Lighting device with multiple light sources and light guide

Abstract

The present invention provides a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources and a light guide such that a corner and a plurality of angles of a light guide system can be uniformly illuminated without interrupting light. The lighting device comprises n light sources, n being equal to (2) or greater, each light source comprising an array of LEDs on a carrier having two carrier ends. The LED array includes repeating lighting elements, each lighting element having an optical center. The lighting device further comprises n-1 connections between the carrier ends of adjacent light sources, each connection having a non-zero and non-flat connection angle an-1, and a light guide having an edge surface separating a first side surface and an opposing second side surface. At each of the n-1 connections, two or more lighting elements at each carrier end of adjacent light sources have a pitch held across that connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device comprising a light source and a light guide. Background Art

[0002] The introduction of LED light sources has enabled greater flexibility in the design of lighting fixtures. In combination with light guides, illuminated surfaces can be created.

[0003] US10422943B2 discloses an example of a luminaire having a light guide, wherein an array of solid-state lighting elements is arranged around the edge of the light guide, and the light guide has a flat light output surface that is visible when the luminaire is in use.

[0004] US2020355350A1 discloses a lighting fixture in which at least first and second adjacent LED strips are connected at an angle to each other, and the distance between the end LEDs is substantially the same as the distance between the equally spaced LEDs on the surface of the first and second LED strips.

[0005] As the shapes of lighting devices and light guide systems become more complex, additional flexibility is required to create fully illuminated surfaces. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources and a light guide, enabling uniform illumination of corners and multiple angles of the light guide system without interruption of the light.

[0007] The lighting device includes n light sources, where n is equal to 2 or greater. Each light source includes an LED array on a carrier, the carrier having two opposing carrier ends at opposite sides of the LED array. The LED array includes repeating lighting elements, wherein each lighting element has an optical center. The lighting device also includes n-1 connecting portions between the carrier ends of adjacent light sources of the n light sources, each connecting portion having a non-zero and non-flat connecting angle α n-1 , and a light guide having an edge surface separating a first side surface and an opposing second side surface.

[0008] At each of the n-1 connections, two or more lighting elements at each carrier end of adjacent light sources have a pitch, measured between optical centers of the lighting elements, that is maintained across the connection. The light guide is mounted on the n light sources such that each LED array is arranged to emit light into the light guide via an edge surface, and wherein at each of the n-1 connections, the edge surface of the light guide has a bend with a bend angle that is equal to the connection angle α of the corresponding connection. n-1 .

[0009] The lighting device of the present invention solves the problem of dark, unevenly illuminated corners in light guide systems. Typically, two light sources and two light guides need to be connected in the corner, for example by means of an additional corner piece. In the lighting device of the present invention, the light guide corners are fully illuminated, which is achieved by using a single light guide having a bend in each respective corner and an LED light source connected in the corner, so that the pitch in the corner is maintained across the connection. The present invention provides flexibility with respect to the number of connections and the number of corners comprised by the lighting device. The connection angle of each connection can be selected within a wide range of different angles. Thus, a lighting device can be produced which provides high design flexibility and a very pleasing appearance of a fully illuminated surface, especially at the corners of the light guide system. The lighting device can, for example, be implemented as a light guide system for indoor luminaires embedded in or around the ceiling of a room, but many other possible applications are also possible.

[0010] The LED array is arranged on a carrier, such as a substrate, which can be rigid (e.g., made of polymer, glass, quartz, metal or sapphire) or flexible (e.g., made of polymer or metal, such as a film or foil). The carrier can also be called an LED board, printed circuit board or PCB. The carrier can have an elongated shape, such as, for example, a strip-like appearance with two long sides parallel to the LED array and two short sides at the carrier ends. The carrier ends are located on opposite sides of the carrier and the LED array located on the carrier. Thus, the light source has a first carrier end at one end of the LED array and a second carrier end at the opposite end of the LED array.

