HUT73895A - Light generator with reflective enclosure for a lighting or illuminating system using light guides - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the creation, transmission and / or distribution of a low-angle beam of light in lighting or illumination systems.

In particular, but not exclusively, it may be used to illuminate from above, usually outdoor, service or roundabouts with luminaires, in particular, but not exclusively, with special holders, such as column lamps for passageways or industrial areas; luminaires can be more easily combined with brackets and have different functions, such as in public tunnels or wall mounted lighting.

The primary objective is:

- replacement of existing equipment;

- installation of new equipment, for example in new areas to be illuminated;

- artistic lighting, for example in aquatic environments;

- illuminating public passageways and industrial sites; finally

- illumination of hazardous environments where explosives are stored.

One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for illuminating a service or roundabout from above, wherein the light source is positioned near this area (not higher than head height) and wherein the head portion of the apparatus spaced at a height from this area is optically connected to the light.

• · · · to source.

Such an apparatus is described in FR-91.08594 for use as a column lamp for public lighting. Briefly, the head of the apparatus described in this document comprises a diffuse lens array as a diffuser attached to the lamp post of the floor lamp by means of a directional lever.

An optical fiber responsible for transmitting light from the light source to the diffuser is housed and fixed in a metal holder that provides the necessary rigidity to the optical fiber, which is otherwise flexible due to its small diameter.

The light generating unit, hereinafter referred to as the light generator, is located at the bottom of the column lamp and includes a light source (in the form of a xenon or similar type of gas discharge lamp) positioned in the focus of a parabolic reflector headlamp with a cooling system.

In one embodiment, the latter system comprises heat sinks, which are located in the direction of the light generator.

The lens array is supported by a socket at the bottom of the column lamp above the reflector, and is aligned with an adapter to place the end of the optical fiber on the axis of the parabolic reflector in order to capture the beam of light concentrated by the lens array.

This shows that it was necessary to use a parabolic reflector as the currently available electric lightning ···· cocks are usually omnidirectional, ie at J60 °, or at least intended for such omnidirectional radiation, meaning that light is emitted in virtually all directions. For this reason they cannot be used on their own if the requirement is to produce a low-angle beam of light, that is, a beam converging to a small surface area, in this case the point of entry of the light guide / in this case optical fiber it moves at an angle relative to the main direction which is smaller than that angle corresponding to the aperture angle of the light guide when light is introduced into the light guide.

Although this type of equipment is usually satisfactory, there are some problems with the light generator and the optical fiber between the light generator and the diffuser.

In the case of a light generator, the state of the art light generator is designed to divert the heat generated by the reflector to the side. The base, which is made of a good heat conducting material, is in direct contact with the heat sinks. In one embodiment, the base of the stationary column lamp is in direct contact with the parabolic reflector and the ribs are vertically disposed on the outside at the full height of the base surrounding the reflector, with transverse apertures for circulating air.

Therefore, the risk of sunburn is not negligible by increasing contact with the base of the mast, especially if the mast is a public highway, and provided that the reflector is illuminated. its internal temperature can easily exceed 200 ° C, which may indicate the temperature at the outer surface of the base o

For practical reasons, this problem cannot be solved with an artificial ventilation device, since the latter will undoubtedly contribute to increasing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

It is also possible for water to seep from the top into the reflector through the air recirculation openings, which could damage its inner surface and possibly cause the lamp to explode at a temperature of 3θΟ ° θ.

The use of lenses to center the light at the input of the light guide results in optical losses and requires a relatively complex base for the column lamp, which makes it difficult to replace the lamp, for example.

As for the lamp itself, a gas discharge xenon lamp has the disadvantage of requiring a costly and bulky low voltage power supply.

In addition, gas discharge lamps are usually provided with two glass rings;

- an inner envelope containing noble gas for generating iv which, for example, increases the light emission;

- with an outer jacket, usually containing inert gas, which protects the inner jacket from thermal, mechanical,

- 6 and possibly chemical exposure and also filters out UV rays.

The second bulb, the outer bulb, reduces the luminous intensity of the lamp, as the light is forced to pass through two gas-quartz ophthalmics.

For each known light generator, the lamp base forms an area that does not reflect light and thus forms dark spots in the light beam emitting from the light generator.

Turning to the optical connection between the light source and the diffuser, this is accomplished by an optical fiber having a homogeneous core, which is mainly a liquid-core fiber. »This type of fiber is relatively expensive to manufacture and very flexible.

Finally, in order to project or distribute the light on the surface to be illuminated, in practice a downward curved elbow is required and several such elbows are required (which results in high complexity and high additional costs) if the goal is to illuminate the entire area around the column lamp. .

In order to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, the inventors of the present invention have to overcome a number of fundamental problems, in particular as to the shape and characteristic properties of the diffuser, as described below.

Therefore, the present invention seeks in particular to overcome these disadvantages.

From the first point of view, which is interesting in itself, • ·

7, the invention proposes a light generator comprising a reflector and a lamp inside which is connected to an energy supply module, further comprising a plurality of heat-conducting heat sinks arranged around the reflector and characterized in that said ribs they extend radially from the reflector to a heat shield having an inner wall in contact with the ribs and made of heat-conductive material, and a layer of heat-insulating material between the outer wall and the inner and outer walls, and the ribs defining the spaces .

The use of a heat shield prevents radial diffusion of heat and thus prevents the column lamp from heating up when the light generator is positioned vertically therein.

Accordingly, advantageous and combinable technical features of the invention are:

- the light beam enters the light guide positioned in the airway;

- the flight is at least approximately vertical ^

- the reflector is at least approximately vertical;

the inner wall and the ribs are, for example, made of aluminum, the outer wall is made of light alloy, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and the interlayer is made of refractory fibers, such as Kevlar.

In a second aspect, which is new in itself, the invention provides a light generator having a reflective, reflective interior surface, a light source inside, and the housing typically having at least one reflective surface, an ellipsoid. consists of a concave portion having a light source located in the focus of this ellipsoid defined by this ellipsoidal portion.

