GB2391702A - Modular optical system - Google Patents

Modular optical system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2391702A
GB2391702A GB0213033A GB0213033A GB2391702A GB 2391702 A GB2391702 A GB 2391702A GB 0213033 A GB0213033 A GB 0213033A GB 0213033 A GB0213033 A GB 0213033A GB 2391702 A GB2391702 A GB 2391702A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
lens element
holder
lens
assembly
element holder
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB0213033A
Other versions
GB0213033D0 (en
GB2391702B (en
Inventor
Michael John Hanney
Gordon Routledge
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.)
Polymer Optics Ltd
Original Assignee
Polymer Optics Ltd
Lumidrives Ltd
Polymer Optics Ltd
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 Polymer Optics Ltd, Lumidrives Ltd, Polymer Optics Ltd filed Critical Polymer Optics Ltd
Priority to GB0213033A priority Critical patent/GB2391702B/en
Publication of GB0213033D0 publication Critical patent/GB0213033D0/en
Publication of GB2391702A publication Critical patent/GB2391702A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2391702B publication Critical patent/GB2391702B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/007—Array of lenses or refractors for a cluster of light sources, e.g. for arrangement of multiple light sources in one plane
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F21V17/16—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting
    • F21V17/164—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting the parts being subjected to bending, e.g. snap joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0091—Reflectors for light sources using total internal reflection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/02—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
    • G02B7/026—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses using retaining rings or springs
    • 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]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices having potential barriers specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L33/48—Semiconductor devices having potential barriers specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor body packages
    • H01L33/58—Optical field-shaping elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L33/00—Semiconductor devices having potential barriers specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L33/48—Semiconductor devices having potential barriers specially adapted for light emission; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor body packages
    • H01L33/58—Optical field-shaping elements
    • H01L33/60—Reflective elements

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Led Device Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular optical system suitable for use with light emitting diodes (LEDs). A lens element holder (200) arranged to retain a lens element (100) in position relative to a LED is described. The lens element holder (200) allows a simple way of holding a lens element (100) in position relative to an LED, and can be built up with other lens element holders (100) to provide suitable lens element retention relative to an array of LEDs. Also provided is an assembly including a lens element holder (200) and a lens element (100); an assembly comprising a plurality of lens element holders (200) arranged to retain a plurality of lens elements (100) in position relative to an array of LEDs; and method of directing light from a plurality of LEDs. The apparatus and the method described allow for simple testing and evaluation of lens combinations and configurations relative to a range of LED arrangements.

Description

239 1 702
Modular Optical System Field of the Invention
5 The present invention relates to a modular optical system, in particular to a modular optical system suitable for use with arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Background to the Invention
LEDS are a relatively efficient and reliable source of light, however, in certain applications arrays of LEDs must be used to provide a required light output.
Directing and shaping of the light output from the LEDs of 15 an array to provide a desired combined output beam can be achieved with a lens whose size matches that of the array.
To make best use of the light output of each LED of an array, compound lenses can be used. Each element of a 20 compound lens receives light from one LED of the array, and shapes the output beam of that LED. The combined effect of the lens elements of the compound lens produces the desired output beam.
25 Producing compound lenses of this type can require expensive tooling and moulding. Alternatively, compound lenses can be built up by securing individual lens elements together with adhesive. Such gluing is relatively labour intensive, and irreversible if the 30 desired LED array shape changes. Furthermore, separate means for attaching the compound lens in position relative to the LEDs must be provided.
It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether
referred to herein or otherwise.
5 Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a lens element holder, the lens element holder being arranged, in use to retain a lens element in 10 position relative to a light emitting diode (LED).
Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to be located adjacent to a second holder.
Preferably the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to prevent a lens element retained therein contacting a lens element located in an adjacent lens element holder.
Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in 20 use, to be secured to a second holder.
Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to be permanently secured to a second holder.
25 Preferably, the lens element holder is integral with a second holder. Preferably, the lens element holder is I integral with a plurality of holders and more preferably three lens element holders are integral to form a single group of lens element holders.
Preferably, the holder comprises a housing for housing at least a part of a lens element therein. Preferably the
housing is tubular. The tubular housing may have a first open end and a second open end.
At least a part of the periphery of the lens element 5 holder may be arranged, in use, to engage with at least a part of the periphery of the lens element in order to retain the lens element to the lens element holder.