[0011] Each connection has a non-zero and non-flat connection angle α n-1 A non-zero connection angle is a connection angle different from 0°. A non-flat connection angle should be understood as a connection angle different from 180°.

[0012] Each LED array includes repeating lighting elements, each with an optical center. In various examples, a lighting element may include different light-emitting components. Depending on the specific implementation, the optical center may be the same as the mechanical center of the component. However, the optical center may also be offset from the mechanical center of the component, depending on how the component generates light. A lighting element may also include more than one component. In this case, the optical center should be understood as the combined optical centers of all components comprising the lighting element.

[0013] The light guide has an edge surface that separates the first side surface and the second side surface. In other words, the light guide can have the basic shape of a plate, wedge, or blade, having a thickness, width, and height. The thin edge surface defines the thickness of the light guide plate and separates the two main side surfaces having a width and height. The light guide has the basic shape of a plate, but the light guide of the present invention is not flat; it has a three-dimensional structure. To be suitable for use in the lighting device of the present invention, it is necessary to design and produce a flat light guide plate to match the design of the lighting device.

[0014] The light guide has a bend at a certain bend angle at each connection of two light sources. The angle of the bend is measured at the edge surface of the light guide, but the bend can extend along the bend line from the edge surface across the side surface to the opposite edge of the light guide. Therefore, the side surface visible during operation of the lighting device can also have a bend with a bend angle, while the other side surface can have a bend of 360 degrees minus the bend angle. In an example of visual comparison, the light guide with one bend can look like a half-open book placed vertically. The edge surface of the light guide is mounted so that all lighting elements emit light into the edge surface to produce a smoothly illuminated side surface, including the corners of the light guide.

[0015] LED arrays consist of repetitive lighting elements placed at a certain pitch. Pitch can also be referred to as distance or spacing. For the lighting device of the present invention, maintaining this pitch across the connection is crucial. Spacing is measured using at least two lighting elements at each carrier end of adjacent light sources. In other words, the pitch is measured on at least the last two lighting elements closest to the connection on each side of the LED array.

[0016] The pitch is measured between the optical centers of the lighting elements and is maintained across the connection. Thus, the pitch is constant between at least two lighting elements at the carrier end of a first of the adjacent light sources, between at least two lighting elements at the carrier end of a second of the adjacent light sources, and between the lighting elements across the connection. In other words, the pitch on the left side of the connection is equal to the pitch on the right side of the connection and equal to the pitch across the connection.

[0017] At each of the n-1 connections, the carrier end may include chamfered surfaces that together form a connection angle α. n-1 The width of the carrier would hamper design possibilities. Introducing a beveled carrier end enables the lighting elements to be placed closer to the connection and at a smaller pitch.

[0018] Two adjacent carriers can have beveled ends, meaning the carrier ends do not have a standard rectangular shape. One corner of the rectangular carrier end is removed to create a beveled edge, also called a transition edge or bevel. The angle of the bevel varies depending on the connection angle of the corresponding connecting portion. Connecting the two beveled carrier ends forms a miter joint at the connection angle of the corresponding connecting portion.

[0019] Furthermore, the carrier ends can each include two beveled faces that intersect at a 90-degree angle. Like a miter joint with one beveled face, this joint allows for the placement of lighting components near the connection. However, it also allows for more efficient use of the light guide system's space at the connection within the corner.

[0020] On a carrier end with two beveled surfaces, the two corners at the end of the rectangular carrier are replaced by beveled surfaces. The first beveled surface is configured at the same angle as described for the solution with one beveled surface. The second beveled surface is configured at a right angle to the first beveled surface. Connecting the two beveled carrier ends forms a miter joint at the connection angle of the corresponding connection part, and additionally removes the protruding corner of the carrier, allowing the light guide system to be installed more closely in the corner.

