ES2238200B1 - LIGHTING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Illuminating device comprising [a] a rigid tube-shaped housing (2) and [b] at least one printed circuit (3) provided with a plurality of light-emitting diodes (4) disposed inside the housing ( 2) extending along it. At each of the two ends of the housing (2) a support element (5, 5 '') is arranged and each of these also holds the printed circuit (3). In addition, these have at least one external contact element suitable for mechanical coupling of the illuminating device. At least one of these contact elements is electrically connected to the printed circuit (3) for the supply of the diodes (4). The outer perimeter of the housing (2) is free from all contact with elements of the illuminating device except the support elements.

Description

Illuminating device

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device illuminator comprising [a] a rigid tube-shaped housing and [b] at least one printed circuit provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed inside said housing extending along said housing.

State of the art

The present invention basically focuses on tube-shaped illuminating devices that have diodes light emitters inside. Thus, they do not fall within reach. of the present invention those illuminating devices that presenting light emitting diodes, aim to mimic, by Example thread bulbs.

In the state of the art, the use of light emitting diodes, more commonly known as LEDs, supported inside a housing in the form of tube for lighting purposes.

A known embodiment consists of a flexible hose or tube that has a plurality inside of LEDs connected to each other. Usually this device illuminator presents a basically decorative function, since the LEDs inside are not powerful. Also this device is not provided in standardized lengths and for its precise installation of an expert in the field to carry out precise cuts and connections to connect the hose to The power supply network.

Another known embodiment consists of a tube that has a plurality of LEDs inside. This tube It has connectors on its ends to connect it to the network Power supply On the other hand the tube is provided with some clamps that allow it to be fixed by screws to the surface that you want to illuminate. The system is very complicated and does not allow its application on standard supports for fluorescent tubes already known.

In another known embodiment, a flexible U-shaped open housing with two guides is provided. The first guide allows to lodge a printed circuit and the second allows to lodge a lateral projection of a flexible tube diffuser of the light of circular section. This device is again not intended to be applied on standard supports for fluorescent tubes, but rather to be adapted to the particular needs of each application by cutting all components to the precise length and subsequent electrical connection. Again, this precise embodiment of an expert in the field to be able to install it, which is a major disadvantage
cable.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to overcome these inconvenience This purpose is achieved by a device illuminator of the type indicated at the beginning characterized by

-

in each of the two ends of said housing is arranged a support element that closes said end,

-

sayings support elements hold said printed circuit,

-

every one of said support elements has at least one external contact element suitable for mechanical coupling of said illuminating device in a receiving device,

-

the by at least one outer contact element of at least one of said support elements is electrically connected to said printed circuit for feeding said diodes, and

-

he outer perimeter of said housing is free of all contact with elements of said illuminating device except the contact of  said support elements.

Preferably, in the illuminating device according to the invention said outer contact element is configured by at least two rigid pins. A configuration of this type allows a great variability of possible circuits. Preferably, but, said outer contact element is configured by two rigid pins. Indeed, both forms of embodiment, that is, with a single external contact element that has two electrical contacts, for example concentric, or with at least two rigid outer pins, it gives mechanical characteristics necessary to be able to connect the illuminating device in a receiving device intended for conventional fluorescent tubes available in the market. This, but does not imply that the external appearance of the illuminating device It must necessarily be the same as a fluorescent tube. So, the tube-shaped housing, does not force the section of it to be circular, that is, any type of section is conceivable, such as for example, square, triangular, elliptical or similar, provided that This section has no opening. Likewise, the material of Said housing is also not limited to glass. Because the consumption Electrical of such an illuminating device is less than of the traditional fluorescent, the housing can be manufactured in plastic, or similar materials. Also, the housing can be transparent or translucent depending on the type of application to which destine the illuminating device.

