Lighting devices

Abstract

A lighting device 100 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, a cover 120 made of at least partially light-transmitting material and at least partially surrounding the plurality of light sources, and a plurality of reflectors 130 arranged within the cover and at respective peripheries of the cover, wherein a first set of light sources 140 are arranged within the plurality of reflectors, with the light sources in each reflector configured to emit a respective luminous flux from the lighting device, and a second set of light sources 150 are arranged outside the plurality of reflectors and configured to emit light from the lighting device, the lighting device further comprising a control unit 160 configured to individually control the operation of the light sources of the first and second sets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to lighting devices, for example, comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). More specifically, the lighting device is configured to provide decorative lighting while at the same time being able to provide dynamic shading and reduce glare during operation.

Background Art

[0002] The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for lighting purposes has continued to attract attention. Compared with incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, neon tube lamps, etc., LEDs offer numerous advantages such as a longer operating life, reduced power consumption, and improved efficiency in terms of the ratio of light energy to heat energy.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] There is interest in having lighting devices and / or configurations (e.g., lamps) that can generate decorative (white) light and produce improved and / or new dynamic shadows while reducing glare. In the prior art, there are numerous examples of lighting devices intended to generate decorative light. However, these lighting devices often cannot provide dynamic shading of the light emitted from the lighting device. Furthermore, lighting devices often cannot reduce glare in a satisfactory manner.

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an alternative form to existing lamps of the prior art in order to obtain more decorative lighting while at the same time providing dynamic shading and glare reduction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Therefore, the focus of interest is to overcome at least some of the shortcomings of current lamps in the prior art, by providing a lighting device that can realize decorative lighting, while at the same time providing dynamic shading of the light emitted from the lighting device during operation and reducing glare.

[0006] This and other objectives are achieved by providing a lighting device having the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides an illumination device comprising a plurality of light sources. The illumination device further comprises a cover comprising at least a partially light-transmitting material, the cover at least partially enclosing the plurality of light sources. The illumination device further comprises a plurality of reflectors disposed within the cover and around each of the cover. A first set of light sources are arranged within the plurality of reflectors, and the light source within each reflector is configured to emit its respective luminous flux from the illumination device. A second set of light sources are arranged outside the plurality of reflectors and are configured to emit light from the illumination device. The illumination device further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the operation of the first and second sets of light sources.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​a lighting device comprising at least two sets of individually controllable light sources. The first set of light sources is arranged within a plurality of reflectors so that the light emitted from the first set of light sources during the operation of the lighting device is directed toward portions of the (individual) exit surfaces of the cover of the lighting device. The second set of light sources is arranged outside the plurality of reflectors so that the light emitted from the second set of light sources during the operation of the lighting device exits the lighting device through a mixing chamber defined by the cover of the lighting device. This configuration allows the lighting device to provide a dynamic shading effect from the light emitted from the lighting device, and the sharpness of the shading can be controlled by a control unit. By controlling (adjusting) the intensity of the first and second sets of light sources via the control unit, the lighting device of the present invention can provide decorative lighting while simultaneously providing dynamic shading and glare reduction.

[0009] This present invention is advantageous in that, while the lighting device can achieve aesthetically pleasing lighting effects, the innovative concept of the lighting device can at least partially reduce, or even eliminate, glare.

[0010] It will be understood that the lighting device of the present invention further comprises a relatively small number of components. A relatively small number of components is advantageous in that the lighting device can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, a relatively small number of components in a lighting device means easier reuse, in particular, compared to devices or configurations with a relatively large number of components that hinder easy disassembly and / or reuse.

[0011] The lighting device comprises multiple light sources. The multiple light sources are preferably light-emitting diodes, i.e., LEDs. The lighting device further comprises a cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material, the cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material, the cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material, such as translucent and / or transparent material, and enclosing the multiple light sources. The term “cover” here means an enclosing element such as a cap, cover, or enclosure comprising at least partially light-transmitting material, e.g., translucent and / or transparent material.

[0012] The cover defines a mixing chamber for at least some of the light emitted from multiple light sources during operation. In this specification, the term “mixing chamber” means a space in which light can be reflected before it leaves the mixing chamber.