[0021] Alternatively, the carrier end can have a rounded shape at each of the n-1 connections. Rounded carrier ends offer the advantage of allowing the same carrier to be connected at different angles, thereby reducing design and manufacturing costs. However, the possible connection angles may be limited because, in this particular solution, the pitch across the connection increases with increasing connection angle due to the carrier width. Therefore, at larger connection angles, the pitch across the connection may not be maintained.

[0022] The rounded shape of the carrier end may also be described as a carrier end formed as a full radius or formed as a semicircle.The carrier end has no sharp edges like a rectangular end or a beveled end.

[0023] In one example, each lighting element can be comprised of a single LED component. In this example, the repeating lighting elements are all comprised of a single LED component. This may be the case, for example, in a lighting device capable of producing only white light, or in a lighting device using integrated RGB LED components.

[0024] In another example, each lighting element is comprised of two LED components. In such an example, the repeating lighting elements are all comprised of two LED components, typically two different types of LED components. In one example, each lighting element can include a warm white LED and a cool white LED, or in another example, each lighting element can include a white LED and an RGB LED component.

[0025] In yet another example, each lighting element is comprised of three LED components. In such an example, repeated lighting elements are all comprised of three LED components, typically three different types of LED components. In one example, each lighting element can include a warm white LED, a cool white LED, and an RGB LED assembly. In another example, each lighting element can include separate red, green, and blue LED components.

[0026] The LED arrays of n light sources can be combined to form a combined LED array such that the pitch is maintained across all lighting elements of the lighting device. In the earlier example, the pitch was maintained across two or more lighting elements at each carrier end of adjacent light sources, as well as across their connections. In this example, the pitch is maintained across the entire lighting device. In other words, the pitch of the lighting elements is constant for all LED arrays included in the lighting device. Additionally, the pitch is constant across all connections of all adjacent LED arrays. Thus, the distance from one lighting element to the next is constant, regardless of where it is measured within the lighting device.

[0027] Furthermore, at each of the n-1 connections, the bend of the light guide may have a centerline radius of curvature, and the centerline of the light guide may be aligned with the optical center of the lighting element. A fundamental feature of the present invention is that the pitch is maintained across the connections, and the light guide is mounted so that all lighting elements emit light into the edge surfaces of the light guide. Depending on the specific embodiment, a simple bend in the light guide may not be sufficient. The best and most uniform illumination of the light guide is achieved by a bend having a radius of curvature. More specifically, when the centerline radius of curvature is selected so that the centerline of the light guide is aligned with the optical center of the lighting element.

[0028] The centerline radius of curvature of a light guide is defined as the distance from the center of curvature to the centerline (axis) of the light guide. It may be substantially the same as or sufficiently close to the neutral bending line of the light guide or the optical center of the light guide.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, at each of the n-1 connections, the bend of the light guide can have a centerline radius of curvature, and the ratio of the centerline radius of curvature to the pitch can be in the range of 0.45 to 0.55. A different or additional way to optimize uniform illumination of the light guide corner is to relate the centerline radius of curvature of the light guide to the pitch. More specifically, optimal and most uniform illumination of the light guide is achieved when the bend has a centerline radius of curvature that is approximately half the pitch.

[0030] Connection angle α n-1Each connection angle in can be between 5 degrees and 175 degrees, or between 185 degrees and 355 degrees. The lighting device of the present invention provides a high degree of flexibility in selecting different connection angles. In a typical implementation, the connection angle can be approximately 90 degrees, but if the angle is 5 degrees or more away from zero angle or straight angle, essentially all angles can be achieved.

[0031] In one example, the number n of light sources can be at least 4. A typical embodiment of the present invention can include at least four light sources in the lighting device. The four light sources can form a rectangular or square shape, which can be installed, for example, in or around the ceiling of a room, thereby creating a rectangular or square light guide system indoor luminaire.

[0032] For each light source, the carrier may have a longitudinal axis, and the LED array may be positioned on one side of the longitudinal axis. Positioning the LED array on one side of the carrier's longitudinal axis may create space on the other side of the carrier. This space may be used, for example, for connectors or additional components required for the operation of the lighting device.