In this way, it is possible to emit a lens-centered light reflected in the second focus of the ellipsoid defined by the concave ellipsoid-shaped portion, preferably at the entrance end of the light guide.

The ellipsoid-shaped concave portion is preferably a semi-ellipsoidal or eg shaped part.

Preferably, the ellipsoidal portion is a half-ellipse word, a concave portion and the casing has a reflective hemispherical annular portion, the lower portion of which is cap-like, the center of which is in said focus, and its axis coincides with the half. an ellipsoid defined by an ellipsoidal portion having a major axis and an arrow at the top, the axis of which also coincides with said major axis.

By attaching an annular hemispherical second portion to the reflecting surface, the majority of the light rays emitted by the light source are transmitted to the desired light beam, i.e., the light beam will converge toward the second focal point of the ellipsoid defined by the concave semi-ellipsoidal portion.

• · · · • ·

Μ θ with small angular opening.

As a result, the ratio of the efficiency or power, i.e. the intensity of the small aperture light obtained at the second focus, to the light intensity produced by the light source is advantageously increased compared to a light generator having only a semi-ellipsoidal reflector.

In fact, only a portion of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector reflects the light beams of the desired light beam as defined above. These light rays represent only a portion of the light rays emitted by the light source. All other rays of light except those that have reached the second focus of said ellipsoid, directly without being previously reflected at the required angle, are lost because they either do not converge to the other focus or because the angle that the ellipsoid is too large with its major axis / with which the axis of the light guide is aligned / closed, i.e. greater than the aperture angle of the light guide side.

Accordingly, depending on the intended application, either a light generator having a simple semi-ellipsoidal reflector or an annular hemispherical portion as described above may be used.

It is very advantageous to further increase the output of the latter light generator by providing the housing with a reflective surface cylindrical tube section which closes at one end the opening of the annular hemispherical part and has an axis coinciding with said major axis.

Advantageous and optionally combinable technical features of the invention, some of which improve the performance of the light generator, others serve to seal it, are as follows:

said cylindrical tube section being of circular cross-section;

- the semi-ellipsoidal portion is sized such that the light beams reflected by it converge towards said second focus of said ellipsoid and their angle with said major axis is smaller than a given angle value;

- a light guide located along the major axis of the ellipsoid defined by the ellipsoidal portion is held by positioning means near the second focus of the ellipsoid;

- the given angle is equal to the numerical value of the half-opening angle of the light guide;

- the hemispherical annular portion is dimensioned so as not to impede the propagation of light beams reflected by the semi-ellipsoidal portion;

- the casing is closed at the opening of the hemispherical annular portion and, if applicable, has a transparent window at the rear end of the cylindrical tube section which, when applied, forms said positioning means;

- said window is glued to a PTFE / poly / tetrafluoroethylene 7 ring and has an annular rim for securing the window to said cylindrical tube section;

- the flange is glued to the cylindrical tube section;

- the flange is screwed to the cylindrical pipe section and a seal is inserted between the flange and the pipe section;

- the hemispherical portion, where applicable, is covered by said cylindrical tube section and movable on said half-ellipsoidal portion and sealed therewith by a seal;

- said window is a silica block;

- said window being a lens glued to the ring;

- the window is an end of an optical rod which is glued to the ring and forms a light guide;

- a window beam end piece which is glued to the ring;

- said ring is a PTFE ring;

- said window is a silicon block whose entrance and exit sides are polished for the light beam emitted by the lamp, the exit side being adapted to receive the entrance end of an optical rod forming a light guide;

- entry and exit pages received anti-reflective treatment;

- the silicon block is adapted to only one or more rays of selected wavelength • ·

- allow 12 passes;

- the light source is a lamp connected to a device for supplying electrical energy to the lamp, which is sealed to the reflective housing;

- the light source is a short ivory metal iodide lamp, wherein the iv generated by the lamp is located at the focus of the ellipsoidal portion;

- the electric power supply means comprises a lamp socket connected to the base, the combination being sealed to the housing;

- the bottom of the ellipsoidal portion is provided with an aperture through which the light source lamp extends and is mounted on a lamp socket connected to a sealed-in electrical power supply cable, said cable being clamped in a cable gland and this lamp socket embodied in a sealed housing mounted on the housing at the opening through which the lamp is introduced, sealed relative to the latter;

- a non-reflective roof extending from the concave ellipsoidal portion to the inlet of the positioning device;

- said roof having a truncated cone shape;

the ellipsoidal portion is movable relative to the roof;

- the ellipsoidal concave portion and the roof are connected at a sealing surface;

- the positioning device consists of a coupler and a · ·

- consists of 13 sealing rings;

- said casing is made of aluminum or bronze or extruded;

- the casing is made of ceramic material and has a metallic coating on the inside;

- reflecting surfaces are polished surfaces;

- the polished surfaces have a surface coating of gold, rhodium, nickel, silver or aluminum ',

In a third aspect, which in itself is of interest to the present invention, there is proposed a light generator or lamp comprising a casing with a light source inside, and characterized in that the casing, which forms the walls of a sealed solder, comprises at least:

- a concave ellipsoidal portion having a reflecting surface, wherein the light source is in the focus of the ellipsoid defined by this ellipsoidal portion and there is an opening at the top of the envelope which is hermetically sealed by a window of transparent material.

With these features, the light generator is completely sealed.

More importantly, however, the casing forms the walls of a soldered bulb, and a light source can be placed in the focus of the ellipsoidal portion, which has only one bulb if needed to produce light.

Therefore, it is possible to break the traditional • ·

- from the protective cover of 14 discharge lamps, which is detrimental to the propagation of light.

As a result, the light source is much smaller, so the size of the light generator is reduced to a size that is already compatible with a conventional incandescent lamp.

Of course, a small light generator of this kind can be used to direct the light directly into a light guide or other application that requires controlled lighting.

