LED filament comprising filament portion

Abstract

An LED filament (100) configured to emit LED filament light (105) in operation, the LED filament comprising a first LED filament portion (120a) having a first elongate light transmissive carrier (130a) comprising a first major surface (140a) and a second LED filament portion (120b) having a second elongate light transmissive carrier (130b) comprising a second major surface (140b), wherein the first and second LED filament portions extend parallel to a length axis LX of the LED filament, where a first edge portion (200a) of the first LED filament portion is connected to a second edge portion (200b) of the second LED filament portion, where the first major surface and the second major surface define an angle alpha in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX, the angle alpha is larger than or equal to 220 degrees and smaller than or equal to 310 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to light-emitting diode (LED) filaments. More specifically, this invention relates to LED filaments including a filament portion. Background Technology

[0002] The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for lighting purposes continues to receive attention. Compared to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, neon lamps, etc., LEDs offer many advantages, such as longer lifespan, reduced power consumption, and improved efficiency related to the ratio of light energy to heat energy. In particular, LED filament lamps are highly preferred because they are very decorative.

[0003] Due to the advantages of using LEDs, interest in replacing traditional light sources with LEDs has rapidly increased in many lighting installations. It should be understood that this replacement, also known as retrofitting, is appreciated and desired by users who wish to maintain the appearance of incandescent bulbs. Light source replacement (retrofitting) is typically performed by removing (multiple) conventional light sources from the luminaire (e.g., lamp holder) of the lighting installation and attaching LEDs, LED units, or (multiple) LED devices to the luminaire. One of these concepts is based on the LED filament placed within the bulb, as the appearance of such a lamp is considered highly decorative.

[0004] However, it should be noted that the LED filaments or LED filament devices in the prior art can provide LED filament (device) light, and the light distribution characteristics and / or aesthetic characteristics of the LED filament (device) light with respect to (multiple) LED filaments and / or LED filament light can even be further improved.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an LED filament having improved light distribution characteristics and being aesthetically attractive and / or providing decorative lighting, while also providing the advantageous characteristics of LEDs in terms of energy efficiency.

[0006] US 2019 / 017657 discloses a filament-type LED light source comprising multiple LED modules, a coupler, and a common connection portion. The LED modules are polygonal prism structures and emit white light of different color temperatures or light of different wavelengths. Each LED module has a strip shape at a corresponding side surface of the polygonal prism structure and includes a first connection electrode and a second connection electrode.

[0007] WO 2023 / 083715 relates to an LED filament, comprising: a carrier including a first elongated carrier portion having a first LED, a second elongated carrier portion having a second LED, and a third elongated carrier portion having a third LED, the third elongated carrier portion being disposed between the first elongated carrier portion and the second elongated carrier portion, wherein the carrier is folded into a three-sided structure, such as a triangle, along a first longitudinal fold line separating the first elongated carrier portion and the third elongated carrier portion and along a second longitudinal fold line separating the second elongated carrier portion and the third elongated carrier portion. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Interestingly, LEDs can be combined with their advantageous properties through an LED filament that can provide even more improved light distribution characteristics compared to examples in the prior art, while being aesthetically attractive and / or providing decorative lighting.

[0009] This and other objectives are achieved by providing an LED filament having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, a light-emitting diode (LED) filament is provided, configured to emit LED filament light during operation. The LED filament includes a first LED filament portion. The first LED filament portion includes a first elongated light-transmitting carrier, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier including a first main surface and an array of a plurality of first LEDs disposed on the first main surface, wherein the plurality of first LEDs are configured to emit first LED light. The first LED filament portion further includes a first elongated encapsulation, the first elongated encapsulation including at least one of a first luminescent material and a first light-scattering material, the first luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert the first LED light emitted by the plurality of first LEDs into first converted light, and the first light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light into first scattered light, wherein the first elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the first main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of first LEDs. The LED filament also includes a second LED filament portion. The second LED filament portion includes: a second elongated light-transmitting carrier including a second main surface; and an array of a plurality of second LEDs disposed on the second main surface, wherein the plurality of second LEDs are configured to emit second LED light. The second LED filament portion further includes a second elongated encapsulation, which includes at least one of a second light-emitting material and a second light-scattering material. The second light-emitting material is configured to at least partially convert the second LED light emitted by the plurality of second LEDs into second converted light, and the second light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light into second scattered light. The second elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the second main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of second LEDs. The first LED filament portion and the second LED filament portion extend parallel to the length axis LX of the LED filament. A first edge portion of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and a second edge portion of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are connected, wherein the first edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX, and the second edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX. The first main surface and the second main surface define an angle α in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX, which satisfies... .

[0011] Therefore, this invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an LED filament, thereby connecting the first and second LED filament portions such that the LED filament has a V-shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the length axis LX of the LED filament. This structure of the LED filament achieves a (substantially) omnidirectional and uniform light distribution, while simultaneously realizing an aesthetically pleasing LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0012] The advantage of this invention is that, for example, when the LED filament light is parallel to the normals of the first and second main surfaces and distributed from the back side of the first and second main surfaces, the V-shaped LED filament can achieve omnidirectional and uniform light distribution.

[0013] Another advantage of the present invention is that the LED filament can be customized according to the light distribution of the V-shaped LED filament, thereby enhancing the customization of the light distribution characteristics. For example, (sub)LED filament light can be provided along the first, second, and third principal optical axes in the first, second, and third directions, respectively, wherein the angle between the first, second, and third directions can be defined by the V-shaped LED filament.

