JPS61277102A - Reflector - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of optics, and more particularly to reflectors for use in lighting fixtures. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the refraction and reflection of light. More specifically, without limiting the invention, the invention relates to a reflector comprising a transparent medium and a prism disposed thereon, the outer surface of the reflector having an opaque reflective coating.

Description of the Prior Art Two techniques used in designing optical systems are reflection and refraction. Refraction occurs when light passes through a transparent medium whose entrance and exit surfaces are not parallel to each other. In other words, there is a prism that is integrally molded into a transparent medium. Here, a "prism" generally refers to a surface that forms an angle with a reference plane and changes the direction of light by changing the optical path, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This is shown in FIG. Reflection occurs on opaque surfaces such as metals.

For example, if the medium is transparent, such as glass or clear plastic, a binocular prism
prism), ie, a prism with an apex angle of 90°, can be formed integrally with the outer surface of the glass, in which case the light is totally internally reflected. This effect is illustrated in FIG.

A disadvantage of binocular prisms is that if the prisms are imperfectly manufactured or the mold is worn so that the peaks and valleys of the prisms become rounded, light leaks through the prisms and is not reflected. This is the third
It is shown in the figure.

Light also leaks when the light source is sufficiently large and the incident angle is smaller than the critical angle of the medium used. In that case, the light is not completely reflected and leaks as shown in FIG. In a broader sense, refractive and reflective prisms can also be referred to as direction-changing prisms.

Ignoring the shape of the medium, if a reflector is made of a transparent medium, the reflecting prism will be shaped at an angle such that the incident light ray approaches the prism along the bisector of the 90 degree angle of the reflecting prism. I have to. As a result, this means: That is, the light ray always returns on the axis of the reflector and in the horizontal plane, so that the reflector is symmetrical in a reflector made of prismatic glass, even if the basic shape of the reflector is square, rectangular, or any other shape. Only light distribution occurs. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for a square reflector.

In addition to the above-mentioned problems with light distribution, reflective prisms also have other problems with the light source. In particular, high-pressure sodium light sources, which are commonly used today as highly efficient light sources, are also known as unstable amalgam lamps. That is, all the sodium is energized
Rather, it is steamed at a carefully controlled rate. The remaining sodium remains in the vessel at one end of the discharge tube. If the reflector feeds back too much light into the vessel, the temperature of the vessel will increase, thus vaporizing more sodium and increasing the operating voltage of the lamp. In this way, the lamp quickly becomes unusable.

Another disadvantage of conventional reflectors is that if the light source is very intense, such as a high pressure sodium light source, it may be difficult for an observer to view the luminaire directly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to reflectors for use in lighting equipment. The reflector consists of a prism and a surface reflective area for special distribution of the light rays from the light source. The reflector may be opaque, such as a metal reflector, or it may be transparent. The transparent medium can be plastic or glass. A reflective coating, such as aluminum, is deposited on a portion of the surface of the transparent medium. The reflective coating on the reflector is deposited in various patterns to protect the observer's eyes from the brightness of the light source. In addition, the reflective coating
Rather than being totally reflective, it is deposited on the reflector as a semi-transparent surface.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a refracting prism 11 on a transparent medium 12 and a refracted light ray 13.

This drawing explains the principle of a refracting prism.

FIG. 2 shows a reflective prism 14 on a transparent medium 12. Light ray 15 is shown being reflected inwardly by reflective prism 14.

FIG. 3 shows a reflective prism that has become rounded due to molding imperfections or for other reasons. That is, the reflection prism 14 is shown on a transparent medium, so that some light rays 16 are reflected and others are refracted, since the reflection prism 14 is imperfect.

FIG. 4 shows a reflective prism 14 on a transparent medium that refracts light rays 18 from a large light source 21 while reflecting light rays 17. FIG. 20 A top view showing the light rays 19 reflected behind the light source 21
It is shown with

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the reflector 20 with light rays 2 from the light source 21.
3 is shown together with a reflective prism 14 that reflects the light.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a generally parabolic reflector consisting of a transparent medium 12, a prism 14, and a reflective coating 22 on the outside of the parabolic reflector. . light source 21
The emitted light ray 24 is reflected by a parabolic reflector.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of a parabolic reflector including a transparent medium 12 with a prism 14 located outside the parabolic reflector. A reflective coating 22 is deposited on the top and bottom inside the parabolic reflector. Light rays 25 from light source 21 are reflected by a parabolic reflector.

