Lighting module

Abstract

The invention provides an improved lighting module, the lighting module comprising an elongated carrier and a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit comprises a first section accommodating a plurality of LED light sources, a second section, and a connector for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources; wherein the connector is accommodated in the second section for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources and extends at least partly in the first section. The elongated carrier comprises first end-face and a second end-face, and extending there between comprises a first elongated main surface and a second elongated main surface, the second elongated main surface being opposite to said first elongated main surface; wherein the first section of the flexible circuit is connected to said first elongated main surface, and wherein the second section of the flexible circuit is connected to said second elongated main surface.

Claims

1. A lighting module comprising an elongated carrier and a flexible circuit; wherein the flexible circuit comprises a first section accommodating a plurality of LED light sources, a second section and a connector; wherein the connector is embedded in a circuitry of the flexible circuit and is accommodated in the second section for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources and for providing control commands to the plurality of LED light sources, wherein the connector extends at least partly in the first section; wherein the elongated carrier comprises first end-face and a second end-face, and extending therebetween comprises a first elongated main surface and a second elongated main surface, the second elongated main surface being opposite to said first elongated main surface; wherein the flexible circuit is folded around the second end-face, and wherein the second end-face comprises a recess, such that the fold is entirely comprised within the recess; wherein the first section of the flexible circuit is connected to said first elongated main surface, and wherein the second section of the flexible circuit is connected to said second elongated main surface; and wherein the elongated carrier comprises a cross-section comprising a curvature for improving the bending stiffness of the lighting module and for thereby reducing a deflection of the lighting module in its elongated direction.

2. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the elongated carrier comprises a length, the length being defined as the shortest distance between the first end-face and the second end-face, the length being at least 50 centimeters.

3. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the elongated carrier comprises at least one rim arranged on the first elongated main surface, wherein the at least one rim extends continuously between the first end-face and the second end-face.

4. The lighting module according to claim 3, wherein the at least one rim comprises a connection means for optics.

5. The lighting module according to claim 3, wherein the at least one rim serves as a lightguide, a reflector or a mixing wall.

6. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein the elongated carrier is made of a material being one of: a metal, a ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof.

7. A method of electrically connecting a lighting module according to claim 1 with a connecting unit comprising a connecting area and a slot, the method comprising: receiving and/or detachably fixating the connector of the lighting module in said slot; electrically connecting the connector of the lighting module with the connecting area of the connecting unit.

8. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the second elongated main surface is a single surface with no discontinuities.

9. A lighting device comprising at least one lighting module and at least one connecting unit comprising a connecting area; wherein the light module includes, an elongated carrier and a flexible circuit; wherein the flexible circuit comprises a first section accommodating a plurality of LED light sources, a second section and a connector; wherein the connector is embedded in a circuitry of the flexible circuit and is accommodated in the second section for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources and for providing control commands to the plurality of LED light sources, wherein the connector extends at least partly in the first section; wherein the elongated carrier comprises first end-face and a second end-face, and extending therebetween comprises a first elongated main surface and a second elongated main surface, the second elongated main surface being opposite to said first elongated main surface; wherein the flexible circuit is folded around the second end-face, and wherein the second end-face comprises a recess, such that the fold is entirely comprised within the recess; wherein the first section of the flexible circuit is connected to said first elongated main surface, and wherein the second section of the flexible circuit is connected to said second elongated main surface; and wherein the elongated carrier comprises a cross-section comprising a curvature for improving the bending stiffness of the lighting module and for thereby reducing a deflection of the lighting module in its elongated direction; and, wherein each of the at least one connecting unit is configured to electrically connect a respective connector of the at least one lighting module with the connecting area.

10. The lighting device according to claim 9, wherein the connecting unit comprises a slot for receiving and/or detachably fixating the at least one lighting module.

11. The lighting device according to claim 9, further including at least two light modules; a first respective lighting module including a first end-face, and a second respective lighting module including a first end-face and a second end-face; wherein the first end-face of a first respective lighting module abuts with the second end-face of a second respective lighting module.

