LED lamp component having reflective/refractive element within translucent housing

The lamp component includes a light orienting element having a light incident end, a light output end opposite the light incident end, and a side surface extending between the light incident and light output ends; and a housing configured to position the light orienting element adjacent a light source. The housing is at least partially translucent, and includes at least one sidewall and a main wall facing the light output end. The light orienting element is configured to deflect a fraction of the incident light towards the light output surface to be projected through the main wall as to direct light, and a fraction of the light towards the at least one housing sidewall to be projected as indirect light. The light orienting element is a first part formed by extrusion in a first direction, and the housing is a second part formed by extrusion in a first direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is the U.S. national stage application of international application PCT/EP2019/073646 filed Sep. 5, 2019, which international application was published on Mar. 26, 2020 as International Publication WO 2020/057985 A1. The international application claims priority to European Patent Application 18195636.8 filed Sep. 20, 2018 and Great Britain Application 1900959.6 filed Jan. 18, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lamp component for forming a lamp having a large emission angle, in particular an elongate lamp. Further, the invention relates to a lamp comprising such a lamp component. Also, the invention relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing such a lamp component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known large-emitting lamps comprise several components that must be assembled in a plurality of manufacturing steps in order to assemble such lamps. For example, a known large-emitting lamp may comprise a LED light source, a lens, at least one reflector, a support and a housing.

However, the numerous components make the known lamps relatively complicated. Further, the different manufacturing steps make the known lamps relatively expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The An object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved lamp component, which alleviates or reduces the afore-mentioned drawbacks. Accordingly, an object of the invention is a lamp component, for forming a lamp having a large emission angle of between 270 and 360 degrees so as to provide ambient light in a room, the lamp component having at least:

a source region configured to receive at least one LED light source,

a light output surface configured to output light out of the lamp component,

a light orienting element configured to receive light from the source region and to orient the received light towards the light output surface, and

a housing configured to define the position of the light orienting element with respect to the source region, the housing having at least one housing sidewall configured to let light pass through it,

wherein the light orienting element is configured i) to deflect a fraction of the light towards the light output surface so as to produce direct light, and ii) to refract a fraction of the light towards the at least one housing sidewall so as to produce indirect light,

wherein the light orienting element is formed by a first extruded part extending in an extrusion direction, and

wherein the housing is formed by a second extruded part extending in the extrusion direction.

Thus, such a lamp component allows to manufacture a lamp having a large emission angle (270-360°) while using fewer components than in known lamps. Indeed, the light orienting element of such a lamp component fulfils the functions of several parts of a known lamp, in particular the functions of the reflector and of the lens that had to be assembled in a known lamp. The lamp component may be sized at any desired length along the extrusion direction, the desired length depending on the intended use of the lamp.

According to an embodiment, the first extruded part and the second extruded part may be formed by a co-extruded part. According to an aspect, the co-extruded parts may be made either of the same material or of different materials. Thus, the light orienting element is integral with the housing, which enables an easy and cheap manufacturing method. Indeed, the first extruded part and the second extruded part are co-extruded, i.e., extruded simultaneously, e.g., through a common extruding machine.

According to an aspect, the light orienting element may include a reflector, which is advantageously a translucent reflector.

According to an embodiment, the light orienting element may have a reflection layer that is arranged to deflect a fraction of the light towards the light output surface, the reflection layer being either a layer of the first extruded part or a separate layer attached to the first extruded part. Thus, such a reflection layer helps reduce the light scattered in the room, hence reduce the values of UGR and of L65°. The UGR-value is the so-called “Unified Glare Rating”, which is a measure of the discomfort glare, as defined in the applicable standard. The L65°-value is the measure of the luminance above a gamma angle of 65°, as defined in the applicable standard, e.g., 3000 cd/m2for office applications.

According to an embodiment, the light orienting element may be made of a light-diffusing material, which is advantageously selected in the group consisting of: a polycarbonate (PC), a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and a polyamide (PA), the light-diffusing material advantageously comprising a diffusing component. The diffusing component may for example be the component sold under the trademark Diffusor Pearl®.

Thus, the light orienting element may deflect a significant fraction of the incident light towards the light output surface while preventing this fraction of light from travelling past the light orienting element and further to the sides or top of the lamp component.

According to an embodiment, the light orienting element may be configured i) to deflect a major fraction of the light towards the light output surface, and ii) to refract a minor fraction of the light towards the at least one housing sidewall, such that the ratio of the direct light onto the indirect light ranges from 60/40 to 80/20, advantageously from 68/32 to 72/28.

Throughout the present application, a major fraction is more than 50% of the incident light. Conversely, a minor fraction is less than 50% of the incident light. Thus, such a light orienting element helps reduce the scattered light in the room, hence reduce the values of UGR and of L65°.

According to an aspect, the at least one housing sidewall may comprise elongate prisms that extend in the extrusion direction, the elongate prisms being advantageously located on an inner face of the housing.

Thus, the elongate prisms may deflect upwards or downwards the light rays that arrive onto the housing sidewall under a 0-degree angle with respect to the ceiling of the room. Further, the elongate prisms may prevent any person from directly viewing the LED light source.

