Optical component and optical arrangement

Abstract

An optical component (100a, 100b), comprising a plurality of lens elements (110) and a plurality of spaces (120), alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED, of the optical component (100a, 100b). Each lens element comprises one or more lenses (130) having an optical center (140), wherein the optical centers (140) are aligned on at least one alignment axis, Aij, oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component (100a, 100b), and wherein the plurality of lens elements (110) is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces (120) of another copy of the optical component (100a, 100b) so as to form an assembly (150) of two optical components (100a, 100b) in which each alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component (100a, 100b) coincides, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component (100a, 100b).

Description

[0001] 2024PF80405

[0002] 1

[0003] OPTICAL COMPONENT AND OPTICAL ARRANGEMENT

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to an optical component and an optical arrangement. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical component and an optical arrangement which has a scalable construction.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] There is an ever-increasing desire and need to develop lighting arrangements, devices, and components thereof. In particular, there is a specific desire to develop constructions or components which may scale or adapt to one or more changes or replacements of one or more lighting arrangement elements.

[0008] Current modular luminaires may be relatively bulky due to their design or construction of their lens arrangement which is arranged to influence the light emitted from the luminaires. The luminaires may be limited in their design possibilities by the lens arrangements with respect to e.g. size, light source count, future design, etc., of the luminaires. Consequently, present luminaires may suffer from a complex, cumbersome and / or cost-inefficient construction or handling / operation thereof, in case the luminaire is to be changed or adapted.

[0009] It is desired to improve the adaptation and scalability of component(s) of luminaires, lighting devices and arrangements, thereby providing a facilitated and / or more cost-efficient adaptation and scalability thereof.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is of interest to explore the possibility to adapt or scale optical component s) of luminaires, lighting devices and arrangements, which consequently may lead to facilitated and more (cost and labor) efficient operations concerning adaption and scalability.

[0012] This and other objects are achieved by providing an optical component and an optical arrangement having the features in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.2024PF80405

[0013] 2

[0014] According to a fist aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical component. The optical component comprises a plurality of lens elements and a plurality of spaces alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED, of the optical component. Each lens element comprises one or more lenses, wherein each of the one or more lenses has an optical center. The optical centers of the lenses are aligned on at least one alignment axis, Aij, that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component. The plurality of lens elements is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces of another copy of the optical component so as to form an assembly of two optical components in which each alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component coincides, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical arrangement. The optical arrangement comprises a first optical component and a second optical component. Each of the first and second optical components comprises a plurality of lens elements and a plurality of spaces, alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED. Each lens element comprises one or more lenses, wherein each of the one or more lenses has an optical center. The optical centers of the lenses are aligned on an alignment axis, Ai, that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED. The plurality of lens elements of the first optical component is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces of the second optical component, and the plurality of lens elements of the second optical component is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces of the first optical component, so as to form an assembly of the first and second optical components in which each alignment axes, Ai, of the first optical component coincides, or is parallel, with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the second optical component.

[0016] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea of providing an optical component which is capable of being fitted with another optical component, whereby the lens elements and spaces of the (first) optical element are arranged to fit with the corresponding spaces and lens elements of the (second) optical element. It will be appreciated that the optical component of the first aspect of the present invention and the optical arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention share a common general inventive concept. More specifically, the first and second aspects of the present invention hereby constitute alternative solutions to one or more particular problems.

[0017] The present invention is advantageous in that the optical component provides a scalable lens configuration which is highly beneficial concerning flexibility, scalability or2024PF80405

[0018] 3

[0019] adaptability. For example, the optical component enables adaptability / scalability in case of a smaller distance between light sources of a lighting arrangement or device to which the optical component is arranged to be fitted to or arranged on.

[0020] The present invention is further advantageous in that the adaptability / scalability feature of the optical component may significantly improve an operation related to a change or replacement of one or more components or elements of a lighting device or arrangement.

[0021] Consequently, the optical component reduces the complexity of such a handling or operation, and the operation may furthermore be performed in a more (cost-) efficient manner.