FIG. 9 shows an asymmetrical reflector with a prism 14 on a transparent medium 12. FIG. A reflective coating 22 is deposited on transparent medium 12 . A light beam 26 from a light source 21 is reflected by a reflector 20.

FIG. 10 shows a symmetrical reflector 20 with a prism 14 on a transparent medium 12. FIG. The light beam 27 from the light source 21 is reflected by the reflector.

FIG. 11 shows a symmetrical reflector with prisms 14 on a transparent medium 12 and a reflective coating 22 deposited on the outer surface of the reflector. The light beam 28 from the light source 21 is reflected so that it does not hit the light source 21.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a reflector with a transparent medium 12 and a prism 14 thereon.

The reflective coating is applied to two upright strips 29 on the outside of the reflector.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the reflector of FIG. 12, the reflector consisting of a prism 14 on a transparent medium and a reflective coating in generally upright strips 29 on the outer surface of the reflector. .

FIG. 14 shows that the reflection prism 31 and the refraction prism 30 are arranged as horizontal stripes on a transparent medium constituting the reflector 20. A strip of reflective coating 220 is attached to reflector 20.

FIG. 15 shows that a reflective coating having an ellipse 32 or other geometry, ie, a closed geometry, is deposited on the reflector 20.

FIG. 16 shows a generally parabolic reflector consisting of a transparent medium 12 and a prism 14. FIG. A light beam 33 from the light source 21 is reflected. A strip 34 of reflective coating material is applied as a translucent coating to the exterior of the parabolic reflector. ray 3
3 is partially transmitted through the translucent strip 34 and then exits as a light beam 35 of reduced intensity, presenting an area of low brightness to the observer of the reflector.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lighting fixture incorporating the novel reflector disclosed herein. In other words, lighting fixture 3
8 is placed in the aisle of the warehouse. The light beams are directed to specific points 36 and 37 on the path.

(Operation Method) FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate problems in the prior art using refractive and reflective prisms. That is, the optical characteristics of the prism change due to imperfect manufacturing, wear of the mold, or wear of the prism itself. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the optical characteristics of the reflecting prism are adversely affected by the size of the light source. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, even if the reflective prism functions normally, the light is reflected back to the light source, which adversely affects the operation of the light source.

According to FIG. 7, there is a reflective coating 22 on the outside of the parabolic reflector 20 combined with the prism 14, so that the light rays 24 are directed away from the light source 21 in a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 7, prism 14 is provided on the outer surface of reflector 20. In FIG. Also in FIG. 8, the prism 14 is provided on the outer surface of the reflector. A reflective coating 22 is applied in a strip around the inner surface of the reflector. In both cases, the light beams are directed in a predetermined pattern. In FIG. 7, prism 14 is not parallel to the inner surface of reflector 20. In FIG. After δ, the light beam 24 is directed away from the light source 21.

FIG. 9 shows a light beam 26 directed in a predetermined pattern.
Also shown is an asymmetrical reflector 20. transparent medium 1
The prism 14 on 2 is placed outside the reflector 20. A reflective coating 22 covers reflector 20 over prism 14.
attached to the outside of the

FIG. 10 shows a symmetrical reflector 20 with a prism 14 on a transparent medium 112 that directs the light rays 27 in a predetermined pattern.

Similarly, FIG. 11 shows the prism 14 and the reflective coating 22.
The combination shows that the light beam 28 is directed away from the light source 21. In order to prevent the light source 21 from deteriorating, the prism 14 is made very shallow.

As a result, in combination with the reflective coating 22, when viewed from a horizontal plane, the light rays 28 are always deflected from the light source 21 by a predetermined amount, depending on the depth of the prism. If the reflective coating 22 is on the inside of the reflector, a prism 14 for directing the light is also provided on the inside of the reflector.

By combining reflective coatings and prisms, it is also possible to change the predetermined distribution of the light beam into a square distribution, a rectangular distribution or a long and narrow distribution. These predetermined light distributions can be used as area light if a lighting fixture is required that illuminates vertically from the lighting position of the lamp. The prism structure outside the transparent medium 12 can be angled to provide the desired asymmetric light distribution.

