LAMP OR LUMINAIRE COMPRISING A LED MODULE

Abstract

The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising a LED module (100), a module support (200), and a connector element (300), wherein: the module support (200) comprises a first module support opening (230) for hosting at least part of a first connector element part (310); the LED module (100) comprises a LED support (120) and a plurality of LEDs (10) functionally coupled to the LED support (120), wherein the LED support (120) comprises a LED support opening (130) for hosting at least part of the first connector element part (310); and wherein the plurality of LEDs (10) are configured to generate light source light (11); the connector element (300) comprises the first connector element part (310), and wherein the first connector element part (310) comprises a first spring part (315); at least part of the first connector element part (310) penetrates through the first module support opening 230); and the LED support opening (130), the first connector element part (310), and the module support (200) are chosen such that in a functional coupling of the LED module (100) and the module support (200), at least part of the first connector element part (310) penetrates through the LED support opening (130), and the first spring part (315) exerts a force on the LED module (100) against the module support (200).

Claims

1. A light generating system comprising a LED module, a module support, and a connector element, wherein: the module support comprises a first module support opening for hosting at least part of a first connector element part; the LED module comprises a LED support and a plurality of LEDs functionally coupled to the LED support, wherein the LED support comprises a LED support opening for hosting at least part of the first connector element part; and wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to generate light source light; the connector element comprises the first connector element part, and wherein the first connector element part comprises a first spring part; at least part of the first connector element part penetrates through the first module support opening; and the LED support opening, the first connector element part, and the module support are chosen such that in a functional coupling of the LED module and the module support, at least part of the first connector element part penetrates through the LED support opening, and the first spring part exerts a force on the LED module against the module support; wherein the LED support further comprises a first LED support electrical conductor in electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of LEDs; wherein the first connector element part is electrically conductive, and wherein in the functional coupling of the connector element and the module support the first connector element part is in electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of LEDs via the first LED support electrical conductor; and wherein at least part of the first LED support electrical conductor is configured within 10 mm from the LED support opening.

2. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein: the module support comprises one or more second module support openings for hosting at least parts of one or more second connector element parts; the connector element comprises the one or more second connector element parts, wherein the one or more second connector element parts each comprise resilient second part; and (i) at least part of the one or more second connector element parts penetrate through the one or more second module support openings, and (ii) the one or more resilient second parts prevent a movement of the connector element and the module support relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the connector element or the module support.

3. (canceled)

4. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the second connector element part is electrically conductive and is configured in an electrically conductive connection with the first connector element part, wherein the second connector element part comprises an electrical connector element, wherein the electrical connector element is selected from the group consisting of a plug and a socket.

5. The light generating system according to claim 2, wherein the connector element comprises at least two second connector element parts.

6. The light generating system according to claim 5, wherein the connector element comprises a plate shaped part from which the first connector element part and the at least two second connector element parts extend.

7. The light generating system according to claim 5, wherein the at least two second connector element parts are configured at both sides of the LED module.

8. The light generating system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical element configured to beam shape and/or beam direct the light source light of one or more of the plurality of light sources.

9. The light generating system according to claim 8, wherein the optical element is supported by one or more of the one or more second connector element parts.

10. The light generating system according to claim 9, wherein the optical element and the one or more of the one or more second connector element parts comprise a click-connection.

11. The light generating system according to claim 8, wherein the optical element comprises a plurality of beam shaping elements configured to beam shape the light source light of two or more of the plurality of light sources.

12. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the module support comprises a first face directed to the LED module and a second face directed away from the LED module, wherein a first part of the connector element is configured in physical contact with the second face of the module support, wherein there is no electrical contact between the connector element and the module support.

13. The light generating system according to claim 1, wherein the module support comprises the backside of a light generating device, preferably the back side of a luminaire.

14. A lamp or a luminaire comprising the light generating system according to claim 1.

15. A kit of parts comprising the light generating system according to claim 8 and two or more different optical elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0084] FIGS. 1a-1h schematically depict some embodiments;

[0085] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically depict some further embodiments; and

[0086] FIG. 3 schematically depicts yet a further embodiment (and application).

