WO2012040755A1

WO2012040755A1 - Electric candle light

Info

Publication number: WO2012040755A1
Application number: PCT/AT2011/000394
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helmut Swarovski; Markus Sauer; Karlheinz Eder
Original assignee: D. Swarovski Kg
Priority date: 2010-09-27
Filing date: 2011-09-27
Publication date: 2012-04-05
Also published as: AT510000A4; AT510000B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric candle light (1) with a candle shaft (2), a lighting section (3) arranged on a first end of said candle shaft and comprising a material substantially transparent at least for light in the visible spectrum, and a light-producing device that is arranged on a second end of the candle shaft (2) which is at a distance from the first end. The lighting section (3) and candle shaft (2) have a common contact surface that is normal to the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft (2), and the candle shaft (2) has, in the region of its first end, a sloping light-emitting surface (5) arranged at an angle to the contact surface (10) which does not equal 0°, light that is emitted by the light-producing device being at least partially refracted from the light-emitting surface to a light-entry surface (6) that is arranged in the lighting section (3), the light being incident on the exterior of said light-entry surface (6).

Description

Electric candle

The invention relates to an electric light-emitting candle having a candle shaft and a luminous portion arranged at a first end of the candle comprising a material substantially transparent at least to light of the visible spectrum and a light-generating device arranged at a second end of the candle shaft remote from the first end, wherein the luminous portion and the candle shaft have a common boundary surface arranged on the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft.

In the prior art, electric light devices in the form of candles are already known which, on the one hand, minimize the risk of fire associated with conventional candles and, on the other hand, can have extremely attractive shapes when the candle base and the light section are formed accordingly. An example of such an electric glow plug with a plug shaft and a light section arranged on the plug shaft, which is designed as a faceted ground glass block, is shown in AT 411 847 B. A disadvantage of the illuminated candle disclosed in this document is that the light emerges mainly in the pointed end region of the luminous portion, since the geometric conditions for total reflection are no longer met here. For this reason, such a luminous candle is often perceived as being too less authentic.

In order to avoid this disadvantage, a cavity is arranged in the interior of the luminous section in the luminous candle shown in AT 11 037, which cavity is designed in such a way that light which propagates through the candlestick into the luminous section is at least partially in lateral direction on the wall of the cavity Direction is totally reflected and exits in this direction from the light section. The disadvantage of such a luminous candle is that the arrangement of the cavity in the interior of the luminous portion is complicated and complicated to manufacture.

Moreover, it is known to use a substantially solid, transparent body as a lighting device by being arranged in its interior light generating means, for example in the form of a light emitting diode. A disadvantage has been found that the supply of electricity has to be complicated many times. Furthermore, the heat development associated with the light generating means poses problems. Moreover, if the light generating means are not in operation, it is possible to detect these and also the electrical supply lines inside the body, which is generally perceived as being unaesthetic. The same applies to arranged inside a body light deflection devices, such as lenses or prisms. In addition to a complicated structure, this again results in the disadvantage that when the light generating means is not in operation, the arrangement of the optical elements in the cavity can be recognized.

The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and in a structurally simple manner an electric candle with a candle shaft and arranged at a first end of the candle shaft illumination portion, wherein at a second end remote from the first end of the candle shaft, a light generating device is arranged , and wherein the light generated by the light generating device is deflected and emerges from the luminous portion in a certain predetermined angular range.

This is achieved by an electric candle with the features of claim 1.

The candle shape of the luminous candle according to the invention is realized by a candle shaft and a luminous section arranged at a first end of the candle shaft, wherein the luminous section comprises substantially transparent material at least for light of the visible spectrum. The luminous portion can also be made as a solid body consisting of the material which is essentially transparent to light of the visible spectrum. At a second end of the candle shaft remote from the first end, a light generating device is arranged. The light emitted from the light generating device is passed through the candle shaft to the luminous portion. In this case, the candle shaft may also comprise substantially transparent material, at least for light of the visible spectrum, or may be formed as a solid body, consisting of this material, wherein light propagating inside the candle shaft is totally reflected on the wall of the candle shaft. But it can also be provided to arrange mirrored areas on the candle shaft, so that in the interior of the candle shaft propagating light to this Mirror surfaces is reflected. In addition, the candle shaft can also be hollow and have the function of a light guide or comprise light guides, so that light emitted by the light source light is transmitted to the luminous section.

