Lighting device
By combining a slender concave reflector with a support structure, the problem of limited design flexibility in the manufacturing of traditional lighting equipment is solved, achieving bending and shaping without special tools and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, traditional lighting equipment manufacturing methods require custom-made tools for each bend/radius, resulting in limited design flexibility and high manufacturing and inventory costs.
Employing a slender concave reflector, combined with elastic and/or segmented structures and a support structure, the concave reflector can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape, and provides diffused light distribution through an LED array, while the support structure provides bending resistance to maintain the curved shape.
This enables the flexible shaping of lighting equipment without the need for specialized tools, reducing manufacturing and inventory costs while maintaining uniform light output and design flexibility.
Smart Images
Figure CN121889619A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention generally relates to a lighting device. Background Technology
[0002] There is growing interest in using slender luminaires with both linear and curved sections for various lighting applications, such as in entrances, lobbies, corridors, meeting rooms, restaurants, and other public or representative areas within buildings. Combining luminaires with linear sections with those with curved sections allows for the creation of diverse architectural shapes. Until now, the traditional approach has been to manufacture luminaires with fixed shapes using specialized tools tailored to each curve / radius, which could then be combined to create more complex shapes. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To achieve efficient manufacturing and deployment, and thus cost-effective lighting solutions, it is often necessary to limit the quantity of fixed shapes manufactured and stocked. However, as the inventors have recognized, the limited selection of different luminaire shapes restricts the flexibility in designing elongated luminaires. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that addresses these disadvantages associated with conventional methods of forming curved luminaires. These and other objects can be achieved by the lighting device according to the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.
[0004] Therefore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided, comprising: An elongated concave reflector, defining an elongated cavity with an open bottom side and formed by an elastic and / or segmented structure, allows the concave reflector to bend from a linear shape to a curved shape in an extending plane on the bottom side of the opening; and An LED array is arranged inside the cavity along the bottom side of the opening, wherein the LEDs are configured to illuminate the reflective inner surface of a concave reflector, such that the output light distribution formed by the light emitted by the LED array and reflected by the reflective inner surface is emitted from the cavity via the bottom side of the opening. The lighting device also includes a support structure that is disposed along and mechanically coupled to the concave reflector, wherein the support structure is configured to provide bending resistance to the concave reflector once the concave reflector has been bent into a curved shape, thereby maintaining the curved shape of the concave reflector.
[0005] Therefore, this invention, based on an elongated concave reflector with an indirect lighting opening, achieves a diffused output light distribution that can be bent / deformed from a linear shape (i.e., a straight shape) into a curved shape. This eliminates the need for specific bending tools for each bend / radius, while increasing design flexibility for shaping lighting devices. The resulting cavity is a single, continuous, elongated cavity defined by the reflective inner surface of the elongated concave reflector. This reflective inner surface is preferably (relatively) smooth and continuous, i.e., its segments are invisible or almost invisible.
[0006] When used in connection with structures (e.g., cavities or support structures), the term "flexible" is understood herein to mean "flexibly" flexible, because the structure is bendable or deformable (i.e., when a sufficient bending force is applied), from a linear shape to a curved or bent shape without breaking (e.g., no cracks or fissures form in an elongated concave reflector). In some embodiments, the bending can be reversible, such that the structure can be restored (once or multiple times) from a bent shape to an initial shape (e.g., a cavity can be restored to a linear shape by flexibly bending an elongated concave reflector from a bent shape to a linear shape) and / or restored to another curved shape different from the previous bent shape. Maintaining the shape of an elongated concave reflector here means that the bent shape of the concave reflector does not change shape spontaneously (e.g., under the influence of gravity), but the shape of the elongated concave reflector can / will change only when additional / extra (external) forces are applied to it.
[0007] By using an illumination device based on an elongated concave reflector with an indirect illumination opening, the need for a diffuse light exit window on the bottom (light exit) side of the cavity is eliminated. This further facilitates efficient manufacturing, as otherwise specific exit windows would need to be cut from the diffuser sheet for each particular elongated concave reflector. Furthermore, this process would generate a considerable amount of waste.
[0008] By providing an elongated concave reflector as a flexible and / or segmented structure, the elongated concave reflector can bend from a linear shape to a curved shape without undergoing plastic deformation. An elastic elongated concave reflector can bend into a curved shape while undergoing elastic deformation. A segmented elongated concave reflector can bend into a curved shape without any plastic or elastic deformation. A segmented elongated concave reflector can specifically define a soft structure, meaning that the bending resistance from a linear shape to a curved shape is essentially zero (and vice versa).
[0009] The elasticity and / or segmented structure of the elongated concave reflector helps to bend the elongated concave reflector, and in addition, when bent into a curved shape, it also helps to provide the reflective inner surface of the elongated concave reflector as a relatively smooth surface.
[0010] However, the ability of elastic and / or segmented structures to maintain a bent shape may be absent or poor. Therefore, the lighting device according to the invention includes a support structure for imparting bending resistance (i.e., bending stiffness) to an elongated concave reflector, such that the elongated concave reflector can maintain its bent shape after bending into it. That is, when the elongated concave reflector is elastic, the support structure can be configured to at least counteract the restoring force of the cavity. When the elongated concave reflector is segmented and inelastic (e.g., loose), the support structure can impart increased bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector.
