Relating to light-emitting diode modules
11112104 · 2021-09-07
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F21V17/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V17/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V31/005
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V27/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
H05K2201/09063
ELECTRICITY
F21Y2115/10
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21K9/20
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V5/007
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21K9/69
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V23/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V23/002
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V19/003
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21Y2105/16
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V29/70
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F21V31/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V5/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21K9/20
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V29/70
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21K9/69
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V17/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V19/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F21V23/06
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
Described herein is an LED module (500) comprising a PCBA (200) having an array of LED elements, a secondary lens array (300) and a lens holder (510). The secondary lens array (300) has a peripheral lip (360) and a plurality of boss portions (330a) which are compressed between the lens holder (510) and the PCBA (200) to form water-tight gaskets. The secondary lens array (300) also forms gaskets around wires connecting with terminal blocks on the PCBA (200) and effectively seals with a base plate (100) on which the PCBA (200) is mounted.
Claims
1. A lens module designed to be mounted over a plurality of light-emitting diodes and electrical connections mounted on a first side of a printed circuit board, said electrical connections being electrically connected for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes; said lens module comprising: a secondary lens array mountable over the plurality of light-emitting diodes on the printed circuit board, the secondary lens array molded as a single component comprising a body portion integrally formed with at least one secondary lens element and integrally formed with a cover portion for the electrical connections; and a lens holder mounted over the secondary lens array, the lens holder comprising a frame comprising one or more apertures, said frame being configured for accommodating the at least one secondary lens element in said one or more apertures, and said frame being configured for accommodating the cover portion, and said frame being configured to compress at least a portion of the secondary lens array to form at least one gasket at a periphery of the lens holder.
2. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted on a base plate, and wherein the secondary lens array has a peripheral lip portion configured to extend over a surface of the base plate.
3. The lens module according to claim 2, wherein the lens holder comprises a skirt portion arranged around its periphery, the skirt portion being configured for compressing the peripheral lip portion of the secondary lens array against the surface of the base plate.
4. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of holes arranged around its periphery, and wherein the lens array is provided with a corresponding plurality of holes, wherein a plurality of screws extends through the plurality of holes in the lens holder and through the corresponding plurality of holes in the lens array.
5. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein the secondary lens array is molded from an optical grade silicone material.
6. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein the frame is molded in one piece and extends between adjacent secondary lens elements of the secondary lens array.
7. A luminaire comprising a lens module according to claim 1.
8. The lens module according to claim 1, wherein the body portion is integrally formed with a plurality of secondary lens elements.
9. A lens module designed to be mounted over a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a first side of a printed circuit board, with wires for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, said lens module comprising: a secondary lens array molded as a single component and mounted over the plurality of light-emitting diodes on the printed circuit board, the secondary lens array comprising a body portion integrally formed with at least one secondary lens element and integrally formed with at least one sheath portion for the wires; and a lens holder mounted over the secondary lens array, the lens holder comprising a frame comprising one or more apertures, said frame being configured for accommodating the at least one secondary lens element in said one or more apertures, and said frame being configured for accommodating the at least one sheath portion and being configured to compress at least a portion of the secondary lens array to form at least one gasket at a periphery of the lens holder.
10. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted on a base plate, and wherein the secondary lens array has a peripheral lip portion configured to extend over a surface of the base plate on which the printed circuit board is mounted, wherein the lens holder comprises a skirt portion arranged around its periphery, the skirt portion being configured for compressing the peripheral lip portion of the secondary lens array against the surface of the base plate.
11. The lens module according to claim 10, wherein the skirt portion has at least one cut-out portions therein, said at least one cut-out portion being configured to align substantially with the at least one sheath portion.
12. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein the at least one sheath portion is configured to form at least one gasket around a wire inserted therethrough.
13. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein each sheath portion of said at least one sheath portion is configured to receive only one wire and to form a sheathing gasket around said wire inserted therethrough.
14. A luminaire comprising a lens module according to claim 9.
15. The lens module according to claim 9, wherein the body portion is integrally formed with a plurality of secondary lens elements.
16. A lens module designed to be mounted over a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a first side of a printed circuit board; said lens module comprising: a secondary lens array mounted over the plurality of light-emitting diodes on the printed circuit board, the secondary lens array being molded in one piece and being integrally formed of a single material with a plurality of secondary lens elements aligned with the plurality of light-emitting diodes; and a lens holder mounted over the secondary lens array, the lens holder comprising a frame comprising one or more apertures, said frame being configured for accommodating the plurality of secondary lens elements in said one or more apertures, and said frame being configured to compress at least a portion of the secondary lens array to form at least one gasket at a periphery of the lens holder.
17. The lens module according to claim 16, wherein the secondary lens array is molded from an optical grade silicone material.
