JPH09161524A - Lighting system and its preparation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the optical efficiency at a low cost and change functions by using an optical tube formed with the first sheet made of an optical film and the second sheet made of a prescribed material. SOLUTION: An optical tube 60 is formed with an inside sheet 61 made of an optical film and an outside sheet 66 made of a polymer protective material, and the quantity of the outgoing light through the side wall of the tube 60 can be changed when an extractor 118 and/or the interruption section of the sheet 61 is used. The direction of the light outgoing from the bottom section of the tube 60 can be controlled by an optical emitter 75, and the optical emitter 75 can be variously designed according to the desired illumination. This lighting system can be easily assembled at the final using position when a connector is used, the transportation cost can be reduced, and the controlled light quantity and various patterns can be provided by the optical film having the extractor 118.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tube, which is referred to as a "light tube" in the present specification, which conducts a light beam and emits the light beam, and a light beam which, when formed in the tube, contains the light beam. It relates to a novel optical light film having an embossed prism pattern for transport.
More particularly, the invention achieves a wide range of lighting effects, including the transmission of light rays from an accessible centralized light source to the region of the tip, and emitting such rays in a widely varying pattern. Laminated tube structure,
Also, the present invention relates to a method of constructing a light tube.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Optical light films (OLFs) can be efficiently manufactured from polymers in the form of flat, flexible but fragile films, and formed to achieve many lighting functions. it can. The film is formed in a preformed carrier tube having light transmissive properties by supporting the film with an auxiliary light conditioning film or element in various tubular configurations and other partial shapes. It can be formed into a closed form. For example, the sheet may be formed into a closed tube by arranging one longitudinal edge of a sheet of OLF adjacent to the opposite longitudinal edge. Alternatively, the sheet of OLF can be formed into a partially closed tube, for example having an arcuate cross section, and held in such a configuration with a support structure. The term "tube" or "tube" as used herein is meant to include both closed and partially closed configurations. The light tube can be used to deliver light rays over a relatively large area in addition to delivering the light rays to a location remote from an illumination source, such as a high intensity bulb or high intensity light bulb. To this end, various methods have been envisaged for directing light rays out of the light tube over a portion of its length. In one method, a clear adhesive tape is placed on the grooved outer side of the optical light film. The transparent tape so placed reduces the internal reflection of the optical light film in the area where such tape is stretched and substantially forms a window for "leaving" light. In another method, the portions of the optical light film where internal reflection is not desired are simply cut away. The portion of the tube that lacks the optical light film allows light rays to escape. In the third method, a light tube is formed with some means for directing the light rays to the wall of the optical light film at an angle greater than about 28 °. At such angles of incidence, the internal reflection of the optical light film is significantly reduced. For example, 3M in St. Paul, Minnesota,
Manufactures the product sold under the brand name of "2370".
Guide at an angle of °. When a piece of "2370" is placed in the light tube, rays traveling substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tube pass through "2370" at a substantially right angle towards the sidewall. Guided out of the light tube. "SCOTCH-CAL EXTRACTOR
Another product, sold under the trade name FILM®, directs a light beam toward and through the opposite inner wall.

Since optical light films are brittle and sensitive to dirt and moisture, such films are commonly placed in protective outer tubes. Such tubes are generally transparent, for example clear,
It can have various finishes, such as matte, tinted or opaque. The ability to insert a fragile optical light film into a carrier tube material, which is typically an extruded product, presents an obstacle to light tube designers. In addition, the transportation of the formed light tube is expensive, because the transport volume is large compared to the volume occupied by the components, and it is susceptible to damage due to breaking or scratching, This is because it is inherently weak.
Therefore, the low manufacturing cost of the critical optical light film element is largely offset by the transportation cost. It also wastes the designer's ability to achieve an end product with many of the useful and fundamental lighting functions that the optical light film can uniquely perform at an acceptable cost.

[0004]

Accordingly, there is a need for forming light tubes and light tube products using films that are cost effective, optically efficient, and capable of altering functionality. It would be desirable to provide new methods.

[0005]

The present invention comprises an improvement in a light carrier or method of forming a light carrier and the resulting light carrier including an optical light film.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved optical light carrier, the light carrier comprising at least one stacked extractor or extractor with a controlled amount of light rays. Guide it out of the optical carrier. Another embodiment comprises a relief or relief portion in the optical light film, which embodiment may or may not include aligned extractors for directing the light rays of the light carrier.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a novel heat resistant connector, which is a light tube or
Providing a durable connection between portions of the light tube, for example, between the tube of optical light film and the valve housing.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a novel light carrier comprising an optical light film disposed in an intermediate sheet and an outer sheet.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a first sheet of optical light film and an outer protective sheet of a second material, the first sheet being the edge of the two sheets. It is connected to the outer protective sheet in a region away from the part. The opposite longitudinal edges of both sheets are such that the second edge of the optical light film is between the first edge of the optical light film and the first edge of the outer protective sheet. Shaped to be located, while the second edge of the outer protective sheet is connected to the first edge area of the protective sheet. The light tube provides a sheet of optical light film substantially surrounded by an outer protective sheet that protects the optical light film in a clean, dry, and optically efficient state. To maintain.

