Rotatable tubular lamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a luminaire (1) for providing luminaire light (6), having an axis of rotation (RA) and comprising: a tubular housing (2) extending along the axis of rotation and comprising a compartment (3) surrounded by a wall portion (4) and a light-transmissive light exit window (5); an LED light source (7) configured to emit LED light and housed in the compartment (3); a support (8) carrying the tubular housing, wherein the tubular housing (2) and the support are rotatable relative to each other within a rotation angle (theta) about a rotation axis; and wherein the light exit window (5) is configured to transmit LED light as luminaire light (6), and wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the light exit window has an opening angle (alpha) which varies according to the angle of rotation (theta).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotatable tubular luminaire providing luminaire light with a beam angle that varies as a function of the rotation angle. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling such a luminaire. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is very important to set the right light in an indoor environment. First of all, a room that is properly lit is considered attractive and pleasant to live in by the user. Therefore, in an industrial site or workshop, the light setting can be used to provide conditions in which the operator is able to clearly see the objects they are handling. This is particularly important when the objects comprise small parts to be assembled, or when the operator has to work in an obstructed environment, such as under a vehicle, etc. In a domestic environment, it can be necessary to adapt the lighting conditions to the activities of the objects living in the room.

[0003] A lighting system for an indoor environment should have a high degree of adaptability to enable the user to independently control different parts of the lighting system so that the light setting can be adapted to the current situation.

[0004] Currently, tubular luminaires have become a versatile lighting device. Such a lamp has a lighting that can provide a high degree of adaptability and decorativeness. However, there is a need to improve the decorative lighting effect of a tubular luminaire. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a luminaire. To this end, the present invention provides a luminaire for providing luminaire light, the luminaire having a rotation axis (RA). The rotation axis can coincide with a longitudinal axis of the luminaire. The extension of the luminaire along the longitudinal axis depends on the intended application and can range from 10 cm to 5 m.

[0006] The luminaire according to the present invention further comprises a tubular housing extending along the rotation axis and comprising a compartment enclosed by a wall portion and a light exit window that is light transmissive. The tubular housing can be arranged such that it defines an inner compartment and has an inner surface facing the inner compartment and an outer surface facing away from the inner compartment. The wall portion and the light exit window can form a closed tubular structure.

[0007] The luminaire further comprises an LED light source configured to emit LED light and housed in the compartment. The light exit window is configured to transmit the LED light as luminaire light. The LED light source can be arranged on the inner surface of the wall portion. Alternatively, the LED light source can be arranged elsewhere in the inner compartment of the luminaire.

[0008] The LED light source can comprise a plurality of red LEDs configured to emit, in operation, red LED light, a plurality of green LEDs configured to emit, in operation, green LED light, a plurality of blue LEDs configured to emit, in operation, blue LED light, and a plurality of white LEDs configured to emit, in operation, white LED light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 2000K to 6500K and a CRI of at least 80. The plurality of red LEDs, the plurality of green LEDs, the plurality of blue LEDs, and the plurality of white LEDs can be arranged as an array extending along the rotation axis. The luminaire can further comprise a control unit configured to individually control the red light emitted by the plurality of red LEDs, the green light emitted by the plurality of green LEDs, the blue light emitted by the plurality of blue LEDs, and the white light emitted by the plurality of white LEDs. According to the present invention, a gradient of color and / or a correlated color temperature can be obtained.

[0009] The luminaire further comprises a support carrying the tubular housing. The tubular housing and the support can be rotatable relative to each other within a rotation angle (0) around the rotation axis. In the context of the present invention, the term "rotatable" denotes a movement in such a way that all particles move along a circle around a common axis with a common angular velocity.

[0010] According to the present invention, the light exit window has an opening angle (a) in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis, which opening angle (a) varies as a function of the rotation angle (0).

[0011] The rotation axis can be centrally or non-centrally arranged relative to the support and / or the tubular housing.

[0012] The light exit window can have a first opening angle (ai) when the tubular housing and the support are in a first mutual rotational position (M1). In this configuration, the luminaire light is emitted in a first direction (D1). The first direction D1 can be a direction towards a surface adjacent to the luminaire. The surface adjacent to the luminaire can be a surface to which the luminaire is attached, but also a surface in the vicinity of the luminaire, for example a wall.

[0013] Furthermore, the light exit window can have a second opening angle (a2) when the tubular housing and the support are in a second mutual rotational position (M2) different from the first mutual rotational position (M1). In this configuration, the luminaire light can be emitted in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction. Thus, the second direction D2 can be away from the surface adjacent to the luminaire.

