Patent ID: 12196376

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS.1A-1Jembodiments and aspects of the system1000are depicted. Amongst others,FIG.1Aschematically depicts an embodiment of a light generating system1000comprising one or more light generating devices100, a lightguide element500, and a reflector410.

The one or more light generating devices100may be configured to generate device light101; wherein the one or more light generating devices100comprise diode based light sources.

The lightguide element500may comprise a light transmissive body510comprising light transmissive material502, which may be light transmissive for the device light101. The light transmissive body510may comprise an axis of elongation501and a body length L1 defined parallel to the axis of elongation501. The light transmissive body510may comprise a first end511and a second end512defining the body length L1. The light transmissive body510may comprise (i) a first outer face521, comprised by the first end511, (ii) a second outer face522, comprised by the second end512, and (iii) an external side face523bridging a distance between the first outer face521and the second outer face521and having a (radial) distance d1 to the axis of elongation501. Hence, d1 may refer to a radius in embodiments. Especially, d1<L1. The first outer face521, the second outer face522, and the external side face523may define at least part of an external surface of the light transmissive body510. In embodiments, a second outer face part524of the second outer face522may be configured to provide a cavity530for hosting at least part of the reflector410.

The reflector410may be a diffuse reflector for the device light101. Especially, at least part of the reflector410may be configured in at least part of the cavity530.

The one or more light generating devices100, the lightguide element500, and the reflector410may be configured such that at least part of the device light101may be incoupled in the lightguide element500via the first outer face521, and at least part of the incoupled device light101may escape from the lightguide element500via the external side face523and/or via the second outer face part524, especially via both. In embodiments, the reflector410may be configured such that part of the device light101propagated to the second outer face part524may be reflected and part of the device light101propagated to the second outer face part524propagates away from the lightguide element500in a direction having a component parallel to the axis of elongation501.

In embodiments, at least part of the device light101propagated to the second outer face part524may be reflected by the reflector410. In embodiments especially in the range of 2-15% of the device light101that escapes from the light generating system1000may escape within a (virtual) cone with the axis of elongation501as cone axis, wherein the cone may have a cone angle θ2 selected from the range of 20-40°. For instance, in the range of 2-15% of the device light101that escapes from the light generating system1000may escape within a (virtual) cone with the axis of elongation501as cone axis, wherein the cone may have a cone angle θ2 of 30°. Reference θ1 may be the half cone angle.

In embodiments, the at least part of the external side face523has a surface roughness for facilitating outcoupling of the device light101from the light transmissive body510via the external side face523. Especially, in embodiments the surface roughness may have an Ra value selected from the range of 0.16-0.64 μm, more especially 0.32-0.5 μm, and/or an RMS value selected from the range of 7.90-31.30, more especially 15.8-24.5.

Amongst others referring toFIGS.1B and1C, in specific embodiments, at least part of the external side face523may be provided with a sinusoidal shape. Especially, in embodiments an edge527defined by the external side face523and the second outer face522may comprise the sinusoidal shape.

Amongst others referring toFIG.1E, in embodiments, the at least part of the second outer face522may have a surface roughness for facilitating outcoupling of the device light101from the light transmissive body510via the second outer face522. In embodiments, the surface roughness may have an Ra value selected from the range of 2.03-6.30 μm, more especially 3.15-5.10 μm, and/or an RMS value selected from the range of 98.90-306.20, more especially 153.7-248.6.

