MODULAR LUMINAIRES

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for forming into a luminaire, the arrangement (1) comprising: one or more optical cells (10) each including means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources (32), e.g. LEDs; and a configuring element (20) for accommodating the one or more optical cells (10) in a predefined relative configuration or pattern; wherein the configuring element (20) comprises a sheet or plate or film of material having one or more apertures (22) therein in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern, each aperture (22) being for receiving therein a respective one of the said cells (10).

Claims

1. An arrangement for forming into a luminaire, the arrangement comprising: one or more optical cells each including means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes); and a configuring element for accommodating, or accommodating, the one or more optical cells in a predefined relative configuration or pattern; wherein the configuring element comprises a sheet or plate or film of material having one or more apertures therein in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern, each aperture being configured for receiving therein, or being configured for and having received therein, a respective one of the said optical cells.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), is/are present or has/have been mounted or positioned or otherwise included in or on or adjacent the respective optical cell(s) of the arrangement, and the cell(s) has/have been received in the respective aperture(s) of the configuring element, whereby the or each optical cell can receive and collect light from a respective said light source; and the said configuring element accommodates or carries the said one or more optical cells in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern, by virtue of each aperture of the configuring element having received therein a respective one of the said optical cells; optionally wherein the arrangement further comprises at least one circuit board or wiring board, or a portion of a circuit board or wiring board, having the said one or more light sources mounted, or pre-mounted, thereon in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern.

3. (canceled)

4. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: either (i) each one of the one or more light sources comprises a single LED or other light emitting device, whereby the or each optical cell comprises, or has mounted or positioned therein or thereon or thereadjacent, or is for having mounted or positioned therein or thereon or thereadjacent, a single LED or other light emitting device; or (ii) each one of the one or more light sources comprises a plurality of LEDs or other light emitting devices, in the form of an array, cluster, series or group thereof, whereby the or each optical cell comprises, or has mounted or positioned therein or thereon or thereadjacent, or is for having mounted or positioned therein or thereon or thereadjacent, an array, cluster, series or group of a plurality of LEDs or other light emitting devices.

5. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein one of the following (i) or (ii) is present or satisfied: (i) the said one or more light sources in the said relative configuration or pattern which are used to form the luminaire are mounted or arranged on at least one circuit board or wiring board, or at least one portion of a circuit board or wiring board, in substantially a single common plane, optionally by virtue of being mounted on a single common planar circuit board or wiring board, or a single common planar portion of either thereof, or a plurality of individual circuit board or wiring board elements each lying in a common plane; or (ii) the said one or more light sources in the said relative configuration or pattern which are used to form the luminaire are mounted or arranged either: (ii)(a) on a single common circuit board or wiring board, or a single common portion of either thereof, which is shaped or configured in a substantially non-planar, or arcuate or otherwise curved in three dimensions, shape or configuration, or (ii)(b) on a plurality of individual circuit board or wiring board elements which are collectively arranged or configured relative to each other so as to form a substantially non-planar, or arcuate or otherwise curved in three dimensions, shaped or configured circuit board/wiring board arrangement.

6. (canceled)

7. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement comprises a plurality of the said light sources, and the light sources are provided in the form of at least one circuit board or wiring board, or a portion of a circuit board or wiring board, having the various light sources already mounted thereon, the arrangement of the light sources thereon being the same as, or corresponding to, or matching, or being synchronized with, the said predefined relative configuration or pattern of the apertures in the configuring element.

8. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein, in the or each optical cell, the means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources, or the optical cell itself, comprises: a structure having one or more structure elements or portions, the structure element(s) or portion(s) comprising: an input for receiving and collecting light from at least one light source, and an output via which light is outputted from the optical cell, and the structure element(s) or portion(s) including one or more walls or surfaces configured for collecting light entering the structure via its input and conveying or directing or allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the structure towards its output; optionally wherein each of the one or more walls or surfaces thereof, or at least a portion of any thereof, performs or effects or acts to produce any one or more of the said effects of conveying or directing or allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the structure either individually or collectively or in any combination of two or more thereof; further optionally wherein, in the or each optical cell, the means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources, or the optical cell itself, comprises: a structure comprising at least one housing, body, casing or container, and including an input for receiving and collecting light from at least one light source, and an output via which light is outputted from the optical cell, and the at least one housing, body, casing or container including the said one or more walls or surfaces configured for collecting light entering the housing, body, casing or container via its input and conveying or directing or allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the housing, body, casing or container towards its output, optionally wherein the structure further comprises a cover component on or attached to the at least one housing, body, casing or container, for providing said output via which light is outputted from the optical cell.

