WO2011024143A1

WO2011024143A1 - Illumination apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2011024143A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/053857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Levinus Pieter Bakker; Wendy Kathelijne Persoon; Vincent Johannes Jacobus Van Montfort
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2009-08-28
Filing date: 2010-08-27
Publication date: 2011-03-03

Abstract

In the present invention, there is provided an illumination apparatus (100) comprising a plurality of light sources (110) configured to emit light, a first plurality of optical components (130), a plurality of light guide plates (120) and a movement component (140) configured to move the plurality of light guide plates relative to the plurality of light sources. Each optical component is configured to receive the light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources and conduct the received light into one of the plurality of light guide plates. In this way, the lifetime of the light sources can be longer, i.e., the lifetime of the illumination apparatus can be greatly increased. In addition, it is easy to cover the stationary light sources to improve the appearance of the illumination apparatus.

Description

ILLUMINATION APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an illumination apparatus, in particular to window blinds comprising illumination components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Window blinds are widely used all over the world for their light-blocking and decoration functions. There are two typical types of traditional blinds, one being horizontal and the other being vertical. Normally, they are just hung inside behind the window and the light passing through the blinds can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation angle of the blind blades from totally light-blocking to totally light-passing. Blinds also can be piled to one side of the window area when unused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By integrating light guide technology into blinds, illuminating blinds can be obtained for illumination, decoration, atmosphere creation, space division, functional lighting, or signage etc.

The mechanical properties of illuminating blinds are complicated: electric power has to be provided to light sources comprised in illuminating blinds; blades of the blinds have to be rotatable; and the blinds have to be stackable. If the mechanical configuration of the illuminating blinds cannot be well designed, the lifetime of illuminating blinds will be short, the appearance of the illuminating blinds will not be appealing or it will be difficult to open, close or rotate the illuminating blinds. In addition, light sources need to be cooled by a heat sink, and the implementation of the heat sink is complicated when the light sources are attached to movable blades of the illuminating blinds.

Considering the above issues, it would be advantageous to separate, at least partially separate, the electrical part and the optical part of the window blind, i.e., to make the electrical part of the window blind stationary while the optical part of the window blind or part of the optical part (e.g., the blades made of light guide plates) is movable relative to the electrical part. It is also desirable to easily cover the electrical part to prevent damage. To better address one or more of the above concerns, according to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an illumination apparatus comprising:

a plurality of light sources configured to emit light;

a first plurality of optical components, each optical component being configured to receive the light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources and conduct the received light into one of a plurality of light guide plates, each light guide plate being configured to receive the light emitted from a corresponding optical component through a first surface and direct the received light out of a second surface; and

a movement component configured to move the plurality of light guide plates relative to the plurality of light sources.

The basic idea of the present invention is to make the light sources stationary and the light guide plates movable relative to the positions of the light sources. The light emitting from the light sources is conducted to the light guide plates by optical components. As the light sources can be stationary, the lifetime of the light sources can be longer, i.e., the lifetime of the illumination apparatus can be greatly increased. In addition, it is easy to cover the stationary light sources to improve the appearance of the illumination apparatus.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 (a) to Fig. 1 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of the illumination apparatus; Fig. 2 (a) to Fig. 2 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of a first connector and a second connector; and

Fig. 3 (a) to Fig. 3 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of the first plurality of optical components.

The same reference numerals are used to denote similar parts throughout the Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an illumination apparatus 100. Fig. 1 (a) to Fig. 1 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of the illumination apparatus 100. Fig. 1 (b) is a front view of an embodiment of the illumination apparatus. The illumination apparatus can be implemented in many ways; for example, the illumination apparatus may be a window blind.

As shown in Fig, 1 (a), the illumination apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of light sources 110 configured to emit light. The light source 110 can comprise many kinds of illuminating components, such as fluorescent lamps, light emitting diodes, halogen lamps, incandescent lamps or organic light-emitting materials, etc. Each light source can comprise one or several kinds of illuminating components.

The illumination apparatus 100 further comprises a first plurality of optical components

130, each optical component 130 being configured to receive the light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources 110 and conduct the received light into one of a plurality of light guide plates 120. Each light guide plate 120 is configured to receive the light emitted from a corresponding optical component 130 through a first surface 121 and direct the received light out of a second surface. The second surface can be a front surface and/or a back surface of each light guide plate 120. Then the plurality of light guide plates 120 with light passing inside can be used for illumination, decoration, atmosphere creation, space division, functional lighting, or signage etc. The plurality of light guide plates 120 can be in many kinds of shapes, such as a rectangle or a triangle etc.