[0022] The present invention is further advantageous by its environmental friendliness, as the optical component’s scalability / adaptability features may lead to a re-use of elements or components, and / or a minimization of a disposal of elements or components of a lighting device or arrangement.

[0023] The present invention is further advantageous in that the optical component is scalable whilst maintaining a similar look, which may preserve the aesthetical appeal of the optical component.

[0024] The present invention is further advantageous in its versatility and customization for desired properties of a light distribution via the optical component and / or an aesthetic appearance of the optical component, including e.g. color, light-influencing property(ies), etc.

[0025] The present invention is further advantageous in that the optical component comprises relatively few components / elements, leading to a relatively inexpensive fabrication thereof.

[0026] According to the fist aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical component. By “optical component”, it is here meant a component which is configured or arranged to optically influence light. The optical component comprises a plurality of lens elements and a plurality of spaces alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED, of the optical component. By “alternatingly arranged”, it is here meant that along the array, any lens element is followed by a space, which in turn is followed by a lens element, etc. Each lens element comprises one or more lenses, wherein each of the one or more lenses has an optical center. The optical centers of the lenses are aligned on at least one alignment axis, Aij, that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component. Hence, the optical centers of the lenses form one or more arrays, wherein each array forms a respective alignment axis, Aij. The plurality of lens elements is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces of another copy of the optical component so as to form an assembly of two optical components. By “copy”, it is here meant2024PF80405

[0027] 4

[0028] that the optical components may have the same construction or arrangement of lens elements, elements and spaces. In the assembly, each alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component coincides, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component. Hence, each alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component either coincides (overlaps) with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens element may comprise a leading edge for a fixation of the lens element in a z-direction, perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED, and a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses. By “leading edge”, it is here meant a front (peripheral) edge of the lens element or of the lenses of the lens element. The leading edge fixates the lens element in a z-direction which is perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED, and perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the leading edge(s) provide(s) an easy and convenient attachment or fixation of the lens element in the z-direction upon fitting of two optical components to form an assembly thereof. More specifically, the present embodiment provides an accurate individual lens element positioning and creates / defines a desired positioning in the z-direction. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the fixation, provided by the leading edge(s), results in a mechanically stable assembly of optical components in the z-direction.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each space may be defined by a respective indentation of the optical component for a fixation of the plurality of lens elements in an x-direction, parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and a y-direction, in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, and perpendicular to the x-direction. Hence, the optical component may comprise a respective indentation defining the space between neighboring lens elements for fixating or fastening the plurality of lens elements in the x-direction and in the y-direction. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the indentation(s) provide(s) an easy and convenient attachment or fixation of the plurality of lens elements in the x-direction and in the y-direction upon fitting of two optical components to form an assembly thereof. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the fixation, provided by the indentation(s), results in a mechanically stable assembly of optical components in the x-direction and in the y-direction. It will be appreciated that the present embodiment is particularly advantageous in case of combination with the previous2024PF80405

[0031] 5

[0032] embodiment, in which the leading edge(s) and indentation(s) lead to an omnidirectional mechanical stability of an assembly of optical components in the x-, y-, and z-directions.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens may have a circular cross-section in a cross-sectional plane, P, parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component, and a normal, N, perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, P. Hence, the lenses of circular cross-section may be aligned so that they have parallel normals, N. Each lens may, for example, be disc shaped.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the leading edge and the indentation may be arc-shaped. Hence, the leading edge of each lens element and the indentation of each lens element may be complementary shaped for a fitting of the respective leading edge and indentation. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the complementary, arc-shaped leading edge and indentation provide a particularly suitable fitting. The arc-shaped leading edge and indentation according to the embodiment may be particularly advantageous in combination with the previous embodiment of circular or discshaped lenses.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lenses may be domeshaped. For example, each lens may have a circular cross-section and a dome-shaped top portion. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the dome-shaped lenses of the lens elements accomplish a particularly convenient fitting between two optical components. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the dome-shaped lenses are aesthetically attractive.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the optical component may comprise A lenses, wherein N> 10. It should be noted that the relatively large amount of lenses of the lens elements may achieve an even more stable (mechanical) attachment between two optical components, resulting in a more stable assembly of optical components.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens element may consist of a single lens, wherein the lenses of the plurality of lens elements are equidistantly separated. Hence, each (single) lens is followed by a space, whereby the lenses and plurality of spaces are alternatingly arranged in the array extending in the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component. It should be noted that many arrays of light sources (e.g. LEDs) of lighting devices are constructed such that the light sources are equidistantly separated, and the present embodiment is hereby advantageous in that the optical component may be arranged and dimensioned such that each lens element may cover (be arranged on) a respective light2024PF80405