In accordance with the preferred and combinable technical features of the invention in this regard;

- the ellipsoidal portion is a half-ellipsoid or a half-ellipsoid;

- said walls are made of glass on which metal is applied or struck;

- said reflecting surfaces have a dual color which reflects in the visible spectrum but allows infrared radiation;

- the ellipsoidal portion has a reflective base through which the electrical energy supply electrodes of said light source pass through, embedded in the glass;

- the light source comprising a substantially spherical soldered envelope which includes one end of said electrodes and includes means for generating illumination by electrically discharging the electrodes;

- said housing is under vacuum or contains low pressure gas;

»····· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

- the transparent window is a part of a silica or quartz cylinder or pellet, a lens or a series of lenses;

- the cylindrical part or pellet has a smooth surface for applying the entrance surface of the light guide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, which is in itself original, we propose a new light guide which is suitable for optical connection to a warm light source and comprises an area forming a cold light source, characterized in that the light guide is a brittle, homogeneous light transmission bar. and, along this bar, there is a support structure which encloses an air layer along substantially the entire lateral surface of said bar.

In this case, the cold area is usually located close to the free end of the light guide or may even include the side portion of the light guide.

The above specifications provide a light guide, the cost of which is small, as it does not require any material coating _such This lightguide rigid and with greater diameter than the prior art optical fibers, and allows for a very high flux is transferred, namely 5θθΟ 100,000 lumens magnitude.

According to preferred features of the invention:

- the rod is a silica rod;

the rod is a PMMA / poly / methyl methacrylate / rod;

- the goose is a clean glass rod;

- the bar is provided with mechanical protection which is spaced about its length substantially along the bar, and spacers are connected to this bar and hold the bar centrally;

- the spacers are made of PTFE;

- the light guide can be integrated into the column lamp column, the protection is secured to this column by brackets perforated at one end while the other end rests on the light generator forming the warm light source *

In another aspect of the invention, which is of interest in itself, we propose a light diffuser which is optically connected to the light source by a light guide having an axis and the feature that the diffuser shows a V-shaped section in any axial plane with its apex is near a light guide exit.

In this way, it is possible, as already described, to reflect the flux exiting the rigid light guide towards an area which is to be illuminated at the bottom of the light guide, which in practice is facing upwards »

According to advantageous and combinable technical features of the invention:

- the diffuser is located at a height from the area to be illuminated;

- the diffuser is conical;

- the cone guiding curve is a circle;

- the tip of the diffuser is rounded;

- the axis of rotation of the cone coincides with the axis of the light guide;

- the diffuser has a coarse, matt or fairy reflecting surface to homogenize the reflected light flux;

- the reflecting surface is a painted metal or porcelain surface;

- the angle of inclination of the reflecting surface with respect to the axis of rotation of the cone is at least approximately the numerical value of the opening angle of the light guide;

- the diffuser can be integrated into a column lamp by attaching the diffuser to the column of this lamp by means of thin rods.

Of course, the technical features of the various aspects of the invention described herein can be advantageously combined, particularly within a device such as a column lamp, for illuminating overhead, that is, from a height, in service or roundabouts.

The reflector of the ellipsoidal portion and the non-reflective lid may comprise a plurality of heat-conducting fins disposed about the reflector and the roof in contact with the latter and extending to a heat shield as described in connection with the first aspect of the invention.

Many further combinations of the various technical features of the described aspects of the invention are possible to those skilled in the art.

The invention, its technical features and advantages will be exemplified below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of a street lighting column lamp containing a light generator according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows in greater detail a first cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the light generator of the present invention positioned at the bottom of the column lamp of Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of the light generator of Figure 2 on a larger scale;

Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic view of the top of the column lamp of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a light generator according to the invention;

6A. 6D and 6D. FIGS. 4A and 5B are schematic views of the opposite legs of FIG. 5 illustrating various possible paths of light rays emitting from the light generator; finally

Figure 7 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a third embodiment of a light generator according to the invention.

Light generator according to the invention shown in the embodiments of L-4 _{in this} figure are integrated lighting oszloplámpába or állólámpába.

The conventional column lamp theory described herein, for example, which, of course, does not limit the use of the light generator of the present invention, is based on the Snell-Cartesian law which determines the propagation of light waves in an optical fiber core reflected from an optical coating of low refractive index.

The column lamp 1 comprises three main subassemblies: a lower portion or base 10, an elongated portion or column 20 extending upwardly from the base 10, and finally an upper portion or head 30 mounted on the free upper end of the column 20.

As shown schematically in Figure 1, a lower generator 11 is provided with a light generator 11 mounted on a holder 12 which, in turn, is attached to the base 10 of the column lamp, not shown. In practice, the base 10 includes an access opening or door (not shown).

Turning to Figure 2, the light generator 11 has a body 13 and a lens system 14 that can be slid within the body 13.

The body 13 consists of a concentric cylindrical tube with an outer and inner fixed wall 13A and 130 which sandwiches a thermal insulation layer 13. In this way, the body 13 forms a heat shield.

The outer wall 13A and the inner wall 130 are made of aluminum or stainless steel or aluminum. The thermal insulation layer 13B may consist of Kevlar web. Other materials may be used provided the inner wall 130 is made of a material which is a good heat conductor and the heat insulating layer is made of a material which is a very good heat insulator.

The sliding lens system 14 is inserted from below into body 15 and is removably secured to body 13 by means of a bayonet lock without reference.

The lens system 14 includes a light source 14A, which is a metal-iodide short-wave gas discharge lamp and is located at least approximately at the first focus F1 of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector.

The upper end of the semi-ellipsoid which forms the reflector is enlarged by a bushing which receives the lower part of the light source 14A.

To accommodate the reflector, the lens system comprises a plurality of ribs 140, preferably radial and regular, which are connected to two rings 14E by the upper and lower ends of their outer edges.

The inner edges of these heat sinks are formed to receive and closely contact the semi-ellipsoidal reflector and its sleeve. The lamp housing 14D housing is secured to the reflector at the bottom of the heat sinks.

The diameter of the 14E ring allows the movable lens system optics to slide inside the body in contact with the rings and the fixed 13C inner wall of the body.

