LED filament interconnecting ring

Abstract

The invention provides a light generating device (100) comprising (i) n filaments (200), (ii) an power distribution unit (400), and (iii) electronics (500); wherein: (a) each of the n filaments (200) comprises one or more solid state light sources (10), wherein n1, wherein each of the n filaments (200) comprises at least m electrical contacts (221), wherein m2; and wherein the n filaments (200) are configured to generate filament light (201); (b) the power distribution unit (400) comprises k electrically conductive tracks (410) separated by electrically insulating material (420), wherein k2; (c) at least two of the electrical contacts (221) of the n filaments (200) are functionally coupled to at least two different electrically conductive tracks (410); (d) the at least two different electrically conductive tracks (410) are functionally coupled to the electronics (500); and (e) the electronics (500) comprise one or more of a control system, a driver, and a transformer.

Claims

1. A light generating device comprising (i) n filaments, (ii) a power distribution unit, and (iii) electronics; wherein: each of the n filaments comprises one or more solid state light sources, wherein n1, wherein each of the n filaments comprises at least m electrical contacts, wherein m2, and wherein the n filaments are configured to generate filament light; the power distribution unit comprises k electrically conductive tracks separated by electrically insulating material, wherein k2; at least two of the electrical contacts of the n filaments are functionally coupled to at least two different electrically conductive tracks; the at least two different electrically conductive tracks are functionally coupled to the electronics; and the electronics comprise one or more of a control system, a driver, and a transformer; wherein the electronics are configured to individually control at least two sets of each at least one filament; wherein one or more of a color point and a correlated color temperature of a device light is controllable, and the device light comprises the filament light of one or more of the n filaments when in operation; and wherein the electrically conductive tracks are configured parallel to each other, and wherein the power distribution unit has a ring-shape.

2. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises a polymeric material.

3. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrically insulating material comprises one or more of a glass material, a composite material, and a ceramic material.

4. The light generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a first supporting structure, wherein one or more of the power distribution unit and the first supporting structure are configured to support the n filaments.

5. The light generating device according to claim 4, wherein the power distribution unit at least partly circumferentially surrounds the first supporting structure.

6. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein n2, wherein the electrical contacts comprise first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts, wherein the first electrical contacts of the filaments are functionally coupled to different electrically conductive tracks, and wherein the second electrical contacts of the filaments are functionally coupled to (a) the same electrically conductive track, but different from the different electrically conductive tracks to which the first electrical contacts are functionally coupled, or (b) a mutual electrode external from the power distribution unit; and wherein each filament comprises a plurality of solid state light sources.

7. The light generating device according to claim 6, wherein the mutual electrode is functionally coupled with the electronics via an electrically conductive connection within the supporting structure.

8. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the respective tracks is in the range of 70-100% of the length or circumference of the power distribution unit.

9. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the electrically conductive tracks are configured as anodes.

10. The light generating device according to claim 8, wherein the n filaments comprise a first filament and a second filament, wherein the first filament is mechanically and electrically connected to a first electrically conductive track of the at least two different electrically conductive tracks; wherein the second filament is mechanically and electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track of the at least two different electrically conductive tracks; wherein axes of elongations of the respective filaments are configured in planes intersecting at a device axis, and wherein the planes have mutual first angles selected from the range of 15-180, and wherein the light generating device has a first axis of elongation and the n filaments have each individually a second axis of elongation, wherein at least two second axes of elongation have different second angles relative to the first axis of elongation.

11. The light generating device according to claim 8, wherein 3k6 and wherein n3.

12. The light generating device according to claim 8, wherein the at least two of the n filaments are configured to generate filament light having (i) different correlated color temperatures with differences of at least 500 K, or (ii) different colors with color point differences of at least 0.03 for u and/or at least 0.03 for v; and wherein the electronics are configured to control the at least two of the n filaments in dependence of one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal, and a timer.

13. The light generating device according to claim 1, wherein k3, and wherein at least one of the electrically conductive tracks is configured as an antenna.

14. A light generating device according to claim 1, wherein the light generating device is a retrofit lamp.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIGS. 1a-1b schematically depict an embodiment and some aspects;

(3) FIGS. 2a-2f schematically depict some embodiments;

(4) FIGS. 3a-3e schematically depict some embodiments and variants; and

(5) FIG. 4 also shows an embodiment.

(6) The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(7) FIG. 1a schematically depicts an embodiment of a light generating device 100 comprising n filaments 200, a power distribution unit 400, and electronics 500. FIG. 1a schematically depicts a cross-sectional shape. Each of the n filaments 200 comprises one or more solid state light sources 10. Especially, n1. Here, n=2. Each of then filaments 200 comprises at least m electrical contacts 221. Especially, m2. Here, m=2. The n filaments 200 are configured to generate filament light 201 (during operation).