The luminous portion and the candlestick have a common interface, which is arranged normally on the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft. In this case, the interface may be formed as an imaginary interface, for example, when the candle shaft and the luminous portion are integrally formed. However, it can also be provided that the common interface represents an area at which the luminous portion and the candlestick are joined together.

By now the candle shaft in the region of its first end has an oblique light exit surface arranged at an angle of not equal to 0 ° to the interface, at least partially arranged to one in the luminous portion of the light emitted by the light generating device and through the candle shaft in the direction of the luminous portion to the light exit surface Refracted light entrance surface, a first deflection of the propagating largely in the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft light is achieved in, wherein light propagating parallel to the longitudinal direction in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction is deflected. Without such an oblique light exit surface, light propagating in the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft would emerge unbroken from the candle shaft, while light propagating obliquely in the candle shaft would break less strongly in the direction of the luminous section. The light emerging at the light exit surface and refracted in the direction of a light entry surface arranged in the luminous section then impinges on the light entry surface from the outside and is again refracted upon reentry into the luminous section.

The light entering the luminous section at the light entry surface then propagates further in the luminous section and impinges on a light exit surface of the luminous section, where the light emerges at least partially from the luminous section, possibly with a further refraction. This light exit surface can be arranged opposite the light entry surface. As a result of the deflection of the propagating light by the inventive obliqueness of the light exit surface of the candle shaft, the further propagation direction of the light rays in Illuminated portion changed in a predetermined manner such that the light rays exit laterally from the light exit surface of the luminous portion in a certain predetermined angular range. Without this deflection, the light rays would impinge on this light exit surface of the luminous portion many times at such a shallow angle that the conditions for total reflection would be fulfilled to a greater extent, whereby the light would be forwarded to a further away from the candle shaft upper portion of the luminous portion, where - As in the prior art - would then escape from the light section. Due to the inventive light exit surface of the candle shaft and the associated refraction of light to the light entrance surface of the luminous section, this is avoided because for the light beams largely the conditions for total reflection are no longer met and the light rays can escape from the luminous portion of this at least partially on the first impact. It may be provided that this deflection is not necessary for all light rays propagating in the candle shaft. For example, the oblique light exit surface may be limited to a portion of the upper end of the candle shaft, while, for example, the central interior of the first end of the candle shaft is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this area, in the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft propagating light rays emerge unbroken from the candle shaft. It can be provided that at least portions of this central interior are provided as an interface. In this case, the light beams enter unbroken into the luminous portion in these sub-areas. As a result, a homogeneous light emission is achieved in many different directions from the luminous portion out.

The light generating device is disposed at the second end of the candle shaft, wherein it may be provided that the light generating device is immediately adjacent to the candle shaft. It can also be provided that the light-generating device is placed in recesses provided for this purpose at the second end of the candle shaft. The brackets, as well as the necessary electrical and electronic components for the operation of the light-generating device are known per se in the prior art. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light exit surface of the candle shaft is arranged at an angle less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 ° to the interface.

It is particularly preferred if the light entry surface of the luminous section in the direction of which the light rays emerging from the light exit surface of the candlestick are also broken off at an angle of not equal to 0 ° to the interface and thus likewise obliquely arranged. As a result, upon entry of the light beams refracted in the direction of the light entrance surface, a second deflection occurs as a result of refraction, so that the above-mentioned inventive effect is further enhanced. In one embodiment, the light entry surface is arranged at an angle of less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 ° to the interface.

The oblique light exit surface of the candle shaft, optionally in combination with an oblique and the light entry surface may form a notch on the outside of the light candle.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the light entry surface and / or the light exit surface of the candle shaft are symmetrical, preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft. This parallel axis may be, for example, the center axis of the candle shaft. The light exit surface of the candle shaft and the light entry surface may be annular in the lower region of the luminous section, which faces the plug shaft or be arranged in the region of the first end of the plug shaft.

