CN110234925B

CN110234925B - Lighting module, lighting system and method for assembling a lighting system

Info

Publication number: CN110234925B
Application number: CN201880008959.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿尔贝托·扎诺托; 西蒙·鲍博; 洛伦佐·巴尔多; 罗伯托·迪多内; 瓦莱里奥·米基耶兰; 马泰奥·卡尔东
Original assignee: Osram GmbH
Current assignee: Optoelectronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2018-02-06
Publication date: 2021-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2038-02-06
Also published as: DE112018000813T5; DE112018000813B4; WO2018150408A1; CN110234925A

Abstract

The lighting module includes: a base (12), the base (12) having a first surface (14) and a second surface (16); one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18), the one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18) being fixed on the first surface (14) of the base (12); and first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the light radiation source (18) and protruding from the second surface (16) of the base (12), wherein the first electrical contact comprises an elastic laminar contact (20), wherein the second electrical contact comprises a pin contact (22) protruding from the base (12), wherein the pin contact (22) has a central core portion (24) made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating (26) made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating (26) exposes a distal end (28) of the pin contact (22).

Description

Lighting module, lighting system and method for assembling a lighting system

Technical Field

This specification relates to lighting devices.

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting device, such as an LED light source, employing electrically driven solid state light radiation sources.

More particularly, one or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module, a lighting system including at least one lighting module, and a method for assembling a lighting system.

Background

In the field of lighting, a lighting system including a plurality of lighting modules connected to each other by an electrical connection member has been widely used.

In most applications, the electrical connections of the lighting module are realized via cables or via flexible, for example strip-shaped, printed circuits.

There are some drawbacks to the electrical connection of lighting modules via wires or via printed circuits, such as the following examples:

the maximum spacing for positioning the modules is limited, since the maximum distance between two successive modules depends on the length of the cable or on the length of the printed circuit;

if the lighting modules are connected to each other via cables and if the lighting modules are mounted close to each other, the cables need to be hidden to avoid occlusion;

the soldered connection of the lighting module to a cable or to a printed circuit involves high complexity;

it is possible to use a lighting module with a crimp connector enabling the lighting module to be mounted on the wire at any desired location involving high costs and long processing times.

The market for lighting systems requires ever increasing installation flexibility and the possibility to customize the installation of lighting modules in the final application, as well as to make it easier to achieve electrical connections between different lighting modules.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of one or more embodiments to help overcome the disadvantages outlined previously.

According to one or more embodiments, the object may be achieved by means of a lighting module and a lighting system having the features set forth in the appended claims. One or more embodiments may also relate to a method for assembling a lighting system.

The claims are an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein with reference to the embodiments.

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module, including: a base having a first surface and a second surface parallel to each other; one or more electrically driven light radiation sources fastened on the first surface of the base; a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact electrically connected to the light radiation source and protruding from the second surface of the base, wherein the first electrical contact may comprise an elastic laminar contact, wherein the second electrical contact may comprise a pin contact protruding from the base in a direction orthogonal to the second surface, wherein the pin contact has a central core portion made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating exposes a distal end of the pin contact.

In one or more embodiments, the lighting module may be secured to an electrically conductive support having a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer, the first and second electrically conductive layers being spaced apart from each other by an insulating layer, wherein the first electrical contact may be pressed against and contact the first electrically conductive layer, wherein the pin contact may extend through the electrically conductive support, and wherein a distal end of the pin contact may be electrically connected to the second electrically conductive layer of the electrically conductive support.

One or more embodiments may provide one or more advantages, such as:

the distance between the lighting modules and the location of the lighting modules in the finished lighting system can be customized by the end user;

the orientation of the lighting module with respect to the support can be customized by the end user;

-the complete absence of cables or wires;

no shadowing effect due to the presence of cables, connectors or other components for the electrical connection of the lighting module;

-no soldering for connecting the lighting module;

the assembly process is simple, fast and inexpensive;

the electrical connection is reliable;

the lighting module can be assembled on a conventional printed circuit, which the consumer can purchase on demand.