By applying the first plurality of optical components 130, most of the light emitted from the light sources 110 can be conducted into the plurality of light guide plates 120 so as to improve the efficiency of the light conduction from the plurality of light sources 110 to the plurality of light guide plates 120.

The illumination apparatus 100 further comprises a movement component 140 configured to move the plurality of light guide plates 120 relative to the plurality of light sources 110.

By applying the movement component 140, the plurality of light sources 110 can be separated from the movement of the plurality of light guide plates 120. In this way, the plurality of light sources 110 can be stationary when the plurality of light guide plates 120 are open or closed. As the plurality of light guide plates 120 are separated from the plurality of light sources 110, it is easy to open, close and rotate the plurality of light guide plates 120 without possible trouble caused by cables connecting the plurality of light sources 110. In addition, compared with moving light sources, the lifetime of the plurality of stationary light sources 110 can be longer, i.e., the lifetime of the illumination apparatus 100 can be greatly increased. Furthermore, it is easy to cover the plurality of stationary light sources 110, for example with a housing, to improve the appearance of the illumination apparatus 100.

Referring to Fig. 1 (a) to Fig. 1 (c), in embodiments of the movement component 140, the movement component 140 comprises a first connector 141 placed to be fixed relative to the plurality of light sources 110, and a second connector 142 configured to mount the plurality of light guide plates 120. The second connector 142 is further configured to be movable along the first connector 141.

As the plurality of light sources 110 is fixed relative to the first connector 141, by fixing the first connector 141 ,for example, on a wall (not shown), the plurality of light sources 110 can be stationary. The second connector 142 can move along the first connector 141, so that the plurality of light guide plates 120 mounted on the second connector 142 can be open or closed, and move relative to the plurality of light sources 110. With the help of the first plurality of optical components 130, each of the plurality of light guide plates 120 can have light emitted into it when it moves to a corresponding light source 110.

The plurality of light sources can be placed in many ways, for example, they can be mounted on the first connector or on a wall where the first connector is mounted. Optionally, the second connector 142 can be made of optical components, such as a lens or a light guide block etc, so as to increase the light conduction from the plurality of light sources 110 to the plurality of light guide plates 120.

Each of the first plurality of optical components 130 can be implemented in many ways, such as a (flexible) optical fiber, a light reflector, a light guide block or a lens etc. The positions of the optical components 130 and the second connector 142 can be implemented in many ways.

For example, as shown in Fig. 1 (a), the optical component 130 consists of one optical fiber and the optical fiber is mounted inside the second connector 142; as shown in Fig. 1 (b), the optical component 130 consists of two flexible optical fibers and the second connector 142 is mounted between the two flexible optical fibers.

The first plurality of optical components 130 can be implemented in many positions. In embodiments as shown in Fig. l(a) and Fig. l(b), the first plurality of optical components 130 are mounted on the plurality of light guide plates 120. In this case, the first plurality of optical components 130 move together with the plurality of light guide plates 120. In an embodiment as shown in Fig. 1 (c), the first plurality of optical components 130 are fixed relative to the plurality of light sources 110. In this case, the first plurality of optical components 130 can be stationary when the plurality of light guide plates 120 are open or closed.

Fig. 2 (a) to Fig. 2 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of a first connector 141 and a second connector 142. Fig. 2 (a) to Fig. 2 (c) are side views of embodiments of the illumination apparatus. For the aim of simplicity and clarity, the light sources and the first plurality of optical components are not shown in Fig. 2 (a) to Fig. 2 (c).

The first connector 141 and the second connector 142 can be implemented in many ways.

Referring to Fig. 2(a), in an embodiment of the first connector 141 and the second connector 142, the first connector 141 comprises a rail 241 and the second connector 142, 242 configured to be embedded into the rail 241. The cross-section of the top surface 242' can be variously shaped, such as a circle etc., so as to enable the rotation of light guide plates 120 in the rail 241. The width of the groove of the rail 241 can be determined based on the width of each of the plurality of light guide plates 120 so as to enable the plurality of light guide plates 120 to rotate freely when the first plurality of optical components 130 are mounted on the plurality of light guide plates 120.

Fig. 2 (b) shows another embodiment of the track 241 and the second connector 142, 242. The second connector 242 can comprise an extension part 242" which is configured to enable the rotation of the light guide plates 120 relative to the second connector 242.

