lighting body

Abstract

An illumination body comprising at least one illumination unit, each illumination unit including an illumination chip, an optical system, and a diffuser, wherein, when viewed in the radiation direction, the optical system is disposed in front of the illumination chip and configured to image light emitted by the illumination chip along a first direction, and when viewed in the radiation direction, the diffuser is disposed in front of the illumination chip and configured to emit light emitted by the illumination chip in one or more second directions different from the first direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the invention relates to an illuminating body having at least one lighting unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting unit comprises an LED and / or an optical system. [Background technology]

[0002] The combination of LEDs and optical systems provides excellent lighting behavior in addition to very good light yield. For example, transparent optical elements are often used, which ideally focus the light along the lighting direction. This advantageous technical behavior has drawbacks in terms of lighting technology and stage equipment. Recognition of the drawbacks and the discovery of solutions are part of the present invention.

[0003] When using LED optics, the visual perception of light can only be perceived from the front and not from the sides. This is due to the fact that the transparent optics typically used do not provide much illumination by themselves. This behavior is amplified in closed housings with drivable lenses, especially when the optics are driven inward and therefore remain invisible. As a result, the illuminated areas, also known as "pixels," are not visible, or at least not from all angles of view except in a plan view from the front. Therefore, an improved approach is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are based on the object of adjusting the advantageous technical optical properties of LED optics, in particular the strongly focused radiation behavior, to such an extent that the above-mentioned drawbacks are mitigated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an illumination body (or lighting body) having at least one illumination unit (or lighting unit), each illumination unit including an illumination chip (pixel or emitting area), an optical system, and a diffuser. When viewed in the radiation direction, the optical system is disposed in front of the illumination chip and configured to image light emitted by the illumination chip along a first direction. When viewed in the radiation direction, the diffuser is disposed in front of the illumination chip and configured to emit light emitted by the illumination chip in one or more second directions different from the first direction, such as sideways.

[0007] The present invention is based on the discovery that by using a diffuser, for example in the form of a light ring, positioned in front of the lighting chip and / or offset slightly to the side, ideal technical emission characteristics are maintained while stray light is generated that allows for side lighting phenomena (or appearances) or at least light phenomena (or appearances) that can be seen from the side. This has the advantage that the diffuser itself performs an illumination (or glow) that corresponds to the emitted color of the chip, regardless of the optical system or the current optical setting (zoom stage). This allows for a better visibility of the set color at any angle of view relative to the front lens, and pixelation effects can also be better perceived at any angle, e.g., camera angle.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the diffuser achieves the following: the second direction is offset from the first direction by at least 10°, at least 25°, or at least 45°. This can relate to one or more second directions. According to further embodiments, the second direction may have different spatial directions, at least one of which differs from the first direction by at least 10°, at least 25°, or at least 45°. According to some embodiments, for example, this has the technical effect that the light emitted by the diffuser is laterally positioned at a spatial angle of, for example, 45° with respect to the first spatial direction. According to some embodiments, it is advantageous for the diffuser to be positioned relative to the housing of the illuminating body so that it is visible from an angle of 45° or more with respect to the first spatial direction.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the diffuser has a ring shape. For example, the ring may be arranged annularly around the first spatial direction. For example, assuming that the first spatial direction extends as a perpendicular line to the optical system and that the optical system is realized by a circular lens, for example, the ring-shaped (or annular) diffuser extends as a ring around the optical system. Therefore, according to further embodiments, when viewed in the radial direction, the diffuser is arranged around the optical system and / or in the same plane as the optical system and / or in front of the optical system (when viewed in the radial direction). These positions allow for diffused radiation. According to some embodiments, the diffuser is opaque and / or has one or more partially reflective areas.

