bulb

Abstract

The invention relates to a lamp bulb comprising a support structure formed from at least 50% of a porous metal substrate acting as a heat sink and comprising a large internal cavity. The invention also relates to a light diffusing lens suitable for a lamp bulb comprising said metal substrate, and to a support structure for a lamp bulb comprising said metal substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a light bulb, a light bulb support structure, and a light diffuser lens. Background Technology

[0002] When in operation, most traditional light bulbs (such as incandescent bulbs) as well as more modern bulbs (such as light-emitting diodes, abbreviated as LEDs) generate a significant amount of heat. This dissipated heat reduces the bulb's luminous efficiency, negatively impacts the quality of the emitted light, and can even shorten the bulb's lifespan.

[0003] To mitigate problems associated with heat dissipation from light bulbs, a common practice is to integrate heat dissipation elements that are close to the light source and therefore the heat source into the bulb itself. These heat dissipation elements can be passive (e.g., heat sinks using heat convection) or active (e.g., miniature fans directly integrated into the bulb).

[0004] Because bulb dimensions are largely standardized to ensure compatibility with existing luminaires or objects, this limits the size of heat dissipation components that can be integrated. In particular, the diameter of the bulb's screw base is typically calibrated to meet standard specifications. Therefore, the available volume within the bulb base is predetermined by its intended use. To a lesser extent, the volume of the rest of the bulb is also determined by its intended application.

[0005] Therefore, heat dissipation elements need to be relatively compact for integration into the bulb, while maintaining their heat dissipation capability as high as possible.

[0006] Document CN107883362A describes a heat sink for an LED device, which consists of a heat radiator and an aluminum substrate. The aluminum substrate is attached to a metal disk arranged around the LED by a thermally conductive adhesive. The aluminum substrate is further soldered to the lower portion of the LED. The heat sink must then be integrated into structural components that support the LED, bulb or lens, and bulb base.

[0007] Document KR20160134028A also describes a heat sink for LED lighting devices, which includes a thermally conductive polymer element to transfer heat to a foamed aluminum element cooled by natural convection. This heat sink must also be mounted on a structural component that supports all other components of the bulb.

[0008] Document US 2013 / 0313959 A1 describes an LED bulb comprising a heat sink in the form of a porous material structure through which air can be vented according to a pressure difference caused by a device housed within a cavity of the structure. This cavity is bounded by the porous material along its circumference. It is also hermetically sealed at the top by a bulb cover and at the bottom by a wall supporting a base thereon. A disadvantage arising from the need for a hermetically sealed cavity to operate the transformer is the limitation on the internal volume of electronic components that can be dedicated to the LED.

[0009] Furthermore, light bulbs, especially LED bulbs, are generally not designed to allow for interchangeable components (whether for individual recycling of parts or for simplified repair). In fact, these bulbs are often designed for single use without the possibility of replacing parts, or are complex units requiring professional intervention for repair or replacement. Therefore, there is a need for bulbs whose various components can be easily and reversibly assembled to allow for recycling as needed and / or for extending their lifespan by replacing certain parts. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide a light bulb that alleviates the limitations known in the prior art.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a light bulb that harmonizes the compactness requirements of the bulb with the efficiency of the heat sink.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is to propose a light bulb that maximizes the internal volume available for use in electronic components.

[0013] Another objective of this invention is to propose a simplified light bulb designed to increase its reusability by facilitating the replacement of components when they cease to function.

[0014] These objectives are achieved in particular by means of a light bulb 1, which includes: Support structure 2 extends along the longitudinal axis L between the first end 21 and the second end 22. The base 3 is supported by the first end 21. Light source 4, which is supported by the second end 22, The support structure 2 includes a porous metal substrate 23 for dissipating heat, and the porous metal substrate 23 constitutes at least 50% of the total volume of the support structure 2. The bulb is characterized in that it includes an internal cavity 26, which is partially bounded by a first inner wall of the support structure 2 and partially bounded by a second inner wall of the base 3 to allow for the accommodation of a printed circuit board 261, which extends between a second end 22 and a lower end 31 of the base opposite to the support structure 2.