[0014] It has been found that LED filaments, comprising a light-transmitting elongated carrier (and having LEDs only on the first main surface), provide significantly more light from the top surface than from the back surface. For example, the light emitted from the top surface can be 60% to 80% (e.g., approximately 67%) of the LED filament light, while the light emitted from the bottom surface can be 20% to 40% (e.g., 33%). Therefore, the V-shaped LED filament of the present invention, capable of providing omnidirectional illumination or illumination in at least three main directions, offers optimal light distribution.

[0015] Another advantage of the present invention is that when the LED filament is in the on state, the LED filament achieves a decorative lighting effect, and in the off state, it provides a decorative effect.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that the LED filament can achieve improved thermal management during operation.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is that the LED filament can combine the advantages of light distribution and aesthetics with the advantages of LED technology, which means low power consumption, long operating life and improved efficiency related to the ratio between light energy and heat energy.

[0018] An LED filament is provided, configured to emit LED filament light during operation. The LED filament includes a first LED filament portion, i.e., the (first) portion of the LED filament. The first LED filament portion includes a first elongated light-transmitting carrier, which includes a first main surface and an array of a plurality of first LEDs disposed on the first main surface. The term "carrier" herein refers to an element, substrate, printed circuit board, PCB, etc., arranged to mechanically and / or electrically support the plurality of (first) LEDs. Thus, the plurality of first LEDs can be arranged, mounted, and / or mechanically coupled to the first main surface of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier (e.g., a substrate), wherein the first elongated light-transmitting carrier is configured to mechanically and / or electrically support the plurality of first LEDs. The plurality of first LEDs are configured to emit first LED light. The first LED filament portion also includes a first elongated encapsulation, wherein the first elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the first main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of first LEDs. The term "encapsulation" herein refers to a material, element, device, or the like configured or arranged to at least partially surround, encapsulate, and / or surround the plurality of first LEDs and the first elongated light-transmitting carrier. The first elongated encapsulation includes a first luminescent material and a first light-scattering material, the first luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert first LED light emitted by the plurality of first LEDs into first converted light, and the first light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light into first scattered light. Therefore, the first elongated encapsulation includes a first luminescent material and / or a first light-scattering material having the aforementioned characteristics. The first light-scattering material can achieve forward and / or backscattering. The first light-scattering material may include a silicone matrix having at least one of the following: and The LED filament also includes a second LED filament portion. The second LED filament portion includes: a second elongated light-transmitting carrier including a second main surface; and an array of a plurality of second LEDs disposed on the second main surface. It should be noted that the "second elongated light-transmitting carrier" may have the same or similar characteristics as the "first elongated light-transmitting carrier". The plurality of second LEDs are configured to emit second LED light. The second LED filament portion also includes a second elongated encapsulation, the second elongated encapsulation including at least one of a second luminescent material and a second light-scattering material, the second luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert the second LED light emitted by the plurality of second LEDs into second converted light, and the second light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light into second scattered light, wherein the second elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the second main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of a plurality of second LEDs. Therefore, the second elongated encapsulation includes a second luminescent material and / or a second light-scattering material having the aforementioned characteristics. The first LED filament portion and the second LED filament portion extend parallel to the length axis LX of the LED filament. Therefore, the first and second LED filament portions are aligned along the length LX of the LED filament. A first edge portion of a first elongated light-transmitting carrier and a second edge portion of a second elongated light-transmitting carrier are connected, wherein the first edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX, and the second edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX. Therefore, the first and second edge portions of the first and second LED filament portions are respectively connected to each other. The term "connected" herein may mean that the first and second edge portions are fastened or attached to each other, or alternatively, the first and second edge portions are integral (i.e., a single piece, of the same material). The first and second main surfaces define an angle α in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX, satisfying 220° ≤ α ≤ 310°. Therefore, viewed along the length axis LX of the LED filament, the first and second main surfaces form a V-shaped LED filament at the defined angle α.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, 230° ≤ α ≤ 260°. An advantage of this embodiment is that the angle α defined by the first and second main surfaces is particularly beneficial for obtaining the desired omnidirectional and uniform light distribution of the LED filament.