12. A method of manufacturing a lighting module comprising a flexible circuit having a connector embedded in a circuitry of the flexible circuit and an elongated carrier, wherein the elongated carrier comprises first end-face and a second end-face, and extending therebetween comprises a first elongated main surface and a second elongated main surface, the second elongated main surface being opposite to said first elongated main surface, wherein the second end-face comprises a recess; wherein the method comprising: connecting a first section of a flexible circuit to the first elongated main surface of the elongated carrier, wherein the first section accommodates a plurality of LED light sources; folding the flexible circuit around the second end-face of the elongated carrier, such that the fold is entirely comprised within the recess; connecting a second section of the flexible circuit to the second elongated main surface of the elongated carrier, wherein the second section accommodates the connector for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources and for providing control commands to the plurality of LED light sources, wherein the connector extends at least partly in the first section; and wherein the elongated carrier comprises a cross-section comprising a curvature for improving the bending stiffness of the lighting module and for thereby reducing a deflection of the lighting module in its elongated direction.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method comprising: cutting said flexible circuit from a flexible circuit strip prior to the step of connecting.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention will now be further elucidated by means of the schematic non-limiting drawings:

(2) FIG. 1A depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a first embodiment of a lighting module according to the invention, whereby FIG. 1B depicts schematically a cross-sectional-view thereof;

(3) FIG. 2 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a cross-sectional-view of a second embodiment of a lighting module according to the invention;

(4) FIG. 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a perspective-view of a third embodiment of a lighting module according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a lighting device comprising a lighting module according to the invention and a connecting unit;

(6) FIG. 5 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, within a flowchart, an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a lighting module comprising a flexible circuit and an elongated carrier;

(7) FIG. 6 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, within a flowchart, an embodiment of a method of electrically connecting a lighting module according to the invention with a connecting unit comprising a connecting area and a slot;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(8) As mentioned, the present invention provides an improved and/or cost reduced lighting module for line-lighting applications. Such a module does not have undesired interruptions in the line of light, because the connector of the lighting module is located at a surface opposite to the surface having the plurality of LED light sources. Therefore, the module may easily be fitted and/or mounted to e.g. a luminaire or a troffer via the surface having the connector, while still keeping an uninterrupted continuous line of light via the surface having the LED light sources.

(9) FIG. 1A depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a lighting module 10 comprising an elongated carrier 11 and a flexible circuit 12. FIG. 1B depicts schematically a side-view of said embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A.

(10) The lighting module 10 comprises an elongated carrier 11 comprising a first end-face 16 and a second end-face 17. Extending between the first end-face 16 and the second end-face 17 are a first elongated main surface 18 and a second elongated main surface 19. Here, the elongated carrier 11 is plate-shaped, but may alternatively comprise another cross-section, such as e.g. I-shaped, H-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped, etc. Furthermore, the second elongated main surface 19 and the first elongated main surface 18 are opposite to each other.

(11) Here, the elongated carrier 11 is made of aluminum. Alternatively, the elongated carrier may be made of any other metal, a ceramic, a polymer, or a combination thereof. The dimensions of the elongated carrier 11 are chosen such that it may serve as a standard module in industry. The length of the elongated carrier 11, which length is being defined as the shortest distance between the first end-face 16 and the second end-face 17, is 56 centimeters (for convenience, not the complete length is depicted in the figures). Thus, the length corresponds to a 2 ft LED module. Alternatively, said length may be at least 100 centimeters, at least 50 centimeters, at least 150 centimeters, or for example 200 centimeters. Here, the height of the elongated carrier 11 is 1.5 millimeter. In examples, said height may be between 0.5 millimeter and 3 millimeters. The width of the elongated carrier 11, which is defined as the shortest distance of the first elongated main surface 18 perpendicular to the length of the elongated carrier 11, is 1.5 centimeters. Alternatively, the width of the elongated carrier may for example be at most 3 centimeters, or at most 4 centimeters.