[0011] As will become apparent from the following description, various embodiments and examples of support structures exist. Increased bending resistance / shape retention can be provided, for example, by elongated bending structures, such as housings surrounding elongated concave reflectors and / or cores fixed to cavities or housings, stretchable interconnect structures for LEDs, or combinations thereof.
[0012] It will become more apparent that after the elongated concave reflector is bent into a curved shape, a support structure (either integrally or as a component thereof) can be added to the lighting device (i.e., mechanically coupled to the elongated concave reflector). However, it is also possible for the support structure to be present in the lighting device while the elongated concave reflector is bent into a curved shape. In either case, when the elongated concave reflector is in a curved shape, the support structure can be configured to be in equilibrium such that deviations of the elongated concave reflector from the curved shape cause the support structure to impart a restoring force to the cavity, causing the elongated concave reflector to return to its curved shape (i.e., maintaining the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector).
[0013] Therefore, in some embodiments, the support structure, together with the elongated concave reflector, can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape in the extended plane on the bottom side of the opening.
[0014] The support structure can therefore be configured to allow the slender concave reflector to bend, while providing increased bending resistance to the slender concave reflector after it has been bent into a curved shape.
[0015] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to undergo plastic deformation as it bends from a linear shape to a curved shape along with an elongated concave reflector.
[0016] The support structure can therefore deform together with the slender concave reflector, thus achieving a new equilibrium state aligned with the curved shape of the slender concave reflector. The plastic deformation of the support structure does not adversely affect the reflective properties of the slender concave reflector.
[0017] In some embodiments, the support structure includes an elongated structure extending along and mechanically coupled to the elongated concave reflector, wherein the elongated structure is configured to provide bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector when it is in a curved shape, thereby maintaining the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector.
[0018] The slender structure can therefore provide bending resistance that is essentially continuous along the length of the slender concave reflector.
[0019] In some embodiments, the elongated structure includes an elongated housing with an open bottom side, wherein an elongated concave reflector is arranged in the housing.
[0020] The housing can thus serve as an external, robust, and bend-resistant structure, providing an internally more deformable, slender, concave reflector for the reflective inner surface.
[0021] In some embodiments, the housing is an integrally formed body.
[0022] The housing can therefore be formed as a continuous shell surrounding the elongated concave reflector. The housing can, for example, be configured to bend from a linear shape to a curved shape along with the elongated concave reflector, while undergoing plastic deformation.
[0023] In some embodiments, the housing includes a plurality of segments pivotally arranged relative to each other.
[0024] The housing can thus be formed as a segmented (relatively) rigid shell surrounding a slender concave reflector, wherein the segmentation and pivotability facilitate bending of the housing.
[0025] In some embodiments, the elongated structure further includes an elongated core extending along and attached to the elongated concave reflector, wherein the core is configured to provide bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector. In embodiments where the support structure includes a housing, the elongated structure may also include an elongated core extending along and attached to the housing, wherein the core is configured to provide additional bending resistance to the housing.
[0026] The slender support member can be fixed, for example, to the top of the slender concave reflector or housing. If the core is fixed to the housing, bending resistance can be provided to the slender concave reflector via the housing.
[0027] In some embodiments, the LED array is interconnected by a stretchable interconnect structure, wherein when the elongated concave reflector is in a bent shape, the stretchable interconnect structure is configured to impart bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector, such that the bent shape of the elongated concave reflector is maintained, wherein the stretchable interconnect structure includes stretchable interconnects forming a support structure or forming part of a support structure.
[0028] Therefore, at least some bending resistance can be provided by the stretchable interconnect structure. The stretchable interconnect structure can be attached to an elongated concave reflector or housing (if present). In some embodiments, the lighting device (housing or elongated concave reflector) includes a pair of edge portions extending opposite sides along the bottom side of the opening, each edge portion having a surface facing the interior of the elongated concave reflector, wherein the stretchable interconnect structure is attached to the surface of one of the edge portions. The lighting device may include additional rows of LEDs interconnected by additional stretchable interconnect structures attached to the surface of the other edge portion.
[0029] In some embodiments, the stretchable interconnect structure includes a stretchable carrier supporting the LED array.
[0030] The support structure can therefore be (at least partially) provided by a stretchable carrier supporting the LED array. The stretchable carrier can be flexible, at least in an extending plane on the bottom side of the opening (parallel to the mounting plane of the LED array). The LEDs can be electrically connected via zigzag conductive traces formed on the stretchable carrier.
[0031] In some embodiments, the stretchable interconnect structure includes stretchable wires extending between adjacent LEDs of an LED row.
[0032] The bending resistance of the support structure can therefore be (at least in part) provided by the stretchable wires extending between the corresponding pairs of LEDs in the LED row.
[0033] In some embodiments, the lighting device includes a pair of edge portions extending on opposite sides along the bottom side of the opening, each edge portion having a surface facing the interior of an elongated concave reflector, wherein an LED array is arranged on the surface of one of the edge portions, and wherein optionally, the lighting device further includes an additional LED array arranged on the surface of the other edge portion.