[0020] According to one example, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier may be translucent, such as transparent, and / or the second elongated light-transmitting carrier may be translucent, such as transparent.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier can be integral. Therefore, the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers are made of the same material (sheet). Alternatively, the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers are a single sheet. For example, the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers can be bent, folded, and / or formed into a V-shape from a single sheet (sheet) of material to form an LED filament. An advantage of this embodiment is that, considering cost and / or time efficiency, the LED filament is particularly convenient to manufacture using first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers made of the same material (sheet) during the LED filament manufacturing process. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the integral first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers of the LED filament can avoid slits or similar gaps at the junction of their first and second edge portions, whereby such gaps can negatively affect the light distribution characteristics and / or aesthetic characteristics of the LED filament.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier can be attached to each other at the first edge portion and the second edge portion by a connector. "Connector" herein refers to an adhesive (e.g., glue) and / or a mechanical connector element. An advantage of this embodiment is that the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers can be easily and conveniently connected (attached) by the connector.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first elongated package may include a first luminescent material, a second elongated package may include a second luminescent material, and wherein the first luminescent material has a first phosphor component, the second luminescent material has a second phosphor component, and the first and second phosphor components are identical. An advantage of this embodiment is that the first and second luminescent materials of the first and second elongated packages each have the same phosphor component. Therefore, this embodiment has the advantage of further improving the (cost) efficiency of LED filament manufacturing. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the identical first and second components can provide symmetry with respect to light distribution. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the identical first and second components can provide aesthetic symmetry with respect to LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, a first elongated package may include a first luminescent material, and a second elongated package may include a second luminescent material, wherein the first luminescent material has a first phosphor component, and the second luminescent material has a second phosphor component, wherein the first phosphor component is different from the second phosphor component. An advantage of this embodiment is that the difference in phosphor components can provide a customized illumination distribution. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the different first and second components can provide aesthetically appealing effects regarding LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first LED filament portion further includes a third elongated encapsulation. The third elongated encapsulation includes at least one of a third luminescent material and a third light-scattering material. The third luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert at least one of the first LED light and the first converted light into third converted light. The third light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter at least one of the first LED light and the first scattered light into third scattered light. The third elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the first back surface of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite the first main surface. The second LED filament portion further includes a fourth elongated encapsulation. The fourth elongated encapsulation includes at least one of a fourth luminescent material and a fourth light-scattering material. The fourth luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert at least one of the second LED light and the second converted light into fourth converted light. The fourth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter at least one of the second LED light and the second scattered light into fourth scattered light. The fourth elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the second back surface of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite the second main surface. Therefore, in addition to the first and second elongated packages respectively disposed on the first and second main surfaces, there are also third and fourth elongated packages disposed on the first and second back surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers, opposite to the first and second main surfaces. The first LED filament portion includes a third elongated package, which in turn includes a third luminescent material and / or a third light-scattering material. The third luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the first LED light and / or the first converted light into third converted light. The third light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light and / or the first scattered light into third scattered light. Similarly, the second LED filament portion includes a fourth elongated package, which in turn includes a fourth luminescent material and / or a fourth light-scattering material. The fourth luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the second LED light and / or the second converted light into fourth converted light. The fourth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light and / or the second scattered light into fourth scattered light. The advantage of this embodiment is that not only are corresponding encapsulations provided on the first and second main surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers, but corresponding encapsulations are also provided on the first and second back surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers. Therefore, the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light can contribute to the desired omnidirectional and uniform light distribution and / or aesthetic appearance of the LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third elongated encapsulant may include a third light-emitting material, and the fourth elongated encapsulant may include a fourth light-emitting material, and wherein the third light-emitting material has a third phosphor component, and the fourth light-emitting material has a fourth phosphor component, and wherein the third phosphor component and the fourth phosphor component are the same. The advantage of this embodiment is the convenience that the third and fourth light-emitting materials of the third and fourth elongated encapsulants respectively have the same phosphor component. Therefore, the advantage of this embodiment is that the manufacturing (cost) efficiency of the LED filament can be further improved. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the same third and fourth phosphor components can provide symmetry regarding the light distribution. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the same third and fourth phosphor components can provide aesthetic symmetry regarding the LED filament and / or the LED filament light.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the following is satisfied: the phosphor concentration of at least one of the third elongated encapsulant and the fourth elongated encapsulant is lower than the phosphor concentration of the first elongated encapsulant and the second elongated encapsulant, and the thickness of the third elongated encapsulant and the fourth elongated encapsulant is lower than the thickness of the first elongated encapsulant and the second elongated encapsulant. Therefore, the phosphor concentration of the third and fourth elongated encapsulants is respectively lower than the phosphor concentration of the first and second elongated encapsulants, and / or the thickness of the third and fourth elongated encapsulants is respectively lower than the thickness of the first and second elongated encapsulants. More specifically, the first elongated encapsulant may have a first thickness T1a, the second elongated encapsulant may have a second thickness T1b, the third elongated encapsulant may have a third thickness T2a, and the fourth elongated encapsulant may have a fourth thickness T2b, where T2a < T1a and / or T2b < T1b is satisfied.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the LED filament may further include a fifth elongated package disposed between a first back surface of a first elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite to a first main surface and a second back surface of a second elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite to a second main surface. The fifth elongated package may include at least one of a fifth luminescent material and a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material may be configured to at least partially convert at least one of the following: a first converted light, a second converted light, a first LED light, and a second LED light. The fifth light-scattering material may be configured to at least partially scatter at least one of the following: a first scattered light, a second scattered light, a first LED light, and a second LED light. Therefore, the fifth elongated package may be disposed between the first and second back surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers, and the fifth elongated package may include a fifth luminescent material and / or a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material may be configured to at least partially convert the first converted light, the second converted light, the first LED light, and / or the second LED light. The fifth light-scattering material may be configured to at least partially scatter the first scattered light, the second scattered light, the first LED light, and / or the second LED light. The advantage of this embodiment is that not only are the first and second main surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers provided with corresponding encapsulations, but (fifth) the elongated encapsulations are provided on the first and second back surfaces of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers, thereby obtaining the desired omnidirectional and uniform light distribution and / or aesthetic appearance of the LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, the LED filament may further include a fifth package disposed between the third elongated package and the fourth elongated package. The fifth elongated package may include at least one of a fifth luminescent material and a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material may be configured to at least partially convert at least one of a third converted light, a third scattered light, a fourth converted light, and a fourth scattered light. The fifth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter at least one of a third converted light, a third scattered light, a fourth converted light, and a fourth scattered light. Therefore, the fifth elongated package may be disposed between the third and fourth elongated packages, and the fifth elongated package may include the fifth luminescent material and / or the fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material may be configured to at least partially convert the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light. The fifth light-scattering material may be configured to at least partially scatter the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light. The advantage of this embodiment is that the third converted light and / or scattered light, as well as the fourth converted light and / or scattered light, can be optically influenced by the fifth elongated package, thereby contributing to the desired omnidirectional and uniform light distribution and / or aesthetic appearance of the LED filament and / or LED filament light.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the fifth elongated package may be translucent. For example, the fifth elongated package may be transparent.