The lens element holder may enclose the lens element.
The lens element holder may be arranged, in use, to releasably retain a lens element in position relative to an LED.
15 Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to retain a lens element in position relative to a single LED such that only the light emitted from a single LED passes through the lens element.
20 Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to retain a lens element having a regular polygon outermost periphery and more preferably a hexagonal outermost periphery.
25 The lens element holder may be arranged to retain the lens element therein by a push fit.
The lens element holder may be arranged to retain the lens element therein by an interference fit.
Preferably, the lens element holder provides an open end for locating and retaining a lens element therein.
( Preferably, the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to be mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB).
5 The lens element holder may comprise securement means in order to secure the lens element holder to a surface.
The securement means may be arranged, in use, to secure the lens element holder to a printed circuit board. The securement means may comprise a clip. The securement lo means may comprise legs.
The lens element holder may comprise a plastics and preferably a heat resistant plastics.
15 Preferably the lens element holder comprises an opaque material. Preferably the lens element holder is arranged, in use, to be tessellated with further lens element holders.
20 Preferably the tessellation forms a compound lens.
The lens element may be integral with the lens element holder. 25 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a lens element and a lens element holder, the lens element holder being in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
30 The assembly may further comprise an LED.
Preferably the outermost periphery of the lens element comprises a regular geometric shape. The outermost
periphery of the lens element may comprise a hexagon, or a square, or a rectangle, or a triangle, or any other regular polygon.
s The lens element may be arranged to disperse the light emitted from the LED.
The lens element may be arranged to collimate the light emitted from the LED.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a first lens element holder and a second lens element holder, the first lens element holder being arranged, in use, to retain a 15 first lens element in position relative to a first LED and the second lens element holder being arranged, in use, to retain a second lens element relative to a second LED.
The assembly may comprise a third lens element holder 20 which is arranged, in use, to retain a third lens element relative to a third LED.
The assembly may comprise more than three lens element holders. The lens element holders may be permanently secured to each other.
The lens element holders may be integral with each 30 other.
The lens element holders may be grouped in order for the assembly to be constructed from a plurality of groups
of lens element holders. Each group of lens element holders may comprise at least three lens element holders.
Each group of lens element holders may comprise a single integral unit. The group may comprise a generally linear s formation. The group may comprise a generally triangular formation. Each lens element holder or each group of lens element holder preferably comprises securement means to secure the 10 lens element holder or group of lens element holders to a surface and more preferably to a printed circuit board.
The assembly may comprise a plurality of lens elements located in the lens element holders.
The assembly may further comprise a plurality of LEDs.
Preferably, each LED is associated with a single lens element. 20The assembly may comprise a substantially honeycomb structure. The assembly may comprise a cell structure.
Preferably each cell defines a polygonal opening for 25 retaining a lens element therein. Preferably each cell is defined by a lens element holder.
The assembly may provide a compound lens and preferably provides a compound lens for use with a 30 plurality of LEDs.
Preferably the assembly provides a compound lens for an array of LEDs.
The assembly may provide a compound lens formed by a plurality of individual lens elements which enables the lens elements to be replaced individually or in groups.
5 The replacement of the lens elements or groups of lens elements may alter the characteristics of the compound lens. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention lo there is provided a method of directing light from a plurality of LEDs comprising locating a lens element holder adjacent to each LED and locating a lens element within each lens holder.
15 The method may comprise removing a lens element from a lens element holder.
The method may comprise securing the lens element holders to a printed circuit board and more preferably 20 over an array of LEDs located on a printed circuit board.
Brief Description of the Drawings
For a better understanding of the invention, and to 25 show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figures lA-lC show a lens element in front, plan and 30 side elevations respectively; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a lens holder according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the lens holder of Figure 2 and the lens element of Figure 1 oriented ready for fixing together; Figure 4 shows a sectional view along line X-X of the lens holder and lens element of Figure 3, in combination with an LED and printed circuit board (PCB); lo Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a triangular block of three lens holders and three lens elements, the triangular block and the lens elements oriented for fixing together; 5 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a linear block of three lens holders and three lens elements, the linear block and the lens elements oriented for fixing together; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an alternative 20 lens element; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further alternative lens element.
