Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
  • F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
  • F21V29/70—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
  • F21V29/74—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades
  • F21V29/76—Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks with fins or blades with essentially identical parallel planar fins or blades, e.g. with comb-like cross-section
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21K—NON-ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES USING LUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING CHARGES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL; LIGHT SOURCES USING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AS LIGHT-GENERATING ELEMENTS; LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F21K9/00—Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
  • F21S41/143—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being parallel to the optical axis of the illuminating device
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
  • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
  • F21S41/148—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
  • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
  • F21S41/192—Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
  • F21S41/198—Snap-fit attachments
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
  • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
  • F21S45/47—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings
  • F21S45/48—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings with means for conducting heat from the inside to the outside of the lighting devices, e.g. with fins on the outer surface of the lighting device
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
  • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
  • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
  • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
  • F21S43/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
  • F21S43/195—Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
  • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
  • F21S45/47—Passive cooling, e.g. using fins, thermal conductive elements or openings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
  • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
  • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
  • F21W2102/13—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region
  • F21W2102/135—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for high-beam region or low-beam region the light having cut-off lines, i.e. clear borderlines between emitted regions and dark regions
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
  • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
  • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

• the invention relates to a light-source module having at least one light- emitting element such as, in particular, LEDs, light guides, lens elements or a collimator aperture.
• the invention also relates to a holder for a module of this kind.
• the module especially in the form of an LED module, is suitable for use in an optical system, such as in particular a motor vehicle headlight or a lighting or projecting means, that is intended to have a given light emission pattern.
• LED modules that have one or more LED elements and a carrier to enable them to be fastened in place mechanically and to allow electrical contact to be made with them.
• EP 0434 471 there is described an LED module in the form of a housing for an LED element, that is intended for surface mounting on a printed circuit board.
• DE 101 33 255 an LED module having a plurality of LED elements arranged on a carrier plate, the carrier plate being intended for the electrical connection of the LED module to a lighting means and for the fastening of the LED module thereto.
• a disadvantage of these and other LED modules is, in general, the fact that they are not suitable, or are suitable to only a limited degree, for applications in which on the one hand a given shape and/or alignment of the light beam emitted (the light emission pattern) has to be obtained with the greatest possible accuracy in one or more planes and in which on the other hand the module is intended to be capable of being replaced easily without any soldering, welding, bonding, or the like being required.
• lamp holders for headlights of this kind are known in which the halogen lamps usually used can be inserted relatively easily and can at the same time be correctly positioned relative to the optical axis of the headlight (and can be connected up electrically), in which case, as a rule, the optical axis points approximately in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
• the principle of such lamp holders cannot however be applied to LED and similar elements or arrangements that are spread out in a plane, simply because these latter have a different light emission pattern (e.g.
• halogen lamps which have an intensity distribution that is substantially symmetrical in rotation
• this light-dark boundary may not be tilted relative to a characteristic direction perpendicular to the optical axis (i.e. relative to the horizon or to a transverse axis of the vehicle) and must be maintained at a fixed distance from the optical axis.
• the intention is also to provide a light- source module of the kind specified in the opening paragraph that can be inserted in an optical system, such as in particular a headlight, and removed therefrom, relatively easily.
• the intention is further to provide a light- source module of the kind specified in the opening paragraph with which a reliable electrical and mechanical connection to an optical system can be ensured without soldered, welded, bonded or similar connections having to be made for the purpose.
• the intention is also to provide a light- source module of the kind specified in the opening paragraph with which reliable and adequate dissipation of the heat emitted by the light sources can be ensured, particularly when the module has a plurality of light-emitting elements.
• a light-source module for an optical system having at least one light exit area that is of a shape and/or an extent in a plane that is selected to correspond to a light emission pattern to be obtained with an optical system in which the module can be inserted, the module having at least one reference point that can be used to position the light exit area in a predetermined position as a result of the module resting against the optical system.
• the object is also achieved with a holder for the insertion of a light- source module that has at least one supporting face for the at least one reference point of the module.
• the light exit area may be formed not only by one or more suitably arranged LEDs but also by lens elements, light-exit regions of fiber optics or other light guides, or mirror elements or other light sources or light-emitting elements.
• Something that may also be used is, in particular, a light exit aperture of a collimator structure that collects and focuses the light from one or more LEDs.
• the edge of such an exit aperture may preferably serve to produce a light-dark boundary in the light emission pattern of the optical system in which the module is inserted (i.e. in for example a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system or, if required, to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle if the two are not the same).