(12) Due to these dimensions and choice of material, the elongated carrier 11 is sufficiently rigid/stiff. As mentioned before, the proposed lighting module 10 may be advantageous in the field of lighting, especially in line-lighting applications, which field of lighting moves towards easily replaceable and exchangeable line-lighting applications in the field. Replacement of lighting modules comprising an elongated shape may be cumbersome whenever the lighting module deflects under its own weight. Therefore, it may be advantageous that a lighting module comprises sufficient bending stiffness, as demonstrated here. The bending stiffness of the elongated carrier 11, which is defined as the height the second end-face 17 deflects when the first end-face 16 is fully constrained in all its degrees of freedom. Here, said deflection is not greater than 5 centimeters. Said deflection may be reduced by alternatively introducing a curvature in the cross-sectional profile of the plate-shaped elongated carrier, for example a curvature of 20 degrees.

(13) Yet alternatively, not-depicted, said bending stiffness may be obtained by introducing rims to the elongated carrier. Thus, the elongated carrier may comprise at least one rim arranged on the first elongated main surface, wherein the at least one rim extends continuously between the first end-face and the second end-face. The rims may additionally serve as a connection means for e.g. optics or for mounting the lighting module, or serve as a lightguide, reflector or mixing wall.

(14) Referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the flexible circuit 12 is one single-piece elongated flexible strip which comprises electronic tracks, and has a first section 13 and a second section 14. The flexible circuit comprises a thickness of 0.2 millimeter. The first section 13 of the flexible circuit 12 accommodates a plurality of LED light sources 15, which alternatively may any other semiconductor lighting device. Alternatively, other electronic components or circuit features may be present. The light sources radiate outwards away from flexible circuit. As the elongated carrier 11 is 56 centimeters, the flexible circuit 12 may accommodate for example 56 successively arranged LED light sources 15 with a pitch therebetween of approximately 1 centimeter, which are arranged in a single line along the tracks of the circuitry of the flexible substrate 12. Alternatively, two or three lines of LED's may be placed next to each other, e.g. such as respectively a 2×56 or 3×56 matrix along the length of the lighting module.

(15) Still referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the flexible circuit 12 comprises a first section 13 accommodating a plurality of LED light sources 15 and a second section 14 accommodating a connector 20 for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources 15. The connector 20 is an electrode embedded in the circuitry of the flexible circuit 12; or a plurality of electrodes, such as two or three electrodes, common to powering electronics. The connector 20 extends at least partly in the first section 13. To be more specific, the flexible circuit comprises electrodes throughout over the complete length of the elongated carrier 11 so as to be able to connect to a power at any location source whenever connected to a connecting unit. Hence, the connector 20 extends fully, i.e. 100% in the first section 13. Alternatively, said extending may e.g. be 80%, 40%, 20%, 10%, 50% in the first section. Alternative connector configurations may also be possible, such as e.g. electronic tracks or pins, etc.

(16) The first section 13 of the flexible circuit 12 is connected to said first elongated main surface 18. The second section 14 is connected to said second elongated main surface 19. Said connection may e.g. be by adhesive or other alternative conventional types of bonding. Therefore, by this very configuration, a plurality of LED light sources 15 will be present at the first elongated main surface 18 of the elongated carrier 11 for providing line-lighting continuously between the first end-face 16 and second end-face 17, whereas said connector (arranged for powering said LED light sources 15, or alternatively to provide control means or control data) will be present at the second elongated main surface 19 of the elongated carrier 11 and thereby not interrupting the line-lighting provided by said LED light sources 15 along the first elongated main surface 18 of the elongated carrier 11. Hence, the present invention may provide an advantageous and improved lighting module 10 for line-lighting applications.

(17) Furthermore, still referring to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the flexible circuit 12 is folded around the second end-face 17. Said folding renders (or: results in) a fold 21. This fold 21 is located at the interface between the first section 13 of the flexible circuit 12 and the second section 14 of the flexible circuit 12, which interface is a clear boundary between the connector 20 and its connecting function (at the second surface) and the plurality of LED light sources 15 and its line-lighting function. Alternatively, the flexible circuit may be folded around the second end-face, wherein the fold is located at the first section of the flexible circuit. In this situation, it is ensured that the second section accommodating the connector is fully located on the second elongated main surface.