[0013] The lighting device further comprises a plurality of reflectors located inside and around the cover. A first set of light sources are placed inside the plurality of reflectors, and each light source in the reflector is configured to emit its own luminous flux from the lighting device. A second set of light sources are placed outside the plurality of reflectors and are configured to emit light from the lighting device. Thus, the light emitted from the second set of light sources is mixed in a mixing chamber defined by the cover of the lighting device, while the light emitted from the first set of light sources is emitted as a luminous flux, at least partially through the plurality of reflectors.

[0014] The lighting device further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the operation of a first and a second set of light sources. “Control unit” as used herein means substantially any unit, device, configuration, etc., coupled to or connected to the first and second sets of light sources for controlling each of the first and second sets of light sources, respectively. “Controlling the first and second sets of light sources” as used herein may mean that the control unit is configured to control the intensity of light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to change the luminous flux of light emitted from at least one of a first and a second set of light sources. It will be understood that the ratio of the luminous fluxes of light emitted from the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources may change as a function of time. This embodiment is advantageous in that it can provide more decorative illumination and dynamic shading of light emitted from multiple light sources.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to maintain the total luminous flux of light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources at a constant value as a function of time. In other words, the control unit may be configured to maintain or hold the total luminous flux of light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources at a predetermined (relatively small) interval as a function of time. For example, the control unit may be configured to individually change the luminous flux of light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources, even though the total luminous flux is kept constant as a function of time.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may comprise a plurality of first parts, each positioned in front of a plurality of reflectors, and a second part of the cover separate from the plurality of first parts, wherein at least one characteristic of the plurality of first parts is different from at least one characteristic of the second part. In other words, the plurality of first parts may include at least one characteristic (e.g., physical, mechanical, and / or optical) that is different from at least one characteristic (e.g., physical, mechanical, and / or optical) of the second part. For example, according to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the plurality of first parts may be at most half the surface area of ​​the second part, the plurality of first parts may have a lower reflectivity than the second part, and / or the maximum intensity of light emitted from the plurality of light sources during operation in the first parts may be at least twice the maximum intensity in the second parts. The effect obtained by this embodiment is improved decorative lighting, while at the same time providing dynamic shading and glare reduction. The plurality of first parts may have the same shape, thereby the effect obtained includes improved shading during operation of the lighting device. The reason for this is that, for example, when a homogeneous mask / shading means is applied, the lighting device can provide the same type of shading in each direction of the lighting device. Furthermore, the multiple first parts may have different shapes, for example, shapes selected from the group consisting of circles, ellipses, squares, and polygons (for example, pentagonal, hexagonal, or heptagonal shapes). Furthermore, the multiple first parts may have shapes with a longest diameter and a shortest diameter, the ratio of the longest diameter to the shortest diameter being in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. The effect obtained in this embodiment is an improved shading effect because these shapes have a substantially constant diameter in all directions.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first set of light sources may be configured to supply light having a first color temperature CT1, and a second set of light sources may be configured to supply light having a second color temperature CT2. The difference in color temperature between the first and second color temperatures may be at least 300K, more preferably at least 500K, and most preferably at least 700K. This feature allows for the generation of different color temperatures, for example, so that the lighting device can provide shading and / or background lighting. Thus, this embodiment is advantageous in that improved decorative lighting can be obtained. Furthermore, the difference in color temperature between the first and second color temperatures may be less than 1200K, more preferably less than 1100K, and most preferably less than 1000K. This embodiment is advantageous in that a relatively small difference in color temperature results in aesthetically desirable light, which in turn results in improved decorative lighting.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first color temperature and the second color temperature may be the same. This embodiment is advantageous in that the light emitted from the lighting device during operation has a uniform color temperature, and as a result, uniform illumination can be achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, the first and second color temperatures may be in the range of 1800 to 5000K, more preferably in the range of 1900 to 4000K, and even more preferably in the range of 2000 to 3500K. The first and second color temperatures may have a color rendering index of at least 80.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reflectors and a first set of light sources may be arranged within the lighting device such that the luminous flux emitted from the lighting device during operation has an overlap of less than 30%, preferably less than 25%, and more preferably less than 20%. This embodiment is advantageous in that the overlap of light emitted from the first set of light sources is relatively small, thereby improving the quality of shadows.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of reflectors and a first set of light sources may be arranged within the lighting device such that the luminous flux emitted from the lighting device during operation has an overlap of more than 1%, preferably more than 3%, and more preferably more than 5%. This embodiment is advantageous in that a minimum overlap of 1%, preferably 3%, and more preferably 5% can produce a more homogeneous color shading of the light emitted from the lighting device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflectors of the multiple reflectors may be arranged at equal intervals along the perimeter of the cover. This embodiment is advantageous in that the symmetrical configuration of the multiple reflectors of the lighting device contributes to the aesthetic appearance of such a lighting device. Furthermore, the symmetrical configuration of the multiple reflectors contributes to the symmetrical emission of light from the lighting device, which further enhances the decorative aspect of the emitted light.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reflectors of the plurality of reflectors may be arranged along the periphery of the cover and may be separated by an angle of at least 20°, more preferably at least 25°, and even more preferably at least 30°.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of reflectors may be in the range of 2 to 5, more preferably 3 or 4, and even more preferably 3.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may include a plurality of apertures, and each aperture is configured to allow a respective light beam from the lighting device to pass through. This embodiment is advantageous in that the lighting device can generate a shadow, and the sharpness of the shadow is controlled by the control unit such that the respective light intensities from the first and second sets of light sources are controlled. The lighting device can provide a sharp shadow when the control unit controls the light intensities of the first and second sets of light sources such that the intensity of the light emitted from the first set of light sources is set to a relatively high level or even a maximum level, and the intensity of the light from the second set of light sources is set to a relatively low level, a minimum level, or an off state. This embodiment is further advantageous in that the control unit can be configured to adjust the light intensities of the light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources such that the contrast of the shadow is adjusted.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of apertures may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover, and the length between pairs of apertures is at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, and even more preferably at least 10 mm. This embodiment is advantageous in that the symmetrical configuration of the plurality of apertures of the lighting device contributes to the aesthetic appearance of such a lighting device and the light emitted from the lighting device. This embodiment is further advantageous in that the (color) shadow effect of the light from the operating lighting device can be further improved.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of reflectors may be at least partially reflective.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of reflectors may include at least a partially reflective layer.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one reflector may have a reflectance of more than 80%, more preferably more than 85%, and even more preferably more than 90%. In this embodiment, since the main portion of the light emitted from the lighting device during operation is emitted from the first set of light sources through the reflector, the reflectance as exemplified is advantageous in that it provides rays with improved shading characteristics and improved decorative lighting of the lighting device. It will be understood that there may also be a difference between the reflectance of at least one reflector and the reflectance of the cover. For example, the difference may be at least 30%. With respect to the shading effect of the emitted light, it will be understood that the relatively low reflectance of the reflector improves the luminous flux from the first set of light sources.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may have a reflectance in the range of 20-70%, more preferably 25-60%, and even more preferably 30-50%. For example, the cover may constitute a semi-reflective light-emitting window. The effect obtained in this embodiment is homogeneous illumination and efficiency of the lighting device. It will be understood that the relatively high reflectance of the cover results in relatively high light mixing within the mixing chamber of the lighting device.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be in the shape of a light bulb, or it may extend along an axis A, and at least two of the multiple reflectors are arranged in a plane B perpendicular to axis A.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may have an absorption of less than 7%, more preferably less than 5%, most preferably less than 3%, for example 1%, and even less than 1% during the operation of the lighting device. This embodiment is advantageous in that it has a relatively high mixing efficiency within the mixing chamber of the lighting device.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cover may be in the shape of a light bulb, may extend along axis A, and at least one of a plurality of reflectors is located at the end of the cover.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the light sources among the multiple light sources is a light-emitting diode, or LED.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a lighting configuration extending along a principal axis A is provided. The lighting configuration comprises a lighting device described in any one of the prior embodiments, the lighting device being located at a first end of the lighting configuration. The lighting configuration further comprises an electrical connection connected to the lighting device for supplying current to a plurality of light sources, the electrical connection being located at a second end opposite the first end of the lighting configuration. This embodiment is advantageous in that the lighting device according to the present invention can be conveniently arranged in substantially any lighting configuration, such as LED lamps, luminaires, and lighting systems.