18. The lens module according to claim 16, wherein the printed circuit board is mounted on a base plate, and wherein the secondary lens array has a peripheral lip portion configured to extend over a surface of the base plate.
19. The lens module according to claim 18, wherein the lens holder comprises a skirt portion arranged around its periphery, the skirt portion being configured for compressing the peripheral lip portion of the secondary lens array against the surface of the base plate.
20. The lens module according to claim 16, wherein the secondary lens array comprises a plurality of array mounting holes formed therein, each array mounting hole having an array boss portion associated therewith which is configured for passing through a corresponding mounting hole formed in the printed circuit board.
21. The lens module according to claim 20, wherein the lens holder further comprises a plurality of holder mounting holes formed therein, each holder mounting hole having a holder boss portion associated therewith which is configured for engaging a corresponding array boss portion of the secondary lens array and for compressing the array boss portion against the corresponding hole formed in the printed circuit board.
22. A lens module according to claim 21, further comprising a plurality of mounting screws for mounting the lens holder and the secondary lens array to a base plate on which the printed circuit board is mounted, each mounting screw passing through one of the holder mounting holes and its associated holder boss portion and into an associated hole in the base plate.
23. The lens module according to claim 16, wherein the lens holder is provided with a plurality of holes arranged around its periphery, and wherein the lens array is provided with a corresponding plurality of holes, wherein a plurality of screws extends through the plurality of holes in the lens holder and through the corresponding plurality of holes in the lens array.
24. The lens module according to claim 16, wherein the frame is molded in one piece and extends between adjacent secondary lens elements of the plurality of secondary lens elements of the secondary lens array.
25. A luminaire comprising a lens module according to claim 16.
26. A lens module designed to be mounted over a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a first side of a printed circuit board, with wires for supplying power to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, said lens module comprising: a secondary lens array mounted over the plurality of light-emitting diodes on the printed circuit board, the secondary lens array comprising a body portion formed with at least one secondary lens element and with at least one sheath portion for the wires; and a lens holder mounted over the secondary lens array, the lens holder comprising a frame comprising one or more apertures, said frame being configured for accommodating the at least one secondary lens element in said one or more apertures, and said frame being configured for accommodating the at least one sheath portion and being configured to compress at least a portion of the secondary lens array to form at least one gasket at a periphery of the lens holder; wherein the printed circuit board is mounted on a base plate, and wherein the secondary lens array has a peripheral lip portion configured to extend over a surface of the base plate on which the printed circuit board is mounted, wherein the lens holder comprises a skirt portion arranged around its periphery, the skirt portion being configured for compressing the peripheral lip portion of the secondary lens array against the surface of the base plate; wherein the skirt portion has at least one cut-out portion therein, said at least one cut-out portion being configured to align substantially with the at least one sheath portion.
27. The lens module according to claim 26, wherein the at least one sheath portion is configured to form at least one gasket around a wire inserted therethrough.
28. The lens module according to claim 26, wherein each sheath portion is configured to receive only one wire and to form a sheathing gasket around said wire inserted therethrough.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:—
(2)
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(10)
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(11) The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.
(12) Although the present invention will be described with reference to LED modules suitable for luminaires, it will readily be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such an implementation and can be used in any LED module, particularly if it requires prevention of water ingress.
(13) The terms “printed circuit board assembly” and “PCBA” as used herein refer to a printed circuit board (PCB) on which an array of LED elements are mounted. These terms also include wiring connections to provide power to each LED element.
(14) The term “light-emitting light diode module” or “LED module” as used herein refers to a PCBA, a secondary lens array and a lens holder for mounting the secondary lens array on the PCBA. It is essential that each element of the secondary lens array is correctly aligned with an associated LED element in the LED array of the PCBA.
(15) The term “lens array” as used herein refers to an arrangement or pattern of at least one lens element. In the embodiment described below, each lens array comprises twelve lens elements which are integrally formed as a single component. It will, however, be appreciated a lens array may comprise any number of lens elements arranged to form the lens array. The term “secondary lens array” as used herein refers to a lens array which the lens elements are designed as light beam shapers to create a predetermined light distribution and which are positioned over associated LED elements of the array of LED elements. Such lens arrays are typically used as secondary lenses in luminaires for street lighting applications. In accordance with the present invention, the secondary lens array is moulded as a single component from an optical grade silicone material.
(16) The term “silicone material” as used herein refers to an optical grade silicone material having a Shore 00 hardness value in the range of between 60 and 100. As will readily be understood, these values range from soft to medium hard and will affect the pliability, flexibility and durability of lens arrays made from such materials. Silicone materials are also resistant to higher temperatures (for example, temperatures in excess of 85° C. and possibly as high as 150° C.) and therefore provide the capability that less of the expensive material used for heat sinks needs to be used in the luminaire.