(18) FIG. 2 depicts schematically a cross-sectional-view of a second embodiment of a lighting module 30, which is partly similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A-1B. Here, the lighting module 30 comprises again an elongated carrier 31 and a flexible circuit 32. The elongated carrier 31 comprises a first end-face 36 and a second end-face 37, and extending therebetween a first elongated main surface 38 and a second elongated main surface 39. The second elongated main surface 39 and the first elongated main surface 38 are opposite to each other. The materials and dimensions of the elongated carrier 31 of the lighting module 30 are similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1A-1B.

(19) Here, the flexible circuit 32 comprises a first section 33 accommodating a plurality of LED light sources 35, a second section 34 accommodating a connector 40 for receiving power to power the plurality of LED light sources, a third section 45 accommodating a further connector 42 for receiving power to power the plurality of LED light sources. The first section 33 of the flexible circuit 32 is connected to said first elongated main surface 38, and the second section 34 of the flexible circuit 32 and the third section 45 of the flexible circuit 32 are both connected to said second elongated main surface 39. Here, the first section 33 of the flexible circuit 32 is located between said second section 34 and said third section 45. The flexible circuit 32 is therefore a strip which is partitioned into three parts, having their own electrical purpose/task/functioning. Here, said connector 40 and said further connector 42 are electrodes embedded in the circuitry of the flexible circuit.

(20) Referring to FIG. 2, thereto, the flexible circuit 32 is folded around the second end-face 37 by means of a fold 41 and folded around the first end-face 36 by means of a further fold 43. The first fold is located at the first section 33 of the flexible circuit 32, such that no undesired bending or folding is needed at the second section 34 nor the third section 45, which accommodate respectively the connector 40 and the further connector 42. The connector and the further connector extend at least partly in the first section (not explicitly depicted here). Alternatively, said folds may be present at the interface between the first section and respectively the third section and second section.

(21) Still referring to FIG. 2, additionally, the first end-face 36 and the second end-face 37 of the elongated carrier 31 both comprise a recess 44 for folding around the flexible circuit 32. Thus, the fold 41 and the further fold 43 are comprised within said recess 44, which protects said folds 41, 43 from wear and possible damage; for example, when the lighting module is mounted in e.g. a luminaire abutting an edge or another lighting module. Here, the recess 44 is a stepped recess, but may alternatively be an incurvature. The depth of the recess is equal to 0.7 millimeter, which is at least twice the thickness of the flexible circuit, which was 0.2 millimeter. Moreover, in aspects, said recess may also comprise a depth taking into account possible application of adhesive tape required to attach said flexible circuit. Alternative dimensions may be envisioned. The recess may alternatively serve as a connection means for detachably fixating the lighting module in e.g. a luminaire, or a matching connecting unit; for example, the outer edges of the end-faces (not the recessed part) may fit into a holder.

(22) Thus, both the connector 40 as well as the further connector 42 are arranged to receive power to power said plurality of LED light sources, whereas only one of those or both may be powering the LED light sources when in operation. Hereby, a lighting module is established which is capable of being connected to receive power via either the first connector, the second connector, or both. Mounting and operability is hence facilitated. Moreover, whenever a first connector fails within e.g. a troffer, the lighting module may easily be detached from the troffer, rotated, and mounted again in the troffer with the second connector performing the function of the failed first connector.

(23) FIG. 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a perspective-view of a third, alternative, embodiment of a lighting module 50 according to the invention, which is partly similar to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2. The lighting module 50 comprises the flexible carrier 52. Here, however, the flexible circuit 52 comprises the elongated carrier 51; which are in assembly. Said assembly is a plate-shaped elongated strip. Such an assembly may be established when manufacturing or producing said flexible circuit 52. The elongated carrier 51 is therefore a reinforcing layer of the flexible circuit 52, which is a copper layer, but alternatively may be any other layer such as polymer or metal, or fiber reinforced polymer. The elongated carrier 51 and the flexible circuit are bond by means of an adhesive, but may alternatively be bond by pressing or another bonding technique. Here, the flexible circuit 52 has a thickness of 0.2 millimeter and the elongated carrier 51 comprised therein comprises a thickness of 0.6 millimeter. Alternatively, other layers may be present in the flexible circuit, such as a laminate of reinforcing layers, di-electric layers, thermal layers, insulation layers, etc. The elongated carrier 51 comprises a first end-face 56 and a second end-face 57, and extending therebetween comprises a first elongated main surface 58 and a second elongated main surface 59. The lighting module is 100 centimeters in length, i.e. the shortest distance between the first end-face and the second end-face. The second elongated main surface 59 is opposite to said first elongated main surface 58.