[0038] 6

[0039] source (e.g. LED). The optical component may hereby be suitable for many lighting devices and for influencing the light emission of these lighting devices.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each lens element may comprise a plurality of adjacently arranged lenses arranged in a matrix, Ma, in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, wherein the matrix, Ma, extends parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED. The matrix, Ma, may comprise substantially any number of rows of at least one lens and substantially any number of columns of at least one lens. The present embodiment is advantageous considering the versatility of the configuration and dimension(s) of the matrix, Ma, of the lenses, whereby the optical component is adaptable to many different kinds of lighting devices. The present embodiment is further advantageous in that the many different configuration and dimension(s) of the matrix, Ma, may lead to a aesthetically appealing optical component.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the optical arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention, the first optical component comprises at least one first attachment element, and the second optical component comprises at least one second attachment element, wherein the first and second attachment elements are configured to matingly engage. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the first and second attachment elements efficiently and conveniently provide a fixation in a z-direction and / or an alignment on the (corresponding, other) optical component.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an optical assembly. The optical assembly comprises any previously described embodiment of the optical arrangement of the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the first and second optical components are assembled.

[0043] According to an example of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device. The lighting device comprises the optical component according to any one of the preceding embodiments. The lighting device further comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, wherein the plurality of light sources is arranged to emit light source light, wherein a number, Ni, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources is equal to the number, Ni, of the lenses of the optical component. A distance, di, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources in the array is equal to the distance, di, between the optical centers of the lenses of the optical component. The optical component is arranged on the plurality of light sources for optically influencing the emitted light source light. The present example is advantageous in that the construction and2024PF80405

[0044] 7

[0045] dimension(s) of the lenses of the optical component match or correspond to the light sources of the lighting device, such that each lens may optically influence the respective light source light of the plurality of light sources of the lighting device.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device. The lighting device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged to emit light source light. The lighting device further comprises the optical component according to any one of the eight firstly mentioned embodiments thereof, wherein the plurality of light sources is arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, wherein a distance, di, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources in the array is equal to the distance, di, between the optical centers of the lenses of the optical component, or the optical component according to the ninth embodiment, wherein the plurality of light sources is arranged in a matrix, Mb, wherein a distance, dR, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources in a row of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers of the lenses of the optical component in a row of the matrix, Ma, and wherein a distance, de, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources in a column of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers of the lenses of the optical component in a column of the matrix, Ma. A number, Ni, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources is equal to the number, Ni, of the lenses of the optical component, and the optical component is arranged on the plurality of light sources for optically influencing the emitted light source light. Hence, the lighting device may comprise either the optical component of a (single) array of lens elements and spaces or the optical component of a matrix of lens elements. In either case of optical component, the size(s), configuration(s) or dimension(s) of the light sources and the lenses of the optical component match or correspond, such that the light source light of the respective light source is optically influenced by a respective lens of the lens elements of the optical component. In other words, the lenses of the plurality of lens elements of the optical element form (is arranged in) a first pattern, and the plurality of light sources forms (is arranged in) a second pattern, corresponding to the first pattern. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the optical component may be easily and conveniently provided to match the (form or configuration of the) plurality of light sources for a desired light source light and influence thereof by the lighting device.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting arrangement. The lighting arrangement comprises the optical assembly according to the previously described embodiment, wherein the lenses of the plurality of lens elements2024PF80405