[0014] The first opening angle ai is different from a2. In particular, the first opening angle (ai) can be equal to or smaller than 170°, and the second opening angle (a2) can be equal to or larger than 190°.

[0015] After extensive testing, the inventors surprisingly found that the desired light exit window opening angle (a) depends on the orientation of the luminaire to a surface (e.g. a wall) adjacent to the luminaire. In an indirect (projected) mode, i.e. when the luminaire light is emitted in a first direction D1 towards such a surface, a first light exit window opening angle (a1) is desired which is equal to or smaller than 170°, preferably in the range of 120° to 170°. On the other hand, in a direct (viewed) mode, i.e. when the luminaire light is emitted in a second direction D2 away from a surface adjacent to the luminaire, a second light exit window opening angle (a2) is desired which is equal to or larger than 190°, preferably in the range of 190° to 240°. In the direct mode, the wall portion of the luminaire should not be visible to an observer, nor should it provide any light. In the indirect mode, the light exit window opening of the luminaire should not be visible to an observer, and thus the wall portion facing the observer should not provide any light.

[0016] In other words, the light exit window opening can be enlarged when the luminaire is rotated to the direct mode, and the light exit window opening can be reduced when the luminaire is rotated to the indirect mode. This adjustment of the light exit window opening can be done automatically, e.g. mechanically or electrically.

[0017] According to the present invention, the luminaire light can have a first light beam angle (b1) when the tubular housing is in the first mutual rotational position (M1), i.e. when the luminaire light is emitted in the first direction D1, and a second light beam angle (b2) when the tubular housing is in the second mutual rotational position (M2), i.e. when the luminaire light is emitted in the second direction D2. The first light beam angle b1 can be different from the second light beam angle b2. The control unit can be arranged to control the light beam angle.

[0018] The tubular housing can be rotatable (approximately) 180 degrees in the second mutual rotational position (M2) relative to the first mutual rotational state (M1).

[0019] The tubular housing can comprise at least one rotatable light blocking element rotatable around a rotation axis (RA) and configured to change the opening angle (a) of the light exit window. The at least one rotatable light blocking element can comprise a reflective inner surface. The light blocking element can be configured to change the light exit window opening angle (a). In particular, the tubular housing can comprise two light blocking elements. The at least one light blocking element can be a diaphragm.

[0020] By arranging the stationary optical element stationary with respect to the holder at the outer surface of the tubular housing, the light beam angle can be optically increased. In such embodiments, the size of the optical element in tangential direction is larger than the size of the light exit window opening. The optical element can be a diffuser, preferably a conformal diffuser and / or a light guide. In such embodiments, the size of the optical element in tangential direction is larger than the size of the light exit window in the second mutual rotational position (M2). The optical element can be a diffuser and / or a light guide.

[0021] The luminaire according to the present invention can further comprise at least a first lateral element and a second lateral element arranged in the compartment. In such embodiments, the first lateral element and the first portion of the light exit window can define a first optical compartment, while the second lateral element and the second portion of the light exit window can define a second optical compartment. The first optical compartment can be arranged adjacent to the second optical compartment.

[0022] Further, the LED light source can comprise a first LED light source and a second LED light source. The first optical compartment can comprise the first LED light source arranged on the first lateral element for emitting first LED light, and the second optical compartment can comprise the second LED light source arranged on the second lateral element for emitting second LED light.

[0023] According to the present invention, in the first mutual rotational position (M1), the luminaire light can comprise only the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source. Further, in the second mutual rotational position (M2), the luminaire light can comprise both the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source and the second LED light emitted by the second LED light source.

[0024] The first LED light and the second LED light can be different. Preferably, the first LED light and the second LED light have the same correlated color temperature (CCT).

[0025] In the first mutual rotational position (M1), the central area of the first portion of the light exit window can be arranged at 0 degrees with respect to the holder. In the second mutual rotational position (M2), the central area of the combined first portion and second portion of the light exit window is arranged X degrees with respect to the holder, wherein X can be in the range of 120 degrees to 240 degrees or 170 degrees to 190 degrees, such as for example (about) 180 degrees. The first portion of the light exit window can be equal to the second portion of the light exit window.

[0026] In direct mode, both the first and second LED light sources can operate when the luminaire light is emitted in the second direction D2. In indirect mode, only the first LED light source can operate when the luminaire light is emitted in the first direction D1. To maintain symmetry, the rotation angle θ from the first position where the first beam is emitted in the first direction D1 to the second position where the first beam is emitted in the second direction D2 is equal to 180 - 0.5·γ, where γ is the opening angle of the light exit window of the first optical compartment.