25 Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown a lens element 100 comprising a tapered section including a recessed refractive lens, and a hexagonal section. The 30 use of the lens element 100 as part of a compound lens with an LED arranged at the focal point of the refractive lens is known to the man skilled in the art.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a lens holder 200. The lens holder 200 comprises an open ended tubular shell 202 of hexagonal cross section. The tubular shell 202 has a first end 208 and a second end 210.
In use, the lens element 100 is positioned in the lens holder 200. The tapered section of the lens element passes through the first end 208 of the shell 202 and the hexagonal section of the lens element 100 locates in the lo first end 208. Figure 3 shows the lens element loo oriented for location in the lens holder 200.
Figure 4 shows the lens holder 200 and the lens element 100 positioned on a PCB 400 over an LED 402. The 5 lens holder 200 can be secured to the PCB to maintain the relative position of the LED 402 and the lens element 100.
Using a combination of lens holders 200 and lens elements 100 secured to a PCB 400 a compound lens can be built up for use in combination with an LED array mounted on the 20 PCB 400. This avoids the cost of moulding a single compound lens, and the difficulties involved in forming a compound lens by gluing individual lens elements 100 to one another. It also provides integral support for the compound lens.
In more detail, the lens holder 200 further comprises projections 204 and flanges 206. The projections 204 extend from the tubular shell 202 at the corners of the first end 208, and provide serve to maintain the hexagonal 30 section of the lens element 100 in position within the first open end 208. The lens element 100 is a push fit into the lens holder 200. The flanges 206 extend toward the centre of the tubular shell 202 from its corners. The
flanges 206 provide an abutment for the tapered section of the lens element 100 and prevent the lens element 100 from being inserted to far into the lens holder 200. In preferred embodiments, the lens element 100 is removable 5 from the lens holder 200. In addition to friction holding the lens element 100 in place in the lens holder 200, clip means (not shown) may be provided on the lens element 100 and/or the lens holder 200 to further secure the lens element 100. Alternatively, adhesive can be used to lo provide a more permanent fixing.
The lens holder 200 can be retained in position on the PCB 400 in a number of ways. In a preferred embodiment, the lens holders 200 are retained by clips (not shown) 15 engaging with holes (not shown) in the PCB 400. This L allows the lens holders 200 to be easily removed and reused if desired. Alternatively, the lens holders 200 can be retained in position by heat swaging of legs (not shown) through holes in the PCB 400. Alternatively, the 20 lens holders 200 can be retained on the surface of the PCB 400 by adhesive.
In preferred embodiments the lens element loo comprises a plastics material, for example polycarbonate 25 or other heat resistant polymeric plastics. The lens elements 100 can be conveniently formed by an injection moulding process. The material should typically be heat resistant up to 95 Celsius.
30 Similarly, the lens holder 200 comprises a plastics material, for example polycarbonate or other heat resistant polymeric materials. The material should typically be heat resistant up to DS Celsius. The lens
holder 200 can also be conveniently formed by an injection moulding process. To prevent leakage of light through the walls of the lens holder 200, the material comprising the lens holder 200 can be coloured and/or made opaque by the 5 addition of a pigment. In a particularly favoured embodiment, the material comprising the lens holder 200 is densely coloured by the addition of a white pigment.
The hexagonal shape of the lens element 100 and the 10 lens holder 200 of the embodiment shown in the accompanying Figures allow a variety of array shapes to be constructed by tessellating a plurality of lens holders 200. To enhance the ease of building up arrays, the lens holders 200 can be prefabricated into triangular blocks of 15 three as shown in Figure 5 and linear blocks of three as shown in Figure 6. A combination of the triangular blocks of three and the linear blocks of three can be used in combination to conveniently make up larger arrays of a variety of shapes, without the need to place each 20 individual lens holder 200 independently.
Although the preferred embodiments described feature hexagonal lens elements 100 and lens holders 200, other shapes such as triangles, squares etc. can be envisaged.
Furthermore, in other preferred embodiments, the lens element 100 can be formed integrally with the lens holder 200, or with legs to allow fixture to the PCB 400.
30 Figure 7 shows an alternative lens element which further comprises a plurality of transverse prismatic structures formed on its upper surface. The prismatic structures allow the lens element of Figure 7 to further
direct light passing through. The lens element of Figure 8 comprises a curved upper surface, which is used to shape the beam emitted from the lens element. Using a curved upper surface as shown in Figure 8 allows an output fan to 5 be produced, rather than a pencil beam.
