WO2001002771A1 - Luminaire and signaling lamp - Google Patents
Luminaire and signaling lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001002771A1 WO2001002771A1 PCT/EP2000/006038 EP0006038W WO0102771A1 WO 2001002771 A1 WO2001002771 A1 WO 2001002771A1 EP 0006038 W EP0006038 W EP 0006038W WO 0102771 A1 WO0102771 A1 WO 0102771A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- opto
- luminaire
- elements
- collimating
- electronic
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
- G08G1/095—Traffic lights
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- the invention relates to a luminaire comprising a housing having a light emission window, wherein the housing accommodates a plurality of opto-electronic elements and a plurality of collimating elements, wherein, in operation, the opto-electronic elements emit visible light, and wherein each of the collimating elements has an optical axis and is associated with an opto-electronic element.
- the invention also relates to a signaling lamp provided with a luminaire.
- Luminaires of this type comprise a relatively large number of opto-electronic elements, also referred to as electro-optical elements, for example electroluminescent elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These light sources are generally distributed in accordance with a certain regular pattern over an inner surface of the housing.
- the collimating elements for example positive lenses, such as Fresnel lenses, provide for a proper light-intensity distribution and, if necessary, a homogeneous brightness distribution. It is noted that "light intensity distribution” is to be taken to mean the angle-dependent light intensity distribution.
- “Brightness distribution” is to be taken to mean the angle-independent light distribution on the surface of the light emission window of the luminaire.
- US-A 5 816 681 describes how the collimating elements can be structured in such a way that an opto-electronic element is associated with each one of the collimating elements. By virtue of the presence of collimating elements, the brightness distribution of the light emission window of the luminaire is at least substantially homogeneous in operation.
- Luminaires and signaling lamps of the type described hereinabove have an important drawback. If it is not desired to illuminate the entire light emission window, for example because a mask covers a part of the light emission window, the part of the light which is incident on the covered part of the light emission window is lost, leading to a reduction of the light output of the luminaire, which is undesirable. It is an object of the invention to obviate the above-mentioned drawback.
- the invention more particularly aims at providing a luminaire of the type mentioned in the opening paragraph, wherein a relatively high light output is obtained also if inhomogeneous lighting at the location of the light emission window is desired.
- the luminaire is characterized in accordance with the invention in that the opto-electronic element is arranged essentially eccentrically with respect to the optical axis of the collimating element with which the opto-electronic element is associated.
- the opto-electronic element By arranging the opto-electronic element so as to be essentially off the optical axis of the associated collimating element, the ray path of the opto-electronic element's light beam issuing from the collimating element is changed.
- a signaling lamp for example a traffic light, may be used for different lighting purposes.
- a part of the light emission window is provided with a mask or other means which obstruct the passage of light, the luminaire showing, in operation, for example an illuminated arrow or an illuminated image of a pedestrian in a desired color.
- Examples hereof include signaling lamps comprising one or more illuminated, colored arrows for traffic turning right or left, or signaling lamps comprising a stationary pedestrian showing red, or a (seemingly) walking pedestrian showing green.
- the blinded part of the light emission window does not emit light.
- the opto-electronic element is eccentrically arranged with respect to the optical axis of the collimating element in order to make sure that only the desired part of the light emission window is illuminated.
- the blinded part of the light emission window may comprise more than 80% of the surface of the light emission window.
- the opto-electronic element is situated on the optical axis of the optoelectronic element, so that an integral and homogeneous illumination of the light emission window is obtained.
- the passage of, for example, only 15% of the light through the light emission window leads to a considerable loss of light output. If, in accordance with the invention, only the desired parts of the light emission window are irradiated, the cost of the opto-electronic elements and the cost of energy consumption are reduced considerably.
- a light-emitting diode is associated with a Fresnel lens (collimating element), said LED being positioned on the optical axis of the Fresnel lens. If the LED is arranged in the focus of the Fresnel lens, said Fresnel lens emits a substantially parallel light beam which extends along the optical axis of the Fresnel lens.
- the opto-electronic element is essentially positioned off the optical axis of the collimating element with which the opto- electronic element is associated. If the opto-electronic element is a LED and the collimating element is a (positive) Fresnel lens, said Fresnel lens emits a substantially parallel light beam with a specific aperture angle if the LED is arranged at a distance from the Fresnel lens which is equal to the focal distance of the Fresnel lens. If the LED is arranged at a distance greater or smaller than the focal distance of the Fresnel lens, then said Fresnel lens emits a converging or diverging light beam with a specific solid angle. Such light beams are alternatively referred to as pre-directed light beams.