[0037] Further objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosures, drawings, and appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that various features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] Next, this and other embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 1a] A schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 1b] A schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of shading quality and glare reduction as a function of the light intensity emitted from the first and second sets of light sources is shown. [Figure 3a] A schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3b] A schematic cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4a]A schematic diagram of the light distribution pattern from a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4b] A schematic diagram of the light distribution pattern from a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 4c] A schematic diagram of the light distribution pattern from a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5a] This shows a lighting configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5b] This shows a lighting configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Figure 1a schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover 120 of the lighting device 100, the cover 120 at least partially encloses a plurality of light sources 110. It will be understood that the cross-section of the cover 120 does not necessarily have to be circular and can take substantially any shape. The cover 120 comprises at least partially light-transmitting material. The cover 120 may be a diffuser; that is, the cover 120 may be configured to diffuse and / or scatter the light emitted from the plurality of light sources 110 during the operation of the lighting device 100. The plurality of light sources 110 are divided into a first set of light sources 140 and a second set of light sources 150. It will be understood that the light sources (e.g., LEDs) of the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150 may be of the same kind or type. The lighting device 100 comprises a plurality of reflectors 130, schematically shown as arches and arranged within the cover 120. The reflectors 130 are positioned around each periphery of the cover 120. Each light source 110 of the first set of light sources 140 is positioned within its respective reflector 130. In this way, each light source 110 of the first set of light sources 140, positioned within its respective reflector 130, is configured to emit its respective luminous flux from the lighting device 100 during its operation.