By arranging the lens elements of Figures 1, 7 and 8 in different positions within an array, different overall output characteristics can be produced. The modular lo system enables different arrangements of lens elements to be tested easily and cheaply.
Thus a convenient modular system has been described for producing compound lenses for LED arrays. The modular 15 system of lens elements and lens holders can be built up into compound lenses of different shapes, and avoids the expense of producing moulds to manufacture unusual shapes and sizes of compound lenses. The modular system is therefore of particular advantage in the preliminary 20 testing of designs incorporating LED arrays, or for designs where a short production run is expected.
The readers attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to 25 this specification in connection with this application and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and
documents are incorporated herein by reference.
30 All of the features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,
except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification
5 (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic lo series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features 15 disclosed in this specification (including any
accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (1)

  1. Claims:
    5 1. A lens element holder, the lens element holder being arranged, in use to retain a lens element in position relative to a light emitting diode (LED).
    2. The lens element holder of claim l, arranged, in use, -
    lo to be located adjacent to a second holder.
    3. The lens element holder of claim 1 or 2, arranged, in -
    use, to prevent a lens element retained therein contacting -
    a lens element located in an adjacent lens element holder.
    4. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, arranged, in use, to be secured to a second holder.
    5. The lens element holder of claim 4, arranged, in use, 20 to be permanently secured to a second holder.
    6. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, formed integrally with a second holder.
    25 7. The lens element holder of claim 6, formed integrally with a plurality of holders.
    8. The lens element holder of claim 6, formed integrally with two lens element holders to form a single group of JO three lens element holders.
    9. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, comprising a tubular housing for housing at least a part of a lens element therein.
    5 10. The lens element holder of claim 9, wherein the tubular housing has a first open end and a second open end. 11. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, lo wherein at least a part of the periphery of the lens element holder may be arranged, in use, to engage with at least a part of the periphery of the lens element in order to retain the lens element to the lens element holder.
    15 12. The lens element holder of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the lens element holder encloses the lens element.
    13. The lens element holder of any preceding claim arranged, in use, to releasably retain a lens element in 20 position relative to an LED.
    14. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, arranged, in use, to retain a lens element in position relative to a single LED such that only the light emitted 25 from a single LED passes through the lens element.
    15. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, arranged, in use, to retain a lens element having a regular polygon outermost periphery.
    16. The lens element holder of claim 15, wherein the outermost periphery is hexagonal.
    17. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, arranged to retain the lens element therein by a push fit.
    18. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, 5 arranged to retain the lens element therein by an interference fit.
    19. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, comprising an open end for locating and retaining a lens lo element therein.
    20. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, arranged, in use, to be mounted on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB).
    21. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, comprising securement means arranged in use to secure the lens element holder to a surface.
    20 22. The lens element holder of claim 21, wherein the securement means is arranged, in use, to secure the lens element holder to a printed circuit board.
    23. The lens element holder of claim 21 or 22, wherein the 25 securement means comprise a clip.
    24. The lens element holder of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the securement means comprise legs.
    30 25. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, comprising a heat resistant plastics material.
    26. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, comprising an opaque material.
    27. The lens element holder of any preceding claim, 5 arranged, in use, to be tessellated with further lens element holders.
    28. The lens element holder of claim 27, wherein the tessellation forms a compound lens.
    29. The lens element holder of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a lens element is integral with the lens element holder. 15 30. An assembly comprising a lens element and a lens element holder, the lens element holder being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 29.
    31. The assembly of claim 30, further comprising an LED.
    32. The assembly of claim 30 or 31, wherein the outermost periphery of the lens element comprises a regular geometric shape.
    25 33. The assembly of claim 32, wherein the outermost periphery of the lens element comprises a hexagon, or a square, or a rectangle, or a triangle, or any other regular polygon.
    30 34. The assembly of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the lens element is arranged to disperse the light emitted from the LED.
    35. The assembly of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the lens element is arranged to collimate the light emitted from the LED.
    5 36. An assembly comprising a first lens element holder and a second lens element holder, the first lens element holder being arranged, in use, to retain a first lens element in position relative to a first LED and the second lens element holder being arranged, in use, to retain a lo second lens element relative to a second LED.
