LIGHTING DEVICE COMPRISING A RECTANGULAR PLATE-SHAPED LIGHT SPREADING SECTION WITH SHELL-SHAPED CONVEX STRUCTURES FOR SCATTERING AND MIXING THE LIGHT SPREADING THEREIN ON ITS TWO FLAT SIDES

Abstract

Lighting device (20) comprising: a plurality of LED light sources (22) configured to output source light beams (24); and a light slat body (26) comprising: a coupling section (28) located adjacent to the plurality of LED light sources (22) and configured to collect the source light beams (24) as first light beams (241) and direct them in a first direction (54) along a longitudinal axis (32) of the light blade body (26); a rectangular, plate-shaped light propagation section (30) extending along the longitudinal axis (32) between a proximal end (34) and a distal end (36), wherein the light propagation section (30) is configured to receive the first light beams (241) from the coupling section (28) at the proximal end (34), wherein the light propagation section (30) has light mixing optics (40) configured to scatter and mix the first light beams (241) to generate second mixed light beams (242) and to direct the second mixed light beams (242) to the distal end (36); wherein the light propagation section (30) comprises an upper surface (68) and a lower surface (70), the upper surface (68) and the lower surface (70) being opposite one another and running parallel to the longitudinal axis (32), wherein the light mixing optics (40) comprises a plurality of shell-shaped convex structures arranged in rows and columns along the entire upper surface (68) and the entire lower surface (70) of the light propagation section (30), each of the shell-shaped convex structures having an apex pointing towards the interior of the light propagation section (30) and an output coupling section (38) connected to the distal end (36) of the light propagation section (30) and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (32) of the light blade body (26) and configured to receive the second mixed light beams (242) and to emit the second mixed light beams (242) in the first direction (54).

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a lighting device and, more particularly, to a lighting device for a motor vehicle with improved light homogeneity. Background of the technology

[0002] The background description below is provided solely for the purpose of setting forth context. Therefore, unless otherwise considered prior art, no aspects of this background description should be considered to be expressly or impliedly included in the prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must meet uniformity requirements for signal lighting to meet design specifications or achieve a distinctive look for their products. Lighting devices such as louvres / edge lights offer innovative design approaches as well as functionality. The louvres may meet the performance required by regulations, but they fall short of customer expectations for uniformity due to cost and packaging limitations.

[0004] To meet our customers' expectations for uniformity, very long sections of light blades / edge lights must be used to mix the light before it exits through an output surface, or additional LEDs / light sources must be used beyond what is photometrically necessary to comply with regulatory requirements. These solutions may be limited by available packaging space or cost.

[0005] Other solutions include the use of additional elements, such as lenses or films, graining processes on the output surface, or the use of diffusion materials, such as DF23, which increase the cost and complexity of the final devices. It would be desirable to provide greater homogeneity without using additional elements or light diffusion materials. DE 10 2012 211 284 A1 discloses a light-guiding element having a light exit surface, a light entry surface, and an intermediate light-guiding section. The light-guiding section comprises curved sections, wherein the light-guiding surfaces extend for collimating a light beam guided in the light-guiding section such that the cross-section of the light-guiding section increases from the light entry surface to the light exit surface.

[0006] EP 2 378 187 A1, EP 2 927 571 A1, and DE 10 2013 100 557 A1 each show a light guide body with flat side surfaces, wherein optics for influencing light distribution are provided only in the end surfaces. DE 10 2013 212 906 A1 relates to an S-shaped light guide element. EP 2 738 453 A1 and DE 10 2012 102 105 A1 relate to collimator arrangements that collimate light beams as lens elements.

[0007] The foregoing explanation is intended only to illustrate the present field and is not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claim. It is an object of the invention to propose a lighting device with improved homogeneity. This object is achieved by a lighting device according to the invention as defined in claim 1. SUMMARY

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, a lighting device is provided which comprises a light source and a light blade body which has an input section, a propagation section, and an output section. The light source is configured to output source light rays. The input section is optically adjacent to the light source and is configured to collect the source light rays as first light rays and to direct them generally in a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The propagation section extends along the longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The propagation section is configured to receive the first light rays from the input section at the proximal end. The propagation section has mixing optics configured to increase dispersion of the first light rays to produce second, mixed light rays.The propagation section is further configured to direct the second mixed light beams toward the distal end of the propagation section. The output section is located adjacent to the distal end of the propagation section and is configured to receive the second mixed light beams and emit the second mixed light beams in the first direction.