In order to increase the contact area between the heat sink and the fixed inner wall, the heat sink protrudes 14F along its outer edges.

The 14D housing is sealed to one - not ab «... ·· W

- 21 shaken - foundations that are connected to the power supply (for example, the mains).

The lamps require 22OV supply voltage and for example approx. 2A current is used.

The semi-ellipsoidal reflector 14B has a horizontal flange 14G at its top which, when the movable lens system is mounted in the body, forms a sealing surface with its correspondingly shaped horizontal flange 15A formed on the truncated cone-shaped top 15.

The top 15 is secured to the inner wall 13C by radial ribs 15B at regular intervals around it, similar to the ribs 14C arranged around a semi-ellipsoidal reflector 14B.

The truncated cone-shaped lid 15 is extended by a connecting ring 16 having hair-jawing jaws attached to the coupling ring 17.

The clamping ring 17 engages a silica rod 21, described below, having an edge 21A substantially in the second focus of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector. The semi-ellipsoidal reflector is completely sealed by the switching ring 17.

With regard to the dimensions of the light gene elements that make up the guard:

- the reflector is semi-ellipsoidal;

- the dimensions of the semi-ellipsoidal shape from the dimensions of the lamp, from the aperture at the second focus of the reflector of the optical rod, which is a silica rod in our example, and the maximum size of the light generating unit.

depends on the overall size of the shear, in particular the maximum allowable radius;

- the diameter of the bottom of the roof is the same as that of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector and the top diameter of the roof is chosen to allow passage of the optical guide bar, since the inclined walls of the roof may under no circumstances interfere with many light loss is caused.

It should be noted that in practice the position of the optical guide rod relative to the second focus of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector must be adjusted so that the maximum luminous flux is concentrated at the end of this rod; increasing the cross-section of the optical guide bar slightly shifts relative to the second focus toward the top of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector, corresponding to the second focus (top of the roof).

The spaces between the 14-G and 15B ribs connected to the movable lens system and the roof communicate with an airway that runs along the length of the light guide, which in this example is the optical guide bar. As a result, especially when this conductor is vertical, a powerful chimney effect is created, which absorbs the heat generated by the light source.

The column 20 of the floor lamp includes a novel structure for transmitting light from the light generator, as described above, to a light scattering unit, as described below, due to the presence of a material such as silica air / Snell-Descartes. The advantage of this type of optical bar is that it does not require a sheath like optical fibers. Furthermore, it is rigid and therefore does not require a metal holder to contact it as is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the optical fibers, although it is preferable that the silica rod is also surrounded by a mechanical protective element as it is fragile in itself. Of course, an optical rod also has the advantage of being able to transmit a larger luminous flux than the optical fiber due to its larger cross-section.

Column 26 of the column lamp delineates a tubular space 28 around the optical rod 21, the silicon rod 21, which provides the air passage referred to above with respect to the chimney effect. In the present example, this tubular space is directly delimited by mechanical protection 23.

It should be noted that air through existing openings, which is required for arrows for electrical cables, may be sufficient. Of course, the elements that make up the column and the optical rod itself also contribute to the dissipation of heat.

It should be noted that the luminous flux is directed towards the top of the column lamp column and exits at the top edge of the silica rod. The output luminous flux is not homogeneous since the silica rod is in practice a multimode light guide. Therefore, it is necessary to use a diffuser to reflect the light towards the area to be illuminated and to homogenize the reflected luminous flux.

♦ · · • ·

- 23 This light-transmitting, light-transmitting structure employing a light guide comprises a silica rod 21 of a few centimeters (usually between 3 and 6 cm) in diameter, surrounded for the most part by a jacket 22 of a few millimeters thickness and a mechanical 23 is protected. In the present example, the mechanical protection is in the form of a cylindrical metal tube. Between the mechanical guard 23 and the optical guide bar, spacers 24 are provided to centralize and grip the latter. The spacers 24 are preferably made of a material capable of compensating for the various thermal expansion between the silica bar 21 and the mechanical shield 23; for example, this material may be FTFE. The mechanical guard 23 is secured to the column 26 of the floor lamp at its upper end by means of perforated brackets 25 and at its lower end a downward and inwardly engaging portion 27 which rests on the switch ring 17. The upper end of the mechanical guard 23 has a similar section 32 but smaller in size. At its lower end, the optical guide bar extends downward from the mechanical guard 23, passing through the trigger ring 17, to the second focus of the semi-ellipsoidal reflector. It should be noted that the mechanical protection does not come into contact with the silica bar 21 and that the spacers 24 are relatively small in cross section so that an air jacket is left free along a predominant part of the circumference of the silica bar 21. In fact, air is the medium that provides optimum reflection at the wall of the silica rod 21. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is one

This is accomplished by means of a V-shaped 5θ diffuser, the tip (or edge) of which is directed towards the end of the optical rod in its axis. In the example, the diffuser head 5θ is tapered and its tip is rounded to reflect a greater amount of light. The reflecting surface is a rough, matte surface to homogenize the light stream. One suitable material may be a metal substrate coated with a high reflectance dye or powdered celane in the visible spectrum. This material has a good reflection coefficient, despite micro-irregularities on the surface of the diffuser. It will be appreciated that any other diffuser configuration may be used provided that the cross-section of one of its axial cross-sectional planes is approximately V-shaped, e.g. prism, pyramid, etc.

In this way it is possible to illuminate surfaces of very variable shape. The angle of diffuser inclination is selected to correspond to the surface of the space to be illuminated.

Thin geese 51 connect the diffuser to the column lamp column so that there is no excessive shadow in the area to be illuminated.

The tip of the diffuser 50 is located a few centimeters from the upper end of the silica rod.

Theoretically, the diffuser should have a cross-section greater than its upper end than the silica rod to prevent light loss due to upward dispersion dispersion. In practice, this cross-section is defined by the trade-off between the reflected light output and the aesthetic needs required.