Throughout the present application, the term “inner” or “inwards” qualify an element, for example a surface, that is oriented towards the source region. Conversely, the term “outer” or “outwards” qualify an element, for example a surface that is oriented away from the source region.

Advantageously, the elongate prisms may be one-piece with the extruded part that forms at least part of the housing.

According to an embodiment, the light orienting element may comprise two lateral portions arranged between the source region and the light output surface, the lateral portions being arranged to generally diverge from each other towards the light output surface. Thus, such lateral portions may fulfil the function of a lens as in the known lamps.

The lamp component may be free of any lens, and hence be relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.

According to an embodiment, at least one lateral portion may extend parallel to the extrusion direction, at least one lateral portion generally having a flat planar shape. Each lateral portion may have a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 4 mm.

According to an embodiment, wherein the light orienting element may further comprise a linking part, which is arranged to link the lateral portions with each other, the linking part being advantageously integral, and preferably one-piece, with the lateral portions.

Thus, such a linking part may increase the proportion of indirect light as it deflects a part of the light incident thereon, in particular via the portions of the linking part that connect to the lateral portions. Furthermore, such a linking part may enhance the uniformity of the light distribution in the room.

According to an embodiment, the linking part may generally have a flat rounded shape in cross section, the flat rounded shape being advantageously concave with respect to the source region. Thus, such a flat rounded shape may particularly increase the proportion of indirect light and enhance the uniformity of the light distribution in the room.

Alternatively, the linking part may generally have a flat planar shape.

According to an embodiment, the light orienting element may further comprise at least two upstream portions, the upstream portions extending in the extrusion direction and on both sides of the source region, each upstream portion having the general shape of a prism configured to deflect light away from the light output surface.

Thus, each upstream portion may deflect upwards or downwards the incident light rays that arrive onto the light orienting element under about a 0-degree angle with respect e.g., to the ceiling of the room. Thus, each upstream portion contributes to the production of indirect light and to the enhancement of the uniformity of the light distribution of the light coming from the side regions of the lamp.

According to an aspect, the upstream portions may be respectively connected or integral with the lateral portions.

According to an embodiment, the housing may further have a housing front wall, the housing front wall defining the light output surface, the housing front wall being one-piece with the at least one housing sidewall. Thus, such a housing may surround and protect the other parts of the lamp and of the lamp component, in particular the LED light source and the light orienting element.

According to an embodiment, the housing may be made of a transparent material, which is advantageously selected in the group consisting of: a polycarbonate (PC), a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and a polyamide (PA). Thus, such a housing may increase the proportion of direct light in the room, and the illuminance of the lamp.

Alternatively, the housing may be made of a light-diffusing or semitransparent material. The more the housing diffuses light, the higher the proportion of indirect light in the room.

According to an aspect, the housing may be white.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may further comprise an output device that is arranged between the light orienting element and the light output surface, and the output device may be configured to scatter light output from the lamp component. Advantageously, the output device may include a plate or sheet equipped with prisms configured for scattering incident light.

Besides, an object of the invention is a lamp, for example a luminaire, for providing ambient light in a room, the lamp comprising at least one lamp component as defined hereinbefore, the lamp further comprising at least one LED light source arranged in the source region such that the lamp has an emission angle of between 270 and 360 degrees. Thus, such a lamp alleviates or reduces the afore-mentioned drawbacks.

According to an aspect, the LED light source may be free from any lens.

Thus, such a lamp is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture.

Moreover, an object of the invention is a manufacturing method, for manufacturing a lamp component for forming a lamp having a large emission angle of between 270 and 360 degrees so as to provide ambient light in a room, wherein the manufacturing method comprises at least:

forming a light orienting element by extruding a first extruded part extending in an extrusion direction,

the source region being configured to receive at least one LED light source, the light orienting element being configured: i) to receive light from a source region of the lamp component and ii) to orient the received light towards the light output surface,

forming a housing by extruding a second extruded part extending in the extrusion direction, the first extruded part and the second extruded part being advantageously formed by a co-extruded part,

the housing being configured to define the position of the light orienting element with respect to the source region, the housing having at least one housing sidewall configured to let light pass through it, and

implementing a light output surface configured to output light out of the lamp component,

implementing a light output surface configured to output light out of the lamp component,

Thus, such a manufacturing method alleviates or reduces the afore-mentioned drawbacks.

According to another embodiment, light orienting element may comprise an upstream portion, a downstream portion and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being configured to connect the upstream portion to the downstream portion, a downstream face of the downstream portion having ribs or grooves advantageously extending in the extrusion direction so as to output light via site surface is of the several ribs or grooves, the width of the ribs increasing progressively as a function of the distance of the ribs to the source region. The intermediate portion may be curved, thus forming a curved portion.

When the lamp is in service, a downstream portion may be located closer to the room to be lit than an upstream portion. Conversely, an upstream portion may be located closer to the ceiling of the room to be lit and possibly closer to the light source.

Thus, such ribs or grooves may define a series of prisms that deflect light and output it out of the downstream face of the downstream portion. Since the ribs have an increasing width, the light can be evenly distributed over the downstream face of the downstream portion. The width of a rib may be measured along the downstream portion in a plane orthogonal to the extrusion direction. So, the lamp can have a flat design while emitting light with a large emission angle of 270-360 degrees.