[0048] 8

[0049] form a first pattern. The lighting arrangement further comprises a plurality of light sources arranged to emit light source light and arranged in a second pattern, corresponding to the first pattern. A number, , of the light sources of the plurality of light sources is equal to the number, , of the lenses of the optical assembly, and the optical assembly is arranged on the plurality of light sources for optically influencing the emitted light source light. For example, in case the optical assembly comprises a first and second optical component each comprising a single array of lens elements and arrays (i.e. optical component(s) corresponding to the first eight embodiments of the present invention), the plurality of light sources of the lighting arrangement may be arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, wherein a distance, d2, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources in the array is equal to the distance, d2, between the optical centers of the lenses of the optical assembly. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the optical components, and consequently, the assembly thereof, may be easily and conveniently provided to match the (form or configuration of the) plurality of light sources for a desired light source light and influence thereof by the lighting arrangement.

[0050] According to an example of the present invention, the plurality of light sources of the lighting device according to the previously described embodiment and / or of the lighting arrangement according to the previously described embodiment may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes, LEDs. Compared to incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, neon tube lamps, etc., LEDs provide numerous advantages such as a longer operational life, a reduced power consumption, and an increased efficiency related to the ratio between light energy and heat energy.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lighting unit. The lighting unit comprises the lighting device according to the previously described embodiment and the lighting arrangement according to the previously described embodiment.

[0052] Further objectives of, features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the following detailed disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.2024PF80405

[0055] 9

[0056] Fig. la schematically shows an optical component according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0057] Fig. lb schematically shows an assembly of optical components according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0058] Fig. 2a schematically shows an optical component according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0059] Fig. 2b schematically shows an assembly of optical components according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0060] Fig. 3a schematically shows an assembly of optical components according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0061] Fig. 3b schematically shows attachment elements of an optical arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0062] Fig. 4a schematically shows a lighting device according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0063] Fig. 4b schematically shows a lighting arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,

[0064] Fig. 5 schematically shows a fastening arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, and

[0065] Figs. 6a and 6b schematically show lighting units according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] Fig. la schematically shows a (first) optical component 100a and a (second) optical component 100b. It will be appreciated that the first and second optical components 100a, 100b may be copies, and are referred to in a singular form in the following. The optical component 100a, 100b comprises a plurality of lens elements 110 and a plurality of spaces 120, alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED, of the optical component 100a, 100b. Each lens element 110 comprises one or more lenses 130, and according to Fig. la, each lens element 110 comprises a single lens 130, wherein the lenses 130 of the plurality of lens elements 110 are equidistantly separated. Each lens 130 of the one or more lenses 130 has an optical center 140. The optical centers 140 of the lenses 130 are aligned on at least one alignment axis, Aij (here, Ai), that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component 100a, 100b. According to the exemplifying2024PF80405

[0068] 10

[0069] embodiment of Fig. la, each lens 130 has a circular cross-section in a cross-sectional plane, P, parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component 100a, 100b, and a normal, N, perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, P. Furthermore, each lens 130 is exemplified as being dome-shaped. Each lens element 110 may comprise a leading edge 200 for a fixation of the lens element 110 in a z-direction, perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED, and the cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses 130. Furthermore, each space 120 of the optical component 100a, 100b may be defined by a respective indentation 210 of the optical component 100a, 100b for a fixation of the plurality of lens elements 110 in an x-direction, parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and a y-direction, in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses 130, and perpendicular to the x-direction. The leading edge 200 and the indentation 210 are exemplified as being arc-shaped.

[0070] According to the example of Fig. la, the optical component 100a, 100b comprises a single alignment axis, Aij (here, Ai). The plurality of lens elements 110 is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces 120 of another copy of the optical component 100a, 100b so as to form an assembly 150 of two optical components 100a, 100b, as shown in Fig. lb. In this assembly 150 of optical components 100a, 100b, the alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component 100a, 100b coincides with (overlaps) a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component 100a, 100b.

