KR20010113640A - Light pipe utilizing plastic sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light pipe comprising a conduit formed to receive light at one end and distribute the light along the long direction of the light pipe, wherein the conduit is partially below the light pipe by mainly mirror reflection. And part of the light comprises a combination of mirror and diffuse reflecting surfaces arranged primarily to emit out of the light pipe by diffuse reflection. The reflecting surfaces are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. Multiple conduits can also control the light distribution specific to the light pipe. The conduits can be made of inexpensive synthetic resin sheet materials.

Description

LIGHT PIPE UTILIZING PLASTIC SHEETS}

In general, light pipes are pipes made of optics material that make up an air interface that provides 'total internal reflection' (TIR). The air interface distributes light from a light source over a wide area. An example of such a light pipe is Ron A. White Light (Lorne A. Whitehead), US Patent No. 4,260,220, Prism Light Guide having Suface which are in Octature. The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) produces optical materials called "Optical Lighting Films" (OLFs) that are useful for constructing light pipes. An example of an OLF is described in US Pat. No. 4,906,070.

One problem with conventional light pipes is that optical materials consist of micro-replicated prisms, such as perforated silvered plastic or complex dielectric coatings on transparent surfaces. Related. This approach is relatively complex and expensive.

Another problem with common light pipes is that they are relatively inefficient with regard to distributing the light from the light source to the environment. For example, optical materials that provide TIR are designed to contain light in the material, where the trapped light undergoes numerous internal reflections before it is emitted, and each of these internal reflections produces a small amount of light loss. In the end, the cumulative loss effect becomes serious.

Light distribution uniformity can also be a problem in prismatic films. When the materials are used for light distribution, nonuniformity occurs in the materials and light leaks. This light leakage process becomes difficult to control so that the light output of light distributed over a wide area undergoes a significant change.

EP 0 889 285 describes a light distribution tube that does not use a prismatic film or TIR for light distribution. Instead of the materials, the light tube described in the publication uses a geometrically complex three-dimensional light redirecting structure formed within the tube, whereby most of the light that collides with the structure is directed to the light beam and the structure. At the intersection between them will be out of the pipe. Most preferably, the light source has a beam spread half angle of about 4 degrees.

Manufactured by SPACE CANNON ILLUMINATION, INC in Fubine, Italy, the so-called 'LITE HOSE' was first launched in Europe in autumn 1998 and in the United States in spring 1999. The 'LITE HOSE' consists of an extruded opalescent emitting acrylic tube used in connection with a light source having 3 ° light. The pipes have a size of 100 to 500 mm and a wall thickness of 3 to 8 mm. Narrow light is used to provide long light emission through the pipe. The main use of the LITE HOSE is theater lighting for dramatic effects on building facades.

Summary of the Invention

One object of the present invention is to provide a light pipe having a simple structure that efficiently distributes light over a wide area. Another object of the present invention is to provide a light pipe having high uniformity in light distribution.

According to one aspect of the invention, the light pipe comprises a conduit configured to receive light at one end and emit light along its longitudinal portion. The conduit is a mirror and diffuser arranged to pass a portion of the light down the light pipe primarily using specular reflecting and to emit a portion of light out of the light pipe primarily using diffuse reflection. A combination of reflective surfaces is used. The reflective surfaces are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. For example, the conduit may comprise a transparent plastic tube having an inner surface for mirror reflection and an opaque body arranged along the long direction of the tube to cover the periphery of the tube to provide diffuse reflection. The opaque material is arranged on the inner surface of the tube to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angle and diffuse reflection for higher beam angle. Optionally, the opaque material can be arranged on the outer surface of the tube to provide a combination of specular reflection for low light angles and diffuse reflection for high light angles with the tube material. For example, the conduit can be made of a synthetic resin sheet material that can be shaped into a compression molded resin or tube.

According to another feature of the invention, the light pipe comprises a plurality of conduits configured to receive light at one end and distribute the light along the long direction of the light pipe. The conduits are offset from one another at regular intervals to pass a portion of the light down the light pipe, mainly by mirror reflection, and are arranged to emit a portion of light out of the light pipe, mainly by diffuse reflection. Provide a combination of reflective surfaces. In some examples, the number of conduits varies along the length of the light pipe. In other examples, the length of at least one of the conduits is different from the remaining conduits. As discussed above, each conduit may be made of a synthetic resin sheet material shaped into an extruded synthetic resin or tube. In most embodiments, each conduit other than the outermost conduit comprises transparent synthetic resin that has a gloss finish on both its inner and outer surfaces. In some instances, the outermost conduit includes a transparent synthetic resin with a polished inner surface and a diffuse finish on the outer surface. The light pipe may further comprise an opaque material arranged in the longitudinal direction of the outermost conduit to cover the periphery of the outermost conduit. The opaque material may be arranged in the outermost conduit to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angles and diffuse reflection for high beam angles. Optionally, the opaque material can be arranged on the outer surface of the outermost conduit to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow light angles and diffuse reflection for high light angles with the conduit material.