[0034] Therefore, LED arrays can be installed on either side of the bottom of the opening to improve light output.
[0035] In some embodiments, the elongated concave reflector includes a plurality of pivotally connected segments, wherein each segment extends between end pairs and wherein the ends of adjacent segments overlap.
[0036] This configuration enables a flexible, elongated concave reflector, where the flexibility stems from the pivotable connection between successive segments. This allows the elongated concave reflector to be shaped with small bending forces. The ends can slide against each other, providing friction between the successive segments. This can provide a degree of bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector, which can aid in shaping (especially if shaped before the addition of supporting structures).
[0037] In some embodiments, the elongated concave reflector may be flexible only in the extending plane on the bottom side of the opening; alternatively, the lighting device may be characterized as being flexible only in a plane transverse to the extending plane on the bottom side of the opening. However, the lighting device may be characterized as being flexible in both the extending plane on the bottom side of the opening and in a plane transverse to the extending plane on the bottom side of the opening. The elongated concave reflector can therefore be bent in mutually transverse planes; for example, when mounted to a ceiling, the elongated concave reflector may be flexible in both horizontal and / or vertical planes.
[0038] In some embodiments, the elongated concave reflector is flexible to define a radius of curvature of 0.6 meters or less, 0.5 meters or less, or 0.4 meters or less. In embodiments where the support structure includes an elongated support structure (e.g., a housing and / or a core), the support structure may also be flexible to define a radius of curvature of 0.6 meters or less, 0.5 meters or less, or 0.4 meters or less.
[0039] In some embodiments, the minimum bending force required to bend an elongated concave reflector from a linear shape to a curved shape is 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, 30 Nm or less, or 15 Nm or less. The elongated concave reflector (individually, without a support structure) can therefore be easily bent by hand, thus facilitating the shaping and installation of the lighting fixture. Here, the minimum bending force for bending an elongated concave reflector refers to the minimum bending force (i.e., torque) required to bend the elongated concave reflector without a support structure. The lower limit of the minimum bending force can be 0 Nm (e.g., in the case of a segmented elongated concave reflector), or 1 Nm or 3 Nm (e.g., in the case of a flexible elongated concave reflector).
[0040] In embodiments where the support structure, together with the elongated concave reflector, can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape, the minimum bending force required to bend the elongated concave reflector together with the support structure from a linear shape to a curved shape can be within a similar range, i.e., 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, or 30 Nm or less. The elongated concave reflector and support structure can therefore be easily bent together by hand, thus facilitating the shaping and installation of the lighting device. In either case, 3 Nm can be the lower limit of the minimum bending force required for the elongated concave reflector and support structure together. However, a slightly higher minimum bending force (e.g., 10 Nm) can achieve a more stable shape retention function. Therefore, the minimum bending force required to bend the elongated concave reflector together with the support structure can, for example, be in the range of 10-30 Nm or 10-15 Nm.
[0041] In some embodiments, the minimum bending force required to bend the elongated concave reflector and support structure from a curved shape is at least 3 Nm. That is, the bending resistance of the support structure and the elongated concave reflector together can be at least 3 Nm. Attached Figure Description
[0042] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention.
[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-section of a lighting device according to an embodiment.
[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the lighting equipment.
[0045] Figure 3 A stretchable interconnect structure according to an embodiment is shown.
[0046] Figure 4 A support structure comprising a housing and a flexible elongated core, according to an embodiment, is shown.
[0047] Figure 5a -c illustrates a lighting device according to an embodiment.
[0048] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0049] Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the luminaire or lighting device 10 is shown schematically along its length. As several non-limiting examples, the lighting device 10 can be adapted for ceiling mounting, such as flush mounting to the ceiling, or suspended mounting by means of a hanging wire. Figure 2 The lighting device 10 is shown in perspective.
[0050] The lighting device 10 includes an elongated concave reflector 12 having a reflective inner surface 12a defining an elongated cavity 11, and also having an opening bottom side 12b (hereinafter referred to as opening 12b) forming an opening light-emitting side of the lighting device 10. The elongated concave reflector 12 will typically be open along its entire length. That is, opening 12b may extend in conjunction with the length dimension of the elongated concave reflector 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the elongated concave reflector 12 may have an arcuate shape (cross-section). However, the (cross-sectional) shape of the elongated concave reflector 12 is not limited to this. Figure 1The specific shape shown may be used, but more generally, it may have a cross-sectional shape to allow incident light to be reflected in the cavity 11 by the reflective inner surface 12a of the elongated concave reflector 12 toward the opening 12b and emitted from the cavity 11 via the opening 12b. Typically, when the elongated concave reflector is highly reflective and completely opaque to light, it is emitted from the cavity 11 only via the opening 12b.