9-10. (canceled)

11. An arrangement according to claim 8, wherein, in the or each optical cell, the means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources, or the optical cell itself, comprises: (i) a light collector element, and (ii) a cover element attached to the light collector element, optionally together with (iii) a transmission element mounted between the light collector element and the cover element.

12. An arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the or each optical cell comprises: (i) a light collector element, (ii) a cover element attached to the light collector element, and (iii) a transmission element mounted between the light collector element and the cover element; wherein: (iv) the light collector element comprises a body including: an input for receiving and collecting light from at least one light source, an output for propagating collected light towards the transmission element, at least one wall defining one or more portions of the body between its input and output and configured for collecting light entering the body via its input and conveying or directing said light towards its output, and attachment means for mechanically attaching the body of the light collector element to the cover element and securing the transmission element between the light collector element and the cover element; (v) the cover element comprises: an input opening facing towards the transmission element and for receiving light transmitted by the transmission element, an output opening via which light is outputted from the optical cell, and at least one internal surface defining a cavity within the cover element between its input and output openings, the cavity's internal surface(s) being configured for allowing or effecting passage of light, or a portion of the light, through the cavity from the cover element's input opening towards its output opening; and (vi) the transmission element comprises: one or more planar optical elements, wherein the or each optical element includes a first surface facing towards the output of the light collector element and a second surface facing towards the input opening of the cover element, and the or each optical element exhibits a predetermined optical activity or function in its transmission of light incident thereon which has exited the output of the light collector element and is transmitted by the transmission element towards the input opening of the cover element.

13. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the configuring element comprises, or is in the form of, a sheet, plate or film, optionally a sheet, plate or film of substantially uniform thickness; optionally wherein: either (i) the sheet, plate or film is substantially planar or flat, or (ii) the sheet, plate or film is curved or arcuate in three dimensions, or it can be formable into such a curved or arcuate shape; further optionally wherein the sheet, plate or film material has a thickness in the range of from about 0.2 or 0.3 or 0.4 or 0.5 or 1 up to about 3 or 4 or 5 mm; yet further optionally wherein the sheet, plate or film is of a sufficient thickness, and/or formed of a suitable material, such that the sheet, plate or film is of sufficient strength and rigidity so as to be able to substantially hold its own shape in space, optionally as a flat planar shape or alternatively as an arcuate or curved-in-three-dimensions shape, and in either case without significant bending or distortion.

14-16. (canceled)

17. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the following (i) and (ii) is/are present or satisfied: (i) the material of the configuring element comprises a plastics material, optionally a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric material, or a metal or metal alloy; (ii) the material of the configuring element is an optically inactive material, whereby it substantially does not perform or exhibit any significant degree of optical functionality of the nature of diffraction, refraction or other modification of the wavelength, phases directional or intensity characteristics of transmitted or reflected light passing through or incident on the configuring element, and whereby it substantially does not contribute to the overall optical functionality of the or each optical cell of the arrangement.

18. (canceled)

19. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the configuring element comprises alignment means for defining and/or facilitating appropriate or correct positioning and/or orientation of the configuring element, or an arrangement or assembly comprising it, in a body or frame of the luminaire into which it is, or is to be, incorporated.

20. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein: either (i) the or each aperture in the configuring element is shaped and/or configured to receive therein a respective one of the optical cells, and at least part of the defining wall(s) of the or each aperture in the configuring element substantially geometrically match(es) or duplicate(s) the external shape of at least part of the respective optical cell, so that the respective optical cell can be retained in its respective aperture in the configuring element by means of a friction fit; or (ii) each optical cell is receivable and securable in its respective aperture in the configuring element by virtue of respective securement, retention or locking means.

21. (canceled)

22. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the defining wall(s) of the or each aperture, together with at least part of an external wall of the respective optical cell, collectively comprise one or more orientation means for effecting reception of the respective optical cell in the respective aperture in any selected one of one or two or a plurality of specific discrete or fixed possible orientations relative to each other, optionally wherein said orientation means comprises a number of pairs of mutually inter-engageable inter-engagement elements or features provided on each of an external wall of the respective optical cell and the defining interior wall(s) of the respective aperture.

23. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the or each optical cell further comprises attachment means, or a component of attachment means, for mechanically and securely—and optionally also removably—attaching the optical cell to the configuring element; optionally wherein any one of (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) below is present or satisfied: (i) the attachment means comprises a friction-fitting engagement between an outer wall of the respective optical cell and the defining wall(s) of a respective mounting aperture in the configuring element; or (ii) the attachment means comprises one or more, optionally one or more pairs of or a plurality of, snap-fit connection or docking elements provided on the optical cell which is/are inter-engageable in a snap-fit manner with one or more corresponding snap-fit connection or docking elements provided on the configuring element, optionally wherein the one or more corresponding snap-fit connection or docking elements provided on the configuring element is/are provided adjacent a respective mounting aperture in the configuring element into which the respective optical cell is to be mounted; or (iii) the attachment means comprises a mechanical docking-type inter-engagement in which each one of the respective optical cell and the configuring element is provided with a respective one of a pair of mutually inter-engageable detents, hooks, catches, clips or other docking inter-engagement elements, whose mechanical inter-engagement together effects the docking inter-engagement of the respective optical cell and the configuring element, optionally wherein plural such pairs of mutually inter-engageable docking elements are provided, located on opposite sides of the respective optical cell and adjacent opposite sides of the respective mounting aperture in the configuring element, for enhancing the security and stability of the docking mounting of the respective optical cell on the configuring element; or (iv) the attachment means comprises one or more, optionally a plurality of or one or more pairs of, snap-fit or click-in or other interconnection or docking or hooking or locking elements provided on the respective optical cell alone or the configuring element alone.

24. (canceled)

25. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein there are provided either one of, or both of: (i) secondary mounting means for mounting or securing or attaching the configuring element on or to a circuit board or wiring board, or a portion of either thereof, carrying the respective light source(s) for association with the respective optical cell(s); and/or (ii) tertiary mounting means for mounting or securing or attaching the configuring element to a luminaire body or frame.

26. An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement includes means for forming or creating one or more air gaps or spaces between two or more components of the arrangement once those components have been brought together in the forming of the arrangement for the forming of the luminaire, optionally wherein the arrangement includes means for forming or creating one or more air gaps or spaces, or series of air gaps or spaces, between the components of any one or more of the following pairs of components of the arrangement (where such components are provided in the relevant arrangement): (i) an input side of the or each optical cell and the configuring element; (ii) an input side of the or each optical cell and a circuit board or wiring board carrying the respective light source associated with that respective optical cell; (iii) an input side of the or each optical cell and the respective light source associated with that respective optical cell; (iv) one or more side walls of the or each optical cell and the respective light source associated with that respective optical cell; (v) the configuring element and a circuit board or wiring board carrying the respective light source associated with that respective optical cell.

27. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the following (i) and (ii) is/are present or satisfied: (i) the plurality of apertures and the plurality of light sources are spatially arranged in or on the configuring element in a plurality of discrete groups, series, clusters or arrays, whereby one or more individual such groups, series, clusters or arrays is/are located in a or a respective discrete section or region of the configuring element which is different from or spaced apart from the other section(s) or region(s) of the configuring element in which is/are located the other group(s), series, cluster(s) or array(s); (ii) the plurality of apertures and the plurality of light sources are functionally arranged in or on the configuring element in a plurality of discrete groups, series, clusters or arrays, whereby one or more individual such groups, series, clusters or arrays is/are either (i) operable independently of one or more of the other groups, series, clusters or arrays, and/or (ii) designed and/or constructed to exhibit different lighting characteristics and/or different optical functions from one or more of the other groups, series, clusters or arrays, optionally wherein appropriate control over the individual groups', series', clusters' or arrays' operation is effectable by appropriate switching and/or electronic control means.

28. (canceled)

29. A luminaire comprising: at least one arrangement according to claim 1; a body or frame in which is contained the said arrangement; and one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), each said light source being mounted or positioned in or on or adjacent a respective optical cell received in a respective aperture of the said configuring element, whereby the or each optical cell can receive, collect and redistribute light from a respective said light source; whereby the one or more light sources are contained in the luminaire in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern defined by the aperture(s) in the configuring element; optionally wherein the luminaire further comprises at least one circuit board or wiring board on which is/are mounted, or has/have been pre-mounted, the said one or more light sources.