According to another feature of the invention, a light distribution system is configured to receive a light source providing a light beam having a full light beam angle of less than 30 °, and to receive the light beam from the light source at one end and distribute it along the long direction of the light pipe. A light pipe comprising: a mirror arranged to pass a portion of light down the light pipe primarily using mirror reflections and to emit a portion of light out of the light pipe primarily using diffuse reflections; A combination of diffuse reflective surfaces. Preferably, the light source provides a light beam having a full light beam angle of less than 20 °. An example of such a light source is sunlight. The light distribution system further includes an end cover covering one end of the light pipe away from the light source, the end cover having a reflective surface formed under the light pipe and configured to return light to the light pipe. In some examples, the light pipe includes substantially concentric first and second conduits, the distribution system supporting a first mounting device for supporting the first conduit, a second conduit, And a second support device for receiving / supporting the first support device and the first conduit in the second conduit. Preferably, the first and second support devices are suitable for supporting the first and second conduits so that they do not come into contact.

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention described above can be achieved individually and in combination. The invention should not be construed as requiring two or three of these aspects unless expressly stated in the claims.

The present invention relates to an optical pipe for distributing light from a light source, and more particularly to an inexpensive and efficient light pipe composed of a simple synthetic resin sheet material.

1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a transparent material showing mirror reflection;

2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an opaque material showing both mirror and diffuse reflection,

3 is a graph of reflectivity versus angle of incidence for a representative transparent material exhibiting mirror reflection,

4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the light pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a schematic diagram of light rays impinging upon a diffusely reflective material,

6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a steel pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light pipe cut along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

8 to 11 are schematic views of other structures for the light pipe according to the second embodiment of the present invention,

12 is a schematic cross sectional view of an alternative configuration of a light pipe according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of light rays impinging on the inner surface of the light pipe of FIG. 12;

14 is a light output side view of the light pipe according to the present invention using a double-sided polished synthetic resin sheet,

15 is a light output aspect diagram of the light pipe according to the present invention using a synthetic resin sheet having an inner surface of which has been polished and an outer surface of which has been polished;

16 is a schematic light output cross-sectional view of a light pipe according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a hemispherical light pipe according to the present invention,

18 to 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light pipe of another shape according to the present invention,

21 is a schematic view of a first synthetic resin sheet in a preliminary manufacturing step for forming a light pipe according to the present invention;

22 is a schematic view of a second synthetic resin sheet in a preliminary step for forming a light pipe according to the present invention;

23 is a cross sectional view of a first preferred configuration of the light pipe according to the present invention;

24 is a cross sectional view of a second preferred configuration of the light pipe according to the present invention;

25 and 26 are graphs comparing the light output of a conventional TIR light pipe and the light pipe according to the present invention;

27 is a perspective view of a first light pipe support device according to another feature of the present invention;

28 is a perspective view of a second light pipe support device according to the present invention;

29 is a schematic view of a light pipe coupling device according to another feature of the present invention;

30 is a cross-sectional view of the light pipe coupling device cut along the line 30-30 of FIG. 29,

31 is a cross-sectional view of a first light pipe end cover according to the present invention;

32 is a cross-sectional view of a second light pipe end cover according to the present invention;

33 is a schematic diagram of a lens system suitable for use in a light pipe according to the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross sectional view of the lens system cut along the line 34-34 of FIG. 33.

Hereinafter, an optical pipe according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like members having the same function.

The following description is intended to illustrate specific examples of particular structures, interfaces, techniques, etc. for a thorough understanding of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other examples may be made from the detailed description herein. In other words, detailed descriptions of well-known structures, devices, and methods have been omitted so as not to obscure the present invention from unnecessary description.

TIR pipes can efficiently contain rays that reach a full ray angle of 54 ° to 56 °. However, light leaving the TIR pipe is bound to scatter beyond the angle range. Compared with such TIR pipes, no light is contained in the pipe material of the light pipe according to the invention. The present invention uses a light source with a narrower mine angle. 5-12, all other light rays, except for reflective components, such as shallow, nearly parallel light rays, are likely to escape the light pipe of the present invention by substantially bounces. As described above, the TIR pipe uses an extractor or non-uniformity in the OLF material to cause some of the incident light to scatter out of the containment cone angle range. However, in comparison to the present invention, the significant portion of the light remains within the taper angle range and undergoes multiple reactions with the extraction device to exit the pipe. Therefore, TIR pipes typically show more bounces off the pipe per unit length, resulting in an efficiency loss per bounce that is equal to or greater than the present invention. As a result, the present invention is relatively efficient before light emission and has less loss per bounce, which makes it more efficient for narrower beam angle light sources.

Compared to the light tubes described in EP 0 889 285, the present invention provides a much simpler configuration. The present invention utilizes a reflective surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. In other words, the present invention does not use complex internal structures. Although the light tubes described in the EP have avoided the use of prismatic films, the tubes require a three-dimensional light redirecting structure that is clearly geometrically complex. The structure is a tapered extractor that extends along the body of the tube and gradually limits the tube cross-sectional area away from the light source. As a result, the optical tube of the European patent publication requires much narrower light rays than the present invention. Neither of the above publications suggests a principle or brief structure of the invention.

The present invention applies the following light scattering principle. First, the polished synthetic resin for shallow incidence provides a good mirror reflecting surface. In particular, glazed synthetic resins show shiny reflections due to their high Fresnel reflection efficiency at shallow angles. Second, many conventional opaque materials for shallow incidence angles show a combination of mirror and diffuse reflection. According to the present invention, a combination of these principles can provide a lighting product which is low in cost, efficient and exhibits uniform light dispersion from a suitable light source.