[0009] Achieving a homogeneous light distribution is relatively difficult and typically requires using more light sources than necessary to meet light intensity targets, using more expensive light diffusion materials, or changing the configuration of the light-emitting device (e.g., extending an edge light), which requires more material(s) and / or space, which is not always possible due to cost and packaging constraints. Embodiments according to the present disclosure employ light mixing optics earlier in the light propagation path (e.g., in the light propagation section) to thereby create a more homogeneous light distribution without additional light sources, material, or packaging space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting device according to an embodiment, comprising a light source and a light blade body. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the light source and a coupling section of the light lamella body of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a propagation section of the light louvre body of Fig. 1, which has mixed optics in one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an output section of the light louvre body of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 to 6 are schematic views of a first and second alternative embodiment of the coupling section of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the propagation section of the light blade body of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in a first embodiment with the mixed optics along the entire top and bottom thereof. Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the propagation section of the light blade body of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in a second embodiment with the mixed optics along a section shorter than the entire top and bottom thereof. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the propagation section of the light blade body of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in a third embodiment with the mixed optics only on the top side. Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the propagation section of the light blade body of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 in a fourth embodiment with the mixed optics only on the underside. Fig. 11 is an isometric view of the light louvre body of Fig. 1 in one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a front view of the light blade body of Fig. 11 in one embodiment. Fig. 13 is a side view of the light louvre body of Fig. 11 in one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a top view of the light louvre body of Fig. 11 in one embodiment. Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the light louvre body of Fig. 11 in one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a rear view of the light blade body of Fig. 11 in one embodiment. Fig. 17 is a luminance diagram of the light louvre body of Fig. 1 in one embodiment. Fig. 18 is a light intensity diagram showing light intensity as a function of the viewing angle of the lighting device of Fig. 1 in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various embodiments are described herein for various devices, systems, and / or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the general structure, general function, general manufacture, and general uses of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements are not described in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification.It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus, it is to be understood that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0011] Reference in this specification to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," or "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is present in at least one embodiment. Thus, phrases such as "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," or "in one embodiment" or the like in places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.Thus, the particular features, structures, or properties illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, or properties of one or more other embodiments, without limitation that such combination is not illogical or non-functional.

[0012] The present disclosure, in embodiments, shows a lighting device (e.g., a light blade / edge light) that allows improved homogeneity of light distribution in a smaller packaging space, and without the need for additional optics / graining on the output surface.

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify identical or similar components throughout the several views, Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting device 20 according to one embodiment. The lighting device 20 includes a light source 22 that generates source light rays 24 and a light blade body 26. The light blade body 26 is configured to collect the light from the light source 22 and direct the light to an outer surface 39 ( Fig. 4) of the light slat body 26, where the light is emitted in a desired first direction 54. Fig. 11 is an isometric view of the light louvre body 26 of Fig. 1.

[0014] With further reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 11, the light blade body 26 includes an input coupling section 28, a light propagation section 30, and an output coupling section 38. In one embodiment, the light blade body 26 may have a generally rectangular shape and a uniform structure, and may comprise a light transmitting material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, polyarylate, glass, or polyoxymethylene, to name a few alternatives.