30. An assembly for forming into a luminaire, which assembly is any one of the following (i), (ii) or (iii): (i) an assembly comprising: at least one arrangement according to claim 1; and a body or frame in which is contained the said arrangement; wherein each respective optical cell received in a respective aperture of the said configuring element is for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of the said one or more light sources in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern defined by the aperture(s) in the configuring element; (ii) an assembly comprising: at least one arrangement according to claim 1; and one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), each said light source being mounted or positioned in or on or adjacent a respective optical cell received in a respective aperture of the said configuring element, whereby the or each optical cell can receive, collect and redistribute light from a respective said light source; optionally wherein the or each light source is mounted or pre-mounted on at least one circuit board or wiring board, or a portion of a circuit board or wiring board, and the said assembly further comprises said circuit board or wiring board, or portion of either thereof; (iii) an assembly comprising: a body or frame; and one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), mounted or positioned in the body or frame, the or each said light source being mounted or pre-mounted on at least one circuit board or wiring board or a portion of a circuit board or wiring board, wherein the or each light source is arranged and/or positioned and/or configured for having mounted or positioned thereon or thereover or thereadjacent a respective optical cell of an arrangement according to claim 1, once the or the respective arrangement has been mounted or positioned in the body or frame.

31-32. (canceled)

33. A method of production of a luminaire, the method comprising: (i) forming an arrangement according to claim 1 by: (i)(a) providing one or more optical cells each including means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources; (i)(b) providing a configuring element for accommodating the one or more optical cells in a predefined relative configuration or pattern, wherein the configuring element comprises a sheet or plate or film of material having one or more apertures therein in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern, each aperture being configured for receiving therein a respective one of the said optical cells; and (i)(c) inserting each respective optical cell into a respective aperture in the configuring element so as to form the said arrangement; (ii) mounting or positioning one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), in or on or adjacent respective optical cell(s) received in respective aperture(s) of the said configuring element, whereby the resulting relative configuration or pattern of the said one or more light sources is substantially the same as or corresponds to the said predefined relative configuration or pattern of the apertures in the configuring element; and, either before or after this step (ii), (iii) mounting or positioning the arrangement in a body or frame of the luminaire; optionally wherein the step (ii) of mounting or positioning the said one or more light sources in or on or adjacent respective optical cell(s) received in respective aperture(s) of the said configuring element comprises either: mounting or positioning in or on or adjacent respective optical cell(s) of the arrangement at least one circuit board or wiring board, or a portion of a circuit board or wiring board, on which has/have already been pre-mounted the said one or more light sources in the said relative configuration or pattern which is substantially the same as or corresponds to the said predefined relative configuration or pattern of the apertures in the configuring element; or mounting or positioning respective optical cell(s) of the arrangement on or over or adjacent respective one(s) of the said one or more light sources, especially on or over or adjacent respective one(s) of the said one or more light sources which has/have already been pre-mounted on the said circuit board or wiring board or portion of a circuit board or wiring board.

34. A kit of parts for use in forming a luminaire, the kit comprising: one or more, or any plurality of, optical cells each including means for receiving, collecting and redistributing light from a respective one of one or more light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes); and a configuring element for accommodating the one or more optical cells in a predefined relative configuration or pattern, wherein the configuring element comprises a sheet or plate or film of material having one or more apertures therein in the said predefined relative configuration or pattern, each aperture being configured for receiving therein a respective one of the said optical cells; optionally together with a body or frame for containing the components of the luminaire; and further optionally together with the said one or more, or the said plurality of, light sources, optionally one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes), for mounting or positioning in or on or adjacent a respective optical cell when received in a respective said aperture of the said configuring element, whereby the or each optical cell can receive, collect and redistribute light from a respective said light source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0265] Various embodiments of the present invention in its various aspects will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0266] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement for forming into a luminaire, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0267] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which the array of optical cells and the configuring element are brought together so that the respective optical cells are received in the respective mounting apertures of the configuring element;