1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a transparent material exhibiting specular reflection, in which ray B1 impinges on the material ₁ at an incident angle θ ₁ . Part of the light beam B _S is specularly reflected and part of the light beam B _T is transmitted (refraction is ignored in FIG. 1). The relative amounts of B _S and B _T are characteristic of the material 1 and the incident angle θ ₁ Depends on The effect shown in Figure 1 is typically observed in the most inexpensive synthetic resin sheet materials such as polycarbonate, acrylic, PET, PETG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an opaque material showing both mirror and diffuse reflection, with light beam B ₂ colliding with the material ₂ at an incident angle θ ₂ . Part of the beam B _S is mirror reflected and part of the beam B _D is diffusely reflected. The relative amount of B _S and B _D depends on the material 2 and the incident angle θ ₂ . The effect shown in FIG. 2 is observed in various inexpensive and commonly available materials such as white vinyl tape, flooring tape, PVC and other appliques.

3 is a graph of reflectivity versus angle of incidence for a representative transparent material exhibiting specular reflection, where Fresnel reflections can be very efficient for shallow incidence angles where incident light is substantially parallel to the material surface. 3 shows reflectivity versus incidence angle for a dielectric surface having a reflection index of about 1.58.

Fig. 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the light pipe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the light pipe 4 comprises a transparent synthetic conduit 6 having a relatively low reflection index. In order to distribute the light efficiently and uniformly through the light pipe, some of the light must pass under the pipe and some must exit the light pipe. According to the invention, a material having both a specular reflective component and a diffuse reflective component is arranged along the long direction of the pipe. As shown in FIG. 4, reflective material 8 is disposed on the inner surface of the conduit 6. The material 8 provides both a specular reflective component and a diffuse reflective component. The light beam has a full light beam angle of relatively less than about 30 °. For example, for synthetic resins having a reflection index of about 1.5, light rays having a narrow perfect light beam angle of less than 15 ° to 20 ° are preferred. Lower light beam angles result in lower bounces for a given light pipe length and shape ratio, thus improving light distribution efficiency.

A reflective end cover or mirror may be located at the end of the light pipe 4 opposite the light source 10. Preferably the mirror is tilted at an angle (about ± 10 °) to improve light distribution and / or efficiency. Alternatively, the mirror may have a curved surface to redirect the light to the light pipe. The light pipe 4 may also be sealed with a transparent plastic plate or lens at the end closest to the light source 10. The plate or lens may comprise an anti-reflective coating.

5 is a schematic view of a light beam impinging the reflective material 8, which produces a mirror component 14 which is in a relatively shallow angle of incidence and which passes underneath the light pipe. Since reflection occurs on the first side, the ray cannot pass through the material at each ks yarn, resulting in lower losses per bounce. Light rays 12 impinging on the material 8 also produce a diffusion component 16 at a relatively higher angle of incidence that leaves the light pipe 4. Since the light generates only a small amount of bounce inside the light pipe 4 and a relatively thin plastic sheet with low in-sheet loss is used, the loss in the pipe material is low and the light distribution is very efficient. do.

Fortunately, suitable light pipe materials are inexpensive and readily available. For example, many kinds of adhesive tapes have both a specular reflective component and a diffuse reflective component on its non-adhesive side. The relative magnitude of each component varies with the angle of incidence function. In other words, the tape appears to be dull finished when looking at the tape from above (ie, high angle of incidence), and the tape is glossy when viewed from the side (ie, shallow angle of incidence). It seems to be finished. Typical tapes include 3M # 471 from Minnesota Manufacturing and Mining Company and # 6029T118 from MacMaster-Carr, both of which are white vinyl tapes. These particular tapes are exemplary and non-limiting. In general, reflective materials having any pure white or similar characteristics are preferred for use.

Fortunately, suitable conduit materials are also inexpensive and readily available. For example, the conduit 6 may consist of transparent polycarbonate having a thickness of 0.5 mm (0.020 inch). Different grades of synthetic resins are selected to suit the environment in which the light pipes are used (eg UV resistant materials are suitable for outdoor use). Other suitable materials include PET, PETG, acrylics and the like. Such resins can be ordered in various lengths and widths. The conduit 6 can be produced, for example, by laying out a synthetic resin having a width suitable for the use of the pipe. The material 8 is applied to the desired surface of the synthetic resin. Next, the synthetic resin may be rolled to form a cylinder, and then both ends thereof may be taped, bonded or overlapped at the joint. The joint can be sealed by a method other than winding with tape or by ultrasonic welding. Optionally, the junction does not need to be sealed at all if other means are provided to support the light pipe structure. Other methods of forming such conduits are apparent to those skilled in the art.

Suitable light sources include any high brightness light source capable of generating the desired light angle. For example, spotlights typically produce small beam angles. Other suitable light sources include lamps described in PCT Publication No. WO 99/36940, High Frequency Conductive Lamp and Power Oscillator, which provide suitable optics for generating the required beam angle. Has Another suitable light source is US Pat. No. 5,404,076, Lamp Including Sulfur, which is a microwave driven sulfur or selenium lamp. Preferably, such a lamp is composed of a reflective microwave cavity with suitable optics to generate the required beam angle as shown in FIG. 14 of US Pat. No. 5,903,091. Preferred microwave aperture lamps are described in US patent application Ser. No. 60 / 133,885, "High Brightness Microwave Lamps."