A particular example for dimensions for a 5 mm-164 mm, arc between the _two foci and the distance D, the major axis and the minor axis of 200 mm and 114.7 mm; Thus, a spot of JO mm in diameter can be produced if the half opening angle / at the silica rod / 26 °. Therefore, a 50 nm diameter silica rod can be used.

With respect to the light generator, this can be used with conventional sheathed optical fibers as described in FR-91.08594, in which case the optical head described in said document may be used. The light generator may also be used without a diffuser for illumination purposes. For example, the bar without diffuser may be directed toward the area to be illuminated, may be connected to a plurality of filaments, or may have a side surface or a portion thereof provided with a matte coating, e.g.

The structural member carrying the rod of the type described above may be a wall arm.

The free end of the optical rod can be cut, for example, by sawtooth-shaped recesses around its circumference, in which case the transverse portions of these recesses can be matted.

The semi-ellipsoid reflector can be adjusted relative to the lamp in the direction defined by the two foci to optimize the reflector. • · · ♦ * ·

- The amount of light reflected to 27 fine focuses when using light conductors of different cross sections.

Instead of silica, a light guide made of plastic such as PMMA or clear glass can be used. In this case, it may be necessary to use forced ventilation or to use a lower power lamp, or to limit the use to periodic operation.

Although desirable, since the silica rod itself is fragile, the mechanical protection may be replaced by a simple support provided that the silica rod is surrounded by an air jacket over a greater portion of its circumference.

This bracket may be a bearing surface on the connecting ring, as described above, for example, without compromising the sealing of the assembly.

It should also be noted that the light generator may be provided with a color change system / filter, etc., as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The second and third examples of the invention are: 5 to 7 now. Referring to FIGS.

5 and 6A.-6D. Figures 2 to 5 show a second embodiment of a light generator according to the invention.

This light generator 100 includes a cover 110. This is a housing or reflector 110

- a semi-ellipsoidal concave front part 111 with a reflective surface;

- a hemispherical annular ring of 112 second parts, · * ··

- 28 also with reflective surface; and

- a cylindrical tube section 11J with a reflective surface, covering from its first end an opening 114 formed in a second spherical annular portion 112.

The hemispherical annular second portion 112 is removable and closes the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 from its underside. Further, it is centered on the first focus in the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 / see Figures 6A.-6D. and its axis coincides with the major axis 116 of the ellipsoid defined by the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111.

The axis 114 of the aperture 114 formed at the top of the second hemispherical annular second portion 112 also coincides with the major axis 116.

The cylindrical tube section 113 is of circular cross-section and is made of one piece with the hemispherical annular second portion 112. Its axis also coincides with the major axis 116.

The short / approx. The 5 mm / iodine metal iodide lamp 117 partially extends into the housing 110 through the opening 118 in the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 such that the lamp has at least approximately a first focus on the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111.

The lamp 117 is mounted in a lamp socket 119 connected to a soldered power supply cable 120. The lamp socket 119 is mounted in a sealed housing 121 having 122 apertures in the power supply 120 ^{β β β β β β β β β}

- For 29 cables.

The opening 122 is sealed by the cable gland 123 into which the cable 120 is clamped. The housing 121 is screwed to the housing 110 at the opening 118 to which it is connected by a seal 124.

The bottom of the hemispherical annular second portion 112 is screwed onto a ring 126 which extends from the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 to which it is sealed by seal 125.

The means by which the housing 121 and the hemispherical annular second portion 112 are screwed to the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 are not shown in FIG. 5 and may be replaced by other means provided that the surfaces with which different parts fit together and are sealed.

The other end of the casing 110 is closed and sealed at the other end of the cylindrical tube section 113 by a transparent window 127. In the present example, window 127 is a silicon block 128 glued to a PTFE ring 129 having an annular flange 130 for securing the window 127 to the cylindrical tube section 113.

In this example, the flange 130 is screwed to the cylindrical tube section 113 (the screwing means are not shown in Figure 5), and a seal 131 is inserted between the flange 130 and the tube section 113.

PTFE has twice the advantage of being resistant to the high temperatures that prevail inside the casing 110 of the light generator 100 and the other.

largely due to the different thermal expansion between the light generator 100 and the silica block 128. It will be appreciated that PTFE can only be substituted by a substance having the same intrinsic properties.

It is also noted that it was produced in this way

Light generator 100 is completely sealed with the result that neither the electrical connection to lamp 117 nor the reflective inner surface of housing 110 is damaged.

The various parts of the casing 110 are machined or extruded from aluminum or bronze.

Like the reflector 14B of the first embodiment of the present invention, the reflective inner surface of the housing 110 is polished and preferably coated with gold, rhodium, nickel, silver or aluminum to reflect as much as possible in the visible spectrum and to allow maximum infrared radiation.

Other coating materials may be used, provided they are sufficiently long-lived and can withstand temperatures up to 300 ° C inside the light generator 100.

As a matter of utmost caution, the surface coating should be subjected to anti-corrosion treatment, especially for silver and aluminum.

The upper surface 132 and the lower surface 1J3 of the silicon block 128, at which the light beam from the lamp 117 enters and exits the light generator 100, are polished.

31s, the upper surface 132 accommodates the entrance end of the optical bar embodying the light guide (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6D). Figures /. To this end, the PTFE ring 129 and the silica block 128 are sized and positioned such that the lower surface 133 is near the second focal point of the ellipsoid defined by the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111.

In this example, the window 127 is a means for placing the light guide near the second focus.

As will be described in more detail below, the light beam produced by the lamp 117 converges towards the second focus, or at least a small area around the latter, where it enters the light guide at one end and is transmitted by reflection to the exit at the other end. From here, the light beam may be scattered by a suitable diffuser / not shown in Figures 5 and 6A.-6D. Figures /.

The light guides and diffusers described above in connection with the first embodiment of the invention can also be used in the present embodiment with little adaptation to the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

In this respect, similarly to the light generator described above, the present light generator may further comprise a plurality of heat-conducting heat sinks extending around the housing 110; these ribs extend radially from the casing to a heat shield having an inner wall in contact with the ribs and a heat conductor

It is made of a material and may include an outer wall and an intermediate layer of heat-insulating material between the inner and outer walls. The ribs define the spaces that pass through the air passage along the beam of light leaving the 100 light-generators. These structural parts are not shown in Figures 5 and 6A-6D. Figures 3 to 5 are illustrated but may be seen in Figures showing a first embodiment of the invention.

