LUMIAIRE WITH INTEGRATED AIR MULTIPLIER

Abstract

The invention provides a system (1) comprising a fan assembly (100) with a plurality of nozzle openings (115a, 115b, . . . ) for creating air flows (111a, 111b, . . . ), the fan assembly (100) configured to provide said air flows (111a, 111b, . . . ) in at least two non-parallel directions (112a, 112b, . . . ), wherein the at least two non-parallel directions (112a, 112b, . . . ) are configured within a virtual cone (30) having an apex angle (a) selected from the range of 10-170° and having a cone axis (31), a control system (200) configured to control said air flows (11a, 111b, . . . ), the system (1) further comprising a light source (10) configured to generate light source light (11).

Claims

1. A system (1) comprising a fan assembly with a plurality of nozzle openings for creating air flows, the fan assembly configured to provide said air flows in at least two non-parallel, divergent directions, wherein the at least two non-parallel divergent directions are configured within a virtual cone having an apex angle selected from the range of 10-170° and having a cone axis, a control system configured to control said air flows, the system further comprising a light source configured to generate light source light, wherein the airflow is at least twenty times larger than needed for cooling of the light source, preferably at least fifty times larger, wherein the fan assembly comprises a plurality of independently controllable fan assemblies for providing guided, independently controlled jets of air into different directions from the plurality of nozzle openings, wherein the light source comprises a hollow, annular light exit window perimetrically surrounding the plurality of nozzle openings, and wherein the light source comprises a LED.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control system is further configured to control the light source.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source light has an optical axis, wherein the system is configured to provide said light source light with the optical axis, of the light source light and the cone axis having a mutual angle selected from the ranges of 0-80° and 100-180°, and wherein the system is configured to provide said air flows having mutual angles with the cone axis selected from the ranges of 10-80°.

4. The system according to claim 1, comprising at least three nozzle openings, wherein the fan assembly is configured to provide at least three air flows in at least three mutually non-parallel directions, and wherein the control system is configured to control one or more of the flow velocity and flow rate of each of the at least three air flows escaping from the at least three nozzle openings.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of nozzle openings are configured in an annular configuration.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is free from moving parts.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the hollow, annular light exit window has a hollow inner part which widens in a downstream direction along the cone axis.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a sensor, wherein the control system is configured to control one or more of one or more of the air flows the light source light as function of a sensor signal of the sensor wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air quality sensor.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fan assembly is configured to create air flows with a product of the air flow and the air velocity of at least 0.05 m4/s2 through the nozzle openings, wherein the nozzle openings have one or more dimensions selected from a length, a width and a diameter in the range of 0.2-10 mm, and wherein the fan assembly comprises one or more impellers.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fan assembly comprises a duct for a fluid connection between an air inlets and one or more nozzle openings, wherein the ducts comprises an air filter.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the air filter has an air filter cross-section, wherein the duct has a duct cross-section at a position where the air filter is configured, and wherein the filter cross-section and the duct cross-section have a ratio selected from the range of 0.3-0.95.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured for suspension, wherein the system comprises a top part and a down part, wherein the light source is configured to provide said light source light propagating in a direction away from one or more of said top part and said down part, and wherein the fan assembly is configured to provide said air flows propagating in a direction away from said down part.

13. A method for providing one or more of an air flow and light in a space, the method comprising: providing one or more of one or more of said air flows wherein the airflow is at least twenty times larger than needed for cooling of the light source, preferably at least fifty times larger, and said light source light in said space with the system according to claim 1, and controlling the fan assembly comprising a plurality of independently controllable fan assemblies for providing guided, independently controlled jets of air into different direction from the plurality of nozzle openings.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the system further comprises said air filter.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured pendant.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0055] FIGS. 1a-1b schematically depict some embodiments of the system;

[0056] FIG. 2 schematically depict some uplight and/or downlight aspects;

[0057] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically depict some possible embodiments; and

[0058] FIGS. 4a-4e schematically depict some aspects and embodiments of the system and its application.

[0059] The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0060] FIG. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of a system 1 as described herein, which comprises a fan assembly 100 with a plurality of nozzle openings 115, which individual nozzle openings are indicated with references 115a,115b, . . . . The fan assembly is configured to create (mutually divergent) air flows 111a, 111b, . . . (from one or more of said nozzle openings).

[0061] Indications like “115a,115b, . . . ” indicate that at least two of such element may be available. Further, indications like “115a,115b, . . . ” indicate a plurality of the element 115, with the individual elements being indicated with 115a,115b, . . . .