According to an aspect, the width of the ribs may increase continuously as a function of the distance of the ribs to the source region.

Alternatively, the width of the ribs may increase stepwise as a function of the distance to the source region. For example, the ribs may be distributed into several groups each including several consecutive ribs of the same width, while the width generally increases as a function of the distance of the group to the source region. Each group may count e.g., two or three ribs or between 2 and 10 ribs.

According to an aspect, the light orienting element may be comprised of a light guide. Thus, the light rays may enter the light guide, then be reflected several times inside the light guide, i.e., on the interior periphery of the light guide, and be eventually conveyed through the light output surface.

According to an aspect, the intermediate portion may generally have a U-shaped cross-section.

According to an aspect, at least one of the upstream portions and the downstream portion may generally have a flat cross-section. Advantageously, the upstream portion has planar faces.

Throughout the present application, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to a light path within the lamp component. For example, along a given light path, the light travels through an upstream portion before traveling through a downstream portion.

Throughout the present application, the term “cross-section” refers to the cross-section considered across the extrusion direction.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may further comprise a side mask, the side mask being opaque and extending at least partly between the intermediate portion and the housing sidewall, so as to prevent most of the light output from a connection region between the upstream portion and the intermediate portion from travelling to the housing sidewall.

According to an aspect, the housing may further comprise an upper wall, the upper wall being configured to prevent light from passing therethrough, the upper wall being advantageously configured to reflect most or all of the incident light.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may further comprise two source regions configured to receive respective LED light sources, the at least one light orienting element being arranged to receive light from both source regions and to orient the received light towards the light output surface.

According to an aspect, the lamp may be equipped with suspension cables, which enable suspending the lamp to e.g., a ceiling. Alternatively, the lamp may be configured to be fastened to or integrated in the ceiling or the walls of a room.

According to an aspect, the lamp may have a substantially linear and elongated shape. Alternatively, the lamp and the lamp component may have a curvy shape.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may have a generally rectangular, in particular square, cross-section across the extrusion direction. Alternatively, the lamp component may have a cross-section substantially in the form of a round outline e.g., a circle or an ellipse.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may have a double wall for the light to travel and pass through.

According to an aspect, the source region may include at least one, e.g., two, crosswise region that extends across the extrusion direction, e.g., perpendicularly, transversely or obliquely with respect to the extrusion direction. The at least one crosswise region may be located at a front end and/or at a rear end of the lamp component. The LED light source may be configured to receive an LED support, on which a plurality of LEDs may be supported so as to face a crosswise section of the light orienting element when the lamp is in an assembled state. Thus, the light emitted by the LEDs may enter the crosswise section of the light orienting element and from there travel inside the light orienting element.

According to an aspect, the housing upstream walls may be configured to let light pass through it. Alternatively, the housing upstream walls may be configured to block light.

According to an aspect, the lamp may comprise at least one cover arranged at the front and/or rear longitudinal end of the housing, the at least one cover being configured to surround a crosswise region. Thus, the cover may protect the LED light sources. The cover may be made out of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Thus, the covers can dissipate thermal energy to cool down the LEDs.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may comprise a holder configured to allow holding of the lamp component by a dedicated element, e.g., by suspension cables. The holder may be configured to be fastened to suspension holders that are secured to the suspension cables.

According to an aspect, the holder may extend along part or all of the length of the lamp component in the extrusion direction. The holder may be an extruded part. The holder may be integral, in particular one-piece, with the light orienting element and/or the housing (co-extruded parts).

According to an aspect, the holder may define a longitudinal channel or groove for receiving the suspension holders. The holder may be partly located in a space surrounded by the light orienting element. Thus, the holder and/or the suspension holders may protrude only slightly out of the housing.

According to an aspect, the holder may be made out of a mechanically optimized material, e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy, whereas the light orienting element and/or the housing may be made out of optically optimized plastics. Thus, the holder may offer a large mechanical resistance, say stiffness.

According to an aspect, the housing may be composed of different, separate walls, e.g., a housing front wall, housing sidewalls and housing upstream walls.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may further include struts extending between the housing and the light orienting element so as to mutually support and hold them and to stiffen the overall structure of the lamp component. Each strut may extend obliquely with respect to the extrusion direction. According to an aspect, each strut may span the gap between the housing and the light orienting element.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may further include at least one light diffusing sheet. Light diffusing sheet may be arranged above, e.g., on top of, the housing front wall, so as to help in diffusing the light before it is emitted by the light output surface. According to an aspect, lenses and/or reflectors may be located in the gap between the light orienting element and the housing.

According to an aspect, the lamp component may include an outer sheet, which is made of a thin layer of a transparent or translucent material, and which covers part or all of the outer surface of the housing. Thus, the outer sheet may help in outputting a uniform light.

According to an aspect, the housing and the light orienting element may be comprised of several, e.g., five, different elements or sections with respective optical properties.

