into the room from above. In such applications, the LEDs of the LED spotlights are typically covered by a diffuser as a secondary optic or other diffuse surfaces in order to achieve a flat light without multiple shadows. However, such diffusers or similar diffuse surfaces impair the LDC of the LED spotlights and the illumination cannot be achieved in the preferred manner.

Against this background, it is the object of the following invention to propose an optic for a spotlight or suitable elements thereof, which, in particular with LED lamps, enables pleasant surface lighting and at the same time relatively precisely defined radiation characteristics.

CN 103 062 706 A discloses an optic according to the preamble of claim 1.

Description of the invention

The object is achieved according to the invention by an optical system as defined by the features of independent patent claim 1, as well as by a luminaire as defined below and an optical arrangement as defined below. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent patent claims.

The essence of the invention is as follows: An optic for covering a lamp of a spotlight in its Beam direction comprises a preferably rotationally symmetrical or free-form light collector, a screen and a deflection means. The deflection means is arranged in a peripheral area of an output of the light collector between the light collector and the screen so that light collected by the light collector that penetrates the light collector centrally can be emitted as direct light without deflection and light penetrating the light collector in an edge area can be redirected into the screen. The screen has a plurality of output units with which the light deflected by the deflection means into the screen can be deflected into a radiation direction of the optics. The output units each have a curved reflector surface. The screen has a flat outer side from which the light deflected by the output units exits the optics.

The light collector enables light emitted more or less randomly by the point light to be guided through the optics as intended and emitted from them. With the help of your light collector, the optics make it relatively easy to use point lights. In particular, the light does not have to be collected before the optics, so the point lights used do not need to have their own light bundlers or diverters. The point light can in particular be a relatively simple LED point light.

The optics can have a fastening means with which it can be attached detachably or permanently to the spotlight. The shade can be plate-shaped. It can be tapered on one side and essentially flat on the other. The term "direction of radiation" in relation to the optics refers to a main direction in which the light is intended to be emitted mainly by the optics. The direction of radiation can have a range of directions, particularly in the case of scattered light, or the direction of radiation can include deviations.

The basic shape of the optics or a frontal view of the optics can essentially be square, rectangular, round, diamond-shaped or similar. The outside of the optics visible from the outside can be flat or curved. The optics can be one-piece or multi-piece. For example, the collimator and the screen can be made of
For reasons of better manufacturability, they must be separated or separable.

The deflection means enables light to be distributed into the screen. At the same time, this deflected light in the screen is deflected by the output units at several different positions in the screen into a beam direction of the optics. In this way, part of the light emitted by the light source of the point light can be distributed, which can produce a relatively flat light. In a ceiling light, for example, the beam direction can be a direction from the ceiling downwards. This direction can also be referred to as the z-direction or it can correspond to a z-axis in a coordinate system of the optics.

In particular, the optics according to the invention enable a preferred light distribution curve (LDC) to be defined and generated relatively precisely on the one hand, and at the same time achieve uniform, pleasant, flat illumination on the other. Multiple shadow formation can be avoided and the light pressure can be reduced. This means that an area such as a work surface and/or a room can be preferably and pleasantly illuminated. The optics therefore enable the realization of a specifically shaped light distribution curve with an illuminated screen surface.

The light collector preferably comprises a collimator, which can be rotationally symmetrical or polygonal. In the context of the invention, the term "collimator" can be understood to mean a device that is used to generate a parallel beam path, i.e. for collimation. In addition to the known and usual design of a collimator, a predefined angled beam path can also be made possible with a collimator in the sense of the present invention. Such collimators are known in various designs. In optics, such a collimator can be used to collimate the light generated by the light source of the spotlight. preferably directed in the direction of radiation of the optics. The light emanating from the collimator or at least a portion of it can be directed to the deflection means.