(17) Silicone lenses used as secondary lenses may have different sizes and structures depending on their optical properties, and enable operation of lighting devices incorporating such lenses at higher temperature ranges. This means that it is possible to either increase the operating temperature range whilst using conventional heat sinks for heat dissipation or to reduce the amount of heat sinks required for heat dissipation without adversely affecting the operation of the luminaire. Naturally, by reducing the amount of material needed for heat dissipation, cost benefits can be provided.
(18) It will readily be appreciated that the optical properties of the silicone lenses needs to be maintained over the full operating temperature and not show any degradation over time when operating at higher temperatures. In addition, silicone is resistant to degradation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is a good candidate for use as lenses exposed to exterior or outdoor conditions.
(19) In accordance with the present invention, the silicone lenses are formed as a secondary lens array which not only meets the requirements for higher operating temperatures but is also compressible in predetermined areas (non-lens areas) to form gaskets between the PCBA and the lens holder.
(20) In accordance with the present invention, by using a suitable silicone material for the secondary lens array, a sealed enclosure can readily be provided where the secondary lens array forms at least one water-tight seal or gasket preventing water ingress into the enclosure as described in more detail below.
(21)
(22) It will readily be appreciated that each terminal block 240, 250 comprises a connection for providing power to the LED elements 220 on the PCB 210.
(23) Although only twelve LED elements 210 are shown, it will readily be appreciated that any suitable number of LED elements may be provided according to the particular implementation. In addition, the array of LED elements need not be configured in the pattern shown in
(24) The PCB 210 has an edge 260 which extends around its periphery and against which the secondary lens array 300 seals as will be described in more detail below with reference to
(25)
(26) Cover portions 340, 350 are provided at a terminal end of the secondary lens array 300 and which are aligned with and cover respective ones of terminal blocks 240, 250 provided at the terminal end of the PCB 210 to prevent the ingress of water. Each cover portion 340, 350 has an associated sheath portion 345, 355 which extends from an end thereof to the end of the body portion 310 of the secondary lens array 300.
(27) In accordance with the present invention, the body portion 310 has a peripheral lip 360 which forms a gasket or water-tight edge for the PCBA 200 when assembled as will be described in more detail below. In addition, each sheath portion forms a gasket or water-tight seal around a wire inserted therein as will be described in more detail below.
(28) Each mounting hole 330 formed in the body portion 310 has a boss portion (as shown in
(29) Three short ribs 370 are formed in the centre of each group of four secondary lens elements 320, and two long ribs 375 are formed between each group of four secondary lens elements. These ribs provide location points for a lens holder as will be described in more detail below.
(30) An alignment pin 380 is also formed at an end of the secondary lens array 300 which is remote from the terminal block cover portions 340, 350. The functionality of the ribs and the alignment pin will be described in more detail below.
(31) In the illustrated embodiment of the secondary lens array 300, light shields 325 are provided for each secondary lens element 320 so that light passing through the secondary lens element 320 is blocked in a particular direction. However, it will be appreciated that these light shields are not essential.
(32) It will readily be appreciated that the number of secondary lens elements 320 in the secondary lens array 300 is chosen to match the number of LED elements 220 in the PCBA 200. Moreover, the alignment and/or orientation of the secondary lens elements 320 within the secondary lens array 210 is not limited to the alignment and orientation shown in
(33) It will readily be appreciated that the base plate 100 (
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(35) The internal diameter of the cylindrical holes 445, 455 and the external diameter of the wires 440, 450 may be chosen to provide a tight or interference fit. Due to the flexible nature of the silicone material, the sheath portions 345, 355 may stretch slightly to accommodate the external diameter of the wires as the wires are inserted into the plug-in connectors 245, 255 and then relax back to their normal shape and size afterwards.
(36) In one embodiment, the internal diameter of each cylindrical hole 445, 455 is shaped to create an angle of release from a moulding tool used to mould the secondary lens array in a single component. One embodiment of the internal diameter of the cylindrical holes 445, 455 is described in more detail below with reference to
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(38) In accordance with the present invention, a lens holder is provided for mounting the secondary lens array with respect to the PCBA. The lens holder comprises a simple frame to surround and retain the secondary lens elements as will be described in more detail below with reference to
(39) Turning now to
(40) Ten holes 530 are formed in the frame 515 which correspond with the ten holes 230 formed in the PCB 200 and the ten holes 330 formed in the secondary lens array 300. Each hole 530 includes a boss portion (as shown in
(41) Cut-outs 540, 550 are provided at the terminal end of the frame 515 to accommodate the cover portions 340, 350 for the terminal blocks 240, 250 (
(42) A skirt 560 extends from the frame 515 which, when assembled, engages with the peripheral lip 360 of the secondary lens array 300 to form a seal with the base plate 100 (
(43) Five transverse ribs 570 are formed in the frame 515 and are configured to engage with the three short ribs 370 in the centre of each group of four secondary lens elements 320 and the long ribs 375 between each group formed on the secondary lens assembly 300 when assembled.