[0031] According to embodiments of the invention, the fifth elongated package may be prismatic and may have a wedge-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the length axis LX. Therefore, the fifth elongated package may have a prismatic form or shape, and thus the term "prismatic" herein refers to a (transparent and / or translucent) optical component with a flat surface that refracts light. "Wedge-shaped cross-section" herein refers to a cross-section defined by a V-shaped LED filament, wherein the cross-section may be triangular.

[0032] In this embodiment, the first LED light and / or the second LED light may be blue light with a peak emission wavelength in the wavelength range of 430 nm to 490 nm. Preferably, the difference between the peak emission wavelengths of the first LED light and / or the second LED light may be less than 30 nm or less than 20 nm.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first and second luminescent materials can be the same.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first and second light-scattering materials can be the same.

[0035] In an embodiment, the first and second elongated packages may be identical.

[0036] In an embodiment, the concentration of the first luminescent material in the first elongated package and the concentration of the second luminescent material in the second elongated package can be the same.

[0037] In this embodiment, the LED filament light can be white light. The white light can have a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K. The color rendering index (CRI) of the white light can be at least 80 or at least 85.

[0038] In an embodiment, a first LED filament portion is configured to provide first LED filament partial light during operation, and a second LED filament portion is configured to provide second LED filament partial light during operation. The first LED filament partial light may be first white light having a first correlated color temperature (CCT1) in the range of 1700K to 6500K. The color rendering index (CRI) of the first white light may be at least 80 or at least 85. The second LED filament partial light may be second white light having a second correlated color temperature (CCT2) in the range of 1700K to 6500K. The color rendering index (CRI) of the second white light may be at least 80 or at least 85. Preferably, the following may apply: .

[0039] In the embodiments, the third and fourth luminescent materials can be the same.

[0040] In the embodiments, the third and fourth light scattering materials can be the same.

[0041] In the embodiments, the third and fourth elongated packages can be identical.

[0042] In an embodiment, the concentration of the third luminescent material in the third elongated package and the concentration of the fourth luminescent material in the fourth elongated package can be the same.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an LED filament device is provided, configured to emit LED filament device light during operation. The LED filament device includes at least one LED filament according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of first LEDs comprise a plurality of first LED subsets, and a plurality of second LEDs comprise a plurality of second LED subsets, and a controller coupled to the plurality of first LED subsets and the plurality of second LED subsets, wherein the controller is configured to individually control the plurality of first LED subsets and the plurality of second LED subsets. "Controller" herein essentially refers to any unit, device, etc., arranged or configured to control subsets of LEDs. An advantage of this embodiment is that the controller can conveniently and efficiently control the first and second subsets of LEDs individually to achieve the desired effect of LED filament device light during operation.

[0044] According to embodiments of the present invention, an LED filament lamp is provided. The LED filament lamp includes at least one LED filament or LED filament assembly according to any of the foregoing embodiments. The LED filament lamp also includes a light-transmitting housing and a light-transmitting tube that at least partially surround the LED filament, and a base, wherein the base includes a connector arranged to mechanically and electrically connect the LED filament lamp to a socket of a luminaire. The term "housing" herein refers to an enclosing element comprising at least partially translucent and / or transparent material, such as a cap, cover, etc. This embodiment is advantageous because the LED filament (or LED filament assembly) according to the present invention can be conveniently arranged in virtually any luminaire, lamp, or lighting device, such as a tubular lighting device, an LED filament lamp, or an LED filament luminaire, luminaire, lighting system, etc. The LED filament lamp may also include a driver for supplying power to the LED of the LED filament.

[0045] According to an example of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a light-emitting diode (LED) filament is provided, the LED filament being configured to emit LED filament light during operation. The LED filament includes a first LED filament portion. The first LED filament portion includes a first elongated light-transmitting carrier, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier including a first main surface and an array of a plurality of first LEDs disposed on the first main surface, wherein the plurality of first LEDs are configured to emit first LED light. The first LED filament portion further includes: a first elongated encapsulation, the first elongated encapsulation including at least one of a first luminescent material and a first light-scattering material, the first luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert the first LED light emitted by the plurality of first LEDs into first converted light, and the first light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light into first scattered light, wherein the first elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the first main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of first LEDs. The LED filament also includes a second LED filament portion. The second LED filament portion includes: a second elongated light-transmitting carrier including a second main surface; and an array of a plurality of second LEDs disposed on the second main surface, wherein the plurality of second LEDs are configured to emit second LED light. The second LED filament portion also includes a second elongated encapsulation comprising at least one of a second luminescent material and a second light-scattering material. The second luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the second LED light emitted by the plurality of second LEDs into second converted light, and the second light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light into second scattered light. The second elongated encapsulation at least partially covers the second main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of second LEDs. The first LED filament portion and the second LED filament portion extend parallel to the length axis LX. A first edge portion of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and a second edge portion of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are connected, wherein the first edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX, and the second edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX. The method includes the step of folding the LED filament such that the first and second main surfaces define an angle α in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX, satisfying 220°≤α≤310°.