6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a light pipe according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of resin material layers are used to disperse light passing through the light pipe. The light source 20 supplies light rays having a relatively narrow light beam angle to one end of the light pipe 24. The light pipe 24 includes an inner pipe 26 and an outer pipe. Reflective material 30 is disposed on the inner surface of the outer pipe 28. This reflective material 30 has both a mirror and a diffuse reflective component. Preferably, the reflective material 30 extends the entire length of the light pipe 24.

An air gap 32 is located between the inner pipe 26 and the outer pipe 28. This void improves the confinement of light in the light pipe due to double reflection between the two pipes and prevents the loss of light that can occur when the inner and outer pipes 26 and 28 are in contact. Provide an air-pipe interface for the Preferably, the pore 32 is not critical in size, but preferably has a width of 1 to 2 mm. Suitable spacer members (not shown) are used to maintain the voids along the long axis of the light pipe. For example, the voids may be formed over the entire length of the light pipe 24 by a plurality of transparent synthetic resin rings located between both pipes. Optionally, the inner pipe 26 may be wound with a nylon string to form the void. Alternatively, ribs or embossments can be formed to provide suitable voids in the synthetic sheet.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the light pipe cut along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6, wherein the inner and outer pipes 26 and 28 form concentric circles. The reflective material 30 is disposed on the inner surface of the outer pipe 28 and covers a portion of the inner circumferential surface. Some inner circumferential surfaces covered with the reflective material can be varied to provide the desired light output. Some of the light impinging on the reflective material 30 is scattered into not well contained light rays by the Fresnel reflection effect. These light rays are mainly dispersed from the reflective material 30 in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the tape. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, due to the reflective material located in the upper semicircle of the cross section of the light pipe 24, the light scattered from the reflecting material 30 is mainly directed towards the lower semicircle of the light pipe 24. .

In general, the transmission capability of the light pipe according to the invention is proportional to the outer diameter of the light pipe. The larger the pipe diameter, the smaller the internal bounces of light and the rate of light leakage depend on this number. Due to the multiple layers of transparent resin boundaries, ie two or more concentric synthetic pipes, the light pipe according to the invention disperses the light at a distance of at least 50 times the diameter of the pipe. For example, a pipe with a diameter of 38 cm (15 inches) diffuses light above 19 meters (60 feet) while maintaining high uniformity (about 25% or more for most pipes). Typically, the greater the number of layers, the closer the layer is to a light source and / or mirrored end cover (see FIG. 11). According to the invention, the uniformity and dispersion of light in the light pipe is It is controlled by adjusting the number of layers, the length of each layer, and each layer side finish (ie diffusion or calendering).

8 to 11 are schematic views of an alternative structure of the light pipe according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which the number of layers varies depending on the length of the pipe. By varying the number of concentric synthetic pipes as a function of the distance under the pipe, the light pipe according to the invention can control the speed of light exiting the pipe. In FIG. 11, a portion of the diffusing material 34 is close to the light source and mirrored end cover to reduce the bright spot appearance at both ends of the light pipe. Located.

According to another feature of the invention, the desired reflective properties are achieved by applying various materials to the surface of the resin sheet, such that the resulting structure has both a mirror and a diffuse reflection component when viewing the resin sheet from the opposite side. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative structure of a light pipe in accordance with the present invention, wherein the light pipe 44 includes a plurality of concentric conduits 46 and 48. In FIG. 12, reflective material 50 is arranged on the outer surface of the outermost conduit 48. For example, the reflective material 50 may include a white tape. FIG. 13 is a schematic view of light rays 52 impinging on the inner surface of the conduit 48 of FIG. 12, wherein the outermost conduit 48 inner surface provides a mirror reflective component 54 for a shallow angle of incidence, Material 50 provides diffuse reflective component 56 due to the transmissive portion of light ray 52. Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, the material 50 need not provide only the specular component. Another representative reflective material 50 is, for example, another diffusely reflective material suitable for attaching or securing Tyvek ^R to the outermost conduit 48.

FIG. 14 is a light output pattern diagram for a light pipe according to the present invention that has been polished to both sides of a synthetic resin sheet, wherein the pipe 60 includes a synthetic conduit 61, the inner surface 63 of which is conduit 61. Is arranged on the reflective material 62. The reflective material 62 covers about 180 ° of the inner surface 63 of the conduit 61, so that about 180 ° of the pipe 60 opposite the reflective material 62 is directed to the light output window. It is limited. Since the inner and outer surfaces 63 and 64 of the conduit 61 are both polished and finished, the light scattered by the reflective material 62 exits the pipe 60 in an approximated manner with a dotted line 65.