Another feature of the present invention involves connecting the two sheets in the same manner as described above and placing at least one sheet of optical light film between the two sheets.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes an optical light film formed with a generally U-shaped connector, the connector, along with other elements, at least at a longitudinal edge of the optical light film. A slot is formed to securely receive a part. This embodiment is effective because it allows in-situ formation of light tubes with substantial total internal reflection (ie, 360 °).

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a lap splice useful in connecting light tubes.

The above and other embodiments are described in detail below.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Unless otherwise stated herein, the term "light film", when formed into a light tube, has a thickness of about 28 on the opposite side of the film.
It is used to refer to a flexible film having a surface that includes a plurality of substantially triangular grooves that internally reflect substantially all light rays incident at an angle of less than °. Such films are available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a light fixture that includes a light source, which preferably includes a metal halide bulb or bulb 51, a safety resistor 52, a decorative light tube 60, and a light emitter 75. Although a metal halide bulb is used in the illustrated embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention to use other types of bulbs or bulbs, such as sulfur bulbs. According to the illustrated embodiment, which is in the form of a suspended light fixture, the support hanger 50 provides a power resistor and a safety resistor 52 for supplying electricity to the bulb 51.
Is properly connected to. According to the illustrated embodiment, the light bulb 51 is preferably provided in a protective housing. Although the illustrated embodiment is shown as a suspended light fixture, the features of this embodiment can be applied to lighting devices that are arranged horizontally or at other angles.

As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated housing is
It has an outer sleeve 55 and an inner sleeve 56.
The outer sleeve 55 is releasably coupled to the top cover 54 by a torsion connector 57.
Thus, the outer sleeve 55 simply rotates the outer sleeve 55 relative to the top cover 54,
Can be easily removed. The inner sleeve 56 includes
A sufficient opening is conveniently provided to allow a person to replace valve 50 after removing outer sleeve 55. The outer sleeve 55 can then be lifted back into place and secured to the upper support 54.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light tube 60 is suspended from the inner sleeve 56. Light tube 6
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many suitable ways to connect the 0 to the inner wall 56, but the illustrated embodiment includes a mechanical device that includes a clip 110 and a screw 57 that passes through a hole in the light tube 60. Using a connection. The clip 110 has a flange 11 which is connected to the inner wall 56 by welding, for example.
Suspended from 2. The clip 110 extends downwardly beyond the retaining ring 70 and preferably overlaps a portion of the light tube 60. A substantially rigid support ring 58 to provide greater support and reduce the likelihood of damage to the light tube.
Is conveniently provided inside the upper portion of light tube 60. The substantially rigid ring may be formed of any suitable material such as a metal, such as polished aluminum. The illustrated embodiment also includes spacers 59 to maintain the light tube 60 and the inner protective wall 56 in a substantially parallel spaced relationship. Therefore, the support screw 57 has a rigid support ring 58,
It passes through the holes of the light tube 60, the spacer 59 and the clip 110. The screw 57 has an outer protective sleeve 55.
, And thus does not interfere with the movement of the outer sleeve 55 when the light valve or bulb 51 needs to be replaced. In this way, the vertical support force is applied to the light tube 60, and the light tube 60 is
It is substantially thermally insulated from the heat of 1.