[0033] In another example, each light source can conform to the ZHAGA standard. The ZHAGA standard aims to standardize the interfaces of LED luminaire components, such as LED arrays and connectors. The ZHAGA specifications are defined in "The books of ZHAGA" and define the necessary conditions for interoperability.

[0034] Each LED array can have a lighting element having a lighting element width in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding carrier. The pitch can be less than 2 times the lighting element width. A smaller pitch is desirable and achieves various advantages, such as more uniform illumination, reduced height bevels, and sharper corners with a smaller centerline radius of curvature.

[0035] Each lighting element has a width measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carrier. For embodiments in which the lighting element consists of a single LED component, the width is the width of the LED component. For embodiments in which the lighting element consists of a cluster of LED components, the width should be understood as the width of the entire cluster of LED components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A view showing a connection portion of a lighting device;

[0038] Figure 2shows a cross section of the lighting device;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the connection;

[0040] Figure 4 Details of the lighting equipment are shown;

[0041] Figure 5 Details of the lighting equipment are shown;

[0042] Figure 6a-Figure 6a schematically depicts an example of a carrier;

[0043] Figures 7a-7d schematically depict examples of lighting elements;

[0044] Figure 8 An example of a light source is shown.

[0045] The schematic diagrams are not necessarily drawn to scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention seeks to provide a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources and light guides such that corners and multiple angles of the light guide system can be illuminated uniformly without interrupting the light.

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lighting device 1 is shown, more specifically, a schematic diagram of a light source 100 and a connecting portion 130. The lighting device 1 includes n light sources 100, where n is equal to 2 or greater, and n can be any number of light sources greater than 2. However, typical examples may be n = 3 to produce a triangular lighting device 1, n = 4 to produce a rectangular or square lighting device 1, or n = 6 to produce a hexagonal lighting device 1.

[0048] Each light source 100 comprises an LED array 110 on a carrier 120 having two carrier ends 121 at opposite sides of the LED array 110. The LED array 110 comprises repeating lighting elements 111.

[0049] The n light sources 100 are in contact with each other at n-1 connecting portions 130. At each connecting portion 130, the carrier ends 121 of two adjacent light sources 110 are connected at a non-zero and non-flat connecting angle α. n-1 Connections. The lighting device 1 of the present invention offers flexibility in the number of connections and angles included in the lighting device. The connection angle α of each connection portion 130 can be selected from a wide range of different angles. Essentially, the connection angle can be any angle other than zero angle (an angle of 0°) or a flat angle (an angle of 180°). Within a tolerance of plus or minus 5 degrees, angles close to zero angle or a flat angle are not suitable for implementing the lighting device 1 of the present invention.

[0050] The connection 130 between the light sources 100 can be an electrical connection, or it can be a mechanical connection. The connection can be achieved by placing two adjacent light sources 100 next to each other. In such an example, the light sources 100 can be held in place by other components of the lighting device 1, such as connectors elsewhere on the carrier, or (part of) the housing of the luminaire.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross section of a lighting device 1 is shown to illustrate how a light guide 200 is mounted on a light source 100. The light guide 200 has an edge surface 201 that separates a first side surface 202 from an opposing second side surface 203. The light guide 200 is mounted on n light sources 100 such that each LED array 110 is arranged to emit light into the light guide 200 via the edge surface 201. The illumination of the light guide can be further optimized by aligning the optical center of the lighting elements 111 on the LED array 110 with the optical center or neutral line of the light guide 200. In many cases, the optical center line or neutral line can be approximated as the center line of the light guide 200, which is the geometric center line of the light guide 200.

[0052] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a cross section of a lighting device 1 is schematically shown. The lighting device 1 comprises n light sources 100 and n-1 connecting portions 130. An example of one connecting portion 130 of the lighting device 1 is schematically shown here. Two adjacent light sources 100 are connected at the connecting portion 130. The light guide 200 is mounted on top of the light source 100 so that each lighting element 111 of each LED array 100 is arranged to emit light into the light guide 200 via an edge surface 201. At each of the n-1 connecting portions 130, the edge surface 201 of the light guide 200 has a bend 210 with a bend angle that is equal to the connection angle α of the corresponding connecting portion 130. n-1 .

