EP3218647A1 - Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière - Google Patents

Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière

Info

Publication number
EP3218647A1
EP3218647A1 EP15797522.8A EP15797522A EP3218647A1 EP 3218647 A1 EP3218647 A1 EP 3218647A1 EP 15797522 A EP15797522 A EP 15797522A EP 3218647 A1 EP3218647 A1 EP 3218647A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lightguide
light
along
extractors
light extractors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15797522.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Tao Liu
Mark E. Napierala
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
3M Innovative Properties Co
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Co filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Co
Publication of EP3218647A1 publication Critical patent/EP3218647A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
    • G02B6/001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/60—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects
    • B60Q3/62—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides
    • B60Q3/64—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors characterised by optical aspects using light guides for a single lighting device
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
    • F21W2131/40—Lighting for industrial, commercial, recreational or military use
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0058—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide
    • G02B6/006—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide varying in density, size, shape or depth along the light guide to produce indicia, symbols, texts or the like

Definitions

  • Lightguides are increasingly being used for decorative (e.g., accent) and functional lighting in various locations, some of which require the lightguide to emit light selectively (e.g., comparatively uniformly or in a particular direction) along its length.
  • Various mechanisms are known for enabling light that is injected into a lightguide from a light source at one end or two ends to be extracted selectively from the lightguide along its length to provide, effectively, a linear lighting device.
  • the use of lightguides in linear lighting devices may offer advantages that include, e.g., the use of a low voltage light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) light source, separation of the light source from the area in which the lighting device is located, etc.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • these lightguides can include light extracting structures.
  • the light extracting structures can include one or more various types of structures formed on and/or in the lightguides.
  • the present disclosure provides one embodiment of an elongated lightguide that extends along a length of the lightguide.
  • the lightguide includes pluralities of first and second light extractors that extract light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection, where the first and second light extractors form respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide.
  • Light extracted by the first light extractors exits the lightguide primarily along a first direction.
  • Total light extracted by the first light extractors has a first brightness.
  • Light extracted by the second light extractors exits the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction.
  • Total light extracted by the second light extractors has a second brightness substantially smaller than the first brightness.
  • an illumination system that includes a light source and an elongated lightguide.
  • the lightguide extends along a length of the lightguide and receives light from the light source from a first end of the lightguide.
  • the lightguide includes pluralities of first and second light extractors that extract light from the light source that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection.
  • the first and second light extractors form respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide. Light extracted by the first light extractors exits the lightguide primarily along a first direction toward a first target area. Total light extracted by the first light extractors has a first brightness.
  • Light extracted by the second light extractors exits the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction toward a second target area different from the first target area.
  • Total light extracted by the second light extractors has a second brightness substantially smaller than the first brightness.
  • Light received by the first target area from the lightguide is reflected toward the second target area along a third direction different from the first and second directions, such that when the lightguide is viewed from the second target area along the second direction, the second, but not the first, pattern is visible. And when the first target area is viewed from the second target area along the third direction, neither the first nor the second pattern is visible.
  • phrases "at least one of and “comprises at least one of followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.
  • a number e.g., up to 50
  • the number e.g., 50
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section view of one embodiment of an illumination system that includes a light source and a lightguide.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the lightguide of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the lightguide of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of the lightguide of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of a lightguide.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of an illumination system.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of an illumination system.
  • FIGS. 8A-B are photographs of a lightguide of Example 1.
  • FIGS. 9A-B are photographs of a lightguide of Example 2.
  • these lightguides can include light extracting structures.
  • the light extracting structures can include one or more various types of structures formed on and/or within the exemplary lightguides.
  • the light extracting structures can include first light extractors and second light extractors, where light extracted by the first light extractors exits the light guide primarily along a first direction, and light extracted by the second light extractors exits the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction.
  • a brightness of the total light extracted by the first light extractors is larger than a brightness of the total light extracted by the second light extractors.
  • a second pattern formed by the second light extractors is visible when viewed along the second direction, but a first pattern formed by the first light extractors is not visible when viewed along the second direction.
  • the various embodiments of lightguides and illumination systems described herein can be utilized in any suitable application or environment.
  • the lightguides can be utilized as functional lighting and/or accent lighting for automobiles, airplanes, trains, etc.
  • one or more embodiments of lightguides described herein can provide step-assist lighting in large SUVs and trucks.
  • first light extractors of the lightguide can extract light toward the ground for indirect functional lighting
  • second light extractors can extract light toward a viewer to provide accent lighting.
  • one or more lightguides can be used as interior backseat lighting.
  • first light extractors can extract light downward toward passengers for reading or other activities
  • second light extractors can extract light toward the front of the car for accent lighting while minimizing glare.
  • Other exemplary automotive applications may include roof rack lighting, center high-mount stop lighting (CHMSLs), truck bed lighting, etc.
  • CHMSLs center high-mount stop lighting
  • One or more embodiments of lightguides can also be utilized, e.g., for commercial and residential buildings, etc.
  • Lightguides such as large core light fibers have been utilized for linear lighting applications in the areas of automotive, commercial buildings, etc.
  • Examples include 3MTM Precision Light Elements (PLEs) that include various light extractors, and acrylic light pipes that include diffusive strips, e.g., from Tyco Electronics.
  • PLEs Precision Light Elements
  • acrylic light pipes that include diffusive strips, e.g., from Tyco Electronics.
  • light emitted from the light fibers can be used to illuminate the ground.