[0087] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0088] FIG. 1a schematically depicts a light generating system 1000 and its separate components, which can be assembled into the light generating system. FIG. 1a schematically depicts a side view or cross-sectional view.

[0089] As schematically depicted, the light generating system 1000 comprises a LED module 100, a module support 200, and a connector element 300. Assembled together, they provide the light generating system 1000, see lowest drawing in FIG. 1a.

[0090] The module support 200 comprises a first module support opening 230 for hosting at least part of a first connector element part 310.

[0091] The LED module 100 comprises a LED support 120 and one or more, especially a plurality of LEDs 10 functionally coupled to the LED support 120. The LED support 120 comprises a LED support opening 130 for hosting at least part of the first connector element part 310. Especially, the plurality of LEDs 10 are configured to generate light source light 11 (during operation of the light generating device 1000).

[0092] In the final assembled light generating system 1000, the connector element 300 is functionally coupled to the module support 200. The connector element 300 comprises the first connector element part 310, and the first connector element part 310 comprises a first spring part 315. As schematically depicted, the connector element 300 comprises a base element 305, such as a plate shaped base element 305, from which the first connector element part 310 extends.

[0093] Especially, the first connector element part 310 and the module support 200 may be chosen such that in the functional coupling of the connector element 300 and the module support 200, at least part of the first connector element part 310 penetrates through the first module support opening 230.

[0094] The LED support opening 130, the first connector element part 310, and the module support 200 may (also) be chosen such that in a functional coupling of the LED module 100 and the module support 200, at least part of the first connector element part 310 (also) penetrates through the LED support opening 130, and the first spring part 315 exerts a force on the LED module 100 against the module support 200. The force is indicated with reference F.

[0095] For assembling the lighting system 1000, or at least part thereof, the connector element part(s) may be configured through the module support opening(s). This may be obtained by pushing the module support over the connector element part(s) in a first direction, while the connector element(s) protrude the module support opening(s). During this movement, the resilient second part may first be pushed in a direction of at least part of the second connector element part and about when the module support gets in physical contact with the connector element base, may be freed from the module support opening and get in physical contact with a first side of the module support and exerts a force on the module support in a direction of the connector element base and/or block a movement away from each other in a direction perpendicular to the module support or connector element base.

[0096] Then, the LED module 100, more especially the LED support 120, may be pushed over the first connector element part(s) in a direction essentially parallel to this first direction, while the first connector element(s) protrude the LED support opening(s). During this movement, the first spring part may first be pushed in a direction of at least part of the first connector element part and about when the LED module gets in physical contact with the module support, may be freed from the LED support opening and get in physical contact with a first side of the LED support and exerts a force on the LED support in a direction of the module support.

[0097] Then, the LED module 100 may be moved in a direction parallel to the module support until it reaches a stop element. A movement back may be prevented in several ways, including e.g. click elements and/or the arrangement of a second LED module, which may be arranged in physical contact with the earlier arranged LED module, and/or a stop element.

[0098] Hence, in embodiments the functional coupling of the LED module 100 to the module support 200 is obtainable by a coupling including a sliding movement until physical contact with a stop element 50. In specific embodiments, the first connector element part 310 comprises the stop element 50. Yet further, the first connector element part 310 may be the stop element. Especially, in embodiments the functional coupling of the LED module 100 to the module support 200 may be obtainable by a coupling including the sliding movement in a single predefined direction until physical contact with the stop element 50.

[0099] Also other stop elements may be available. As indicated above, click elements may be used to provide a fixed position of the LED support on the module support, thereby preventing a movement of the LED support in at least one direction parallel to the module support. FIG. 1a also schematically depicts a further stop element, here indicated with reference 250, which may also prevent movement in at least one direction parallel to the module support 200. This stop element 250 may e.g. comprise a spring element. This stop element 250 may be functionally coupled to the module support 200.