[0015] In one embodiment, the porous metal substrate 23 constitutes at least 80% of the support structure, preferably at least 90% of the support structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the diameter d of the first end 21 is smaller than the diameter D of the second end 22.

[0017] In one embodiment, the height h of the support structure 2 measured along the longitudinal axis L is greater than or equal to 50% of the total height H of the bulb measured along the longitudinal axis L.

[0018] In one embodiment, the porous metal substrate 23 is foamed metal, preferably foamed aluminum.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bulb 1 includes a base fastening device for removably securing the base 3 to the support structure 2.

[0020] Advantageously, the fastening device may include at least one groove on the first inner wall of the support structure 2, the at least one groove coinciding with at least one corresponding profile disposed on the base 3 to allow the base 3 to snap onto the support structure 2.

[0021] In alternative or complementary embodiments, the base fastening device may include a threaded element embedded in the internal cavity 26, onto which a corresponding threaded profile of the base 3 may be screwed.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bulb includes a diffuse lens 5 supported by a second end 22 and including an internal volume bounded by a transparent side portion 51 for at least partial transmission of light emitted by a light source 4, and bounded by an upper portion 52, within which the light source 4 is disposed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the diameter D of the second end 22 is equal to the diameter of the diffuse lens 5.

[0024] In one embodiment, the bulb includes a diffuse lens fastening device 25 disposed on the surface of the second end 22 and allowing the diffuse lens 5 to be removably fastened to the support structure 2.

[0025] The diffuse lens fastening device 5 may include at least one groove 27 located on the outer wall of the support structure 2, the at least one groove coinciding with at least one corresponding profile of the diffuse lens 5 to allow the diffuse lens 5 to snap into the support structure 2.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the diffuse lens fastening device 5 may include a threaded element embedded in a second embedded cavity of the support structure 2, onto which a corresponding thread profile of the diffuse lens 5 may be screwed.

[0027] In one embodiment, the upper portion 52 of the diffuse lens 5 includes: Multiple posterior ridges 522 extend radially from the center 5221 of the upper portion and allow light emitted by the light source 4 to be reflected toward the rear region 54 of the diffuse lens 5, which is opposite to the front region 53. The diffuse lens is located between the support structure 2 and the front region 53 relative to the longitudinal axis L.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upper portion 52 of the diffuse lens 5 further includes: Multiple anterior ridges 521 extend radially from the center 5221 of the upper portion and allow light emitted by the light source 4 to be transmitted toward the front region 54 of the lens.

[0029] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of anterior ridges 521 is planar.

[0030] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of posterior ridges 522 forms a protruding edge opposite to the internal volume of the lens 5, such that light emitted by the light source 4 is reflected by total internal reflection.

[0031] In one embodiment, each posterior ridge 522 further includes a portion having a reflective coating.

[0032] In one embodiment, the anterior ridge 521 and the posterior ridge 522 are arranged alternately.

[0033] In one embodiment, the upper portion 52 bends toward the center 5221 of the upper portion, such that the thickness of the upper portion 52 increases from the center toward the periphery of the upper portion.

[0034] These objectives are also achieved by means of a support structure 2, which is adapted for use in a bulb 1 as described above.

[0035] These objectives are also achieved by means of a light-diffusing lens 5, which is suitable for use in a bulb 1 as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Examples of embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the description given in the accompanying drawings, in which: · Figure 1a A side view of a porous metal substrate support structure for a light bulb is shown.

[0037] · Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a A perspective view of the support structure shown.

[0038] · Figure 2aThe illustration shows a side view of a porous metal substrate support structure for a light bulb, which includes a base fastener and a diffuser lens fastener.

[0039] · Figure 2b The diagram shows... Figure 2a An exploded view of the supporting structure.

[0040] · Figure 3a The illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a light bulb, which includes a porous metal substrate support structure, a base, and a diffuser lens.

