Patent Grant
10865973
This application is the U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2017/078993, filed on Nov. 13, 2017 which claims the benefit of European Patent Application No. 16199571.7, filed on Nov. 18, 2016. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The present invention relates to a lighting module for use in a luminaire, a luminaire comprising the lighting module and a method of installing a lighting module in a luminaire. The lighting module may be based on solid state lighting (SSL) technology.
US2012/0236602 discloses a light emitting diode (LED) based lamp assembly with a driver assembly having a base portion rotatably engageable with the socket of a light fixture to make a first electrical contact with the light fixture. The driver assembly has an electrically conductive, retractable tip portion coupled to the base portion and that makes a second electrical contact with the light fixture. The tip portion retracts relative to the base when in electrical contact with the light fixture's socket portion. A lamp housing assembly operably connected to the driver assembly has a lamp housing connected to the driver assembly. The lamp housing is coupled to at least one substrate having at least one LED light thereon. The substrate is connected to, or is an integral part of, a heat sink that carries heat away from the substrate and/or LED light. The lamp housing assembly is rotatable relative to the light fixture to adjust the angular position of the light source.
US2011/134239 A1 discloses an LED lamp for outdoor and large space lighting, particularly for streets, warehouses car parks and the like, which is adapted for fitting into legacy light fittings designed for sodium bulbs and the like. The LED lamp comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged over a surface of the lamp, is rotatably connected through a rotatable electrical connection to a screw-in adaptor for insertion into a legacy screw-in socket, such that the screw in adaptor is rotatable independently of the lamp, so that the legacy screw in socket can be used even though the light fitting is too small to allow rotation of the LED lamp. Additional embodiments provide for cooling airflow through the light fitting, for temperature control of the LEDs, and for failure protection, to ensure a longest possible lamp lifetime.
In view of the above, a concern of the present invention is to provide a lighting module which allows for optimal utilization of the space available within an existing luminaire. This specifically holds for a luminaire which comprises a reflector, because the space available within a reflector is especially limited. For example, the invention describes a lighting module for a street lighting luminaire which enables the use of a relatively large heat sink for cooling the light sources (such as LEDs) of a light unit without modification of the associated luminaire. The relatively large heat sink may obstruct fitting the lighting module into the socket due to the limited space inside the existing luminaire. A large heat sink enables the use of more LEDs or driving the LEDs at a higher current in order to increase the lumen output of the lighting module. Due to its size, said large heat sink may even hamper the lighting module from being rotatably installed in a socket within an existing luminaire.
To address this concern, a lighting module in accordance with the independent claim is provided. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a lighting module for use in a luminaire is provided comprising a base having a longitudinal axis. The base is constructed for rotatably connecting the base to a socket of a luminaire. A carrier is connected to the base and extending from the base in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The lighting module further comprises a light unit comprising a light source and a heat sink for dissipating thermal energy from the light source. The heat sink extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and is positioned at a non-zero distance to the longitudinal axis. The lighting module further comprises a connecting construction connecting the light unit rotatably to the carrier for rotating the light unit both around the carrier and longitudinal axis.
Hence, the invention provides a lighting module that allows for optimal utilization of the space available within an existing luminaire. The luminaire comprises a socket and a light exit. The light exit of the luminaire and the socket extend in the same direction, which means that the light exit of the luminaire and the opening of the socket are positioned non-parallel with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the light exit of the luminaire and the opening of the socket are positioned perpendicular with respect to each other. The lighting module according to the invention is able to use a relatively large heat sink without modification of the associated luminaire. The reason is that instead of a lighting module comprising a heat sink positioned on the longitudinal axis of a base and a carrier, a lighting module comprising a light unit comprising a light source and a heat sink is used wherein the heat sink extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a base and a carrier and is positioned at a non-zero distance to the longitudinal axis. The lighting module according to the invention further comprises a connecting construction connecting the light unit rotatably to the carrier for rotating the light unit around the carrier and longitudinal axis. During installation of the lighting module, the base is rotatably connected to a socket of a luminaire. The light unit which is rotatably connected to the carrier may rotate with respect to the carrier, but does not substantially rotate with respect to the luminaire during installation. The effect is that a lighting module can be used which comprises a light unit which dimensions are too large to rotatably connect the lighting module to the socket within the luminaire. The light source of the light unit may stay parallel positioned to the light exit surface of the luminaire during installation. The construction of the lighting module in accordance with the present invention enables optimal utilization of the space available within an existing luminaire.