In one embodiment of the invention, the luminous portion and the candle shaft are formed as a one-piece component. But it is also possible to join the luminous portion and the candle shaft at the common interface, preferably stick together. As a result, a separate production of the light section and the candle shaft is possible.

In order to realize the desired deflections of the light beams and the resulting radiation in a predetermined angular range particularly well, is in a further embodiment of the invention, that the luminous portion is formed as a convex body. An example of such a convex body is a flame-stylized lighting section. Such a lighting section also meets particularly well the aesthetic requirements of an electric candle.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the luminous section is ground facetted. Such a facet cut looks very aesthetic. In addition, by refraction and reflection effects, in particular at the edges between the facets further desired optical and decorative effects can be generated.

It is particularly preferably provided that the candle shaft and / or the luminous portion are made of glass, wherein a solid body made of glass is particularly desired. Glass is characterized by its low cost of production and extremely diverse in its application and design options. Depending on the type of glass used, the characteristic of the light emerging from the lighting device also changes since the refractive indices for glasses are in the range from 1.4 to 1.9. While quartz glass has a refractive index of 1.46, the refractive index of flint glass is between 1.61 and 1.76. The refractive indices given in this disclosure for the yellow sodium line apply at a wavelength of 589.3 nanometers at 20 ° Celsius for solids and liquids and at 0 ° Celsius for gaseous substances. Of course, as a transparent material and a suitable plastic or gemstone can be used. Diamond would even be extremely advantageous, since it has a particularly high refractive index of 2.41, but would of course be associated with much higher production costs than glass.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the light-generating device comprises one or more light-emitting diodes. Light emitting diodes are characterized by their flexibility with regard to the emitted radiation as well as their energy efficiency and longevity. In addition, light-emitting diodes are compact and thus space-saving. If a single light-emitting diode is provided, this is preferably arranged centrally in a region of the second end of the candle shaft.

The desired angular range in which the light rays are to emerge from the luminous portion can be realized particularly well if the propagation of the Light rays in the candle shaft as parallel as possible to the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft. For this purpose, in a further embodiment of the invention, a collimating lens is provided at the second end of the candle shaft for the parallelization of the light beams emitted by the light-generating device and entering the candle shaft. It is particularly preferred in this case provided that the collimating lens has at least one recess in which a light-emitting diode is arranged, wherein the recess can be arranged centrally in the collimating lens, whereby the parallelization can be achieved to a large extent. It can be provided that the collimating lens is arranged at a distance from the candle shaft or directly adjacent to the candle shaft. It is also possible to form the collimating lens and the candle shaft in one piece.

Further details and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures with reference to the drawings. 1 shows a schematic side view of various embodiments of illuminated candles according to the invention,

Cross-sectional views of a luminous candle according to the invention with schematically illustrated beam paths

a perspective view of a luminous candle according to the invention and a schematic cross-sectional view of the effect of the invention. 1 a shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a luminous candle 1 according to the invention, in which a plug shaft 2 and a luminous portion 3 are glued together at a common interface 10. At the upper first end of the candle shaft, a rotationally symmetrical light exit surface 5 is arranged in a ring around the common interface 10. At the lower second end of the candle shaft 2 a plurality of LEDs 4 are arranged. The light rays 9 emitted by these light-emitting diodes 4 enter into the candle shaft 2 and are conducted there via total reflection on the wall of the candle shaft 2 in the direction of the luminous section 3, where those rays which emerge from the plug shaft 2 in the region of the common boundary surface 10 are substantially unhindered enter the light section 3. Those rays of light 9, in the range of Light exit surface 5 to reach the first end of the candle shaft 2, exiting at the light exit surface 5, there are broken in the direction of the light entry surface 6 of the light section 3 back and meet from the outside on the light entrance surface 6. The light entry surface 6 is rotationally symmetrical about a central axis of the light candle 1, which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft 2. The light entering at the light entry surface 6 is in turn refracted and exits the light section 3 at the light exit surface 7 of the luminous section 3 with a further refraction. FIG. 1b differs from FIG. 1a in that the light-generating device in this embodiment of the light-emitting candle 1 comprises a single, centrally arranged light-emitting diode 4.