[0051] The lighting device 10 also includes corresponding LED rows 20 arranged within the cavity 11 along either side of the opening 12b. The LEDs 20 are configured to illuminate the reflective inner surface 12a of the elongated concave reflector 12, wherein emitted light is reflected by the reflective inner surface 12a (only) through the opening 12b out of the cavity 11, thereby providing the output light distribution of the lighting device 10. The LED rows 20 may be arranged substantially along the entire length of the elongated concave reflector 12 to provide a continuous, advantageously substantially uniform light distribution along the length of the cavity 11 and the lighting device 10. As used herein, the term "LED" should be understood to include a single LED emitter or a cluster of two or more LED emitters (e.g., arranged on a common carrier portion, such as several surface-mounted LED emitter clusters). Thus, an LED row may comprise a row of single LED emitters or a row of LED clusters. Elements indicated by reference numeral 20 may accordingly schematically represent a single LED emitter or a cluster of LED emitters.
[0052] According to the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device 10 includes a housing 14 (described further below) comprising a pair of edge portions 16 extending opposite sides along the bottom side 12b of an opening. Each edge portion 16 has a surface facing the interior of the cavity 11, and each row of LEDs 20 is arranged on the surface of one of the edge portions 16. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the LED rows 20 are present along either side of the opening 12b, it is also possible to provide LED rows 20 for the lighting device 10 only along a single side of the opening 12b.
[0053] The elongated concave reflector 12 is formed as an elastic structure, allowing it to be flexibly bent from a linear shape to a curved shape. The linear shape may correspond to the initial shape of the elongated concave reflector 12, i.e., the shape of the manufactured elongated concave reflector 12. The curved shape may correspond to the final shape of the elongated concave reflector 12, i.e., the shape in which the elongated concave reflector 12 bends when installed in an environment (e.g., any area mentioned in the background section).
[0054] To allow the elongated concave reflector 12 to maintain its curved shape, the lighting device 10 also includes a support structure comprising a housing 14 surrounding the elongated concave reflector 12. In other words, the elongated concave reflector 12 is arranged within the housing 14. The housing 14 is sized such that the elongated concave reflector 12 can abut against the opposite side of the housing 14. The housing 14 thus forms an elongated structure that extends along and is mechanically coupled to the elongated concave reflector 12. Like the elongated concave reflector 12, the housing 14 has an open bottom side 14b, which extends, for example, together with the opening 12b.
[0055] The housing 14 may be provided with appropriately arranged attachment points, such as threaded shafts or holes, hooks, or other conventional types of fixing or gripping (devices), thereby allowing the lighting device 10 to be installed in the environment, such as mounted on or suspended from the ceiling. Since such devices are known in the art, however, they have been omitted from the drawings to avoid unduly obscuring them. The number and spacing of the attachment points can generally depend on the length and weight of the lighting device 10.
[0056] Figure 2 A lighting device 10 is shown, which includes an elongated concave reflector 12 that defines a cavity 11 after being bent into a curved shape, and a housing 14. Dashed outlines 12' and 14' depict the elongated concave reflector 12 and housing 14, respectively, in linear shapes, for example, before bending.
[0057] The housing 14 is configured to impart bending resistance or bending stiffness to the elongated concave reflector 12, thereby maintaining the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector 12. The housing 14 can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape together with the elongated concave reflector 12. In contrast to the elongated concave reflector 12, the housing 14 can undergo plastic deformation when bending from a linear shape to a curved shape, and thus plastically deform from a first equilibrium state (corresponding to a linear shape) to a second equilibrium state (corresponding to a curved shape). Since the reflective inner surface 12a is provided by the elongated concave reflector 12 rather than the housing 14, the plastic deformation of the housing 14 does not change the reflective properties of the reflective inner surface 12.
[0058] Alternatively, the housing 14 can be bent or pre-formed into a bent shape. The housing 14 can be coupled to the elongated concave reflector 12, for example, after the elongated concave reflector 12 has been bent into a bent shape, by inserting the elongated concave reflector 12 into the (bent) housing 14 via the bottom opening of the housing 14. By providing a housing 14 with an open end, the elongated concave reflector 12 can also be slidably inserted into the bent or pre-formed housing 14, such that the elongated concave reflector 12 takes on a corresponding bent shape under the guidance of the housing 14.
[0059] The flexible, elongated concave reflector 12 and the shape-retaining support housing 14 can be implemented in various ways. The elongated concave reflector 12 can be formed, for example, from an elastic material, such as an elastomer like silicone rubber. The inner surface 12a of the elongated concave reflector 12 can be formed as a substantially smooth and diffusely reflective surface. The inner surface 12a can be formed, for example, from a reflective coating or film, advantageously possessing a degree of elasticity such that reflective properties are provided even when the elongated concave reflector 12 is bent into a curved shape. Some surface structure or topology of the inner surface 12a can be acceptable, provided that the topology is below the desired visibility threshold or meets the aesthetic requirements of a particular lighting application. To help retain the arcuate cross-sectional shape of the elongated concave reflector 12, the elongated concave reflector 12 can be formed with arcuate reinforcing elements distributed along the elongated concave reflector 12. The reinforcing elements can be formed, for example, by reinforcing ribs or corrugations integrally formed with the outer surface of the elongated concave reflector 12. Alternatively or additionally, the wall of the elongated concave reflector 12 (e.g., an elastomer) may be reinforced with an arcuate metal wire distributed along the elongated concave reflector 12, embedded in the wall of the elongated concave reflector 12, or adherently attached to the outer surface of the elongated concave reflector 12.