[0010] According to further embodiments, the optical system is not only realized by a simple lens, but also comprises an adjustment region. That is, according to some embodiments, the optical system is adjustable. Here, according to some embodiments, the position of the optical system can be changed, for example, along a first direction. As a result, for example, the distance of the optical system to the illumination chip changes / along the first direction. As mentioned above, a diffuser may be arranged in front of the optical system. As a result, according to some embodiments, the optical system is provided between the illumination chip and the diffuser.

[0011] In the above embodiments, it has already been explained that the diffuser may have a ring shape. This diffuser ring may therefore also be arranged around the optical system. Consequently, at least with respect to its outer diameter, the diffuser ring is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the optical system. According to one embodiment, with respect to its inner diameter, the ring may correspond to the outer diameter of the optical system. Consequently, this leads to the fact that the diffuser ring is arranged around the optical system.

[0012] In the above embodiments, it has been assumed that the lighting body comprises at least one lighting unit. According to preferred embodiments, the lighting body comprises a plurality of, or at least two or three adjacently arranged lighting units. In this respect, it is noted that according to some embodiments, the lighting chip is configured to emit light with a variable spectrum and / or colored light. For example, this can be achieved by an RGB lighting chip or by a plurality of individual lighting elements with different colors (e.g., RGB) that together form the lighting chip.

[0013] Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.Embodiments of the invention will now be described on the basis of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1a] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a light object according to a basic embodiment. [Figure 1b]FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of the illuminating body of FIG. 1a to illustrate the properties of a diffuser according to an extended embodiment. [Figure 2a] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a light object according to a further embodiment; [Figure 2b] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a light object according to a further embodiment; [Figure 2c] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a light object according to a further embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the illumination object of FIG. 1a in cross section to illustrate further aspects according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention below based on the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that elements and structures having the same effect are given the same reference numerals so that the descriptions thereof are applicable to each other or interchangeable.

[0016] 1a shows a lighting body 10 having three lighting elements 12a, 12b, and 12c. In this respect, it should be noted that lighting elements 12a, 12b, and 12c may be configured in the same way or identically, and lighting elements 12b and 12c are optional. In other words, lighting body 10 may also comprise only one lighting element 12a.

[0017] The lighting element 12a includes a base element lighting area 14, or lighting chip. According to some embodiments, the lighting unit 12a is an LED lighting unit, with the lighting chip 14 representing an LED chip. The lighting body 10 is shown in a front view, e.g., with a radiation direction 14r (see FIG. 1b) extending perpendicularly out of the plane. This first radiation direction, or light along this first radiation direction, is collimated by an optical system 16, which may be realized by a lens or the like. In this embodiment, the lens 16 is circular and is arranged in front of the lighting chip in the illumination direction 14r. This allows the light emitted by the lighting chip 14 to be focused, e.g., in the direction 14r, assuming a converging or condensing lens as the optical system 16. Furthermore, the lighting unit 12a includes a diffuser. For example, this diffuser may be arranged above or below the lighting chip 14 in the radiation direction 14r, or it may be arranged to the side, or it may be arranged in a circular shape in front. The diffuser is illuminated by the light emitted by the illumination chip 14, thus enabling additional radiation in different spatial directions, such as spatial direction 18r1 or 18r2, as shown in FIG. 1b. For example, if the diffuser 18 or diffuser ring 18 is positioned in front of the illumination chip 14 so that it is illuminated in the radial direction, it can emit light laterally, in contrast to the function of the optical element 16. The optical element 16 focuses the light in the radial direction 14r so that ideal illumination is achieved at the desired point. A lateral arrangement of the diffuser 18, such as an annular arrangement of the diffuser 18 around the lens 16, advantageously allows for no illumination disadvantage. Therefore, it is possible to simultaneously separate the diffused light in the lateral direction while maintaining the good illumination characteristics of the LED / lens combination. In other words, to avoid affecting the refractive power of the zoom optical system, according to some embodiments, only one ring of diffuser material 18 is fixed to the front lens 16, and the central portion remains transparent for the passage of light from the actual optical system 16. This has the advantage that at every zoom stage, the ring itself now performs the illumination (glow) due to the diffuser material by the LED / optics light / stray light.Now, the set color can be seen at all angles of view relative to the front lens, for example, pixelation effects can be better perceived at all camera angles.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the diffuser may comprise an opaque material or may have several totally reflective areas. Assuming the embodiment is a ring-shaped diffuser, the diffuser may comprise a surface with several totally reflective elements, or simple bumps or bulges.

