CN111550688A

CN111550688A - Tubular LED lamp

Info

Publication number: CN111550688A
Application number: CN201910110267.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杨绍柱; 张清富; 王万濮; 林然
Original assignee: Ledvance GmbH
Current assignee: Ledvance GmbH
Priority date: 2019-02-11
Filing date: 2019-02-11
Publication date: 2020-08-18

Abstract

The invention discloses a tubular LED lamp, the LED lamp (1) is provided with an at least partially transparent tube (10), an end cover (20) arranged at one end of the tube (10) and a light-emitting part (30), the light-emitting part (30) is provided with one or more LED light-emitting modules (31) positioned in the tube (10), wherein the end cover (20) comprises: a contact portion (22) having one or more electrical contact pins (223) configured to electrically connect the LED lamp (1) to a power source; and a driver section (23) having a printed circuit board (231) and electronic components (232) configured to convert the voltage and/or current received by the electrical contact pins (223) into voltage and/or current requirements for operating the LED lighting module (31), wherein the electrical contact pins (223) and the electronic components (232) are mechanically mounted on the printed circuit board (231) and electrically connected thereto.

Description

Tubular LED lamp

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an LED lamp having a transparent tube, an end cap installed at one end of the tube, and a light emitting part having one or more LED light emitting modules. The LED lamp is preferably compatible for use with existing fluorescent lamp fixtures, i.e., configured to replace a fluorescent tube lamp.

Background

Conventional fluorescent tubes used in conventional light fixture housings typically have a straight or curved cylindrical body with a maximum length of the tube of 2400 mm. Fluorescent tubes are typically low-pressure discharge lamps having a coating on their inner surface, which coating comprises a fluorescent material, such as a phosphor. Fluorescent tube lamps typically comprise a gastight glass tube, an inert gas filling and electrodes. At each end of the fluorescent tube there is a cap with two symmetrically positioned contact pins to which electrodes are connected. Power is supplied to the fluorescent tube through the two contact pins.

With the advent of LED lamps, efficient and long-life light emitting devices were available. The materials of LED lamps are safer compared to other conventional lighting devices, such as fluorescent lamps, because for example, mercury is not needed, and LED lamps have a longer lifetime and higher energy efficiency. However, when replacing conventional fluorescent lamps with LED lamps in order to use or "retrofit" existing devices and power supplies, measures must be taken to establish compatibility.

Retrofit is understood to mean replacing the fluorescent tube with an LED lamp without changing the luminaire housing of the fluorescent tube. The luminaire housing comprises a base, at least two tube holders and the electronics required for operating the fluorescent tube. Replacing fluorescent tubes may not include the optional requirement to remove or replace such electronics with other devices.

For example, currently available fluorescent lamp devices typically include an electronic ballast (also referred to as an electronic control device, ECG) for regulating and limiting the current supplied to the fluorescent lamp. To connect the LED lamp to an electronic ballast originally designed for operating a fluorescent lamp, the LED lamp may comprise an LED driver configured to convert a voltage and/or current provided by the electronic ballast into a voltage and/or current requirement of the LED.

US2011/0260614a1 describes an LED lamp for replacing a fluorescent tube. The LED lamp comprises a translucent tube substantially in the shape and size of a fluorescent tube, inside which one or more LED elements and a current control unit are mounted. At both ends of the LED tube there is a pair of contact pins for mechanically and electrically connecting the light element to a tube holder of the fluorescent tube lighting device.

LED drivers and other electronic components that may be configured to operate LEDs and establish compatibility with existing fluorescent lamp devices require a certain amount of mounting space. Typically, such electronic components are mounted in one or both end caps of the tubular lamp, or in a tube region adjacent to the end cap(s), and are covered, for example, by a label. This results in the end caps or adjacent coverage area of the tubular LED lamp being generally larger than is the case with conventional fluorescent lamps. The covering installation space required for receiving the electronic components cannot be used for the emission of light.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved LED lamp which is preferably compatible for use with existing fluorescent lamp arrangements, in particular to increase the luminous efficiency by realizing a simple, reliable and inexpensive solution.