[0027] This invention relates to a method for operating a lamp as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0028] a) Operate the luminaire such that the luminaire light is emitted in the first direction D1 and has a first beam angle (β1).

[0029] b) Rotate the luminaire within a rotation angle (θ) such that the luminaire light is emitted in the second direction D2 and has a second beam angle (β2) different from the first beam angle (β1).

[0030] The method of the present invention may further include the following steps:

[0031] c) Adjust the light intensity of the luminaire at the light outlet window to keep the intensity constant.

[0032] Step c) occurs simultaneously with step b) or occurs after step b).

[0033] According to this embodiment, the light intensity of the luminaire light emitted through the light exit window can remain constant as the opening angle of the light exit window increases. In another example, the luminous flux can remain constant as the opening angle of the light exit window increases. For this purpose, the control unit can be arranged to control the power supplied to the LED light source. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1a It is the cross-section of the luminaire in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation in the first mutual rotation mode (M1);

[0036] Figure 1b yes Figure 1a Side view of the lamp shown;

[0037] Figure 1c yes Figure 1a The rear view of the lamp shown;

[0038] Figure 1d yes Figure 1a The front view of the lamp shown;

[0039] Figure 1e is Figure 1a a perspective view of the luminaire shown in

[0040] Figure 2a is a cross-section of the luminaire in a first mutual rotation mode (M2) in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis;

[0041] Figure 2b is Figure 2a a side view of the luminaire shown in

[0042] Figure 2c is Figure 2a a back view of the luminaire shown in

[0043] Figure 2d is Figure 2a a front view of the luminaire shown in

[0044] Figure 2e is Figure 2a a perspective view of the luminaire shown in

[0045] Figure 3 is Figures 1a-1e and Figures 2a-2e a perspective view of the luminaire shown in

[0046] Figure 4 is a cross-section of a luminaire according to a further embodiment of the application;

[0047] Figure 5 is a cross-section of a luminaire according to yet another embodiment of the application;

[0048] Figure 6 is a cross-section of a luminaire according to yet another embodiment of the application.

[0049] All drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, generally only showing that part which is necessary for elucidating the embodiments of the present application, wherein other parts can be omitted or suggested only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present application will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present application are shown. The present application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present application set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present application are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate identical or similar components, unless otherwise specified.

[0051] Figures 1a-1e A luminaire 1 for providing luminaire light is depicted. The luminaire has a rotation axis (RA). The rotation axis RA coincides with a longitudinal axis of the luminaire 1.

[0052] Figures 1a-1e The luminaire 1 as shown further comprises a tubular housing 2 extending along the rotation axis RA and comprising a compartment 3 enclosed by a wall portion 4 and a light-transmissive light exit window 5. The tubular housing 2 can be arranged to define the inner compartment 3 and has an inner surface 2’ facing the inner compartment and an outer surface 2” facing away from the inner compartment 3. The wall portion 4 and the light exit window 5 form a closed tubular structure.

[0053] The luminaire 1 further comprises an LED light source 7 configured to emit LED light and housed in the compartment 3. The light exit window 5 is configured to transmit the LED light as luminaire light. The LED light source 7 is arranged on the inner surface 2’ of the wall portion 4.

[0054] The luminaire 1 further comprises a support 8 carrying the tubular housing 2. The tubular housing 2 and the support 8 are rotatable relative to each other around the rotation axis (RA) over a rotation angle (0). In the context of the present invention, the term “rotatable” denotes a movement in such a way that all particles move along a circle around a common axis with a common angular velocity.

[0055] According to the invention, the light exit window 5 has an opening angle (a) in a cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis, which opening angle (a) varies as a function of the rotation angle (0).

[0056] As Figure 1a illustrated, when the tubular housing 2 and the support 8 are in a first mutual rotational position (M1), the light exit window 5 has a first opening angle (al). In this configuration, the luminaire light is emitted in a first direction (D1). The first direction D1 is a direction towards a surface 9 adjacent to the luminaire 1. The surface 9 adjacent to the luminaire 1 can be a surface to which the luminaire is attached, but also a surface in the vicinity of the luminaire, for example a wall.

[0057] Further, when the tubular housing 2 and the support 8 are in a second mutual rotational position (M2) different from the first mutual rotational position (M1), the light exit window 5 has a second opening angle (a2). In this configuration, the luminaire light is emitted in a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction. Thus, the second direction D2 can be away from the surface 9 adjacent to the luminaire 1.

