Artificial sunroof device
By designing multiple independently controlled light-emitting surfaces and 3D printed rings, the problem of scalability and cost of existing products is solved, and the low-cost natural light simulation effect is achieved for suspension applications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380089694.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-02
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-26
AI Technical Summary
The existing artificial sunroof products have shortcomings in terms of scalability and manufacturing costs, and are not suitable for suspension applications.
An artificial sunroof consisting of multiple independently controlled luminous surfaces was designed, the ring was manufactured using 3D printing technology, and suspendable by hanging elements, combining transparent light exit window panels and adjustable light source color and intensity.
It achieves improved scalability and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining a natural appearance, and is suitable for suspension applications.
Smart Images
Figure CN120548438A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial skylight for obtaining an artificial skylight / daylight or natural window appearance. Background Art
[0002] Artificial skylights offer the ability to simulate at least some aspects of the outdoor environment within an indoor setting. Due to their beneficial properties for human health, demand for artificial skylights is increasing. Since people tend to spend the majority of their time indoors, potentially removing them from natural daylight, there is interest in creating artificial light that can mimic the look and feel of a natural window or skylight.
[0003] Currently available artificial skylights combine multi-controlled, multi-colored LED light sources in a single luminaire to simulate the outdoor experience in an office or home environment. This concept combines these LED light sources in a 3D-printed housing with specific characteristics. Current products are well-suited to rectangular office ceiling grids. However, they are not suitable for other applications such as suspension. Furthermore, current products are often manufactured using traditional luminaire manufacturing methods, including bending and coating metal sheets, screwing, and wiring. As a result, currently available products suffer from poor scalability and high manufacturing costs.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved artificial skylight that is scalable and has low manufacturing costs while maintaining a natural appearance. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above discussion, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved artificial skylight. Therefore, the artificial skylight for providing artificial skylight light according to the present invention includes a panel, wherein the panel includes a first light-emitting surface arranged to emit a first light for simulating the sky. The first light-emitting surface may be rectangular, square, circular, diamond-shaped, or elliptical. In addition, the first light-emitting surface may be flat or curved. The main peak wavelength of the first light may be in the wavelength range from 430 nm to 490 nm. The panel may include a plurality of first light-emitting elements, which may be optionally arranged at its first light-emitting surface. The term "light-emitting element" is intended to mean "including a light-emitting diode (LED), a plurality of LEDs, and / or a plurality of LEDs arranged in a linear array." In addition, the term "light-emitting element" refers to densely packed LEDs. The densely packed LEDs may be distributed along the longitudinal axis of the artificial skylight. The panel may be a display module, an LCD / matrix, etc.
[0006] The first light emitting surface may have a length L and a width W. L may range from 0.3 m to 2 m, preferably from 0.4 m to 1.8 m, more preferably from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, and most preferably from 0.6 m to 1.2 m. W may range from 0.3 m to 2 m, preferably from 0.4 m to 1.8 m, more preferably from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, and most preferably from 0.6 m to 1.2 m. Preferably, L is equal to W.
[0007] Each or any LED may comprise an inorganic LED and / or an organic LED (OLED). Although the light-emitting elements are referred to herein as comprising LEDs, it should be understood that each or any light-emitting element may comprise another or other type of light source, such as another or other type of solid-state light emitter, in addition to or in lieu of LEDs. The light-emitting elements may be arranged along (substantially) the entire surface of the light-emitting surface of the artificial skylight.
[0008] The artificial skylight according to the present invention further comprises a ring circumscribing the first light-emitting surface, the ring having an inner wall facing the first light-emitting surface and an outer wall facing away from the first light-emitting surface, the ring having a proximal end disposed adjacent to the first light-emitting surface and a distal end disposed away from the first light-emitting surface.
[0009] At least a portion of the inner wall of the ring comprises a second light emitting surface, wherein the second light emitting surface is configured to emit a second light for simulating sunlight. Preferably, the entire inner wall of the ring comprises the second light emitting surface.