Referring to amongst othersFIG.1E, the rim part525may circumferentially surround the reflector410. In embodiments, the reflector410may have a reflector radius rr. The reflector radius rrmay be smaller than the (radial) distance d1. For instance, in embodiments rr≤0.99*d1. In specific embodiments, 0.8*d1≤rr≤0.99*d1, more especially 0.85*d1≤rr≤0.99*d1, like even more especially 0.9*d1≤rr≤0.98*d1, such as 0.95*d1≤rr≤0.98*d1. In embodiments, the rim part525may have an outer radius rroessentially the same as the distance (d1). In embodiments, rro=d1. Further, in embodiments the rim part525may have an inner radius rri. In specific embodiments, the inner radius rriof the rim part may essentially be the same as the outer radius of the reflector. Hence, in embodiments rri≈rr. In embodiments, 0.9≤rr/rri1.0, more especially 0.95≤rr/rri1.0, like in embodiments about 0.98≤rr/rri≤1.0. Therefore, in specific embodiments about 0.8*d1≤rri≤0.99*d1, more especially about 0.85*d1≤rri≤0.99*d1, like even more especially about 0.9*d1≤rri≤0.98*d1, such as about 0.95*d1≤rri≤0.98*d1. Such dimensions of the rim part may provide that at least part of the device light may propagate essentially parallel to the axis of elongation. The small dimensions and/or the surface roughness of the rim part may reduce or even prevent direct sight (through the lightguide element) of the one or more light generating devices upstream of the first outer face.

Amongst others referring toFIGS.1D,1F, and1G, in embodiments, for 3-33% of a surface area of the second outer face522may apply that a normal to the second outer face522does not intersect with a reflector face of the reflector410. InFIGS.1B and1E, the some of the dashed lines indicate normals N. The small rectangles at the bottoms of the normals N indicated the 90° aspect of the normals N relative to the surface to which the normals N are positions.

Referring toFIGS.1F-1G, in specific embodiments, the reflector410may comprise one or more through holes415. InFIG.1F, embodiments I and IV comprise a solid light transmissive body with reflector412, e.g. like a coating. In embodiments, I, the body even does not need to be light transmissive, as there is no through hole415in the reflector, like in embodiment IV. In embodiments II and III, hollow reflectors are schematically depicted. The hollow reflectors are schematically depicted to comprise one or more through holes415. In embodiment II, the reflector may comprise a single through hole (intersected by the axis of elongation501). Note that the reflectors410do not need to have a through hole. In such embodiments the lightguide element may especially comprise a rim part.FIG.1Gschematically depicts bottom views of the reflectors schematically depicted inFIG.1F.FIG.1Hschematically depict some top vies of the lightguide element500with the reflector410configured in the cavity, with embodiments I, II, and IV having a rim part525, and embodiments III and V not having a rim part. Further, embodiments II, III, IV, and V all have one or more through holes415in the reflector. Hence, in none of these embodiments the second outer face522is fully blocked by the reflector410, and part of the device light may escape from the lightguide element500parallel to the axis of elongation. Hence, in embodiments one or more of the following may apply: (i) the reflector410comprises one or more through holes415, and (ii) the second outer face522comprises a rim part525configured between the external side face523and the cavity530.

Referring to amongst othersFIGS.1A-1B, 1D-1E, in embodiments, the second outer face522may comprise a rim part525configured between the external side face523and the cavity530. In yet further specific embodiments, the rim part525may have the surface roughness may have an Ra value selected from the range of 2.03-6.30 μm, more especially 3.15-5.10 μm, and/or an RMS value selected from the range of 98.90-306.20, more especially 153.7-248.6.

Hence, the lightguide element500may essentially completely transparent, except for the external side face523which may have a surface roughness, which makes the surface opaque, and except for at least part of the second outer face522, especially the rim525, which may also have a surface roughness, which makes this surface also opaque. In embodiments, the reflector410may be configured to reflect part of the device light101propagated to the second outer face part524back into the lightguide element500(via the second outer face part524).

In embodiments, the one or more light generating devices100may comprise one or more of a light emitting diode, a diode laser, and a superluminescent diode.

Referring to e.g.FIGS.1C-1D, in embodiments, the light transmissive body510has a cylindrical shape. Especially, in embodiments the (radial) distance d1 may be selected from the range of 6-10 mm. InFIG.1C(top view), the external side face523comprises a repetitive structure. InFIG.1D, by way of example this repetitive structure is not available. In both embodiments, the external side face523may have the herein described surface roughness.

Further, in embodiments the reflector410may have a conical shape with a cone tip412directing to the first end511. In embodiments, the reflector410may have a cone angle α selected from the range of 55-85°.