According to an aspect, the housing front wall may be totally or partially transparent and the housing sidewalls may be configured to be totally or partially translucent, e.g., white. Alternatively, the housing sidewalls may be configured to be totally or partially i) transparent, ii) light scattering or iii) light deviating, while the housing front wall may be configured to be totally or partially transparent. Further, the housing upstream walls may be configured to be totally or partially i) light scattering or ii) light diffusing.

According to an aspect, the light orienting element may be hollow and tubular. Alternatively, the light orienting element may be substantially flat, instead of being substantially hollow, tubular.

The invention is further explained in the following detailed description based on exemplary embodiments and referring to the exemplary drawings in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the exemplary drawings, in which like reference signs refer to like parts or features. The described embodiments, aspects and drawings shall not be used to limit the scope or construction of the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2depict a lamp component1for forming a lamp101which has a large emission angle of about 270 degrees so as to provide ambient light in a room. Lamp component1has a source region2, a light output surface4, a light orienting element6and a housing8.

Source region2is configured to receive a LED light source10. Source region2receives a LED support12, which supports LED light source10. LED support12may be an extruded part. LED support12may include a supporting plate13. LED light source10may be arranged in source region2such that lamp101has a large emission angle of about 270 degrees.

Light output surface4is configured to output light out of lamp component1. When lamp101is installed for example on a non-illustrated ceiling of a room, light output surface4may be the lowest surface of lamp component1. Lamp101may further include a non-illustrated fastening member configured to fasten the lamp to the ceiling of the room.

As illustrated onFIG. 2, when lamp component1and lamp101are in operation, the light exiting from lamp101may illuminate a non-illustrated room. All the lines that are present onFIG. 2but not onFIG. 1represent various light paths from a computational simulation of a state where lamp101is in service and LED light source10is switched on.

Light orienting element6is configured to receive light from source region2, hence from LED light source10when lamp component1is assembled into lamp101. Further, light orienting element6is configured to orient the received light within lamp component1and towards the light output surface4, as will be hereafter detailed in relation toFIG. 2. Light orienting element6is herein comprised of a translucent reflector.

Housing8is configured to define the position of light orienting element6with respect to source region2. Housing8helps to properly position light orienting element6with respect to source region2. In the example ofFIGS. 1 and 2, housing8has two housing sidewalls14, which are configured to let incident light pass through them.

Further, housing8has a housing front wall18. Housing front wall18defines light output surface4. Housing front wall18is herein one-piece with both housing sidewalls14. Light orienting element6is located inside housing8. Housing8also surrounds, hence protects, the other parts of lamp101or lamp component101, in particular LED light source10and light orienting element6.

Light orienting element6is configured to deflect a fraction, e.g., a major fraction, i.e., more than 50%, of the light received from source region2towards light output surface4so as to produce direct light1.1. Further, light orienting element6is configured to refract a fraction, e.g., a minor fraction, i.e., less than 50%, of the light received from source region2towards both housing sidewalls14so as to produce indirect light1.2.

For example, the ratio of the direct light onto the indirect light may be about 70/30. OnFIG. 2, direct light is represented by light rays1.1, whereas indirect light is represented by light rays1.2. Direct light is the sum of the light rays that fall upon the target to be lit, say the floor of the room, without being previously reflected or diffracted by another surface in the room, say the ceiling or a wall. Conversely, indirect light is the sum of the light rays that reach the target to be lit only after having been reflected or diffracted at least once by another surface in the room.

Light orienting element6is formed by a first extruded part, which extends in an extrusion direction X. Likewise, housing8is formed by a second extruded part, which extends in extrusion direction X. In the example ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the first extruded part and the second extruded part, respectively light orienting element6and housing8, are formed by a co-extruded part, which extends in extrusion direction X. Thus, light orienting element6may be made integral with housing8without requiring any joining means. Being formed by respective first and second extruded parts, light orienting element6and housing8are not formed by molded parts. So, light orienting element6and housing8may be free of any usual molding mark, for example a plane joint or a mold seam.

Lamp component1and lamp101are symmetric about a plane defined by extrusion direction X and by a symmetry direction Y that is orthogonal to extrusion direction X. Accordingly, source region2, light output surface4, light orienting element6, housing8, LED light source10and LED support12are also symmetric about plane X-Y. Lamp component1may be sized at any desired length along extrusion direction X, the desired length depending on the intended use of lamp101.

Housing sidewalls14respectively comprise elongate prisms15that extend in extrusion direction X. Elongate prisms15are located on a respective inner face of housing sidewalls14, hence of housing8. Elongate prisms15are one-piece with the extruded part that forms housing8.

Elongate prisms15may help deflecting upwards or downwards the flat light rays that arrive onto housing sidewalls14under a 0-degree angle with respect to the ceiling of the room.

Light orienting element6and housing8are made of two different materials. Light orienting element6may be made of a light-diffusing material, for example of polycarbonate (PC), a polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and a polyamide (PA), the light-diffusing material may advantageously comprise a diffusing component. The diffusing component may for example be the component sold under the trademark Diffusor Pearl®. Light orienting element6may deflect a significant fraction of the incident light towards light output surface4. Housing8may be transparent and made for example of PMMA.