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of two adjacent light sources 100 and connections 130 is shown. At each of the n-1 connections 130, two or more lighting elements 111 at each carrier end 121 of the adjacent light sources 100 have a pitch p. The pitch p is measured between the optical centers 112 of the lighting elements 111 and is maintained across the connections 130. Figure 4How the pitch is determined is shown in . The two lighting elements 111 closest to the left side of the connection 130 have a pitch p, or distance, between the optical centers 112 of the two lighting elements 111. The same is true for the two lighting elements 111 closest to the right side of the connection 130. The pitch p to the left of the connection 130 is equal to the pitch to the right of the connection 130, which is equal to the pitch across the connection 130. The pitch p across the connection 130 is measured from the optical center 121 of the lighting element 111 immediately to the left of the connection 130 to the optical center 121 of the lighting element 111 immediately to the right of the connection 130 along the centerline CL of the light guide 200. Therefore, the pitch p across the connection 130 is not measured on a straight, shortest line between the optical centers 121, but rather follows the bend and curvature of the light guide 200 (represented by its centerline CL).

[0054] The pitch p is constant and maintained across the connection 130. If the distance between the lighting elements 111 varies by less than 10%, or preferably less than 5%, the pitch can be considered maintained. Furthermore, the pitch can also be maintained across the lighting device 1. In such an example, the LED arrays 110 of the n light sources 100 together form a combined LED array such that the pitch is maintained across all lighting elements 111 of the lighting device 1.

[0055] Figure 5 Another example of a connection 130 between adjacent light sources 100 is shown, with a light guide 200 mounted on top of the connection 130. In this example, the curved portion 210 of the light guide 200 has a bend angle α and, in addition, a centerline curvature radius r. The centerline curvature radius r is selected so that the centerline CL of the light guide 200 is aligned with the optical center 112 of the lighting element 111. The light guide 200 is mounted so that all lighting elements 111 emit light into the edge surface of the light guide 200. To achieve uniform illumination of the light guide 200, it may be desirable for the light guide 200 to have a curved portion 210 with a certain radius. This can be further optimized when the centerline curvature radius r is selected so that the centerline CL of the light guide 200 is aligned with the optical center 112 of the lighting element 111.

[0056] The centerline curvature radius of the light guide 200 is defined as the distance from the center of curvature to the centerline CL of the light guide 200. It may be substantially the same as or sufficiently close to the neutral bending line of the light guide 200 or the optical center of the light guide 200.

[0057] In another example, the centerline radius of curvature can be sized relative to the pitch of lighting elements 111 across connecting portion 130. The ratio of the centerline radius of curvature to the pitch can be 0.5, or it can be in the range of 0.45 to 0.55. In other words, optimal illumination is achieved when the centerline radius of curvature of curved portion 210 is sized to be half the pitch of lighting elements 111. The deviation in the ratio of the centerline radius of curvature to the pitch can be less than 5%, or can be less than 10%.

[0058] Figures 6a-6c schematically illustrate different examples of shapes for the carrier end 121. Several different shapes may be suitable for implementation in the lighting device 1 of the present invention. Therefore, the three examples shown here do not represent all possible solutions, and those skilled in the art will be able to define additional shapes for the carrier end 121 that may be equally suitable.

[0059] FIG6 a shows an example in which the carrier end 121 includes chamfered surfaces 122 that together form a connection angle α. n-1 A miter joint 140 is formed at the connection portion 130. The typical carrier 120 of the LED array 110 has a rectangular shape. However, when used in the present invention, the width of the carrier 120 may hinder design possibilities. The beveled carrier ends 121 enable the lighting elements 111 to be placed closer to the connection portion and at a smaller pitch. The beveled edge can be created by removing one corner of the rectangular carrier end 121. Connecting the two beveled carrier ends 121 forms a miter joint 140 at the connection angle of the corresponding connection portion.