  • users may prefer to have fully functional devices as well as an appealing appearance of the light fibers.
  • Conventional light fibers may not be able to meet these preferences.
  • traditional extraction features of these light fibers can be invisible from users when the light fibers are installed underneath the steps and light is extracted in a direction toward the ground for functional illumination.
  • some extraction features may create strong glare when viewed directly by users.
  • diffusive strips may also produce an unattractive appearance such as a fluorescent-tube look.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-section view of one embodiment of an illumination system 100.
  • the system 100 includes a light source 1 10 and an elongated lightguide 120.
  • the lightguide 120 extends along a length 104 of the lightguide.
  • the lightguide 120 receives light 1 12 from the light source 1 10 from a first end 124 of the lightguide.
  • the light source 1 10 can include any suitable light source or sources capable of providing light to the lightguide 120, e.g., light emitting diodes, fluorescent lights, noble gas lights, incandescent lights, etc. Further, the illumination system 100 can include any suitable number of light sources. For example, in one or more embodiments, system 100 can include a second light source (not shown) that is configured to direct light into the light guide 120 at a second end 126 of the lightguide. Further, the light source 1 10 can include any suitable optical element or elements that assist in providing light to the lightguide 120, e.g., lenses, filters, brightness enhancement films, polarizers, etc.
  • the elongated lightguide 120 extends along the length 104 of the lightguide and receives light 1 12 from the light source 1 10 from the first end 124 of the lightguide.
  • Lightguide 120 can be any suitable lightguide or lightguides and can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, circular, polygonal, mushroom, etc.
  • the lightguide 120 has a circular cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the length 104 of the lightguide.
  • the lightguide 120 can be an optical fiber.
  • the lightguide 120 can include (e.g., be formed of) any suitable material or combination of materials, e.g., one or more polymers (e.g., urethanes, acrylics, polycarbonates, etc.), glass, etc. Further, the lightguide 120 can be flexible (e.g., resilient, etc.) or rigid (e.g., inflexible, unbendable, not resilient, etc.). The lightguide 120 can be formed, or manufactured, using any suitable process, e.g., molding, extruding, printing, deposition, etc. In one or more embodiments, the lightguide 120 can be formed by injection molding.
  • the lightguide 120 can define the length 104 extending from the first end 124 to the second end 126.
  • the length 104 may be any suitable length, e.g., greater than or equal to about 200 millimeters (mm), greater than or equal to about 500 mm, greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 meters, greater than or equal to about 3 meters, greater than or equal to about 5 meters, greater than or equal to about 10 meters, greater than or equal to about 20 meters, greater than or equal to about 30 meters, greater than or equal to about 50 meters, etc.
  • the length 104 can be less than or equal to about 1000 mm, less than or equal to about 2 meters, less than or equal to about 3 meters, less than or equal to about 5 meters, less than or equal to about 10 meters, less than or equal to about 20 meters, less than or equal to about 30 meters, less than or equal to about 50 meters, less than or equal to about 100 meters, etc.
  • light 1 12 emitted by the light source 1 10 is directed into the lightguide 120 and propagates through the lightguide along a main axis 102 substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the lightguide.
  • the light 1 12 propagates through the lightguide 120 with a maximum cone angle measured from the main axis 102 that is determined by the critical angle necessary for total internal reflection. This angle may be derived by first calculating the critical angle as is known by those skilled in the art.
  • the light 1 12 is confined and propagates within the lightguide 120 along the length 104 of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection.
  • one or more portions of the length 104 or the entire length of the lightguide 120 can be configured to emit light therefrom.
  • the one or more portions of the length 104 that are configured to emit light may be referred to as "active.”
  • portions of the lightguide 120 may not be configured to emit light therefrom but may be configured to transfer light down the length of the lightguide along the main axis 102 to other portions that are configured to emit light therefrom.
  • the lightguide 120 may be defined in terms of "active” and "inactive" portions, regions, lengths, etc.
  • the lightguide 120 can include a single active portion, and an active length may be define as a distance between a first light extracting structure closest to an input face, e.g., first end 124, of the lightguide and a last light extracting structure farthest from the input face.
  • the lightguide 120 can be built, or configured, for a plurality of different applications requiring different lighting requirements such as active lengths.
  • the lightguide 120 can have an active length that is greater than or equal to about 200 millimeters (mm), greater than or equal to about 500 mm, greater than or equal to about 1000 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 meters, greater than or equal to about 3 meters, greater than or equal to about 5 meters, greater than or equal to about 10 meters, greater than or equal to about 20 meters, greater than or equal to about 30 meters, greater than or equal to about 50 meters, etc.
  • mm millimeters
  • the active length can be less than or equal to about 1000 mm, less than or equal to about 2 meters, less than or equal to about 3 meters, less than or equal to about 5 meters, less than or equal to about 10 meters, less than or equal to about 20 meters, less than or equal to about 30 meters, less than or equal to about 50 meters, less than or equal to about 100 meters, etc.
  • the lightguide 120 can include one or more portions or regions that include various materials, each material having various properties.
  • the lightguide 120 can include a core and cladding surrounding at least a portion of the core (not shown).
  • the core can include materials such as, e.g., one or more polymers (e.g., urethanes, acrylics, polycarbonates, etc.), glass, etc.
  • the core can be optically homogenous (e.g., a refractive index can be substantially the same throughout, and a refractive index of the core material may vary less than or equal to 15%, less than or equal to 10%, less than or equal to 7%, less than or equal to 5%, less than or equal to 3%, less than or equal to 2%, less than or equal to 1%, etc.).