    37. The assembly of claim 36, further comprising a third lens element holder which is arranged, in use, to retain a third lens element relative to a third LED.
    38. The assembly of claim 36 or 37, comprising more than three lens element holders.
    39. The assembly of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein 20 the lens element holders are permanently secured to each other. 40. The assembly of any one of claim 36 to 39, wherein the lens element holders are integral with each other.
    41. The assembly of any one of claim 37 to 40, wherein the lens element holders are grouped in order for the assembly to be constructed from a plurality of groups of lens element holders.
    42. The assembly of claim 41, wherein each group of lens element holders comprises at least three lens element holders.
    43. The assembly of claim 41 or 42, wherein each group of lens element holders may comprise a single integral unit.
    5 44. The assembly of claim 42 or 43, wherein the group comprises a generally linear formation.
    45. The assembly of claim 42 or 43, wherein the group comprises a generally triangular formation.
    46. The assembly of any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein each lens element holder or each group of lens element holder comprises securement means to secure the lens element holder or group of lens element holders to a 15 surface.
    47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein the surface comprises a printed circuit board.
    20 48. The assembly of any of claims 36 to 47, comprising a plurality of lens elements located in the lens element holders. 49. The assembly of any one of claims 36 to 48, further 25 comprising a plurality of LEDs.
    50. The assembly of claim 49, wherein each LED is associated with a single lens element.
    30 51. The assembly of any one of claim 37 to 50 comprising a substantially honeycomb structure.
    52. The assembly of any one of claims 36 to 51, comprising a cell structure.
    53. The assembly of claim 52, wherein each cell defines a polygonal opening for retaining a lens element therein.
    54. The assembly of claim 52 or 53, wherein each cell is defined by a lens element holder.
    55. The assembly of any of claims 36 to 54, arranged to in lo use provide a compound lens.
    56. The assembly of claim 55 wherein the compound lens is -
    suitable for use with a plurality of LEDs.
    15 57. The assembly of claim 55 or 56, arranged to in use provide a compound lens for an array of LEDs.
    58. The assembly of any one of claims 55 to 57, arranged to in use provide a compound lens formed by a plurality of 20 individual lens elements and enable the lens elements to be replaced individually or in groups.
    59. The assembly of claim 58, wherein replacement of the lens elements or groups of lens elements alters the 25 characteristics of the compound lens.
    60. A method of directing light from a plurality of LEDs, the method comprising locating a lens element holder adjacent to each LED and locating a lens element within 30 each lens holder. -
    61. The method of claim 60 further comprising removing a lens element from a lens element holder.
    62. The method of claim 60 or 61, further comprising securing the lens element holders to a printed circuit board. 63. The method of claim 62 further comprising securing the lens element over an array of LEDs located on a printed circuit board.
    10 64. A lens element holder substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 2-6.
    65. An assembly substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 3-4, or Figures 5-6.
    66. A method of directing light from a plurality of LEDs substantially as herein described.
GB0213033A 2002-06-07 2002-06-07 Modular optical system Expired - Lifetime GB2391702B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0213033A GB2391702B (en) 2002-06-07 2002-06-07 Modular optical system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0213033A GB2391702B (en) 2002-06-07 2002-06-07 Modular optical system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0213033D0 GB0213033D0 (en) 2002-07-17
GB2391702A true GB2391702A (en) 2004-02-11
GB2391702B GB2391702B (en) 2006-01-04

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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006097067A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-09-21 Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh Light-emitting module comprising leds and dowel pins for assembling an optical element
WO2007099275A1 (en) * 2006-02-28 2007-09-07 Ghollam Tahmosybayat Lens assembly
EP2085680A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-08-05 Optics Lite S.r.L. Led lighting module
WO2010068127A1 (en) * 2008-12-11 2010-06-17 Instytut Optyki Stosowanej Modular optical system of a light table
ITCR20090023A1 (en) * 2009-06-08 2010-12-09 Franco Venturini LENS FOR LED
EP2309296A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2011-04-13 GLP German Light Products GmbH Support structure for a range of lenses, lens, lens system and optical system
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CN102128380A (en) * 2011-04-06 2011-07-20 巨尔(上海)光电照明有限公司 LED lamp illumination module with replaceable optical module
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