In order to obtain the desired lighting effect, it is desirable to provide a lens such as a colored lens or a light filter between the bulb 51 and the light tube 60. For this purpose, it is advantageous to provide a retaining ring 70 below the bulb 51 to seal the tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 53 is held by a retaining ring 70 made of a heat resistant material in a state substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the light tube. For example, retaining ring 70 is a "6750 or 6770 silicone resin" sold by General Electric Company of Waterford, NY.
Can be formed from a silicon compound, such as that which allows the retaining ring 70 to be positioned within the valve housing and which is sufficiently flexible to allow the lens to be stationary. have. The illustrated retaining ring 70 has two radial grooves 7
1 and two axial grooves 72 are provided, one of these two axial grooves is open upwards, and the other axial groove is open downwards.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light tube 60 of the illustrated embodiment extends beyond the upper edge of the rigid ring 58 and into the lower axial groove 72 of the lens retaining ring 70. Conveniently extends upward. A suitable heat resistant adhesive may also be used in the lower axial groove 72 to bond the retaining ring 70 to the light tube 60. Mechanical connections provide additional support. The radial groove of the retaining ring 70 can also be used to support a clear tempered glass lens. Tempered glass is particularly effective because it prevents ultraviolet light and heat emitted from the light source from damaging the polymers used in the lighting device. Tempered glass also keeps out dust and moisture. The radial groove of the retaining ring 70 can also be used to support the colored filter 114 to obtain the desired lighting effect.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the structure of the illustrated light tube 60 can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, but for purposes of explanation, the light tube shown in FIG. Inner sheet 6 made of optical film
1 and an outer sheet 66 of polymeric protective material are shown merely as being included. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate from the present description and drawings that various designs may be employed for the light tube 60. The amount of light exiting through the sidewalls of the light tube can be varied by using the extractors or extractors described above and / or by using breaks in the optical light film. FIG.
Is a star-shaped extractor 118, and
Shown are embossed or relief portions 119 in which the optical light film has been removed to prevent internal reflection at those portions.

The direction of the light rays exiting the bottom of the light tube can be controlled by the light emitter. The light emitter can be of various designs, depending on the desired illumination.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the decorative features of the light tube shown in FIG. 1 can be altered by a colored filter or a colored polymeric protective film or tube.

Another preferred feature of the above-described embodiments of the invention includes several aspects of extracting light rays from such an illumination device in the region of its optical light film. For example,
One of the extractors described above can be used. O
It is also possible to cut out a part of the LF to provide the relief portion 119, optionally in some decorative shape. From this description, it will be appreciated that by removing a portion of the optical light film, internal reflection at such portions of the lighting device is eliminated. Position the extractor at a location remote from the relief, or
Aligning the extractor with the relief portion 119 by snapping into the relief portion as shown at 6 allows a greater amount of light to be emitted at the desired portion. Various shapes can be excised from the optical light film, or the extractor 118 can be employed in the manner shown in FIGS.

From this description, it will be appreciated that rings such as the heat resistant retaining ring as described above have many uses in lighting devices. The ring configured in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can also be used in other lighting devices.

FIG. 2 shows a silicon ring of the present invention having a single axial slot and a radial slot. The axial slot is formed by an inner wall 310 and an outer wall 320 extending from the body portion 330. In this embodiment, the axial groove 340 faces inward. The inwardly directed radial groove 340 is
It can be used to support lenses, pieces of tempered glass, mirrors, or other desired elements. In the ring shown in FIG. 2, an axial groove can be used to receive a portion of the lamp housing or light tube. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand from the above description that other coupling members may be used to connect other desired elements to the illustrated ring,
For example, it can be appreciated that the body portion 330 can be connected. For example, the edge of the light tube can be located within its axial slot while the lamp housing is coupled to the body portion 330. Those skilled in the art can understand from the above description that the ring shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a wide range of applications for a lighting device.

Another feature of the present invention is to place the extractor in close proximity to the optical light film and into the light tube,
Including a method of arranging in an efficient manner. This method is particularly useful for extractors that reflect incident rays at various angles. For example, the white mat sold under the name SCOTCHCAL® by 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota.
The te) extractor film is one such extractor. Generally, such extractors are mounted with a water coating that facilitates positioning of the extractor with respect to the surface to which it is attached. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that wetting an optical light film is detrimental to the internal reflection properties of the film and should be avoided whenever possible. Therefore, in the method of the present invention, the extractor is a G. E. FIG. A thin film, such as a Lexan® suede film, is first bonded and then the extractor and thin film laminate or laminate is placed on top of a shaped sheet of optical light film. The suede film substrate advantageously enhances the light scattering effect of the extractor. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the method of the present invention eliminates the need to handle water in the presence of the optical light film, eliminating the inherent risk of wetting the grooves of the optical light film.