[0060] Since the housing 14 is formed differently from the elongated concave reflector 12, the housing 14 can generally be formed using compositions and structures to provide the desired shape-holding function with less consideration for its optical and reflective properties (such as those provided by the elongated concave reflector 12).
[0061] The housing 14 can be formed as a single integral body, for example, from a plastic material such as polyurethane. By selecting the material thickness of the housing 14 taking into account the elasticity of the material forming the housing 14, the housing 14 can be adapted to give the elongated concave reflector 12 the desired amount of bending resistance. When the housing 14 is configured to bend together with the elongated concave reflector 12, the minimum bending force for bending the elongated concave reflector 12 together with the housing 14 from a linear shape to a curved shape can be 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, or 30 Nm or less (therefore easily bendable by hand), for example 10-30 Nm or 10-15 Nm. The minimum bending force for bending the elongated concave reflector 12 together with the housing 14 from a curved shape to a linear shape (i.e., restoring the elongated concave reflector 12 and the housing 14 to a linear shape) can be in a similar range, for example 50 Nm or less, such as 10-30 Nm or 10-15 Nm. The minimum bending force required solely for bending the elongated, concave reflector 12 (i.e., separate from the housing 14) from a linear shape to a curved shape can be 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, or 30 Nm or less, such as in the range of 1-30 Nm or 3-15 Nm. In any case, the minimum bending force required to bend only the elongated concave reflector 12 can be less than the minimum bending force required to bend the elongated concave reflector 12 together with the housing 14. If the housing 14 is pre-formed into a curved shape, the minimum bending force required to bend the housing 14 can be greater, for example, making bending by hand impractical. The housing 14 can then be formed from a sheet of metal (e.g., aluminum) and bent using a bending tool.
[0062] In any case, the housing 14 may be bent into the desired curved shape, or if the desired curved shape is formed in advance, to give the elongated concave reflector 12 bending resistance in order to at least balance any possible elastic restoring forces of the elongated concave reflector 12 in an attempt to restore the cavity from the curved shape to a linear shape.
[0063] Understandable. Figure 2 The specific bending shape shown is merely a non-limiting example, and many other bending shapes are possible. Figure 2 In the middle, the elongated concave reflector 12 (and housing 14) bends in the extending plane of the opening 12b, which corresponds to Figure 2The elongated concave reflector 12 (and housing 14) can be, for example, flexible to define a curved shape in the horizontal plane H, wherein the radius of curvature is 0.6 m or less, 0.5 m or less, or 0.4 m or less, depending on the shape requirements of a particular lighting application. The length of the elongated concave reflector 12 (and housing 14) allows for a bending angle of up to + / - 90° for a given radius of curvature. Larger bending angles can be achieved by successively adding two or more cavities.
[0064] exist Figure 2 In this case, the radius of curvature is basically constant. Figure 6 A corresponding lighting device 310 is depicted, which includes portions 310a, 310b, and 310c with different radii of curvature. For example... Figure 6 As shown in the example, the lighting device 310 may include a combination of curved portions (310a, 310c) and linear portions (310b).
[0065] Although the housing 14, which defines the support structure, has been referenced above, the shape-retaining support function does not need to be provided by the housing 14 alone, but also by additional structures or elements.
[0066] refer to Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a stretchable interconnect structure 22 that interconnects the LEDs of each row of LEDs 20 (i.e., rows of individual LED emitters or clusters of LED emitters). The interconnect structure 22 can provide power and control signals to the LEDs 20. The stretchable interconnect structure 22 includes a stretchable carrier 18 supporting the LED rows 20 and stretchable wires, such as zigzag conductive traces extending between and electrically interconnecting the LEDs 20. Figure 3 (The dotted line in the diagram). The stretchable carrier 18 can be bent at least in the extending plane of the opening 12b (i.e., the horizontal plane H parallel to the mounting plane of the LED array 20). Figure 1 As shown, the stretchable carrier 18 can be attached to the surface of the edge 16 of the housing 14, for example by adhesive, rivet, screw or the like.
[0067] The stretchable interconnect structure 22 is configured to impart bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector 12 when it is in a bent shape together with the housing 14, thereby maintaining the bent shape of the elongated concave reflector 12. The stretchable interconnect structure 22 can thus form part of the support structure together with the housing 14. Similar to the housing 14, the stretchable interconnect structure 22 can be bent from a linear shape to a bent shape together with the elongated concave reflector 12, or added to the lighting device 10 after bending the elongated concave reflector 12. In either case, when the elongated concave reflector 12 is in a bent shape, the stretchable interconnect structure 22 can be arranged in equilibrium such that deviations of the elongated concave reflector 12 from the bent shape cause the interconnect structure 22 to apply a restoring force to the elongated concave reflector 12 to restore it to its bent shape. The foregoing discussion regarding the minimum bending resistance of the housing 14 applies accordingly to the support structure defined by the housing 14 and the stretchable interconnect structure 22. For example, when both the housing 14 of the support structure and the stretchable interconnect structure 22 are configured to bend together with the elongated concave reflector 12, the minimum bending force required to bend the elongated concave reflector 12 from a linear shape to a bent shape together with the housing 14 and the interconnect structure 22 can be in the range of 10-30 Nm or 10-15 Nm. The minimum bending force required to restore the elongated concave reflector 12 and the support structure to a linear shape can be in a similar range. According to another option, the housing 14 can be configured to be flexible together with the elongated concave reflector 12, and the interconnect structure 22 can be configured to be added to the lighting device 10 after bending. The interconnect structure 22 can therefore give the housing 14 additional bending resistance, and thus give the elongated concave reflector 12 additional bending resistance. After the interconnect structure 22 is added, the minimum bending force required to restore the elongated concave reflector 12 and the support structure to a linear shape can therefore exceed the minimum bending force required to restore only the elongated concave reflector 12 and the housing 14 to a linear shape.