Referring to Fig. 2 (c), in another embodiment of the first connector 141 and the second connector 142, the first connector 141 comprises a bar 343 and the second connector 142 comprises a plurality of hooks 344 configured to hook over the bar 343, each hook 344 being mounted on a corresponding light guide plate 120. The hooks 344 can comprise an extension part 344' which is configured to enable the rotation of the light guide plates 120 relative to the hooks

344.

The bar 343 and the hooks 344 can be in many shapes, such as a rectangle or a circle etc. For example, as shown in Fig. 2 (c), both the bar 343 and the hook 344 are in the shape of a circle.

In a further embodiment of the first connector 141 and the second connector 142, the first connector 141 comprises a track (not shown) and the second connector 142 comprises a plurality of rings (not shown) configured to hang on the track.

Fig. 3 (a) to Fig. 3 (c) depict schematic diagrams of embodiments of the first plurality of optical components 130. Fig. 3 (a) to Fig. 3 (c) are side views of embodiments of the illumination apparatus. For the aim of simplicity and clarity, the movement component is not shown in Fig. 3

(a) to Fig. 3 (c).

Referring to Fig. 3 (a), in an embodiment of the first plurality of optical components 130, if one of the plurality of light sources 110 does not face the first surface 121 of the corresponding light guide plate 120, part of one of the first plurality of optical components 130 is in the shape of a triangle as shown in Fig. 3 (a) to act as a reflector, so as to direct the light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources 110 into the corresponding light guide plate 120.

Referring to Fig. 3 (b) and Fig. 3 (c), in an embodiment of the first plurality of optical components 130, the first plurality of optical components 130 further comprises a second plurality of optical components 331 and a third plurality of optical components 332. Each of the second plurality of optical components 331 is configured to receive light from a corresponding light source 110 and conduct the received light into a corresponding one of the third plurality of optical components 332. Each of the third plurality of optical components 332 is configured to receive the light from a corresponding one of the second plurality of optical components 331 and direct the received light into a corresponding light guide plate 120.

Each of the second plurality of optical components 331 and each of a third plurality of optical components 332 can be implemented in many ways, such as a (flexible)optical fiber, a light reflector, a light guide block or a lens etc.

By applying the second plurality of optical components 331 and the third plurality of optical components 332 to direct the light from the plurality of light sources 110 to the plurality of light guide plates 120, there is less limitation to the positions of the plurality of light sources

110 and the plurality of light guide plates 120. For example, the plurality of light sources 110 can be placed relatively far away from the plurality of light guide plates 120, or the plurality of light sources 110 do not have to face the plurality of surfaces of light guide plates 120 from which the light originating from the plurality of light sources 110 intends to enter into the plurality of light guide plates 120.

The second plurality of optical components 331 and the third plurality of optical components 332 can be implemented in many ways.

In one embodiment, both the second plurality of optical components and the third plurality of optical components are mounted on the plurality of light guide plates. In this case, the second and third plurality of optical components move together with the plurality of light guide plates.

In another embodiment, both the second plurality of optical components and the third plurality of optical components are fixed relative to the plurality of light sources. In this case, both the second and third plurality of optical components are stationary when the plurality of light guide plates are open or closed.

In a further embodiment, the second plurality of optical components are fixed relative to the plurality of light sources and the third plurality of optical components are mounted on the plurality of light guide plates. In this case, when the plurality of light guide plates are open or closed, the second plurality of optical components are stationary, and the third plurality of optical components move together with the plurality of light guide plates. The above illustrations focus on the design of one end of each of the plurality of light guide plates, which are vertical, and the other end of each of the plurality of light guide plates can have the same design. In addition, the design of illumination apparatus comprising horizontal light guide plates is the same as the design of vertical light guide plates and is therefore not further elaborated upon for the aim of simplicity.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination apparatus further comprises a driving circuit (not shown) being fixed relative to the plurality of light sources and configured to individually drive each light source.

Since the plurality of light sources can be stationary, the driving circuit can also be stationary. Therefore, compared with movable driving circuits to move light sources, the implementation of stationary driving circuits is easier. In addition, in the absence of frequent movement, the lifetime of the stationary driving circuit can be improved. Furthermore, it is easy to cover the plurality of stationary light sources and the driving circuit, such as covering the plurality of light sources and the driving circuit with a housing, to improve the appearance of the illumination apparatus. Furthermore, since the plurality of light guide plates are separated from the driving circuit, it is easy to open, close and rotate the plurality of light guide plates without possible trouble caused by cables of the driving circuit.