[0019] According to some embodiments, this simple bulge or one or more total reflection areas can achieve light separation along a second separation direction 18r or 18r1, where 18r1 differs from separation direction 14r. For example, the difference may include at least 10°, or at least 25°, or at least 45°. According to preferred embodiments, the light separated from diffuser 18 is not separated in one spatial direction, but in multiple spatial directions, here illustratively spatial directions 18r1 and 18r2. Therefore, these spatial directions are different. Next, the advantages of this diffuser ring, or diffuser 18 in general, will be described with reference to Figures 2a-2c.

[0020] 2a-2c show a spotlight 10' or generally an illuminating body 10' having a plurality of illuminating elements 12x'. Each illuminating element 12x' comprises a lighting chip 14, an optical system 16, and a diffuser 18. FIGS. 2a-2c differ due to the angles and colors shown. It is therefore clear that the lighting chips 14 are configured to emit different colors. In FIG. 2a, the color appearance can be obtained in the area of ​​the optical system 16 and in the area of ​​the diffuser. From the angles shown in FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c, it becomes clear that a clear distinction of lighting functions / characteristics is not possible from the side without the diffuser 18.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the light body 10′ may be an elongated light body having a plurality of adjacently arranged light elements 12x, for example 8, 10, 12, 14 or even more light elements.

[0022] The illumination body 10 of FIG. 1 will be described in an optional aspect with reference to FIG. 3 . FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the illumination body 10. A diffuser 18, for example, is present on the front side of the illumination body 10, which is defined by light emitted along a first radiation direction 14r. In a rear region, for example the rear third (as viewed in the radiation direction 14r), an illumination chip 14 is provided. This emits light in various spatial directions, particularly in the spatial direction 14r. The emitted light is focused by an optical system 16, for example in the direction 14r. Depending on the position of the lens 16 relative to the illumination chip 14, there is a stronger or weaker focusing. Thus, according to some embodiments, the position of the lens 16, or more generally the optical system 16, relative to the illumination chip 14 can be changed. For example, the distance between the optical element 16 and the illumination chip 14 can be changed. As already mentioned above, a diffuser, here a ring-shaped diffuser 18, is arranged in the front area, i.e., along the radiation direction 14r. Typically, this diffuser is provided as an opening in the housing 10 that separates the light emitted by the lighting chip 14. With or without the use of an optical element 16, the diffuser 18 is illuminated by the lighting chip 14 so as to emit light (in a diffused manner) in a further spatial direction 18r. As shown here, the further spatial direction 18r or the radiation direction 18r may differ from the radiation direction 14r by at least 10°, here by as much as about 40°. As explained in relation to FIG. 1b, it is also conceivable that the diffuser 18 acts in several different spatial directions, for example, 10°, 25°, 40°, 45°, 80°, etc., and thus emits light in these spatial directions. In this arrangement, it becomes clear that, according to some embodiments, a displaceable lens 16 (displaceable along the spatial direction 14r) is provided between the diffuser 18 and the lighting element 14.

[0023] The above-described embodiments specifically envisage the diffuser being provided as a kind of diffuser ring. However, it is also conceivable to provide linear diffuser elements, for example laterally with respect to the main radiation direction 14r. Furthermore, the diffuser ring may define one, two, three or several well-defined directions in which the diffused light is emitted. All embodiments have in common that the diffused light is equal to or similar to the light emitted by the chip 14 in terms of its properties, for example in terms of its coloration / spectrum. However, according to some embodiments, the intensity may be reduced.