Light orienting element6fulfils the function of a translucent reflector. Light orienting element6further has a reflection layer20that is arranged to deflect a fraction of the light towards the light output surface4, as illustrated in particular inFIG. 2. Reflection layer20is a layer of the first extruded part, i.e., of light orienting element6. As reflection layer20helps reduce the light scattered in the room, thus enhancing the UGR value and a L65°-value of lamp101.

Light orienting element6comprises two lateral portions22, which are arranged between source region2and light output surface4. Lateral portions22are arranged to generally diverge from each other towards light output surface4. Lateral portions22extend parallel to extrusion direction X. Each one of lateral portions22has a flat, planar shape, thus forming a lateral wall of light orienting element6. Each one of lateral portions22may have a thickness ranging from 1 mm to 4 mm.

Light orienting element6further comprises a linking part26, which is arranged to link lateral portions22to each other. Linking part26is one-piece with lateral portions22. Linking part26generally has a flat rounded shape that is concave with respect to source region2, i.e., that is bulging towards source region2.

Linking part26helps to increase the proportion of indirect light as it deflects a part of the incident light, in particular via the portions of linking part26that connect to lateral portions22, as illustrated onFIG. 2. Linking part26helps enhance the uniformity of the light distribution in the room.

Further, light orienting element6comprises two upstream portions30. Upstream portions30extend in extrusion direction X and on both sides of source region2. Each upstream portion30has the general shape of a prism, which is configured to deflect light away from light output surface4, as illustrated onFIG. 2. Upstream portions30are respectively one-piece with lateral portions22.

Each upstream portion30may help deflect upwards or downwards the incident light rays that arrive onto light orienting element6under about a 0-degree angle with respect e.g., to the ceiling of the room. Such 0-degree or flat light rays are for example represented onFIG. 2by the uppermost light lines emitted by LED light source10.

Each upstream portion30contributes to the production of indirect light and to the enhancement of the uniformity of the light distribution of the light coming from the side regions of lamp101(right and left-hand sides onFIGS. 1 and 2).

Besides, lamp component1further comprises an output device36that is arranged between light orienting element6and light output surface4. Output device36is configured to scatter light exiting from lamp component1. Output device36includes a plate equipped with prisms configured for scattering incident light.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate a second embodiment of a lamp component1and of a lamp101. Inasmuch as lamp component1and lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4are respectively similar to lamp component1and lamp101ofFIGS. 1 and 2, the afore-detailed description may be applied to lamp component1and lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4, but for the hereinafter-mentioned noticeable differences. An element of lamp component1and lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4having a structure or function identical or similar to an element of lamp component1and lamp101ofFIGS. 1 and 2is given the same reference sign.

As illustrated onFIG. 4, when lamp component1and lamp101are in operation, the light output from lamp101may emit light towards a non-illustrated room. All the lines that are present onFIG. 4but not onFIG. 3represent various light paths from a computational simulation of a state where lamp101is in service and switched on.

Like lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2, lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4may comprise a source region2, a light output surface4, a housing8with housing sidewalls14and elongate prisms15. Like lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 1 and 2, lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 3 and 4are symmetric about a plane X-Y defined by extrusion direction X and by a symmetry direction Y that is orthogonal to extrusion direction X. Like in lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2, light orienting element6ofFIGS. 3 and 4is configured to produce direct light1.1and indirect light1.2.

Lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4differs from lamp101ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4comprises two LED light sources10. LED light sources10are mounted on respective LED supports12. Accordingly, lamp component1comprises two source regions2, which are configured to receive respective LED light sources10. Light orienting element6is arranged to receive light from both source regions2and to orient the received light within lamp component1and towards the light output surface4.

Lamp101ofFIGS. 3 and 4further differs from lamp101ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that the light orienting element6ofFIGS. 3 and 4is herein comprised of a light guide. The light rays may thus enter the light guide, then be reflected several times inside the light guide, and be eventually conveyed through the light output surface4.

OnFIG. 2, only one of LED light sources10is switched on (left-hand side). However, both LED light sources10may be switched on simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, lamp101may comprise only one LED light source10, in which case lamp101is not symmetric.

Lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4further differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4comprises a light orienting element6that is shaped differently from light orienting element6ofFIGS. 1 and 2. Indeed, light orienting element6comprises an upstream portion40, a downstream portion42and an intermediate portion44. Intermediate portion44is herein curved, thus forming a curved portion.

A downstream face of downstream portion42is ripples in order to output light via several ribs or grooves46. The width of the ribs46increases progressively as a function of the distance of the ribs46to source region2, herein also to symmetry direction Y. In the example ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the width of the ribs increases continuously, i.e., at each new rib, as a function of the distance of the rib to source region2.

The ribs46define a series of prisms that deflect light and output it out of downstream face of the downstream portion44. Since ribs46have an increasing width, the light can be evenly distributed over the downstream face of downstream portion44. The width of a rib46may be measured along downstream portion44in a plane orthogonal to the extrusion direction X (e.g., plane ofFIG. 3). Lamp101has a flat design while emitting light with a large emission angle of 270-360 degrees.

Besides, lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that reflection layer20is separate from and attached to light orienting element6, in particular to downstream portion42. Reflection layer20may be formed by a sheet having reflecting properties.

Lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4further comprises a side mask50. Side mask50is opaque and extends between intermediate portion44and housing sidewall14in order to prevent most of the light output from a connection region between upstream portion40and intermediate portion44from travelling to housing sidewall14.

Further, lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2in that housing8comprises an upper wall52, which is separate from the adjacent housing sidewall14, and which is configured to reflect most or all of the incident light. Upper wall52is configured to prevent light from passing therethrough. Only a few light rays pass upper walls52onFIG. 4, whereas much more light rays pass the upper walls of housing8onFIG. 2.

As represented onFIG. 4, a large fraction of light emitted by LED light source10is conveyed downstream the light orienting element6and then output through light output surface4, thus producing direct light. Part of the light emitted by LED light source10is refracted in light orienting element6and exits from lamp component1via housing sidewalls14, thus producing indirect light.

FIG. 5represents a manufacturing method501according to an embodiment, for manufacturing lamp component1for forming lamp101. The manufacturing method501comprises at least:

box502: forming light orienting element6by extruding a first extruded part extending in extrusion direction X, light orienting element6being configured: i) to receive light from source region2of lamp component1and ii) to orient the received light within lamp component1and towards the light output surface4, source region2being configured to receive one or more LED light source(s)10.

box504: forming housing8by extruding a second extruded part extending in extrusion direction X, the first extruded part and the second extruded part being advantageously formed by a co-extruded part, housing8being configured to define the position of light orienting element6with respect to source region2, housing8having at least one housing sidewall14configured to let light pass through it, and

box506: implementing light output surface4configured to output light out of the lamp component1, light orienting element6being further configured i) to deflect a fraction of the light towards light output surface4so as to produce direct light, and ii) to refract a fraction of the light towards the at least one housing sidewall14so as to produce indirect light.

Lamp component1may be manufactured to be sized at any desired length along extrusion direction X, the desired length depending on the intended use of lamp101.

FIGS. 6 to 11illustrate a third embodiment of a lamp component1and of a lamp51. Inasmuch as lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 11are respectively similar to lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 3 and 4, the afore-detailed description may be applied to lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 11, but for the hereinafter-mentioned noticeable differences. An element of lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 11having a structure or function identical or similar to an element of lamp component1and lamp51ofFIGS. 3 and 4is given the same reference sign.

For example, as visible inFIG. 11, lamp component1includes a source region2, a light output surface4, a light orienting element6, and a housing8having housing sidewalls14. Further, as visible inFIG. 10, lamp101includes a LED light source10. As depicted inFIGS. 6 and 7, lamp101is equipped with suspension cables52, which enable suspending lamp51to e.g., a ceiling. Alternatively, a lamp according to the invention may be fastened to or integrated in the ceiling or the walls of a room.

Like lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4, lamp component1ofFIGS. 6 to 11extends in extrusion direction X. Thus, lamp101has a substantially linear and elongated shape. Alternatively, the lamp and lamp component according to the invention may have a curvy shape instead of a linear shape.

Across extrusion direction X lamp component1has a rectangular cross-section. In the example ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6and housing8both have a rectangular cross-section, whereby lamp component1has a double wall for the light to travel and pass through. Alternatively, a lamp component according to the invention may have a cross-section substantially in the form of a square or of a round outline e.g., circle or ellipse.

Like light orienting element6ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6ofFIG. 11comprises an upstream portion40, a downstream portion42and an intermediate portion44. Unlike the curved intermediate portion44ofFIGS. 3 and 4, intermediate portion44ofFIG. 11has a substantially straight, planar shape. Each intermediate portion44ofFIG. 11may be connected respectively to the upstream portion40and to the downstream portion42by portions being more or less curved, i.e., portions having a radius of curvature that may be more or less large. Like light orienting element6ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6ofFIG. 11may be comprised of a light guide.

Like housing8ofFIGS. 3 and 4, housing8ofFIG. 11has sidewalls14and a housing downstream or front wall18, which defines the light output surface4and which is one-piece with both housing sidewalls14. Further, housing8accommodates, hence protects, light orienting element6.

Like light orienting element6ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6ofFIG. 11is configured i) to deflect a fraction of the light towards light output surface4so as to produce direct light, and ii) to refract a fraction of the light towards the housing sidewalls14so as to produce indirect light.

Like in the lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6and housing8are formed respectively by a first and a second extruded parts extending in extrusion direction X. Thus, light orienting element6and the housing8form profiles extruded in extrusion direction X. Also, the lamp composed of such a lamp component can be manufactured and assembled more quickly and easily since it does not require additional fastening or connecting elements, like screws. Thus, the cost of such lamps may be less expensive, while they may have a longer service life.

In the example ofFIGS. 3 and 4, light orienting element6and housing8are co-extruded parts. The co-extruded light orienting element6and housing8may be made either of the same material or of different materials. For example, the light orienting element may be made of a self-light diffusing material, while the housing may be made of transparent or light scattering material.