According to FIGS. 12 and 13, the light distribution can be modified to a desired shape. In other words, if you do nothing, the light that would go towards the ceiling,
Contrast relief (contras relief) by changing the ratio
t relief ). The combination of the prisms 14 on the reflector 20 and the reflective coating deposited in the form of stripes 29 can direct light in these predetermined directions. In FIG. 13, a refractive prism 14 is used to provide uplight while a reflective coating 29 is used to prevent light from leaking into undesired areas and to direct the light to desired areas. Additionally, reflective coating 22 can be used in the form of stripes 29 to eliminate glare. That is, by orienting the reflector 20, the strip 29 can block the light source 21 from the viewer.

In addition to the vertical stripes parallel to the axis of the parabolic reflector 20 of FIGS. 12 and 13, the strips of reflective coating 22 can be applied to the parabolic reflector 20 in other ways. Especially the 14th
As shown, the strips of reflective coating 22 can also be applied in a horizontal configuration perpendicular to the axis of the parabolic reflector. In the area of the reflective prism 31 the light is directed downwards towards a specific area, while in the area of the refracting prism 30 the light is directed upwards to become upward light. Areas of reflective coating 22 include redirecting prisms (circuits) that, when combined with reflective coating 22, direct light beams to specific areas. It goes without saying that a reflective coating can be used satisfactorily without the use of a prism underneath the reflective coating on a transparent medium.

That is, a reflective coating is applied to glass or other media with parallel inner and outer surfaces.

However, it is used for at least a portion of the uncovered portion of the reflector. In addition to redirecting the light rays, the strips of reflective coating 22 serve to block the relatively bright or bright light of the reflector sidewalls from the viewer when looking up from the lowest point.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is the most preferred, and the desired result can be obtained by varying the width and arrangement of the prisms and strips of the coating, or by combining various prisms along the surface coating.

In the embodiment of FIG. 14, each region of the reflective prism, refractive prism, and reflective coating has approximately the same vertical width.

However, these widths can be changed depending on the design. Similarly, the placement and combination of various prisms along the reflective coating may be varied to achieve the desired results.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reflective region 22 may be provided on either or both the outside and inside of the reflector. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the reflective area may be composed of multiple areas of different shapes and sizes, whether connected or not. The reflective area is either a specular reflective coating, as shown as area 22 in FIG. 8, or a diffuse reflective coating, as area 34 in FIG. 16.

Examples of specular reflective coatings include aluminum, silver, chromium, platinum, nickel, etc.

Examples of diffusely reflective coatings include magnesium oxide, titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, silicon dioxide, and also aluminum, nickel, and the like.

Applying the reflective coating is done using traditional methods, including:
It must be matched to the medium to which it is attached. For example, it can be applied by chemical deposition, plating, vapor deposition, thermal spraying or preheated dipping. In particular, when vapor deposition is used, vacuum evaporation, sputtering, iron plating, etc. can be used. If thermal spraying is used, flame spraying, plasma, electric arc, or D-bond
ng) etc. can be used.

An example of the application of the novel principles disclosed herein is lighting for warehouse aisles. That is, in FIG. 17, the lighting fixture 3
8 is placed in the warehouse aisle. In places like this,
It is necessary to redirect the piles of light stacked from top to bottom in the path between the lighting devices. This area is shown in Figure 17 with reference numeral 3.
It is shown in 6. Since the luminaire is very close to the mountain surface, the illuminance is higher in the region 37 directly opposite the luminaire and much lower in the intermediate region 36 of the luminaire.

In FIG. 15, the reflective coating is deposited within a closed geometry, such as an ellipse 32. In FIG. Not only geometric shapes but other shapes can also be applied, but in that case it is important to shield the viewer from the bright light source. In FIG. 16, reflective coating 2
2 can also be made into a translucent coating. That is, a coating can be applied to the reflector so as not to make it entirely opaque. In this way, the coating will have a predetermined light transmission. Some of the light rays 33 are reflected and directed in a predetermined direction, while other light rays 35 can be transmitted through the translucent coating strip 34. In this way, controlling the light leaking through the translucent coating allows the use of luminaires in specific locations.

Although the present invention has been disclosed based on a preferred embodiment, it goes without saying that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention disclosed in the claims. For example, although aluminum is shown as the reflective coating medium, other materials can of course be used. Further, although glass and plastic are shown as the transparent medium of the reflector, other materials may be used.

