WO2023186703A1

WO2023186703A1 - A clamping mechanism for fixating a light source

Info

Publication number: WO2023186703A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/057511
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gábor Toth
Original assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2022-03-29
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-10-05

Abstract

A clamping mechanism (1) configured for holding a solid-state light source (2) in place on a heat sink element (3), the clamping mechanism comprising a main body part (4) comprising a first surface (5), a second surface (6) and a circumferential rim (7) connecting the first surface and the second surface, at least one clamping element (8) attached to one of the first surface and the second surface such as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation (10) between a first position in which the at least one clamping element abuts the main body part and a second position in which the at least one clamping element extends in an angle (α) with the main body part, where the first axis of rotation extends in parallel with the first surface and the second surface, and at least one attachment element (12) attached to the at least one clamping element such as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation (11), the second axis of rotation extending in parallel with the first axis of rotation.

Description

A clamping mechanism for fixating a light source

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a clamping mechanism configured for holding or clamping a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solid-state light emitting devices placed on a heat sink element are commonly known in the art since the heat sink elements are necessary to remove excess heat from the solid-state light sources of the solid-state light emitting devices. To ensure good heat conductivity from the solid-state light sources to the heat sink element, close physical contact between these two components is desired. Therefore, mechanisms for holding solid-state light emitting devices in place on a heat sink element are also known in the art.

For example, US 2013/0176708 Al discloses a solid state lighting assembly which includes a heat sink and a socket assembly coupled to the heat sink. The socket assembly includes a socket housing having an interior surface mounted to a front of the heat sink and having an extension extending from the interior surface. The extension is received in an opening of the heat sink and extends at least partially through the heat sink. A socket contact is held by the socket housing and includes a package mating end and a power termination end. The power termination end is terminated to a power conductor and the package mating end is mechanically and electrically coupled to a solid state lighting package to supply power thereto. The mechanical coupling and close physical contact is achieved by means of fasteners in the form of screws.

However, with the known solutions it is very cumbersome both to assemble the light emitting device and to later in time exchange a faulty light source.

It is therefore desired to provide a new and improved mechanism configured for holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element, which mechanism supports easier assembly and fulfil serviceability requirements, both in the factory and on the mounting site.

It is further desired to provide such a mechanism which also provides an optimal clamping force to ensure better heat distribution over the lifetime of the light source. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome this problem, and to provide a new and improved mechanism configured for holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element, which mechanism supports easier assembly and fulfil serviceability requirements, both in the factory and on the mounting site.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a mechanism which also provides an optimal clamping force to ensure better heat distribution over the lifetime of the light source.

Further objects of the present invention includes providing such a mechanism which further provides for a structurally simple electrical connection between light source and driver, and to achieve the above objects while ensuring that minimal modification of the heat sink element is needed.

According to a first aspect of the invention, this and other objects are achieved by means of a clamping mechanism configured for holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element, the clamping mechanism comprising a main body part comprising a first surface, a second surface and a circumferential rim connecting the first surface and the second surface, at least one clamping element attached to one of the first surface and the second surface such as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation between a first position in which the at least one clamping element abuts the main body part and a second position in which the at least one clamping element extends in an angle a with the main body part, where the first axis of rotation extends in parallel with the first surface and the second surface, and at least one attachment element attached to the at least one clamping element such as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation, the second axis of rotation extending in parallel with and in a distance d from the first axis of rotation.

Thereby, and especially in virtue of the above described combination of main body part, a clamping element and an attachment element, a new and improved mechanism configured for holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element, which mechanism supports assembly without the need of separate screws or like fasteners, and thus provides for easier assembly, and which fulfil serviceability requirements, both in the factory and on the mounting site.

Furthermore, and especially in virtue of providing a clamping element and an attachment element as described above, such a mechanism also provides an optimal clamping force to ensure better heat distribution over the lifetime of the light source. Furthermore, with such a mechanism, a structurally simple electrical connection between light source and driver is provided, and minimal modification of the heat sink element is needed.

In an embodiment, the clamping mechanism further comprises two clamping elements, the two clamping elements being attached to one of the first surface and the second surface at mutually opposite positions such that the two clamping elements are rotatable around a respective first axis of rotation between a first position in which the two clamping elements each abuts the main body part and a second position in which the two clamping elements each extend in an angle a with the main body part, where the respective first axis of rotation extends in parallel with the first surface and the second surface, and two attachment elements, the two attachment elements being attached to a respective one of the two clamping elements such that the two attachment elements are rotatable around a respective second axis of rotation, the respective second axis of rotation extending in parallel with and in a distance d from the respective first axis of rotation.