In embodiments, the cavity530has a reflector410directed cavity face531, wherein at least part of the cavity face531may be not in optical contact with the reflector410. In embodiments, the reflector410may have a light transmissive body directed reflector face411.

Referring toFIG.1A, most of the light101may leave the lightguide through surface523, partly due to surface roughness of the sides. However a substantial part of the light101will be reflected by TIR at surface524and then leave the lightguide through surface523. Also a substantial part of the light101will go through surface524and reflected back via reflector410back into the lightguide element; most of this light may leave the lightguide element also at surface523.

With reference toFIG.1I, the system1000may further comprise a light transmissive envelope600. Especially, at least part of the lightguide element500may be configured within the light transmissive envelope600. Especially, the light transmissive envelope600may be transmissive for at least part of the device light101. The outer shape of at least part of the light generating system may therefore essentially be defined by the lamp base and the envelope.

Light escaping from the system1000is indicated as system light1001, and may comprise, more especially essentially consist, of the device light101(escaped from the lightguide element500).

In embodiments, the light transmissive envelope600has an envelope center601. Especially, in embodiments the second end512may be closer to the envelope center601than the first end511. In specific embodiments, determined from the first end511, a second distance d2 from the second end512to the envelope center601may be selected from the range of −10 mm to +15 mm.

The light generating system1000may further comprise a control system300. The control system300may be configured to control a spectral power distribution of the device light101.

In embodiments, the one or more light generating devices100comprise one or more of RGB light sources, RGBW light sources, and RYB light sources.

In specific embodiments, the light generating system1000may be configured to generate white system light1001comprising at least part of the device light101escaped from the lightguide element500via the external side face523and via the second outer face part524. In further embodiments, the system light1001has one or more of a controllable color rendering index and a controllable correlated color temperature.

FIG.1Jschematically depicts an embodiment of a support600, configured to support the one or more light generating devices100. Further, an embodiment of a lightguide element assembly550is schematically depicted. In embodiments, the lightguide assembly550may comprise the lightguide element500and a lightguide element base560functionally coupled to the lightguide element500. Especially, the lightguide element base560may comprise a base cavity562, wherein the one or more light generating devices100are at least partly configured in the base cavity562. The lightguide element500may be functionally coupled to the support600via the lightguide element base560. Reference610refers to support holes. Reference561refers to a part of the assembly that may penetrate through the support600. This may facilitate the functional coupling between the lightguide element base560and the support. The lightguide element base560may also be indicated as “lightguide element base”. The base cavity may also be indicated as “foot cavity”. Further elements may be provided to enable the functional coupling. Reference620refers to fastening elements, which may associated the lightguide element500to the support600(via the lightguide element base560), for instance clamping elements.

FIG.2shows the stimulated light distribution of an embodiment of the system. As depicted, the distribution may be substantially Lambertian.

In an example, the lightguide element may have a length L1 of about 60 mm and a diameter of about 17 mm. The diameter of reflector is about 15. The reflector has a conical shape with a top angle or cone angle of about 72°.

FIG.3schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire2comprising the light generating system1000as described above. Reference301indicates a user interface which may be functionally coupled with the control system300comprised by or functionally coupled to the light generating system1000.FIG.3also schematically depicts an embodiment of lamp1comprising the light generating system1000. Reference3indicates a projector device or projector system, which may be used to project images, such as at a wall, which may also comprise the light generating system1000. Hence,FIG.3schematically depicts embodiments of a lighting device1200selected from the group of a lamp1, a luminaire2, a projector device3, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the light generating system1000as described herein. In embodiments, such lighting device may be a lamp1, a luminaire2, a projector device3, a disinfection device, or an optical wireless communication device. Lighting device light escaping from the lighting device1200is indicated with reference1201. Lighting device light1201may essentially consist of system light1001, and may in specific embodiments thus be system light1001.

The term “plurality” refers to two or more.

The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item1and/or item2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item1and item2. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to “consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to “containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. In yet a further aspect, the invention (thus) provides a software product, which, when running on a computer is capable of bringing about (one or more embodiments of) the method as described herein.

The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.