Similarly, although several geometries of the reflective coating deposited on the reflector have been disclosed, other geometries may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, although an application example of the present invention has been shown, it goes without saying that the novel combination of the reflective coating' and the prism can be effectively used for other types of illumination. Similarly, although reflectors of various shapes have been disclosed, for example parabolic reflectors, reflectors of any shape can be used, for example square, circular or non-geometric shapes. The shape of the reflector is preferably determined by the well-known lumen count method.
occurrence) is determined based on J. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the term "reflector" used in this application may also be understood as a lens or a refractor.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a refracting prism, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a reflecting prism, and Fig. 3 is a drawing showing light leaking from an incomplete reflecting prism. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing that light leaks from the reflecting prism due to the large light source, Fig. 5 is a top view showing light reflection within a horizontal reflector, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an approximately square shape. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a parabolic reflector having a prism on the outer surface of the reflector; FIG. FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a parabolic reflector having a prism on the inner surface of the vessel; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing asymmetrically distributed light rays from an asymmetric reflector; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the light distribution of a symmetrical reflector embodying the invention; the light rays do not strike the light source; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the light distribution of a symmetrical reflector embodying the invention 13 is a side view of a parabolic reflector shown with reflective coating strips in a vertical direction; FIG. 14 is a side view of a parabolic reflector shown with reflective coating strips in a horizontal direction; FIG. FIG. 15 is a side view of a parabolic reflector shown with reflective coating strips, FIG. 15 is a side view of a parabolic reflector including an elliptical reflective coating, and FIG. 17 is a side view of a parabolic reflector with a translucent coating; FIG. 17 illustrates an example of an application of a reflector embodying the invention for path lighting; FIG. [Explanation of symbols of main parts] 1, 14 Prism 12 Transparent medium 20 Reflector 21 Light source 22 Reflective coating Continuation of page Author John Van Lay United States of America,
43023 N.K. Street 744 Granville, Ohio Bar Procedural Amendment May 26, 1986 Commissioner of the Patent Office Michibe Uga 1 Display of Case 1986 Patent Application No. 76844 Reflector 3 Person Making Amendment Related: Patent applicant name: Manville Corporation 4 Agent □-1111- 61, 5, 26 (1) I hereby submit one copy of the power of attorney and translation police box. (2) As shown in the attached document, please submit one printable full-text statement. (3) As shown in the attached document, we will submit one official drawing.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A reflector for a lighting device, comprising: a transparent medium configured in a predetermined shape and having an inner surface that directly receives light from a light source and an outer surface opposing the inner surface; A reflector comprising: a plurality of prisms integrated with a reflector; and a reflective coating applied to a portion of the inner surface and/or the outer surface, the portion being smaller than the entire surface of the inner surface and the outer surface. . 2. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the transparent medium is plastic. 3. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the transparent medium is glass. 4. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined shape is determined by a lumen measurement method. 5. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface has a prism. 6. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface has a prism. 7. Reflector according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflective coating is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silver, chromium, platinum and/or nickel. 8. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the reflective coating is a circular strip perpendicular to the axis of the transparent medium. 9. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the reflective coating has at least one strip parallel to the axis of the transparent medium. 10. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the reflective coating has a horizontal condition on the transparent medium. 11. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the reflective coating has vertical stripes on the transparent medium. 12. The reflector according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined shape is approximately an ellipse. 13. The reflector according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined shape has a substantially parabolic vertical cross section. 14. The reflector according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined shape has a substantially square vertical cross section. 15. The reflector according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined shape has a substantially non-geometric vertical cross section. 16. The reflector according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined shape has a substantially circular vertical cross section. 17. A reflector for a lighting device, comprising: a transparent medium configured in a predetermined shape and having an inner surface close to the light source and an outer surface; a plurality of refracting prisms integrated with the transparent medium; and the transparent medium. A reflector comprising: a plurality of reflective prisms integrated with a reflector; and a reflective coating applied to a portion of the inner surface and/or the outer surface, the portion being smaller than the entire area of the inner surface and the outer surface. . 18. The reflector according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined shape is substantially parabolic. 19. The reflector of claim 18, wherein the reflective coating has circular stripes perpendicular to the axis of the substantially parabolic transparent medium. 20. The reflector of claim 18, wherein the reflective coating has at least one vertical strip parallel to the axis of the substantially parabolic transparent medium. 21. Reflector according to claim 17, characterized in that said portion of the coated surface has a closed geometry. 22. A reflector for a lighting device, comprising: a transparent medium configured in a predetermined shape and having an inner surface close to the light source and an outer surface; a plurality of prisms integrated with the transparent medium; and the inner surface and/or the transparent medium. or a translucent coating provided on at least a portion of the outer surface;