This object is solved by an LED lamp having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are given by the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

The LED lamp includes an at least partially transparent tube, an end cap mounted to an end of the tube, and a light emitting portion having one or more LED light emitting modules positioned within the tube. Each LED lighting module has one or more light emitting elements (LEDs) configured to emit light when powered by a suitable voltage and current. The LED lamp is preferably compatible for use with existing fluorescent lamp fixtures, i.e., configured to replace a fluorescent tube lamp.

According to the invention, the end cap includes a contact portion having one or more electrical contact pins configured to electrically connect the LED lamp to a power source. The contact portions, in particular the electrical contact pins, may be shaped and arranged such that they are suitable for conventional fluorescent lamp devices.

The end cap also includes a driver portion having a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and electronics configured to convert voltage and/or current received by the electrical contact pins into voltage and/or current requirements for operating the LED light module. The end cap preferably has a cylindrical shape, thereby defining an inner space of the end cap. The PCB and the electronic components are located completely or at least partially in the inner space of the end cap, while the electrical contact pins preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube and project outwards. Hereinafter, "longitudinal" refers to the axial direction of the tube.

The electrical contact pins and the electronic components are mechanically mounted on and electrically connected to the PCB. In other words, the PCB serves not only to mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic components, but also to serve as a mechanical support for the electrical contact pins.

Thus, the electronic components constituting the LED driver for operating the LED lighting module, the electronic components, the PCB and the electrical contact pins are not only electrically but also mechanically integrated, thereby reducing the complexity and cost of the LED lamp. In addition, the longitudinal dimension of the end cover is reduced, so that the luminous efficiency of the LED lamp is improved.

Preferably, the PCB is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube. This further reduces the longitudinal dimension of the end cap.

Preferably, the PCB has a circular shape substantially corresponding to the cross-section (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the tube, thereby further improving the use of space and thus the luminous efficiency of the LED lamp.

Preferably, the contact portion comprises an end plate planarly attached to the PCB. The PCB may be bonded to the end plate. According to this structure, the LED lamp is improved without modifying a general outer structure including the end plate as a part of the contact portion. Thus, implementation of an optimized end cap may be facilitated.

Preferably, the PCB implements an end plate of the contact portion. In other words, the PCB, in particular the outwardly facing surface opposite the electronic component, forms part of the contact portion. According to this preferred embodiment, the complexity of the LED lamp is further reduced by synergistically utilizing the PCB as an end plate, i.e. as a part of the outer wall of the end cap, and a support for mechanically fixing and electrically connecting the electronic components.

Preferably, the base material of the PCB comprises or is substantially made of a flame retardant material, such as a glass reinforced epoxy laminate, e.g. FR 4. Thus, a reduction in complexity by integrating mechanical and electrical characteristics may be achieved without compromising the stability or reliability of the LED lamp.

Preferably, the end cap further comprises an assembly portion configured to connect the end cap to the tube. The assembly part preferably comprises a cylindrical wall part corresponding to the cross section of the tube, so that the assembly part can be inserted into or placed on the tube.

Preferably, the assembly portion comprises fixing means for fixing the PCB and/or the end plate within the end cap. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the fixation means are configured to fix the PCB and/or the end plate against rotation around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Preferably, the fixing means is a snap-fit portion and the PCB and/or the end plate comprises a recess configured to receive the snap-fit portion, preferably by force, shape and/or interference fit. According to this configuration, the PCB and/or the end plate can be reliably prevented from rotating without substantially complicating the structure and assembly of the end cap.

Preferably, the electronic components of the driver section are configured to implement a DC-DC power regulator circuit comprising a DC-DC buck converter in order to establish compatibility with conventional power supplies, such as originally implemented for fluorescent tube lamps.

Preferably, the PCB comprises one or more openings for receiving and retaining the electrical contact pins, thereby providing a simple means for mechanically connecting and fixing the electrical contact pins to the PCB.

Preferably, the opening is a through hole, so that the electrical contact pins fully pierce the PCB. This further mechanically and electrically stabilizes the connection between the electrical contact pins and the PCB.

Preferably, the light emitting portion comprises a substrate having conductive traces, preferably embedded in the substrate, which are electrically connected to the LED light emitting module. Thus, a plurality of LED lighting modules can be connected in a structurally simple, reliable and cost-effective manner.