[0041] · Figure 3b The diagram shows... Figure 3a A perspective view of a light bulb.

[0042] · Figure 4 An exploded view of the light bulb according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] · Figure 5a The illustration shows a perspective view of a light-diffusing lens according to the present invention, which shows the outer portion of the lens.

[0044] · Figure 5b The illustration shows a perspective view of a light-diffusing lens according to the present invention, which shows the internal structure of the lens.

[0045] · Figure 5c The illustration shows a top view of a light-diffusing lens according to the present invention.

[0046] · Figure 5d A cross-sectional view of the light-diffusing lens according to the present invention is shown.

[0047] · Figures 6a-6d The diagram illustrates various views of the supporting structure.

[0048] · Figure 7 An exploded view of the light bulb according to the present invention is shown.

[0049] · Figure 8a and Figure 8b The illustrations show a perspective view and a side view of the light bulb according to the present invention.

[0050] · Figure 9a and Figure 9b Cross-sectional views of the light bulbs according to the invention with and without a PCB in the internal cavity are shown respectively.

[0051] · Figure 10 The illustration shows a cross-section of the bulb according to the invention at the joint between the base and the support structure.

[0052] · Figure 11The illustration shows a cross-section of the bulb according to the invention at the joint between the diffuser lens and the support structure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Support structure The present invention relates to a light bulb 1, which includes a support structure 2 comprising a support base 3, a light source 4, and a light diffuser lens 5.

[0054] The support structure 2 includes a porous metal substrate 23, which represents at least 50% of the total volume of the support structure and serves as a heat sink.

[0055] The term porous metal substrate refers to any class of metallic materials containing pores, whose thermal conductivity properties allow them to be used as heat sinks. Foamed metals (whether closed-cell or open-cell) constitute a preferred class of materials for forming porous metal substrates.

[0056] Therefore, the support structure 2 advantageously combines a first function and a second function, the first function being to serve as a structural component to which other components (base, light source, diffuser lens, etc.) are attached, and the second function being to serve as a heat sink.

[0057] As a structural component, the support structure 2 possesses mechanical properties (dimensions, rigidity, etc.) suitable for use as a support base for other components. As shown in Figure 1, the support structure 2 extends along the longitudinal axis L between a first end 21 designed to support the base 3 and a second end 22 designed to support the light source 4 and the light-diffusing lens 5. Therefore, the diameter d of the first end 21 must be sufficient to accommodate the bulb base 3. Similarly, the diameter D of the second end must be sufficient to accommodate the light source 4 and the light-diffusing lens 5. Furthermore, the rigidity of the structure, especially the rigidity of the metal substrate, must be sufficient to ensure that other components remain attached to the support structure and to prevent destructive structural deformation of the bulb during use.

[0058] The porosity of the metal substrate is suitable on the one hand to ensure the structural integrity of the supporting structure by providing sufficient stiffness, and on the other hand to maximize heat dissipation. Therefore, the porosity of the metal substrate is advantageously between 40% and 80%, preferably between 60% and 70%. In one embodiment, the porosity of the metal substrate is 66%.

[0059] The heat dissipation properties of the porous metal substrate 23 are mainly determined by the limitations of the heat exchange surface area and the pressure drop.

[0060] like Figure 9b As shown, the light bulb advantageously includes an internal cavity 26 that is partially formed within the support structure 2 and partially formed within the base 3. Thus, the internal cavity 26 is partially bounded by the first inner wall of the support structure 2 and partially by the second inner wall of the base 3.

[0061] like Figure 9a As illustrated, the internal cavity is designed to accommodate one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) extending between the second end 22 and the lower end 31 of the base opposite the support structure 2. In practice, it is advantageous to have a sufficiently large internal space within the bulb to accommodate larger electronic components. A larger PCB, for example, allows for increased bulb functionality such as color and brightness adjustment, timers, etc. In particular, a larger PCB allows for better light output dimming through the use of higher quality capacitors and enables the inclusion of external brightness control components, such as phase-cut dimmers or antennas for controlling the driver via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth.