[0100] References A1, A2, and A3 refer to axes of elongation or planes, parallel to the respective displayed elements. In the system 1000, these axes of elongation or planes may be essentially planar. In general, the height H1 of the base element 305 is smaller than its length L1 or width W1 (see also FIG. 1b). Especially, L1>2*H1 and W1>2*H1, especially L1>5*H1 and W1>5*H1. In general, the height H2 of the module support 200 is smaller than its length L2 or width W2 (see also FIG. 1b). Especially, L2>2*H2 and W2>2*H2, especially L2>5*H2 and W2>5*H2. In general, the height H3 of the LED support 120 is smaller than its length L3 or width W3 (see also FIG. 1b). Especially, L3>2*H3 and W3>2*H3, especially L3>5*H3 and W3>5*H3. Hence, in embodiments these may all be plate shaped elements. H1, H2, H3, and W1, W2, and W3, and L1, L2, and L3 are not depicted.

[0101] FIG. 1b schematically depicts a top view of essentially the same system and assembly as shown in FIG. 1a. In addition to that, FIG. 1b schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the LED support 120 further comprises a first LED support electrical conductor 141 in electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of LEDs 10. The first connector element part 310 is electrically conductive. In the functional coupling of the connector element 300 and the module support 200, see lowest drawing, the first connector element part 310 is in electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of LEDs 10 via the first LED support electrical conductor 141.

[0102] A second electrical connection is not shown, but could be made in a similar way, or via other ways.

[0103] FIG. 1b also schematically depicts an embodiment of a LED module 100, as such, comprising a LED support 120 and a plurality of LEDs 10 functionally coupled to the LED support 120. The LED support 120 comprises a LED support opening 130 for hosting at least part of a first connector element part 310. The plurality of LEDs 10 are configured to generate light source light. The LED support 120 further comprises a first LED support electrical conductor 141 in electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of LEDs 10. At least part of the first LED support electrical conductor 141 is configured within a distance d1 10 mm from the LED support opening 130.

[0104] FIG. 1b schematically depicts a top view.

[0105] FIG. 1c schematically depicts an embodiment of the module support 200 comprising one or more second module support openings 240 for hosting at least parts of one or more second connector element parts (see below).

[0106] FIG. 1d schematically depicts an embodiment of the connector element 300 comprising the one or more second connector element parts 320, wherein the one or more second connector element parts 320 each comprise resilient second part 325. Especially, an embodiment is depicted wherein the connector element 300 comprises at least two second connector element parts 320. Further, FIG. 1d schematically depicts an embodiment of the connector element 300 comprising a plate shaped part 305 from which the first connector element part 310 and the at least two second connector element parts 320 extend.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 1d, the schematically depicted embodiment may include a second connector element part 320 that is electrically conductive and is configured in an electrically conductive connection with the first connector element part 310. The second connector element part 320 comprises an electrical connector element 360, wherein the electrical connector element 360 may be selected from the group consisting of a plug and a socket. Here, a simplified version of a socked electrical connector element 360 is schematically depicted. FIG. 1d also schematically depicts a connector element 327, which may e.g. be a male or female connector element (here a female connector elements), for a functional coupling with another connector element, such as a female or male connector element of another item, such as an optical element (see also below). The connect element 300 may also be indicated as “bracket”. The connector element 300 may in embodiments be of steel or aluminum.

[0108] FIG. 1e schematically depicts an embodiment of the light generating system 1000. In this schematically depicted embodiment the module support 200 comprises one or more second module support openings 240 for hosting at least parts of one or more second connector element parts 320 (see also FIG. 1c). Further, the connector element 300 comprises the one or more second connector element parts 320, wherein the one or more second connector element parts 320 each comprise resilient second part 325 (see FIG. 1d). Especially, the one or more second module support openings 240, the one or more second connector element parts 320, and the one or more resilient second parts 325 are chosen such that in a functional coupling of the connector element 300 and the module support 200 (i) at least part of the one or more second connector element parts 320 penetrate through the one or more second module support openings 240, and (ii) the one or more resilient second parts 325 prevent a movement of the connector element 300 and the module support 200 relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the connector element 300 or the module support 200.

[0109] FIG. 1e also schematically depicts an electrical connection of one of the second connector elements 320 via a counter electrical connector element 370, such as a plug. This counter connector element 370 may include one or more resilient members 375 to keep the counter electrical connector element 370 in the socket electrical connector element 360 (see FIG. 1d). In this way, an external source of electrical power (V) may be used to provide power to the light sources 10 via the connector element 300, see further also e.g. the embodiment of FIG. 1b.