The non-glossy finish, such as matte or velvet finish, of the outermost synthetic conduit to the outermost synthetic conduit, so that light exiting the pipe is more affected by the matte finished surface of the synthetic sheet. More diffuse dispersion. FIG. 15 is a light output side view of the light pipe according to the present invention using a sheet in which the inner surface of the resin sheet is polished and the outer surface is diffused, wherein the light pipe 66 includes a synthetic conduit 67. On the inner surface 69 of this conduit a reflective material 68 is arranged. The reflective material 68 covers about 180 ° of the inner surface 69 of the conduit 67. The inner surface 68 is polished to provide mirror reflections that allow shallow angles of light to pass under the pipe 66. The outer surface 70 of the conduit 66 has a matte finish so that light exiting the pipe 66 is more diffused. The light scattered by the reflective material 68 thus exits the pipe 66 in an approximated manner with a dotted line 71.

When multiple concentric conduits are used to emit below the light pipe, it is generally desirable for only the outer surface of the outermost conduit to be matte, velvet or diffuse disperse finish. An exception to this general rule applies to the part of the light pipe that is closest to the light source and to the mirror's end cover, whereby the light rays that deviate efficiently from the angles emitted by the Fresnel reflection effect have more diffuse dispersion. The direct glare of these rays is reduced. Otherwise the light rays exit the light pipe within the concentrated void and the cone of angle. Notwithstanding the above general rules, the present invention makes it possible to schedule which multiple layers to use glossy and / or diffused surfaces to be advantageous in certain cases.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the light output from the third embodiment of the light pipe according to the present invention, in which the light pipe 72 is similar to the light pipe described with reference to FIG. It includes an arranged outer conduit 48. The light pipe 72 includes an additional silver or aluminum plated reflector 73 located about 270 ° around the outermost conduit 48 and a diffusion tape 74 on the top of the output window defining the reflector 73. More). As shown in FIG. 16, the relative directional output estimated by the dashed line 75 is shown.

FIG. 17 shows a hemispherical light pipe with a flat bottom 76 of diffusion material and a silver / aluminum plated top reflector 77. 18-20 are respective cross-sectional views of different light pipe configurations according to the present invention.

21 is a schematic diagram of a first synthetic resin sheet in a preliminary manufacturing step of forming a light pipe according to the present invention. 22 is a schematic diagram of a second synthetic resin sheet of a pre-fabricated light pipe forming step according to the present invention. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred configuration of the light pipe according to the present invention.

21 to 23, the first preferred configuration of the present invention is as follows. The 8-foot (2.4 m) long light pipe 80 section is a pre-formed transparent synthetic resin jacket (82) with an outer diameter of about 15 cm (6 inches). ) Is included. The polycarbonate sheet 84, having a polished one side and a polished other side, having dimensions of about 47 cm (18.4 inches) wide by 2.4 m (8 feet) long by 0.5 mm (0.02 in) thick, Several strips of white vinyl tape are fabricated in the longitudinal direction of the sheet such that a strip of reflective material 86 approximately 7 cm (7 inches) wide is arranged over the calendered side. The result using this approach would have a transparent strip 88 of about 11 cm (4.8 inches) in the center of the sheet 84. The sheet 84 is then released and unrolled relative to the outer sheath 82. The two strips 86 abut or slightly overlap each other to provide a reflective surface of about 270 ° and a light transmission window of 90 ° defined by the transparent strip 88.

Another polycarbonate sheet 94 having dimensions of about 46 cm (18.1 inches) wide by 2.4 meters (8 feet) long by 0.5 mm (0.02 inches) thick with glazed finish on both sides is approximately 45 cm (18 inches) long. It is made by arranging strips of neoprene 96 across the width of the sheet 94 at intervals. The neoprene 96 has a thickness of about 1.5 mm (1/16 inch) and is bonded to the sheet using translucent RTV 108 silicon. After drying, the sheet 94 rolls the neoprene 96 on the outer side to have a diameter of less than 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The sheet 94 is then inserted into the pipe segment 80 and then released and unrolled relative to the sheet 84 inserted first. The neoprene 96 provides an air gap between the two layers of synthetic resin sheets 84 and 94.

Performance data for the first configuration

The three pipe nodes 80 as described above are combined / connected together to form a long light pipe having a length of 24 feet. The wire sheath 82 is sealed by adhesive or tape wound at the junction. The short lengths of the inner layers 84 and 94 extend beyond both ends of the rigid shell 82 and interleaved with the inner layers of the next pipe segment. After the light pipes are suspended from the ceiling, they are irradiated with a spotlight called Cyberlight ^R , which is available from High End Systems, Austin, Texas. The spotlight provides about 7000 to 8500 lumens of light, which is a collimated beam that can be adjusted between a full beam angle of about 15 ° to 28 °. The reflective end cover is mounted on one end of the light pipe opposite the spotlight. The reflective portion of the end cover is tilted about 10 ° with respect to the imaginary vertical plane.