Another embodiment of the invention is a substantially transparent 2
Directed to a light carrier comprising an optical light film arranged in a sheet of paper. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical light film 10 includes a first edge area 11 and a second edge area 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the connector 30 is arranged at a convenient distance from the edge 11 of the optical light film 10 and at a position remote from the longitudinal first edge 21 of the transparent intermediate sheet 20. It is in contact with the intermediate sheet 20. In this manner, the connector 30 may include an opposite edge portion 12 and / or intermediate portion of the optical light film when the film is formed into a generally tubular or tubular configuration, as partially shown in FIG. The longitudinal edge region 22 of the sheet 20 forms a slot into which it is inserted. The outer sheet 30 is
It comprises a first edge area 31 and a second edge area 32. According to this preferred embodiment of the invention, the opposing longitudinal edge regions of the outer sheet 30 are in abutting relationship when the light carrier is formed. To achieve this desired form, a second connector 40 is arranged on the outer surface of the intermediate sheet 20, said connector comprising:
It is located away from the first longitudinal edge 21 and is aligned with the edge region 31 of the outer sheet 30. In this way, the edges of the connector 40 and the first edge area 31 are most preferably aligned. When the outer sheet 30 is formed in a generally tubular configuration, the third connector 50 connects the second edge region of the outer sheet 30 to the first edge portion 21 of the intermediate sheet 20 to form a first edge portion 21. 3 connector 50,
Conveniently located on the inside surface of the second edge region 32 of the outer sheet 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer sheet 30
Both edges are conveniently arranged in abutting relationship with each other to form a light carrier having a smooth outer surface, but need not be so.

Although different types of connectors can be used without departing from the scope of the above-described embodiments of the present invention, one preferred material for the first connector 30 includes grooves on the outside of the optical light film 10. An opaque double-sided tape specifically designed to hold securely for long periods of time. The connectors 40, 50 may comprise a substantially transparent double sided tape. For example, the adhesive tape
Available from 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota,
An ultra-high adhesive tape that exhibits adhesiveness as a whole may be used. Those skilled in the art
It will be appreciated that the thickness of the adhesive tape used can vary for different applications depending on factors such as strength required and thickness characteristics inherent to the particular tube design. .

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate film is a G.I. E. FIG. Plastics, Inc. , U.S.
S. A. Available from Lexan®, eg, Model with matte / velvet finish
8B35, and this Lexan (registered trademark) is
It is a diffusion film. The outer sheet preferably consists of Lexan® and most preferably has a high UV stability for outdoor use. For example, this is also G.I. E. FIG. Plastics, U. S. A.
Lexan® Model available from
HP92W provides desirable UV stability and abrasion resistance.

This illustrated embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides a light carrier having a smooth outer surface. Furthermore, the tubing of the present invention can be factory formed and transported in a substantially flat configuration to a remote installation site. The illustrated light carrier can be conveniently and rapidly formed. The reason is that the film and connector can be accurately positioned without the need for special tools.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a light carrier comprising at least one sheet of optical light film 10, said film being maintained in a tubular shape by a novel joint or joint. The optical light film moves one longitudinal edge 11 to a position proximate the other longitudinal edge 12, thereby forming a tube or tube, which preferably has a generally cylindrical shape. It preferably has sufficient flexibility and sufficient width so that it can.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a light bulb 505 operatively connected to a light tube, the light tube comprising an optical light film. Sheet 510, which is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and is surrounded by an outer protective sheet 520.
The outer protective sheet may be a flexible transparent polymeric material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the protective sheet need not necessarily be transparent and can have other finishes that are matte, tinted or opaque. It will also be appreciated that the thickness of the optical light film and the protective sheet can be varied according to design parameters, including tube diameter.

The procedure for forming one light tube of the present invention is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in which optical light film 510 includes first connector 530 and second connector 530. 540 is used for protection by the protective sheet 520. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first connector 530 is most preferably provided at a distance from the longitudinal edge portion 511, and is preferably at a distance from the longitudinal first edge 521. In the contact area, it is joined to the outer protective sheet 520. In this way, the optical light film 510
Of the outer side surface of the edge area 511, the connector 530, and the inner side portion of the edge area 521 of the protective sheet 520,
Slots are formed. Therefore, the optical light film 510
Is formed in the tube and the second longitudinal edge region 5
A second longitudinal edge region 512 can be easily inserted into the slot when 12 is brought into proximity with the longitudinal edge 511. Outer protective sheet 5
In order to hold the opposite edges of the 20 in place, the second connector 540 is attached to the outer surface of the protective sheet 520 proximate the first longitudinal edge 521 and the second longitudinal edge 5.
22 is preferably located between the inner surface of the protective sheet 520 adjacent to 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the second connector 54
The 0 can be easily positioned prior to forming the sheet into a tube. Some adhesive tapes that can be used as connectors for various embodiments of the present invention are provided with a liner that protects the adhesive surface before use, so that one side of such tape is It can be adhered to an optical light film or protective sheet, while the other side of the adhesive tape can be left covered by a protective liner. The liner can then be removed elsewhere before final assembly. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention aligns the second connector 540 with the opposite edge of the protective sheet 520, such alignment is not necessary for the benefit of the present invention.