[0268] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of a modified arrangement, similar to that of FIG. 1, but showing an alternative embodiment in which, in each optical cell's means of mounting in the configuring element, a pair of interengagement features are included in order to fix the respective optical cell in a unique rotational orientation relative to its respective mounting aperture in the configuring element;

[0269] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified form of configuring element, similar to that shown in the arrangement of FIG. 1, but of an alternative shape in which the configuring element includes various mounting and orientation/alignment features to assist its correct and stable mounting in a luminaire body or frame;

[0270] FIG. 5 is a side-on sectional view of a circuit or wiring board on which are pre-mounted the various LEDs of the luminaire, showing the manner in which the LED board is brought together with the optical cells+configuring element arrangement in the formation of the complete luminaire;

[0271] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another arrangement for forming into a luminaire, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, in which the configuring element and the resulting array of optical cells is curved or arcuate in shape, instead of flat/planar;

[0272] FIG. 7 is a plan view of yet another arrangement for forming into a luminaire, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, in which a hexagonal configuring element (as just one example of a possible polygonal shape thereof) is employed for accommodating an array of a larger number of compact optical cells, each optical cell being of a more advanced practical design that further enhances the modular nature of the luminaire-building system;

[0273] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 7, in which the optical cells are in the process of being inserted into the respective mounting apertures in the configuring element;

[0274] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side-on sectional view of part of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 7 & 8, showing more clearly the manner in which each optical cell is mounted in its respective mounting aperture in the configuring element, and how a circuit board on which are pre-mounted the various LEDs is then brought together with the optical cells+configuring element arrangement in the formation of the complete luminaire; and

[0275] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the invention, in the form of a sub-assembly prior to its being mounted in a luminaire body or frame, the sub-assembly comprising a circuit or wiring board carrying the relevant LEDs, with a configuring element attached to the board via standoffs, and the cell mounting apertures in the configuring element being in the process of being populated with optical cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0276] Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular system of components for use in constructing luminaires, and are based on the use of a non-optically-active low-cost configuring element for arranging optical cells into arrays of various shapes, sizes and layouts, whilst keeping the optical cells together as a stand-alone multi-element arrangement of optics before being installed onto a LED-containing circuit or wiring board or into a luminaire body or frame. Each optical cell may comprise one or more LEDs, and optionally also one or more auxiliary optical elements—such as one or more transmission elements (with a predetermined optical activity or function, such as from nano-scale optical functional relief on one or more faces/surfaces of the transmission element, in its transmission of light incident thereon as the light is conveyed or propagates through the optical cell from the respective light source to the cell's output), reflectors, lenses, diffusers, micro- or nano-structured elements or films or foils, glare reduction elements, etc—whereby the overall assemblage of optical components can represent or be assembled into individual optical cells each being designed and configured to redistribute light from each respective light source (LED), and from the light sources (LEDs) collectively, into a desired final output light distribution of the complete, finished luminaire. Within luminaires according to embodiments of the invention, therefore, the optical cells can be spatially distributed according to the luminaire's design. They can form any type of regular or irregular arrangement, such as linear, rectangular, hexagonal, radial, randomized etc.

[0277] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, here there is shown one embodiment arrangement 1 for forming into a luminaire, comprising an array of optical cells 10, each optical cell 10 including a housing or body 14 (attached to which is a cover element 15—see FIG. 3) for containing or having inserted or mounted or positioned therein, thereon or thereadjacent—e.g. in or adjacent a chamber therewithin which is accessible via a lower hole or aperture 19—a respective LED 32, which LEDs 32 will usually be provided pre-mounted on a circuit board or wiring board 30 (as shown in FIG. 5). The optical cells 10 are arranged and held in a predetermined relative configuration or pattern by virtue of each being received and held in a respective mounting aperture 22 of a configuring element 20, which is in the form of a die-cut flat sheet or plate of a suitably strong and rigid plastics material. Typically the apertured flat sheet or plate has a thickness of around 1 to 2 mm, although its exact optimum thickness may depend on the material from which it is formed. Each optical cell 10 is mounted securely in its respective aperture 22 in the configuring element 20 by virtue of a simple friction fit, owing to the matching size and shape of the interior walls defining each aperture 22 and the exterior shape and dimensions of each optical cell's housing or body 14. Alternatively any suitable form of snap-fit or click-in docking arrangement could be used instead for securely—and possibly also removably—mounting each respective optical cell housing/body 14 in a respective mounting aperture 22 of the configuring element 20.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 3, in a particularly useful embodiment, the mounting of each optical cell 10 in its respective aperture 22 of the configuring element 20 comprises a pair of interengageable elements in the form of a lug or tab 18 provided on an exterior upper wall portion 16 of the respective cell housing/body 14 and a notch or recess 28 formed in an interior wall portion of the respective aperture 22 of the configuring element 20. These mounting lug/tab 18 and notch/recess 28 features thus enable each respective optical cell 10 to be fixed in a unique rotational orientation relative to its respective aperture 22 in the configuring element 20.