[0046] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon studying the following detailed disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different features of the invention can be combined to create embodiments different from those described below. Attached Figure Description

[0047] 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.

[0048] Figure 1An LED filament lamp according to the prior art is shown.

[0049] Figure 2 The LED filament according to the prior art is shown.

[0050] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figures 6a to 6d An LED filament according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0051] Figure 7a and Figure 7b The method of manufacturing an LED filament according to an example of the present invention is illustrated schematically, and

[0052] Figure 8 An LED filament lamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Figure 1 An LED filament lamp 10 according to the prior art is shown, which includes a plurality of LED filaments 20. This type of LED filament lamp 10 is very popular because it is highly decorative and offers many advantages over incandescent lamps, such as longer operating life, reduced power consumption, and increased efficiency related to the ratio of light energy to heat energy. This LED filament lamp 10 is capable of producing warm white light. However, it is of interest to improve the distribution characteristics of the light emitted from the LED filaments 20 and to enhance the appearance and / or decorative aspects of the LED filaments 20 and / or the LED filament lamp 10.

[0054] Figure 2 An LED filament 50 according to the prior art is shown, which includes a carrier 60, an LED 70 disposed on the carrier 60, and a package 70. The LED filament 50 can be, for example, arranged according to... Figure 1 In the LED filament lamp 10, as shown in the cross-section perpendicular to its length axis LX, the LED filament 50 emits approximately 65% ​​of its light in a direction away from the LED 70, and approximately 35% of its light in the opposite direction. Of particular interest is the ability to improve this light distribution and enhance the appearance and / or decorative aspects of the LED filament(s) 50.

[0055] Figure 3An LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The LED filament 100 is shown in a cross-section perpendicular to its length axis LX. The LED filament 100 is configured to emit LED filament light 110 during operation. In an embodiment, the LED filament light 110 may be white light. The white light may have a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K. The color rendering index (CRI) of the white light may be at least 80 or at least 85.

[0056] The LED filament 100 includes a first LED filament portion 120a, that is, the (first) portion of the LED filament 100. The first LED filament portion 120a includes a first elongated light-transmitting carrier 130a, which includes a first main surface 140a. The first elongated light-transmitting carrier 130a can be a component, a substrate, a printed circuit board (PCB), etc.

[0057] An array of multiple first LEDs 150a is arranged on a first main surface 140a. The multiple first LEDs 150a are configured to emit first LED light 160a. A first LED filament portion 120a also includes a first elongated package 170a, wherein the first elongated package 170a at least partially covers the first main surface 140a and at least partially surrounds the array of multiple first LEDs 150a. The first elongated package 170a includes a first luminescent material and / or a first light-scattering material, the first luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert the first LED light 160a emitted by the multiple first LEDs into first converted light 180a, and the first light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light 160a into first scattered light 181a. It should be noted that the first converted light 180a and the second converted light 180b are indicated by different (separate) arrows, this is merely for illustrative purposes, and a "common" arrow may alternatively be shown. In embodiments and / or examples, the first elongated package 170a may include a first light-emitting surface (not shown) for emitting light from the first sub-LED filament. The first sub-LED filament light may include a first converted light 180a and / or a first diffused light 181a, and optionally include a portion of the first LED light 160a. The first sub-LED filament light may be white light, for example, white light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0058] The LED filament 100 also includes a second LED filament portion 120b. The second LED filament portion 120b includes a second elongated light-transmitting carrier 130b. The second LED filament portion 120b includes a second main surface 140b. A plurality of second LEDs 150b are arranged on the second main surface 140b. The plurality of second LEDs 150b are configured to emit second LED light 160b. The second LED filament portion 120b also includes a second elongated package 170b, which includes a second luminescent material and / or a second light-scattering material. The second luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the second LED light 160b emitted by the plurality of second LEDs 150b into second converted light 180b, and the second light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light 160b into second scattered light 181b. It should be noted that the second converted light 180b and the second scattered light 181b are indicated by different (separate) arrows, which is only for ease of understanding and can be alternatively indicated by a "common" arrow. In embodiments and / or examples, the second elongated package 170b may include a second light-emitting surface for emitting second sub-LED filament light (not shown). The second sub-LED filament light may include a second converted light 180b and / or a second diffused light 181b, and optionally include a portion of the second LED light 160b. The second sub-LED filament light may be white light, for example, having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0059] In embodiments and / or examples, a first sub-LED filament light can be provided along a first direction of the first principal optical axis OA1, a second sub-LED filament light can be provided along a second direction of the second principal optical axis OA2, and a third sub-LED filament light can be provided along a third direction of the third principal optical axis OA3, wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are different. Preferably, the angle between OA1 and OA2 can be in the range of 100-140°, more preferably 110-130°. Preferably, the angle between OA2 and OA3 can be in the range of 100-140°, more preferably 110-130°.