- An embodiment of the luminaire is characterized in accordance with the invention in that with at least one collimating element at least one further opto-electronic element is associated.
- each of the collimating elements is associated with a single light source which is situated on the optical axis of the associated collimating element.
- the use of one optoelectronic element per collimating element enables the light beam emitted by the collimating element to be directed, while the use of two or more opto-electronic elements per collimating element enables the light beam emitted by the collimating element to be directed as well as shaped into a specific form.
- a luminaire in accordance with the invention wherein a plurality of optoelectronic elements is associated with each collimating element has the advantage that such a luminaire uses the available light much more efficiently.
- An additional advantage of the luminaire in accordance with the invention is that a higher light output of the opto-electronic elements, for example because more efficient optoelectronic elements become available in the future, the number of opto-electronic elements per collimating element can be reduced without an adaptation of the internal optical structure of the luminaire being necessary. In the known luminaire, a reduction of the number of optoelectronic elements necessitates redesigning the optical structure.
- a further advantage of the luminaire in accordance with the invention resides in that such a luminaire is less sensitive to aligning errors. In the known luminaire, opto-electronic elements which are misaligned are immediately visible.
- a preferred embodiment of the luminaire in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the further opto-electronic element is essentially eccentrically arranged with respect to the optical axis.
- the position of one of the opto-electronic elements may coincide with the optical axis of the associated collimating element.
- the further opto-electronic element is essentially arranged on the optical axis.
- the optical axes of the collimating elements are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other.
- the manufacture of a luminaire is simplified considerably by integrating the collimating elements in a so-called optical surface. Since the collimating elements are arranged in a side-by-side relationship in one optical plane, these collimating elements do not all illuminate the same part of the light emission window.
- the opto-electronic elements in the desired (eccentric) positions the direction of the light beams passing through the plurality of collimating elements is adapted to the desired illumination of the light emission window.
- Fig. 1 A is an example of a front view of a signaling lamp provided with a luminaire in accordance with the invention
- Fig. IB shows an alternative example of a front view of a signaling lamp provided with a luminaire in accordance with the invention
- Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a luminaire in accordance with the invention in the y-z plane;
- Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the luminaire shown in Fig. 2 in the x-z plane
- Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the luminaire shown in Fig. 2 in the x-y plane
- Figs. 5A-D show light contour lines in the x-z plane caused by one or more opto-electronic elements in different positions with respect to the optical axis of the collimating element with which the opto-electronic element or opto-electronic elements is (are) associated.
- Fig. 1A and IB very diagrammatically show examples of front views of two different signaling lamps 1; 1', which are both provided with at least a luminaire in accordance with the invention.
- an x-y-z coordinate system is shown.
- the other Figures all show cross-sectional views of the luminaire in accordance with the indicated planes.
- the signaling lamp 1 shown in Fig. 1 A is a traffic light, wherein the light emission window 3 is partly covered by a mask 12, so that an arrow 11 lights up when the light source is switched on.
- the signaling lamp 1' shown in Fig. IB the light emission window 3 is partly covered by another mask 12', the picture representing a stationary or (seemingly) moving pedestrian, said picture lighting up when the light source is switched on.
- Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a luminaire in accordance with the invention in the y-z plane.
- the radiation beams shown are diagrammatic.
- the luminaire comprises a housing 2 which is provided with a light emission window 3.
- Said housing 2 accommodates a plurality of opto-electronic elements 5, 5', ...; 6, 6', ...; 7, 7', ... and a plurality of collimating elements 15; 16; 17.
- the opto-electronic elements 5, 5', ...; 6, 6', ...; 7, 7, ... are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the collimating elements 15; 16; 17 are so-called positive Fresnel lenses.
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- the optoelectronic elements 5, 5', ...; 6, 6', ...; 7, 7', ... emit visible light.
- Each one of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17 has an optical axis 25; 26; 27, and each one of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17 is associated with at least one opto-electronic element 5; 6; 7.
- the opto-electronic element 5; 6; 7 is arranged essentially off the optical axis 25; 26; 27 of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17 with which the opto-electronic element 5; 6; 7 is associated.
- each one of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17 is associated with at least one further opto-electronic element 5'; 6'; 7, which is also essentially eccentrically arranged with respect to the optical axis 25; 26; 27.