[0062] In particular, the ability to accommodate a single PCB extending from the lower end 31 of the base to the second end 22 (i.e., the light source support area 4) is highly advantageous because it reduces the number of different components that need to be integrated into the bulb, and thus reduces the number of steps required during assembly / manufacturing. Consequently, the reusability of this bulb is improved because it is easier to replace defective components or components that have reached the end of their life cycle.

[0063] Furthermore, the provision of a single cavity extending between the lower end 31 and the second end 22 of the base maximizes heat exchange with the outside of the bulb, since the heat sink extends substantially over the entire height H of the support structure 2.

[0064] according to Figure 6b and Figure 7 In the embodiment illustrated, the support structure includes an upper opening 221 located between the outer surface of the second end 22 and the inner surface of the second end 22. This opening allows direct communication between the internal cavity 26 and the outer surface of the second end 22, for example, to electrically connect a PCB in the internal cavity to a light source on the outer surface.

[0065] In one embodiment, the porous metal substrate 23 occupies a large proportion of the total volume of the support structure 2. This proportion is advantageously at least 80% or even at least 90% of the total volume of the support structure 2. In fact, the greater the proportion of the metal substrate present in the support structure, the more favorable the heat dissipation properties.

[0066] exist Figure 8a and Figure 8b In the embodiment illustrated, the entire support structure is formed of a porous metal substrate 23, meaning that no other structural elements of the bulb are required. In particular, the base 3, any diffuser lens (or bulb), and internal electronic components can be attached to or housed within the support structure without any additional parts.

[0067] according to Figure 2a and Figure 2bIn another embodiment illustrated, only a few fastening elements (e.g., fastening elements for the base 3, the light source, and / or the diffuser lens 5) or electronic components are not made of the porous metal substrate 23. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the most compact support structure possible while maximizing the effectiveness of the heat sink, since the entire support structure 2 is then composed of the porous metal substrate 23.

[0068] In order to enhance the structural integrity of the bulb and to enable the use of a diffuse lens with a diameter greater than that of the base, the diameter D of the second end 22 is advantageously larger than the diameter d of the first end 21. Figure 1a The feature illustrated in the figure also allows the bulb to have an overall geometry similar to that of a conventional bulb with a flared shape, and thus to be compatible with many existing lighting fixtures.

[0069] according to Figure 3a In the embodiment illustrated, the support structure 2 has a height h measured along the longitudinal axis L, which is greater than or equal to 50% of the total height of the bulb (i.e., the assembly consisting of the support structure 2, the base 3, and the diffuser lens 5). In this way, even a large portion of the bulb body also serves as a heat dissipation component, especially when the proportion of the porous metal substrate 23 included in the support structure 2 is very high.

[0070] As mentioned above, the porous metal substrate 23 can be a foamed metal. In a preferred embodiment, it is foamed aluminum or foamed copper.

[0071] In one embodiment, the support structure 2 includes a base fastener disposed on the surface of a first end 21 of the support structure, allowing the base 3 to be removably secured to the support structure. Advantageously, the base fastener allows the base 3 to be reversibly attached to the support structure 14 to facilitate replacement of the base in the event of damage or malfunction.

[0072] like Figure 10 As shown, the base fastening device may include at least one groove 27 formed on the first inner wall of the support structure 2. The base 3 further includes at least one profile corresponding to the at least one groove. Therefore, it is possible to secure the base by engaging the base snap-fit ​​(by inserting the profile(s) of the base 3 into the groove(s) 27). The snap-fit ​​action is made possible by the elastic deformation properties of the support 2 and / or the base 3.

[0073] Since the base 3 is typically manufactured by metal turning, it is particularly easy and appropriate to produce one or more profiles corresponding to one or more grooves 27.

[0074] This snap-fit ​​fastening method is particularly advantageous for manufacturing light bulbs that require as few parts as possible to facilitate disassembly (e.g., for recycling or replacement of parts). In fact, no additional components are necessary besides the support structure and base.