[0110] In embodiments, the at least two second connector element parts 320 are configured at both sides of the LED module 100. In embodiments, at least two rows of LEDs may be configured on the LED module 100 between the (at least) two second connector element parts 320 of at least a single connector element 300.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 1f, the light generating system 1000 may further comprise an optical element 400 configured to beam shape and/or beam direct the light source light 11 of one or more of the plurality of light sources 10. Here, the optical element 400 comprises a plurality of beam shaping elements 410 configured to beam shape the light source light 11 of one or more, especially two or more, of the plurality of light sources 10.

[0112] As schematically depicted, in embodiments the optical element 400 is supported by one or more of the one or more second connector element parts 320. For instance, the optical element 400 and the one or more of the one or more second connector element parts 320 may comprise a click-connection. Reference 405 indicates an element of the optical element, such as an extension, that can be used in a click connection. Hence, reference 405 refers to an element for a click connection, but may also be any other male or female element for creating a connection (with the second connector element part 320).

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments the optical element 400 may be supported by one or more of the one or more first connector element parts 310 (not depicted).

[0114] As schematically depicted, the module support 200 may comprise a first face 201 directed to the LED module 100 and a second face 202 directed away from the LED module 100. A first part 305 of the connector element 300 is configured in physical contact with the second face 202 of the module support 200. Especially, there is no electrical contact between the connector element 300 and the module support 200. For instance, this may be obtained with a coating 205. The coating may e.g. be a powder coating comprising an insulating material or may be the result of anodizing.

[0115] FIG. 1g schematically depicts in a bit more detail a possible connection between the optical element 400 for a (click) connection, with the second connector element part 320, more especially its counterpart connector element 327. To this end, a connector element 405, such as an extension of the optical element 400, may be inserted in the counterpart connector element 327, which may be an opening in the second connector element part 320. This may provide e.g. a click connection. As indicated above, optionally (also) the first connector element part 310 may be used to support the optical element 400.

[0116] FIG. 1h schematically depicts an embodiment, wherein only connector elements 300, and LED modules 100 are depicted. For the sake of clarity, the module support is not depicted. Here, the connector elements 300 are used to couple (at least) two LED modules 100. To this end, the connector elements 300 may comprise the first connector element part 310 but may also comprise a further (first) connector element part, indicated with reference 330. For instance, in this way two (or more) LED modules may also be electrically coupled. For instance, the LED modules 100 may be configured in series. Of course, other solutions may also be possible. Hence, in embodiments the connector element may comprise two first connector element parts, which may be in electrical conductive contact with each other, wherein one of the first connector element parts is in physical (and electrical) contact with a first LED module, and another one of the first connector element parts is in physical (and electrical) contact with a second LED module.

[0117] FIG. 2a schematically depicts an embodiment of the light generating system 1000, such as e.g. a lamp 1, comprising a single module support 200, but a plurality of LED modules 200 and connector elements 300, and also a plurality of optical elements 400.

[0118] FIG. 2b schematically depicts that different optical elements 400 may impose different optical features to the light source light 11. Light escaping from the system is indicated with system light 1000, which may comprise at least part of the light source light 11. By way of example, different optical elements 400 may be configured to provide different beam shapes and/or beam directions. However, this is not necessarily the case.

[0119] FIG. 2c schematically depicts an embodiment of a kit 2000 of parts comprising the light generating system 1000 and two or more different optical elements 400. The different optical elements 400 may be configured to provide different beam shapes and/or beam directions (see also FIG. 2b).

[0120] FIG. 3 schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire 2 comprising the light generating system 1000 as defined herein. Reference 301 indicates a user interface, such as a graphical user interface, which may be functionally coupled with the control system 300 comprised by or functionally coupled to the lighting system 1000. The luminaire 2 may further comprise louvres, etc.

[0121] The term “plurality” refers to two or more.

[0122] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%.

[0123] The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

[0124] The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to “consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to “containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”.

[0125] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0126] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0127] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0128] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0129] Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0130] The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0131] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0132] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0133] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0134] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.