(24) Similarly, as before, the flexible circuit 51 also comprises a first section 53 accommodating a plurality of LED light sources 55 and a second section 54 accommodating a connector 60 for receiving power to power the plurality of LED light sources 55. The LED light sources 55 are arranged on the lighting module 50 in two lines next to each other. Said first section 53 and said second section 54 are part of the circuitry layer of the flexible circuit 51, whereas the elongated carrier 51 is part of the reinforcing layer (hence not containing any electronic/circuitry function) of the flexible circuit 52. The first section 53 of the flexible circuit 52 is connected to a first elongated main surface 58 of the elongated carrier 51. The second section 54 of the flexible circuit 52 is connected to said second elongated main surface 59. The first section 53 accommodates a plurality of LED light sources, but may alternatively host other components in the circuitry required to control or drive for example the LED light sources. The second section 54 accommodates a connector 60, which is an electric track with electrodes embedded within the circuitry of the flexible circuit 52. The connector (i.e. the electric track) extends at least partly in the first section.

(25) The cross-section of the elongated carrier 51 comprises a curvature for improving the stiffness of the lighting module 50. The curvature comprises an angle of 110 degrees, but may alternatively be an angle between 50 degrees and 150 degrees. Thereby, the deflection of the lighting module 50 in elongated direction is reduced. Namely, the deflection of the second end-face in respect to the first end-face (which is constrained in all its degrees of freedom) is not greater than 5 centimeters.

(26) Furthermore, still referring to FIG. 3, the layer containing the first section 53 and the second section 54 of the flexible circuit 52 is folded around the second end-face 57. Said folding renders (or: results in) a fold 61. This fold 61 is located at the interface between the first section 53 of the flexible circuit 52 and the second section 54 of the flexible circuit 52, which interface is a clear boundary between the connector 60 and its connecting function and the plurality of LED light sources 55 and its line-lighting function. Hereby, the connection function means that the connector is present and is arranged for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources. Hence, a clear hierarchy of layers is established for the lighting module 50, wherein the flexible circuit 52 comprises at least a layer with the first section 53, the elongated carrier 51 reinforcing said layer thereunder, and at the second end close to the second end-face 57 there is the back-folded layer with the second section 54.

(27) FIG. 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a lighting device 100 according to the invention. The lighting device 100 comprises a housing 101, such as e.g. a troffer or a luminaire casing. The housing 101 comprises and/or accommodates a lighting module 80 according to the invention and a connecting unit 90. The lighting module 80 is detachably fixated to said connecting unit 90 by means of a slot (not depicted) comprised by the connecting unit 90. Said slot (not depicted) may be accessible by means of pressing the lighting module 80 through teeth, which may result in a common click connection. Hence, the lighting module 80 is detachably fixated and/or connected to said connecting unit 90 by means of a click connection. Alternatively, other connecting means may be envisioned such as sliding, gluing, press-fitting, Velcro, etc.

(28) Furthermore, the housing 101 comprises and/or accommodates a further lighting module 81 and a corresponding further connecting unit 90. As the lighting modules may be standardized, the lighting modules and connecting units may be interchangeable and compatible with each other. Hence, the lighting device 100 and its housing 101 comprise, in this example, two lighting modules 80, 81 mounted therein. Alternatively, any other applicable number of lighting modules may be mounted into the lighting device. Here, the further lighting module 81 is also similarly detachably fixated to its respective connecting unit 91 by means of a slot (not depicted) comprised by the further connecting unit 91. Consequently, the lighting modules 80, 81 may be easily attached and/or detached to/from the lighting device 100, which facilitates the replaceability or serviceability of the lighting device 100.