[0062] During use, one or more air flows 111 may be generated. However, the system is configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . in at least two non-parallel directions 112a, 112b, . . . . Though the system is configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . in at least two non-parallel directions 112a, 112b, . . . , this does not imply that during use always all air flows are provided. For instance, one may switch between air flows, or reduce the number of air flows in a direction where no air flow is desired, etc. To that end the system may further include a control system (see also below).

[0063] The fan assembly 100 may include a plurality of nozzles 110, with the individual nozzles being indicted with references 110a, 110b, etc. Note that the air flow generating device (see also below) as well as the nozzles may substantially be enclosed by a housing 7, with only the nozzle openings 115 (optionally) visible. Here, the nozzle openings 115 are configured in a virtual closed arc, which may be round or oval. By way of example, six nozzle openings 115 are depicted. In this schematically depicted embodiment the plurality of nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . are configured in an annular configuration. The system may also comprise an inlet 116 (e.g. at the top of the system).

[0064] The nozzle openings 115 can substantially have any shape. Here, by way of example six nozzle openings 115 are depicted, which have an oval shape. In specific embodiments, the nozzle openings have one or more (smallest) dimensions selected from a length (L), a width W and a diameter in the range of 0.2-10 mm, especially 0.5-5 mm, such as 1-5 mm. Width W and length L are indicated in the drawing. The nozzle opening define a cross-sectional area. The total cross-sectional are for all nozzle openings 115 may be at least 20 cm2, such as even at least 50 cm2, to provide the desired flows.

[0065] In embodiments, the system 1 may further comprise a light source 10, such as a solid state light source, like a LED, configured to generate light source light 11. The light source light has an optical axis O. Here, the system 1 is configured as downlighter, though alternatively or additionally, the system 1 may also be configured as uplighter.

[0066] The at least two non-parallel directions 112a, 112b, . . . are configured within a virtual cone 30 having an apex angle α selected from the range of 10-170°, such as 20-120°, like 30-150°. A cone having a diameter twice as large as the length of the cone axis has a cone angle of 90°. The virtual cone further has a cone axis 31. The apex angle α can also be defined as a cone angle. The apex angle of the virtual cone 30 in FIG. 1a is about 75°.

[0067] Note that here the optical axis O and the cone axis 31 are parallel in this schematically depicted embodiment. Even more, in this embodiment the optical axis O and the cone axis 31 (substantially) coincide.

[0068] The system 1, as schematically depicted here is configured for suspension (pendant). The system 1 may comprise a top part 3 and a down part 4. The light source 10 is configured to provide said light source light 11 propagating in a direction away from one or more of said top part 3 and said down part 4, here in a direction away from the down part 4. However, especially the fan assembly 130 is configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . propagating in a direction away from said down part 4.

[0069] The system 1 may further include a control system 200 configured to control said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . . The control system may be integrated in the housing 7 (as schematically depicted in FIG. 1b); or may be external thereof (as schematically depicted in FIG. 1a). Further, the control system 200 may include a user interface 220, which may be integrated in the system or which may be remote, such as comprised by a remote control (see also FIG. 1b). The control system 200 may further be configured to control the light source 10. The system may be equipped with sensors to sense the air quality for automatically performing air purification.

[0070] The system 1 may have a main axis MA, especially when the device may have a cylindrical like shape or a conical like shape or a beam like shape. The main axis MA may especially coincide with at least one virtual cone 30.

[0071] The system, or more especially the device depicted that comprises the fan assembly 100 and the light source 10, as schematically depicted in FIG. 1a is shaped like a cone and centered around a revolution axis, where a central opening or light exit window (see below) is centered around the axis. However, this shape of the system 1 or of the housing 7 is a non-limiting example of the many possible shapes. For instance, referring to FIG. 1b, this may be a cross-section of a conically shaped system 1, but this may also be the cross-section of a regular pyramid(-like) shape, such as a triangular shaped pyramid or a square (rhombic) pyramid or a rectangular pyramid, or a pentagonal pyramid, etc. etc.

[0072] One may also state that the at least two non-parallel directions 112 of the air flows 111 are defined by a first virtual cone 30′ and a second virtual cone 30″, one having a cone apex α1, which has the herein indicated lower value of at least 10°, and one having a cone apex α2, which has the herein indicated upper value of 170°. The air flows 111 have directions 112 within these two cones 30′,30″. The virtual cones 30′ and 30″ share the cone axis 31. This is schematically indicated in FIG. 1b. The apexes of the two virtual cones point in the same direction (here upwards). The apex angles in FIG. 1b are about 15° (α1) and 150° (α2).

[0073] As the first virtual cone 30′ has (thus) an apex angle of (at least) 10°, the angle of the air flows 111 is thus at least 5° with the virtual cone axis 30, such as at least 10°. Therefore, especially, such as also depicted schematically in FIG. 1b, the system (1) is configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . having (mutual) angles al, 62, . . . with the cone axis 31 selected from the ranges of 5-85°, even more especially 10-80°. More especially, the directions 112a, 112b, . . . and the cone axis 31 have mutual angles σ1, σ2, . . . selected from the ranges of 10-80°, such as at least 20°, like in the range of 20-70°.