The inner wall and ribs are made of aluminum, the outer wall is made of aluminum or stainless steel and the interlayer is made of Kevlar or asbestos.

The cylindrical tube section of the inner and outer walls, the heat sinks around the casing, are secured to two centering rings which are concentric with the inner wall and in contact with the latter when the light generator is mounted, i.e. when the second hemispherical annular portion 112 is mounted thereon. a half-ellipsoid shaped first portion 111.

As mentioned above, the use of a series of ribs of this type in combination with a heat shield of this type allows the heat generated by the light generator to be subtracted by convection currents along the axis of the light generator, preventing radial diffusion of heat. This prevents the bottom of the column lamp from heating up where the light generator can be positioned vertically, in the example light generator system. This eliminates the risk of burns that only occur with the column lamp base or • ·

- created by contact with the outer casing of 33 generators,

The various possible paths of light rays emitted from the 117 lamps are illustrated in Figures 6A.-6D. Referring now to Figures 5 to 5, which are schematic representations of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Referring first to Figure 6A. 10A, there, the total radius reflected by the reflecting surface of the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 is converged by the ellipsoid defined by this portion. a second angle, or at least a small area surrounding this second focus F1, and an angle θθ with or about the major axis 116 of said ellipsoid.

By dimensioning the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 so that the angle θθ is equal to the numerical value of the ophthalmic half aperture angle, which is positioned near the second focus F1 and its axis is aligned with the major axis 116, light beam entering the light guide.

In other words, this system uses the useful part of the half-ellipsoid, that is, the part that only i

it reflects beams of light that form the desired beam of cohesiveness toward the second focus of F £, with beams traveling at an angle less than half of the numerical value of the aperture.

In order to collect additional rays of light leaving F-first focus in the desired beam, the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 is covered with a reflective surface, a second spherical annular portion 112, the placement of which is described above.

As shown in FIG. 6Β, these rays from the first focus F1 are reflected from the second hemispherical annular second portion 112 to F1. 6A and again impinging on the useful portion of the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111, which then retracts them, FIG. with reference to FIG.

It should also be noted that the hemispherical annular second portion 112 is sized so as not to impede the propagation of light beams reflected by the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111. This is located on the cone defined by the bounding rays reflected by the half-ellipsoidal first portion 111 and the second focus F1.

The cone that has a lower _Q © FX in the second half to focus, angle beam angles.

The cylindrical tube section 113 is dimensioned so as not to restrict the path of the light rays mentioned above.

As shown in Figure 6C _O, the emitted light 117 - i.e., substantially leaving the first of focus F £ - more rays are reflected on the cylindrical tube portion 113 of the reflecting surface.

They then strike the entrance surface of the light guide at an angle equal to that of the major axis 116, which angle is less than or equal to one of the carbon rays or the whole if the second portion 112 is properly sized.

The light rays that reach the entrance surface of the light guide without reflection or reflection are shown in Fig. 6D. 4A. They are also inclined at an angle less than the major axis 116.

6A-6D. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, virtually all of the light emitted from the lamp 117 converges to focus, since their angle with the major axis 116 is less than or equal to the angle Οθ, whether directly or after one or two reflections. In fact, all of these light rays enter the light guide at an entry surface close to the upper surface 132, since the half-aperture angle is numerically equal to the angle at the second focal height of F1 or slightly backward toward the top of the ellipsoid, joined to this latter focus and defined by the half-ellipsoidal first portion 111.

Accordingly, the efficiency or power of the light generator 100 as defined above is significantly better compared to a light generator having a semi-ellipsoidal reflector and very few light beams that do not enter the light guide. Thus, depending on the desired efficiency or power, either a light generator comprising a simple semi-ellipsoidal reflector or a light generator according to the second embodiment of the invention described

-lehasználható.

In other words, virtually all light rays exit the light generator with a small aperture angle of between 40 ° and 5θ °.

The main component of the light generator implementing this is a commercially available electric lamp and a reflective housing.

According to the invention, the 5th » 6A-6D. 7A, which is a third embodiment of the invention, will now be described with reference to FIG.

This light generator 100 'has a casing 110' consisting of:

- a semi-ellipsoidal convex part 111 having a reflecting surface, and

a reflective surface hemispherical annular portion 112 »interconnected by annular rim 126 'with a semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 * and an aperture 114' at its upper end, which is hermetically sealed by a window 127 * of transparent material through;

the cladding forms the walls of a sealed enclosure.

The hemispherical second portion 112 'with its bottom covers the first half-ellipsoid-shaped first portion 111' and its center is in focus of the latter, and its axis coincides with the major axis 116 * of the ellipsoid which forms the said semi-ellipsoidal 'first part.

• «· • · • · · · · ·

The axis 114 'of the aperture 114' at the top of the second spherical 112 'second part also coincides with the crankshaft 116' and is hermetically sealed by a transparent quartz or silica window 127 '.

Apart from the window 127 *, the casing 110 'is made of glass with a metallic coating on the inside which forms a reflective inner surface.

An advantageously small and spherical bulb 140 is disposed centered on the center of the semi-ellipsoidal front portion 111 'and encloses the ends of the electrodes 141 and 142, which generate an electrical discharge, and include means for generating iv at approximately the level of focus and emitting light. live.

The two electrodes 141 and 142 are embedded in the glass forming the casing 110 ', pass through the reflective bottom of the latter and receive by the base 143 affixed to the casing 110'. An alternating current or direct current is applied to the electrodes, e.g. 12V. The rest of the housing is under vacuum or with low pressure inert gas / eg. charged with nitrogen.

Suitably, for generating the irradiated iv, a device known to those skilled in the art may be used, or the spherical envelope, its contents and electrodes may be replaced by a single irradiated spiral having its ends connected to the socket 143 and housed in a 110 * housing. which is evacuated or low pressure gas • ·

-38tartalmaz.