Representative standardized performance data for a light source with a full light angle of about 15 ° measured about 30 inches away from the light pipe is shown in Table 1 below:

Distance (pipe diameter) Light Output Standardized Lux 0.83 0.42 3.83 0.81 6.83 0.92 10 0.94 12.83 One 15.83 0.98 19.67 0.94 22.67 0.92 25.67 0.92 28.67 0.92 31.67 0.94 35.5 0.94 38.5 0.93 41.5 0.98 44.5 0.99 47.5 0.78

25 and 26 are graphs comparing the light output of a conventional TIR light pipe and the light pipe of the configuration described above. The conventional TIR light pipe is a 25 cm (10 inch) diameter pipe using OLF for light distribution. This conventional TIR light pipe was illuminated with a Light Drive ^™ 1000, available from Fusion Lighting, Inc., Rockville, Maryland. It should be noted that the light source has a reflector that directs light towards the light pipe, so that the conventional TIR system is considered a good specimen in terms of light distribution and uniformity. However, as shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the light pipe of the present invention distributes the light much more evenly in proportion to the pipe length. In addition, since the light beam angle is relatively narrow, the light output is less strong in the portion of the light pipe immediately adjacent to the light source. As can be seen in FIG. 25, in a typical TIR system, a large amount of light output tends to be concentrated in the vicinity of the light source, so that unwanted flashing may occur at the end near the light source of the light pipe.

24 is a cross-sectional view of a second preferred configuration for the light pipe according to the present invention. The second configuration will now be described with reference to FIGS. 21, 22 and 24. The 6-foot light pipe 100 node includes a rolled outer sleeve 102 having an outer diameter of about 15 cm (6 inches). A polycarbonate sheet 84 having dimensions of about 47 cm (18.4 inches) wide by 1.8 m (6 feet) long by 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) thick, with one side polished and one side polished, It is made of Mylar strips with high reflectivity in the longitudinal direction of the sheet such that a strip of reflective material 86 approximately 7 cm (7 inches) wide is arranged over the calendered side. For example, the mylar can be secured to the sheet 84 by overlapping multiple strips of transparent double sided tape. The result of this approach is to have a strip 88 about 11 cm (4.8 inches) transparent in the center of the sheet 84. One side of the sheet 84 is fitted in such a manner that the outer strip 86 is inserted into a channel 105a of the extruded mounting device 107. The sheet 84 is then wound with tape or otherwise secured to one side of the support device. The sheet 84 then rolls the strip 86 on its outside, and the free edge of the sheet 84 is inserted into the open incision 105b. The outer sleeve 102 is then formed by winding the sheet 84 with the tape or by fixing it to the other side of the support device 107 in another suitable manner. The two strips 86 provide a reflective surface of about 270 ° and a light transmission window of 90 ° defined by the transparent strip 88. Depending on the material used for the support, a strip of reflective material 104 may be arranged on the inner surface of the support 107 to provide the desired light reflecting properties (ie, a combination of diffuse and / or specular reflection). .

Another polycarbonate sheet 94 having dimensions of about 46 cm (18.1 inches) wide by 1.8 m (6 feet) long by 0.5 mm (0.02 inch) thick, with one side polished and one side polished It is manufactured by arranging three strips of 3M transparent foam tape 96 across the width of the sheet 94 on the other side of the erase finish. The one strip is approximately centered and the other two strips are arranged at a distance of about 15 cm (6 inches) from both ends. The tape 96 has a thickness of about 1.5 mm (1/16 inch). For example, one or both sides of the rolled sheet 94 are secured using masking tape. The sheet 94 is then inserted into the pipe section 100 and then released (ie, removing the masking tape) and unrolled against the outer sleeve 102. The tape 96 serves to provide an air gap between the two layers of synthetic resin sheets 84 and 94 therebetween.

The five pipe nodes 100 are combined / connected to form a light pipe 30 feet long. Two additional layers of diffusion material, about 120 cm (4 feet) and 90 cm (3 feet) in length, are located at the first node near the light source to reduce the bright spot phenomenon. The outer sleeves 102 are brought into abutment and then wound with tape or sealed with other coupling means at the joint. The short lengths of the inner layers 84 and 94 extend beyond both ends of the outer sleeve 102 and interleaved with the inner layers of the next pipe segment. After the light pipe is suspended from the ceiling, it is illuminated by a high brightness metal halide lamp located in a parabolic reflector. Suitable lamps include model number VIP R 400/32, available from Osram / Sylvania, Denver, Massachusetts. The lamp provides about 20,000 lumens of light, which is a focused beam with a full beam angle of about 12 °. The reflective end cover is mounted on one end of the light pipe opposite the spotlight. A concave reflector is located in the end cover to reduce bright spots occurring at one end of the light pipe away from the light source.

Support and Coupling Mechanism

Those skilled in the art are well aware of what steps of conventional support and coupling mechanisms are used to suspend or support the light pipes according to the invention at the desired location near the ceiling or at the place to be illuminated. As such, many conventional coupling devices may be used to join each node of the light pipe.

27 and 28 are perspective views of a support device in accordance with one aspect of the present invention that allow interaction of up to three layers of conduits without the need for the use of spacer members, in which the first support device 120 is generally desired. It is made of an extruded synthetic resin having a length corresponding to the length of one light pipe node. The support device 120 includes a support 122 that is substantially perpendicular to the pins 124a and 124b protruding symmetrically in both traverses. The pins 124a and 124b may be curved to closely contact the outer circumferential surface of the conduit used.