In the embodiment of the luminous candle 1 according to FIG. 1c, a collimating lens 8 is arranged in the lower second end of the candle shaft 2, which serves for the parallelization of the light rays 9 propagating in the candle shaft 2. At the end facing away from the candle shaft 2 end of the collimating lens 8, a central recess 11 is arranged, in which a light-emitting diode 4 is arranged. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a luminous candle 1 according to the invention, in which the progressions of different beams 9, 9 ', 9 "are schematically illustrated A lighting device comprising an LED 4 is arranged in a recess 11 and emits light in the direction of the plug shaft 2. For the sake of clarity, the LED 4 itself is not shown, and on entering the candle shaft 2 the light beams 9, 9 ', 9 "are refracted to the solder in accordance with the transition from an optically thinner to an optically denser medium. Subsequently, the light beams 9, 9 ', 9 "propagate along the plug shaft 2 in the direction of the luminous section 3. In this case, the propagation is shown in a straight line form The light beams 9, 9', 9" can also be completely re fl ected on the outer wall of the candle shaft 2 are forwarded in the direction of the luminous section 3. In addition, it can also be provided that the outer wall of the plug shaft 2 is provided with a reflective layer, so that a propagation of the light beams 9, 9 ', 9 "in the candle shaft 2 can also take place by means of reflection Angle not equal to 0 ° obliquely arranged light exit surface 5, the light rays 9, 9 " Lot 12 broken away according to a transition from a denser visually into a visually thinner medium. As a result of this refraction in the direction of the light entry surface 6, the light beams 9 and 9 "are deflected in such a way that, after another refraction upon reentry into the illumination section 3, in such a region 7 or 7 'from the illumination section 3 - again after refraction - Without the obliquely arranged light exit surface 5, the light beam 9 would occur at a shallower angle to the light exit surface 7 or T, so that instead of an exit of the light beam 9, 9 "from the luminous section 3, a total reflection in the direction of the The light beam 9, 9 "would then emerge from the boundary surface 10, whereby a lateral light emission or an emission of the light in the lateral direction is realized by the obliquely arranged light exit surface 5. The light beam 9 'becomes in the central direction Interior of the candlestick 2 towards the lei Passed chtabschnitts 3, so that no refraction occurs when exiting the candle shaft 2 or entry into the luminous section 3.

FIG. 2 b again shows how the light beam 9 is deflected due to the refraction at the obliquely arranged light exit surface 5 so that it finally emerges at the light exit surface T of the luminous portion 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug shaft 2. Shown are also the inclinations of the light exit surface 5 and the light entry surface 6, wherein the light exit surface 5 is inclined relative to the boundary surface 10 at an angle α, and the light entry surface 6 is arranged at an angle ß with respect to the interface 10.

2c shows the luminous candle 1 with a further schematically illustrated beam path of a light beam 9, which in this case exits at the light exit surface 7 of the luminous section 3 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plug shaft 2 and thus laterally out of the luminous section 3. This is in turn by the oblique inclination of the light exit surface 5 with respect to the interface 10, whereby the light beam 9 is broken on exit from the candle shaft 2 in the direction of the light entry surface 6 of the luminous portion 3, realized. FIG. 2 d shows the schematically illustrated beam path of a light beam 9 ', which penetrates unbroken to the luminous portion 3 in the central interior of the plug shaft 2 through the interface 0. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the luminous candle 1 according to the invention, in which case both the candle shaft 2 and the luminous section 3 are embodied as facetted ground glass elements which are joined together at an interface 10 or from a single glass element in this form were ground. The light exit surface 5 and the light entry surface 6 and the light exit surface 7 are ground facetted.

FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of the oblique light exit surface 5 on the basis of a schematic cross-sectional representation. The light beam 9, represented by a solid line, represents a light beam which according to the invention is refracted at the oblique light exit surface 5 towards the light entry surface 6, which subsequently has a positive effect the exit of the light beam 9 from the luminous portion 3 by means of a refraction at the light exit surface 7 effects.