[0074] Here, the system 1 has again a main axis MA. The optical axis O is configured parallel to the main axis MA. The fan assembly 100 is configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . in at least two non-parallel directions 112a, 112b, . . . having (mutual) angles γ1, γ2, . . . with the main axis MA selected from the ranges of 5-85°, even more especially 10-80°, more especially selected from the ranges of 20-70°. As in this embodiment the main axis MA substantially coincide with the virtual cone axis 31, the values for γ and σ may be (substantially) equal.

[0075] Further, the system 1 is configured to provide said light source light 11 with the optical axis O and the cone axis 31 having a mutual angle θ selected from the ranges of 0-80° and 100-180°. In FIG. 1b, the angle β is 0°; as the system is a downlighter and down fan.

[0076] In FIG. 1b, a remote control 225 is indicated, which may include a user interface 220 for providing instructions to the control system 200. Here, by way of example the control system 200 is integrated in the housing 7.

[0077] FIG. 2 schematically depicts the orientation of the optical axis relative to the cone axis 31. The light source light 11 with the optical axis O and the cone axis 31 have a mutual angle β selected from the ranges of 0-80° (downlight) and 100-180° (uplight). Only by way of example (two) beams are depicted that have non-zero angles β with the cone axis 31.

[0078] FIG. 3a schematically depicts an embodiment of the system 1 comprising at least three nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . , wherein the fan assembly 100 is configured to provide at least three air flows 111a, 111b, . . . in at least three mutually non-parallel directions 112a, 112b, . . . , and wherein the control system 100 is configured to control one or more of the flow velocity and flow rate of each of the at least three air flows 111a, 111b, . . . escaping from the at least three nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . . Note that each of the flow directions 112a, 112b, . . . have a mutual angle σ with the cone axis 31 of at least 10 such as at least 20°, though especially not larger than 80°. Note that the device or housing 7 has a square or rectangular cross-section.

[0079] As can be derived from e.g. FIGS. 1a, 1b and 3a, the system 1 may be configured to provide said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . and said light source light 11 with the optical axis O of the light source light 11 and one ore more directions 112a, . . . having mutual angles selected from the ranges of 10-80° and 100-170°. Further, also two or more flow directions may have mutual angles selected from the ranges of 10-80° and 100-170°. Especially, at least two or more flow directions have mutual angles selected from the ranges of 10-80°. Note that when a multitude of flow directions are available (in the same virtual cone), a plurality of subsets of two flow directions may comply with this condition, though adjacent flows may have flow directions that may have smaller mutual angles.

[0080] FIG. 3b schematically depicts an embodiment of the system 1 wherein the light source 10 comprises an annular light exit window 13. For instance, a plurality of solid state light source may be configured upstream from the light exit window 13 (solid state light sources not visible in the drawing). Here, the system 1 also comprises a plurality of annular nozzles openings 115. Here, by way of example three annular nozzles openings 115 are depicted over each other. Note that one or more of these nozzle openings may include a plurality of different nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . . This is schematically indicated in the upper annular nozzle opening, which includes in fact nozzle opening 115a (right), nozzle opening 115b (left), and a third nozzle opening 115c (at the back) of the housing. The dashed lines indicates the sections wherein the respective nozzle openings 115a, 115b, etc. are configured. Only by way of example schematically three sections are depicted. Also two, or more than three section may be used. The two other rings may provide further nozzle openings that may optionally be independently controlled form the nozzle openings 115a, 115b, 115c of the upper annular nozzle opening, but which may optionally also be subdivided in the same three sections. Note that here both the nozzle openings 115 are configured in an annular configuration and the light exit window is configured in an annular configuration.

[0081] FIG. 3c schematically depicts a similar type of embodiment as schematically depicted in FIG. 3b. However, here the light exit window 13 is not hollow but substantially closed. Hence, where in FIG. 3b the light exit window 13 is a closed arc, here the light exit window 13 is a closed circle, square, triangle, rectangle, etc., whatever shape is selected. References 116 indicate openings (air inlets) for sucking air into the fan assembly. As indicated above, the term “fan assembly” may also refer to a plurality of fan assemblies (that may independently be controlled).

[0082] FIG. 4a schematically depicts part of a system 1, which may for instance be a part of the system 1 also schematically depicted in FIG. 3b. Reference 125 schematically indicates an impeller as example of an air flow generating device 120.