[0024] The above embodiments are merely examples, the scope of protection is determined by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0025] 10 Lighting Body 12a, 12b, 12c, 12x' lighting units 14 Lighting Chips 16 Optical system 18 Diffuser 14r radial direction 14r First Direction 18r, 18r1, 18r2 Second direction

Claims

1. At least one lighting unit (12a, 12b, 12c, 12x') It is equipped with Each of the illumination units (12a, 12b, 12c, 12x') includes an illumination chip (14), an optical system (16), and a diffuser (18); the optical system (16) is disposed in front of the illumination chip (14) when viewed in a radiation direction (14r) and is configured to image light emitted by the illumination chip (14) along a first direction (14r); the diffuser (18) is disposed in front of the lighting chip (14) when viewed in the radiation direction (14r), and is configured to emit light emitted by the lighting chip (14) in one or more second directions (18r, 18r1, 18r2) different from the first direction (14r); the diffuser (18) is arranged in front of the optical system (16) when viewed in the radial direction (14r), or the optical system (16) is arranged between the illumination tip (14) and the diffuser (18), and the diffuser (18) has a ring shape; the second directions (18r, 18r1, 18r2) include different spatial directions, one of the different spatial directions being offset with respect to the first direction (14r) by at least 75°; An illumination body (10), wherein the distance of the optical system (16) to the illumination tip is variable along the first direction (14r).

2. 2. The illuminating body (10) according to claim 1, wherein one of the different spatial directions differs from the first direction (14r) by at least 75° or at least 90°.

3. 2. The illuminating body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser (18) has the shape of a ring, the ring being arranged annularly around the first direction (14r).

4. 10. The illuminating body (10) of claim 1, wherein the diffuser (18) is opaque and / or comprises a plurality of totally reflective areas.

5. The optical system (16) is adjustable and / or 2. The illuminating body (10) of claim 1, wherein the position of the optical system (16) is variable and / or the position of the optical system (16) is variable along the first direction (14r).

6. 2. The lighting body (10) of claim 1, wherein the diffuser (18) is positioned relative to the housing of the lighting body (10) so that it is viewable from an angle of 45° or more, or 75° or more, or 90° or more relative to the first direction (14r).

7. 10. The illuminating body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lighting chip (14) is configured to emit light having a variable spectrum and / or colored light.

8. 2. The lighting body (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lighting body (10) comprises a plurality of, or at least two or three adjacently arranged lighting units (12a, 12b, 12c, 12x').

9. With respect to the outer diameter, the diffuser (18) in the form of a ring is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the optical system (16); and / or With respect to the inner diameter, the diffuser (18) in the form of a ring corresponds to the outer diameter of the optical system (16); and / or 2. The illuminating body (10) of claim 1, wherein the diffuser ring (18) is disposed around the optical system (16).

10. At least one lighting unit (12a, 12b, 12c, 12x') It is equipped with Each of the illumination units (12a, 12b, 12c, 12x') includes an illumination chip (14), an optical system (16), and a diffuser (18); the optical system (16) is disposed in front of the illumination chip (14) when viewed in a radiation direction (14r) and is configured to image light emitted by the illumination chip (14) along a first direction (14r); the diffuser (18) is disposed in front of the lighting chip (14) when viewed in the radiation direction (14r), and is configured to emit light emitted by the lighting chip (14) in one or more second directions (18r, 18r1, 18r2) different from the first direction (14r); the diffuser (18) is arranged in front of the optical system (16) when viewed in the radial direction (14r), or the optical system (16) is arranged between the illumination tip (14) and the diffuser (18), and the diffuser (18) has a ring shape; the second directions (18r, 18r1, 18r2) include different spatial directions, one of the different spatial directions being offset with respect to the first direction (14r) by at least 45°; An illumination body (10), wherein the distance of the optical system (16) to the illumination tip (14) is variable along the first direction (14r).

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