In addition to the above advantages, such a clamping mechanism further provides for an even more stable and secure connection between a solid-state light source and a heat sink element.

In an embodiment, the distance d is larger than or equal to 0.5 mm or larger than or equal to 1 mm.

The distance between the first and second axis of rotation serves to set the clamping force exerted by the clamping device to a suitable level for clamping or holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element.

The angle a is an acute angle and may for instance be an angle of between 20° and 70°.

In an embodiment, the clamping element further comprises at least one securing element provided on the at least one clamping element and configured to secure the at least one clamping element to the main body part in the first position.

In an embodiment, at least one of the two clamping elements comprises at least one securing element configured to secure the two clamping elements to each other in the first position.

Thereby, a clamping mechanism is provided with which the clamping element may be locked to the main body, or the two clamping elements may be locked to one another, thereby ensuring that the clamping mechanism may not be released inadvertently. In an embodiment, the at least one securing element is any one or more of a snap-locking securing element and a friction locking securing element.

Thereby, a particularly simple securing element is provided for.

In an embodiment, the clamping mechanism further comprises a receiving element, the receiving element being configured to receive the securing element in a locking engagement.

Thereby, the securing element and the receiving element form a locking mechanism of a particularly simple structure and which is particularly intuitive to use.

In an embodiment, the receiving element is provided on any one of the main body part and the one of the two clamping elements not being provided with the securing element.

Thereby a particularly simple and easy to use structure is provided for.

In an embodiment, the attachment element is any one or more of a snaplocking attachment element and a friction locking attachment element.

Thereby, a particularly simple attachment of the clamping mechanism to a heat sink element of a light emitting device is provided for, both structurally and in terms of use.

In an embodiment, the attachment element comprises a protrusion or a hookshaped end section opposite to the second axis of rotation.

The protrusion or hook-shaped end section may be configured to be brought into engagement with a corresponding structure provided on the heat sink element. Thereby, a particularly simple and easy to release connection between the clamping mechanism and the heat sink element, and thus the light emitting device, is provided for.

In an embodiment, the at least one clamping element is configured to, when in the first position, bias the at least one attachment element in any one or more of a direction towards the first surface and the second surface of the main body part and a direction towards a center axis of the main body part, the center axis extending perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

Thereby, a particularly durable and robust connection between the attachment element and the heat sink element, and thus the clamping mechanism and the light emitting device, is provided for.

In an embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one protrusion provided on the one of the first surface and the second surface to which the clamping element is not attached. Alternatively, or additionally, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one recess provided on the one of the first surface and the second surface to which the clamping element is not attached.

In any event the protrusion or recess thus provided in or on the main body may be configured to be brought into engagement with a corresponding structure provided in or on any one or more of a thermal interface material and a heat sink element of a light emitting device.

Thereby, a particularly robust connection between the main body and the thermal interface material, and thus the clamping mechanism and the light emitting device, is provided for. Such a connection between the main body and the thermal interface material may further serve to ensure correct orientation of the main body and the thermal interface material with respect to one another. Especially, it is normally a requirement that the light source with the optics, such as a reflector, should be centralized with respect to or on the heat sink element. The protrusion or recess provided in or on the main body serves to fulfill this requirement. Additionally, protrusions are preferred since borings or recesses often already exist on the heat sink element and thus may be utilized for this purpose.

In an embodiment, the main body part comprises a central through opening or cutout.

When it is ensured that the light source of the light emitting device is arranged in the central through opening or cutout, it is thus ensured that the main body part does not cover the light source and thus does interfere with the light emitted by the light source.

In an embodiment, the main body part further comprises at least one of an incision and a protrusion provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface forming the central through opening or cutout.

The incision or protrusion may be configured to be brought into engagement with a corresponding structure provided in or on the thermal interface material or the heat sink element adjacent to or close to the light source. Such a connection between the main body and the thermal interface material may serve to ensure not only correct orientation of the main body and the thermal interface material with respect to one another, but also correct positioning of the clamping mechanism and the light source with respect to one another.