The connector used to join the sheets of the present invention preferably comprises a strip or strip of tape, most preferably a double sided adhesive tape, or both sides and both edges of the tape are sufficient. Comprising an adhesive tape that is wholly adhesive, such as One such tape is the Very Hi available from 3M Corporation in St. Paul, Minnesota.
gh Bond Tape, the tape is totally adhesive. In particular, the transparent Very High Bond Tape called "4910" is particularly useful for joining the smooth surface of the outer protective sheet 520, while the white Ver called "4952".
The y High Bond Tape is particularly useful for connecting the wavy outer surface of an optical light film to other surfaces. It has been found that the clear tape tends to recede from the grooves on the outer surface of the optical light film, reducing adhesion. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the thickness and / or width of the adhesive tape used may vary from application to application depending on factors such as required strength and thickness characteristics inherent to the particular tube design. You can understand.

Various embodiments of the present invention include, at or near their respective end-use points,
It can be easily assembled partially or totally. Assembly at such locations significantly reduces shipping costs because the sheet can be shipped in a flat configuration that requires a much smaller volume than the assembled tube. Is. The above-mentioned and other advantages of the invention will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. In this example, at least one optical light film 810 is substantially sandwiched between an outer protective sheet 820 and a separate inner protective sheet 850. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it is most preferred that the inner protective sheet 850 be transparent. The two protective sheets are formed in the same manner as the optical light film and the outer protective sheet shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,
Are joined. The first connector 830 is used to define the outer surface of the inner sheet 850, which is remote from the first edge region 851, in a manner to form a slot for receiving the second edge portion 852 of the inner sheet 850. It is joined to the inner surface of 820. Second edge 8 of outer sheet 820
22 is formed using the second connector 840 to substantially fit around the inner protective sheet 850, while
At least one sheet of optical light film 810 is substantially sandwiched between an outer sheet 820 and an inner sheet 850. Since both of the protective sheets are not bonded to the optical light film, it is preferable to use a transparent Very High Bond Tape such as "4910" described above.

This embodiment of the invention provides several important advantages. First, multiple optical light films and / or extractors can be easily positioned at different locations on the tube, leaving the portion of the tube free of optical light film. Those skilled in the art control by leaving a gap between separate sheets of optical light film or by providing an optical light film with extractors or holes that allow the "escape" of light rays from the light tube. It will be appreciated that the amount of light received and various patterns can be provided.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, opposing longitudinal edge regions of optical light film 910 are held in place using a generally U-shaped connector 920. Has been done. U-shaped connector 920
10, which illustrates a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, this embodiment includes a flexible strip or strip 921 that is provided on top of one end of the flexible strip. First strip of adhesive tape 9
22 and a second strip 92 of adhesive tape provided at the bottom of the other longitudinal edge of the strip 921.
4 are provided. Strip 921, which is preferably formed of a transparent polymeric material, then forms a generally U-shaped connector 920 shown in FIG.
It is simply molded. According to this embodiment, as shown, the upper side of the U-shaped connector 920 is preferably longer than its bottom side, and the first adhesive tape 922 joined to the upper side is , The strip 920 does not extend beyond the point on the strip 920 where it is folded. As shown, when the flexible strip is folded into a U-shape, the second adhesive tape 924 pulls U
The first adhesive 922 is located on the inner surface of the U-shaped member, and the first adhesive 922 is located on the outer surface of the U-shaped member.

As shown, both sides of the U-shaped member need not have the same length. Further, the adhesive tape can be a double-sided adhesive tape. That is, the central carrier can have adhesive on both sides thereof. The adhesive tape is a Very High Bond Tap available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minnesota.
More preferably, the tape is tacky overall. Also, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the thickness of the adhesive tape used can vary for different applications depending on factors such as the strength required and the thickness characteristics inherent to the particular tube design. Could be

According to the illustrated embodiment, a flexible second sheet 930 substantially surrounds and protects the optical light film 910. In forming this embodiment, at least a portion of the longitudinal edge 914 of the optical light film 910 is located in the slot formed by the second adhesive tape 924 and the inner surface of the U-shaped connector 920. Inserted inside. Referring to FIG. 11, the second
The contact area 932, which is remote from the longitudinal edge of the sheet 930, is contacted with the first adhesive tape 922. The region 934 of the longitudinal edge of the second sheet 930 is U
With the exposed outer upper surface 926 of the V-shaped member,
A slot for accommodating the other end of the optical light film 910 is formed. Before shaping the optical light film 910 to form a substantially closed light tube, another strip of adhesive tape 936 is applied to the opposite side of the second sheet 930 adjacent the opposite edge 938. It is preferably positioned on the bottom of the edge of the. This way,
The edge of the optical light film 910 is provided with a U-shaped member 920.
And a second edge region 93 of the second sheet 930 when the sheet is shaped to fit within the slot formed by the first edge region 934 of the second sheet 930.
8 is the first of the second sheet 930 in the mode shown in FIG.
Can be easily joined to the top of the edge region 934. This embodiment is particularly useful in forming a tube having a predetermined diameter over its length. This embodiment is also effective as it allows in-situ formation of light tubes with substantial total internal reflection (ie 360 °).