[0068] Figure 4 A support structure according to another embodiment is depicted, including a housing 114 comprising a plurality of segments 1141 pivotally arranged relative to each other, and a flexible elongated core 1142 connecting the segments 1141. The core 1142 extends along the length of the housing 114 and is attached to each segment 1141, for example by adhesive or by fastening members such as rivets across the core 1142. The core 1142 is configured to give the housing 114 increased bending resistance, such that the core 1142 together with the housing 114 can define an elongated support structure that gives the elongated concave reflector 12 bending resistance.
[0069] Figure 4The support structure can be configured to bend from a linear shape to a curved shape together with the elongated concave reflector 12. The core 1142 can therefore be bent together with the housing 114 and the elongated concave reflector 12. The core 1142 can be configured to undergo plastic deformation when bent into a curved shape. The core 1142 can be formed as a cylinder. The core 1142 can be formed, for example, from a metal such as iron. Like the elongated concave reflector 12, the core 1142 can advantageously be configured to be bendable by hand force (e.g., by a minimum bending force of 50 Nm or less, such as 10-30 Nm or 10-15 Nm). However, the housing 114 and the core 1142 can also be pre-formed into a curved shape, wherein the minimum bending force for bending the core 1142 (and thus the bending support structure) can be greater, for example, making bending by hand impractical.
[0070] Adjacent segments 1141 of housing 114 may be arranged overlappingly. For example, as shown, each segment 141 may include a narrow end 1141a extending into a subsequent segment 1141. The cross-sectional dimensions of the end 1141a may allow a play or gap to exist between the outer surface of the end 1141a and the inner surface of the receiving portion of the subsequent segment, thereby allowing successive segments to pivot relative to each other. For example, the outer surface of the end 1141a may be inclined relative to the inner surface of the receiving portion of the subsequent segment along at least a portion of the circumference of the segment 1141a. Providing an inclination along the opposing sidewalls of the segments 1141a allows the segments 1141 to pivot in the extending plane of the opening 12b of the elongated concave reflector 12, and thus allows housing 114 to bend. According to another example, the end 1141a may be flexible.
[0071] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the lighting device 10 can also typically represent the cross-section of the lighting device including the housing 114. Therefore, the elongated concave reflector 12 (in...) Figure 4 (Invisible in the middle) can be like Figure 1 The elongated concave reflector 12 is arranged within the housing 114 as shown in the view, and the housing 114 is sized such that the elongated concave reflector 12 can abut against the opposite side of the housing 114. The housing 114 can therefore be formed as a segmented (relatively) rigid shell surrounding the elongated concave reflector 12. The segment 1141 can be formed of a plastic material or a metal (such as aluminum).
[0072] Each segment may include a pair of edge portions on opposite sides of the opening 12b of the elongated concave reflector 12 (corresponding to...) Figure 1The edge portion 16 of the LED array is used to support the respective LEDs (e.g., a respective individual LED emitter or a respective cluster of LED emitters) in the LED array. Each LED (individual LED emitter or cluster of LED emitters) may be supported by a respective carrier portion, and each LED may be interconnected by a stretchable interconnect structure comprising stretchable wires extending between the LEDs in the respective segments 1141 (e.g., as discussed below). Figure 5b (Conductor 2221 in the middle). The stretchable bundle can therefore further contribute to the bending resistance of the overall support structure.
[0073] Figure 5a -c depicts a lighting device 210 according to another embodiment. The lighting device 210 includes an elongated concave reflector 212 forming the boundary of a cavity 11, which is not defined as an elastic structure, but rather as a flexible segmented structure 211. Figure 5a A schematic cross-section of a representative segment 2121 of the segmented structure 211 of the elongated concave reflector 212 and the lighting device 210 is shown. Figure 5b A partial side view of the lighting device 210 along the edge 216 of the elongated concave reflector 212 is shown. Figure 5c A schematic top view of the lighting device 210 is shown.