[0083] FIGS. 4b-4c schematically depict embodiments where the air flows 111 are generated at the inside of the system 1. In FIGS. 3b-3d the air flows were generated at the edges of the system 1. The fan assembly 100 comprises an air flow generating device 120, such as an impeller 125. The fan assembly 130 may comprise a duct 140 for a fluid connection between an air inlet 116 and one or more nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . . Here, the duct 140 comprises an air filter 150. Hence, in this way, with the “luminaire” also air may be purified. FIG. 4c schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the air filter 150 has an air filter cross-section A1, wherein the duct 140 has a duct cross-section A2 at a position 141 where the air filter 150 is configured, and wherein the filter cross-section A1 and the duct cross-section A2 have a ratio A1/A2 selected from the range of 0.3-0.95. This is schematically depicted in more detail in FIG. 4d, wherein the square indicates the cross section A2 of the duct 140 at position 141, wherein part of this cross section A2 is blocked by the filter 150 having a cross section A1, which is smaller than the cross section A2 of the duct 140. The ratio of A1/2 can also be larger than 0.95, such as even 1. In the latter variant, the filter is configured in the entire cross-section of the duct, and there is no bypass. When A1/A2 is larger than 0, but smaller than 1, there is some bypass or remaining part, indicated with reference 143, that can be used to increase the flow, but nevertheless air can be filtered and air in a space can be cleaned (removing of particles). The filter may optionally be configured as valve, thereby allowing a controllable ratio A1/2. Hence, the filter cross-section is especially the cross-section of the duct occupied by the filter (when seen along a duct axis). Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments, the ratio A1/A2 can be smaller than 1, and at least part of the remaining part, indicated with reference 143 of the duct can be closed with an controllable valve 146. This valve is optional. In this way, air filtering and air flow may even be better controlled. Hence, in embodiments the duct 140 can be intercepted by one or more of a valve and an air filter 150, wherein optionally stages are available wherein with a ratio of smaller than 1, nevertheless the bypass can be blocked with a valve. Hence, optionally the bypass is controllable. In FIG. 4b the cross-section of the air filter 150 and the duct 140 are at the position of the filter apparently substantially identical (no bypass). In FIG. 4d, reference DA indicates a duct axis, which is here perpendicular to the duct cross section A2.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 3b-3d and 4a-4c, (a) the plurality of nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . perimetrically surround the annular light exit window 13 and/or the light source 10 or (b) wherein the plurality of nozzle openings 115a, 115b, . . . are perimetrically surrounded by the annular light exit window 13 and/or the light source 10.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3b, 4b, 4c, the embodiments schematically depicted therein and similar embodiments have a hollow inner part that can be illuminated, e.g. to create a specific ambiance

[0086] The system 1 can be used to illuminate a space, to provide one or more air flows in a space (such as for cooling), or to filter the air in the space. Especially, the system may thus be used for providing one or more of an air flow and light in a space 1000, the method comprising providing one or more of (a) one or more of said air flows 111a, 111b, . . . , and (b) said light source light 11 in said space 1000. This is schematically depicted in FIG. 4e. Here, by way of example the system 1 is configured pendant. Further, as schematically depicted in FIG. 4e, by way of example the system 1 comprises two subsets of mutually divergent air flows. Thereby, as here schematically depicted, air flows 111a and 111b, with mutually divergent directions 112a and 112b, respectively (which define a first virtual cone; not depicted), and air flows 111a′ and 111b′, with mutually divergent directions 112a′ and 112b′, respectively (which define a second virtual cone; not depicted) are provided. Further, by way of example also further air flows outside the virtual cones are provided in a direction anti parallel to the cone axes (not depicted) of the virtual cones. Here, the further air flow which are directed up are also provided. These further air flows are indicated with reference 211, with a first further air flow 211a, having a direction 212a, and a second further air flow 211b, with a direction 212b. The system, here especially housing 7, includes a sensor 250. Further, two virtual hemispheres are defined, with the device or apparatus (or housing) comprising the fan assembly 100 and the light source 10 in the middle. The mutually divergent air flows 111 and the light source light 11 are provided in the same hemisphere (here the lower).

[0087] The systems 1 shown in FIGS. 1a-1b, 3a-3c, 4a-4c and 4e all schematically depict integrated units, though in FIGS. 1a-1b the control system 200 and/or remote control are schematically depicted as not being part of the integrated unit (device or apparatus) comprising the fan assembly and light source. Note however that also in e.g. FIG. 4e the sensor 250 may be configure external from the device or apparatus comprising the fan assembly and light source

[0088] The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all light” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” 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” includes also 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 “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. 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”.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The system, apparatus and devices herein are amongst others 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 in operation.

[0091] 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. 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 the device 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.

[0092] The invention further applies to a device 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.

[0093] 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.