Depending on the intended use of the light tube, it may be desirable to sandwich one or more sheets of optical light film and / or extractors between sheets of polymeric material. This is accomplished by placing the sheet of optical light film 940 outside the third sheet 941 which preferably has at least about the same dimensions as the optical light film 940, according to another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. Then, by inserting the third sheet 941 into the slot formed as described above, it can be achieved in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. That is, one longitudinal edge of the sheet 941 is preferably inserted into the slot formed by the inner wall of the U-shaped connector 946 and the adhesive 942, and the opposite longitudinal edge is It is seated in a second slot formed by the outer surface 943 of the U-shaped member 946 and the edge region 944 of the outermost sheet 945. From this description, those skilled in the art
10 to 1 by the edge joining with the adhesive tape 947 located on the outer side surface 943 above the U-shaped member 946.
It can be seen that the upper longitudinal edge region is retained in part in the second slot, as shown in FIG. Although joining the edges provides additional adhesion, it is not necessary to practice this embodiment of the invention.

Also, in order to increase the effective length of the device, the lighting devices of the invention can be connected to each other at their ends. One feature of the present invention shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 is that adjacent portions of a multi-piece tube are arranged in an overlapping relationship. Unlike the other cross-sectional views described above, FIGS. 14 and 15 each show a portion of two separate tube sections joined at their respective ends. In this illustrated embodiment, the first tube portion has a terminating edge of the first sheet 950 of optical light film that extends beyond the edges of the other two sheets 951, 952 of the first tube portion. It has a section. In the second tube portion, the optical light film 9
60 does not extend to the ends of the other sheets 961 and 962. As shown in FIG. 15, when the two tube portions are joined, the two outer sheets 9 of the second tube portion are
61 and 962 overlap the optical light film 950 of the first tube portion. The overlap of the sheets of adjacent tube sections strengthens the connection between the tube sections. FIG.
An additional connector 970, such as a single-sided tape, as shown in FIG.
Can be used to hold the tube sections together.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an optical carrier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of an optical carrier according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a light tube and a light bulb according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the light tube of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the light tube of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the optical light tube of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is another sectional view showing another embodiment of the optical light tube of the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector used with the light tube shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a film and a connector according to two embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a film and a connector according to two embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a film and a connector according to two embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an overlap joint according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing an overlap joint according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates another structure of the invention for directing light rays outside a light tube.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Optical Light Films 11, 12 Longitudinal Edges 20 Intermediate Sheets 21, 22 Longitudinal Edges 30 Outer Sheets (Connectors) 31, 32 Longitudinal Edges 40, 50 Connectors 51 Light Sources (Irradiation Sources) 53 Lenses 60 Light tube 70 Retaining ring 71 Radial groove 72 Axial groove 118 Extractor

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] February 7, 1996

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Fig. 1]

FIG. 2

[Fig. 3]

[Fig. 4]

[Figure 6]

[Fig. 7]

FIG.

FIG. 16

[Figure 5]

[Fig. 8]

[Fig. 9]

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

FIG.

FIG. 13

FIG. 14

Claims (56)