• the embodiment claimed in claim 2 is suitable in particular for motor vehicle headlights in which the beam of light emitted is intended to have a light-dark boundary in, for example, a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the beam.
• Claims 3 and 4 relate to various arrangements of reference points with which it is possible for the desired positions of the module, and hence for example of the path followed by a light-dark boundary relative to the optical axis of an optical system and, if required, relative to a transverse axis of the vehicle that is generally perpendicular to the latter axis, to be obtained with particular accuracy.
• the embodiment claimed in claim 5 at the same time makes it possible for electrical contact to be made with the module in a particular simple way when the module is provided with light-emitting elements.
• the embodiment claimed in claim 6 is advantageous especially when the light- emitting elements have a relatively high output power.
• the light exit area prefferably positioned or aligned relative to the reference points of the light-source module in an advantageous manner.
• the embodiment of the holder claimed in claim 9 has the advantage that a light-source module can be inserted or replaced easily without the need for any soldering, welding, bonding or similar connecting techniques.
• Claims 10 and 11 relate to advantageous means for the mechanical locking in place of a module inserted in the holder.
• Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an LED module.
• Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of an LED module.
• Fig. 3 is a front view showing a third embodiment of an LED module.
• Fig. 4 is a side view of the LED module shown in Fig. 3.
• Fig. 5 is a view from below of the LED module shown in Fig. 3.
• Fig. 6 is a plan view of a first embodiment of holder for an LED module.
• Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the holder shown in Fig. 6.
• Fig. 8 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.6 before they are fitted together.
• Fig. 9 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.6 while they are being fitted together.
• Fig. 10 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.6 in the fitted- together state.
• Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of holder for an LED module.
• Fig. 12 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.11 before they are fitted together.
• Fig. 13 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.11 , with the
• Fig. 14 shows the LED module of Fig. 3 and the holder of Fig.11 in the locked state.
• Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an LED module.
• Fig. 16 is a further perspective view of the LED module shown in Fig. 15.
• Fig. 17 is a first side view of the LED module shown in Fig. 15.
• Fig. 18 is a second side view of the LED module shown in Fig. 15.
• the embodiments described below are suitable in particular for use in headlights of motor vehicles or other optical systems in which on the one hand (to avoid dazzle for example) the shape and position of the light beam emitted in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system (or, where required, to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, where the two are not the same), and hence the position of the module relative to the optical axis, have to be very accurately maintained.
• the module is easily replaceable and a reliable electrical and mechanical connection to the optical system is ensured, even when there is relatively severe vibration, without soldered, bonded or welded connections being required.
• LED elements In place of the LED elements described, use may also be made of other light- emitting elements (such as, for example, collimator apertures, lens elements, fiber optics, mirror elements, and so on) as light exit areas, in which case the at least one source producing the light (e.g. the LED) then need not necessarily be arranged on the module.
• other light- emitting elements such as, for example, collimator apertures, lens elements, fiber optics, mirror elements, and so on
• the at least one source producing the light e.g. the LED
• Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an LED module according to the invention.
• the LED module comprises a substantially cuboid carrier 1 in which is inset a body 2, of cylindrical shape in the case shown, which is made of a material having high thermal conductivity.
• the body 2 is preferably composed of a metal such as copper for example and is substantially solid.
• the body 2 has an end-face 8 in which are inserted a plurality of LED elements 3, the heat emitted by these latter being dissipated by means of the body 2.
• the body 2 is thermally connected to a suitable heat- sink (not shown) on the rear side of the carrier 1. Electrical contact is made with the LED elements 3 via first contacts 4 that are so arranged at the edge of the carrier 1 that, when the LED module is inserted in a holder belonging to the optical system, they make contact with corresponding mating contacts.
• the LED elements 3 form a light exit area of the body 2, with the shape and/or extent of the light exit area being selected to suit the light emission pattern (and particularly the distribution of brightness in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis) that is to be obtained with an optical system in which the module can be inserted.
• the light beam is substantially rectangular in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or at least has a boundary line (light- dark boundary) that extends substantially horizontally and/or is curved and/or is provided with steps.
• the LED elements 3 are arranged along a line whose path corresponds to the path followed by the boundary line, in the said plane, of the light beam emitted, which line (as well as other optical elements) plays a substantial part in producing this boundary line or light emission pattern.
• the LED module For a light emission pattern of this kind (or some other light emission pattern) to be obtained, and for a correct position or direction to be obtained for it, it is particularly important for the LED module to occupy a defined position or location in the optical system, i.e. relative for example to a secondary optical element such as a lens or a reflector, and to do so permanently and with the greatest possible accuracy.