The solution proposed in US2012/0236602 is unable to provide a lighting module that is able to use a large heat sink without modification of the associated luminaire. The reason is that if the dimensions of the heat sink are too large it is impossible to rotatably connect the lighting module to the socket within the luminaire. The solution proposed in US2012/0236602 does not provide a lighting module comprising a light unit which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and is positioned at a non-zero distance to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the lighting module comprises a connecting construction connecting the light unit rotatably to the carrier for rotating the light unit around the carrier and longitudinal axis. The light unit in the configuration disclosed in US2012/0236602 is connected in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In most street lighting luminaires the socket is positioned within the luminaire in a direction parallel to the light exit window. Thus a large heat sink positioned in the configuration disclosed in US2012/0236602 will hamper the lighting module from being rotatably connected to a socket within an existing luminaire due to the size and configuration of the heat sink.
In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink is extending along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the heat sink extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis in the range from −45 to 45 degrees. More preferably, the heat sink extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis in the range from −30 to 30 degrees. Most preferably, the heat sink extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis in the range from −20 to 20 degrees. For example, the heat sink extends at an angle of 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. In another preferred embodiment, the heat sink is extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axis i.e. the heat sink extends at an angle of 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.
In an embodiment, the carrier comprises a driver being electrically connected to the base and the light source. The driver may comprise a driver circuit. The driver circuit converts the electrical output of the luminaire, i.e. the electrical input for the driver, to an electrical output of the driver that is matched to electrical characteristics of the light source such as an LED or LEDs. Typically the electrical input of the driver is an alternating current at a high voltage such as the mains voltage which is converted by the driver circuit into a direct current at a low voltage. The obtained effect is that the electrical output of the driver is safe to touch during connection of the light unit to the electrical connection of the carrier. The electrical output of the carrier is not safe to touch when connecting the light unit to the electrical connection of the carrier in case the light unit comprises the driver. The electrical energy that flows through a portion of the body will cause a shock and may result in injury, devastating damage or death.
In an embodiment, the connecting construction for connecting the light unit rotatably to the carrier comprises an integrated electrical connection for electrically connecting the driver to the light source. The light unit may be mechanically connected and electrically connected to the carrier by a connecting construction with an integrated electrical connection. The obtained effect is that a relatively easy (manual) and safe disconnecting/disassembling is enabled, e.g. without the need for, for example, specific tools, separation of glued parts, breaking parts or complex, time consuming movements and/or operations, like extensive unscrewing or requiring relatively high forces.
The heat sink has a recess and the carrier is partly or fully positioned within the recess. The obtained effect is that it increases the size of the heat sink and thus enables the use of more LEDs or driving the LEDs at a higher current in order to increase the lumen output of the lighting module. The heat sink is made from thermally conductive material such as a metal e.g. copper or aluminum. Use of thermally conductive material with a relatively high thermal conductivity may enhance heat dissipation, wherein higher values of thermal conductivity may provide higher levels of heat dissipation.
In an embodiment, the light source comprises a plurality of solid state light emitters being arranged in an elongated solid state light emitter array extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The obtained effect is that it increases the lumen output of the lighting module and efficiently cools the LEDs by separating the LEDs in one direction (i.e. a linear configuration instead of a spot configuration).
In an embodiment, the light source comprises an optical element being positioned in the optical path of the light source and being configured for redirecting light of the light source. The optical element may be selected from the group of: a reflective optical element, a diffractive optical element, a refractive optical element, or a scattering optical element (i.e. an element with scattering particles such as Al2O3, TiO2 and/or BaSO4). The obtained effect is to redirect the light and achieve a light distribution which optimally illuminates a surface such as a road. For example, the optical element may collimate the light in order to provide high utilization of the light e.g. on a road.
In an embodiment, the connection construction connects the light unit to the carrier at a position on the longitudinal axis. The obtained effect is that a relatively easy (manual) and safe installation of the lighting module in a luminaire is enabled, e.g. without the need for, for example, specific tools.
In an embodiment, a further connection construction rotatably connects the light unit to the carrier at an outer position of the outer wall of the carrier where the carrier is circular shaped. The obtained effect is that a relatively easy (manual) and mechanical stable connection of the light unit with the carrier is enabled.