According to the invention, the deflection means is arranged in a peripheral region of an output of the light collector. The term "peripheral" in this context can refer to a region of the light collector that is located near the circumference in a cross-section of the light collector. In this way, light penetrating the light collector centrally or light emanating from the light collector can be emitted, for example, as direct light without deflection through the optics, while at the same time light in an edge region of the light collector is deflected into the screen. In this way, continuous or partially flat light and a defined light distribution can be generated with the help of the optics.

Preferably, the deflection means is designed such that light collected by the light collector can be deflected in a direction that is virtually transverse to the direction of emission of the optics. The term "quasi transverse" in this context can refer to a deflection from the direction of emission by between about 70° and about 110°, between about 75° and about 105° or between about 80° and about 100°. In this way, the light can be efficiently distributed across the width of the optics, so that a relatively wide, flat light can be generated.

The output units of the screen are preferably designed such that light deflected into the screen by the deflection means can be deflected essentially in the direction of emission. The light deflected by the output units can also deviate from the direction of emission by, for example, about 10° or about 5°. Such a design of the output units enables light distributed across the width of the optics by the deflection means to be redirected back in the direction of emission. This allows a preferred flat light and a defined emission characteristic to be generated.

The output units of the screen are preferably distributed across the screen transversely to the direction of radiation. In this way, the light deflected by the deflection means can be deflected by the output units at different radial locations on the screen, which can be beneficial for generating a flat light.

The output units of the screen can in particular be three-dimensional structures. They can be designed as spherical facets or even as free-form surfaces. In particular, they can also vary in size, shape and/or orientation depending on their position on the screen. With such output units, for example, the corners of a square screen can be formed so that a square LDC can be created.

Preferably, the output coupling units of the screen are each prism-shaped. This enables an efficient and relatively easy-to-manufacture design of the output coupling units. The prism-shaped output coupling units of the screen are preferably designed as steps on the screen arranged transversely to the direction of radiation. Such a design of the output coupling units enables a simple and efficient construction of the optics.

According to the invention 5, the output units each have a curved reflector surface. The curved surfaces can be designed as three-dimensional free-form surfaces, for example in the shape of a spherical segment. They can be designed in the shape of facets, whereby the facets can each have different curvatures around several axes. With such output units, the light emitted by the optics can be preferably scattered. In this way, an essentially completely flat or partially flat light impression can be created even from different viewing angles.

Preferably, the output coupling units of the optics are each equipped with frosted reflector surfaces. Matting can be implemented in the form of eroded structures, microstructures or nanostructures, for example. Such matting enables relatively good color mixing. Since LED spotlights in particular usually emit light in different colors over different beam angles, a relatively homogeneous light can be created in this way. In addition, the matt reflector surfaces can help to reduce contrast glare.

Preferably, the deflection means is designed such that light collected by the light collector can be deflected by an angle that is in a range of about 75° to about 105°. In particular, the light can also be deflected by an angle that is in a range of about 80° to about 100°, in a range of about 85° to about 95° or that is about 90°. In this way, the light can be efficiently distributed across the width.

The screen preferably has a rear light unit with which light deflected into the screen by the deflection means can be deflected in a direction other than the direction of emission. In particular, the rear light unit can be designed to deflect light in a direction that is virtually opposite to the direction of emission. The term "in a direction that is virtually opposite to the direction of emission" can refer to a direction that deviates by at least 90° from the direction of emission. With such a rear light unit, for example, a ceiling can be brightened and contrast glare reduced.

Preferably, the deflection means comprises a deflection prism. The deflection prism can have a reflector plane that is at an angle of approximately 35° to approximately 55°, approximately 40° to approximately 50° and in particular approximately 45° to the beam direction of the optics. This enables a simple, efficient construction of the deflection means.

Preferably, the optics are designed as a single piece. In particular, the optics can be made of a transparent plastic It can be matte, unmatte, have eroded structures or similar. Such plastics enable efficient and relatively cost-effective design and production of the optics.