Drawings

One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figures 1 and 2 are perspective views from different angles of an embodiment of a lighting module;

figure 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the pin contact represented by arrow III in figure 1;

figures 4 to 7 are schematic views showing the mounting sequence of the embodiment of mounting the lighting module on the drilled support;

figures 8 to 10 are schematic views showing the mounting sequence of another embodiment of mounting the lighting module onto the drilled support;

fig. 11 is a view showing an embodiment for fastening a lighting module to a support via a plug;

figures 12 and 13 are schematic views showing the mounting sequence of the embodiment of mounting the lighting module on an undrilled support;

figure 14 is a top view showing an embodiment of a cutting step of the conductive support for the lighting system;

figure 15 is a perspective view showing an assembly step of the lighting module onto the cut conductive support; and

fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing an illumination system for implementing a part of the luminous sign.

It will be appreciated that for clarity and simplicity of illustration, various figures may not be drawn to the same scale.

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. Embodiments may be practiced without one or several of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Headings provided herein are for convenience only and, thus, do not interpret the scope of protection or the scope of the embodiments.

In fig. 1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a lighting module. In one or more embodiments, the lighting module 10 may include a base 12 having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16 that are parallel to each other. The base 12 may be a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). One or more electrically driven light radiation sources 18 (e.g. solid state light radiation sources, such as LED light sources) may be fastened to the first surface 14 of the base 12.

In one or more embodiments, the lighting module 10 may comprise first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the light radiation source 18.

In one or more embodiments, the first electrical contact may comprise a resilient laminar contact 20. In one or more embodiments, the resilient laminar contact 20 may protrude from the second surface 16 of the base 12. The resilient laminar contact may have a curved shape in a relaxed state, and the resilient laminar contact may be adapted to deform resiliently under a compressive force normal to the second surface 16.

In one or more embodiments, the second electrical contact may comprise a pin contact 22. In one or more embodiments, the pin contact 22 may protrude from the base 12 in a direction orthogonal to the second surface 16. In particular, referring to fig. 3, in one or more embodiments, the pin contact 22 may have a central core portion 24 made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating 26 made of an electrically insulating material. In one or more embodiments, the outer coating 26 may expose the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22.

In one or more embodiments, the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 may have a flat front surface that may be flush with the distal edge of the outer coating 26 (fig. 1-3). In one or more embodiments, the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 may be implemented as a tapered head that protrudes beyond the distal edge of the insulating coating 26 (fig. 4-6, 8-10, and 12, 13).

In fig. 5 to 7 and 9 to 16, reference numeral 32 designates a lighting system comprising at least one lighting module 10 fastened to an electrically conductive support 34. In one or more embodiments, the conductive support 34 may include a first conductive layer 36, a second conductive layer 38, and an insulating layer 40 sandwiched between the first conductive layer 34 and the second conductive layer 38.

In one or more embodiments, the pin contacts 22 of the lighting module 10 extend through the conductive support 34. In one or more embodiments, the first contact 20 of the lighting module 10 contacts the first conductive layer 36, and the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 is electrically connected to the second conductive layer 38. In one or more embodiments, the outer coating 24 of the pin contact 22 electrically insulates the central core portion 24 of the pin contact 22 from the first conductive layer 36 of the conductive support 34.

In one or more embodiments, the conductive support 34 may be pre-drilled with a plurality of through holes 42 (fig. 5-7 and 9-11). In one or more embodiments, the pin contacts 22 of the lighting module 10 are inserted into selected holes 42 of the pre-drilled conductive support 34 (fig. 5-7, 9-11).

In one or more embodiments, the conductive support 34 may not be pre-drilled (fig. 12, 13). In one or more embodiments, the pin contact 22 is inserted through the non-pre-drilled conductive support 34 and a through hole 42 is formed during insertion of the pin contact 22 (fig. 12, 13).

In one or more embodiments, the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 may be connected to the second conductive layer 38 of the conductive support 34 via a fastening configuration. In one or more embodiments, the fastening configuration fastens the lighting module 10 to the electrically conductive support 34 in a position in which the first electrical contact 29 of the lighting module 10 is pressed against the first electrically conductive layer 36 of the electrically conductive support 34. In one or more embodiments, the fastening configuration electrically connects the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 to the second conductive layer 38 of the conductive support 34.

Referring to fig. 7, in one or more embodiments, the fastening configuration may include solder paste particles 44, the solder paste particles 44 enclosing the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 and adhering to the second conductive layer 38 of the conductive support 34.

