Architectural lighting distributed from contained radially collimated light

• US 5,897,201 A
• Filed: 02/25/1994
• Issued: 04/27/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Jerome H. Simon
• Original Assignee: Jerome H. Simon
• Inventors: Simon, Jerome H.
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US08/201,466
• Time in Patent Office: 1,887 Days
• Field of Search: 359/724, 359/727-731, 359/641, 359/710, 359/711, 362/31-33, 362/148, 362/150, 362/307-309, 362/327, 362/330, 362/331, 362/332, 362/336, 362/227-252, 362/268
• US Class Current: 362/268
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/04 the elements being reflectors and refractors for vehicle rear lights F21S43/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/046 the lens having a rotationally symmetrical shape about an axis for transmitting light in a direction mainly perpendicular to this axis, e.g. ring or annular lens with light source disposed inside the ring
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/00 Reflectors for light sources characterised by cooling arrangements F21V29/505
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0006 Coupling light into the fibre in general G02B6/4298
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0021 for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/003 Lens or lenticular sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0046 Tapered light guide, e.g. wedge-shaped light guide
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0068 Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources

Abstract

From a quasi point source, light distribution means produce a selected one or ones of broadly distributed ambient light, non-shadowing task illumination, multibeam display lighting, projective lineal lighting and projective surface washing illumination lineally or radially distributed. Collimation optics shape light from a quasi point source into a disc of selected axial thickness. Containment optics contain divergence of and direct light from the collimation optics to distribution optics. The distribution optics modulates and redirects the radiant energy into a shape or shapes useful in illuminating architectural space. The distribution optics may reflect or refract light to direct and shape it for a particular architectural illumination requirement. The efficient combination of the optics provides for a system of minimized thickness, permitting maximum flexibility in integration with or within shelves, soffits and other structural members.

Claims

1. Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising:

radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from the source, containment means for controlling axial divergence of collimated light from said collimation optics with respect to radial distance from said source, distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial extent along the axis, said collimation optics directing light to said distribution optics, said containment means being formed to limit axial extent of said distribution optics required to intercept substantially all of the light delivered from said collimation optics, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern.

2. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a first ring lens radially surrounding said quasi point source.

3. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means further comprises a second ring lens radially surrounding said first ring lens substantially axially coextensive with said first ring lens and radially spaced to capture a preselected amount of light comprising substantially all of the radiant flux from said first lens ring, whereby axial dispersion of light from said source is minimized.

4. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said collimation optics comprises said second lens ring.

5. Light distribution means according to claim 3 comprising solid transmissive bridge means extending between said first and said second lens rings, whereby interface crossings of directly transmitted light are minimized.

6. Light distribution means according to claim 5 wherein the containment optics comprises an entrance aperture at said first ring lens and a section unitary with and extending radially outwardly of said second ring lens and having an exit aperture comprising said distribution optics.

7. Light distribution means according to claim 6 wherein said radially extending section comprises a plurality of concentric prism rings for intercepting light from an exit aperture of said second ring lens and distributing light therefrom.

8. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said distribution optics is formed with an entrance aperture differing in axial dimension from said collimation optics and said containment means is formed as a physical bridge between the collimation optics and the distribution optics, said containment optics having an exit aperture for interfacing to an exit aperture of said distribution optics.

9. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means is comprised by the interaction of said first and second ring lenses.

10. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said first ring lens is mounted adjacent an architectural surface and the containment means comprises the architectural surface.

11. Light distribution means according to claim 3 wherein the collimation optics is mounted to an architectural surface and wherein the outer ring lens has an exit aperture to direct light such that the distribution optics comprises the architectural surface.

12. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises compound means including a ring lens radially surrounding said quasi point source and ring reflector means surrounding said quasi point source and axially bounding said ring lens, whereby substantially all of the radiant flux of said source is captured for distribution and the "f" number of said light distribution means is minimized.