  • the cladding can include any suitable material or combination of materials, e.g., polymers (e.g., low refractive index polymers), metals, etc.
  • the cladding can include (e.g., be formed of) metal such as, e.g., silver, aluminum, gold, alloys thereof, etc., and may be configured to have a high reflectance (e.g., greater than or equal to about 90%).
  • metal such as, e.g., silver, aluminum, gold, alloys thereof, etc.
  • the light can propagate in either direction along the main axis 102 (e.g., depending on which end the light was injected) by total internal reflection, e.g., by the core and/or cladding.
  • the core can have a selected, or particular, index of refraction.
  • the index of refraction of the core can be in a range from about 1.3 to about 1.65, about 1.4 to about 1.6, about 1.5 to about 1.6, about 1.5 to about 1.55, etc.
  • the index of refraction of the core may be greater than or equal to about 1.2, greater than or equal to about 1.3, greater than or equal to about 1.35, greater than or equal to about 1.4, greater than or equal to about 1.45, greater than or equal to about 1.5, etc. and/or less than or equal to about 1.7, less than or equal to about 1.65, less than or equal to about 1.6, less than or equal to about 1.55, etc.
  • the core and/or cladding, taken alone or together, may have a selected, or particular, optical absorption coefficient.
  • the optical absorption coefficient at a wavelength of 500 nanometers (nm) may be greater than or equal to about 0.01 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.015 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.018 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.019 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.02 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.025 cm “1 , greater than or equal to about 0.03 cm “1 , etc.
  • the optical absorption coefficient can be less than or equal to about 0.04 cm "1 , less than or equal to about 0.035 cm "1 , less than or equal to about 0.03 cm , less than or equal to about 0.025 cm , less than or equal to about 0.02 cm 4 , etc.
  • the lightguide 120 can be described in relative terms using the active length and the optical absorption coefficient.
  • the lightguide 120 may have an optical absorption coefficient ⁇ at 500 nm and an active length d defined as a distance between a first light extractor closest to an input face such as the first end 124 of the lightguide 120 and a last light extractor farthest from the input face, wherein 9d is greater than or equal to about 1, greater than or equal to about 1.5, greater than or equal to about 2, greater than or equal to about 2.5, greater than or equal to about 3, greater than or equal to about 3.5, greater than or equal to about 4, etc.
  • 9d can be less than or equal to about 5, less than or equal to about 4.5, less than or equal to about 4, less than or equal to about 3.5, less than or equal to about 3, less than or equal to about 2.5, less than or equal to about 2, etc.
  • the cladding may have a selected, or particular, index of refraction.
  • the index of refraction of the cladding may be in a range from about 1 to about 1.6, about 1 to about 1.5, about 1 to about 1.4, about 1 to about 1.3, about 1 to about 1.2, about 1 to about 1.1, etc.
  • the index of refraction of the cladding may be greater than or equal to about 1 , greater than or equal to about 1.05, greater than or equal to about 1.1, greater than or equal to about 1.2, etc.
  • the lightguide 120 can include one or more light extractors that extract light 1 12 from the light source 1 10 that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length 104 of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection.
  • FIGS. 2-4 are various schematic views of the lightguide 120.
  • the lightguide 120 includes a body 122 that includes the first end 124 and the second end 126, and an exterior surface 128 extending longitudinally along the length 104 of the lightguide.
  • the exterior surface 128 corresponds to the circumferential surface of the lightguide 120.
  • the exterior surface 128 can be an optically smooth surface.
  • the term "optically smooth surface” refers to a surface that is capable of reflecting light incident on the surface with minimal scattering or diffusion such as is possible when the surface roughness is small compared to the wavelength of light.
  • Lightguide 120 also includes a plurality of first light extractors 130 and a plurality of second light extractors 140.
  • the first and second light extractors 130, 140 are configured to extract light 1 12 that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length 104 of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection.
  • the lightguide 120 can include any suitable type and number of light extractors.
  • one or more of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can include a notch formed in the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide 120.
  • one or more of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can include a protrusion formed on the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide 120 as is further described herein.
  • the light extractors 130, 140 can take any suitable shape or combination of shapes, e.g., linear, triangular, etc. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the first light extractors 130 and second light extractors 140 can be a diffuse extractor, e.g., diffusive notches, printed inks, etc. In one or more embodiments, one or more light extractors can also be a colored light extractor, e.g., one or more light extractors can include surfaces having inks printed thereon to provide any desired color.
  • the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can extract light using any suitable technique or combination for techniques. For example, in one or more embodiments, at least one of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can extract light primarily by scattering the light. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can extract light primarily by reflecting the light. And in one or more embodiments, at least one of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can extract light primarily by refracting the light. Further, the first light extractors 130 can extract light using a different technique from that of the second light extractors 140. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first light extractors 130 can extract light primarily by scattering the light, and the second light extractors 140 can extract light primarily by reflecting the light.
  • the first light extractors 130 form a first pattern 131 along the length 104 of the lightguide 120
  • the second extractors 140 form a second pattern 141 along the length of the lightguide.
  • the first and second patterns 131, 141 can include any suitable patterns.
  • at least one of the first and second patterns 131, 141 can include a straight line pattern.
  • at least one of the first and second patterns can include a wavy line pattern.
  • one or both of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can be arranged randomly along the length 104 of the lightguide 120.