[0010] The first light emitting surface may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the second light emitting surface. The term "substantially perpendicular" should be understood as being arranged at an angle of 85° to 95°. The second light emitting surface may include a plurality of second light emitting elements.
[0011] At least a portion of the outer wall of the ring includes a third light emitting surface configured to emit a third light. The third light emitting surface may include a plurality of third light emitting elements. Preferably, the entire outer wall of the ring includes the third light emitting surface.
[0012] The portion of the inner wall of the ring including the second light emitting surface can account for a range of from 5% to 95% of the total area of the inner surface of the ring, preferably in a range of from 15% to 85%, more preferably in a range of from 20% to 80%, and most preferably in a range of from 30% to 70%, for example 65% of the total area of the inner surface of the ring.
[0013] The portion of the outer wall of the ring including the third light-emitting surface can account for a range of from 5% to 95% of the total area of the outer surface of the ring, preferably in a range of from 15% to 85%, more preferably in a range of from 20% to 80%, and most preferably in a range of from 30% to 70%, for example 65% of the total area of the outer surface of the ring.
[0014] At least a portion of the ring may be 3D-printed. 3D printing can be performed using any 3D printing technology, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM). Preferably, the outer wall of the ring is 3D-printed. The ring may comprise a polymer material, such as polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or polylactic acid (PLA).
[0015] To enhance the versatility of the artificial skylight according to the present invention, the first, second, and third light-emitting surfaces are individually controllable. Furthermore, the color and / or intensity of the second and / or third light can be variable along the inner and / or outer walls of the loop. The first, second, and / or third light-emitting surfaces can be back-illuminated and / or side-illuminated.
[0016] The artificial skylight may further include a light exit window panel disposed downstream of the first light emitting surface, wherein the light exit window panel is configured to allow at least a portion of the first light to exit the artificial skylight. The light exit window panel is preferably transparent and configured to provide an infinity effect for the artificial skylight. Preferably, an air gap is formed between the light exit window panel and the first light emitting surface.
[0017] The ring of the artificial skylight may further include a frame arranged between and parallel to the inner and outer walls of the ring, the frame having a first surface facing the inner wall of the ring and a second surface facing the outer wall of the ring. In embodiments in which a frame is present, the second light source may be arranged on the first surface of the frame, and the third light source may be arranged on the second surface of the frame. The frame has a proximal end arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting surface and a distal end arranged a distance from the proximal end. The frame may be 3D-printed and may comprise glass and / or metal.
[0018] The frame may include a support portion, which is arranged adjacent the far end of the frame, i.e., at a distance from the first luminous surface and substantially parallel to the first luminous surface. The support portion of the frame is arranged adjacent the far end of the ring, wherein the support portion has an inner edge arranged adjacent to the inner wall of the ring and an outer edge adjacent to the outer wall of the ring. The far end of the outer wall of the ring may include a flat portion that abuts the frame support portion. Such an embodiment has the advantage of preventing light from leaking from the gap formed between the frame and the outer wall of the ring.
[0019] The proximal end of the ring inner wall may comprise a flat portion abutting the first light emitting surface or, if present, the light exit window panel. According to such an embodiment, light leakage from the gap between the frame and the ring inner wall may be minimized or eliminated.
[0020] In particular, the panel comprising the first light emitting surface may be circular and may have a first diameter D1. The frame may also be circular and may have a second diameter D2 defined by the inner edge of the support portion of the frame. The first diameter D1 may be greater than the second diameter D2, i.e. D2 < D1. In such an embodiment, challenges arise when installing the panel comprising the first light emitting surface into the frame, as it is not feasible to insert the panel into the frame from the far end of the frame. The panel may be inserted at a certain angle through a dedicated notch at the proximal end of the frame to be introduced from the proximal end of the frame and then arranged substantially perpendicularly relative to the first surface of the frame. Alternatively, the panel may have a truncated shape, such as a truncated circle, which enables the panel to be inserted into the frame. Another option is to make the proximal end of the frame reversibly deformable so that the panel can be inserted.