• a reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, in relation to which the module is positioned. It will also be assumed that the optical axis of the optical system extends perpendicularly to the plane in which the light exit area of the module lies.
• the module For the positioning of the module relative to the reference plane or the optical axis, use is made of three first reference points 5 that are arranged on what is, in the view shown in Fig. 1, the top face of the carrier 1 and by which the module rests against corresponding mating surfaces belonging to the holder of the optical system.
• the module is aligned or positioned relative to the said reference plane, i.e. by displacing it in a direction perpendicular to the latter (i.e. by displacing it in the direction in which the optical axis lies) and/or by tilting it relative to the reference plane (or relative to the optical axis).
• two second reference points 6 Situated on a first side-face of the carrier 1 are two second reference points 6 by which the module likewise rests against the holder and with which the module can be positioned in a defined way by tilting it relative to a first axis perpendicular to the optical axis and/or, in particular, by displacing it in a first direction perpendicular to the optical axis, i.e. in the present case in relation to the position and path of the said boundary line (light-dark boundary) of the light beam emitted by the optical system.
• the second reference points 6 thus make exact positioning possible relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. They also make it possible for the distance between the boundary line and the optical axis to be exactly maintained.
• a third reference point 7 by which the module rests against the holder and with which a defined position is determined for the module by tilting it relative to a second axis perpendicular to the optical axis and/or by displacing it in a second direction relative to the optical axis, i.e. in the present case relative to the lateral position of the boundary line in the latter's lengthwise direction.
• the reference points 5, 6, 7 are made from a suitable material such as, for example, hard rubber, plastics material or metal and are fastened to the carrier 1 or are part thereof. Exact positioning of the light exit area, i.e. of the LED elements 3, relative to the reference points 5, 6, 7 can be accomplished by adjusting the thickness (retrospectively if required) of the reference points 5, 6, 7 by machining them or working on them in some other way.
• the body 2 carrying the LED elements 3 may also be mounted on the carrier 1 in such a way that the LED elements 3 can be positioned or aligned relative to the reference points 5, 6, 7 by displacing or turning the body 2 in relation to the carrier 1.
• Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present LED module. Parts that are the same as in Fig. 1 are each identified by the same reference numerals in this case.
• the second embodiment has a temperature sensor 9 that is inserted in the body 2 next to the row of LED elements 3. To allow electrical contact to be made with the temperature sensor 9, there are provided at the edge of the carrier 1 two second contacts 10, while the LED elements 3 can be connected to a current source via first contacts 4.
• the temperature sensor 9 can be connected to an external electronic unit or one incorporated in the module or the optical system via two contact s 10, in order for example to enable the light output of the LED elements to be reduced when a given limiting value of temperature is reached.
• the first and second contacts 4, 10 are of a form such that they exert only minimal forces in the directions that are critical with regard to the light emission pattern of the optical system (the directions substantially perpendicular to the reference plane and the boundary line).
• the contacts 4, 10 may also be of a form such they exert or strengthen an elastic force by which the LED module is pressed into the correct position or location in the optical system.
• Figs. 3 to 5 are different views of a third embodiment of an LED module according to the invention. Parts that are the same are identified by the same reference numerals in each of these three Figures.
• This module has a substantially rectangular body 20 made of a material of high thermal conductivity, at one of whose ends a row of LED elements 3, which together form a light exit area, is once again arranged.
• the body 20 is fastened by its other end to a first longitudinal side of a carrier 21 made of an electrically non-conductive material such as in particular plastics material.
• two finger-hold members 24, 25 which are in thermal connection with the body 20 and are made from a material having good thermal conductivity.
• a contact 22 that, when the module in inserted in a holder, makes electrical contact with a corresponding mating contact.
• an elastic force can be exerted on the carrier 21, to press the module against the mating surface.
• a marking 26 that takes the form of for example a recess in the carrier 21, in which, when the module is inserted in a holder, a corresponding projection on the holder engages. In this way, it can be ensured that the correct module is being inserted in the holder in the correct orientation.
• Figs. 6 and 7 are schematic views of a first embodiment of holder H for an LED module as shown in Figs. 3 to 5. Parts that are the same are identified by the same reference numerals in each of these Figures.
• This holder H comprises, in essence, a bathtub-like member having a depression 31 whose inside dimensions match the outside dimensions of the carrier 21 and which has a floor face 33.
• an opening 34 through which the body 20 extends when the carrier 21 of the module is inserted in the depression 31.
• its reference points 23 rest against the regions of the floor face 33 that surround the opening 34.