  • first and second patterns 131, 141 can include any suitable shape or combination of shapes.
  • one or both of the first and second patterns 131, 141 can include indicia. Any suitable indicia can be included or formed by one or both of the first and second patterns 131, 141, e.g., letters, text, logos, etc.
  • the indicia may, in one or more embodiments, be compressed in a direction orthogonal to the length 104 of the lightguide 120 to be viewed at a desired size and configuration through the lightguide as the lightguide can act as a cylindrical lens that distorts the patterns.
  • At least one of the first pattern 131 and the second pattern 141 can be magnified by a lens or lenses attached to the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide 120 such that the pattern appears to float when viewed through a thickness of the lightguide (e.g., lens 423 of illumination system 400 of FIG. 7).
  • the first light extractors 130 are discrete and spaced apart and arranged along a first axis 138 along the length 104 of the lightguide 120.
  • the second light extractors 140 are discrete and spaced apart and arranged along a different second axis 148 along the length 104 of the lightguide 120.
  • the first and second axes 138, 148 can be disposed in any suitable location on the surface 128 of the lightguide 120. Further, in one or more embodiments, the first and second axes 138, 148 can subtend any suitable angle a at the main axis 102. For example, in one or more embodiments, the first and second axes 138, 148 can subtend an angle between 45 to 90 degrees at the main axis 102.
  • the lightguide 120 includes the first light extractors 130 centered about the first axis 138 along exterior surface 128 of the lightguide.
  • Each first light extractor 130 includes a first reflective surface 132 that extends into the body 122 of the lightguide 120.
  • First reflective surface 132 can, in one or more embodiments, be a substantially optically smooth surface, meaning that it is capable of reflecting light with minimal losses due to scattering or diffusion. Surface 132 can also be disposed at any useful angle 135 between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the main axis 102. In one or more
  • each first light extractor 130 also includes a second surface 134 that may or may not be optically reflective.
  • Surfaces 132, 134 can intersect to define the base 136 of optical element 130.
  • Surface 134 can be disposed at any suitable angle 137 between 0 to 90 degrees relative to the main axis 102.
  • Lightguide 120 can also include second light extractors 140 centered about the second axis 148 along the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide.
  • each second light extractor 140 includes a first reflective surface 142 that extends into the body 122 of the lightguide 120.
  • the first reflective surface 142 can be a substantially optically smooth surface, meaning that it is capable of reflecting light with minimal losses due to scattering or diffusion.
  • Surface 142 can also be disposed at any useful angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the main axis 102.
  • Each second light extractor 140 can also include a second surface 144 that may or may not be optically reflective.
  • Surfaces 142, 144 intersect to define a base 146 of second light extractor 140.
  • Surface 142 can also be disposed at any useful angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the main axis 102.
  • a first portion of the light propagating through the lightguide 120 is incident on the first reflective surface 132 of first light extractor 130 and is reflected through the lightguide 120 such that it strikes the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide at an angle greater than the critical angle required for continued propagation through the lightguide and thus is at least partially refracted from the lightguide.
  • the second portion of the light propagating through the lightguide 120 represented by light ray 158, strikes the exterior surface 128 of lightguide 120 and continues to propagate through the lightguide.
  • a third portion of the light propagating through the lightguide 120 becomes incident on a reflective surface 142 of the second light extractor 140 and is reflected through the lightguide such that it strikes the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide at an angle less than the critical angle required for continued propagation and thus is at least partially refracted from the lightguide.
  • Surfaces 132, 134, 142, and 144 of light extractors 130, 140 may be coated with a specularly reflective substance (e.g. silver, aluminum) such that light striking these surfaces is specularly reflected. If these surfaces are not coated with a specularly reflective substance, light incident on the reflective surface at an angle less than the critical angle defined by Snell's law will be transmitted (and refracted) through the light extractors 130, 140. By contrast, light incident on the reflective surface at an angle greater than the critical angle defined by Snell's law will be totally internally reflected, much like the light depicted by ray 158.
  • a specularly reflective substance e.g. silver, aluminum
  • each light extractor 130, 140 can have an extraction efficiency of less than 5%, or less than 4%, or less than 3%, or less than 2%, or less than 1.5%, or less than 1%, or less than 0.5%, where extraction efficiency of a light extractor refers to the ratio of the power of light extracted by the extractor to the power of light within the lightguide at the extractor. For example, an extraction efficiency of 1% means that 1% of the light at the extractor is extracted by the extractor.
  • each light extractor e.g., the angle of inclination of the first reflective surfaces 132, 142 and, in one or more embodiments, the second surfaces 134, 144; whether the reflective surfaces are planar or curved; the cross-sectional area of each reflective surface, etc.
  • the amount and direction of the light extracted from the lightguide 120 can be controlled by selecting the appropriate notch or protrusion, as well as the pattern and spacing of the notches or protrusions along the lightguide.
  • each notch or protrusion on or in a given lightguide would ordinarily be of similar morphology, any useful combination of light extractors may be employed.
  • the exemplary lightguide 120 can include one or more (e.g., one, two or more, a plurality, etc.) light extractors.
  • the lightguide 120 can include greater than or equal to about 50 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 100 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 150 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 200 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 250 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 300 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 400 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 500 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 600 light extractors, greater than or equal to about 1000 light extractors, etc.