[0071] Fig. 2a schematically shows a (first) optical component 100a (or alternatively, a (second) optical component 100b). It should be noted that some references in Fig. 2a are omitted, and it is referred to Fig. la for these. It will be appreciated that the first and second optical components 100a, 100b may be copies, and are referred to in a singular form in the following. Compared to the optical component 100a, 100b described in Fig. la and the associated text, each lens element 110 of the optical component 100a, 100b in Fig. 2a comprises two lenses 130 arranged in a column. Hence, the optical component 100a, 100b in Fig. 2a comprises two (parallel) alignment axes, Aij (An, An). Each lens element 110 of the optical component 100a, 100b may hereby be described as comprising a plurality of adjacently arranged lenses 130 arranged in a matrix, Ma, in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, wherein the matrix, Ma, extends parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED. More specifically, each lens element 100 of the optical component 100a, 100b of Fig. 2a has a matrix, Ma, of one (single) column and two rows of lenses 130, but it should be noted that substantially any form or configuration of the matrix, Ma(i.e. any number of columns and rows), may be feasible.2024PF80405

[0072] 11

[0073] Many other features and functions of the optical component 100a, 100b are the same or similar to those of the optical component 100a, 100b described in Fig. la and the associated text, and it is hereby referred to that figure and text for an increased understanding.

[0074] Fig. 2b shows an assembly 150 of the two optical components 100a, 100b described in Fig. 2a and the associated text. In this assembly 150 of optical components 100a, 100b, each alignment axis, Aij, of the optical component 100a, 100b is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component 100a, 100b. Hence, the alignment axes, Aij (An, An), of the optical component 100a, 100b are parallel with the corresponding alignment axes, Aij (A21, A22), of the other copy of the optical component 100a, 100b. This pattern or form of the plurality of lens elements 110 or lenses 130 of the assembly 150 may occur as a lens 130 of a (first) optical component 100a, 100b may be fitted into the (sub)space of two adjacently arranged lenses 130 of a (second) optical component 100a, 100b.

[0075] It should be noted that the assemblies 150 of the two optical components 100a, 100b as disclosed in Figs, lb and 2b may result in alignment axes, Aij, of the optical components 100a, 100b coinciding or being parallel to each other dependent on the form, construction or pattern of the plurality of lens elements 110 and / or the lenses 130 thereof. For example, if each lens element 110 comprises one or more rectangular (e.g. square) lenses 130, e.g. in a matrix form or pattern, an assembly 150 of two optical components 100a, 100b may result in alignment axes, Aij, which coincide.

[0076] Figs. 3a and 3b schematically show an optical assembly 600 of optical components 100a, 100b according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] Fig. 3a corresponds to the assembly 150 of the two optical components 100a, 100b shown in Fig. lb. In the optical assembly 150 of the two optical components 100a, 100b in Fig. 3a, the alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component 100a, 100b coincides with (overlaps) a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component 100a, 100b so that the optical assembly 600 has a (single) alignment axis, Ai, through the optical centers 140 of the lenses 130. Fig. 3a further shows a first attachment element 300, for fixation in the z-direction.

[0078] In Fig. 3b, the first optical component 110a comprises one or more first attachment elements 300, and the second optical component 110b comprises one or more second attachment elements 310. The first and second attachment elements 300, 310 are configured to matingly engage. The optical component 100b of the optical assembly 6002024PF80405

[0079] 12

[0080] further comprises an attachment element 320, in form of a pin, for fixation in the x- and y-directions.