[0040] The light sources 150 of the second set of lighting device 100 are positioned outside of the multiple reflectors 130, and the light sources 110 of the second set of light sources 150 are positioned around the respective periphery of the cover 120. In the exemplary configuration of lighting device 100 in Figure 1a, the light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150 are alternately positioned around the cover 120. The lighting device 100 comprises four light sources 110 of the first set of light sources 140 and four light sources 110 of the second set of light sources 150, as illustrated. The number of light sources 110 of the first set of light sources 140 (and the number of reflectors 130) is preferably in the range of 2 to 5, more preferably 3 or 4, and even more preferably 3. However, it should be noted that the number of light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150 may be selected as appropriate. A second set of light sources 150 of multiple light sources 110, located outside the multiple reflectors 130 and within the mixing chamber of the cover 120, is configured to emit light from the lighting device 100.

[0041] The lighting device 100 in Figure 1a further comprises a control unit 160. Here, the control unit 160 is shown schematicly only and is connected to the multiple light sources 110 of the lighting device 100 via either wired or wireless technology. It will be understood that the control unit 160 may be integrated within the lighting device 100. The control unit 160 is configured to individually control the operation of the light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150. As illustrated in Figure 1a, the control unit 160 can control the light sources 140, 150 of the first and second sets such that the intensity of light emitted from the first set of light sources 140 is the same as the intensity of light emitted from the second set of light sources 150. Thus, the control unit 160 can control the light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150 such that the intensity of light emitted from the lighting device 100 is substantially constant in all directions of the lighting device 100.

[0042] The first set of light sources 140 may be configured to supply light having a first color temperature CT1, and the second set of light sources 150 may be configured to supply light having a second color temperature CT2. The difference in color temperature between the first and second color temperatures may be 300 to 1200K, more preferably 500 to 1100K, and most preferably 700 to 1000K. It will be understood that the first and second color temperatures 140 and 150 may be the same. Furthermore, the first and second color temperatures 140 and 150 may be in the range of 1800 to 5000K, more preferably 1900 to 4000K, and even more preferably 2000 to 3500K. The first and second color temperatures 140 and 150 may have a color rendering index of at least 80.

[0043] The reflector 130 may have a reflectance of more than 80%, more preferably more than 85%, and even more preferably 90%. The cover 120 may have a reflectance in the range of 20-70%, more preferably 25-60%, and even more preferably 30-50%. Furthermore, the cover 120 may have an absorption of less than 3%, for example 1%, or even less than 1% during the operation of the lighting device 100.

[0044] Figure 1b schematically shows a cross-section of the same lighting device 100 as shown in Figure 1a, and is referred to here as Figure 1a for the purpose of improving understanding of the configuration and function of the lighting device 100. In Figure 1b, the control unit 160 controls the light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140 and 150 such that the intensity of light emitted from the first set of light sources 140 is higher than the intensity of light emitted from the second set of light sources 150. For example, the control unit 160 may turn off the light sources 150 of the second set. Figure 1b clearly discloses the emission of each luminous flux from each light source 110 of the first set of light sources 140, which are located within the respective reflectors 130 of the lighting device 100, during its operation.