[Claims] 1. An optical carrier, comprising an optical light film formed on a light tube, a base material, and an extractor laminated on the base material, wherein a laminate of the base material and the extractor comprises: An optical carrier arranged in the tube. 2. The optical carrier according to claim 1, wherein the base material has a light scattering property. 3. A lighting device comprising: a lighting source having a housing; a light tube having a longitudinal axis and operatively connected to the lighting source, the light tube comprising a first optical light film; Means for connecting said light tube to said illumination source, said means having a ring, said ring pointing towards said illumination source and accommodating a part of said illumination source. And a groove that opens toward the light tube and accommodates a part of the light tube. 4. The illumination device of claim 3, wherein the opening includes a groove facing the illumination source and containing a portion of the housing. 5. The illuminator of claim 3, wherein the ring further comprises at least one inwardly directed radial groove. 6. The illumination device according to claim 3, further comprising a lens disposed in the groove facing inward. 7. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the ring is made of a heat resistant material. 8. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein the heat resistant material is made of silicon. 9. A light carrier, the flexible sheet comprising an optical light film having a first longitudinal film edge and a second longitudinal film edge; A flexible intermediate sheet having an edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion; a flexible outer sheet having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion; A light carrier comprising a light film and means for holding the sheets in a generally tubular form. 10. The optical carrier according to claim 9, wherein the holding means is a first connector having at least one adhesive portion, the position being remote from the first longitudinal edge portion.
A first connector connected to the optical light film and connected to the intermediate sheet at a position remote from the first longitudinal edge, thereby forming a slot, and at least one adhesive A second connector having a portion at a position remote from the first longitudinal edge portion,
A second connector connected to the intermediate sheet and to the outer sheet at a position proximate to the first longitudinal edge; and a third connector having at least one adhesive portion And disposed proximate to the second longitudinal edge,
An optical carrier comprising: a third connector for maintaining the second longitudinal edge in abutting relationship with the first longitudinal edge. 11. The optical carrier of claim 10, wherein at least one of the connectors comprises a double sided tape. 12. The optical carrier of claim 10, wherein the first connector comprises an opaque double sided tape. 13. The optical carrier according to claim 10, wherein the intermediate sheet is a transparent diffusion film. 14. The optical carrier according to claim 10, wherein the outer sheet is a transparent film having high UV stability. 15. The optical carrier according to claim 14, wherein the outer sheet is provided with a coating exhibiting high ultraviolet stability. 16. A light tube, the first sheet comprising an optical light film having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion,
A first sheet having sufficient flexibility to allow the first longitudinal edge portion to be located proximate to the second longitudinal edge portion; A longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and
A second sheet having a first contact area distant from the first longitudinal edge, and holding means for holding the optical light film in tubular form, the at least one adhesive portion First having
A connector, the first connector being connected to the first sheet at a position remote from the first longitudinal edge portion and remote from the first longitudinal edge portion. In position, connected to said second sheet, holding means and a second connector having at least one adhesive portion, said second connector comprising at least two separate sheets of said second sheet. A light tube characterized in that it is connected to the part of. 17. The light tube of claim 16, wherein at least one portion of the second longitudinal edge portion of the first sheet is the first longitudinal edge portion of the first sheet. And a light tube arranged between the first longitudinal edge of the second sheet and the first sheet. 18. The light tube according to claim 16, wherein the adhesive portion includes an adhesive tape. 19. The light tube of claim 16, wherein at least one of each connector has two sides and includes a tape having adhesive properties on both of the two sides. A light tube. 20. The light tube according to claim 16, wherein at least a part of one edge of the second sheet is arranged in contact with the second connector. . 21. The light tube according to claim 20, wherein at least a part of both edges in the longitudinal direction of the second sheet is arranged in contact with the second connector. And a light tube. 22. The light tube according to claim 16, wherein at least a part of the first longitudinal edge portion is arranged in contact with the first connector. 23. A light tube, a first sheet having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion is the A first sheet having sufficient flexibility to permit placement in proximity to a second longitudinal edge portion; a first longitudinal edge portion; a second longitudinal direction Edge, and
A second sheet having a first contact area distant from the first longitudinal edge and a holding means for holding the first sheet in tubular form, the at least one adhesive A first connector having a portion, the first connector being connected to the first sheet at a location remote from the first longitudinal edge portion and also in the first longitudinal direction. Holding means connected to the second sheet at a position remote from the edge; and at least one adhesive part, connected to at least two separate parts of the second sheet, A light tube comprising: two connectors; and at least one optical light film disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. 24. The light tube of claim 23, comprising at least two separate optical light films disposed between the first sheet and the second sheet. 25. The light tube according to claim 23, comprising at least one extractor provided between the first sheet and the second sheet. 26. The light tube of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of said second longitudinal edge portion of said first sheet is said first longitudinal edge portion of said first sheet and said second longitudinal edge portion of said first sheet. A light tube arranged between the second sheet and the first longitudinal edge. 27. The light tube according to claim 23, wherein the adhesive portion includes an adhesive tape. 28. The light tube of claim 23, wherein at least one of each of the connectors has two sides and includes a tape having adhesive properties on both of the two sides. A light tube. 29. The light tube according to claim 23, wherein at least a part of one edge of the second sheet is arranged in contact with the second connector. . 30. The light tube according to claim 29, wherein at least a part of both edges in the longitudinal direction of the second sheet is arranged in contact with the second connector. And a light tube. 31. The light tube according to claim 23, wherein at least a part of both of the longitudinal edge portions is arranged in contact with the first connector. 32. A light tube comprising a sheet of optical light film having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion, the optical light film comprising: A sheet of optical light film having sufficient flexibility to allow a longitudinal edge portion to be located proximate the second longitudinal edge portion; A longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and