The above and other objects are furthermore achieved by means of a light emitting device comprising at least one solid-state light source, a thermal interface material on which the at least one solid-state light source is arranged, a carrier configured to carry the at least one solid-state light source, a heat sink element, and a clamping mechanism according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the heat sink element comprises at least one opening or recess configured to receive the at least one attachment element of the clamping mechanism in a snap-locking or a friction-locking engagement.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one protrusion provided on the second surface of the main body to which the clamping element is not attached, and the heat sink element comprises at least one recess configured to receive the at least one protrusion of the clamping mechanism.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one recess provided on the second surface of the main body to which the clamping element is not attached, and the heat sink element comprises at least one protrusion configured to receive the at least one recess of the clamping mechanism.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the carrier comprises at least one protrusion, and the clamping mechanism comprises at least one incision provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface forming a central through opening or cutout in the main body part, the incision being configured to be brought into engagement with the protrusion, for instance such as to positionally lock the clamping element with respect to the thermal interface material.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the carrier comprises at least one incision, and the clamping mechanism comprises at least one protrusion provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface forming a central through opening or cutout in the main body part, the protrusion being configured to be brought into engagement with the incision, for instance such as to positionally lock the clamping element with respect to the thermal interface material.

In an embodiment of the light emitting device, the clamping mechanism and the heat sink element comprises the same cross-sectional shape.

It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. The clamping mechanism and/or light emitting device can suitably be applied in and/or be a part of a lamp and/or a luminaire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a perspective side view of a clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention and configured for holding a solid-state light source in place on a heat sink element.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a light emitting device according to the invention and comprising a clamping mechanism according to Fig. 1, and further illustrates a first stage of the assembly of the light emitting device.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 2 and illustrates a second stage of the assembly of the light emitting device.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective side view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 2 and illustrates a third stage of the assembly of a light emitting device.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective side view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 2 and illustrates a fourth stage of the assembly of a light emitting device.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective top view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 2 and illustrates a fifth and final stage of the assembly of the light emitting device, in which the assembly of the light emitting device is completed.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective bottom view of the light emitting device according to Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of a light emitting device with a clamping mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention.

As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. Fig. 1 shows a perspective side view of a clamping mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and configured for holding a solid-state light source 25 in place on a heat sink element 3.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the solid-state light source 25 and the heat sink element 3 form part of a light emitting device 2. The light emitting device 2 further comprises a thermal interface material 26 and a carrier 41 on which the solid-state light source 25 is mounted. The thermal interface material 26 and the carrier 41 may be one integral element. The thermal interface material 26 is arranged between the solid-state light source 25 and the heat sink element 3. The thermal interface material 26 may have the same size as the solid-state light source 25. The main function of the thermal interface material 26 is to fill out small airgaps between the respective surfaces of the solid-state light source 25 and the heat sink element 3, such as to create a better thermal contact between the solid-state light source 25 and the heat sink element 3. The carrier 41 may be a substrate or a printed circuit board (PCB). The light emitting device 2 may further optionally comprise a housing 27. The light emitting device 2 further comprises a clamping mechanism 1 according to the invention. The solid-state light source 25 may for instance be one or more of a laser diode, an LED, and a super-luminescent diode. It is also feasible that the light emitting device 2 may comprise more than one solid-state light source 25, such as an array of LEDs.

As is the case in the embodiments shown on the drawing, the clamping mechanism 1 and the heat sink element 3 may comprise the same cross-sectional shape. This provides for a more compact structure and also a more aesthetically pleasing look of the light emitting device once assembled. The cross-sectional shape may be circular as shown in the figures but is not limited thereto. Cross-sectional shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, triangular or polygonal are also feasible.

Referring again to Fig. 1, generally, and irrespective of the embodiment, the clamping mechanism 1 comprises a main body part 4, at least one clamping element 8 and at least one attachment element 12.