[0060] The first luminescent material may have a first phosphor component, and the second luminescent material may have a second phosphor component. The first phosphor component and the second phosphor component may be the same. Alternatively, the first phosphor component and the second phosphor component may be different. A second elongated package 170b at least partially covers the second main surface 140b and at least partially surrounds an array of multiple second LEDs 150b. The first LED filament portion 120a and the second LED filament portion 120b extend parallel to the length axis LX of the LED filament 100. A first edge portion 200a of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier 130a and a second edge portion 200b of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier 130b are connected, wherein the first edge portion 200a extends parallel to the length axis LX, and the second edge portion 200b extends parallel to the length axis LX. The first main surface 140a and the second main surface 140b define an angle α in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX of the LED filament, which satisfies… .For example, That is, the angle α in the circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX can satisfy α=245°±15°.

[0061] Figure 3 The three main light distribution directions of the LED filament 110 are schematically disclosed: parallel to the normals of the first and second main surfaces 140a and 140b, and from the back side of the first and second main surfaces 140a and 140b. However, it should be understood that the LED filament 100 achieves omnidirectional and uniform light distribution. According to this V-shaped configuration of the LED filament 100, 60-70% (e.g., 66%) can be achieved in each of the first and second directions parallel to the normals of the first and second main surfaces 140a and 140b, and 60-70% (e.g., 33% + 33% = 66%) can be achieved in the third direction starting from the back side of the first and second main surfaces 140a and 140b.

[0062] The first elongated light-transmitting carrier 130a and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier 130b can be integral. Therefore, the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers 130a and 130b can be made of the same material (sheet). For example, the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers 130a and 130b can be bent, folded, and / or formed into a V-shaped LED filament 100. Alternatively, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier 130a and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier 130b can be attached to each other at the first edge portion 200a and the second edge portion 200b by connectors (e.g., adhesives (e.g., glue) and / or mechanical connector elements).

[0063] Figure 4 An LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 4 Having and according to Figure 3It shares many features and components with the LED filament 100 and the related text, and is consistent with Figure 3 Compared to, it is omitted Figure 4 Some of the accompanying diagrams are labeled. For a better understanding of LED filament 100, please also refer to... Figure 3 Besides, Figure 3 The example shown is located outside the first and second elongated packages respectively disposed on the first and second main surfaces of the LED filament 100. Figure 4 The LED filament 100 shows a third elongated package 170c and a fourth elongated package 170d respectively disposed on a first back surface 300a and a second back surface 300b opposite to the first and second main surfaces 140a and 140b. The third elongated package 170c includes a third luminescent material and / or a third light-scattering material. The third luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the first LED light and / or the first converted light into a third converted light 182a. The third light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light and / or the first scattered light into a third scattered light 183a. In embodiments and / or examples, the third elongated package 170c may include a third luminescent surface for emitting third sub-LED filament light (not shown). The third sub-LED filament light may include the third converted light 182a and / or the third scattered light 183a, and optionally include a portion of the first LED light. The third-generation LED filament light can be white light, for example, white light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0064] Similarly, the fourth elongated package 170d includes a fourth luminescent material and / or a fourth light-scattering material. The fourth luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert the first LED light and / or the first converted light into a fourth converted light 182b. The fourth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light and / or the first scattered light into a fourth scattered light 183b. In embodiments and / or examples, the fourth elongated package 170d may include a fourth luminescent surface for emitting fourth sub-LED filament light (not shown). The fourth sub-LED filament light may include the fourth converted light 182b and / or the fourth scattered light 183b, and optionally include a portion of the second LED light. The fourth sub-LED filament light may be white light, for example, having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0065] The third light-emitting material may have a third phosphor component, and the fourth light-emitting material may have a fourth phosphor component. The third phosphor component and the fourth phosphor component may be the same. Alternatively, the third phosphor component and the fourth phosphor component may be different. The phosphor concentration of at least one of the third elongated encapsulant and the fourth elongated encapsulant may be lower than the phosphor concentration of the first elongated encapsulant and the second elongated encapsulant. In addition, the first elongated encapsulant may have a first thickness T1a, the second elongated encapsulant may have a second thickness T1b, the third elongated encapsulant 170c may have a third thickness T2a, and the fourth elongated encapsulant 170d may have a fourth thickness T2b, where T2a < T1a and / or T2b < T1b are satisfied.