Preferably, the substrate, and in particular the traces thereof, are directly fixed to and electrically connected to the PCB, thereby further reducing the structural complexity of the LED lamp.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lamp including a tube and end caps;

fig. 2 is a perspective partial view showing an inner space of the end cap and the PCB in which electronic components are located.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the end cap;

fig. 4 is a perspective partial view showing the end cap from the outside.

FIG. 5a is a perspective partial view of the assembled portion of the end cap, particularly illustrating the snap features for securing the PCB;

FIG. 5b is a partial view of the PCB, particularly illustrating a recess configured to receive the snap feature shown in FIG. 5 a; and

fig. 5c is a perspective partial view showing an assembled state of the assembled part and the PCB.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar elements or elements having the same effect may be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings. Repetitive description of these elements may be omitted to prevent redundant description.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an LED lamp 1. The LED lamp 1 comprises a tubular, at least partially translucent tube 10 and at least one end cap 20. The LED lamp 1 may include two end caps 20 of similar or different configurations, one at each opposite end of the tube 10.

The LED lamp 1 further includes a light emitting portion 30 having a plurality of LED light emitting modules 31. The light emitting part 30 may have a substrate 32, the substrate 32 including conductive traces extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube 10 and electrically connecting the LED light emitting modules 31. The LED light modules 31 each have one or more light emitting elements (LEDs) and are configured to emit light when powered by an LED driver described further below.

Fig. 2 to 4 show the end cap 20 of the LED lamp 1 seen from different directions. As shown, the end cap 20 has a circular shape and may be fitted to one end of the tube 10. The end cap 20 includes an assembling portion 21, a contact portion 22 (see fig. 3 and 4), and a driving portion 23 (see fig. 2 and 3).

The assembly portion 21 is configured to connect the end cap 20 to the tube 10 directly or by additional fasteners. The assembly portion 21 includes a cylindrical wall portion 211 defining an interior space of the end cap 20.

The contact portion 22 includes an end plate 221 (see fig. 3 and 4) attached to the assembly portion 21 such that the cylindrical end caps 20 are closed at the respective ends. The end plate 221 has a circular shape and comprises two openings 222, one of which is shown in fig. 5 b. The two openings 222 are configured to receive a pair of electrical contact pins 223 that also belong to the contact portion 22. The electrical contact pins 223 are configured to electrically connect the electronic components of the LED lamp 1 with corresponding terminals of a power supply, not shown, such as a fluorescent lamp device, which includes an electronic ballast and is configured for operating a conventional fluorescent lamp. The electrical contact pins 223 preferably protrude outwardly from the tube 10 perpendicular to the end plate 221, i.e. the electrical contact pins 223 preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube 10.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the driver portion 23 includes a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)231, the PCB231 preferably being made of a flame retardant material, such as a glass reinforced epoxy laminate FR 4. The PCB231 is circular and substantially corresponds to the shape of the end plate 221. The header 221 and the PCB231 may be bonded together.

According to a preferred embodiment, the end plate 221 and the PCB231 are integral components. In other words, the end plate 221 may be implemented or embodied by the PCB 231.

PCB231 also includes an opening configured to receive a pair of electrical contact pins 223. If the PCB231 and the end plate 221 are provided as separate components, the corresponding openings for receiving the electrical contact pins 223 are aligned and have a similar shape.

The electrical contact pins 223 are at least partially mounted and fixed on the PCB 231. To this end, the openings for receiving the electrical contact pins 223 are preferably realized as through holes, so that the PCB231 and the end plate 221 (if applicable) are completely pierced by the electrical contact pins 223 as best shown in fig. 2.

The driver section 23 also includes electronic components 232 such as ICs, MOSFETs, diodes, capacitors, inductors, and the like. The electronic element 232 is arranged such that the driver part 23 comprises an LED driver configured to convert the voltage and/or current received by the electrical contact pins 223 into voltage and/or current requirements for operating the LED light emitting module 31. Preferably, the electronic component 232 is configured to implement a DC-DC power regulator circuit including a DC-DC buck converter. Alternatively or additionally, the driver portion 23 may comprise a rectifier circuit for rectifying the AC supply voltage into a DC voltage.