[0015] The light blade body 26 can be formed in a conventional manner known in the art, such as by a single-piece injection molding process. From a manufacturing perspective, the single-piece injection molding process can achieve reduced cycle times, less material, and less space requirements. Additionally, the unitary construction simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of components that must be assembled. Furthermore, the unitary construction reduces and / or eliminates the need to account for dimensional tolerances of the various component parts and between them, thereby achieving a more robust design.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 11, the input coupling section 28 is optically coupled to the light source 22 and is configured to collect the source light rays output from the light source 22 and direct them as first light rays 241. The propagation section 30 extends along a longitudinal axis 32 between a proximal end 34 and a distal end 36. The propagation section 30 is configured to receive the first light rays 241 from the input coupling section 28 at the proximal end 34 thereof and then direct them to the distal end 36 thereof. As described herein, the propagation section 30 comprises mixing optics 40 (best described in Fig. 11 and Fig. 15) is integrally formed therewith, which is configured to mix the first light beams 241 (e.g., by scattering) to produce second, mixed light beams 242 as the light passes through the propagation section 30, exhibiting improved light intensity uniformity / homogeneity. The output coupling section 38 is configured to receive the second light beams 242 from the propagation section 30 and then emit the second light beams 242 in a first direction 54 by means of a light emitting region or surface 39.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the light source 22 and the coupling section 28. The light source 22 may include a circuit board 56 on which at least one light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) 58 or the like, is arranged, which has a main light emission direction 60 directed towards the coupling section 28. In further embodiments, the light source 22 may include an incandescent lamp, a high-pressure discharge (HID) light element, or a laser. In still further embodiments, the light source 22 may include other conventional light sources now known or later developed, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), modular light sources, liquid crystal display (LCD), thin-film transistor (TFT)-type LCD, or other display technologies. In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 1 is the main light emission direction (see reference 60 in Fig. 2, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6) generally perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis 32 of the lighting device 20.

[0018] The coupling section 28 has a geometry configured to collect the light output or otherwise emitted by the light source 22 and to direct the collected light in the first direction 54 along the longitudinal axis 32 toward the propagation section 30. The coupling section 28 may have different geometries (i.e., angled to the propagation section, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, or as shown in Fig. 6 aligned). As shown in Fig. 2, the launch portion 28 may include a generally elbow-shaped optical structure having a planar surface 62 for collecting source light rays 24 (i.e., the light source 22 faces the planar surface 62). The launch portion 28 further includes a curved surface 64, for example, having a rounded or curved shape, and configured (for example, in a surface finish such as a highly polished surface or coated with a reflective film or otherwise) to direct the collected light as the first light rays 241 toward the propagation portion 30. The planar surface 62 is configured to allow light to enter the launch portion 28, while the curved outer surface 64 is configured to prevent light from exiting the launch portion 28 and direct such light toward the propagation portion 30.The coupling section 2 further has an inclined surface 63.

[0019] The surface / face 62 may be finished in conventional ways known in the art to allow the light from the light source to couple into the coupling section 28 and prevent the light from escaping. In one embodiment, the surface / face 62 may be highly polished, textured, spotted, ribbed, or laser etched, depending on the desired efficiency.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a propagation portion 30 of the light blade body 26, which comprises a generally rectangular plate. As described above, the propagation portion 30 is configured to receive light from the coupling portion 28 at the proximal end 34 as first light rays 241 and to allow this light to be mixed as it propagates toward the distal end 36. As shown, the second, mixed light rays 242 are generated by the mixing optics 40. In an illustrated embodiment where the light blade body 26 is uniform, the continuous nature of the optical material used in the light blade body 26 allows the first light rays 241 from the coupling portion 28 to pass through the proximal end 34 and enter and propagate toward the distal end 36.The top surface 68, the bottom surface 70, and both of the side surfaces defining the outer surfaces of the propagation section 30 are designed to prevent light from escaping from the interior of the propagation section 30.

[0021] In one embodiment, the outer surfaces of the propagation section 30 may be treated to prevent light from escaping, for example, preferably by preparing such outer surfaces to have a highly polished material / finish. Alternatively, the outer surfaces of the propagation section 30 may be coated with a special coating(s), such as metal and / or polymer coatings, to limit light leakage. Additionally, as described below, one or both of the upper and lower surfaces 68, 70 may incorporate the mixing optics 40. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the propagation section 30, which in the illustrated rectangular shape, is defined by a height 66 and a width 74 (best in Fig. 14 shown).

[0022] Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the output portion 38 of the light blade body 26. The output portion 38 is located generally adjacent the distal end 36 of the propagation portion 30. The output portion 38 is configured to provide a light emitting area / surface or outer surface 39 for emitting the second, mixed light beams 242. The outer surface 39 may incorporate various approaches known in the art configured to allow light to be emitted therefrom. For example, the outer surface 39 may include a predetermined light emitting arrangement selected from the group comprising one or more lenses, micro-optics, and textures, printed structures and / or coatings, and the like, to modify the appearance and / or light distribution. In one embodiment, the outer surface 39 is configured as an emitter surface to allow the efficient emission of light.