Referring to FIG. 28, the second support device 130 is also made of an extruded synthetic resin having a length corresponding to a desired length of one light pipe node. The body portion 132 of the support device 130 is formed with a cutting groove 134 for receiving the support portion 122 of the first support device 120. In addition, the body portion 132 is formed with a plurality of support holes (135a, 135b) (135c, 135d), for example, the portion of the support holes (135a, 135b) bolts the support device 130 directly to the ceiling The other portions 135c and 135d are used to secure the U-shaped track using pins. The support holes 135a and 135b may be countersinks to provide clearance for the bolt head so that the support 122 is not obstructed. Similarly, the other support holes 135c and 135d should be formed so that no interference occurs between the pin and the support 122. The support device 130 is formed with a plurality of pins (136a, 136b) (138a, 138b) protruding laterally symmetrically in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the conduit used.

In the application, the first support device 120 is used for a layer of conduit. The conduit is made of synthetic resin sheet having the same length as the support device 120 and having a width selected to provide the entire required environment of the conduit, taking into account the pins 124a and 124b. One long edge of the sheet is fixed to one of the pins 124a and 124b of the support device 120. For example, the end of the sheet can be fixed by tape adhesion, adhesives, ultrasonic welding or other conventional means. The sheet is then rolled and then the other end is secured to the other pin.

Likewise, the support device 130 may be used for one or two layers of conduits. In this case, the first conduit layer is secured to the pins 136a, 136b while being careful not to cover the incision groove 134. For example, the sheet may be bonded to the inner surface 136c of the pins 136a and 136b. Alternatively, the sheet may be secured in a channel 136d formed between the two sets of pins. Next, a second conduit layer is secured to the outer surface of the fins 138a and 138b.

Fortunately, the pins formed in the first and second support devices 120 and 130, respectively, can accommodate up to three layers of conduits, thereby eliminating or reducing the need for additional spacer members between the conduit layers. When attempting to secure more conduit layers, the layers are unrolled relative to the conduits that are needed by the spacer members and are supported by the first support device 120.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a coupling device according to the present invention, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 29, wherein the coupling device 140 generally has its circumferential surface parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. It is a synthetic resin ring structure having a pair of incision grooves (142a, 142b) formed symmetrically along. In an application, the outermost layer of the light pipe section is inserted into one of the incision grooves 142a, 142b and secured by tape, adhesive, ultrasonic welding or other conventional means. Fortunately, the coupling device 140 maintains the circular shape of the light pipe. In order to join the light pipe nodes, the mating end of the next light pipe node is inserted / fixed into the open incision groove. When used with support devices, the outermost conduit node has a structure that projects slightly beyond both ends of the support device. Alternatively, the coupling device 140 may be a semi-circular ring in which the circumferential portion occupied by the support device is removed.

Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the end cover according to the present invention, the end cover 160 is formed with a cutting groove 162 on the circumferential surface thereof to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. The cutting groove 162 is formed to accommodate one of the light pipes (eg, the outermost layer). The inner surface 164 of the end cover is preferably a structure that has a high reflectivity so that light colliding with the cover is directed toward the light pipe. Preferably, the surface 164 is inclined or shaped to improve light distribution and / or light pipe efficiency. For example, the end cover may include a mirror tilted about 10 ° toward the diffusing material such that light is reflected below the light pipe and the reflected light is dispersed out of the light pipe. The mirror may be integral with or separate from the end cover 160.

32 is a cross sectional view of a second end cover 170 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, wherein the end cover 170 includes a mirror 172 having a curved surface 174. Preferably, the curved surface is a structure that improves the light distribution and / or light pipe efficiency. For example, if a particular portion of the light pipe is insufficiently illuminated, the curved surface 174 concentrates the diffusing material near the area where light colliding with the end plate requires additional light output. It may be a structure. The mirror 172 may be integral with or separate from the end cover 170.

Small size light pipe

Another advantage of the light pipes according to the invention is that pipes with very small diameters can also be produced using the principles of the invention. Prismatic films cannot be cured to very small diameters. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the materials used can be extruded or cured to very small diameters.

Light pipes approximately the size of a typical fluorescent bulb are constructed as follows. The two cylindrical tubes are extruded and cut to about 1.2 m (4 feet) in length. One tube has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the other tube. For example, the outer tube includes Lexan ^™ extruded to an outer diameter of 38 mm (1.5 inches) and a thickness of about 2-3 mm (1/8 inch). Alternative extruded tubes allow rolls of suitable thickness of resin to form light conduits.

A tube with a smaller diameter is inserted into a tube with a larger diameter and the air gap is separated between the tubes through a suitable spacer member. For example, there is a method of winding a foam tape of a certain thickness (for example, 0.5 to 1.0 mm) at two to three points of the inner conduit. Alternatively, the contactless structure can be made without a spacer through an end cover having cutouts for receiving each tube coaxially.

The outer tube has a glossy inner surface and a diffusion finish (eg, matt or velvet) outer surface. The inner tube has a glossy inner and outer surface. A highly reflective Mylar ^™ is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the half (180 °) of the outer tube and secured with transparent double sided tape or other suitable means.