(8) The power distribution unit 400 comprises k electrically conductive tracks 410 (see amongst others FIG. 1b) separated by electrically insulating material 420. For the embodiment of FIG. 1a, for instance k2. For the sake of understanding, different electrically conductive tracks 410 are indicated with references 411 and 412, respectively.

(9) At least two of the electrical contacts 221 of the n filaments 200 may be functionally coupled to at least two different electrically conductive tracks. The at least two different electrically conductive tracks may be functionally coupled to the electronics 500.

(10) Especially, the electronics 500 may comprise one or more of a control system, a driver, and a transformer.

(11) Reference 600 refers to a light transmissive envelope. Reference 170 indicates a screw cap or Edison (screw) cap. In embodiments, the power distribution unit 400 has a ring-shape. Reference H indicates the height of the light transmissive envelope 600.

(12) The light generating device 100 may further comprise a first supporting structure 120. One or more of the power distribution unit 400 and the first supporting structure 120 may be configured to support the n filaments 200. The power distribution unit 400 at least partly circumferentially surrounds the first supporting structure 120. In embodiments, the first supporting structure 120 may comprise a hollow glass body. Reference H1 indicates the height of the first supporting structure 120.

(13) As indicated above, in embodiments n2. In embodiments, k2 and n2.

(14) In embodiments, the electrical contacts 221 comprise first electrical contacts 2211 and second electrical contacts 2212. The first electrical contacts 2211 of the filaments 200 may be functionally coupled to different electrically conductive tracks. The second electrical contacts 2212 of the filaments 200 may be (i) functionally coupled to a the same electrically conductive track, but different from the different electrically conductive tracks 410 to which the first electrical contacts 2211 are functionally coupled, or (ii) may be functionally coupled to a mutual electrode 132 external from the power distribution unit 400.

(15) In embodiments, each filament 200 may comprise a plurality of solid state light sources 10.

(16) The mutual electrode 132 may be functionally coupled with the electronics 500 via an electrically conductive connection within the supporting structure.

(17) In embodiments, the electronics 500 may be configured to individually control at least two sets of each at least one filament 200. Especially, each of the filaments 200 comprises a plurality of solid state light sources 10.

(18) The light generating device 100 has a first axis of elongation A1 and the n filaments 200 have each individually a second axis of elongation A2, wherein at least two second axes of elongation A2 have different second angles relative to the first axis of elongation A1. The respective second angles , for the respective filaments 200, are indicated with references 1 and 2. Note that they may slightly differ in the schematically depicted embodiment.

(19) FIG. 1b schematically depict cross-section of possible power distribution units 400. The embodiments at I show two electrically conductive tracks 410 and electrically insulating material 420. The embodiments at II show three electrically conductive tracks 410 and electrically insulating material 420. The embodiments at III show four electrically conductive tracks 410 and electrically insulating material 420. Other embodiments, however, may also be possible. Different electrically conductive tracks 410 are indicated with references 411, 412, 413, 414, respectively. In embodiments, the electrically insulating material 420 may comprise a polymeric material. In embodiments, the electrically insulating material 420 comprise one or more of a glass material, a composite material, and a ceramic material. Especially, in embodiments, at least two of the electrically conductive tracks 410 are configured as anodes. In embodiments, at least one of the electrically conductive tracks 410 is configured as antenna. Especially this may apply in embodiments, wherein k3.

(20) Referring to FIGS. 1a-1b (and also e.g. some embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2a-2f), the n filaments 200 may comprise a first filament 210 and a second filament 220. The first filament 210 is mechanically and electrically connected to a first electrically conductive track 411 of the at least two different electrically conductive tracks 410. The second filament 220 is mechanically and electrically connected to the second electrically conductive track 412 of the at least two different electrically conductive tracks 410.

(21) In embodiments, at least two of the n filaments 200 are configured to generate filament light 201 having different spectral power distributions.

(22) In embodiments, the at least two of the n filaments 200 are configured to generate filament light 201 having i different correlated color temperatures with differences of at least 500 K, or ii different colors with color point differences of at least 0.03 for u and/or at least 0.03 for v.

(23) In embodiments, the electronics 500 may be configured to control the at least two of the n filaments 200 in dependence of one or more of an input signal of a user interface, a sensor signal, and a timer.

(24) In specific embodiments 3k6 and n3. Further, in specific embodiments k=2, and one of the electrically conductive tracks 410 is configured as anode, and one of the electrically conductive tracks 410 is configured as cathode.

(25) Referring to FIG. 2a, n=6 and k=2. Note that there are two sets of each three filaments 200. The filaments have at one side a mutual electrode, which, via the first supporting structure 120, may be connected to electronics (not shown).

(26) FIG. 2b schematically depicts an embodiments of a helically shaped filament 200. This filament 200 comprises two series of solid state light source. Hence, in this embodiment the power distribution unit 400 may have two electrically conductive tracks 410.