[0023] In this regard, the outer surface 39 may be prepared for this purpose in any of several ways known in the art, such as by being highly polished, textured, spotted, ribbed, laser etched, or the like.

[0024] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view of a first alternative embodiment of the coupling section, designated 28a, which has a convex-shaped optical structure similar to the elbow-shaped optical element in Fig. 1 to 2. The coupling section 28a has a convex-shaped optical element with surface 62a, which is arranged relative to the light source 22 such that the main light emission direction 60 from the light source 22 is substantially rectangular to the main longitudinal axis 32. The optical element with surface 62a is designed to have a reflective surface 64a, which is designed to reflect the light emitted by the source 22 in the main direction 60. The source light rays 24, after reflection, generally travel in the first direction 54 along the main axis 32 as the first light rays 241 (best in Fig. 1). The optical element with surface 62a may incorporate conventional design approaches to perform this function, such as by appropriately selecting an optical design and / or material and / or finish for the reflective surface 64a.

[0025] The coupling section 28a may include a recessed element (not shown) at its apex, which may include a sidewall and a top wall, wherein the recessed element allows the light coming from the light source 22 to interact more efficiently with the optical structure. The shape of the element (i.e., the sidewall and the top wall) may be, for example, purely flat or curved (convex or concave), a symmetrical shape, or an asymmetrical profile. In other embodiments, the coupling section 28 may include a light-gathering lens element, a total internal reflection (TIR) reflector, or other light-gathering and light-directing structures and / or elements known in the art.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a second alternative embodiment of the coupling section, designated 28b, comprising an optical element having a convex surface 62b arranged relative to the light source 22 such that the main light emission direction 60 from the light source 22 is substantially parallel to (aligned with) and axially aligned with the main longitudinal axis 32 (i.e., coincident).

[0027] It is important to understand that even if Fig. 1 to 2 and Fig. 5 to 6 show the main light emission direction 60 as perpendicular and / or parallel to the main longitudinal axis 32, other variations are also possible. For example, the main light emission direction 60 can be angled, for example, between zero (0) degrees and ninety (90) degrees from the main longitudinal axis 32.

[0028] Fig. 7 to 10 are schematic views of the propagation section 30 of Fig. 1 with mixed optics in the first, second, third and fourth embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 7 shows the propagation section 30a with mixing optics 40 arranged entirely on the upper surface 68a and entirely on the lower surface 70a.

[0030] Fig. 8 shows the propagation section 30a with mixing optics only on a portion of one or both of the top and bottom surfaces. A first portion of the top surface, identified as 68b-1, does not have the mixing optics 40 incorporated therein, while a second portion of the top surface, 68b-2, incorporates the mixing optics 40. Additionally and / or alternatively, the bottom surface may also be partially configured with the mixing optics 40. A first portion of the bottom surface, identified as 70b-1, does not have the mixing optics 40 incorporated therein, while the second portion of the bottom surface, 70b-2, incorporates the mixing optics 40.

[0031] Fig. 9 shows the propagation section 30c with mixing optics 40, which is arranged only completely on the upper surface 68c and not on the lower surface 70c.

[0032] Fig. 10 shows the propagation section 30d with mixing optics 40, which is arranged only completely on the lower surface 70d and not on the upper surface 68d.

[0033] Mixed optics. Fig. 11 is an isometric view of the light louvre body 26 of Fig. 1. As shown, the upper surface 68a includes blending optics 40 disposed entirely across the upper surface 68a. The blending optics 40, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of convex inward-facing features 72, 72a. In other words, the convex portion of the features faces inward toward the interior of the light propagating portion 30a. In the illustrated embodiment, the features 72, 72a are arranged in a plurality of rows across the width and columns up and down the length of the light blade body 26. The features 72 are disposed on the upper and lower rows, while the remainder of the features include the features 72a.

[0034] Fig. 14 is a view of the light louvre body 26 of Fig. 1 from above and shows features 72 as generally rectangular with a curved end edge, while features 72a are generally rectangular.

[0035] With further reference to Fig. 11, the downward-facing apex of the convex features functions to increase the spreading and thus mixing of the first light rays 241 entering the spreading section 30, thereby improving light homogeneity. Although the features 72, 72a are shown in the illustrated embodiment as scalloped features extending into the surfaces 68a, 70a, it should be understood that other implementations are possible. Additionally, because the features 72, 72a are physically formed, the entire light blade body 26 can be further formed using a simple single-casting process as described above, thereby reducing cost and complexity.