[0081] Fig. 4a schematically shows a lighting device 700 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The lighting device 700 comprises a plurality of light sources 510 arranged to emit light source light 520. The plurality of light sources 510 is arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, and the light sources 510 of the plurality of light sources 510 are equidistantly separated by a distance, di. The lighting device 700 comprises an optical component 100a as exemplified in Fig. la. The optical centers 140 of the lenses of the optical component 100a are equidistantly separated by a distance, di. Hence, the distance, di, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources 510 in the array is equal to the distance, di, between the optical centers 140 of the lenses of the optical component 100a. It should be noted that the lighting device 700 alternatively may comprise an optical component 100a according to Fig. 2a (not shown). In such a case, the plurality of light sources 510 may be arranged in a matrix, Mb, wherein a distance, dR, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources 510 in a row of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers 140 of the lenses of the optical component 100a, 100b in a row of the matrix, Ma, and wherein a distance, de, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources 510 in a column of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers 140 of the lenses of the optical component 100a in a column of the matrix, Ma.

[0082] In Fig. 4a, the number, Ni, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources 510 is equal to the number, Ni, of the lenses 130 of the optical component 100a. The optical component 100a is arranged on the plurality of light sources 510 for optically influencing the emitted light source light 520. Here, the lighting device 700 further comprises cups 710 for a first (normal) size luminaire and an extruded linear housing 720.

[0083] Fig. 4b schematically shows a lighting arrangement 800 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The lighting arrangement 800 comprises two optical components 100a, 100b according to Fig. la which may be assembled to the optical assembly 600 according to Fig. lb. The lenses of the plurality of lens elements of the optical assembly 600 form a first pattern, and the plurality of light sources 510 arranged to emit light source light are arranged in a second pattern, corresponding to the first pattern. A number, N2, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources 510 is equal to the number, N2, of the lenses 130 of the optical assembly 600, and the optical assembly 600 is arranged on2024PF80405

[0084] 13

[0085] the plurality of light sources 510 for optically influencing the emitted light source light. The plurality of light sources 510 is arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, and the light sources 510 of the plurality of light sources 510 are equidistantly separated by a distance, d2. Compared to Fig. 4a, di = 2-d2. Here, the lighting arrangement 800 further comprises cups 810 for a second (miniature) size luminaire and a miniaturized extruded linear housing 820.

[0086] Fig. 5 schematically shows a fastening of an optical component 100a, 100b to a LED board 850 of a lighting device lighting arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The optical component 100a, 100b comprises one or more attachment elements 320 in form of pins for insertion into one or more openings 330 of the LED board 850 for fixation in the x- and y-directions.

[0087] Figs. 6a and 6b schematically show lighting units 900 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. The lighting unit 900 in Fig. 6a may comprise a lighting device 700 according to Fig. 4a and the associated text. The lighting unit 900 in Fig. 6b may comprise a lighting arrangement 800 according to claim Fig. 4b and the associated text. According to the examples of Figs. 6a and 6b, the number, , of the light sources of the plurality of light sources and the number of lenses of the lighting arrangement 800 is twice as large as the number, Ni, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources and the number of lenses of the lighting device 700, i.e. N2 = 2-Ni.

[0088] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the lens element 110, the spaces 120, etc., may have different shapes, dimensions and / or sizes than those depicted / described.

Claims

2024PF8040514CLAIMS1. An optical component (100a, 100b), comprising a plurality of lens elements (110) and a plurality of spaces (120), alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED, of the optical component (100a, 100b),wherein each lens element comprises one or more lenses (130), each of the one or more lenses having an optical center (140),wherein the optical centers (140) of the lenses (130) are aligned on at least one alignment axis, Aij, that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component (100a, 100b), andwherein the plurality of lens elements (110) is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces (120) of another copy of the optical component (100a, 100b) so as to form an assembly (150) of two optical components (100a, 100b) in which each alignment axis, Ai, of the optical component (100a, 100b) coincides, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the other copy of the optical component (100a, 100b),wherein each lens element comprises a leading edge (200) for a fixation of the lens element in a z-direction, the z-direction being perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED, and perpendicular to a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, andwherein each space (120) is defined by a respective indentation (210) of the optical component (100a, 100b) for a fixation of the plurality of lens elements (110) in an x-direction and for a fixation in a y-direction, the x-direction being parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and the y-direction being in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, and perpendicular to the x-direction.

2. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to claim 1, wherein each lens (120) has a circular cross-section in a cross-sectional plane, P, parallel to the elongation direction, ED, of the optical component (100a, 100b), and wherein each lens (120) has a normal, N, perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, P.

3. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leading edge (200) and the indentation (210) are arc-shaped.2024PF80405154. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lenses are dome-shaped.

5. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising TV lenses, wherein N> 10.

6. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lens element (110) consists of a single lens (130), wherein the lenses of the plurality of lens elements are equidistantly separated.

7. The optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein each lens element comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged lenses arranged in a matrix, Ma, in a cross-sectional plane, P, intersecting the lenses, wherein the matrix, Ma, extends parallel to the elongation direction, ED, and perpendicular to the elongation direction, ED.

8. An optical arrangement (500), comprising a first optical component (100a) and a second optical component (100b)wherein each of the first and second optical components (100a, 100b) comprises a plurality of lens elements (110) and a plurality of spaces (120), alternatingly arranged in an array extending in an elongation direction, ED,wherein each lens element comprises one or more lenses (130), each of the one or more lenses having an optical center (140),wherein the optical centers (140) of the lenses (130) are aligned on an alignment axis, Ai, that is oriented parallel to the elongation direction, ED,andwherein the plurality of lens elements (110) of the first optical component (100a) is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces (120) of the second optical component (100b), and wherein the plurality of lens elements (110) of the second optical component (100b) is arranged to fit into the plurality of spaces (120) of the first optical component (100a), so as to form an assembly (150) of the first and second optical components (100a,2024PF8040516100b) in which each alignment axes, Ai, of the first optical component (100a) coincides, or is parallel with a corresponding alignment axis, Ai, of the second optical component (100b).

9. The optical arrangement (500) according to claim 8, whereinthe first optical component (110a) comprises at least one first attachment element (300), andthe second optical component (110b) comprises at least one second attachment element (310),wherein the first and second attachment elements are configured to matingly engage.

10. An optical assembly (600) comprising the optical arrangement (500) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first and second optical components (100a, 100b) are assembled.

11. A lighting device (700) comprising a plurality of light sources (510) arranged to emit light source light (520), the lighting device (700) further comprising one of:the optical component (100a, 100b) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the plurality of light sources (510) is arranged in an array extending along an axis, B, wherein a distance, di, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources (510) in the array is equal to the distance, di, between the optical centers (140) of the lenses of the optical component (100a, 100b), andthe optical component (100a, 100b) according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of light sources (510) is arranged in a matrix, Mb, wherein a distance, dR, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources (510) in a row of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers (140) of the lenses of the optical component (100a, 100b) in a row of the matrix, Ma, and wherein a distance, de, between the light sources of the plurality of light sources (510) in a column of the matrix, Mb, is equal to the distance, dR, between the optical centers (140) of the lenses of the optical component (100a, 100b) in a column of the matrix, Ma,wherein a number, Ni, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources (510) is equal to the number, Ni, of the lenses (130) of the optical component (100a, 100b), and wherein the optical component (100a, 100b) is arranged on the plurality of light sources (510) for optically influencing the emitted light source light (520).2024PF804051712. A lighting arrangement (800), comprisingthe optical assembly (600) according to claim 10, wherein the lenses of the plurality of lens elements form a first pattern,a plurality of light sources (510) arranged to emit light source light (520) and arranged in a second pattern, corresponding to the first pattern,wherein a number, A?, of the light sources of the plurality of light sources (510) is equal to the number, A?, of the lenses (130) of the optical assembly (600),and wherein the optical assembly (600) is arranged on the plurality of light sources (510) for optically influencing the emitted light source light (520).

13. A lighting unit (900), comprisingthe lighting device (700) according to claim 11, orthe lighting arrangement (800) according to claim 12.

Images