Advantageously, the outer pins only one of said support elements are electrically connected to said printed circuit for feeding said diodes. This feature can be very useful in that installations. In the presence of moisture, for example in the soil, to security level is interesting that the power supply be as far away as possible from the moisture source. For example this It is a typical case in store windows, where example, fluorescent tubes are installed in an upright position one of its ends being very close to the ground. Also in the Industrial lighting case often assemblies are applied fluorescent tubes that work in conditions of intense humidity. Thanks to this advantageous embodiment the feeding electric can be removed so much from the focus of moisture that is removed virtually any accident risk due to this factor The increase at the level of security offered by such a device. Thanks to it works at low voltage, the risk of accidents is reduced considerably.

Alternatively, the outer spikes of both said support elements are electrically connected to said printed circuit for feeding said diodes. This option allows to create several combinations of electrical circuits in the inside the housing, which properly controlled confer a great versatility to the illuminating device.

Indeed, in a first embodiment alternatively, said illuminating device has two first electrical circuits, where the input and output of one of said first circuits is physically at a first end of said housing, and the input and output of the other of said first circuits is physically located at a second end of said Case. This embodiment allows to divide the Illuminating device to, for example, turn on the LEDs of Alternative way to save energy.

In the same context, another embodiment alternative provides that said illuminating device has two second electrical circuits, where the input of each of said second circuits is physically located in said first end of said housing and the output of each of said seconds circuits is physically located at said second end of said housing. This embodiment allows to divide longitudinally the illuminating device to, for example, turn on the LEDs of Alternative way to save energy.

Advantageously, according to the invention it is provided that said illuminating device has three third circuits electrical, where the output is in one of said spikes and the entries in the three remaining spikes. This possibility confers great variability to the illuminating device, because an example can be provided a common pole to the three circuits and the rest of the poles for the blue, red and green channels. So, the combination of these colors would allow to obtain other colors different with a single illuminating device, which thing can be very useful according to which industrial sectors. This is one Novel feature that fluorescent tubes do not have conventional.

As already mentioned, the printed circuit It is held between the support elements. This solution though It is interesting for illuminating devices of lengths reduced, in the case of longer devices, this solution does not it is optimal, because due to the poor rigidity of the printed circuit, This tends to flect excessively. Therefore, in a way of preferred embodiment said support elements have clamping slots, then said printed circuit rests on a support base, said support base being held in the inside said grooves and said support base orients the light of said LEDs in the direction directed towards said printed circuit. However, alternatively, said printed circuit rests on a support base, said support base being in the inside said housing held by its upper face by means of  retention elements associated with said pins and by their face lower by said housing and because said support base orients the light of said light emitting diodes in the directed direction towards said printed circuit. Thanks to this support base, in First, the printed circuit is protected because it is released from unnecessary mechanical loads that could damage it, but in secondly, the light can be oriented more effectively, reducing light losses in those directions in which it is not necessary to illuminate. Thus, you can save energy again, increasing the advantages of such a device as Constituent of the conventional fluorescent tube.

Advantageously said outer pins connect directly in plug means provided on said circuit printed. This is an embodiment of the connections especially economical, since welding can be dispensed with between the pins and the input terminals of the printed circuit. This greatly facilitates assembly and thereby reduces the manufacturing costs

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the illuminating device comprises a transformer of voltage, where said transformer is mounted integrated in the inside said housing and holding said support base. He voltage transformer is responsible for passing the mains voltage to a working voltage of, for example, 12 or 24 V and an intensity of 20-30 mA, which are the working voltages more common for lighting LEDs, not limiting the scope  of the invention. It should, however, be noted that the device lighting can also do without the voltage transformer in case of using LEDs that work at higher intensities of, for example, 350 to 370 mA at 220 V.