Referring to fig. 8-10, in one or more embodiments, the fastening arrangement may include a resilient tab 45 protruding from the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22. The resilient tabs 45 may have a larger diameter in a relaxed state than the outer coating 26, and the resilient tabs 45 are adapted to resiliently flex against the outer coating 26 during insertion of the pin contact 22 into the bore 42 of the conductive support 34 (fig. 9). When the distal end 28 of the pin contact 22 exits the aperture 42, the resilient tab 45 may spread apart as shown in fig. 10 to form a stop that prevents withdrawal of the pin contact 22. The resilient tabs 45 may also establish an electrical connection with the second conductive layer 38.

Referring to fig. 11, in one or more embodiments, the fastening arrangement may include a plug 46 having a shank 48 and a head 50, wherein the shank 46 may be secured within the bore of the central core portion 24 of the pin contact 22, and wherein the head 50 may secure the pin contact 22 to the conductive support 34. Plug 46 may establish electrical contact between pin contact 34 and second conductive layer 38.

Referring to fig. 14, in one or more embodiments, the conductive support 34 may be obtained by cutting a plate 52. In the example shown, the plate 52 can be cut along the dotted line 54 to obtain an element having the shape of the letter K.

Referring to fig. 15, in one or more embodiments, the lighting module 10 may be secured at selected locations on the conductive support 34. The relative distance between the lighting modules 10 and the orientation of the individual lighting modules 10 may be chosen arbitrarily.

The connection between the lighting module 10 and the electrically conductive support 34 may be implemented directly by the consumer in the end application. This provides a degree of freedom in configuring the lighting system as desired in terms of number, packaging and orientation of the lighting modules 10.

Thus, this solution can be employed to achieve different shapes of the lighting system 34 by using the same basic components. The conductive support 34 may be a conventional two-layer printed circuit and may be purchased directly by the consumer and cut to a length according to the shape and size of the lighting system to be obtained. The holes 42 may be drilled directly by the consumer depending on the desired location of the lighting module 10.

The illumination system 32 may be used in different applications for general illumination, for decorative purposes and also for signage applications. In the example of fig. 16, the illumination system 32 may be used to build a portion of the lighted sign 56, where the illumination system 32 may have the same shape of a corresponding portion of the sign 56. This provides the possibility to optimize the lighting system 32 according to the function of the end application.

Accordingly, one or more embodiments may relate to a lighting device (e.g., 10) that may include:

a base (e.g. 12) which may have a first surface (e.g. 14) and a second surface (e.g. 16),

-one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (e.g. 18) fastened on a first surface (e.g. 14) of a base (e.g. 12), and

first and second electrical contacts (e.g. 22) that can be electrically connected to a light radiation source (e.g. 18),

wherein the first electrical contact may comprise a resilient laminar contact (e.g., 20), wherein the second electrical contact may comprise a pin contact (e.g., 22) protruding from a base (e.g., 12), wherein the pin contact (e.g., 22) may have a central core portion (e.g., 24) made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating (e.g., 26) made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating (e.g., 26) may expose a distal end (e.g., 28) of the pin contact (e.g., 22).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module (e.g., 10) in which the distal ends (e.g., 28) of the pin contacts (e.g., 22) have a flat front surface that may be flush with the distal edge of the external coating (e.g., 26).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module (e.g., 10) in which a distal end (e.g., 28) of a pin contact (e.g., 22) may be shaped as a tapered head that protrudes beyond a distal edge of an exterior coating (e.g., 26).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module (e.g., 10) in which a distal end (e.g., 28) of a pin contact (e.g., 22) may be provided with a resilient tab (e.g., 45).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting module (e.g., 10) including a plug (e.g., 46) that may include a shank (e.g., 48) that is destined to be secured in a bore of a central core (e.g., 24) of a pin contact (22).

One or more embodiments may be directed to a lighting system including at least one lighting module (e.g., 10) secured to a conductive support (e.g., 34), which may include a first conductive layer (e.g., 36), a second conductive layer (e.g., 38), and an insulating layer (e.g., 40) sandwiched between the first conductive layer (e.g., 36) and the second conductive layer (e.g., 38).