13. Light distribution means according to claim 12 wherein said collimation optics include an ellipsoidal section and a concentric section, said ellipsoidal section and concentric tapered section being formed to be unitary.

14. Light distribution means according to claim 8 wherein said containment means divides radially directed light into a plurality of axially extending segments.

15. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises parallel axially spaced plate and there being exit optics which comprises reflective surfaces on said plates.

16. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics is divided into segments each subtending a selected arc of a circle surrounding said quasi point source.

17. Light distribution means according to claim 16 wherein at least a first selected segment provides radial collimation and at least another selected segments provides lineal collimation.

18. Light distribution means according to claim 17 wherein said containment means are shaped to contain the shape of light coming from each said collimator segment.

19. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a ring lens having at least one bore formed therein for transmitting light which is not radially collimated.

20. Light distribution means according to claim 19 wherein a lens is placed in said bore.

21. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein containment means comprise a reflective plate extending within the radial degree of freedom.

22. Light distribution means according to claim 21 wherein said plate comprises a structural panel in a radial plane at one axial side of said collimation optics.

23. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means comprises a refractive ring and said distribution optics comprises an internally reflective surface of said refractive ring.

24. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein multiple distribution optics exit apertures are provided at differing radial distances from said collimation optics.

25. Light distribution means according to claim 24 wherein segments of said containment means comprise linear segments.

26. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein in said distribution optics is resolved into successive angularly displaced segments at varying angles to the radial plane.

27. Light distribution means according to claim 21 wherein said distribution optics and said containment means are comprised of a combined member having a first axially disposed ellipsoidal reflective surface radially displaced from and facing said collimation optics and joined at an axial end thereof to a shallow cone surrounding said collimation optics.

28. Light distribution means according to claim 27 comprising a plurality of said combined members spaced in axial succession in registration with a portion of the axial extent of said collimation optics and successively increasing diameter, each successive member having a central aperture therein receiving an opposite axial end of the reflective surface of a preceding member of smaller diameter.

29. Light distribution means according to claim 27 wherein said cone is resolved in to plurality of sectors including radially extending exit means being joined to the exit means an outer circumference of said cone.

30. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics exit aperture comprises refractive means.

31. Light distribution means according to claim 30 wherein said distribution optics exit aperture comprises a lens.

32. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises concentric prism rings of differing diameter and successively increasing axial dimension, said prism rings having internally reflective surfaces of said prism rings comprising said distribution optics.

33. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises internally reflecting surfaces on concentric prism rings and said containment means comprises reflecting means distributing light to said rings.

34. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means comprises concentric prisms varying in axial dimension and placed to intercept radially directed light form said collimation optics.

35. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means is axially segmented to deliver portions of light to the distribution optics.

36. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means defines a radial degree of freedom and is segmented within the radial degree of freedom.

37. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises a prism ring for providing a conical output pattern.

38. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said distribution optics comprises a prism ring for providing a conical output pattern.

39. Light distribution means according to claim 1 further comprising an additional light distribution member concentric with said distribution optics and having an entrance aperture in registration with an exit aperture of said distribution optics.

40. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment means is formed to be unitary with said collimation optics and said distribution optics.

41. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics comprises a plurality of discrete components radially surrounding said quasi point source.

42. Light distribution means according to claim 41 wherein said distribution optics comprises discrete components each in radial registration with a component of said collimation optics.

43. Light distribution means according to claim 42 wherein said containment means comprises a transmissive panel in a architectural member.

44. A lamp comprising light distribution means according to claim 1 mounted on support means to support said light distribution means on a floor, table or wall and thereby to comprise a lamp.

45. Light distribution means according to claim 1 comprising distribution optics having transmissive portions for providing ambient light and diffusing means for providing diffused light.

46. A lamp comprising light distribution means according to claim 45 mounted on support means to support said light distribution means on a floor, table or wall and thereby to comprise a lamp.

47. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said collimation optics and said distribution optics are formed to contain substantially all light from the source in a segment of the radial plane and wherein the distribution optics comprise a first reflector which is parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabola.

48. Light distribution means according to claim 47 wherein a second reflector is provided to intercept and redirect the radiant disc of light which has not been directed toward said first reflector.

49. Light distribution means according to claim 48 wherein said collimation optics, distribution optics and containment means comprise a unitary body wherein the collimation optics are disposed at the focal shared focal point of first and second overlaid and oppositely directed parabolae comprising said distribution optics.

50. Light distribution means according to claim 2 wherein said containment means comprises parallel surfaces of a structural form.

51. Light distribution means according to claim 50 comprising a plurality of said collimation optics each associated with a source, all said collimation optics being housed in one said containment means.

52. Light distribution means according to claim 50 comprising a plurality of said distribution optics within said containment means.

53. Light distribution means according to claim 50 wherein a plurality of said collimation optics are associated with a common said distribution optics.

54. Light distribution means according to claim 50 wherein the containment means has an axial degree of freedom, and the distribution optics are formed into a band having a selected extent in the axial degree of freedom and a radial cross section defining a selected polygon.

64. Light distribution means according to claim 1 wherein said containment optics comprise parallel upper and lower containment plates at opposite axial sides of said collimation optics and further comprising ribs each radially disposed and extending in the axial direction to connect said upper and lower containment plates.

55. A light distribution means comprising first and second collimation optics each containing a separate quasi point source, a containment optics for limiting axial dispersion of light from said first and second collimation optics, and distribution optics receiving light from both said first and second collimation optics, whereby light from both sources may be mixed and distributed in a distribution pattern of the light distribution optics.

56. Light distribution means according to claim 55 wherein said first and second collimation optics are mounted coaxially and have a combined axial dimension substantially corresponding to the axial dimension of said distribution optics.

57. Light distribution means according to claim 56 wherein one said point source comprises an input from lineal light distribution means.

58. Light distribution means consisting of a downlight comprising segmented collimation optics having an axial extent in an axial degree of freedom, said collimation optics comprising means for providing radially collimated and lineally collimated light from a quasi point source , containment means for limiting axial dispersion of collimated light with respect to distance from the source, and distribution optics substantially contained within the axial extent of said collimation optics and receiving both the radially collimated and lineally collimated light and directing the beams to provide a combination of beams, whereby a preselected combination of light patterns for surface illumination and wall washing is provided.

59. Light distribution means according to claim 58 wherein said distribution optics is axially segmented into concentric rings.

60. In a light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi point source comprising:

radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said distribution optics being shaped to provide a selected light distribution pattern, the improvement wherein said collimation optics is divided into segments each subtending a selected arc of a circle surrounding said quasi point source.

61. The improvement according to claim 60 wherein at least a first selected segment provides radial collimation and at least another selected segments provides lineal collimation.

62. The improvement according to claim 61 further comprising containment means shaped to contain the shape of light coming from each said collimator segment.

63. Light distribution means according to claim 60 wherein said collimation optics comprises a ring lens having at least one bore formed therein for transmitting light which is not radially collimated.

65. Light distribution means for distributing and shaping light from a quasi-point source comprising:

radial collimation optics surrounding said quasi point source over a preselected angular extent around an axis, said collimation optics including entrance aperture means extending in an axial direction for intercepting light from said source, and distribution optics located radially outwardly of said collimation optics for intercepting light directed within a radial degree of freedom, said collimation and said distribution optics being formed to contain substantially all light from the source in a segment of a radial plane and wherein the distribution optics comprising first reflector which is parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabolic in the radial plane and wherein the source is at a focus of the parabola, said reflector having a dimension in an axial degree of freedom substantially corresponding to that of said collimation optics, and wherein said reflector is formed to capture substantially all radiating from said collimation means in an arc subtended by said reflector.