Alternatively, according to the invention said light emitting diodes of said printed circuit have colors different. In addition, said housing contains a refrigerant gas and / or a cooling element inside. This embodiment, It may be especially advantageous in the case of diodes that work at 220 V, because thanks to the gas and / or the element coolant, you can reduce the heat inside the housing significantly prolonging the life of the diodes

Advantageously said housing has a fluorescent or reverberating coating on its surface inside. On the one hand, this allows to imitate even more the effect of a conventional fluorescent tube, but also, thanks to that, depending on which applications, you can even reduce the number of existing diodes inside the housing, and thereby reduce Electricity consumption

Thus, the invention manages to propose a device that perfectly replaces a fluorescent tube conventional. In addition, the invention has remarkable advantages not mentioned up to this point:

-

Do not requires new receiver formats of the illuminating device, since  that, for example, the replacement of the reactance is sufficient of the conventional fluorescent tube holder by a feeder the same size. Obviously, as is obvious to the expert in this matter is not the only possible solution to the problem of replacement of the reactance with an equivalent circuit.

-

Thanks to the electronics it incorporates, allows to regulate the light intensity. This factor is an advantage. considerable compared to conventional fluorescent tubes, since that apart from allowing to generate different light environments with a only device, you can optimize power consumption, being thus an extremely respectful system with the environment ambient.

-

He lighting device according to the invention, due to its low electrical work intensities do not generate heat or emit rays ultraviolet. So again it is a respectful system with the environment ambient.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages and features of the invention they are appreciated from the following description, in which, without no limitation, preferential modes of embodiment of the invention, mentioning the drawings that are accompany. The figures show:

Fig. 1, a perspective view of the device illuminator according to the invention.

Fig. 2, an enlarged partial longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the illuminating device according to the invention.

Fig. 3, an enlarged partial longitudinal section of a second embodiment of the illuminating device according to the invention.

Fig. 4, an enlarged partial longitudinal section of a third embodiment of the illuminating device according to the invention with a voltage transformer integrated in the inside of the illuminating device.

Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

As can be seen in Figure 1, the illuminating device 1 according to the invention comprises a housing 2 in the form of a tube. This housing 2 can be made of glass, not discarding the plastic or other transparent materials or similar translucent. Inside this housing 2 is arranged a printed circuit 3 having a plurality of light emitting diodes 4 arranged, in this exemplary embodiment, at regular distances from each other. This printed circuit 3 rests on a support base 7. This support base 7, in turn is held between two support elements 5 arranged in both housing ends 2. Each of these support elements 5 it is provided with two pins 6 through which, the illuminating device 1 can be mechanically coupled to a Receiving device not shown. Obviously, as seen  in figure 1, the receiving device on which the illuminating device 1 will be a standard tube holder conventional fluorescent It should be noted at this point, how about as the expert in the field will appreciate, to ensure the correct operation of the illuminating device according to the invention the classical fluorescent circuit reactance should be replaced by a timely feeder of the same size. Obviously, there are other equivalent electrical assemblies evident to the person skilled in the art who would allow the correct operation of the illuminating device according to the invention, which does not However, they do not have to limit the scope of the invention.

In figure 2, you can see a first embodiment of the support base support 7. With you look for simplicity, in this view only part of the illuminating device 1. The figure shows the element of support 5 which, in this case, through the pins 6 stops of the support base 7 a force connection to avoid displacement of the entire support base assembly 7 with circuit printed 3 in the horizontal direction. In the vertical direction, the support base 7 is supported with the edges of its lower face 8 on the housing 2. On its upper face 9, the support base 7 it is held by the pins 6; which in turn are fixed by retention elements 10, which in this case are nuts, this is not the only valid embodiment for retain the pins 6 in their correct position. The spikes 6 are responsible for electrically feeding the printed circuit 3, to through connection cables 11 welded on one side to the pins 6 and on the other to a connection element 12. The operation and assembly of the printed circuit 3 and its necessary elements for  operation, are not explained in detail herein description for being part of the state of the art and not belong in any case to the scope of the invention.