As best shown in fig. 2, the substrate 32 of the light emitting part 30 may be directly fixed to and electrically connected to the PCB 231.

The electronic components 232 of the driver portion 23 and the electrical contact pins 223 are mechanically supported and electrically connected to the PCB231, thereby integrating the LED driver and the electrical contact pins 223. Furthermore, the PCB231 is compactly integrated in the end cap 20, since the plane of the PCB231 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube 10, and the PCB231 forms part of the end plate 221, either as a single component or as a rear reinforcement. This arrangement allows the size of the end cap 20 to be reduced (at least in the longitudinal direction), thereby optimizing light efficiency, reducing the number of components and cost.

As best shown in fig. 5a, to improve stability and reliability of the LED lamp 1, the cylindrical wall portion 211 of the end cap 20 may comprise a catch 212. The snap 212 secures the PCB231 and/or the end plate 221, in particular against rotation. To this end, the PCB231 and/or the end plate 221 include corresponding recesses 233, the recesses 233 being sized and configured to receive the snap portions 212, preferably by a force, shape and/or interference fit.

The recess 233 is best shown in the partial view of the PCB231 shown in fig. 5 b. The assembled state of the PCB231 and the assembly portion 21 of the end cap 20 can be taken from the perspective partial view of fig. 5 c.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Other variations may be made by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In general, "a" or "an" may be understood as singular or plural, especially having the meaning of "at least one", "one or more", etc., unless explicitly excluded by e.g. the term "exactly one", etc.

Features shown in the embodiments may be combined or substituted, particularly in different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

1 LED lamp

10 tube

20 end cap

21 assembly part

211 cylindrical wall portion

212 latch part

22 contact part

221 end plate

222 opening

223 electric contact pin

23 driver part

231 Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

232 electronic element

233 concave part

30 light emitting part

31 LED light emitting module

32 base plate

Claims

1. An LED lamp (1) having an at least partially transparent tube (10), an end cap (20) mounted at one end of the tube (10), and a light emitting portion (30) having one or more LED light emitting modules (31) located within the tube (10), wherein the end cap (20) comprises:

a contact portion (22) having one or more electrical contact pins (223) configured for electrically connecting the LED lamp (1) to a power source, and

a driver part (23) having a printed circuit board (231) and an electronic component (232) configured to convert the voltage and/or current received by the electrical contact pins (223) into voltage and/or current requirements for operating the LED light module (31), wherein

The electrical contact pins (223) and the electronic component (232) are mechanically mounted on the printed circuit board (231) and electrically connected with the printed circuit board (231).

2. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board (231) is arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tube (10).

3. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 2, wherein the printed circuit board (231) has a circular shape substantially corresponding to the cross-section of the tube (10).

4. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the contact portion (22) comprises an end plate (221) attached planarly, preferably glued, to the printed circuit board (231).

5. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the printed circuit board (231) realizes an end plate (221) of the contact portion (22).

6. The LED lamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base material of the printed circuit board (231) comprises or is essentially made of a flame retardant material, such as a glass reinforced epoxy laminate.

7. The LED lamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end cap (20) further comprises an assembly portion (21), the assembly portion (21) being configured to connect the end cap (20) to the tube (10).

8. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 7, wherein the assembly portion (21) comprises fixing means for fixing the printed circuit board (231) and/or the end plate (221) within the end cap (20), preferably preventing rotation around the longitudinal axis of the tube (10).

9. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 8, wherein the fixation means is a snap-in portion (212) and the printed circuit board (231) or the end plate (221) comprises a recess (233) configured to receive the snap-in portion (212), preferably by force, shape and/or interference fit.

10. The LED lamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic element (232) of the driver portion (23) is configured to implement a DC-DC power regulator circuit comprising a DC-DC buck converter.

11. The LED lamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (231) comprises one or more openings for receiving and holding the electrical contact pins (223).

12. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 11, wherein the opening is a through hole such that the electrical contact pin (223) completely pierces the printed circuit board (231).

13. The LED lamp (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting portion (30) comprises a substrate (32) with electrically conductive tracks electrically connecting the LED light emitting module (31).

14. The LED lamp (1) according to claim 13, wherein the substrate (32) is directly fixed to and electrically connected to the printed circuit board (231).