• the holder H also has mating contacts 32 that make electrical contact with the contacts 22 of the module when the latter is inserted.
• Figs. 8 and 9 show how the LED module M is inserted in the holder H, and in Fig. 10 the two parts are shown in the fitted-together state. It is clear from these views that the LED module M can be inserted in the holder H by being guided in in one direction, and hence relatively easily, with a defined position or location for the module M relative to a reference plane of the optical system being obtained at the same time by means of the reference points 23.
• the mating contacts 32 are designed to be resilient, so that they make a latching or snap connection with the contacts 22 on the carrier 21, by which connection the module M is pressed against the floor face 33 of the holder H by its reference points 23.
• Fig. 11 shows a second embodiment of holder H for an LED module M as shown in Figs. 3 to 5.
• This holder H too comprises a substantially bathtub-like member having mating contacts 32a for a module M and a depression 31 that has a floor face 33 having an opening 34.
• the LED module that is inserted is pressed against the reference plane by means of a clip 41, which means that the latter assumes the function for this purpose that is performed by the resilient mating contacts 32 in the first embodiment of holder H.
• the clip 41 is mounted to pivot in a mounting 42 on the holder H and in Figs. 11, 12 and 13 it is shown in the open position, in which the module M can be inserted in the holder H, as shown in Fig. 12.
• Fig. 13 shows the module M in the inserted state before the clip 41 is closed
• (A) and (B) of Fig. 14 are perspective views of the module M inserted in the holder H after the clip 41 has been closed.
• the clip 41 is preferably formed from two portions of wire that, after the clip is closed, bear resiliently against the carrier 21 between the two finger-hold members 24, 25 and thereby press the LED module M into the holder H or in other words against the reference plane.
• the latch means 43 may for example comprise two parts which each have a recess in the form of an indentation, into each of which indentations one of the portions of wire is resiliently inserted to close the clip 41, once the portions of wire have been compressed and pivoted down between the two parts.
• the mechanical locking in place of the LED module M, and the making of electrical contact therewith, are accomplished by the module being guided into the holder H in one direction.
• the second embodiment of holder is advantageous particularly in applications in which the module and the holder are exposed to severe vibration.
• Figs. 15 to 18 show a fourth embodiment of an LED module according to the invention, Figs. 15 and 16 being perspective views of the module and Figs. 17 and 18 being side views thereof.
• the LED module has a substantially cuboid carrier 50 having a first side-face in which a light exit area 51 is situated.
• the light exit area 51 is substantially rectangular in shape, in which case at least one edge of the said area can be used to produce a light-dark boundary in the light emission pattern of the optical system concerned.
• the light exit area 51 is produced by for example a correspondingly rectangular opening in the first side-face, in which is situated a light source such as, for example, an LED, a collimator aperture or the end of a light guide.
• a lens element of the same shape as the opening is preferably placed over this light source.
• first reference points 54 are also situated on the first side-face.
• the module is aligned or positioned relative to a reference plane of the optical system, i.e. by displacing it in the direction in which the optical axis of the optical system lies and/or by tilting it relative to the optical axis of the optical system.
• Figs. 15, 16 and 17 there are situated on a second side- face of the carrier 50 two second reference points 55 by which, in a similar way to what is done by the second reference points 6 in the case of the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the module is aligned or positioned by displacing it in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and/or by tilting it relative to an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system.
• the reference points 54, 55 are once again made from a suitable material such as, for example, hard rubber, plastics material or metal and are fastened to the carrier 50 or are a part thereof. Exact positioning of the light exit area relative to the reference points 54, 55 can be accomplished by adjusting the thickness (retrospectively if required) of the reference points 54, 55 by machining them or working on them in some other way.
• the carrier 50 also has a connector 52 for connecting up an electrical or optical cable, and cooling fins 53 by which the heat generated by the light sources is dissipated.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
• Led Device Packages (AREA)
• Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)
• Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=36481436

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Cited By (5)

Families Citing this family (13)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (30)

• 2006
  • 2006-01-24 EP EP06710729.2A patent/EP1846692B1/en active Active
  • 2006-01-24 KR KR1020077019908A patent/KR101303364B1/ko active Active
  • 2006-01-24 ES ES06710729.2T patent/ES2694647T3/es active Active
  • 2006-01-24 WO PCT/IB2006/050249 patent/WO2006082537A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2006-01-24 CN CN200680003874.6A patent/CN101111712B/zh active Active
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  • 2006-01-24 JP JP2007552781A patent/JP4969460B2/ja active Active
  • 2006-01-27 TW TW095103311A patent/TWI375769B/zh active

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