[0060] The angle of the chamfered surface 122 varies depending on the connection angle of the corresponding connection portion 130. The angles of the chamfered surface 122 on both carrier ends 121 can be equal, and each angle can be half the connection angle. Other asymmetrical angles are also possible when the miter joint 140 is selected so that the connection portion 130 is formed at the connection angle of the corresponding connection portion 130.

[0061] FIG6b schematically illustrates an example in which each carrier end 121 includes two beveled surfaces 122 intersecting at a 90-degree angle. In a carrier end 121 having two beveled surfaces 122, the two corners at the end of the rectangular carrier 121 are replaced by beveled surfaces 122. The first beveled surface 122 is configured at a certain angle, as in the example described above using a single beveled surface 122. The second beveled surface 122 is configured at a right angle to the first beveled surface 122. Connecting the two beveled carrier ends 121 forms a miter joint 140 at the connection angles of the corresponding connecting portion 130, and additionally removes the protruding corners of the carrier 121.

[0062] Figure 6c depicts an example where the carrier end 121 has a circular or semi-circular shape. The carrier end 121 having a circular shape can be connected at different angles at the connection portion 130 as long as the pitch is maintained across the connection portion.

[0063] 7a to 7d schematically illustrate examples of a lighting element 111 and various aspects related to the lighting element 111. Several different examples are shown, in which the lighting element 111 is composed of a different number of components 113. In addition to the examples shown, many other solutions may be suitable for implementation in the lighting device 1 of the present invention.

[0064] FIG7 a shows an example of lighting elements 111, each consisting of one LED component 113. One LED component 113 is repeated across the LED array 110 at a pitch p. This can be implemented in a lighting device 1 capable of producing only white light, or, for example, in a lighting device using integrated RGB LED components. Pitch p is measured between the optical centers of the lighting elements 111 and, in this example, is equal to the optical centers of the LED components 113.

[0065] Lighting elements 111 have a lighting element width, denoted as w, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective carrier. In this example, the lighting element width is the width of the LED components 113 of lighting element 111. The pitch can be related to the lighting element width. When the ratio of pitch to lighting element width is as small as possible, the illumination of lighting device 1 and light guide 200 can be optimized. The pitch can be less than 2 times the lighting element width, or less than 1.5 times the lighting element width.

[0066] FIG7 b schematically illustrates an example in which each lighting element 111 is composed of two LED components 113. Thus, each lighting element 111 is composed of a cluster of two LED components 113. In most implementations, lighting element 111 can be composed of two different LED components 113. These can be, for example, a warm white LED and a cool white LED to produce tunable white light. Alternatively, they can be a white LED and an RGB LED, or any other combination of two LED components 113.

[0067] The pitch p of a lighting element 111 composed of clusters of LED components 113 should be understood as the distance between the combined optical centers of the lighting elements 111, and thus the distance between LED clusters. Each LED component 113 of a lighting element 111 has an optical center. When combined into a lighting element 111, the lighting element 111 has a combined optical center that is in the center of the optical centers of the LED components. This definition of pitch p applies to all lighting elements 111 composed of multiple LEDs 113.

[0068] Lighting element 111 has a lighting element width, denoted as w, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective carrier. In examples where lighting element 111 comprises more than one LED component 113, the lighting element width should be understood as the width of the LED cluster. The lighting element width is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis from one side of the first LED component 113 of lighting element 111 to the other side of the last LED component 113. The pitch can be related to the lighting element width as described above.