A second sheet having a first contact area distant from the first longitudinal edge, and holding means for holding the optical light film in tubular form, the at least one adhesive portion First having
A connector, the first connector being connected to the optical light film at a position remote from the first longitudinal edge portion and at a position remote from the first longitudinal edge portion. And connected to the second sheet,
A light tube, comprising holding means forming a slot. 33. The light tube of claim 32, wherein the first connector is connected to the optical light film at a position at a first distance from the longitudinal edge portion, and the first connector. A light tube connected to the second sheet at a position at a second distance from a longitudinal edge, the first distance being shorter than the second distance. 34. A light carrier, the first sheet comprising an optical light film having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion,
A first sheet having sufficient flexibility to allow the first longitudinal edge portion to be positioned proximate to the second longitudinal edge portion; A longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and
A second sheet having a first contact area distant from the first longitudinal edge, and holding means for holding the optical light film in tubular form, the at least one adhesive portion Holding means including a substantially U-shaped first connector having a second contact sheet, wherein the first contact region is arranged in contact with an adhesive portion of the holding means, and the second sheet is A light carrier substantially surrounding at least a portion of the first sheet of optical light film. 35. The optical carrier of claim 34, wherein the substantially U-shaped connector is formed of a flexible polymeric material. 36. The optical carrier of claim 35, wherein the substantially U-shaped connector has a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion, and the first adhesive portion comprises:
An optical carrier arranged on an outer surface of the U-shaped connector and wherein the second adhesive portion is provided on a first inner surface of the substantially U-shaped connector. 37. The optical carrier of claim 36, wherein the adhesive portion comprises an adhesive tape. 38. The optical carrier of claim 36, wherein the second longitudinal edge portion of the first sheet is second to the second adhesive portion and the substantially U-shaped connector. An optical carrier, which is arranged between the inner surface and the inner surface. 39. The optical carrier according to claim 34, wherein at least a part of the first longitudinal edge region is arranged in contact with the first adhesive portion. . 40. The optical carrier of claim 39, wherein the second sheet is a second sheet adjacent to the first contact area.
An optical carrier having a contact area of. 41. The optical carrier according to claim 40, wherein the second contact region is connected to the first contact region with an adhesive. 42. The optical carrier of claim 39, wherein the second sheet has a first edge region proximate to the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet. At least a portion of the first longitudinal edge portion is U
An optical carrier arranged in a slot formed by an outer surface of a V-shaped connector and the first edge region of the second sheet. 43. The optical carrier of claim 34, further comprising a third sheet substantially surrounded by the first sheet of optical light film. 44. The optical carrier of claim 43, wherein the third sheet includes a longitudinal inner edge at least partially disposed within the U-shaped connector, and the U-shaped connector.
An optical carrier having a longitudinal outer edge disposed between an outer wall of the V-shaped connector and a portion of the second sheet. 45. A light carrier, a first sheet having a first longitudinal edge portion and a second longitudinal edge portion, wherein the first longitudinal edge portion is the A first sheet having sufficient flexibility to allow it to be placed in a position close to a second longitudinal edge portion; and the first sheet and the second sheet. At least one sheet of optical light film disposed between, a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and
A second sheet having a first contact area remote from the first longitudinal edge; and a substantially U-shaped connector having at least one adhesive portion, the first sheet being tubular Holding means for holding in the form of 1., and the first contact region is arranged in a state of being in contact with an adhesive portion of the holding means. 46. The optical carrier of claim 45, wherein the substantially U-shaped connector is formed of a flexible polymeric material. 47. The optical carrier of claim 45, wherein the substantially U-shaped connector has a first adhesive portion and a second adhesive portion, the first adhesive portion comprising:
An optical carrier, which is provided on an outer surface of the U-shaped member, and the second adhesive portion is provided on a first inner surface of the substantially U-shaped connector. 48. A lighting device comprising at least one light tube, a second element connected to the light tube, and connecting means for connecting the second element to the light tube. An illumination device, wherein the connecting means is made of a heat resistant material and has at least one axial groove. 49. A lighting device according to claim 48, wherein said connecting means also comprises at least one radial groove. 50. The lighting device according to claim 48, wherein the connecting means has a plurality of axial grooves. 51. The lighting device according to claim 48, wherein the heat-resistant material includes silicon. 52. The illuminator of claim 48, wherein said connecting means comprises a plurality of radial grooves. 53. The lighting device of claim 48, wherein the second element comprises a bulb housing. 54. The lighting device of claim 48, wherein the second element comprises a mirror. 55. The lighting device of claim 48, wherein the second element comprises a lens. 56. An illuminator comprising a plurality of generally tubular portions, each portion having at least one optical light film and at least one separate sheet. An illumination device, wherein a sheet overlaps a part of an adjacent portion.