[0058] The first opening angle al is different from a2. In particular, the first opening angle (al) is smaller than 170° and the second opening angle (a2) is larger than 190°.

[0059] In other words, the light exit window opening can be enlarged when the luminaire is rotated to a direct mode, while the light exit window opening can be reduced when the luminaire is rotated to an indirect mode. This adjustment of the light exit window opening can be performed automatically, for example mechanically or electrically.

[0060] When the tubular housing 2 is in the first mutual rotational position (M1), i.e. when the luminaire light 6 is emitted in the first direction D1, the luminaire light 6 has a first beam angle (β1), while when the tubular housing 2 is in the second mutual rotational position (M2), i.e. when the luminaire light is emitted in the second direction D2, the luminaire light has a second beam angle (β2). The first beam angle β1 is different from the second beam angle β2. The control unit can be arranged to control the beam angle.

[0061] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tubular housing 2 is rotated by 180 degrees in the second mutual rotational position (M2) relative to the first mutual rotational position (M1). This is also illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Figures 1a-1e and Figures 2a-2e As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tubular housing 2 is rotated by 180 degrees in the second mutual rotational position (M2) relative to the first mutual rotational position (M1). This is also illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Figure 3

[0062] Figure 4 The tubular housing 301 shown in Fig. 6 comprises two rotatable light blocking elements 304 which are rotatable around a rotation axis (RA) and configured to change an opening angle (a) of a light exit window 305. The rotatable light blocking elements 304 comprise a reflective inner surface 302'. The light blocking elements 304 can be louvers.

[0063] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the tubular housing 2 is rotated by 180 degrees in the second mutual rotational position (M2) relative to the first mutual rotational position (M1). This is also illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4. Figure 5 As shown in Fig. 5, the luminaire 101 comprises an optical element 108 which is fixedly arranged relative to the support 8 and arranged at an outer surface 102' of the tubular housing 102. In this embodiment, the size of the optical element 108 in the tangential direction is larger than the size of the light exit window 105 in the second mutual rotational position (M2). The optical element 108 can be a diffuser and / or a light guide.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the luminaire 201 comprises a first lateral element 211 and a second lateral element 212 arranged in the compartment 203. In this embodiment, the first lateral element 211 and a first portion 205' of the light exit window 205 delimit a first optical compartment 213, while the second lateral element 212 and a second portion 205" of the light exit window 205 delimit a second optical compartment 214. The first optical compartment 213 is arranged adjacent to the second optical compartment 214. Figure 6 Furthermore, the LED light source 207 comprises a first LED light source 207' and a second LED light source 207". The first optical compartment 213 comprises the first LED light source 207' arranged on the first lateral element 211 for emitting first LED light, and the second optical compartment 214 comprises the second LED light source 207" arranged on the second lateral element 212 for emitting second LED light.

[0065]

[0066] ​​According to the application, in the first mutual rotational position (M1), the luminaire light can only comprise the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source 207'. Moreover, in the second mutual rotational position (M2), the luminaire light can comprise both the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source 207' and the second LED light emitted by the second LED light source 207".

[0067] The first LED light and the second LED light can be different. Preferably, the first LED light and the second LED light have the same correlated color temperature (CCT).

[0068] In the direct mode, i.e. when the luminaire light 206 is emitted in the second direction D2, both the first LED light source 207' and the second LED light source 207" can be operated. In the indirect mode, i.e. when the luminaire light 206 is emitted in the first direction D1, only the first LED light source 207' can be operated. In order to keep the symmetry, the rotation angle Θ from the first position where the first light beam is emitted in the first direction D1 to the second position where the first light beam is emitted in the second direction D2 is equal to 180 - 0.5 · γ, where γ is the light exit window opening angle of the first optical compartment.