[0045] In Figures 1a and 1b, the multiple reflectors 130 and the first set of light sources 140 are arranged at equal intervals around the cover 120 within the lighting device 100. This configuration ensures that, as shown in Figure 1b, the luminous fluxes emitted from the first set of light sources 140 of the lighting device 100 do not overlap during operation. For the expected configuration of the first and / or second sets of light sources 140, 150 within the lighting device 100, the overlap of the luminous fluxes emitted from the first and second sets of light sources 140, 150 is preferably less than 30%, more preferably less than 25%, and even more preferably less than 20%. Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1a and 1b, the reflectors of the multiple reflectors 130 are separated by an angle of 90°. It will be understood that the multiple reflectors 130 may be separated by an angle of at least 20°, more preferably at least 25°, and even more preferably at least 30° with respect to the central portion of the cover.

[0046] From the examples in Figures 1a and 1b, it will be understood that the control unit 160 of the lighting device 100 can control the light emitted from the light sources 110 of the first and second sets of light sources 140 and 150. In other words, the control unit 160 may be configured to maintain and / or increase the intensity of the light from the light sources 110 of the first set of light sources 140, and to dim and / or turn off the light sources 110 of the second set of light sources 150. In this change of light intensity emitted from the first and second sets of light sources 140 and 150 of the lighting device 100, as illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, the control unit 160 may still be configured to maintain the total luminous flux of the light emitted from the first and second sets of light sources 140 and 150 as a function of time.

[0047] In Figures 1a and 1b, the cover 120 of the lighting device 100 comprises a plurality of first portions 111, each positioned in front of a plurality of reflectors 130. The cover 120 further comprises a second portion 112 of the cover 120, separate from the plurality of first portions 111 of the cover 120. The relative characteristics of the cover 120 between the plurality of first portions 111 and the second portion 112 may satisfy one or more of the following: For example, the surface area of ​​the plurality of first portions 111 of the cover 120 may be at most half the surface area of ​​the second portion 112 of the cover 120. Furthermore, the plurality of first portions 111 of the cover 120 may have a lower reflectivity than the second portion 112 of the cover 120. In another example, the maximum intensity of light emitted from the plurality of light sources 110 during operation in the plurality of first portions 111 may be at least twice as great as the maximum intensity of light emitted from the plurality of light sources 110 during operation in the second portion 112.

[0048] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the shading quality SQ and glare reduction GR of the light emitted from the lighting device of the present invention as functions of the light intensity I1 emitted from the first set of light sources and the light intensity I1+I2 emitted from the first and second sets of light sources, controlled by the control unit. In the left portion of Figure 3, the control unit controls the light intensity of the first and second sets of light sources by operating the first set of light sources at a relatively high (or maximum) level I1, while setting the light intensity I2 emitted from the second set of light sources to a relatively low level, minimum level, or even off. Thus, in the left portion of Figure 2, the light emitted from the lighting device during operation is substantially or entirely emitted from the first set of light sources. In this setting by the control unit, the shading quality SQ of the light emitted from the lighting device is at a relatively high level, or even the maximum level, while the glare reduction GR is at a relatively low level, or even the minimum level.

[0049] In the right-hand portion of Figure 2, the control unit controls the light intensity of the first and second sets of light sources by operating the first set of light sources at a relatively high (or maximum) level I1, while setting the light intensity I2 emitted from the second set of light sources to a relatively high level, or even the maximum level. For example, the control unit may be configured to set the light intensity emitted from the first and second sets of light sources to the same level. In this setting by the control unit, the shading quality SQ of the light emitted from the lighting device is at a relatively low level, or even the minimum level, while the glare reduction GR is at a relatively high level, or even the maximum level.

[0050] Figures 3a and 3b schematically show cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of the lighting device 100 according to the present invention. In Figure 3a, the lighting device 100 comprises a cover 120 comprising at least partially light-transmitting material. In this example, two light sources 110 of a first set of light sources 140 and two light sources 110 of a second set of light sources 150 are arranged within the cover 120. However, it will be understood that the lighting device 100 may substantially comprise any number of light sources 110 of the first and / or second sets of light sources 140, 150. In Figure 3a, each light source 110 of the first set of light sources 140 is arranged within its respective reflector 130, whereas each light source 110 of the second set of light sources 150 is arranged outside the reflector 130. The light sources 110 of the first and / or second sets of light sources 140, 150 may be LEDs. The light sources 110 are arranged on a single PCB 135, which may be flat or non-flat. In the illumination device 100 according to the embodiment described above, the light sources 110 of the first set of light sources 140, which are located within the reflector 130, are configured to emit their respective luminous fluxes from the illumination device 100. Here, the luminous fluxes emitted from the first set of light sources 140 are mainly emitted in a plane parallel to axis B, for example, in the horizontal and / or plane following the orientation of the illumination device 100 in the figure. Thus, the first set of light sources 140 and the reflector 130 are arranged so that the luminous fluxes are emitted from the illumination device 100 in a planar direction parallel to axis B, i.e., in the peripheral direction of the cover 120 of the illumination device 100. Furthermore, the light sources 110 of the second set of light sources 150 are configured to emit light from the illumination device 100. Here, the light emitted from the second set of light sources 150 is mainly emitted in the vertical and / or plane parallel to axis A, i.e., following the orientation of the illumination device 100 in the figure.