Because of this arrangement, the light generator producing a low-angled beam can be completely sealed, but more importantly, has the same dimensions as a conventional incandescent lamp placed directly opposite the light guide.

In addition, the 100 * light generator does not show the aforementioned disadvantages of using conventional incandescent lamps.

In this regard, it is noted that the bottom of the casing 110 'is reflective, i.

It is also noted that the cover 110 'provides external protection and that the window 127' filters out UV light rays.

This light generator 100 'may be used to deliver light to a light guide adjacent to the second focus of the ellipsoid Fg, wherein said half of the ellipsoid is formed by a corresponding half-ellipsoidal first portion 111', or wherein the light guide provided that the diameter of the inlet surface of the circular light guide is approximately equal to the minor axis of the semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 'or the diameter of the window 127'.

Accordingly, depending on the cross-section of the light guide, a light generator may be used which embodies the first and second embodiments of the invention described herein, or a light generator which, in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, may be used. · · · • · * · - 59 - match.

The 100 * light generator can also be used as a narrow directional light beam.

The rays of light in this embodiment are reflected in the same manner as in Figures 6A-6D. with reference to FIGS.

It should also be noted that the foregoing description is not intended to be limiting, and that many changes may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In another embodiment of the compact light generator, the reflecting surfaces may be dual-colored surfaces that reflect in the visible spectrum but allow infrared radiation. The heat generated is thus drawn away towards the rear of the light generator or lamp.

The second hemispherical annular portion 112 'may be covered by a cylindrical tube section similar to the mode described in Figure 5.

The semi-ellipsoidal first portion 111 * may be truncated at the bottom and may be replaced by a concave hemispherical surface having a reflecting surface centered on its axis and coinciding with the major axis 116 * if the size of the bulb 140 so requires.

Depending on the intended application, a cover may be used that forms the walls of a sealed solder sheath and only a concave semi-ellipsoid

- comprising 40 or a concave semi-ellipsoidal portion with a reflective surface, preferably with a reflective surface hemisphere as mentioned above.

The window 127 * may be replaced by a section of a transparent material roll, a lens or even a series of lenses.

The light generator may also be provided with heat sinks, as described in the second embodiment.

The window of the light generator described in Figure 5 may be a lens glued to the PTFE ring.

The PTFE ring may be provided with a flange directly bonded to the cylindrical tube section.

The casing may be sealed by one end of an optical rod or by an end piece that holds the end of a beam of optical fibers bonded to a PTFE ring; this ring preferably forms a socket that allows the entrance of the light guide to be located at the second focus of the ellipsoid as defined above.

The casing can also be made of ceramic material, which can provide ideal surface conditions as the ceramic is coated with metal.

Depending on the composition of the light generator, an additional socket may be provided which serves as a positioning means for positioning the light generator at the level of the second focus of the ellipsoid defined by the half-ellipsoidal portion.

Filters may also be applied to one or both of the surfaces 132 and 133 of the silica block, for example, to produce a colored beam at the output of the light generator or to reflect infrared radiation inside the light generator. These surfaces may be treated with anti-reflection.

Claims (50)