[0021] The inner wall of the ring may be an inner diffuser. The inner diffuser may be tapered and thus arranged at an angle α relative to the first emitting surface. The angle α may be from 30° to 150°, for example, from 75° to 120°. A shielding element may be arranged between the outer wall and the inner wall of the ring. Preferably, the shielding element abuts the inner wall of the ring. Such a shielding element covers a portion of the inner wall of the ring and provides a shading effect. The shielding element is preferably made of a light-blocking material.
[0022] The outer wall of the collar can be in the form of an outer diffuser and can include a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion can be located adjacent to the distal end of the collar and has the advantage of preventing light leakage from the gap formed between the frame and the outer diffuser. It is important to note that when the artificial skylight is suspended from a ceiling or another horizontal surface, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" as used herein should be understood to have the same conventional meaning as these terms. However, if the artificial skylight is attached to a wall or another vertical surface, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are interchangeable.
[0023] The vertical portion of the outer diffuser may be convex. In particular, the vertical portion of the outer diffuser may be ribbed.
[0024] The artificial skylight according to the present invention may comprise a suspension element arranged for suspending the artificial skylight. The suspension element may be a wire, a chain, a rope or the like.
[0025] As understood from the foregoing, the present invention provides an artificial skylight that has an improved appearance and can be hung.
[0026] Finally, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hangable artificial skylight. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a panel having a first light emitting surface arranged to emit a first light for simulating the sky; b) providing a ring having an inner wall and an outer wall, the ring having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a first portion of the inner wall of the ring comprises a second emitting surface configured to emit a second light simulating sunlight; and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall of the ring comprises a third emitting surface configured to emit a third light; c) arranging the first light-emitting surface within the loop so that the loop circumscribes the first light-emitting surface, so that the inner wall of the loop faces the first light-emitting surface, and the outer wall of the loop faces away from the first light-emitting surface; and so that the proximal end of the loop is arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting surface, and the distal end of the loop is arranged away from the first light-emitting surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an artificial skylight according to the present invention; and Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A cross-section of the described artificial skylight.
[0029] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally show only parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the invention are provided as examples so that this disclosure can convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components having the same or similar functions, unless expressly stated otherwise.
[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of an artificial skylight 1 according to the present invention is shown. The artificial skylight includes a panel 2 having a first light-emitting surface 2a configured to emit a first light simulating the sky. The first light-emitting surface 2a is circular and flat. The main peak wavelength of the first light can be within the wavelength range of 430 nm to 490 nm, meaning the first light is blue light.
[0032] The artificial skylight 1 includes a ring 3 circumscribing a first light-emitting surface 2a. The ring 3 has an inner wall 4 facing the first light-emitting surface 2a and an outer wall 5 facing away from the first light-emitting surface 2a. The ring 3 has a proximal end 6 arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting surface 2a and a distal end 7 arranged away from the first light-emitting surface 2a.
[0033] The inner wall 4 of the ring 3 comprises a second light emitting surface 8 configured to emit a second light for simulating sunlight. The first light emitting surface 2a and the second light emitting surface 8 are arranged substantially perpendicularly.
[0034] The outer wall 5 of the annular ring 3 comprises a third light emitting surface 9 configured to emit a third light.
[0035] As described above, in order to increase the versatility of the artificial skylight according to the present invention, the first light-emitting surface 2a, the second light-emitting surface 8, and the third light-emitting surface 9 are individually controllable. In addition, the color and / or intensity of the second light and / or the third light can be non-constant along the inner wall 4 and / or the outer wall 5 of the ring 3.
[0036] Reference Figure 2 The artificial skylight 1 further includes a light exit window panel 10 disposed downstream of the first light emitting surface 2a. The light exit window panel 10 is configured to allow at least a portion of the first light to exit the artificial skylight 1. The light exit window panel is preferably transparent and is used to provide the artificial skylight with an infinity effect. An air gap 11 is formed between the light exit window panel 10 and the first light emitting surface 2a.