[0051] Figure 3b shows a lighting device 100 similar to that shown in Figure 3a, and will be referred to as Figure 3a for better understanding. In Figure 3b, four light sources 110 of a first set of light sources 140 and four light sources 110 of a second set of light sources 150 are provided arranged within a cover 120. However, it will be understood that the lighting device 100 may substantially comprise any number of light sources 110 of the first and / or second sets of light sources 140, 150. In Figure 3b, four reflectors 130 are provided, with each light source 110 of the first set of light sources 140 arranged within its respective reflector 130. Similarly, each light source 110 of the second set of light sources 150 is arranged outside the reflectors 130. During operation of the lighting device 100, one or more luminous beams emitted from the first set of light sources 140 may be emitted in a plane parallel to axis B, i.e., horizontally and / or in a plane. Furthermore, during the operation of the lighting device 100, one or more luminous beams emitted from the first set of light sources 140 may be emitted in a direction / plane inclined with respect to axis B. For example, according to Figure 3b, this direction is diagonally upward. Furthermore, the light source 110 of the second set of light sources 150 is configured to emit light from the lighting device 100 in an upward direction and / or plane parallel to axis A, as in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3b.

[0052] Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c schematically illustrate the light distribution patterns from an illuminating device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The light distribution pattern is the result (effect) of the operation of an illuminating device having one or more reflectors, each having at least a partially reflective (semi-reflective) layer, such as a diffuser. In Figure 4a, the light distribution pattern is substantially circular around the periphery and in the planar direction of the cover of the illuminating device. In Figure 4b, the light distribution pattern includes four circles around the periphery and in the planar direction of the cover of the illuminating device. Here, there are four regions where four luminous beams emitted from the illuminating device during operation overlap. In Figure 4c, the light distribution pattern includes three circles around the periphery and in the planar direction of the cover of the illuminating device. Here, there are three regions where three luminous beams emitted from the illuminating device during operation overlap.

[0053] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the operation of a lighting configuration 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5a, the lighting configuration 800 extends along the main axis A. The lighting configuration 800 comprises a lighting device 100, which includes, namely, a cover 120, a plurality of reflectors, a first and second set of light sources (not shown), and a control unit 160 configured to individually control the operation of the first and second sets of light sources, as described in any one of the embodiments described above. The lighting configuration 800 further comprises an electrical connection 830 connected to the lighting device 100 for supplying current to the plurality of light sources of the lighting device 100.

[0054] The operation of the lighting configuration 800 corresponds to that illustrated in Figure 1a, namely, that the intensity of light emitted from the first set of light sources is the same as the intensity of light emitted from the second set of light sources. Therefore, the control unit 160 controls the light sources of the first and second sets of light sources so that the intensity of light emitted from the lighting configuration 800 is substantially constant in all directions of the lighting configuration 800.

[0055] The cover 120 of the lighting configuration 800 includes a plurality of apertures 200, which can be seen in Figure 5b. The apertures 200 are arranged with a plurality of reflectors and with each light source of the first set of light sources, such that each aperture of the plurality of apertures 200 is configured to transmit (transmit) its respective luminous flux from the lighting device 100. In Figure 5b, the operation of the lighting configuration 800 corresponds to that illustrated in Figure 1b. That is, the control unit 160 controls the light sources of the first and second sets of light sources so that the intensity of light emitted from the first set of light sources is higher than the intensity of light emitted from the second set of light sources.

[0056] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the cover 120, reflector 130, and the first and / or second set of light sources 140, 150, etc., may have a different shape, dimensions, and / or size than those shown / described.