[0069] While the application has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be recognized that changes can be made within the scope of the application. The detailed description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and the appended claims are intended to define the scope of the application. Although the application has been shown and described with respect to the exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that equivalent alterations and modifications can be suggested to one skilled in the art, and that the application is not limited in scope to the embodiments disclosed. The scope of the application is limited only by the claims that follow, and the full scope of equivalents thereof, while the drawings attached hereto are intended to curtail the scope of the application but not to limit it. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and the conjunction "or" is not intended to be exclusive and refers to a non-exclusive alternative. The indefinite article "a" or "an" preceding an element, material, substance or component does not exclude the presence of more than one of them. The term "about" preceding a numerical value or a range of numerical values is intended to mean that the numerical value or the range of numerical values is approximate. The 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 luminaire (1) for providing luminous light (6), the luminaire having a rotating shaft (RA) and comprising: - A tubular housing (2) extending along the axis of rotation and including a compartment (3) surrounded by a wall portion (4) and a light-transmitting window (5); - An LED light source (7) is configured to emit LED light and is housed in the compartment (3); - A support (8) supporting the tubular housing (2), wherein the tubular housing (2) and the support (8) are rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis within a rotation angle (θ); and - wherein the light exit window (5) is configured to transmit the LED light as the lamp light (6), and wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis, the light exit window (5) has an opening angle (α) that varies with the rotation angle (θ). When the tubular housing and the support are in a first relative rotational position (M1), the light emission window (5) has a first opening angle α1, and when the tubular housing and the support are in a second relative rotational position (M2) different from the first relative rotational position (M1), the light emission window (5) has a second opening angle α2, and α1 is different from α2. The luminaire (201) further includes at least a first lateral element (211) and a second lateral element (212) arranged in the compartment (203), wherein the LED light source includes a first LED light source (207') and a second LED light source (207"), wherein the first lateral element (211) and a first portion (205') of the light exit window (205) define a first optical compartment (213), the first optical compartment (213) including the first LED light source (207') arranged on the first lateral element (211) for emitting first LED light, and wherein the second lateral element (212) and a second portion (205") of the light exit window (205) define a second optical compartment (214), the second optical compartment (214) including the second LED light source (207") arranged on the second lateral element (212) for emitting second LED light; and Wherein (i) in the first mutually rotated position (M1), the luminaire light (206) comprises only the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source (207'), and (ii) in the second mutually rotated position (M2), the luminaire light (206) comprises both the first LED light emitted by the first LED light source (207') and the second LED light emitted by the second LED light source (207") 2. The luminaire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first opening angle (α1) is equal to or less than 170°.

3. The luminaire (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second opening angle (α2) is equal to or greater than 190°.

4. The luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular housing (2) is rotated X degrees relative to the first mutual rotation position (M1) in the second mutual rotation position (M2), wherein X is in the range of 120 degrees to 240 degrees.

5. The luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the tubular housing (2) is in the first rotational position (M1), the luminaire light (6) has a first beam angle β1, and wherein when the tubular housing is in the second rotational position (M2), the luminaire light (6) has a second beam angle β2, wherein β1 is different from β2.

6. The luminaire (301) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular housing (302) includes at least one rotatable light-shielding element (304) rotatable about the rotation axis (RA) and configured to change the opening angle (α) of the light-emitting window (5).

7. The luminaire (301) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one rotatable light-shielding element (304) includes a reflective inner surface (302').

8. The luminaire (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the luminaire (101) includes an optical element (108), wherein the optical element (108) is fixedly arranged relative to the bracket (8) and disposed at the outer surface (102”) of the tubular housing (102), and wherein, in the tangential direction, the size of the optical element (108) is larger than the size of the light exit window (105) in the second mutually rotated position (M2).

9. The luminaire (101) according to claim 8, wherein the optical element (108) is a diffuser and / or a light guide.

10. The luminaire (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical compartment (213) is arranged adjacent to the second optical compartment (214).

11. The luminaire (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the first mutually rotating position (M1), the central region of the first portion (205') of the light-emitting window is arranged at 0 degrees relative to the bracket (8), and wherein in the second mutually rotating position (M2), the combined central region of the first portion (205') and the second portion (205") of the combination of the light-emitting window (205) is arranged at 180 degrees relative to the bracket (8).

12. The luminaire (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LED light source (7) comprises a plurality of red LEDs configured to emit red LED light in operation, a plurality of green LEDs configured to emit green LED light in operation, a plurality of blue LEDs configured to emit blue LED light in operation, and a plurality of white LEDs configured to emit white LED light in operation, the white LED light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 2000K to 6500K and a CRI of at least 80; the plurality of red LEDs, the plurality of green LEDs, the plurality of blue LEDs, and the plurality of white LEDs are arranged in an array extending along the rotation axis; the luminaire (1) further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the red light emitted by the plurality of red LEDs, the green light emitted by the plurality of green LEDs, the blue light emitted by the plurality of blue LEDs, and the white light emitted by the plurality of white LEDs.

13. A method for operating a luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the following steps: a) Operate the luminaire (1) such that the light (6) of the luminaire is emitted in a first direction (D1) and has a first beam angle (β1). b) Rotate the luminaire (1) within the rotation angle (θ) such that the light from the luminaire (6) is emitted in the second direction D2 and has a second beam angle (β2) different from the first beam angle (β1).

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