  • the lightguide 120 can include less than or equal to about 2500 light extractors, less than or equal to about 2000 light extractors, less than or equal to about 1500 light extractors, less than or equal to about 1250 light extractors, less than or equal to about 1000 light extractors, less than or equal to about 900 light extractors, less than or equal to about 750 light extractors, less than or equal to about 500 light extractors, less than or equal to about 250 light extractors, etc.
  • first and second light extractors 130, 140 may be described in terms of density, i.e., light extractors per measure of distance.
  • the lightguide 120 can include any combination of first and second light extractors 130, 140, where the lightguide includes greater than or equal to about 1 light extractor per centimeter (cm), greater than or equal to about 2 light extractors per cm, greater than or equal to about 3 light extractors per cm, greater than or equal to about 5 light extractors per cm, greater than or equal to about 7 light extractors per cm, greater than or equal to about 10 light extractors per cm, greater than or equal to about 15 light extractors per cm, etc.
  • cm light extractor per centimeter
  • the lightguide 120 can include any combination of first and second light extractors 130, 140, where the lightguide includes less than or equal to about 25 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 20 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 15 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 12 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 10 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 7 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 6 light extractors per cm, less than or equal to about 5 light extractors per cm, etc.
  • the light extractors 130, 140 can be described in terms of separation between the structures.
  • the separation (e.g., linear distance) between the light extractors 130, 140 can be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 30 mm.
  • the separation between the light extractors of one or both of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can be greater than or equal to about 0.1 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.2 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.3 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm, greater than or equal to about 0.75 mm, greater than or equal to about 1 mm, greater than or equal to about 2 mm, greater than or equal to about 3 mm, greater than or equal to about 5 mm, greater than or equal to about 10 mm, greater than or equal to about 15 mm, etc.
  • the separation between light extractors of one or both of the first and second light extractors 130, 140 can be less than or equal to about 30 mm, less than or equal to about 25 mm, less than or equal to about 20 mm, less than or equal to about 15 mm, less than or equal to about 12.5 mm, less than or equal to about 10 mm, less than or equal to about 7.5 mm, less than or equal to about 5 mm, etc.
  • the separation 130, 140 can vary along the length 104 of the body 122 of the lightguide 120.
  • the separation may change linearly along the length 104 of the body 122 (e.g., from the first end 124 to the second end 126, from the first end to a central portion, from the second end to a central portion, etc.).
  • separation between two neighboring light extractors can be different from a separation between two other neighboring light extractors.
  • first and second light extractors 130, 140 of the lightguide 120 can be described as notches. More specifically, to define the notch, each of the first surface 132 and the second surface 134 of first light extractor 130 can extend from the exterior surface 128 of the lightguide 120 toward the main axis 102 resulting in the light extractor being a notch.
  • the notch may resemble a "V"-shaped groove.
  • the light extractor 130 may have a V-shaped cross-section in a direction parallel to the main axis 102.
  • each of the light extractors of the first and second light extractors 130, 104 is a notch.
  • one or more of the light extractors can be notches, while a remainder of the light extractors can be protrusions.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of another embodiment of a lightguide 220. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the lightguide 120 of FIGS. 1-4 apply equally to the lightguide 220 of FIG. 5.
  • the lightguide 220 includes two different types of light extractors.
  • the portion of the lightguide 220 shown includes a first light extractor 230 that is a protrusion, and a second light extractor 240 that is a notch.
  • the protrusion 230 may be defined as including a first surface 232 and a second surface 234, each surface extending from the exterior surface 228 lightguide 220 away from main axis 202, resulting in the light extractor being a protrusion.
  • the protrusion 230 may operate, or function, in a substantially similar manner as the notch 240.
  • the protrusion 230 may redirect, or reflect, light traveling, or propagating, in either direction along the main axis 202 of the lightguide 220.
  • the protrusion 230 may define the first surface 232 configured to direct light propagating in a first direction along the lightguide 220 out of the lightguide, and a second surface 234 configured to direct light propagating in a second direction opposite the first direction along the lightguide out of the lightguide.
  • first and second surfaces 232, 234 of the protrusion 230 may define angles formed with the main axis 202 that are substantially similar to the angles described herein regarding the first and second surfaces 132, 134 of the first light extractor 130.
  • first and second surfaces 232, 234 can form an angle with the main axis 202, or an axis extending parallel to the main axis 202, that may be less than or equal to about 45 degrees and greater than or equal to about 10 degrees.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-section view of one embodiment of an illumination system 300. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding illumination system 100 of FIGS. 1-4 apply equally to illumination system 300 of FIG. 6.
  • Illumination system 300 includes a light source (not shown), and an elongated lightguide 320.
  • the elongated lightguide 320 extends along the length of the lightguide (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the figure) and receives light from the light source from a first end of the lightguide (e.g., first end 124 of lightguide 120 of FIG. 1).
  • the lightguide 320 includes a plurality of first light extractors 330 and a plurality of second light extractors 340.
  • the first and second light extractors 330, 340 extract light from the light source that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection.
  • the first and second light extractors 330, 340 can form respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide 320.
  • first direction 306 is the direction along which the maximum peak intensity of light 350 travels as described further herein in reference to light 352 extracted by second light extractors 340 that exits the lightguide 320.
  • the first target area 312 can be any suitable location.
  • the first target area 312 can be pavement adjacent a vehicle that includes illumination system 300.
  • the total light extracted by the first light extractors 330 can have a first brightness. Any suitable technique or combination of techniques can be utilized to determine the first brightness of the light extracted by the first light extractors 330. As used herein, the term “brightness” refers to the total amount of extracted light in terms of power (watts).