[0037] The ring 3 of the artificial skylight 1 also includes a frame 12 arranged between the inner wall 4 and the outer wall 5 of the ring 3 and parallel to the inner wall 4 and the outer wall 5 of the ring 3. The frame 12 has a first surface 13 facing the inner wall 4 of the ring 3 and a second surface 14 facing the outer wall 5 of the ring 3. A second light source 15 is arranged on the first surface 13 of the frame 12, and a third light source 16 is arranged on the second surface 14 of the frame 12. The frame 12 has a proximal end 17 arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting surface 2a and a distal end 18 arranged at a certain distance from the proximal end 17.
[0038] The frame 12 comprises a support portion 19 arranged adjacent to the far end 18 of the frame 12, i.e., kept at a distance from and substantially parallel to the first luminous surface 2a. The support portion 19 of the frame 12 is arranged adjacent to the far end 7 of the ring 3, wherein the support portion 19 has an inner edge 20 arranged adjacent to the inner wall 4 of the ring 3 and an outer edge 21 arranged adjacent to the outer wall 5 of the ring 3. The far end 7 of the outer wall 5 of the ring 3 comprises a vertical flat portion 22 abutting against the support portion 19 of the frame 12. Such an embodiment has the advantage of preventing light leakage from the gap formed between the frame 12 and the outer wall 5 of the ring 3.
[0039] The proximal end 6 of the inner wall 4 of the ring 3 includes a flat portion 23 that abuts the light exit window panel 10. According to such an embodiment, light leakage from the gap between the frame 12 and the inner wall 4 of the ring 3 can be minimized or eliminated.
[0040] In particular, the panel 2 including the first light emitting surface 2a is circular and has a first diameter D1. The frame 12 is also circular and has a second diameter D2 defined by the inner edge 20 of the support portion 19 of the frame 12. The first diameter D1 is greater than the second diameter D2, that is, D2<D1.
[0041] As mentioned above, the inner wall 4 of the ring 3 can be an inner diffuser. The inner diffuser is conical and is therefore arranged at an angle α relative to the first luminous surface 2a, which is approximately 105° in the figure. The shielding element 24 is arranged between the outer wall 5 and the inner wall 4 of the ring 3. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the shielding element 24 abuts against the inner wall 4 of the collar 3. Such a shielding element 24 covers a portion of the inner wall 4 of the collar 3 and provides a shading effect.
[0042] The outer wall 5 of the collar 3 is in the form of an outer diffuser and comprises a vertical flat portion 22 and a horizontal portion 25. The horizontal portion 22 is arranged adjacent to the distal end 7 of the collar 3 and has the advantage of preventing light leakage from the gap formed between the frame 12 and the outer diffuser 5.
[0043] The vertical portion 25 of the outer diffuser 5 is convex and ribbed.
[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the artificial skylight 1 according to the present invention comprises a suspension element 26 arranged for suspending the artificial skylight 1. The suspension element 26 may be a wire, a chain, a rope or the like.
[0045] Although the invention has been described in the drawings and foregoing description, such description is to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments will be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. 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. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims
1. A hangable artificial skylight (1) for providing artificial skylight light, the artificial skylight (1) comprising: A panel (2), comprising a first light emitting surface (2a), the first light emitting surface (2a) being arranged to emit a first light for simulating the sky; a ring (3) circumscribing the first light-emitting surface (2a), the ring having an inner wall (4) facing the first light-emitting surface (2a) and an outer wall (5) facing away from the first light-emitting surface (2a); The ring (3) has a proximal end (6) arranged adjacent to the first light emitting surface (2a) and a distal end (7) arranged away from the first light emitting surface (2a); wherein at least a first portion of the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) comprises a second light emitting surface (8), and the second light emitting surface (8) is configured to emit a second light for simulating sunlight; and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall (5) of the ring (3) comprises a third light emitting surface (9) configured to emit a third light, and The ring (3) comprises a frame (12), which is arranged between the inner wall and / or the outer wall (4, 5) of the ring (3) and is substantially parallel to the inner wall and / or the outer wall (4, 5) of the ring (3), and the frame (12) has a first surface (13) facing the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) and a second surface (14) facing the outer wall (5) of the ring (3).