- the position of the further opto-electronic element coincides with the optical axis of the collimating element (not shown in Fig. 2).
- Fig. 3 is a very diagrammatic, sectional view of the luminaire shown in Fig. 2 in the x-z plane.
- the optical axes of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17; 18; 19 extend at right angles to the x-z plane at the location of the imaginary intersections of the dashed lines provided in each collimating element 15; 16; 17; 18; 19.
- the collimating elements 15; 16; 17; 18; 19 have a hexagonal structure in the x-z plane (i.e.
- each one of the collimating elements 15; 16; 17; 18; 19 is associated with eight opto-electronic elements 5, 5', ...; 6, 6', ...; 7, 7, ...; 8, 8', ...; 9, 9', ..., which are all arranged essentially off the optical axis of the associated collimating element 15; 16; 17; 18; 19.
- the position of one of the further opto-electronic elements 5'; 6'; 7'; 8'; 9' coincides with the optical axis of the collimating element (not shown in Fig. 3).
- Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic, sectional view of the luminaire shown in Fig. 2 in x-y plane. To simplify the drawing, the plurality of collimating elements 17; 18; 19 is shown as one optical structure 20. The radiation beams shown are diagrammatic.
- the optical structure 20 comprises, for example, 7, 19 or 38 hexagonal Fresnel lenses (positive lenses).
- a particularly attractive embodiment of the luminaire in accordance with the invention comprises 19 Fresnel lenses arranged in a hexagonal structure (see Fig. 3), 8-10 LEDs being used for each Fresnel lens, which LEDs are provided on a customary PCB (printed circuit board) structure.
- Fig. 5A-D various light contour lines in the x-z plane are shown, which are caused by one or more opto-electronic elements in different positions with respect to the optical axis of the collimating element with which the opto-electronic element or optoelectronic elements is (are) associated. Lines of at least substantially equal illuminance correspond to the light contour lines.
- the optical axis of the collimating element extends perpendicularly to the x-z plane at the location of the intersection of the x-axis and the z-axis.
- Fig. 5 A one light-emitting diode (LED) 105, as used in the known luminaire, is shown, said LED being positioned on the optical axis of the Fresnel lens with which the LED is associated.
- the light contours comprise concentric circles with the optical axis of the Fresnel lens as the imaginary center. If the LED is arranged in the focus of the Fresnel lens, the Fresnel lens emits a substantially parallel light beam. If the LED is arranged at a distance which is substantially larger or smaller than the focal distance of the Fresnel lens, said Fresnel lens emits a converging or diverging light beam.
- Fig. 5B shows one LED 106 in accordance with the invention which is eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the Fresnel lens with which the LED is associated.
- the light contours comprise concentric circles with the LED as the imaginary center. If the LED is arranged at a distance from the Fresnel lens equal to the focal distance of the Fresnel lens, said Fresnel lens emits a substantially parallel light beam at a certain angle. If the LED is arranged at a distance which is substantially larger or smaller than the focal distance of the Fresnel lens, said Fresnel lens emits a converging or diverging light beam at a specific angle. Such light beams are alternatively referred to as pre-directed light beams. The off-axis position of the LED determines the direction of the light beam.
- Fig. 5C shows the light contour lines as caused by two LEDs 107, 107', which, in accordance with the invention, are eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the Fresnel lens with which the LEDs are associated.
- the light contours comprise symmetric contour lines. The arrangement of the LEDs with respect to each other and the distance between the LEDs determine the shape of the beam.
- Fig. 5D shows the light contour lines as caused by three LEDs 108, 108', 108" which, in accordance with the invention, are eccentrically positioned with respect to the optical axis of the Fresnel lens with which the LEDs are associated.
- one of the LEDs is placed on the optical axis of the Fresnel lens.
- the light contours comprise symmetric contour lines. The arrangement of the LEDs with respect to each other and the distance between the LEDs determine the shape of the beam.