  • the first brightness can include any suitable value or values.
  • first direction 308 is the direction along which the maximum peak intensity of light 352 travels.
  • second direction 308 is the direction along which maximum peak intensity 351 of curve 349 travels, where the area under the curve 349 is the intensity profile of light extracted by the second light extractors 340 that exits the lightguide 320.
  • the second target area 314 is different from the first target area 312.
  • the second target area 314 can be any suitable location.
  • the second target area 314 can be a viewer of a vehicle that includes the illumination system 300.
  • the first direction 306 is different from the second direction 308.
  • Total light extracted by the second light extractors 340 can have a second brightness.
  • the second brightness can include any suitable value or values.
  • the first brightness can be the same as or different from the second brightness.
  • the second brightness is substantially smaller than the first brightness.
  • the second brightness is less than 50% of the first brightness.
  • the second brightness is less than 30% of the first brightness.
  • the second brightness is less than 10% of the first brightness.
  • the second pattern formed by the second light extractors 340 is visible but the first pattern formed by the first light extractors 330 is not visible.
  • the first pattern formed by the first light extractors is visible but the second pattern formed by the second light extractors 340 is not visible as the light extracted by the second light extractors 340 exits the lightguide 320 primarily along the second direction 352.
  • a diffuser or diffuse coating can be positioned in the optical path (i.e., the first direction 306) of the light extracted by the first light extractors 330 such that the first pattern is not visible, and the second pattern is also not visible along the first direction 306 because light 352 extracted by the second light extractors 340 exits the lightguide 320 primarily along the second direction 308.
  • the first pattern formed by the first light extractors when the light 350 extracted by the first light extractors 330 is viewed from a viewing position along the first direction 306, the first pattern formed by the first light extractors is visible and has a brightest visible portion.
  • the viewing position moves in a direction parallel to the length of the lightguide 330 (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the figure), the brightest visible portion also moves in the same direction.
  • light 350 received by the first target area 312 from the lightguide 320 can be reflected as light 354 toward the second target area 314 along a third direction 310.
  • the third direction 310 can be different from the first and second directions 306, 308. In such embodiments, when the lightguide 320 is viewed from the second target area 314 along the second direction 308, the second pattern formed by the second light extractors 340 is visible but the first pattern formed by the first light extractors 330 is not visible.
  • the first pattern formed by the first light extractors 330 is not visible when viewing the first target area 312 from the second target area 314 because the light 354 is diffusely reflected by the first target area.
  • the second pattern formed by the second light extractors 340 is not visible when viewing the first target area 312 from the second target area 314 because the aperture of the eye or eyes of the viewer may not receiver the light 352 extracted by the second light extractors.
  • the disclosed lightguides can include any suitable coating or coatings disposed on or in a surface of the lightguide.
  • a coating 321 is disposed on an exterior surface 328 of the lightguide 320.
  • the coating 321 can include any suitable material or combination of materials.
  • the coating 321 can be a diffuse coating that at least partially diffuses light exiting the lightguide through the portion of the outer surface 328 that includes the coating.
  • the coating 321 can be any suitable filter or filters.
  • the coating 321 can be a color filter disposed on the outer surface 328 of the lightguide 320 such that light extracted, e.g., by the first light extractors 330 is a desired color when reaching the first target area 312, e.g., red, green, blue, etc.
  • additional filters can be disposed on the outer surface 328 of the lightguide 320 such that light extracted by the second light extractors 340 passes through a color filter to provide light of a desired color to the second target area 314.
  • the coating 321 can include an optical film, e.g., multilayer optical film, brightness enhancement film, etc.
  • the first light extractors 330 extract light 350 through the exterior surface 328 toward the first target area 312 along the first direction 306. This light 350 can be reflected by the first target area 312 along the third direction 310 and become visible to a viewer positioned at the second target area 314.
  • the second light extractors 340 can be positioned such that light 352 extracted by the second light extractors is directed toward the viewer at the second target area 314 without contributing substantially any light to the first target area 312.
  • the first light extractors 330 can provide functional lighting by lighting the first target area 312 adjacent a vehicle, for example, and the second light extractors 340 can provide accent lighting visible to a viewer of such vehicle.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of an illumination system 400. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the illumination system 100 of FIG. 1 and the illumination system 300 of FIG. 6 apply equally to the illumination system 400 of FIG. 7.
  • system 400 includes a lightguide 420 that includes first light extractors 430, second light extractors 440, and third light extractors 460.
  • the third light extractors 460 can include any suitable light extractors described herein. Further, the third light extractors 460 can be positioned in any suitable location on or in the lightguide 420.
  • the third light extractors 460 can extract light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide 420 primarily by total internal reflection. Further, the third light extractors 460 can form a third pattern along the length of the lightguide 420. Light 456 extracted by the third light extractors 460 exits the lightguide 420 primarily along a third direction 411.
  • the first light extractors 430 extract light 450 that exits the lightguide 420 primarily along a first direction 406, and the second light extractors 440 extract light 452 that exits the lightguide primarily along a second direction 408.
  • the first direction 406 can be the same as one or both of the second direction 408 and third direction 411. Alternatively, in one or more
  • the first direction 406 can be different from the second direction 408 and/or the third direction 411. Further, in one or more embodiments, the third direction 41 1 can be different from the first and second directions 406, 408.