The shade preferably has a peripheral collar. The peripheral collar can be designed, for example, as an edge that extends upwards or in the direction of a support structure to which the associated lamp is attached. With such a collar, the optics can close off the lamp from the outside when mounted. This can reduce or prevent contamination of the interior of the lamp.

The optics preferably have a positioning device for positioning the optics in relation to a light source of a lamp on which the optics are arranged. Since the position or alignment between the light source and the optics is important for the optics to function properly, such a positioning device can enable the optics to be mounted with sufficient accuracy in a simple manner. In particular, this enables a relatively precise definition of the light distribution of the point light.

The positioning device preferably comprises a spacer for determining a distance between the light source and the light collector of the optics. The distance can in particular be a distance in the direction of radiation of the light. The spacer can be used to determine the distance between the light source and the light collector or shade with sufficient precision so that the light collector can redirect the light emitted by the light source into the shade as described above. The distance can thus be determined with an accuracy of plus/minus 0.9 mm, plus/minus 0.7 mm or plus/minus 0.5 mm, for example.

Preferably, the positioning device has at least two positioning pins for centering the optics in relation to the light source of the lamp. The at least two Positioning pins can each be designed with a flank or bevel that holds the light source on the side. The optics can be centered in relation to the light source in particular in a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of radiation. In the case of a ceiling light, for example, this can be a plane that is parallel to the ceiling. This plane can also be referred to as the x/y plane or it can include an x-axis and a y-axis in the optics' coordinate system. The positioning pins can be used to align the optics with sufficient precision to the light source so that the light collector can redirect the light emitted by the light source into the shade as described above. Greater precision may be required than stated above in connection with the distance. For example, the optics can be centered with an accuracy of plus/minus 0.3 mm or plus/minus 0.2 mm.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a luminaire with an LED light source and an optic as described above, wherein the optic covers the LED light source in its radiation direction. With such a luminaire, the effects and advantages listed above in connection with the optic can be efficiently implemented.

Another further aspect of the invention relates to an optical arrangement which comprises a plurality of optics as described above. Such an optical arrangement can be used particularly efficiently in a lighting arrangement. The optical arrangement simplifies assembly, since not every individual light in the lighting arrangement has to be fitted with a separate optic. In this way, the effects and advantages listed above in connection with the optics can be efficiently implemented in a lighting arrangement.

Short description of the drawings

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Frontansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemässen Optik;

Fig. 2

eine Querschnittsansicht entlang der Linie A-A von Fig. 1; und

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht der Optik von Fig. 1.

In particular, the optics according to the invention for a spotlight according to the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. They show:

Fig.1

a front view of an embodiment of an optic according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig.1 ; and

Fig.3

a side view of the optics of Fig.1 .

Way(s) of carrying out the invention

Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not intended to be limiting. The words "right", "left", "bottom" and "top" indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward" and "outward" indicate directions toward or away from the geometric center of the optic and named parts thereof. The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives of the same and words of similar meaning.

The following definition also applies to the entire description: If reference symbols are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic clarity but are not mentioned in the directly associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in the preceding figure descriptions. If reference symbols are also mentioned in the descriptive text directly associated with a figure that are not included in the associated figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures.

Fig.1 shows an embodiment of an optic 1 according to the invention. The optic 1, which is made in one piece from a transparent plastic, is shown from the front. The optic comprises a collimator 2 as a light collector and a plate-shaped screen 3. The screen 3, which can be seen from a flat outer side 32, has a quasi-square shape with rounded corners in the front view. The screen 3 has a circumferential rear light unit 33 in a peripheral area.

A deflection prism 4 is arranged between the collimator 2 and the screen 3 as a deflection means. The deflection prism 4 comprises a central opening and reflector surfaces beveled at an angle of approximately 45°. The optics also have two positioning pins 51 and a central light-forming element 6. For better color mixing, the light-forming segment 6 is preferably equipped with a frosted reflector surface, wherein the frosting can be realized, for example, in the form of eroded structures, microstructures or nanostructures.