In figure 3 a section can be seen extended partial longitudinal of a second embodiment of the illuminating device according to the invention. It shows that the support element 5 'is provided with a groove 13. This It fulfills the two clamping functions described above, it is that is, it blocks the horizontal displacement of the support base 7 and simultaneously its vertical displacement.

In addition, advantageously, on the circuit a plug element 14 is provided for direct connection of the 6 'pins with the printed circuit 3. This embodiment does not require the previous soldier between the pins 6 'and the element of connection 12 (see figure 2), so that assembly is simplified and This saves production costs.

Figure 3 shows a third form of embodiment of the illuminating device 1 according to the invention. How it can be observed, in this case between the support element 5 and the printed circuit 3, a transformer 15 is arranged. This transformer reduces the voltage of the power line, for example 220 V, at the appropriate working voltage for the diodes conventional, ie 12 or 24 V. As you can see the subject matter expert, the application of the voltage transformer 14 inside the housing 2, does not prevent, in principle, having than replace the reactance of a tube receiving device fluorescent by some equivalent circuit. In this case, for example, one option would be to bypass the reactance of the circuit of a Timely way However, the inventor contemplates the possibility of make other electrically equivalent solutions. For example, the applicant studies the possibility of leaving the reactance connected in the circuit.

On the other hand, the illuminating device according to the invention also presents the possibility of being fed by batteries

Thus, as it has been seen in the embodiments shown in the figures, with the illuminating device according to the invention, it is possible to replace a usual fluorescent tube by a device with a very low consumption lower. In addition, the lifespan of an illuminating device of this type, due to the reduced consumption of the diodes, is clearly superior to that of a conventional fluorescent tube, reducing thus the maintenance costs of an illuminating installation provided with this type of illuminating devices.

Claims (8)

1. Illuminating device comprising [a] a rigid tube-shaped housing (2) and [b] at least one circuit printed (3) provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes (4) disposed inside said housing (2) extending to along said housing (2), in addition,

-

in each of the two ends of said housing (2) is arranged a support element (5, 5 ') that closes said end,

-

sayings support elements (5, 5 ') hold said printed circuit (3),

-

every one of said support elements (5, 5 ') has at least one external contact element suitable for mechanical coupling of said illuminating device in a receiving device,

-

the by at least one outer contact element of at least one of said support elements is electrically connected to said printed circuit (3) for feeding said diodes (4), and

-

he outer perimeter of said housing (2) is free of all contact with elements of said illuminating device except the contact of said support elements, said contact element exterior is configured by two rigid (6, 6 ') spikes, Y

-

the external pins (6, 6 ') of both said support elements (5, 5 ') are electrically connected to said printed circuit (3) for feeding said diodes (4),

characterized because

-

saying Illuminating device features three third electrical circuits, where the exit is in one of said spikes (6, 6 ') and the entries in the three remaining spikes (6, 6 ').

2. Illuminating device according to claim 1, characterized in that said support elements (5 ') have clamping slots (13), because said printed circuit (3) rests on a support base (7), said support base being held (7) inside said slots (13) and because said support base (7) orients the light of said light emitting diodes (4) in the direction directed towards said printed circuit (3). 3. Illuminating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said printed circuit (3) rests on a support base (7), said support base (7) being inside said casing (2) held by its face upper (9) by means of retention elements (10) associated to said pins (6) and by its lower face (8) by said housing (2) and because said support base (7) orients the light of said emitting diodes of light (4) in the direction directed towards said printed circuit (3). 4. Illuminating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said external pins (6 ') connect directly to plug means (14) provided on said printed circuit (3). 5. Illuminating device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a voltage transformer (15), wherein said transformer (15) is mounted integrated inside said housing (2) and holds said support base (7 ). 6. Illuminating device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said light emitting diodes (4) of said printed circuit (3) have different colors. 7. Illuminating device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said housing (2) contains a gas and / or a cooling element inside. 8. Illuminating device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said housing (2) has a fluorescent or reverberating coating on its inner surface.