Lamp component1ofFIGS. 6 to 11differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4in that source region2includes two crosswise regions2.1that extend across extrusion direction X, e.g., perpendicularly, transversely or obliquely with respect to extrusion direction X. In particular, crosswise regions2.1are located respectively at a front end and at a rear end of lamp component1. By contrast, source region2inFIGS. 3 and 4is located opposite output surface4with respect to light orienting element6, so as to extend along extrusion direction X. For example, source region2inFIGS. 3 and 4may include a plurality of LEDs distributed longitudinally in extrusion direction X, wherein each LED may be arranged like the ones illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.

In the example ofFIGS. 6 to 11, at both crosswise regions2.1, an LED light source10is configured to receive an LED support12, on which a plurality of LEDs10.2may be supported so as to face a crosswise section 6.2 of light orienting element6when lamp51is in an assembled state. For example,FIG. 14depicts an LED light source10facing a crosswise section of light orienting element6. Thus, light emitted by LEDs10.2may enter crosswise section 6.2 and from there travel inside light orienting element6. In particular, LEDs10.2arranged on a rectangle pattern which corresponds to a rectangle shape of crosswise section 6.2.

When lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 11is in service, the light emitted by LEDs10.2first travels substantially longitudinally along extrusion direction X before getting partially deflected or partially reflected by light orienting element6. By contrast, when lamp51ofFIGS. 3 and 4is in service the light admitted by LED light source10first travels substantially across extrusion direction X, that is transversely and/or perpendicularly to extrusion direction X.

As a result of LEDs10.2facing crosswise section 6.2, the number of LEDs required to spread light throughout lamp component1may be reduced with respect to embodiments like the ones illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4. Thus, lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 11might need fewer LEDs than lamp51ofFIGS. 3 and 4depending on the ratio of the length in extrusion direction X over the width or the height of lamp component1. In the example ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the length of lamp component1is much larger than its width or its height.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the lamp component may have a source region including only one crosswise region that extends across the extrusion direction. The lamp including such a lamp component may comprise only one LED light source that is mounted so as to face the crosswise section.

Furthermore, lights component1ofFIGS. 6 to 11differs from like component1ofFIGS. 3 and 4in that, similar to lamp component1ofFIGS. 1 and 2, housing upper or upstream walls19ofFIG. 11are configured to let light pass through it, whereas upper walls52in the example ofFIG. 3are configured to block light.

Besides, lamp51ofFIGS. 6 to 10comprises two covers54. Covers54are arranged respectively at the front and rear longitudinal ends of housing8. Covers54may be configured to surround crosswise regions2.1. Thus, covers54may protect LED light sources10. Such covers may also be included in the lamps1ofFIGS. 1 to 4. Covers54may be made out of aluminum or aluminum alloy. Thus, covers54can dissipate thermal energy to cool down LEDs10.2and/or some electric components supplying power to LEDs10.2. Lamp51may further comprise non-illustrated seals configured to seal the interior of lamp component1.

As visible in particular inFIG. 11, lamp component1may comprise a holder17, which is configured to allow holding of lamp component1by a dedicated element, e.g., by the suspension cables52in the example ofFIGS. 6 to 11. Holder17is configured to be fastened to suspension holders56that are secured to suspension cables52.

Holder17may extend along part or all of the length of lamp component1in extrusion direction X. Holder17may be an extruded part. In the example ofFIGS. 10 and 11, holder17is integral, in particular one-piece, with light orienting element6and housing8. In other words, light orienting element6, housing8and holder17are co-extruded parts.

Holder17may define a longitudinal channel or groove for receiving suspension holders56. Holder17may be partly located in the space surrounded by light orienting element6. Thus, holder17and/or suspension holders56may protrude only slightly out of housing8, which helps in making lamp51compact.

Lamp1may further include an electric circuit configured to supply power to LED light source10. The electric circuit may comprise two parallel portions in order to supply power independently to LED light sources10. Suspension cables52may accommodate an electric cable so as to electrically connect the electric circuit to the mains. Part of the electric circuit may be received in the longitudinal channel or groove defined by holder17.

Depending on the function they fulfill, i.e., on the way they influence light when the lamp is in service, the elements of the lamp component may be classified as:

a first element formed by the housing front wall and emitting light downward;

a second element formed by the housing sidewalls and emitting light sideward or laterally;

a third element formed by the housing upstream walls and emitting light upwards;

a fourth element formed by the holder and allowing holding of lamp component1by a dedicated element; and

a fifth element formed by the light orienting element and deflecting and/or refracting, hence distributing, light within the lamp component.

FIG. 12illustrates a fourth embodiment of a lamp component1, which is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11, and in which elements having similar or identical structure or function as inFIG. 11are given the same reference signs.

Lamp component1ofFIG. 12differs from lamp component1ofFIG. 11in that holder17ofFIG. 12on the one hand, and light orienting element6and/or housing8ofFIG. 12on the other hand, are made of different pieces, whereas these elements are one-piece in the example ofFIG. 11. In other words, holder17is distinct from, hence not one-piece with, light orienting element6or with housing8. Thus, holder17may be made out of a material that is different from light orienting element6and/or housing8. InFIG. 12, the limits of holder17, housing8and light orienting element6are made apparent by solid lines and by hatchings of different orientations.