  • light 450 received by a first target area 412 from the lightguide 420 can be reflected as light 454 toward a second target area 414 along a fourth direction 410.
  • the fourth direction 410 can be different from the first, second, and third directions 406, 408, 41 1, or the same as one or more of the first, second, and third directions.
  • system 400 includes a lens 423 disposed on an exterior surface 428 of the lightguide 420.
  • the lens 423 is disposed in the optical path of the light 452 extracted by the second light extractors 440.
  • Any suitable lens or combination of lenses can be disposed on the exterior surface 428 or formed in the exterior surface 428 of the lightguide 420.
  • the lens 423 may extend along a length of the lightguide 420 (i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the figure).
  • the lens 423 is a collimating lens that collimates the light 452 extracted by the second light extractors 440.
  • Additional lenses can be disposed or formed on or in the outer surface 428 of the lightguide 420 in the optical path of the light extracted by one or both of the first light extractors 430 and third light extractors 460.
  • Example 1 Laser-etched lightguide with first and second light extractors
  • a 7mm diameter acrylic rod was used as a lightguide in this example.
  • 670 notches were formed in the rod's surface using a C02 laser to provide first light extractors.
  • 12 notches were formed in the rod's surface using a razor blade to provide second light extractors.
  • the first light extractors were arranged along a first axis and the second light extractors were arranged along a second axis.
  • the first and second axes subtended an angle of 45 degrees at a main axis of the rod.
  • An LED (Osram CN5M available from Osram Opto Semiconductors) was used to inject light into the rod at one end.
  • the illuminated appearance of the first light extractors is shown in Fig. 8A.
  • the illuminated appearance of the second light extractors is shown in FIG. 8B.
  • Example 2 lightguide with diffusive strip
  • a 5mm diameter acrylic light pipe was used as a lightguide in this example (light pipe 2058296 available from Tyco Electronics).
  • a white diffusive strip was coextruded onto the light pipe's surface. This diffusive strip acted as a first light extractor.
  • the illuminated appearance of the diffusive strip is shown in FIG. 9A. 1 1 notches were formed in the light pipe's surface using a razor blade to provide second light extractors.
  • the first light extractor was arranged along a first axis and the second light extractors were arranged along a second axis.
  • the first and second axes subtended an angle of 45 degrees at a main axis of the light pipe.
  • An LED (Osram CN5M) was used to inject light into the light pipe at one end.
  • the illuminated appearance of the second light extractors is shown in FIG. 9B.
  • Embodiment 1 is an elongated lightguide extended along a length of the lightguide and comprising pluralities of first and second light extractors extracting light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection, the first and second light extractors forming respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide, light extracted by the first light extractors exiting the lightguide primarily along a first direction, total light extracted by the first light extractors having a first brightness, light extracted by the second light extractors exiting the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction, total light extracted by the second light extractors having a second brightness substantially smaller than the first brightness, such that when the light extracted by the second light extractors is viewed along the second direction, the second, but not the first, pattern is visible.
  • Embodiment 2 is the lightguide of embodiment 1 having a circular cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the length of the lightguide.
  • Embodiment 3 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1 -2, wherein the lightguide is an optical fiber.
  • Embodiment 4 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the first light extractors are discrete and spaced apart and arranged along a first axis along the length of the lightguide, and the second light extractors are discrete and spaced apart and arranged along a different second axis along the length of the lightguide.
  • Embodiment 5 is the lightguide of embodiment 4 being centered on a main axis, wherein the first and the second axes subtend an angle between 45 to 90 degrees at the main axis.
  • Embodiment 6 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein each first and second light extractor is a notch formed in an exterior surface of the lightguide.
  • Embodiment 7 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1 -6, wherein each first and second light extractor is a protrusion formed on an exterior surface of the Hghtguide.
  • Embodiment 8 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1 -7, wherein at least one of the first and second light extractors extracts light primarily by scattering the light.
  • Embodiment 9 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein at least one of the first and second light extractors extracts light primarily by reflecting the light.
  • Embodiment 10 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1 -9, wherein at least one of the first and second light extractors extracts light primarily by refracting the light.
  • Embodiment 1 1 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1- 10, wherein at least one of the first and second patterns comprises a straight line pattern.
  • Embodiment 12 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1- 1 1, wherein at least one of the first and second patterns comprises a wavy line pattern.
  • Embodiment 13 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the second pattern comprises an indicia.
  • Embodiment 14 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the indicia comprises one or more of a letter, a text or a logo.
  • Embodiment 15 is the hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the second brightness is less than 50% of the first brightness.
  • Embodiment 16 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the second brightness is less than 30% of the first brightness.
  • Embodiment 17 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the second brightness is less than 10% of the first brightness.
  • Embodiment 18 is the Hghtguide of any one of embodiments 1- 17, such that when the light extracted by the first light extractors is viewed along the first direction, the first, but not the second, pattern is visible.
  • Embodiment 19 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1- 18, wherein when the light extracted by the first light extractors is viewed along the first direction, neither the first nor the second pattern is visible.
  • Embodiment 20 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1- 19, such that when the light extracted by the first light extractors is viewed from a viewing position along the first direction, the first pattern is visible having a brightest visible portion, wherein as the viewing position moves in a direction parallel to the length of the lightguide, the brightest visible portion also moves in the same direction.
  • Embodiment 21 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1 -20, further comprising a plurality of third light extractors extracting light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection, the third light extractors forming a third pattern along the length of the lightguide, light extracted by the third light extractors exiting the lightguide primarily along a third direction different from the first and second direction.