Claims

1. A lighting device, Multiple light sources, A cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material and extending along axis A, which at least partially surrounds the plurality of light sources and defines a mixing chamber for at least a portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources during operation, The system comprises a plurality of reflectors arranged inside the cover and around each of the peripheries of the cover, The light sources of the first set of the plurality of light sources are arranged in the plurality of reflectors such that the light sources in each reflector emit their respective luminous fluxes from the illumination device. The light sources of the second set of the aforementioned plurality of light sources are positioned outside the plurality of reflectors and configured to emit light from the lighting device, The lighting device further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the operation of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources. At least two of the plurality of reflectors are arranged in a plane B perpendicular to the axis A, or at least one of the plurality of reflectors is arranged at the end of the cover along the axis A. The cover is in the shape of a light bulb or extends along the main axis A. The control unit is configured to maintain the total luminous flux of the light emitted from the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources at a constant value as a function of time. Lighting device.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change the luminous flux of light emitted from at least one of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of first parts, each positioned in front of each of the plurality of reflectors, and a second part of the cover separate from the first parts, wherein at least one characteristic of the plurality of first parts is different from at least one characteristic of the second part.

4. The surface area of ​​each of the first parts is at most half the surface area of ​​the second part. The plurality of the first parts have a lower reflectivity than the second part, and The maximum intensity of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources during operation is at least twice the maximum intensity of the light emitted from the second portion. A lighting device according to claim 3, which satisfies at least one of the following conditions.

5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of reflectors and the first set of light sources are arranged within the lighting device such that the luminous flux emitted from the lighting device during operation has an overlap of less than 30%, more preferably less than 25%, and even more preferably less than 20%.

6. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reflectors of the plurality of reflectors are arranged at equal intervals along the periphery of the cover.

7. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the number of reflectors is in the range of 2 to 5, more preferably 3 or 4, and even more preferably 3.

8. A lighting device, Multiple light sources, A cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material and extending along axis A, which at least partially surrounds the plurality of light sources and defines a mixing chamber for at least a portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources during operation, The system comprises a plurality of reflectors arranged inside the cover and around each of the peripheries of the cover, The light sources of the first set of the plurality of light sources are arranged in the plurality of reflectors such that the light sources in each reflector emit their respective luminous fluxes from the illumination device. The light sources of the second set of the aforementioned plurality of light sources are positioned outside the plurality of reflectors and configured to emit light from the lighting device, The lighting device further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the operation of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources. At least two of the plurality of reflectors are arranged in a plane B perpendicular to the axis A, or at least one of the plurality of reflectors is arranged at the end of the cover along the axis A. The cover is in the shape of a light bulb or extends along the main axis A. The cover comprises a plurality of apertures, each aperture configured to allow the respective light beam from the lighting device to pass through. The plurality of apertures are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cover. Lighting device.

9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the length between pairs of apertures is at least 5 mm, more preferably at least 8 mm, and even more preferably at least 10 mm.

10. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reflectors of the plurality of reflectors are arranged along the periphery of the cover and are separated from the center point of the cover at an angle of at least 20°, preferably at least 25°, and more preferably at least 30°.

11. A lighting device, Multiple light sources, A cover comprising at least partially light-transmitting material and extending along axis A, which at least partially surrounds the plurality of light sources and defines a mixing chamber for at least a portion of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources during operation, The system comprises a plurality of reflectors arranged inside the cover and around each of the peripheries of the cover, The light sources of the first set of the plurality of light sources are arranged in the plurality of reflectors such that the light sources in each reflector emit their respective luminous fluxes from the illumination device. The light sources of the second set of the aforementioned plurality of light sources are positioned outside the plurality of reflectors and configured to emit light from the lighting device, The lighting device further comprises a control unit configured to individually control the operation of the first set of light sources and the second set of light sources. At least two of the plurality of reflectors are arranged in a plane B perpendicular to the axis A, or at least one of the plurality of reflectors is arranged at the end of the cover along the axis A. The cover is in the shape of a light bulb or extends along the main axis A. At least one of the reflectors has a reflectance of more than 80%, more preferably more than 85%, and even more preferably more than 90%. Lighting device.

12. A lighting configuration extending along the main axis A, A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a lighting device disposed at the first end of the lighting configuration, A lighting configuration comprising: an electrical connection portion connected to the lighting device for supplying current to the plurality of light sources, the electrical connection portion located at a second end opposite to the first end of the lighting configuration.

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