[0066] Figure 5a FIG. 1 schematically shows an LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5a Having many features and components the same as those of the LED filament 100 according to Figure 3 and related text, and for better understanding, reference is also made herein to Figure 3 . In Figure 5a , the LED filament 100 further includes a fifth elongated encapsulant 170e, which is disposed between a first back surface 300a of the first elongated light-transmissive carrier opposite to the first main surface and a second back surface 300b of the second elongated light-transmissive carrier opposite to the second main surface. The fifth elongated encapsulant 170e may include a fifth light-emitting material and / or a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth light-emitting material may be configured to at least partially convert the first converted light, the second converted light, the first LED light, and / or the second LED light. The fifth light-scattering material may be configured to at least partially scatter the first scattered light, the second scattered light, the first LED light, and / or the second LED light. In an embodiment and / or example, the fifth elongated encapsulant 170e may include a fifth light-emitting surface for emitting a fifth sub-LED filament light (not shown). The fifth sub-LED filament light may include the first converted light, the second converted light, the first scattered light, the second scattered light, the first LED light, and / or the second LED light. The fifth sub-LED filament light may be white light, for example, the white light having a correlated color temperature CCT in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index CRI of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0067] Figure 5b FIG. 1 schematically shows an LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5b Having many features and components the same as those of the LED filament 100 according to Figure 4 and related text, and some reference numerals are omitted in Figure 5b . For ease of understanding, reference is also made to Figure 4 . In Figure 5bIn this embodiment, the LED filament also includes a fifth package 170e disposed between a third elongated package 170c and a fourth elongated package 170d. The fifth elongated package 170e may include a fifth luminescent material and / or a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material may be configured to at least partially convert the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light. The fifth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light. In embodiments and / or examples, the fifth elongated package 170e may include a fifth luminescent surface for emitting fifth sub-LED filament light (not shown). The fifth sub-LED filament light may include the third converted light, the third scattered light, the fourth converted light, and / or the fourth scattered light. The fifth sub-LED filament light may be white light, for example, white light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) in the range of 1700K to 6500K and / or a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80 or at least 85.

[0068] Figure 6a and Figure 6b An LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 6a and 6b Having and according to Figure 3 Many features and components are the same as those of the LED filament 100 mentioned in the related text, and for the purpose of further understanding, please also refer to [the relevant text]. Figure 3 .exist Figure 6a In the first elongated package 170a, a luminescent material having a first phosphor component is included, and a second elongated package 170b, a second luminescent material having a second phosphor component, wherein the first phosphor component is different from (i.e., different from) the second phosphor component. Figure 6b In the first elongated package 170a, a luminescent material having a first phosphor component is included, and a second elongated package 170b, a second luminescent material having a second phosphor component is included, wherein the first phosphor component and the second phosphor component are the same.

[0069] Figure 6c and Figure 6d An LED filament 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 6c and Figure 6d Having and according to Figure 4 Many features and components are the same as those of the LED filament 100 mentioned in the related text, and for the purpose of further understanding, please also refer to [the relevant text]. Figure 4 .exist Figure 6c In the third elongated package 170c, a third luminescent material having a third phosphor component is included, and a fourth elongated package 170d, a fourth luminescent material having a fourth phosphor component is included, wherein the third phosphor component and the fourth phosphor component are identical. Figure 6dIn the first elongated package 170c, a third elongated package 170c includes a third luminescent material having a third phosphor component, and a fourth elongated package 170d includes a fourth luminescent material having a fourth phosphor component, wherein the third phosphor component is different from (i.e., different from) the fourth phosphor component. Furthermore, the phosphor concentrations of the third elongated package 170c and the fourth elongated package 170d may be lower than the phosphor concentrations of the first elongated package 170a and the second elongated package 170b.

[0070] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An example method for manufacturing an LED filament according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Figure 7a In this configuration, a first elongated light-transmitting carrier and a second elongated light-transmitting carrier are attached to each other at a first edge portion and a second edge portion by a connector, wherein the connector may be, for example, an adhesive (e.g., glue) and / or a mechanical connector element. Figure 7b In this design, the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are integral, thereby constituting the same (whole) material (sheet). The first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers can be bent, folded and / or formed into V-shaped LED filaments from the single (whole) material of the first and second elongated light-transmitting carriers.

[0071] Figure 8 An LED filament lamp 600 is schematically illustrated. The LED filament lamp 600 includes at least one LED filament 100 or LED filament assembly according to any of the foregoing embodiments. It should be understood that the arrangement of the LED filament 100 disclosed in FIG. 6 is merely exemplary, and the LED filament lamp 600 may include substantially any arrangement or configuration of one or more LED filaments 100. The LED filament lamp 600 also includes a light-transmitting housing 610 that at least partially surrounds the LED filament(s) 100, and a base 620, wherein the base 620 includes a connector arranged to mechanically and electrically connect the LED lamp to a receptacle of the luminaire. The LED filament lamp 600 may also include a driver for supplying power to the LEDs of the LED filament 100.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the LED filament 100, the first LED filament portion 120a, the second LED filament portion 120b, etc., may have different shapes, sizes, and / or dimensions than those depicted / described.

Claims

1. A light-emitting diode (LED) filament (100) configured to emit LED filament light (110) during operation, said LED filament comprising a first LED filament portion (120a) and a second LED filament portion (120b), wherein The first LED filament portion (120a) includes: The first elongated light-transmitting carrier (130a) includes a first main surface (140a); An array of multiple first LEDs (150a) is arranged on the first main surface, wherein the multiple first LEDs are configured to emit first LED light (160a). A first elongated package (170a) includes at least one of a first light-emitting material and a first light-scattering material, the first light-emitting material being configured to at least partially convert the first LED light emitted by the plurality of first LEDs into first converted light (180a), and the first light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the first LED light into first scattered light (181a), wherein the first elongated package at least partially covers the first main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of first LEDs. The second LED filament portion (120b) includes: The second elongated light-transmitting carrier (130b) includes a second main surface (140b). An array of multiple second LEDs (150b) is arranged on the second main surface, wherein the multiple second LEDs are configured to emit second LED light (160b). The second elongated package (170b) includes at least one of a second light-emitting material and a second light-scattering material, the second light-emitting material being configured to at least partially convert the second LED light emitted by the plurality of second LEDs into second converted light (180b), and the second light-scattering material being configured to at least partially scatter the second LED light into second scattered light (181b), wherein the second elongated package at least partially covers the second main surface and at least partially surrounds the array of the plurality of second LEDs, wherein The first LED filament portion and the second LED filament portion extend parallel to the length axis LX of the LED filament. The first edge portion (200a) of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second edge portion (200b) of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are connected, wherein the first edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX, and wherein the second edge portion extends parallel to the length axis LX, thereby connecting the first LED filament portion and the second LED filament portion such that the LED filament has a V-shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the length axis LX of the LED filament, and The first main surface and the second main surface define an angle in a circumferential direction C perpendicular to the length axis LX. The angle Satisfying 220°≤ ≤310°.