2. The artificial skylight (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the ring (3) is 3D printed.
3. The artificial skylight (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light emitting surface (2a), the second light emitting surface (8) and the third light emitting surface (9) are individually controllable.
4. The artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the color and / or intensity of the second light and / or the third light is non-constant along the inner wall and / or the outer wall (4, 5) of the ring (3).
5. The artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the artificial skylight (1) further comprises a light exit window panel (10), the light exit window panel (10) being arranged downstream of the first light emitting surface (2a), wherein the light exit window panel (10) is configured to allow at least a portion of the first light to leave the artificial skylight (1).
6. Artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The proximal end (6) of the inner wall (4) of the ring comprises a flat portion which abuts one of i) a first luminous surface (2a) and ii) a light exit window panel (10), the light exit window panel (10) being included in the artificial skylight (1) and being arranged downstream of the first luminous surface (2a).
7. The artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (13) of the frame (12) comprises at least one second light source (15), and wherein the second surface (14) of the frame (12) comprises at least one third light source (16).
8. An artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (12) includes a supporting portion (19), the supporting portion (19) being arranged at a distance from the first light-emitting surface (2a) and substantially parallel to the first light-emitting surface (2a), the supporting portion (19) of the frame (12) being arranged adjacent to the distal end (7) of the ring (3), wherein the supporting portion (19) has an inner edge (20) arranged adjacent to the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) and an outer edge (21) adjacent to the outer wall (5) of the ring (3).
9. The artificial skylight (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The panel (2) including the first light emitting surface (2a) is circular and has a first diameter D1, wherein the frame (12) is circular and has a second diameter D2 defined by the inner edge (20) of the support portion (19) of the frame (12), and wherein D2<D1.
10. An artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) is an inner diffuser, the inner diffuser having an inner surface facing the outer wall (5) and an outer surface facing away from the outer wall (5), the inner diffuser being arranged at an angle α relative to the first light-emitting surface (2a), the inner diffuser further comprising a horizontal portion (23), the horizontal portion (23) being arranged adjacent to the proximal end (6) of the ring (3) and parallel to the first light-emitting surface (2a).
11. The artificial skylight (1) according to claim 10, wherein the artificial skylight (1) further comprises a shielding element (24), the shielding element (24) being arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the inner diffuser (4).
12. Artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer wall (5) of the ring is an outer diffuser, the outer diffuser comprising a vertical portion (25) and a horizontal portion (22), the horizontal portion (22) being adjacent to the distal end (7) of the ring (3).
13. The artificial skylight (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The vertical portion (25) of the outer diffuser (5) is convex.
14. The artificial skylight (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a suspension element (26) for suspending the artificial skylight (1).
15. A method for manufacturing a hangable artificial skylight (1), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a panel (2) comprising a first light emitting surface (2a) arranged to emit a first light for simulating the sky; b) providing a ring (3) having an inner wall (4) and an outer wall (5), the ring (3) having a proximal end (6) and a distal end (7), wherein at least a first portion of the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) comprises a second light emitting surface (8), the second light emitting surface (8) being configured to emit a second light for simulating sunlight, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall (5) of the ring comprises a third light emitting surface (9), the third light emitting surface (9) being configured to emit a third light; c) arranging the panel (2) having the first light-emitting surface (2a) in the ring (3) so that the ring (3) circumscribes the first light-emitting surface (2a), so that the inner wall (4) of the ring (3) faces the first light-emitting surface (2a), and the outer wall (5) of the ring (3) faces away from the first light-emitting surface (2a); and so that the proximal end (6) of the ring (3) is arranged adjacent to the first light-emitting surface (2a), and the distal end (7) of the ring (3) is arranged away from the first light-emitting surface (2a).