[0069] Figures 7c and 7d show further examples in which each lighting element 111 consists of three LED components 113. Thus, each lighting element 111 consists of a cluster of three LED components 113, typically three different LED components 113. The lighting element 111 may, for example, include a warm white LED, a cool white LED, and an RGB LED, or it may include any other combination of three LED components 113. The LED components 113 may be arranged adjacent to each other on the longitudinal axis of the carrier 120, as shown in Figure 7c. Alternatively, the LED components 113 may also be arranged to be distributed around the longitudinal axis of the carrier 120, as shown in Figure 7d.

[0070] Figure 8 A further example of a light source 100 and a carrier 120 is schematically depicted. The carrier 120 has a longitudinal axis, and the LED array 110 can be positioned on one side of the longitudinal axis, here indicated as L. In this example, the LED array 110 is positioned completely on one side of the longitudinal axis, but it can also be positioned only slightly to one side of the longitudinal axis, such that the lighting elements of the LED array 110 still overlap with the longitudinal axis.

[0071] It should be noted that the above-described 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 figure signs placed between brackets should not be construed as limiting the claim. The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claim. The article "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The present invention can be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements and by a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be implemented by the same item of hardware. The mere fact that measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0072] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be combined, and more than two embodiments can also be combined.

Claims

1. A lighting device (1), comprising: n light sources (100), n being equal to 2 or more, each light source (100) comprising an LED array (110) on a carrier (120), the carrier (120) having two carrier ends (121) at opposite sides of the LED array (110), wherein the LED array (110) comprises repeating lighting elements (111), wherein each lighting element (111) has an optical center (112), n-1 connecting portions (130) between carrier ends (121) of adjacent light sources (100) of the n light sources (100), each connecting portion (130) having a non-zero and non-straight connection angle α n-1 ,as well as A light guide (200) having an edge surface (201) separating a first side surface (202) and an opposing second side surface (202), wherein at each of the n-1 connections (130), two or more lighting elements (111) at each carrier end (121) of the adjacent light sources (100) have a pitch, the pitch being measured between the optical elements (112) of the lighting elements (111), the pitch being maintained across the connection (130), wherein the light guide (200) is mounted on the n light sources (100) such that each LED array (110) is arranged to emit light into the light guide (200) via the edge surface (201), wherein, at each of the n-1 connecting portions (130), the edge surface (201) of the light guide (200) has a curved portion (210) with a bending angle, the bending angle being equal to the connecting angle α of the corresponding connecting portion (130) n-1 ,and Wherein, at each connection portion (130) of the n-1 connection portions (130), the curved portion (210) of the light guide (200) has a centerline curvature radius, so that the centerline of the light guide (200) is aligned with the optical center (112) of the lighting element (111).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein At each of the n-1 connecting portions (130), the carrier end (121) includes a chamfered surface (122), and the chamfered surfaces (122) are formed at the connecting angle α. n-1 A miter joint (140) is formed below.

3. The lighting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the carrier ends (121) each comprise two chamfered surfaces (122) intersecting at an angle of 90 degrees.

4. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein at each of the n-1 connecting portions (130), the carrier end (121) has a circular shape.

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each lighting element (111) consists of one LED component (113).

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each lighting element (111) consists of two LED components (113).

7. The lighting device (01) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each lighting element (111) consists of three LED components (113).

8. The lighting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the LED arrays (110) of the n light sources (100) together constitute a combined LED array such that the pitch is maintained across all lighting elements (111) of the lighting device (1).

9. A lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at each of the n-1 connections (130), the curved portion (210) of the light guide (200) has a centerline radius of curvature, and wherein a ratio of the centerline radius of curvature to the pitch is in the range of 0.45 to 0.

55.

10. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection angle α n-1 Each connection angle is an angle between 5 degrees and 175 degrees, or between 185 degrees and 355 degrees.

11. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein n is at least 4.

12. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein For each light source (100), the carrier (120) has a longitudinal axis, and the LED array (110) is positioned on one side of the longitudinal axis.

13. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each light source (100) complies with the ZHAGA standard.

14. The lighting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each lighting element (111) has a lighting element width in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding carrier (120), and wherein the pitch is less than 2 times the lighting element width.

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