Wherein the resilient laminar contact (e.g., 20) of the lighting module (e.g., 10) may be pressed against the first conductive layer (e.g., 36), wherein the pin contact (e.g., 22) of the lighting module (e.g., 10) may extend through the conductive support (e.g., 34), wherein the outer coating (e.g., 24) of the pin contact (e.g., 22) may electrically insulate the central core portion (e.g., 24) of the pin contact (e.g., 22) from the first conductive layer (e.g., 36) of the conductive support (e.g., 34), and wherein the distal end portion (e.g., 28) of the pin contact (e.g., 22) may be electrically connected to the second.

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting system in which a distal end (e.g., 28) of a pin contact (e.g., 22) may be connected to a second conductive layer (e.g., 38) of a conductive support (e.g., 34) by a fastening arrangement (e.g., 44, 45, 46).

One or more embodiments may be directed to a lighting system, wherein the fastening configuration may electrically connect the distal end (e.g., 28) of the pin contact (e.g., 22) to the second conductive layer (e.g., 38) of the conductive support (e.g., 34).

One or more embodiments may relate to an illumination system, wherein the fastening arrangement may include solder paste particles (e.g., 44) that enclose distal ends (e.g., 28) of pin contacts (e.g., 22) and may adhere to a second conductive layer (e.g., 38) of a conductive support (e.g., 34).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting system, wherein the fastening arrangement may comprise a resilient tab (e.g. 45) which may protrude from a distal end (e.g. 28) of a pin contact (e.g. 22) and which may be arranged in contact with the second conductive layer (38) of a conductive support (34).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting system, wherein the fastening arrangement may comprise a plug (e.g. 46) having a shank (e.g. 48) and a head (e.g. 50), wherein the shank (e.g. 46) may be fixed within a hole of a central core portion (e.g. 24) of a pin contact (e.g. 34), and wherein the head (e.g. 50) may form a stop against a second conductive layer (e.g. 38) of a conductive support (e.g. 34).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting system in which the conductive support (e.g., 34) may be pre-drilled with a plurality of through holes (e.g., 42).

One or more embodiments may relate to a lighting system in which a pin contact (e.g., 22) may be inserted through an electrically conductive support (e.g., 34) that is not pre-drilled and a through hole (e.g., 42) may be formed during insertion of the pin contact (e.g., 22).

One or more embodiments may relate to a method for assembling a lighting system, which may include:

-providing a lighting module, which may comprise: a base (e.g., 12) that may have a first surface (e.g., 14) and a second surface (e.g., 16); one or more electrically driven optical radiation sources (18) that may be fixed on a first surface (e.g. 14) of the base (e.g. 12); and first and second electrical contacts that may be electrically connected to a light radiation source (e.g., 18), wherein the first electrical contact may comprise a resilient laminar contact (e.g., 20), wherein the second electrical contact may comprise a pin contact (e.g., 22) protruding from a base (e.g., 12), wherein the pin contact (e.g., 22) may have a central core portion (e.g., 24) made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating (e.g., 26) made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating (e.g., 26) may expose a distal end (e.g., 28) of the pin contact (e.g., 22);

-providing an electrically conductive support (e.g. 34) which may comprise a first electrically conductive layer (e.g. 36), a second electrically conductive layer (e.g. 38) and an insulating layer (e.g. 40) sandwiched between the first electrically conductive layer (e.g. 36) and the second electrically conductive layer (e.g. 38);

-inserting pin contacts (e.g. 22) of a lighting module (e.g. 10) through the electrically conductive support (e.g. 34) and arranging resilient layer contacts (e.g. 20) of the lighting module (e.g. 10) in contact with the first electrically conductive layer (e.g. 36); and

-securing a distal end (e.g. 28) of the pin contact (e.g. 22) to the second conductive layer (e.g. 38).

One or more embodiments may relate to a method for assembling a lighting system, which may include securing a plurality of lighting modules (e.g., 10) on the electrically conductive support (e.g., 34), wherein the relative distances between the lighting modules (e.g., 10) and the orientation of the individual lighting modules (e.g., 10) are arbitrarily selected.

Without departing from the basic principle, the implementation details and embodiments may vary, even significantly, with respect to what has been described herein by way of non-limiting example only, without departing from the scope of protection.

The scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lighting module, comprising:

-a base (12) having a first surface (14) and a second surface (16);

-one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18), said one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18) being fixed on said first surface (14) of said base (12); and

-first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the electrically driven light radiation source (18) and protruding from the second surface (16) of the base (12),

wherein the first electrical contact comprises an elastic laminar contact (20), wherein the second electrical contact comprises a pin contact (22) protruding from the base (12), wherein the pin contact (22) has a central core portion (24) made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating (26) made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating (26) exposes a distal end (28) of the pin contact (22), and

wherein the distal end of the pin contact is configured to be extendable through an electrically conductive support to which the lighting module is to be fastened and to be mechanically and electrically connectable on a side of the electrically conductive support from which the distal end emerges.

2. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) has a flat front surface that is flush with a distal edge of the exterior coating (26).

3. The lighting module of claim 1, wherein the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) is shaped as a tapered head protruding beyond the distal edge of the outer coating (26).

4. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) is provided with a resilient tab (45).

5. A lighting module according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising a plug (46) having a shank (48), the shank (48) being intended to be fixed in a hole of the central core portion (24) of the pin contact (22).

6. A lighting system comprising at least one lighting module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the at least one lighting module (10) being fastened to the electrically conductive support (34), the electrically conductive support (34) comprising a first electrically conductive layer (36), a second electrically conductive layer (38) and an insulating layer (40) sandwiched between the first electrically conductive layer (36) and the second electrically conductive layer (38),

wherein the resilient laminar contact (20) of the lighting module (10) is in contact with the first electrically conductive layer (36), wherein the outer coating (26) of the pin contact (22) electrically insulates the central core portion (24) of the pin contact (22) from the first electrically conductive layer (36) of the electrically conductive support (34), and wherein the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) is mechanically and electrically connected with the second electrically conductive layer at the one side of the electrically conductive support.

7. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) is connected to the second electrically conductive layer (38) of the electrically conductive support (34) by a fastening arrangement (44, 45, 46).

8. The lighting system according to claim 7, wherein the fastening arrangement (44, 45, 46) electrically connects the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) to the second electrically conductive layer (38) of the electrically conductive support (34).

9. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the fastening arrangement includes solder paste particles (44), the solder paste particles (44) enclosing the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) and adhering to the second conductive layer (38) of the conductive support (34).

10. The lighting system according to claim 7, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a resilient tab (45), the resilient tab (45) protruding from the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) and being arranged in contact with the second electrically conductive layer (38) of the electrically conductive support (34).

11. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a plug (46), the plug (46) having a shank (48) and a head (50), wherein the shank (48) is secured within a bore of the central core portion (24) of the pin contact (22), and wherein the head (50) contacts against the second electrically conductive layer (38) of the electrically conductive support (34).

12. The lighting system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the electrically conductive support (34) is pre-drilled with a plurality of through holes (42).

13. The lighting system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the pin contact (22) is inserted through an undrilled conductive support (34) and a through hole (42) is formed during insertion of the pin contact (22).

14. A method for assembling a lighting system, the method comprising:

-providing a lighting module (10), the lighting module (10) comprising: a base (12), the base (12) having a first surface (14) and a second surface (16); one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18), the one or more electrically driven light radiation sources (18) being fixed on the first surface (14) of the base (12); and first and second electrical contacts electrically connected to the electrically driven light radiation source (18), wherein the first electrical contact comprises an elastic laminar contact (20), wherein the second electrical contact comprises a pin contact (22) protruding from the base (12), wherein the pin contact (22) has a central core portion (24) made of an electrically conductive material and an outer coating (26) made of an electrically insulating material, and wherein the outer coating (26) exposes a distal end (28) of the pin contact (22);

-providing an electrically conductive support (34), the electrically conductive support (34) comprising a first electrically conductive layer (36), a second electrically conductive layer (38) and an insulating layer (40) sandwiched between the first electrically conductive layer (36) and the second electrically conductive layer (38);

-inserting the pin contact (22) of the lighting module (10) through the electrically conductive support (34) and pressing the resilient layer contact (20) of the lighting module (10) into contact with the first electrically conductive layer (36); and

-extending the distal end (28) of the pin contact (22) through the electrically conductive support and mechanically fastening to and electrically connecting to the second electrically conductive layer (38).

15. The method of claim 14, comprising securing a plurality of lighting modules (10) on the electrically conductive support (34), wherein the relative distances between the lighting modules (10) and the orientation of individual ones of the lighting modules (10) are arbitrarily selected.