In Fig.2 the optics 1 are shown in a cross-section. It can be seen that the screen 3 has a flat, conical inner side opposite the outer side 32. On the inner side, prism-shaped, circumferential steps 31 distributed transversely to a predetermined radiation direction 11 of the optics 1 are designed as coupling-out units. The steps 31 each have a curved reflector surface facing the deflection prism 4.

Centrally on the collimator 2, the optics comprises a spacer 52. The spacer 52 and the positioning pins 51 are components of a positioning device 5 of the optics 1. A peripheral collar 34 is formed on the circumference of the screen 3, which extends from the inside of the screen 3 against the radiation direction 11.

Fig.3 shows the optic 1 in a position in which it can be installed on a ceiling with an LED spotlight. The optics 1 are placed on a rectangular light-emitting diode, for example, so that it is precisely centered by the two positioning pins 51. The spacer 52 precisely defines the distance between the light-emitting diode and the optics 1. In this state, the light-emitting diode is therefore precisely aligned with the optics 1 in all directions. The light-emitting diode and part of the optics 1 are recessed into the ceiling or a ceiling panel so far that the peripheral collar 34 of the screen 3 rests against the ceiling or ceiling panel.

As in particular in Fig.2 It is clearly visible that when the LED spotlight is in operation, the light emitted by the light-emitting diode is collected and directed by the collimator 2. Part of the light is emitted as direct light from the optics 1, centrally past the deflection prism 4. The direct light is affected by the light-forming element 6 and has a precisely defined light distribution curve (LDC).

The light emerging from a peripheral area of the collimator 2 strikes the deflection prism 4. Its reflector surfaces deflect the incident light by an angle of between approximately 75° and approximately 105°, so that it penetrates the screen 3 virtually transversely to the direction of radiation 11. In the screen 3, it strikes the curved reflector surfaces of the steps 31 at various positions transversely to the direction of radiation 11, from which it is again deflected approximately in the direction of radiation 11 as surface light. The portion of the light that completely penetrates the screen 3 transversely strikes the rear light unit 33, from which it is deflected sideways and upwards as a rear light, approximately opposite to the direction of radiation 11.

With the optics 1, about 35% of the light emitted by the LED is generated as direct light, about 60% as surface light and about 5% as rear light. The optics 1 and also the entire LED spot light can be designed relatively flat. By redirecting a significant portion of the light into the screen 3, the optics 1 can create a flat Light is generated and the light pressure is kept relatively low. At the same time, the optics 1 make it possible to set a precise LDC using the direct light and the flat light. Finally, contrast glare can be avoided or reduced using the rear light generated by the rear light unit 33 of the screen 3. The quasi-square shape of the optics 1 makes it possible to have a flexible design and, in particular, a consistent arrangement when using several LED light diodes.

• Mehrere von den in den Figuren gezeigten Optiken können zusammen eine Optikanordnung bilden. Dabei können sie beispielsweise als Optikmodule zusammengesetzt sein. Ein solches Optikmodul kann beispielsweise von neun Optiken gebildet sein, die zusammen wieder ein Quadrat bilden.
• Eine Optikanordnung kann mehrere Optiken mit jeweils unterschiedlichen LVKs aufweisen. So kann beispielsweise aus verhältnismässig einfachen Einzel-LVKs eine komplexere System-LVK geschaffen werden.
• Die Optik, wie sie in den Figuren gezeigt ist, kann auch direkt an einer LED-Punkleuchte montiert sein und so mit ihr eine Einheit bilden.

Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the associated description, this illustration and this detailed description are to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. It is understood that changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the following claims. For example, the invention can also be implemented in the following form:

• Several of the optics shown in the figures can together form an optics arrangement. They can be assembled as optics modules, for example. Such an optics module can be formed, for example, from nine optics, which together again form a square.
• An optical arrangement can have several optics, each with different LDCs. For example, a more complex system LDC can be created from relatively simple individual LDCs.
• The optics, as shown in the figures, can also be mounted directly on an LED spotlight and thus form a unit with it.