  • Embodiment 22 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1-21, wherein the first light extractors are arranged randomly along the length of the lightguide.
  • Embodiment 23 is the lightguide of any one of embodiments 1 -22, wherein the second light extractors are arranged randomly along the length of the lightguide.
  • Embodiment 24 is an illumination system, comprising:
  • an elongated lightguide extended along a length of the lightguide and receiving light from the light source from a first end of the lightguide, the lightguide comprising pluralities of first and second light extractors extracting light from the light source that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide along the length of the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection, the first and second light extractors forming respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide, light extracted by the first light extractors exiting the lightguide primarily along a first direction toward a first target area, total light extracted by the first light extractors having a first brightness, light extracted by the second light extractors exiting the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction toward a second target area different from the first target area, total light extracted by the second light extractors having a second brightness substantially smaller than the first brightness, light received by the first target area from the lightguide being reflected toward the second target area along a third direction different from the first and second directions, such that when the lightguide is viewed from the second

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne divers modes de réalisation de guides de lumière et de systèmes d'éclairage qui comprennent des guides de lumière. Dans un ou plusieurs modes de réalisation, un guide de lumière peut comprendre des premiers et seconds extracteurs de lumière (330,340) qui extraient de la lumière qui serait autrement confinée et se propagerait à l'intérieur du guide de lumière le long de la longueur du guide de lumière, principalement par réflexion totale interne. Les premiers et seconds extracteurs de lumière peuvent former des premiers et seconds motifs respectifs le long d'une longueur du guide de lumière. La lumière extraite par les premiers extracteurs de lumière peut sortir du guide de lumière principalement le long d'une première direction (306). La lumière extraite par les seconds extracteurs de lumière peut sortir du guide de lumière principalement le long d'une seconde direction (308) différente de la première direction. Une luminosité de la lumière totale extraite par les premiers extracteurs de lumière peut être supérieure à une luminosité de la lumière totale extraite par les seconds extracteurs de lumière.
EP15797522.8A 2014-11-12 2015-11-04 Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière Withdrawn EP3218647A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201461078641P 2014-11-12 2014-11-12
PCT/US2015/058926 WO2016077110A1 (fr) 2014-11-12 2015-11-04 Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3218647A1 true EP3218647A1 (fr) 2017-09-20

Family

ID=54602028

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15797522.8A Withdrawn EP3218647A1 (fr) 2014-11-12 2015-11-04 Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3218647A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016077110A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017151412A1 (fr) 2016-03-01 2017-09-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Système d'éclairage
CN108700276B (zh) 2016-03-01 2020-12-18 3M创新有限公司 具有关闭状态外观区域的光学结构

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5432876C1 (en) 1992-10-19 2002-05-21 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Illumination devices and optical fibres for use therein
US5845038A (en) * 1997-01-28 1998-12-01 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Optical fiber illumination system
GB2336660B (en) * 1998-04-20 2002-03-06 Bridgestone Corp Light transmission tubes and methods for manufacturing the light transmission tubes
DE20019073U1 (de) * 2000-11-09 2001-02-22 Hella KG Hueck & Co., 59557 Lippstadt Beleuchtungseinrichtung
DE10055561A1 (de) * 2000-11-09 2002-05-23 Hella Kg Hueck & Co Beleuchtungseinrichtung
FR2850731B1 (fr) * 2003-01-30 2005-09-09 Valeo Vision Guide de lumiere equipe de reflecteurs
US7374313B2 (en) * 2006-03-02 2008-05-20 Energy Focus, Inc. Luminaire with improved lateral illuminance control
EP2097779A1 (fr) * 2006-12-21 2009-09-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Systeme de projection de lumiere et dispositif d'affichage
AT511476B1 (de) * 2011-06-01 2012-12-15 Zizala Lichtsysteme Gmbh Beleuchtungseinrichtung
JP5963455B2 (ja) * 2012-01-30 2016-08-03 三菱電機株式会社 照射装置及び画像読取装置

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *
See also references of WO2016077110A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016077110A1 (fr) 2016-05-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10677977B2 (en) Illumination system including lightguide
US20220078373A1 (en) Optical imaging system
US11435516B2 (en) Daylight responsive LED lighting fixture with dimming and color temperature control
US8807816B2 (en) Luminaire with Functionality-enhancing structure
US7639918B2 (en) Manifold-type lightguide with reduced thickness
EP0956472B1 (fr) Systeme d'eclairage a fibre optique
US9322970B2 (en) Optical system for coupling light from point light sources into a flat light guide
US11041985B2 (en) Lightguides with asymmetric light extracting structures
CN107667255B (zh) 使用光导的照明系统和照明方法
US9651728B2 (en) Variable index light extraction layer with microreplicated posts and methods of making the same
US20150160395A1 (en) Light guide with light input features
WO2016077110A1 (fr) Système d'éclairage comprenant un guide de lumière
US10344937B2 (en) Light guide for automotive lighting
TW201317513A (zh) 平面照明裝置
US9910206B2 (en) Micro-optical element having surface with curvature about a direction extending in a plane parallel to major surface of light guide, and light guide and lighting assembly including same
US11209589B2 (en) Optical imaging system
EP4121689B1 (fr) Diffuseur de lumière et son procédé d'assemblage
CN103542306B (zh) 一种光纤背入反射式照明灯

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20170516

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20180228

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20180627