[0075] To facilitate the release of the base 3 from the support structure, for example, to replace internal components of the support structure (e.g., PCB, electronic components, etc.) or to replace the base itself, the support structure and / or the base may include a lateral opening 32 in the base that allows insertion of a release tool (such as a special tool), a metal blade, or even a fingernail. By applying leverage to the release tool, the contour(s) of the base 3 disengage from the corresponding recess(s), thereby causing the base 3 to separate from the support structure 2.

[0076] according to Figures 2a-2b In another embodiment illustrated, the base fastener 24 is advantageously embedded in the first embedding cavity of the support structure 2. The base fastener 24 may, for example, be directly embedded in the embedding cavity of the porous metal substrate 23.

[0077] according to Figure 3a In the embodiment illustrated, the base fastener 24 includes a cylinder whose outer surface is threaded and corresponds to the thread on the inner surface of the base 3, so as to allow the base 3 to be screwed onto the base fastener 24.

[0078] This reversibility of the fasteners advantageously facilitates the recycling of the various components of the bulb, as they are attached to each other in a removable manner without adhesive. Similarly, the snap-fit ​​attachment of the base fastener 24 and the diffuser lens fastener 25 (described below) to the support structure 2 or even directly to the porous metal substrate 23 also facilitates the disassembly and recycling of these various components.

[0079] according to Figure 1b In the embodiment illustrated, the outer surface of the second end of the support structure 2 includes a central region recessed relative to the lateral region to allow for securing components via a snap-fit ​​engagement. This could be, for example, a lens mounting element, a light source mounting element, or an electronic module as mentioned below.

[0080] The support structure 2 may also additionally include an internal channel for connecting the first end 21 to the second end 22. This channel may allow an electrical or electronic connection of the light source located at the second end 22 to a power supply and / or electronic module (e.g., PCB or other electronic components) located in the bulb base 3.

[0081] Diffuse lens The function of the light-diffusing lens 5 is to diffuse the light emitted by the light source 4 to the outside of the bulb 1. Depending on the application of the bulb, the diffusion requirements can vary significantly. In fact, the diffuser lens affects the beam pattern of the bulb, that is, the angular range in which the emitted light is concentrated, as well as the intensity or chromaticity of the emitted light.

[0082] Directionality is a challenging parameter for optimization, especially when the bulb is designed to reproduce light as naturally as possible. In fact, it is difficult to reproduce uniformly distributed light within a given volume using a point source that cannot emit light in 360°, due to the presence of elements that interfere with light diffusion near the source (e.g., structural elements of the bulb).

[0083] Therefore, achieving natural lighting in the area behind the bulb is often difficult because the base or even other structural elements are positioned between the light source and that rear area. This problem is even more pronounced when the light source emits light only within a limited angular range. Typically, chip-on-board (COB) LEDs can only emit light directly within a range of 0° to 180° due to the presence of a chip (and its substrate) that obstructs the diffusion of light toward the rear.

[0084] A diffuser lens can be used to compensate for this lack of illumination directed toward the back of the bulb.

[0085] Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention relates to a light-diffusing lens 5, which is capable of directly illuminating at least a portion of the rear region of a bulb on which the light-diffusing lens is mounted.

[0086] For example Figure 4 As illustrated, the light-diffusing lens 5 includes: a transparent lateral portion 51, which is designed to at least partially transmit light emitted by the light source 4 toward a lateral region outside the lens 5; and an upper portion 52. These two portions define an internal volume designed to accommodate the light source 4.

[0087] Advantageously, the upper portion 52 includes a plurality of rear ridges 522 adapted to reflect light emitted by the light source 4 toward the rear region 54 of the diffuser lens 5. When the diffuser lens 5 is placed on the bulb, the rear region corresponds to the rear region of the bulb, i.e., the region located on the side of the support structure 2 and the bulb base 3 opposite to the front region, the front region referring to the region located on the side of the diffuser lens 5 relative to the longitudinal axis L of the bulb 1.