(29) Referring to FIG. 4, as mentioned, the lighting device 100 comprises within its housing 101 the lighting module 80 and the further lighting module 81, which are respectively received by and detachably fixated to the connecting unit 90 and the further connecting unit 91. The connecting unit 90 comprises a connecting area 92; and similarly, the further connecting unit comprises a further connecting area 93. Said connecting areas 92, 93 are electrodes, which may e.g. be spring-loaded by a spring means so as to press against any connecting connector. Said electrodes may alternatively be connectors, tracks, pins, terminals, etc. The connector 84 of the lighting module 80, which is an electrode (or alternatively: electric track) within the circuit of the flexible circuit 82 of the lighting unit 80, is thereby electrically connecting to the connecting area 92 of the connecting unit 90. The same applies for the connector (not depicted due to blocking perspective of the further connecting unit 91, not a see-through applied) of the flexible circuit 83 of the lighting unit 81, which connector is electrically connecting to the further connecting area 93 of the further connecting unit 91.

(30) Still referring to FIG. 4, the second end-face 85 of the lighting module 80 abuts with a wall of the housing 101. The first end-face 88 of the further lighting module abuts with a wall of the housing 101. Moreover, the first end-face 86 of the lighting module 80 abuts with the second end-face 87 of the further lighting module 81. Alternatively, the lighting module may for example comprise a recess, as mentioned before, such that said abutting does not damage or wear the bend of the bended flexible circuit.

(31) Thus, the present invention provides an improved lighting module, which may be more easily mounted in a lighting device such as e.g. a luminaire or a troffer. Since the connector 90 of the lighting module 80 is located at the respective second elongated main surface 105 opposite to the first elongated main surface 106 having the plurality of LED light sources 110, the lighting module 80 may easily be fitted and/or mounted via said second elongated main surface 105 having respectively the connector 90, while still keeping an uninterrupted continuous line of light via the first elongated main surface 106 having the plurality of LED light sources 110. The same applies to the further lighting module 91 mutatis mutandis.

(32) Thus, the lighting device 100 accommodates a plurality of lighting modules 80, 81, which are arranged back to back. Here, each module 80, 81 has its own respective connecting unit 90, 91. Alternatively, at least one connecting unit may be configured to electrically connect the connector of a respective first lighting module and the connector of a respective second lighting module with its connecting area.

(33) Still referring to FIG. 4, the lighting device 100 further comprises a lighting driver 120 for providing power. Each connecting unit 90, 91 is arranged to receive power from said lighting driver 120 and relay said power to the respective lighting module 80, 81. Alternatively, said driver may be a controller for providing control commands to each respective lighting module via said connecting unit, its connecting area and the respective connector.

(34) Moreover, each lighting module according to the present invention may be comprised within a lighting device comprising a connecting unit.

(35) FIG. 5 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, within a flowchart, a method 400 of manufacturing a lighting module comprising a flexible circuit and an elongated carrier. The elongated carrier comprises first end-face and a second end-face, and extending therebetween comprises a first elongated main surface and a second elongated main surface, the second elongated main surface being opposite to said first elongated main surface. The method 400 comprises the step of 401 connecting a first section of a flexible circuit to the first elongated main surface of the elongated carrier, wherein the first section accommodates a plurality of LED light sources. Subsequently, a second step is: 402 folding the flexible circuit around the second end-face of the elongated carrier. A further step is: 403 connecting a second section of the flexible circuit to the second elongated main surface of the elongated carrier, wherein the second section accommodates a connector for receiving power to power said plurality of LED light sources.

(36) FIG. 6 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, within a flowchart, a method 500 of electrically connecting a lighting module according to the invention with a connecting unit comprising a connecting area and a slot. The method 500 comprises the step 501: receiving and/or detachably fixating the connector of the lighting module in said slot; and the step 502 electrically connecting the connector of the lighting module with the connecting area of the connecting unit.