For example, holder17may be made out of a mechanically optimized material, e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy, whereas light orienting element and/or housing8may be made out of optically optimized plastics as detailed hereinbefore. In this example, a method of manufacturing lamp component1may include a step of inserting aluminum holder17within the extruded light orienting element6and housing8. Thus, holder17may offer a larger mechanical resistance, say stiffness, than holder17ofFIG. 11.

Furthermore, lamp component1ofFIG. 12differs from lamp component1ofFIG. 11in that housing8is composed of different, separate walls, namely housing front wall18, housing sidewalls14and housing upstream walls19. OnFIG. 12the limits of housing front wall18, housing sidewalls14and housing upstream walls19are made apparent by solid lines and by hatchings of different orientations. In a method of manufacturing lamp component1ofFIG. 12these four different parts may be extruded parts, e.g., co-extruded parts.

FIGS. 13 to 16illustrate a lamp component1and a part of a lamp51according to a fifth embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, and in which elements having similar or identical structure or function as inFIG. 12are given the same reference signs.

Lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16differs from lamp component1ofFIG. 12in that lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16further includes struts8.6. Struts8.6extend between housing8and light orienting element6so as to mutually support and hold them and to stiffen the overall structure of lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16. Each strut8.6is arranged to link inward, holder-oriented ends8.4of housing8to inward, holder-oriented ends6.4of light orienting element6. In the example ofFIGS. 13 to 16, each strut8.6extends obliquely with respect to extrusion direction X, while both struts8.6taper together towards an upper region of holder17. Thus, the oblique extension of struts8.6helps in transmitting mechanical forces in several directions.

In addition, lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16may further include a light diffusing sheet23. Light diffusing sheet23may be arranged above, e.g., on top of, housing front wall18, so as to help in diffusing light before it is emitted by light output surface4. Such a light diffusing sheet may also be included in other embodiments, like the one illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4or inFIG. 9.

Further, as visible inFIG. 16, lamp component1may include an outer sheet25, which is made of a thin layer of a transparent or translucent material, and which covers part or all of the outer surface of housing8. Thus, outer sheet25may help in outputting a uniform light. In a non-illustrated embodiment similar outer sheets may be arranged between light orienting element and the housing sidewalls and/or the housing upstream walls. Additionally, or alternatively, lenses and/or reflectors may be located in the gap between the light orienting element and the housing.

FIG. 17illustrates a lamp component1and a part of a lamp51according to a sixth embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13 to 16, and in which elements having similar or identical structure or function as inFIGS. 13 to 16are given the same reference signs.

Lamp component1ofFIG. 17differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16in that housing8and light orienting element6are not one-piece, i.e., not co-extruded. Thus, lamp component1FIG. 17may be comprised of five different elements, hence of 5 different materials with respective optical properties. Struts8.6ofFIG. 17are integral, and herein one-piece, with housing8and not with light orienting element6, as made apparent inFIG. 17by solid lines and by hatchings of different orientations.

Further, lamp component1ofFIG. 17differs from lamp component1ofFIGS. 13 to 16in that, like housing8ofFIG. 12, housing8ofFIG. 17comprises different, separate walls, instead of being one-piece. Indeed, housing a ofFIG. 17comprises housing front wall18, housing sidewalls14and housing upstream walls19, the limits of which are made apparent by solid lines and by hatchings of different orientations.

FIG. 18illustrates a lamp component1according to a seventh embodiment, which is similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, and in which elements having similar or identical structure or function as inFIG. 12are given the same reference signs.

Lamp component1ofFIG. 18differs from lamp component1ofFIG. 12in that it further comprises four struts8.6spanning the gap between housing8and light orienting element6. Two struts8.6belong to a housing sidewall14, while the two other struts belong to the opposite housing sidewall14. Each of struts8.6extends obliquely between housing8and light orienting element6, such that all four struts somewhat converge towards a center point of the cross-section of lamp component1. Thus, the oblique extension of struts8.6helps in transmitting mechanical forces in several directions.

In a non-illustrated embodiment attentive toFIG. 18, the struts may belong to the housing upstream wall and/or to the housing front wall instead of belonging to the housing sidewalls. Besides, additional struts may be arranged at similar locations as struts8.6ofFIGS. 13 to 16.

In some or each of the illustrated embodiments, the housing front wall may be totally or partially transparent and the housing sidewalls may be configured to be totally or partially translucent, e.g., white. Alternatively, the housing sidewalls may be configured to be totally or partially i) transparent, ii) light scattering or iii) light deviating, while the housing front wall may be configured to be totally or partially transparent. Besides, the housing front wall and/or the housing sidewalls may be fitted with ribs and grooves as inFIGS. 3 and 4. Such ribs and grooves may be made using a laser or rollers easier during or after the extrusion step. Further, in some or each of the illustrated embodiments, the housing upstream walls may be configured to be totally or partially i) light scattering or ii) light diffusing.

Many other design configurations may be envisaged within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Thus, there are many design possibilities as to how the housing walls influence the light passing therethrough, hence as to the output light pattern.

According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the light orienting element may be substantially flat, instead of being substantially hollow, tubular as illustrated e.g., in the appended figures.

Although the invention has been described above in relation to the exemplary drawings, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the exemplary drawings. Many changes and alternatives may be made by the skilled person within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.