[0088] The posterior ridge forms an optical surface for reflecting light emitted by the light source 4.

[0089] according to Figure 4In the embodiment illustrated, each rear ridge includes two symmetrical surfaces that form a protruding edge with an angle substantially equal to 90° along the azimuth direction (i.e., along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L). Compared to a single flat surface, incident light strikes the primary optical surface at a very high angle of incidence (i.e., greater than 45°) and is reflected rather than transmitted via total internal reflection, thereby eliminating the need for metallization to achieve reflection. The use of two symmetrical surfaces allows light to be redirected downwards like a mirror. The first surface deflects the light by 90°, and then the second surface deflects the light by an additional 90°. This causes the light to rotate half a circle (180°), thus redirecting it largely (if not completely) toward the rear region 54 of the lens.

[0090] Along the vertical direction, the profile of each ridge is optimized to achieve an intensity pattern ranging from 90° to 135° with the optical axis of light source 4.

[0091] Preferably, the rear ridge is made of a material with a high refractive index, allowing for a faster attainment of the angle of total internal reflection (TIR). Transparent thermoplastics are suitable, for example, for manufacturing the rear ridge, and more generally for manufacturing the entire diffuser lens. Polycarbonate (PC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are suitable examples for manufacturing the diffuser lens 5.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, each ridge may be at least partially provided with a reflective coating to increase the reflection of emitted light against each ridge. Thus, for example, it is possible to obtain edges with apex angles less than or greater than 90° while maintaining a light reflectance sufficient to reflect light toward the rear region.

[0093] according to Figure 5a In another embodiment illustrated, in addition to the rear ridge 522, the upper portion 52 of the diffuser lens 5 also includes a plurality of front ridges 521, which extend radially from the center 5221 of the upper portion and allow light emitted by the light source 4 to be transmitted toward the front region 53 of the diffuser lens 5. These front ridges serve to transmit light and structure the emitted beam into an angle between 0° and 90° with respect to the optical axis of the light source 4. Thus, the sum of the contributions of the rear and front ridges forms an isotropic beam ranging from 0° to 135° with respect to the optical axis of the light source 4.

[0094] Advantageously, the rear ridge and the front ridge are arranged alternately to homogenize the beam in the azimuth plane.

[0095] In one embodiment, the anterior ridges are planar along the azimuth direction to minimize the refraction of emitted light and thus maximize the proportion of light emitted by the light source passing through the diffuser lens toward the front region of the lens. The term "planar" here does not mean that each anterior ridge 521 is confined to a plane, but rather that each anterior ridge 521 can be obtained as a union of line segments, each of which extends in the azimuth plane. Therefore, the height of the profiles of these anterior ridges in the plane containing the longitudinal axis L is variable.

[0096] like Figure 5c As illustrated, the diffuser lens 5 may, for example, have multiple axes of symmetry relative to a transverse axis 56 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. Therefore, the diffuser lens may be cylindrical, conical, polygonal, or any other geometry suited to its functional requirements or aesthetics.

[0097] In the context of this invention, the directionality of the bulb is particularly important because the support structure 2 is generally opaque due to its composition of a porous metal substrate, and thus prevents a large portion of the light from reaching the rear of the bulb.

[0098] In one embodiment, the diameter of the second end 22 of the support structure 2 is equal to the diameter of the diffuser lens 5. For example... Figure 3a As illustrated, the diameter of the second end 22 of the support structure 2 can coincide with the diameter of the porous metal substrate 23, thus the diameter of the porous metal substrate is also equal to the diameter of the diffuser lens 5. This configuration makes it possible to eliminate the additional transition element between the support structure 2 and the diffuser lens 5, which would increase the volume of the bulb without serving to dissipate heat.

[0099] The support structure 2 may also include a diffuse lens fastener 25 disposed on the surface of the second end 22 of the support structure 2 and allowing the diffuse lens 5 to be removably attached to the support structure 2. This diffuse lens fastener 25 typically allows for reversible attachment of the diffuse lens, making it easy to replace the diffuse lens or to repair / replace other components located beneath the diffuse lens.