The light beam 9 emerges in a predetermined angular range in the lateral direction from the luminous portion 3, since due to the refraction toward the light inlet surface 6, the angle of incidence of the light beam 9 in the luminous portion 3 initially changed so that a smaller refraction occurs when entering the luminous portion 3 , Subsequently, the light beam 9 impinges on the wall of the luminous portion 3 in such an angle in the area of the light exit surface 7, so that, taking into account the geometry of the luminous portion 3, the refraction at the exit from the luminous portion 3 away from the solder remains limited such that the light beam 9 has at least one essential component in the lateral direction with respect to the candle shaft 2. In contrast, the dashed line 13 represents a beam that is not refracted at the exit from the candle shaft 2 in a fictitious way to the luminous portion 3, and thereby impinges on the light entrance surface 6 at such an angle that a strong refraction in the direction of the tip of the Luminous section 3 takes place. For this reason, the beam 13 impinges on the wall of the luminous section 3 in the area of the light exit surface 7 in such a way that the exiting beam in the Essentially only a vertical component, ie, a component in the direction of the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft 2, has. Depending on the geometry of the luminous section 3, an exit of the jet 13 in this area could even be totally prevented if the beam 13 experiences a total reflection and is deflected further in the direction of the tip of the luminous section.

2 a to 2 d each have light beams 9, 9 ', 9 "selected which emerge on the illustrated right side of the luminous section 3. However, the luminous candles are preferably discreet or continuously rotationally symmetrical, so that light emerges symmetrically from the luminous section 3 ,

Claims

claims:

An electric candle having a candle shaft and a light emitting portion disposed at a first end of the candle, comprising a material substantially transparent at least to visible spectrum light and a light generating device disposed at a second end of the candle stem remote from the first end, the light portion and the candle stem being normal Have on the longitudinal direction of the candle shaft arranged common boundary surface, characterized in that the candle shaft (2) in the region of its first end at an angle of not equal to 0 ° to the interface (10) arranged oblique light exit surface (5), from that of the light generating device emitted light is at least partially refracted toward a light entry surface (6) arranged in the luminous section (3) and impinges on the light entry surface (6) from the outside.

A candle according to claim 1, characterized in that the light exit surface (5) of the candle shaft (2) at an angle (oc) is less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 ° relative to the interface (10).

A candle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light exit surface (5) of the candle shaft (2) at an angle (a) greater than 5 ° relative to the interface (10) is arranged.

A candle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the light entry surface (6) at an angle (ß) of not equal to 0 ° to the interface (10) is arranged.

A candle according to claim 4, characterized in that the light entry surface (6) at an angle (ß) is less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 ° relative to the interface (10). Luminescent candle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the light exit surface (5) is designed in the form of the lateral surface of a truncated cone.

Luminescent candle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the light exit surface (5) is formed by planar facets.

A candle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the light entry surface (6) and / or the light exit surface (5) of the candle shaft (2) are symmetrical, preferably rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of the candle shaft (2) parallel axis.

Luminescent candle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the luminous portion (3) and the plug shaft (2) are formed as an integral component.

A candle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the luminous portion (3) and the candle shaft (2) are glued together at the common interface (10).

A candle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the luminous portion (3) is formed as a convex body.

Luminescent candle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the candle shaft (2) and / or the luminous portion (3) are ground facetted.

13. Light candle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the candle shaft (2) and / or the luminous portion (3) consist of glass.

14. A light-emitting candle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the light-generating device comprises a preferably centrally in a region of the second end of the candle shaft (2) arranged light-emitting diode (4).

15. A candlestick according to claim 14, characterized in that the light-generating device comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (4).

16. A candle according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that at the second end of the candle shaft (2) a collimating lens (8) for parallelizing the light emitted by the light generating device, in the candle shaft (2) entering light beams (9) is arranged.

17. A light-emitting candle according to claim 16, characterized in that the collimating lens (8) has at least one recess (11) in which a light-emitting diode (4) is arranged.