Comfort of outdoor luminaires due to phyllotactic arrangement of LED sources

Abstract

The invention provides an outdoor luminaire (100) comprising: a plurality of lighting devices (10), each lighting device (10) configured to provide lighting device light (11) and each lighting device (10) comprising at least a light source (13); a plurality of beam shaping optics (20), each beam shaping optics (20) configured to receive lighting device light (11) of one of the lighting devices (10) and configured to beam shape the lighting device light (11) into a beam (12) of lighting device light (11); wherein the outdoor luminaire (100) is configured to provide a beam (112) of luminaire light (101) comprising the beams (12) of lighting device light (11); and wherein the beam shaping optics (20) are configured in an arrangement (120) which is random, phyllotactic or a combination thereof.

Claims

1. A luminaire comprising: a plurality of lighting devices, each lighting device configured to provide lighting device light and each lighting device comprising at least a light source; a plurality of beam shaping optics, each beam shaping optics configured to receive lighting device light of one of the lighting devices and configured to beam shape the lighting device light into a beam of lighting device light; wherein the luminaire is configured to provide a beam of luminaire light comprising the beams of lighting device light; and wherein the beam shaping optics are configured in an arrangement which is applied in a phyllotactic pattern; wherein any straight line does not cross more than three adjacent beam shaping optics.

2. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the beam shaping optics comprise one or more of lenses and reflectors.

3. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of lighting devices are configured in an arrangement which is phyllotactic.

4. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of lighting devices are configured in an arrangement which is regular, wherein the luminaire further comprises a plurality of optical fibers for guiding the lighting device light of the lighting devices to the respective beam shaping optics.

5. The luminaire according to claim 1, further comprising a light transparent window configured downstream of the plurality of beam shaping optics.

6. The luminaire according to claim 1, further comprising a light transparent window configured downstream of the plurality of lighting devices, wherein the plurality of beam shaping optics are at least partly comprised by the light transparent window.

7. The luminaire according to claim 1, further comprising one or more of first interspaces between adjacent lighting devices and second interspaces between adjacent beam shaping optics, wherein the first interspaces or the second interspaces comprise light reflective material configured to reflect visible light in a direction away from the luminaire.

8. The luminaire according to claim 1, defining a light emitting area from which the beam of luminaire light emanates, and wherein the plurality of lighting devices are configured to provide lighting device light with different intensities, with higher intensities in a central part of the light emitting area and with lower intensities in a peripheral part of the light emitting area.

9. The luminaire according to claim 1, defining a light emitting area from which the beam of luminaire light emanates, the luminaire further comprising a control system configured to control in a control mode the lighting devices to provide lighting device light with different intensities, with higher intensities in a central part of the light emitting area and with lower intensities in a peripheral part of the light emitting area.

10. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of lighting devices and the plurality of beam shaping optics are configured to provide the beam of luminaire light having a beam angle () in the range of 90-140 within a cross-sectional plane of the beam of luminaire light, which cross-sectional plane of the beam of luminaire light also comprises an optical axis (O3) of the luminaire, with at least 75% of the intensity of the luminaire light within this beam angle ().

11. An arrangement of the luminaire according to claim 1, configured to illuminate with the beam of luminaire light an area below the luminaire.

12. Street lamp comprising the arrangement according to claim 11.

13. Vehicle light comprising the luminaire of claim 1.

14. Vehicle rear light assembly comprising the arrangement according to claim 12.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIGS. 1a-1b schematically depict an embodiment and some variants of a luminaire and elements thereof;

(3) FIGS. 2a-2e schematically depict some embodiments and some variants of a luminaire and elements thereof;

(4) FIG. 3 schematically depicts an embodiment of an arrangement with a luminaire, here by way of example for e.g. street lighting.

(5) The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(6) The luminaire described herein may be used for indoor lighting and/or outdoor lighting, and especially for lighting of relative large areas. In embodiments, the luminaire may be used for outdoor lighting.

(7) FIG. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire 100. The luminaire 100 comprises a plurality of lighting devices 10 and a plurality of beam shaping optics 20.

(8) Each lighting device 10 is configured to provide lighting device light 11 and each lighting device 10 comprising at least a light source 13. In this schematic drawing only three lighting devices 10 are depicted, each comprising two light sources 13.

(9) As shown, each beam shaping optics 20 is configured to receive lighting device light 11 of one of the lighting devices 10 and is configured to beam shape the lighting device light 11 into a beam 12 of lighting device light 11.

(10) Here, by way of example also a window 40 is depicted, which is of a light transmissive, especially transparent material. Hence, here the outdoor luminaire 100 comprises a light transparent window 40 configured downstream of the plurality of beam shaping optics 20. Therefore, a viewer from external of the luminaire 100 can see the optics 20, and thus also the arrangement 120 of the optics.

(11) The outdoor luminaire 100 is configured to provide a beam 112 of luminaire light 101 comprising the beams 12 of lighting device light 11. Hence, the beam 112 of luminaire light 101 is built up by the beams 12 of the different lighting devices with their associated respective optics 20.

(12) Not visible in this view (but see below), the beam shaping optics 20 are configured in an arrangement 120 which is random, phyllotactic or a combination thereof.

(13) The arrangement 120 in this embodiment is planar, like the window 40 is. However, the window 40 may be curved and/or facetted, and/or the arrangement 120 of the optics may be curved and/or facetted.

(14) Here, by way of example the beam shaping optics 20 comprise lenses 21 and reflectors 22.

(15) The luminaire 100 provides a light emitting area 60, which may essentially be defined by the optics 20. As here in this embodiment there is a light transparent window 40 downstream of the optics 20, the window 40 may define the light emitting area 60.