(44) The frame 515 also includes an aperture or hole 580 with which the alignment pin 380 of the secondary lens array 300 engages when assembled. This aperture or hole 580, together with the transverse ribs 570, ensures correct alignment of the secondary lens array 300 with the lens holder 510 so that the secondary lens elements 320 and their associated light shields 325 are located within apertures 520 of the lens holder 510.
(45) Non-limiting examples of materials from which the lens holder 510 may be made include thermoplastic materials, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyamide (PA).
(46) For construction of the LED module assembly 500, the secondary lens array 300 (
(47) In addition, the boss portions 330a (as shown in
(48) The skirt 560 of the lens holder 510 has further cut-outs 640, 650, as shown more clearly in
(49) The lens holder 510 is placed over the secondary lens array 300 with the transverse ribs 570 of the lens holder 510 engaging the short ribs 370 and the long ribs 375 of the secondary lens array 300. Screws 590 are inserted into the holes 530 in the frame 515 of the lens holder 510 and down through the boss portions associated with holes 330 formed in the secondary lens array 300 which extend through holes 230 in the PCBA 200 and into holes 130 formed in the base plate (
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(51) Wire 450 is not shown in
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(53) As shown in
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(55) As described above with reference to
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(57) The base plate 100 is substantially flat and effectively comprises a block of material having a plurality of threaded holes formed therein for receiving the mounting screws 590 as will be described in more detail below and for mounting the base plate to a luminaire body (not shown). In one embodiment, the base plate 100 may comprise only a simple mounting plate for the module 500. In another embodiment, the base plate 100 may comprise a heat sink for the module 500 so that no additional heat sink is required. In a further embodiment, the base plate 100 forms part of a heat sink with a luminaire body to which it is mounted (not shown).
(58) Boss portion 330a associated with hole 330 extends through the hole 230 in the PCBA 200. The lens holder 510 is also shown with holder boss portions 530a extending through respective boss portions 330a of the secondary lens array 300. When assembled, mounting screws 590 extend through respective holes 530 in the lens holder 510, through the associated holder boss portion 530a and into the base plate 100 on which the PCBA 200 is mounted. Each holder boss portion 530a may be slightly tapered so that insertion of the mounting screw 590 expands the boss portion to compress the array boss portions 330a associated with the mounting holes 330 formed in the secondary lens array 300 against the holes 230 formed in the PCBA 200 and compresses ends 330b of the array boss portions 330a against the surface 110 of the base plate 100.
(59) As shown, the secondary lens array 300 made from silicone forms a gasket between: the skirt 560 of the lens holder 510 and the peripheral edge 260 of the PCBA 200; and the boss portions 530a of the lens holder 510 and the holes 230 in the PCBA 200 with ends 330b of the array boss portions 330a being compressed against the surface 110 of the base plate 100. Additionally, the secondary lens array 300 also forms gaskets around the wires 440, 450 (
(60) In one embodiment, the peripheral edge 360 of the secondary lens array 300 has a pair of peripheral lips 360a, 360b formed therein, which when compressed by the lens holder 510 flatten out to be flush with the surface 110 of the base plate 100 to form a pair of seals preventing the ingress of water as shown in
(61) It will readily be understood that the sealing of the peripheral edge 360 against the surface 110 of the base plate 100 may be implemented in other ways and is not limited to the pair of peripheral lips 360a, 360b as described above. More lips or other means may be provided for effecting the seal between the peripheral edge 360 of the secondary lens array 300 against the surface 110 of the base plate 100.
(62) In addition, although only one LED module 500 is described above mounted on the base plate 100, it will readily be appreciated that more than one such LED module may be mounted on the base plate 100, each having a secondary lens array which forms gaskets therewith to prevent the ingress of water into the LED module 500 and particularly between the secondary lens array and the PCBA 200.
(63) It will be appreciated that, although the invention described above comprises a non-conductive lens holder, lens holders comprising conductive materials, for example, metals, may also be used as the silicone secondary lens array has good electrical insulation properties which meet with electrical safety regulations.
(64) Although the present invention has been described with reference to the use of silicone as the material from which the secondary lens array 300 is made, it will be appreciated that the secondary lens array may comprise other materials or combinations of materials which are compatible with one another and which provide the features of being able to moulded in one piece with optical grade lenses and being compressible to form gaskets in the locations of the assembly as described above.