[0100] The fastening device 25 for the diffuse lens may include at least one groove 27 formed on the outer wall of the support structure 2. The diffuse lens further includes at least one profile corresponding to the at least one groove 27. Therefore, it is possible to secure the diffuse lens 5 by snapping it into place (by inserting the profile(s) of the lens 5 into the groove(s) 27 of the structure 2). The snap-fit ​​action is made possible by the elastic deformation properties of the support 2 and / or the diffuse lens 5.

[0101] Since the diffuser lens 5 is typically manufactured by plastic injection molding, it is particularly easy and suitable to produce one or more profiles corresponding to one or more grooves 27 of the support structure 2.

[0102] As mentioned above, this snap-fit ​​fastening method is particularly advantageous for manufacturing light bulbs that require as few parts as possible to facilitate disassembly (e.g., for recycling or for replacing parts). In fact, no additional components are necessary other than the support structure 2 and the lens 5.

[0103] exist Figure 8b In the embodiment illustrated herein, and to facilitate the release of lens 5 from support structure 2, for example to replace lens 5, the support structure and / or lens may include a lateral lens opening 57 that allows insertion of a release tool (such as a special tool), a metal blade, or even a fingernail. By applying leverage to the release tool, the contour(s) of lens 5 disengage from the corresponding groove(s) 27, thereby causing lens 5 to separate from support structure 2.

[0104] according to Figures 6a-6d In the embodiment illustrated, the second end 22 of the support structure 2 includes a cylindrical ring extending along the longitudinal axis of the bulb and disposed on a flat surface of the support structure perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Multiple grooves 27 are advantageously provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical ring. This ring particularly facilitates the attachment of the diffuser lens 5 via a snap-fit ​​engagement. It also allows the outer diameter of the diffuser lens 5 to match the outer diameter of the support structure 2, thereby avoiding protrusions on the bulb side caused by the joint between the two elements.

[0105] according to Figure 3a In the embodiment illustrated, the diffuser lens fastener 25 includes a cylinder, a portion of the outer surface of which is threaded and corresponds to the thread on the inner surface of the diffuser lens, so as to allow the diffuser lens 5 to be screwed onto the fastener 25. The thread on the diffuser lens can be as follows: Figure 5b The section thread 55 shown in the figure, for example, allows for the manufacture of a diffuse lens by injection molding.

[0106] like Figure 5b and Figure 5d As shown, the diffuse lens may include a segmented thread 55 that allows the diffuse lens to be attached to a support structure and enables the diffuse lens to be manufactured by injection molding.

[0107] The upper portion 52 of the diffuse lens 5 can be bent toward the center 5221 of the upper portion, such that the thickness of the upper portion increases from the center toward the periphery of the upper portion. This central recess significantly improves the intensity profile that varies with elevation angle. In particular, the recess helps to limit certain non-uniformity defects, such as excessive intensity at 0° and intensity drop within certain angular ranges (typically between 50° and 80°).

[0108] The diffuser lens 5 is advantageously combined with the support structure 2, as described above. In fact, the support structure of the present invention is generally opaque due to the porous metal substrate 23, and prevents direct radiation from the light source 4 toward the rear of the bulb.

[0109] The present invention also relates to a support structure 2, which is suitable for use in a light bulb 1 as described above.

[0110] List of reference numerals Light bulb 1 Longitudinal axis L Support structure 2 The height H of the supporting structure First end 21 The diameter d at the first end Second end 22 Upper opening 221 The diameter D of the second end Porous metal substrate 23 Base attachment 24 Diffuse lens mount 25 Internal cavity 26 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 261 Groove 27 Base 3 The lower end of the base 31 The side opening of the base is 32. Light source 4 Diffuse Lens 5 Side section 51 Upper part 52 Anterior spine 521 522 posterior spine Center 5221 of the upper part Front area 53 Rear area 54 Section thread 55 Horizontal axis 56 The lens has a side opening of 57.