Claims 1. Light generator with reflective interior surface / 14B; 110; 110 /, in which a light source is located, characterized in that the housing / 14B; 110; 110 '/ at least one ellipsoid-shaped concave portion with reflective surface / 14B; 11; 111 '/, and that the light source is / 14A; 117; 140 '/ in the focus of the ellipsoid defined by said ellipsoidal portion / F ^; F |; F £ / is located. 2. The light generator of claim 1, wherein the concave ellipsoidal portion is a half ellipsoid. 5. The light generator of claim 1, wherein the ellipsoidal portion is a semi-ellipsoidal concave portion. The phenigenerator of claim 3, wherein the casing / 110; 110 '/ has a hemispherical annular portion with a reflecting surface / 112; 112 * /, which closes the semi-ellipsoidal portion with its bottom, centered in said focus / F |; F £ /, its axis coincides with the major axis of the ellipsoid defined by the half ellipsoidal portion / 116; 116 '/, furthermore, an aperture at the top / 114; 114 '/ whose axis also coincides with said major axis / 116; 116 * /. Light generator according to claim 4, characterized in that the casing has a cylindrical tube section with a reflecting surface (113), Μ *** which at one end closes the aperture of the hemispherical annular part (112) and its axis coincides with the major axis (116). The light generator according to claim 5, characterized in that said cylindrical tube section / 115 / has a circular cross-section. 7. A light generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light rays reflected by it are converging towards the second focus (F £) of said ellipsoid, and an angle with said major axis / 116 / which is smaller than a given angle / ^ / ·. 8. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a light guide located along its major axis / 116 / defined by the ellipsoid-shaped portion, positioned by means of positioning means near said second focus / F £ of said ellipsoid. The light generator according to claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the given angle θθ / is equal to the numerical value of the half-opening angle of the light guide. 10. 4-9. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hemispherical annular portion is / 112; 112 '/ is dimensioned such that said semi-ellipsoidal portion / 111; Rays of light reflected by 111 * / can spread unhindered. 11. From 4-10. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing / 110 / is closed at the opening of the hemispherical annular portion / 114 / and that a window of transparent material is provided at the second end of the cylindrical tube section / 113 / 127, which also embodies said positioning means. A light generator according to claim 11, characterized in that the window / 127 / is glued to a PTFE ring / 129 / which has a flange (130) for securing the window / 127 / to the cylindrical tube section / 113 /. The light generator according to claim 12, characterized in that said flange / 130 / is glued to the cylindrical tube section / 115 /. Light generator according to claim 12, characterized in that said flange / 130 / is screwed to the cylindrical tube section / 113 / and in that a seal / 131 / is provided between the flange and the tube section. 15. Light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hemispherical annular portion (112), which is covered by said cylindrical tube section, can be displaced on said semi-ellipsoidal portion (111) and sealed thereto (125). connected. 16. A 12 «-15. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that ♦ ······································································································· said window / 127 / a silica block / 128 /. 17. 12-15. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said window is a lens glued to said ring / 129 /. 18. 12-15. Light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the window is an end of an optical rod which is glued to said ring (129) and forms a light guide. 19. At 12-15. A light generator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the window / 127 / is an end piece of an optical fiber beam bonded to said ring / 129 /. 20. 12-12-19. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said ring is a PTFE / polytetrafluoroethylene / ring. A light generator according to claim 16, characterized in that said window / 127 / a light-beam generated by the lamp / 117 / has a polished silicon block on its entry and exit sides / 155, 152 / and that the exit side - upper surface - / 152 / takes up the entrance side of the optical rod that forms the light guide. 22. The light generator of claim 21, wherein said entry and exit side has been subjected to lower and upper surface / 155, 152 / anti-reflection treatment. 25. The subject. She . The light gene according to nypont ^ 4 £ * tAtmglyi] sc | / • · is characterized in that the silicon block / 128 / is capable of transmitting only one or more wavelengths of selected wavelength. 24. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the light source is a lamp connected to an electric power source, which is fixed and sealed to the reflective housing. 25 · The light beam according to any one of claims 1 to 24 does not penetrate, characterized in that the light source is a short-lived metal iodide discharge lamp with a discharge lamp located in the focus of the ellipsoid portion » 26. A light generator according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the electric power supply means is a lamp socket which is connected to a weight and this combination is fastened and sealed to the housing. 27. In Figs. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lower half of the semi-ellipsoidal portion has an opening (118) through which a light source lamp (117) extends, and that lamp is mounted in a lamp socket (119), which connected to a soldered power supply cable / 120 / and finally the cable / 120 / is clamped in a cable gland mounted on a sealed solder housing / 121 / which includes the lamp socket / 119 / • · and the casing at that arrow / 118 / fitted through which the lamp / 117 / seals / 124 / protects the housing® 28. 8 and 24®-26. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a non-reflective roof (15) is located from the semi-ellipsoidal concave part to the position of the insert 29. A light generator according to claim 28, characterized in that said roof has a / 15 / truncated cone shape. 30. The light generator of claim 28 or 29, wherein the half-ellipsoidal portion is movable relative to the roof. 31. A light generator according to claim 30o, characterized in that the semi-ellipsoidal concave portion and the roof are connected at a sealing surface (146, 15A). 32. The light generator of claim 31, characterized in that the locating member is a coupling and sealing ring. 35® Light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 32®, characterized in that the housing / 110 / is manufactured or extruded from aluminum or bronze. 34. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 32®, characterized in that the casing / 110 / is molded in ceramic and has a metal coating on its inner side. 35. The light generator of claim 33, wherein the reflecting surfaces are polished. 36. The light generator of claim 35, wherein the polished surfaces are coated with gold, rhodium, nickel, silver or aluminum. 37o 1-10. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the housing / 110 / forms the walls of the sealed light generator / 100 * /, the opening at the top of which / 114 / is hermetically sealed by a window of transparent material / 127 /. 38. The light generator of claim 37, wherein said walls are made of glass and metal is deposited thereon. 39. A light generator according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein said reflecting surfaces are dual-color surfaces that are reflected in the visible spectrum, but allow infrared radiation. Light generator according to Claim 38 or 39, characterized in that the semi-ellipsoidal portion has a reflective lower portion which passes through the electric energy supply electrodes embedded in the light source into the glass / 141, 142 /. 41. The light generator of claim 40, wherein said light source comprises a substantially spherically sealed solder sheath (140) which includes one end of an electrode and a means for generating a light emitting flux to produce an electrical discharge on the electrodes. A light generator according to any one of claims 37 to 41 _e , characterized in that the housing / 110 '/ is evacuated or contains low pressure gas. 43o A 37.-42. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transparent window / 127 '/ is a part of a cylinder or a part of a sphere is silica or a quartz lens is a lens or a series of lenses. 44. The light generator of claim 43, wherein the cylindrical portion or sphere has a smooth surface to capture the entrance surface of the light guide. 45. A light generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a series of the housing / 14B is provided; 110; 110 * /, and that these ribs can also be used around the roof and are radially spaced from the casing and, where used, also radially from the roof to a heat shield having an inner wall in contact with the ribs and made of heat-conducting material , also has an outer wall and an intermediate layer of thermal insulation material on the inner and ·· ···· ·· - 50 between the outer wall, the ribs defining the passageways along the light beam. 46. The light generator of claim 45, wherein the inner wall and ribs are made of aluminum, the outer wall is made of aluminum or stainless steel, and the interlayer is made of Kevlar or asbestos fabric. 47. A 15. » or J0 _e and 45 <Light generator according to any one> and 46 _O claims, characterized in that the inner and outer walls are cylindrical pipe sections, the heat sink is disposed around the casing, this casing is fixed to two centering ring which are concentric with the inner wall and are in contact with it when the light generator is assembled. 48. A lighting system, characterized in that it comprises a lighting system according to claims 1 to 47. A light generator, a light guide and a diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light guide is located along the major axis of the ellipsoid formed by the semi-ellipsoidal portion, starting from the second focus, and diffuser for diffusing the light stream from the light has a reflecting surface near the exit end of the light guide. 49. The lighting system of claim 48, wherein the light guide comprises a rigid, homogeneous silica rod (21), a PMMA polypropyl methyl methacrylate or clear glass, and further has a carrier structure (23, 24) which located along said rod and providing an air layer along the entire lateral surface of the rod. 50. The lighting system of claim 48 or 49, further comprising a light guide and a light diffuser scattering light output from said light guide and having a V-shaped reflecting surface portion in an axial plane near the exit end of the light guide. . 51 «, A 48.-50. and claims 45-47. A lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light guide is located in the air passage into which the light beam enters. 52. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein the air passage is at least approximately vertical. 53. The lighting system of claim 51 or 52, wherein the axis of the semi-ellipsoidal portion is at least approximately vertical.