The present disclosure also includes embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below for various embodiments. It also includes individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and/or are not mentioned above or below. The features shown in the figures and the description, alternatives of embodiments and individual alternatives of their features are excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subjects. The disclosure includes embodiments that exclusively comprise the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that comprise additional other features. Furthermore, the term "comprise" and derivatives thereof do not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof do not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims can be fulfilled by one unit or one step. The terms "essentially", "about", "quasi", "approximately" and the like in connection with a property or a value in particular also precisely define the property or the value. The terms "about", "quasi" and "approximately" in connection with a given numerical value or range can refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5% or within 2% of the given value or range. All reference signs in the claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Optical unit (1) for covering an illuminant of a spotlight in the beam direction thereof, which optical unit comprises a light collector (2), a screen (3) and a deflection means (4), characterized in that the deflection means (4) is arranged in a peripheral region of an output of the light collector (2), between the light collector (2) and the screen (3), such that light collected by the light collector (2), which penetrates the light collector (2) centrally, can be emitted as direct light without deflection, and light penetrating the light collector (2) in a border region can be deflected into the screen (3), wherein the screen (3) has a plurality of decoupling units (31), each of which has a curved reflector surface and by means of which the light deflected by the deflection means (4) into the screen (3) can be deflected in a radiation direction (11) of the optical unit (1), and the screen (3) has a level outer side (32) from which the light deflected by the decoupling units (31) exits the optical unit (1).
2. Optical unit (1) according to claim 1, in which the plurality of decoupling units (31) are designed to be distributed on an inner side of the screen (3) opposite the outer side (32), wherein the screen (3) has a flat, conically tapering inner side opposite the outer side (32), and the decoupling units (31) are formed by prism-like, circumferential steps distributed transversely to a predetermined radiation direction (11).
3. Optical unit (1) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, in which the light collector (2) comprises a collimator (2).
4. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the deflection means (4) is arranged in a peripheral region of an outlet of the light collector (2).
5. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the deflection means (4) is designed such that light collected by the light collector (2) can be deflected in a direction which is more or less transverse to the radiation direction (11) of the optical unit (1).
6. Optical unit (1) according to claim 5, in which the decoupling units (31) of the screen (3) are designed such that light deflected by the deflection means (4) into the screen (3) can be deflected substantially in the radiation direction (11) of the optical unit (1).
7. Optical unit (1) according to either claim 5 or claim 6, in which the decoupling units (31) of the screen (3) are designed to be distributed on the screen (3) more or less transversely to the radiation direction (11) of the optical unit (1).
8. Optical unit (1) according to claim 7, in which the decoupling units (31) of the screen (3) are formed on the screen (3) as steps (31) arranged transversely to the radiation direction (11) of the optical unit (1).
9. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the decoupling units (31) each have matted reflector surfaces.
10. Optical unit (1) according to any of claims 5 to 9, in which the screen (3) has a rear light unit (33), by means of which light deflected by the deflection means (4) into the screen (3) can be deflected in a direction deviating from the radiation direction (11).
11. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the deflection means (4) comprises a deflection prism.
12. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is designed in one-piece.
13. Optical unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which has a positioning device (5) for positioning the optical unit (1) in relation to an illuminant of a luminaire on which the optical unit (1) is arranged.
14. Optical unit (1) according to claim 13, in which the positioning device (5) comprises a spacer (52) for fixing a distance between the illuminant and the light collector (2) of the optical unit (1).
15. Optical unit (1) according to either claim 13 or claim 14, in which the positioning device (5) has at least two positioning pins (51) for centering the optical unit (1) in relation to the illuminant of the luminaire.

Images