Claims

1. A light bulb (1), comprising: The support structure (2) extends along the longitudinal axis (L) between the first end (21) and the second end (22). The base (3) is supported by the first end (21). The light source (4) is supported by the second end (22). The support structure (2) includes a porous metal substrate (23) for dissipating heat, the porous metal substrate (23) constituting at least 50% of the total volume of the support structure (2), characterized in that the bulb includes an internal cavity (26) partially bounded by a first inner wall of the support structure (2) and partially bounded by a second inner wall of the base (3) to allow for the accommodation of a printed circuit board (261) extending between the second end (22) and the lower end (31) of the base opposite to the support structure (2).

2. The light bulb (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The porous metal substrate (23) constitutes at least 80% of the support structure (2), preferably at least 90% of the support structure (2).

3. The light bulb (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The diameter (d) of the first end (21) is smaller than the diameter (D) of the second end (22).

4. The light bulb (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The height (h) of the support structure (2) measured along the longitudinal axis (L) is greater than or equal to 50% of the total height (H) of the bulb (1) measured along the longitudinal axis (L).

5. The light bulb (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The porous metal substrate (23) is foamed metal, preferably foamed aluminum.

6. The light bulb (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base fastening device for removably fastening the base (3) to the support structure (2).

7. The light bulb (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The fastening device includes at least one groove on the first inner wall of the support structure (2), the at least one groove coinciding with at least one corresponding profile provided on the base (3) to allow the base (3) to snap into the support structure (2).

8. The light bulb according to claim 6, wherein, The base fastening device includes a threaded element embedded in the internal cavity (26), and the corresponding thread profile of the base (3) can be screwed onto the threaded element.

9. The light bulb according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a diffuse lens (5) supported by the second end (22) and comprising an internal volume defined by a transparent lateral portion (51) for at least partially transmitting light emitted by the light source (4) and defined by an upper portion (52) wherein the light source (4) is disposed within the internal volume of the diffuse lens (5).

10. The light bulb (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The diameter (D) of the second end (22) is equal to the diameter of the diffuse lens (5).

11. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 10, comprising a diffuse lens fastening device (25) disposed on the surface of the second end (22) and allowing the diffuse lens (5) to be removably fastened to the support structure (2).

12. The light bulb (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The fastening device for the diffuse lens (5) includes at least one groove on the outer wall of the support structure (2), the at least one groove coinciding with at least one corresponding profile of the diffuse lens (5) to allow the diffuse lens (5) to snap into the support structure (2).

13. The light bulb (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The diffuse lens fastening device (5) includes a threaded element embedded in a second embedded cavity of the support structure (2), and the corresponding thread profile of the diffuse lens (5) can be screwed onto the threaded element.

14. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The upper portion (52) of the diffuse lens (5) includes: Multiple posterior ridges (522) extend radially from the center (5221) of the upper portion and allow light emitted by the light source (4) to be reflected toward the rear region (54) of the diffuse lens (5) opposite the front region (53), the diffuse lens being located between the support structure (2) and the front region (53) relative to the longitudinal axis (L).

15. The light bulb (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The upper portion (52) of the diffuse lens (5) further includes: Multiple anterior ridges (521) extend radially from the center (5221) of the upper portion and allow light emitted by the light source (4) to be transmitted to the front region (54) of the lens.

16. The light bulb (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, Each of the plurality of anterior ridges (521) is planar.

17. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, Each of the plurality of posterior ridges (522) forms a protruding edge opposite to the internal volume of the diffuse lens (5), such that light emitted by the light source (4) is reflected by total internal reflection.

18. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, Each posterior ridge (522) further includes a portion provided with a reflective coating.

19. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein, The anterior ridge (521) and the posterior ridge (522) are arranged alternately.

20. The light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein, The upper portion (52) bends toward the center (5221) of the upper portion, such that the thickness of the upper portion increases from the center toward the periphery of the upper portion.

21. A support structure (2) adapted for use in a light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A light-diffusing lens (5) suitable for use in a light bulb (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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