[0074] The elongated concave reflector 212 has a segmented structure 211 comprising multiple pivotally connected segments 2121. For example... Figure 5a As shown, each segment 2121 may include a pair of edge portions 2161 arranged on opposite sides of the bottom side 212b of the opening. The edge portions 2161 of segment 2121 can thus collectively define a pair of common edge portions 216 of the elongated concave reflector 212. The corresponding LED row 220 may be supported by one or each edge portion 216 of the elongated concave reflector 212. Based on the foregoing discussion, it should be understood that each LED 220 here may refer to a single LED emitter or a cluster of LED emitters. Figure 5b As shown in -c, LEDs 220 can be arranged at a pitch along the elongated concave reflector 212, the pitch corresponding to the pitch of segments 2121, such that corresponding LEDs 220 (single LEDs or LED clusters) are arranged on the corresponding edge portions 2122 of each segment 2121. In other words, the pitch of the LED rows 220 (i.e., the pitch of rows of individual LED emitters or LED emitter clusters) can correspond to the pitch of segments 2121.
[0075] Each segment 2121 has a reflective inner surface such that the segments 2121 of the elongated concave reflector 212 collectively define a reflective inner surface 212a. Each segment 2121 has an opening bottom side such that the segments 2121 of the elongated concave reflector 212 collectively define the elongated concave reflector 212 and the opening bottom side or opening 212b of the lighting device 10. As shown, each segment 2121 may have an arcuate shape and is more generally shaped to allow incident light from one or two rows of LEDs 220 of the lighting device 210 to be reflected in the cavity 11 by the reflective inner surface 212a and toward the opening 212b.
[0076] Each segment 2121 extends between a pair of ends of the segment 2121, and the ends of adjacent segments overlap to define a continuous internal reflective surface 212a. As shown Figure 5b As indicated by -c, every other segment 2121 can have a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the other segments 2121, such that every other segment 2121 can be accommodated within a succession of larger cross-sectional dimension segments 2121. A gap or spacing can be provided between the outer surface of each smaller cross-sectional dimension segment and the inner surface of the segment 2121 that subsequently receives the larger cross-sectional dimension segment, to allow the successive segments to pivot relative to each other, at least in the extending plane of the opening 212b of the elongated concave reflector 212. Thus, this configuration achieves a flexible, elongated concave reflector 212, where the flexibility derives from the pivotable mechanism of the successive segments 2121. This allows the elongated concave reflector 212 to bend when a small bending force is applied. The ends of the successive segments 2121 can optionally be arranged to slide against each other, thereby providing friction between the successive segments 2121. This can provide a degree of inherent bending resistance to the cavity 2121, which can facilitate shaping (especially if shaped before the addition of support structures). Without any substantial friction between the continuous abutment segments 2121, the elongated concave reflector 212 can define a soft structure (e.g., the minimum force corresponding to the curved elongated concave reflector 12 is essentially zero).
[0077] like Figure 5bAs shown in -c, the LEDs 220 in each row can be interconnected via a stretchable interconnect structure 222, which includes stretchable, bend-resistant conductors 2221 extending between adjacent LEDs 220 in each row. More specifically, each LED 220 in the LED row (e.g., a single LED emitter or a cluster of LED emitters) can be arranged on a corresponding discrete carrier portion, wherein the carrier portions are sequentially connected by the stretchable and bend-resistant conductors 2221. The stretchable interconnect structure 222 can thus be configured to define a support structure for the lighting device 210, thereby giving the bendable, elongated concave reflector 212 bend resistance, such that the elongated concave reflector 212 can maintain its bend shape after being bent into a bend shape.
[0078] As shown, the conductor 2221 can be arranged to extend in an arc shape between consecutive segments 2121 (and thus consecutive LEDs 220 and carrier portions). The spacing between consecutive segments 2121 can therefore be increased or decreased, wherein the corresponding connecting conductor 2221 can be stretched (i.e., by increasing the radius of curvature of the arc shape of the conductor) or compressed (i.e., by decreasing the radius of curvature of the arc shape of the conductor). When the elongated concave reflector 212 is in a curved shape, the conductor can be arranged in equilibrium such that deviations of the elongated concave reflector 212 from the curved shape cause the conductor 2221 to exert a restoring force on the elongated concave reflector 212 to restore the elongated concave reflector 212 to the curved shape. Similar to the discussion of the stretchable interconnect structure 22 above, when the elongated concave reflector 212 is in a linear shape, the stretchable conductor 2221 can be arranged in the elongated concave reflector 212 and thus bend together with the elongated concave reflector 212 into the desired curved shape. In this configuration, the stretchable wire 2221 can be configured to undergo plastic deformation to achieve a new equilibrium state corresponding to the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector 212. Alternatively, the stretchable wire 2221 can be added to the elongated concave reflector 212 after it has been bent into the desired curved shape.
[0079] It is also possible to use a flexible, slender core (such as...) Figure 4 The core 1142 shown is used to supplement Figure 5a The segmented, elongated concave reflector 212 in -c. The core 1142 can therefore supplement or replace the stretchable interconnect structure 222 as a support structure for the elongated concave reflector 212. Thus, the support structure of the lighting device 210 can (additionally) include an elongated core that extends along and is secured to the elongated concave reflector 212, and is configured to provide (additional) bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector 212. In this case, the stretchable wire 2221 can, but does not necessarily, contribute to the bending resistance of the support structure.