In an embodiment, the connecting construction comprises a locking means for locking the position of the lighting unit with respect to the carrier. The obtained effect is a fixation of the orientation of the light unit with respect to the carrier and thus also the light exit of the luminaire, for example the light exit of a reflector of a luminaire. In case of no locking means, a storm or earthquake may change the position of the light unit with respect the carrier and thus also the light exit of a luminaire, for example the light exit of a reflector of a luminaire such that does not illuminates the intended area efficiently.
In an embodiment, the connecting construction comprises a rotating mechanism for rotating around the carrier, the rotating mechanism comprises a first connector, the lighting unit comprises a second connector, the first connector and the second connecter being arranged for providing mechanical and electrical connection.
In an embodiment, the light unit comprises an active cooling device configured for removing thermal energy from the light source and/or heat sink. The obtained effect is an improved cooling which enables the use of more LEDs or driving LEDs at a higher current.
In an embodiment, the carrier further comprises a further light source. The obtained effect is that it increases the lumen output of the lighting module. The carrier may comprise the further light source. The light source provides a light distribution directed in a first main direction, while the further light source provides a light distribution directed in a second main direction, different from the first main direction. The first main direction may be opposite to the second main direction. The further light source may provide indirect light i.e. light which is at least substantially redirected by the reflector of the luminaire, while the light source may provide direct light i.e. light that is not (substantially) redirected by the reflector of the luminaire.
A luminaire comprising a lighting module according to the invention is provided.
In an embodiment, the luminaire further comprises a reflector. The lighting module has a radius which extends in a direction perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis and has a distance from the longitudinal axis to at least one edge of the lighting module. The reflector has a radius extending in a direction perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis and has a distance from the longitudinal axis to the innerside of the reflector. At least at one point on the longitudinal axis the distance from the longitudinal axis to at least one edge of the lighting module is larger than the distance from the longitudinal axis to the innerside of the reflector. The obtained effect is that it enables the use of a larger heat sink and improved cooling of the light source and/or heat sink.
In an embodiment, the light unit is at least partly extending outside the reflector. The obtained effect is that it enables the use of a larger heat sink and improved cooling of the light source and/or heat sink.
A method of installing a lighting module in a luminaire is provided. The method comprising: rotatably connecting the base to the socket of the luminaire, and either: (i) whereby the light unit rotates with respect to the carrier to obtain a position of the light source, or (ii) mounting the light unit on the carrier in the direction towards the longitudinal axis using the connecting construction, wherein the light source has a predefined position with respect to the light exit of the reflector. The obtained effect of the first option (i) is that it enables direct fixation of the lighting module including the light unit in a luminaire. The obtained effect of the second option (ii) is that it enables easy rotatably connecting the base to the socket of the luminaire followed by connecting the light unit to the carrier.
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:
The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.
The same features having the same function in different figures are referred to with the same references.
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The term luminaire 200 may define a fixture or any other device for holding a lamp, and optionally a reflector.
For example, when the lighting module 100 is applied in a streetlamp it provides high lumen-output and high utilization of the light which, and it enables to replace a conventional high pressure sodium lamp without modification of the associated luminaire 200.
The light source 104 may be a solid state light emitter. Examples of solid state light emitters are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), Organic Light Emitting diode(s) OLEDs, or, for example, laser diodes. Solid state light emitters are relatively cost effective, have a relatively large efficiency and a long life-time. The LED light source may be a phosphor converted LED (a LED comprising a luminescent material) or a colored LED (a LED not comprising a luminescent material). The luminescent material is arranged for converting at least part of the light emitted by the LED into light of a longer wavelength. The luminescent material may be an organic phosphor, an inorganic phosphor and/or a quantum dot based material.
The lighting module 100 may be configured to provide white light. The term white light herein, is known to the person skilled in the art and relates to white light having a correlated color temperature (CCT) between about 2.000 K and 20.000 K. In an embodiment the CCT is between 2.500 K and 10.000K. Usually, for general lighting, the CCT is in the range of about 2700K to 6500K. Preferably, it relates to white light having a color point within about 15, 10 or 5 SDCM (standard deviation of color matching) from the BBL (black body locus). Preferably, it relates to white light having a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 70 to 75, for general lighting at least 80 to 85.
The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially all light” or in “substantially consists”, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term “substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” 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%. The term “comprise” includes also embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”. 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”.
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.
The devices herein are amongst others 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 in operation.
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. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. 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. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device 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.
The invention further applies to a device 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.
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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16199571 | Nov 2016 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2017/078993 | 11/13/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/091391 | 5/24/2018 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20190331332 A1 | Oct 2019 | US |