(27) FIG. 2c schematically depicts an embodiment of two double helically shaped filaments 200. These filaments 200 each comprise a single series of solid state light source. Hence, also in this embodiment the power distribution unit 400 may have two electrically conductive tracks 410.

(28) FIG. 2d schematically depicts an embodiment of two sets of each two (curved) filaments 200. These filaments 200 each comprise a single series of solid state light source. Hence, also in this embodiment the power distribution unit 400 may have two electrically conductive tracks 410. The filaments 200 within a set are functionally coupled the same electrically conductive track 410.

(29) FIG. 2e schematically depicts an embodiments of a helically shaped filament 200. This filament 200 comprises three series of solid state light source. Hence, in this embodiment the power distribution unit 400 may have three electrically conductive tracks 410.

(30) FIG. 2f schematically depicts an embodiment of four (curved) filaments 200. These filaments 200 each comprise a single series of solid state light source. Hence, in this embodiment the power distribution unit 400 may have four electrically conductive tracks 410.

(31) FIGS. 3a-3f schematically depict some aspects.

(32) FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view, schematically showing that there may be slightly different angles of the filaments 200 with the device axis A1. Here, the values for the two angles may thus differ.

(33) Referring to FIG. 3b, an embodiment is shown wherein axes of elongation A2 of the respective filaments 200 are configured in planes intersecting at a device axis A1. The planes have mutual first angles selected from the range of 15-180. FIG. 3b is a top view of an embodiment.

(34) FIG. 3c schematically depicts two embodiments of each a single filament, but with three (in embodiment I), or two (in embodiments II) series of solid state light sources 10. In embodiments, these series may individually controlled. In embodiments I, k11=3, and in embodiment II, k11=2.

(35) FIG. 3d schematically depicts an embodiment of a LED filament 200. The LED filament 200 comprises a support 105, a set 107 of solid state light sources 10, and an encapsulant 60. The LED filament 200 has a length axis 108 having a first length L1. The solid state light sources 10 are arranged over the first length L1 of the LED filament 200 on the support 105. The solid state light sources 10 are configured to generate light source light 11. In embodiments, the solid state light sources 10 may be configured to generate blue light source light 11. The encapsulant 60 encloses at least part of each of the solid state light sources 10 of the set 107 of solid state light sources 10. The encapsulant 60 comprises a luminescent material 210 configured to convert at least part of the light source light 11 into luminescent material light 211. In embodiments, the luminescent material 210 may be configured to convert at least part of the light source light 11 into luminescent material light 211 having wavelengths in one or more of (i) the green and/or red, and (ii) yellow and optionally red, especially in combination with blue light source light 11. Hence, the luminescent material may be configured to generate yellow light and/or red light due to conversion of at least part of the blue light. The luminescent material may also be configured to generate green light and/or red light due to conversion of at least part of the blue light. As indicated above, the term luminescent material may also refer to a plurality of different luminescent materials. Especially, the luminescent material may comprise a garnet luminescent material as described above. Reference 15 refers to a light emitting surface of the solid state light source 10, such as a LED die. The solid state light sources 10 may be available on a substrate or support 105. Further, the solid state light sources 10 (and the substrate 105) may especially be embedded in a light transmissive material, such as a resin. The light transmissive material enclosing the light sources is indicated with reference 145. Especially, the light transmissive material may comprise, such as embed, a luminescent material 210. Especially, this light transmissive material 145 may be a resin hosting luminescent material 210, such as an inorganic luminescent material in an organic resin. The resin may e.g. an acrylate or a silicone resin or an epoxy resin, etc. The combination of light transmissive material 145 and luminescent material is herein indicated as encapsulant 60.

(36) The embodiment schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a plane of drawing also comprising the length axis 108.

(37) For curved filaments, the length L1 may be longer than the effective length, which may be defined e.g. as the length between two opposite ends of the filament.

(38) FIG. 3e-schematically depicts a perspective view of the same embodiment as schematically depicted in FIG. 3d.

(39) FIG. 3f schematically depicts a perspective view of a curved filament. Note that the length axis 108 is now also curved. It may be a body axis of the support 105. The length of this axis is determined along the axis 108. When the filament 200 may be curved in a plane of the filament 200, the virtual plane(s) may also be curved essentially identical to the curvature(s) of the filament 210. In other words, when the support is curved in the plane of the support, the length axis will also be curved, and likewise the first virtual plane and second virtual may be. The length axis in the embodiment in FIG. 3f starts at the first face left, follows the curved body axis, and ends at the second face right.

(40) FIG. 4 schematically depicts an embodiment of retrofit lamp (being or comprising the light generating device 100).

(41) The term plurality refers to two or more.

(42) 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%.

(43) The term comprise also includes embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of.

(44) 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.

(45) 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.

(46) 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.

(47) 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.

(48) In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

(49) 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.

(50) The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

(51) 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.

(52) 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.

(53) 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.

(54) 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.