[0080] While the above discussion primarily concerns the bending of elongated concave reflectors (e.g., 12 and 212) in the horizontal plane H, the cavity can be additionally or alternatively configured to be flexible in the vertical plane. Reference will now be made to... Figure 2 The bending in the vertical plane is discussed by way of example; however, this discussion also applies to embodiments of housing 114 and lighting device 210. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The elongated concave reflector 12 can be bent in the vertical plane denoted by V (i.e., the plane extending transverse to the opening 12b). The elongated concave reflector 12 can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape, for example, in the vertical plane V. The elongated concave reflector 12 can be bent to define a curved shape in the vertical plane V, wherein the radius of curvature and the bending angle are within the same range discussed above with reference to the horizontal plane H. However, it is conceivable that in some lighting applications, the elongated concave reflector 12 may need to accommodate a smaller degree of bending in the vertical plane V than in the horizontal plane H. For example, the elongated concave reflector 12 can be bent at most + / - 90° in the horizontal plane H, and only (+ / -) 10-30° in the vertical plane V. In any case, the support structure can be configured to provide bending resistance not only in the horizontal plane H but also in the vertical plane V, such that the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector 12 can be maintained in both the horizontal plane H and the vertical plane V. Based on the preceding discussion, in the case where the elongated concave reflector 12 is also bent in the vertical plane V, the support structure can be additionally configured to give the elongated concave reflector 12 resistance to bending in the vertical plane V, so as to at least balance any possible elastic restoring forces of the elongated concave reflector 12 in the vertical plane V, and any other gravitational forces that cause the elongated concave reflector 12 to deform from the desired bending shape in the vertical plane V.
[0081] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A lighting device (10), comprising: An elongated concave reflector (12) defines an elongated cavity (11) and has an open bottom side (12b) and is formed by an elastic and / or segmented structure (211) such that the concave reflector can be bent from a linear shape to a curved shape in the extended plane of the open bottom side (12b). and LED array (20) arranged inside cavity (11) along the bottom side (12b) of the opening, wherein LED (20) is configured to illuminate the reflective inner surface (12a) of concave reflector (12), such that the output light distribution formed by the light emitted by the LED array (20) and reflected by the reflective inner surface (12a) is emitted from cavity (11) via the bottom side (12b); The lighting device (10) further includes a support structure (14; 22; 114; 222) disposed along and mechanically coupled to the concave reflector, wherein the support structure, together with the elongated concave reflector (12), is bendable from a linear shape to a curved shape, and wherein the support structure is configured to impart bending resistance to the concave reflector (12) once the concave reflector has been bent into a curved shape, thereby maintaining the curved shape of the concave reflector (12).
2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is configured to undergo plastic deformation when bent from the linear shape to the curved shape together with the elongated concave reflector (12).
3. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the support structure comprises an elongated structure (14) extending along and mechanically coupled to the elongated concave reflector (12), wherein the elongated structure (14) is configured to provide bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector (12) when the elongated concave reflector (12) is in the curved shape, such that the curved shape of the elongated concave reflector (12) is maintained.
4. The lighting device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the elongated structure comprises an elongated housing (14) having an open bottom side (14b), wherein an elongated concave reflector (12) is arranged in the housing (14).
5. The lighting device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the housing (14) is an integrally formed body.
6. The lighting device (110) according to claim 4, wherein the housing (114) comprises a plurality of segments (1141) pivotally arranged relative to each other.
7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 3-6, wherein the elongated structure further comprises an elongated core (1142) extending along and fixed to the elongated concave reflector (12), or, when subject to any one of claims 4-6, extending along and fixed to the housing (114), wherein the core is configured to provide the elongated concave reflector (12) or the housing (114) with bending resistance.
8. The lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LED array (20) is interconnected by a stretchable interconnect structure (22; 222), wherein when the elongated concave reflector (12) is in a bent shape, the stretchable interconnect structure includes stretchable interconnects and is configured to provide increased bending resistance to the elongated concave reflector (12) such that the bent shape of the elongated concave reflector (12) is maintained, wherein the stretchable interconnects form a support structure or form part of a support structure.
9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the stretchable interconnect structure (22) includes a stretchable carrier (18) supporting the LED array (20).
10. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the stretchable interconnect structure (222) includes stretchable wires (2221) extending between adjacent LEDs of the LED row (220).
11. The lighting device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated concave reflector (212) comprises a plurality of pivotally connected segments (2121), wherein each segment extends between a pair of ends, and wherein the ends of adjacent segments overlap.
12. The lighting device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated concave reflector (12) is bendable in a plane extending transversely to the bottom plane of the opening (12b).
13. The lighting device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated concave reflector (12; 212) and, when dependent on claim 2, the housing (14) may also be bent to define a radius of curvature of 0.6 m or less, 0.5 m or less, or 0.4 m or less.
14. The lighting device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum bending force for bending the elongated concave reflector (12) from the linear shape to the curved shape is 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, 30 Nm or less, or 15 Nm or less, or wherein the support structure together with the elongated concave reflector (12) is bendable from the linear shape to the curved shape, and wherein the minimum bending force for bending the elongated concave reflector (12) together with the support structure from the linear shape to the curved shape is 50 Nm or less, 45 Nm or less, 30 Nm or less, or 15 Nm or less.