The illumination apparatus can further comprise a heat sink and the heat sink is fixed relative to the plurality of light sources and configured to transfer the heat generated by the plurality of light sources to the surrounding environment. When the plurality of light sources are stationary, it is easy to implement the heat sink. In an embodiment of the present invention, the illumination apparatus further comprises a plurality of position sensors. Each position sensor is configured to detect whether one of the plurality of light guide plates is at a predefined corresponding location. The plurality of position sensors can detect the positions of the plurality of light guide plates in many ways. For example, the plurality of position sensors detect the positions of the plurality of light guide plates by detecting infrared radiation reflected by the plurality of light guide plates. The plurality of position sensors can be switched by the mechanical movement of the plurality of light guide plates, the first plurality of optical components or the movement component. For example, a switch of the plurality of position sensors is switched on by moving one of the plurality of light guide plates.

In an embodiment of the illumination apparatus, each position sensor is further configured to feed back the detection result to the movement component and the movement component is further configured to move at least one light guide plate on the basis of the detection result of a corresponding position sensor. The plurality of light sources do not move together with the plurality of light guide plates, consequently, if a number of light guide plates of the plurality of light guide plates cannot move to predefined corresponding positions, even if a first plurality of optical components are present, some light guide plates of the plurality of light guide plates cannot receive the light from the corresponding light sources. Therefore, by moving at least one light guide plate to the predefined corresponding positions on the basis of the detection result of a corresponding position sensor, it can be guaranteed that the open part of the plurality of light guide plates can receive the light from the corresponding light sources.

In another embodiment of the illumination apparatus, each position sensor is further configured to feed back the detection result to the driving circuit and the driving circuit is further configured to individually drive each light source on the basis of the detection result of a corresponding position sensor. For example, if part of the plurality of light guide plates are opened, the driving circuit drives the light sources correspondingly to the opened light guide plates among the plurality of light guide plates to be illuminated and drives the other light sources among the plurality of light sources to the off state. In this way, electricity can be saved.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention and that those skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in a claim or in the description. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The usage of the words first, second and third, et cetera, does not indicate any ordering. These words are to be interpreted as names.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An illumination apparatus comprising:

a plurality of light sources (110) configured to emit light;

a first plurality of optical components (130), each optical component (130) being configured to receive the light emitted from one of the plurality of light sources (110) and conduct the received light into one of a plurality of light guide plates (120), each light guide plate (120) being configured to receive the light emitted from a corresponding optical component (130) through a first surface (121) and direct the received light out of a second surface; and

a movement component (140) configured to move the plurality of light guide plates (120) relative to the plurality of light sources (110).

2. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement component (140) comprises:

a first connector (141) placed to be fixed relative to the plurality of light sources (110); and

a second connector (142) configured to mount the plurality of light guide plates (120); wherein the second connector (142) is further configured to be movable along the first connector (141).

3. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first connector (141) comprises a bar (343) and the second connector (142) comprises a plurality of hooks (344) configured to hook over the bar (343), each hook (344) being mounted on a corresponding light guide plate (120).

4. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first connector (141) comprises a rail (241) and the second connector (142, 242) is configured to be embedded into the rail (241).

5. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one optical component (130) is any one of an optical fiber and a light reflector.

6. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of optical components (130) further comprise a second plurality of optical components (331) and a third plurality of optical components (332), each of the second plurality of optical components (331) being configured to receive light from a corresponding light source (110) and conduct the received light into a corresponding one of the third plurality of optical components (332), and each of the third plurality of optical components (332) being configured to receive the light from a corresponding one of the second plurality of optical components (331) and direct the received light into a corresponding light guide plate (120).

7. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a heat sink being fixed relative to the plurality of light sources (110).

8. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a driving circuit being fixed relative to the plurality of light sources (110) and configured to individually drive each light source (110).

9. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of position sensors, each position sensor being configured to detect whether one of the plurality of light guide plates (120) is at a predefined corresponding location.

10. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein each position sensor is further configured to feed back the detection result to the movement component (140) and the movement component (140) is further configured to move at least one light guide plate (120) on the basis of the detection result of a corresponding position sensor.

11. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein each position sensor is further configured to feed back the detection result to the driving circuit and the driving circuit is further configured to individually drive each light source (110) on the basis of the detection result of a corresponding position sensor.

12. An illumination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the illumination apparatus is a window blind.