2. The LED filament according to claim 1, wherein 230° ≤ ≤260°.

3. The LED filament according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are integrally formed.

4. The LED filament according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first elongated light-transmitting carrier and the second elongated light-transmitting carrier are attached to each other at the first edge portion and the second edge portion by a connector.

5. The LED filament according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first elongated package includes the first light-emitting material and the second elongated package includes the second light-emitting material, wherein the first light-emitting material has a first phosphor component and the second light-emitting material has a second phosphor component, wherein the first phosphor component and the second phosphor component are the same.

6. The LED filament according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first elongated package includes the first light-emitting material and the second elongated package includes the second light-emitting material, wherein the first light-emitting material has a first phosphor component and the second light-emitting material has a second phosphor component, wherein the first phosphor component is different from the second phosphor component.

7. The LED filament according to any one of the preceding claims, The first LED filament portion further includes: The third elongated package (170c) includes at least one of a third light-emitting material and a third light-scattering material, the third light-emitting material being configured to at least partially convert at least one of the first LED light and the first converted light into third converted light (182a). The third light scattering material is configured to scatter at least partially one of the first LED light and the first scattered light into third scattered light (183a). The third elongated package at least partially covers the first back surface (300a) of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite the first main surface. And the second LED filament portion further includes: The fourth elongated package (170d) includes at least one of a fourth luminescent material and a fourth light-scattering material, said fourth luminescent material being configured to at least partially convert at least one of the second LED light and the second converted light into the fourth converted light (182b). The fourth light scattering material is configured to scatter at least partially one of the second LED light and the second scattered light into fourth scattered light (183b). The fourth elongated package at least partially covers the second back surface (300b) of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite the second main surface.

8. The LED filament of claim 7, wherein the third elongated encapsulation comprises the third light-emitting material, and the fourth elongated encapsulation comprises the fourth light-emitting material, wherein the third light-emitting material has a third phosphor component, and the fourth light-emitting material has a fourth phosphor component, wherein the third phosphor component and the fourth phosphor component are the same.

9. The LED filament according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The phosphor concentrations of the third and fourth elongated packages are lower than those of the first and second elongated packages. The thickness of the third elongated package and the fourth elongated package is lower than the thickness of the first elongated package and the second elongated package.

10. The LED filament according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: A fifth elongated encapsulation (170e) is disposed between a first back surface of the first elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite to the first main surface and a second back surface of the second elongated light-transmitting carrier opposite to the second main surface, wherein the fifth encapsulation comprises at least one of a fifth luminescent material or a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert at least one of the following: The first converted light, The second converted light, The first LED light, and The second LED light, The fifth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter at least one of the following: The first scattered light, The second scattered light, The first LED light, and The second LED light.

11. The LED filament according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising: A fifth elongated package (170e) is disposed between the third and fourth elongated packages, wherein the fifth elongated package comprises at least one of a fifth luminescent material or a fifth light-scattering material. The fifth luminescent material is configured to at least partially convert at least one of the following: The third converted light, The third scattered light, The fourth converted light, and The fourth scattered light, The fifth light-scattering material is configured to at least partially scatter at least one of the following: The third converted light, The third scattered light, The fourth converted light, and The fourth scattered light.

12. The LED filament according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fifth elongated package is prismatic and has a wedge-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the length axis LX.

13. The LED filament according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first LED filament portion is configured to provide first LED filament partial light in operation, and the second LED filament portion is configured to provide second LED filament partial light in operation, wherein the first LED filament partial light is a first white light having a first correlated color temperature CCT1 in the range of 1700K to 6500K, and the second LED filament partial light is a second white light having a second correlated color temperature CCT2 in the range of 1700K to 6500K, and wherein |CCT2-CCT1|≤300K.

14. An LED filament device configured to emit LED filament device light during operation, the LED filament device comprising: At least one LED filament according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of first LEDs comprises a plurality of subsets of first LEDs, and wherein the plurality of second LEDs comprises a plurality of subsets of second LEDs. A controller is coupled to the plurality of first LED subsets and the plurality of second LED subsets, wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of first LED subsets and the plurality of second LED subsets individually.

15. An LED filament lamp (600), comprising: At least one of the LED filaments according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the LED filament device according to claim 14; as well as At least one of the light-transmitting housing (610) and the light-transmitting tube that at least partially surrounds the at least one LED filament; as well as Base (620), wherein the base includes a connector arranged to mechanically connect the LED filament lamp and electrically connect it to a socket of the luminaire.

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