[0036] The mixing optics 40 of the propagation section 30 may include other types of features similar and / or even different from the features 72, 72a to achieve the light mixing function, including, without limitation, optical features selected from the group consisting of prisms, cylinders, pillows, patterns, micro-optics, the shell-shaped, generally convex features 72, 72a described herein, or printed structures of various sizes and shapes.

[0037] Fig. 12 is a front view of the lighting device showing an exemplary light source 22 in more detail. In one embodiment, the light source 22 may include the above-mentioned circuit board 56 as well as a plurality of individual light sources, such as a plurality of LEDs, such light sources / LEDs being designated 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, and 58 10The light blade body 26 also has a linear arrangement of a plurality of shortened optical structures, which are designated 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909 and 90 10 are marked (best in Fig. 11). Each of the optical structures is generally the same as the optical structure described above with respect to the coupling section 28 and has a respective flat surface 62 and curved outer surface. Adjacent optical structures 901, 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, and 90 10 meet to form separate intermediate valleys. Each of the light sources / LEDs 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589 and 58 10 is thus each corresponding to a plurality of optical structures 90 i(i = 1 to 10) such that a main light emission direction 60 is directed from the light sources / LEDs toward the respective optical structure. It should be understood that other light source arrangements may be used. Purely as an example, the light sources may be arranged in a linear pattern, a puzzle pattern, a matrix pattern, or even a module with a remote light source. The foregoing allows a substantially continuous light source to be provided for the coupling section 18 with respect to a direction transverse to the main axis 32.

[0038] Fig. 13 to 16 are views from the side, from above, from below and from behind of the light slat body 16 from Fig. 11.

[0039] Operation. Now with reference to Fig. 1, in operation, the source light rays 24 collected by the coupling section 28 are directed by means of the surface 64 ( Fig. 2) from a direction 60 to a direction 54, which is a direction parallel to the main longitudinal axis 32 of the lighting device 20. The light reflected from the surface 64 is indicated as first light rays 241. When the light rays 241 enter the propagation section 30, they are incident on the convex surface(s) presented by the plurality of features 72, 72a and are scattered and mixed, resulting in the second, mixed light rays 242. As in Fig. 1, for example, the apex 42 of each feature 72, 72a extends inward to the interior of the propagation section 30 by the greatest amount, while a bent-back edge 44 of each feature 72, 72a extends inward to the interior of the propagation section 30 by the least amount. As the second, mixed light beams 242 travel in the propagation section 30 from the proximal end 34 to the distal end 36 and the output section 38, the second light beams 242 are mixed to an even greater extent, thereby increasing uniformity and homogeneity, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 17 to 18 demonstrated below.

[0040] Fig. Figure 17 is a luminance diagram of an embodiment of the lighting device 20 in accordance with the present teachings. The luminance diagram shows the output luminance for the outer surface 39 of the output portion 38. For simplicity, the corresponding area on the luminance diagram is labeled 39'. As can be seen, the light intensity is homogeneous across both the vertical and horizontal axes.

[0041] Fig. Figure 18 is a light intensity graph showing light intensity as a function of on-axis and off-axis measurements, illustrating the light distribution of one embodiment of the present teachings. As shown, the X-axis relates to the number of degrees (horizontal) away from the central axis, while the Y-axis relates to the number of degrees (vertical) away from the central axis. The graph in Fig.Figure 18 illustrates light uniformity as measured on-axis and as measured progressively away from the axis.

[0042] A first region 78 exhibits a first (highest) level of light intensity for substantially on-axis measurement (i.e., the region is approximately between +20 degrees horizontally and +10 degrees vertically). A second region 80 exhibits a second, reduced level of light intensity extending from the first region 78 and extending to approximately +70 to 80 degrees (horizontally). A third region 82 extends further off-axis (horizontally) from the second region 80. The third region 82 is nearly perpendicular to the outer surface of the light-emitting device.