[0279] FIG. 4 shows a modified form of configuring element 20, similar to the simpler form thereof shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but in which the configuring element 20 includes a series of mounting holes 27, for locating on respective corresponding/matching mounting pins or spigots (not shown) provided at appropriate locations on the luminaire body or frame, and a pair of oppositely arranged or diametrically spaced-apart locating tabs or wings 24, for location in corresponding recesses or notches at appropriate locations on the luminaire body or frame. Thus, together the various mounting holes 27 and locating tabs/wings 24 constitute alignment and orientation features for assisting the correct and stable mounting of the configuring element 20, with its optical cells 10 mounted thereon, in the luminaire body or frame.

[0280] FIG. 5 shows an example of a circuit board or wiring board 30 on which are pre-mounted, in a conventional manner, an array of the LEDs 32 which are arranged in the appropriate same, matching or corresponding predetermined pattern or arrangement as the optical cell mounting apertures 22 in the configuring element 20. Thus, as the board 30 is brought together (as represented by the arrow in FIG. 5) with the arrangement of optical cells 10 carried on the configuring element 20, the respective LEDs are able to protrude through—or to protrude just into or to come to be positioned immediately adjacent (i.e. just outside or just inside) the mouth of—the respective lower holes 19 in the respective optical cell housings/bodies 14, and in some case into (or a short distance into) the respective chambers therewithin, so as to adopt their appropriate correct and final positionings within each respective optical cell for completing the assembly for formation into the final luminaire.

[0281] Although in many embodiments of luminaire according to the invention the overall arrangement or assembly of optical cells 10 carried on the configuring element 20 will be substantially flat or planar, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, it is possible in other embodiments for it to be arcuate or otherwise curved in space, so that the overall final arrangement is substantially non-planar. One such example embodiment is shown in FIG. 6, where the alternative configuring element 120 is curved or arcuate in cross-section and thus the individual circuit or wiring board elements 60 on which are mounted the respective LEDs form a generally curved or arcuate arrangement for forming into the final luminaire. Alternatively one or more inherently flexible circuit or wiring boards, or circuit/wiring board elements, could be used instead.

[0282] FIG. 7 shows yet another example embodiment arrangement 201 for forming into a luminaire, in which a hexagonal configuring element 220 is employed for accommodating a symmetrical array of a larger number of compact optical cells 210, each optical cell 210 being of a more advanced practical design that further enhances the modular nature of the luminaire-building system. FIG. 8 shows those optical cells 210 in the process of being inserted into the respective mounting apertures 222 in the configuring element 220, and fixed therein by appropriate means such as gluing or a snap-in or click-in docking mechanism. FIG. 9 shows more clearly and in greater detail the manner in which each optical cell 210 is mounted in its respective aperture 222 in the configuring element 220, and how a circuit board 30 on which are pre-mounted the various LEDs 32 is then brought together with the optical cells 210+configuring element 220 arrangement in the formation of the complete luminaire.

[0283] As shown in FIG. 9, in this more advanced practical design of each optical cell 210, each cell 210 comprises an upper cover element 215 and a light collector element 214, with the internal walls of the light collector element 214 forming a chamber therewithin for collecting and redirecting light, e.g. by internal reflection, through the optical cell 210 from the respective LED 32 to the optical cell's output defined by the upper open mouth of the cover element 215. Typically, securely mounted internally within the optical cell 210, between the light collector element 214 and the cover element 215 is a transmission element 216, which has a predetermined optical activity or function (such as from nano-scale or micro-scale optical functional relief on one or more faces/surfaces thereof) in its transmission of light incident thereon as the light is conveyed or propagates through the optical cell 210 from the respective LED 32 to the cell's output.