The small sized light conduit is a lamp having an optic member suitable for providing a very narrow beam angle, as described, for example, in section 4.4.2 of PCT Publication No. WO 99/36940. Illuminated with. For example, FIGS. 33 and 34 show a schematic diagram and a cross-sectional view of a lens system in which lens systems suitable for use in the small sized light pipes of the present invention are cut along lines 34-34 of FIG. 33, respectively. The system 200 includes a lens support 202 for receiving the first lens 204 through the fixing ring 206 and the second and third lenses 208 and 210 by the fixing ring 212. have. A representative first lens 204 is a 12 mm coated plano-convex lens of part number J45-303, available from Edmund Indurstrial Optics, Barrington, NJ, USA. have. Representative second and third lenses 208 and 210 include 45 mm coated flat iron lenses, part numbers J45-150 and J32-895, both available from the same company, respectively. The lens system focuses the light having a full beam angle of about 140 ° emitted from the lamp aperture into the light pipe of the small size so that the light has a full beam angle of about 22 °. collect and focus). The paired second and third lenses may optionally be a single double convex lens. Those skilled in the art will be able to obtain the desired narrow beam angle through the arrangement of the various optical members.

Hybrid lighting

According to another aspect of the invention, the light source for any light pipe according to the invention may be the sun. From the earth, the sun is a light source with a beam angle of 7 °. Therefore, the light pipe of the present invention may use a hybrid lighting system of sunlight, artificial light, or a combination of both.

Therefore, a simple, inexpensive, and efficient light pipe is described as being able to be made of easily available tape and resin using a simple technique. The light pipe according to the present invention can be applied in various sizes in a wide range of markets that cannot be constructed with conventional TIR light pipes or other light tubes.

It should be noted that the configuration of the present invention described above is merely exemplary, and that many modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. For example, the above embodiments mainly used a curved cross section of the light pipe, but this is merely an example of a possible cross section and other cross sectional shapes may be beneficial in other applications. For example, the rectangular shape is suitable for retrofitting to conventional drop ceilings using metal grid latticework designed to accommodate standard 2 × 2 or 2 × 4 fluorescent lighting fixtures. Do. The bottom shape can also be used to control ray divergence depending on its finish. The scope and spirit of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

A conduit formed to receive light from one end and distribute it along the longitudinal direction, Included in the conduit, a portion of the light passes substantially under the light pipe by mirror reflection and a portion of the light is arranged to emit out of the light pipe primarily by diffuse reflection, substantially with the longitudinal axis of the light pipe. A light pipe comprising a combination of parallel mirrors and diffuse reflection surfaces. The method of claim 1 wherein the conduit is And a transparent plastic tube having an inner surface providing mirror reflection, and an opaque material arranged along the longitudinal direction of the tube to cover the tube periphery to provide diffuse reflection. The method of claim 2, wherein the opaque material Arranged on the inner side of the tube to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angles and diffuse reflection for higher beam angles. The method of claim 2, wherein the opaque material Arranged on the outer side of the tube to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angles and diffuse reflection for higher beam angles with the tube material. The method of claim 1 wherein the conduit is An optical pipe comprising one extruded synthetic tube. The method of claim 1 wherein the conduit is An optical pipe comprising a synthetic resin sheet having a shape for forming a tube. A plurality of conduits formed to receive light at one end and to be distributed along the longitudinal direction, and eccentrically spaced from each other, Respectively included in the conduits, wherein a portion of the light passes down the light pipe mainly by mirror reflection and a portion of the light is arranged to emit out of the light pipe mainly by diffuse reflection. Light pipe comprising a combination. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the number of conduits is Light pipe, characterized in that the change in accordance with the length of the light pipe. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the length of at least one of the conduits is Light pipe, characterized in that it differs from the length of the remaining conduits. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the conduits is An optical pipe comprising a synthetic resin tube or a synthetic resin sheet shaped to form a tube. 8. The conduit of claim 7, wherein each of the conduits except the outermost conduit is Light pipe, characterized in that it comprises a transparent synthetic resin finish polished on both the inner and outer surfaces. The method of claim 11, wherein the outermost conduit is An optical pipe comprising a transparent synthetic resin having a polished inner surface and a diffused outer surface. The method of claim 12, wherein the light pipe And an opaque material arranged along the longitudinal direction of said outermost conduit covering said periphery of said outermost conduit. The method of claim 13, wherein the opaque material An optical pipe arranged on the inner side of the outermost conduit to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angles and diffuse reflection for higher beam angles. The method of claim 13, wherein the opaque material An optical pipe arranged on an outer surface of the outermost conduit to provide a combination of specular reflection for shallow beam angles and diffuse reflection for higher beam angles with the tube material. A light source providing a light beam having a full beam angle of less than 30 °; And It is formed to receive the light beam from the light source at one end and distribute it along the long direction of the light pipe, a part of the light passes mainly below the light pipe by mirror reflection, and a part of the light mainly diffuse reflection And a light pipe comprising a combination of mirror and diffuse reflecting surfaces arranged to emit out of the light pipe. The method of claim 16, wherein the light source A light distribution system, characterized in that it provides a light beam having a full beam angle of less than 20 °. The method of claim 16, wherein the light source Light distribution system, characterized in that it comprises sunlight. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the light distribution system is And an end cover covering one end of the light pipe away from the light source, the end cover having a reflective surface positioned and formed to direct light back to the light pipe. The method of claim 16, The light pipe includes substantially concentric first and second conduits, The light distribution system A first support device for supporting said first conduit; And a second support device for supporting said second conduit and for receiving / supporting said first support device and said first conduit in said second conduit. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first and second support devices And support the first and second conduits in a contactless relationship.