[0043] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may include a single light blade / edge light, avoiding the need to use additional elements such as lenses or films or special materials (e.g., DF23), which increase the cost and complexity of the end-light devices. Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be easily manufactured, for example, using only a single injection molding process, thereby reducing cycle times, material, and packaging requirements. Embodiments according to the present disclosure may simplify the manufacturing process due to a reduction in the number of required components. Embodiments according to the present disclosure mix light earlier (i.e., earlier in the light path—in the propagation section 30), allowing for a smaller packaging area, resulting in a reduction in material / cost.Embodiments according to the present disclosure can be manufactured using typical molding materials and do not require the more expensive light diffusion materials, such as DF23.

[0044] Achieving a homogeneous light distribution is difficult and typically requires the use of more LEDs than necessary to meet regulatory or other requirements, expensive light diffusion materials, and / or a longer edge light, which requires more material and space, which is not always feasible given cost and packaging constraints. The present teachings describe a method and apparatus that mixes the light earlier, thus producing a more homogeneous light distribution without additional light sources, material, or additional packaging space. The foregoing numerous embodiments solve one or more problems known in the prior art.

[0045] Although only certain embodiments have been described above in a certain degree of detail, those skilled in the art could make numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. All directional designations (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, to the left, to the right, above, below, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure and do not impose limitations, particularly on the position, orientation, or use of the embodiments. Connection designations (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be understood broadly and may include intermediate elements between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements.Thus, connection statements do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship. Furthermore, the terms "electrically connected" and "in interchangeable relationship" are to be interpreted broadly to include both wired and wireless connections and interchanges. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be considered merely illustrative and not restrictive. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the teachings as defined in the appended claims.

[0046] Although one or more specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

Claims

[1] Lighting device (20) comprising: a plurality of LED light sources (22) configured to output source light beams (24); and a light slat body (26) comprising: a coupling section (28) located adjacent to the plurality of LED light sources (22) and configured to collect the source light beams (24) as first light beams (241) and direct them in a first direction (54) along a longitudinal axis (32) of the light blade body (26); a rectangular, plate-shaped light propagation section (30) extending along the longitudinal axis (32) between a proximal end (34) and a distal end (36), wherein the light propagation section (30) is configured to receive the first light beams (241) from the coupling section (28) at the proximal end (34), wherein the light propagation section (30) has light mixing optics (40) configured to scatter and mix the first light beams (241) to generate second mixed light beams (242) and to direct the second mixed light beams (242) to the distal end (36); wherein the light propagation section (30) comprises an upper surface (68) and a lower surface (70), the upper surface (68) and the lower surface (70) being opposite one another and running parallel to the longitudinal axis (32), wherein the light mixing optics (40) comprises a plurality of shell-shaped convex structures arranged in rows and columns along the entire upper surface (68) and the entire lower surface (70) of the light propagation section (30), each of the shell-shaped convex structures having an apex pointing towards the interior of the light propagation section (30) and an output coupling section (38) connected to the distal end (36) of the light propagation section (30) and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (32) of the light blade body (26) and configured to receive the second mixed light beams (242) and to emit the second mixed light beams (242) in the first direction (54). [2] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light slat body (26) is in one piece. [3] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (28) has a flat surface (62), and wherein at least one light source (22) faces the surface (62). [4] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein at least one light source (22) has a main emission direction (60) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (32), parallel to the longitudinal axis (32) or angled with respect to the longitudinal axis (32). [5] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (28) has an elbow-shaped optical element (28, 28a) which is designed to receive the source light rays (24) in a main emission direction (60) which is perpendicular to the first direction (54) and to direct the source light rays (24) as the first light rays (241) in the first direction (54) parallel to the longitudinal axis (32). [6] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (28) comprises a convex optical element (28b) which is designed to receive the source light rays (24) in a main emission direction (60) which is parallel to the first direction (54) and to direct the source light rays (24) as the first light rays (241) in the first direction (54) parallel to the longitudinal axis (32). [7] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (28) has a total internal reflection (TIR) reflector. [8] The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light blade body (26) comprises a light transmission material selected from the group comprising acrylic and polycarbonate. [9] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling section (28) comprises a linear arrangement of a plurality of blunt convex structures (901 to 90 10 ) and wherein each of the plurality of LED light sources (581 to 58 10 ) facing a respective one of the plurality of convex structures. [10] Lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling-out section (38) has an outer surface (39) as a light emitting surface for emitting the second, mixed light beams (242).

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