[0284] If desired or appropriate to any given practical example embodiment, in addition to any transmission element 216, there may optionally additionally be included within the optical cell 210, especially within any one or more components of the optical cell 210 (in particular either or both of the light collector element 214 and/or the cover element 215) any suitable arrangement of one or more auxiliary optical elements, e.g. one or more lenses, diffusers, micro- or nano-structured elements or films, or glare reduction elements etc, which may also play a part in defining the overall final light output of the respective optical cell 210, such as by modifying or modulating one or more optical properties of light emitted by the respective LED 32 as it passes or propagates or is conveyed through the optical cell 210, as determined by the optical function(s) of the respective auxiliary optical element(s), optionally in combination with the optical function of any transmission element 216 present.

[0285] FIG. 9 also illustrates by way of example one way in which the arrangement may be designed so as to include an air gap 229 (e.g. of up to about 0.5 or 1 or 2 or 3 mm in depth) formed or created between the lower (i.e. input) side of each optical cell 210 and the circuit- or wiring board 30 on which the respective LED 32 is mounted. In this particular illustrated case, the air gap 229 is formed by virtue of one or more pairs of spacer members 258, which are provided on the lower face of the optical cell's light collector element 214, in the form of legs, pins, legs, or spigots 258, which simultaneously also act as mounting means of type (i) defined hereinabove which act as spacer means for defining and setting a predetermined spacing distance between the circuit- or wiring board 30 and the light collector element 214 of the respective optical cell 210. The provision of this air gap 229 helps promote air flow around the components of the arrangement, thereby helping to dissipate heat generated from the respective LED 32 by convective air flow or even by forced air flow (e.g. using a fan included within the overall luminaire apparatus), and thus to help prevent or ameliorate a risk of overheating of the respective LED 32 and/or the neighbouring/adjacent/surrounding components of the arrangement or luminaire. The provision of the air gap 229 also helps to prevent the respective LED 32 from being enclosed in a substantially air-tight space which could itself lead to overheating of same and/or the neighbouring/adjacent/surrounding components.

[0286] FIG. 10 shows an example of an alternative embodiment of the invention being implemented in practice. As just one example of one of the kinds of assemblies or sub-assemblies that may be used to from final luminaires, here there is shown a sub-assembly 300 prior to its being mounted in a luminaire body or frame, the sub-assembly 300 comprising a circuit or wiring board 30 carrying the relevant LEDs 32 thereon, with an apertured configuring element 320 attached to the board 30 via standoffs or spacers 340, and the cell mounting apertures 322 in the configuring element 320 being in the process of being populated with optical cells 310.

[0287] Especially in the case of embodiment modular arrangements such as that shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 which include a plurality of LEDs 32 finally mounted in a plurality of apertures 222 in the configuring element 220, such modular systems may have an advantage in that they may be readily designed so as to have a plurality of different optical cells or groups, series, clusters or arrays of optical cells combined into a single given luminaire arrangement, with each optical cell or group/series/cluster/array thereof performing a different optical function, such as collimation (i.e. operating as a spot light) or formation of a wide light cone (i.e. operating as a flood light), and these different functions may be switchable by turning on and off certain groups of LEDs on the board. Additionally, the overall outer shapes and sizes of the optical cells may be the same, despite individual optical cells having different optical functionalities. This is just one simple example of a multifunctional luminaire. Other examples could perform other differing optical functions as between different optical cells or groups/series/clusters/arrays of optical cells, for example colour mixing functions or sequential or cycling operations.

[0288] Indeed, a wide variety of different designs of such “multi-functional” luminaires may be practised by use of the modular luminaire system of the invention, with its unique configuring element that defines the basic spatial arrangement of discrete optical cells than can then be used to design and build luminaires in a modular fashion with various spatial and/or functional arrangements (these terms being as defined hereinabove) of their constituent optical cells.

[0289] Thus, with appropriate design of the modular system luminaires may be designed and created with a wide range of optical functions and overall optical characteristics, thereby giving luminaire designers a wide range of options for how to configure many different luminaire products, which may for example be customized according to specific needs of an end customer.

[0290] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and linguistic variations of those words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, elements, integers or steps.

[0291] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless expressly stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise.

[0292] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, features, components, elements, integers, characteristics, properties, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith or expressly stated otherwise.