(16) In embodiments, the luminaire may comprise or may be functionally coupled to a control system 70 configured to control (in a control mode) the lighting devices 10. In this way one or more of the intensity and spectral distribution of the luminaire light 101 may be controlled. Would there be two or more subsets of different optics, providing different beam shapes, then a control system may also be able to control the beam shape of the beam 112 of luminaire light 101.

(17) FIG. 1b schematically depicts three embodiments of optics 20, each by way of example together with a lighting device 10. Example I schematically shows an embodiment of a lens 21, example II shows an embodiment of a total internal reflector 22, and example III shows an example of a hollow reflector 22. Reference O1 indicates the optical axis of the lighting device 10 (which may comprise a plurality of light sources, see above), and reference O2 indicates the optical axis of the optics 20. These optical axes are especially configured parallel and point in the same direction. More especially, these optical axes may coincide.

(18) FIG. 2a schematically shows an example of a phyllotactic arrangement 120 (of the light sources or the optics) and FIG. 2b schematically shows an example of a random arrangement 120 (of the light sources or the optics). As shown in the schematic drawings, there are no subsets of adjacent beam shaping optics of more than three beam shaping optics configured in a straight line (along the virtual face). As depicted in FIG. 2a, light sources or optics no. 3, no. 8 and no. 5 are adjacent and arranged on a straight line L. As depicted in FIG. 2a, light sources or optics no. 0, no. 8, no. 11 and no. 1 are arranged on a straight line L, but are not adjacent. For example, light source or optic no. 6 is adjacent to light sources or optics no. 11 and no. 1. This means that any straight line does not cross more than three adjacent beam shaping optics. This also means that any straight line does not cross more than three adjacent lighting devices. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than two adjacent light sources, see for example line L. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than two adjacent beam shaping optics, see for example line L. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three light sources. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than two light sources. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three beam shaping optics. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than two beam shaping optics. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three adjacent beam shaping optics in the points representing the centers of the beam shaping optics. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three adjacent lighting devices in the points representing the centers of the lighting devices. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three beam shaping optics in the points representing the centers of the beam shaping optics. In an embodiment, any straight line does not cross more than three lighting devices in the points representing the centers of the lighting devices.

(19) These figures also show first interspaces 51 between adjacent lighting devices 10 or second interspaces 52 between adjacent beam shaping optics 20. As these arrangements are schematic representations, these figures may reflect the arrangement of the lighting devices or the arrangement of the optics.

(20) Reference d indicates the interdistance between the lighting devices or the optics. In case of the optics, this interdistance may be essentially 0 mm. In the case of the lighting devices, this interdistance may be about 0.5-5 times, such as 1-2 times the equivalent spherical diameter of the lighting devices, such as of the solid state, or of the COBs. The equivalent spherical diameter (or ESD) of an (irregularly) shaped object is the diameter of a sphere of equivalent volume. The equivalent circular diameter (or ECD) of an irregularly shaped two-dimensional shape is the diameter of a circle of equivalent area. For instance, the equivalent circular diameter of a square with side a is 2*a*SQRT(1/).

(21) As shown in FIG. 2a, the phyllotactic arrangement is a kind of spiral-like arrangement with between neighboring elements on the spiral-like arrangement an angle of 137.5. As known in the art, a small deviation of this angle may already lead to some regularity. Here, the term element may thus refer to optics or lighting device.

(22) FIG. 2c schematically depicts a further possible embodiment, also comprising a light transparent window 40 configured downstream of the plurality of lighting devices 10. However, here the plurality of beam shaping optics 20 are at least partly comprised by the light transparent window 40.

(23) Further, by way of example, here the embodiments also includes light reflective material 55 configured to reflect visible light in a direction away from the outdoor luminaire 100. For instance, the light reflective material may be Teflon or a alumina or a BaSO.sub.4 coating, or other materials known in the art that can reflect light. The reflective material may be available at the first interspaces 51 or the second interspaces 52. Here, the first interspaces comprise reflective material. For instance, a PCB with lighting devices may be provided with a reflective material between the lighting devices.

(24) FIG. 2d schematically depicts a light emitting area 60 from which the beam of luminaire light emanates, such as an array of lighting devices, or here the window 40. As indicated above, it appears further desirable that the edges provide less intense light than a central area. For instance, the plurality of lighting devices 10 are configured to provide lighting device light 11 with different intensities, with higher intensities in a central part 61 of the light emitting area 60 and with lower intensities in a peripheral part 62 of the light emitting area. There may also be a gradient between a central part and a plurality of peripheral parts, wherein the latter are arranged at different distances from the central part (like a core-shell structure, with the core being the central part, and one or more shells as peripheral part(s)).

(25) FIG. 2e schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the plurality of lighting devices 10 are configured in an arrangement 120 which may be regular, or otherwise not corresponding with the arrangement of number of optics 20. The luminaire 100 further comprises a plurality of optical fibers 30 for guiding the lighting device light 11 of the lighting devices 10 to the respective beam shaping optics 20.

(26) FIG. 3 schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the plurality of lighting devices and the plurality of beam shaping optics are configured to provide the beam 112 of luminaire light 101 having a beam angle in the range of 90-140 within a cross-sectional plane of the beam 112 of luminaire light 101, which cross-sectional plane of the beam 112 of luminaire light 101 also comprises an optical axis O3 of the outdoor luminaire 100. Especially, at least 75% of the intensity of the luminaire light 101 within this beam angle . This angle can also be defined as opening angle of the beam 112. This FIG. 3 also schematically depicts an arrangement 1000 of an outdoor luminaire 100 which is configured to illuminate with the beam 112 of luminaire light 101 an area 2 below the luminaire 100. The area 2 may be at least part of a street, etc.

(27) The term plurality refers to two or more.

(28) 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.

(29) 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.

(30) The 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.

(31) 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 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.

(32) 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.

(33) 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.