- optical axes of the collimating elements do not necessarily have to extend parallel to each other.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2001507975A JP2003503827A (en) | 1999-07-02 | 2000-06-28 | Lighting equipment and signal lights |
EP00943929A EP1110027A1 (en) | 1999-07-02 | 2000-06-28 | Luminaire and signaling lamp |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99202164.2 | 1999-07-02 | ||
EP99202164 | 1999-07-02 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001002771A1 true WO2001002771A1 (en) | 2001-01-11 |
Family
ID=8240406
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2000/006038 WO2001002771A1 (en) | 1999-07-02 | 2000-06-28 | Luminaire and signaling lamp |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1110027A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2003503827A (en) |
TW (1) | TW567449B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001002771A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1371540A3 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-01-14 | TECNOLOGIE MECCANICHE s.r.l. | LED signalling device, particularly for railways purposes |
AT500116A1 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2005-10-15 | Huber Signalbau Muenchen | LIGHT SOUND SIGNAL ELEMENT, LIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE AND LIGHT SIGNAL SYSTEM |
EP1091167A3 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2006-02-08 | SWARCO FUTURIT Verkehrssignalsysteme Ges.m.b.H. | Signalling device comprising LED-arrays |
DE102009047882A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh | LED traffic signal |
CN104698578A (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-10 | 马田专业公司 | Projecting light fixture with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
US9217551B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2015-12-22 | Martin Professional Aps | Light collector with a plurality of merged lenslets having different optical power |
EP3333479A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2018-06-13 | Martin Professional ApS | Illumination device with different distances between light sources and lenslets |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4873683B2 (en) * | 2005-04-19 | 2012-02-08 | チェイル インダストリーズ インコーポレイテッド | Surface light source device |
JP5324259B2 (en) * | 2009-03-02 | 2013-10-23 | 株式会社光電器製作所 | lighting equipment |
JP5786779B2 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2015-09-30 | 株式会社デンソーウェーブ | Optical information reader |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0415026A2 (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1991-03-06 | DR.TECHN. JOSEF ZELISKO, FABRIK FÜR ELEKTROTECHNIK UND MASCHINENBAU GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H. | Apparatus for light signals |
FR2740535A1 (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1997-04-30 | Socop Sa | Direction indicator light for automotive applications |
GB2329011A (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 1999-03-10 | Howells Railway Products Limit | Light comprising a plurality of LEDs |
-
2000
- 2000-06-28 EP EP00943929A patent/EP1110027A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-06-28 JP JP2001507975A patent/JP2003503827A/en active Pending
- 2000-06-28 WO PCT/EP2000/006038 patent/WO2001002771A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-07-19 TW TW089114444A patent/TW567449B/en active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0415026A2 (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1991-03-06 | DR.TECHN. JOSEF ZELISKO, FABRIK FÜR ELEKTROTECHNIK UND MASCHINENBAU GESELLSCHAFT m.b.H. | Apparatus for light signals |
FR2740535A1 (en) * | 1995-10-25 | 1997-04-30 | Socop Sa | Direction indicator light for automotive applications |
GB2329011A (en) * | 1997-09-04 | 1999-03-10 | Howells Railway Products Limit | Light comprising a plurality of LEDs |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1091167A3 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2006-02-08 | SWARCO FUTURIT Verkehrssignalsysteme Ges.m.b.H. | Signalling device comprising LED-arrays |
AT500116A1 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2005-10-15 | Huber Signalbau Muenchen | LIGHT SOUND SIGNAL ELEMENT, LIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE AND LIGHT SIGNAL SYSTEM |
EP1371540A3 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2004-01-14 | TECNOLOGIE MECCANICHE s.r.l. | LED signalling device, particularly for railways purposes |
DE102009047882A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh | LED traffic signal |
EP2881652A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-10 | Martin Professional ApS | Light collector with a plurality of lenses packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
CN104698579A (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-10 | 马田专业公司 | Projecting light fixture with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
CN104698578A (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-10 | 马田专业公司 | Projecting light fixture with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
EP2881651A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2015-06-10 | Martin Professional ApS | Projecting light fixture with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
US9217551B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2015-12-22 | Martin Professional Aps | Light collector with a plurality of merged lenslets having different optical power |
US9752748B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2017-09-05 | Martin Professional Aps | Projecting light fixture with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
EP3333479A1 (en) * | 2013-12-05 | 2018-06-13 | Martin Professional ApS | Illumination device with different distances between light sources and lenslets |
US10502391B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2019-12-10 | Harman Professional Denmark Aps | Light collector with a plurality of lenslets packed in an optimized dense circular pattern |
US10551028B2 (en) | 2013-12-05 | 2020-02-04 | Harman Professional Denmark Aps | Illumination device with different distances between light sources and lenslets |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2003503827A (en) | 2003-01-28 |
TW567449B (en) | 2003-12-21 |
EP1110027A1 (en) | 2001-06-27 |
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