The main body part 4 comprises a first surface 5, a second surface 6 and a circumferential rim 7 connecting the first surface 5 and the second surface 6. The first surface 5 and the second surface 6 may be parallel with one another.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the clamping mechanism 1 comprises two clamping elements 8 and 9. The clamping element 8 is attached to one of the first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the main body part 4 such as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation 10 between a first position (cf. Figs 1, 6 and 7) in which the clamping element 8 abuts the main body part 4 and a second position (cf. Figs. 2-5) in which the clamping element 8 extends in an angle a (cf. Figs. 4 and 5) with the main body part 4. The first axis of rotation 10 extends in parallel with the first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the main body part 4. Likewise, the clamping element 9 is attached to one of the first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the main body part 4, particularly the same one of the surfaces 5 and 6 as the clamping element 8, such as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation 39 between a first position (cf. Figs 1, 6 and 7) in which the clamping element 9 abuts the main body part 4 and a second position (cf. Figs. 2-5) in which the clamping element 9 extends in an angle a with the main body part 4. The first axis of rotation 39 extends in parallel with the first surface 5 and the second surface 6 of the main body part 4. The respective first axis of rotation 10, 39 may be provided as a hinge-like connection of which the first axis of rotation 10, 39 forms a hinge axis arranged between protruding structures 42, 43 provided on the main body part 4.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the clamping mechanism 1 comprises two attachment elements 12 and 13. The attachment element 12 is attached to the clamping element 8 such as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation 11. The second axis of rotation 11 extends in parallel with the first axis of rotation 10. The second axis of rotation 11 further extends in a distance d from the first axis of rotation 10. Likewise, the attachment element 13 is attached to the clamping element 9 such as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation 40. The second axis of rotation 40 extends in parallel with the first axis of rotation 39. The second axis of rotation 40 further extends in a distance d from the first axis of rotation 39. The respective second axis of rotation 11, 40 may be provided as a hinge-like connection of which the second axis of rotation 11, 40 forms a hinge axis arranged between protruding structures 44, 45 provided on the respective clamping element 8 and 9. The attachment elements 12 and 13 may be a snap-locking attachment element, a friction locking attachment element or a spring-biased attachment element. The attachment elements 12 and 13 are in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 configured for insertion into and engagement with a corresponding opening 28 and 29 provided in the heat sink element 3, cf. Fig. 7.

The attachment element 12 may comprise a protrusion or an end section 15, such as a hook-shaped protrusion or end section opposite to the second axis of rotation 11. Likewise, the attachment element 13 may comprise a protrusion or an end section 16, such as a hook-shaped protrusion or end section opposite to the second axis of rotation 11. The end sections 15 and 16 are configured for engagement with a corresponding structure 301 and 302 (Fig. 7) on the heat sink element 3. The corresponding structure 301 and 302 (Fig. 7) on the heat sink element 3 may for instance be a comer, an edge or an incision. For improvement of the said engagement, the clamping element 8, 9 may be configured to, when in the first position, bias the at least one attachment element 12, 13 in a direction towards a center of the main body part 4. See Fig. 4, where center axis 17 extends through the center of the main body part 4. The center axis 17 further extends perpendicular to the first surface 5 and the second surface 6.

The clamping mechanism 1 shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a securing element 14. The securing element 14 is provided on the clamping element 8. The securing element 14 may be configured to secure the clamping element 8 to the main body part 4 in the first position of the clamping element 8. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each of the two clamping elements 8 and 9 comprises a securing element 14, cf. Figs. 2 and 6. The securing elements 14 are configured to secure the two clamping elements 8 and 9 to each other when both of the two clamping elements 8 and 9 are in the first position. The securing element 14 is a snap-locking securing element but may alternatively be a friction locking securing element.

The clamping mechanism 1 shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a receiving element 18. The receiving element 18 is configured to receive the securing element 14 in a locking engagement. The receiving element 18 may be provided on the main body part 4. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each of the two clamping elements 8 and 9 comprises a receiving element 18. The receiving elements 18 are provided on each of the two clamping elements 8 and 9 such as to enable engagement with a securing element 14 provided on the other one of the two clamping elements 8 and 9.

The clamping mechanism 1 shown in Fig. 1 further comprises a protrusion 19. The protrusion 19 is provided on the main body part 4, and more particularly on the surface of the main body part 4 intended for abutment with the carrier 4 land the heat sink 3 of a light emitting device 2, cf. Fig. 4. In the embodiment shown the protrusion 19 is provided on the second surface 6. The protrusion 19 is configured for engagement with a recess 29 (Fig. 7) provided in the heat sink element 3. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, two such protrusions 19 and 20 are provided. The protrusions 19 and 20 are configured for engagement with a respective recess 29 and 30 (Fig. 7) provided in the heat sink element 3. As an alternative to, or in addition to, a protrusion 19, the clamping mechanism 1 may also comprise a recess provided and configured similarly to the protrusion 19, and thus configured for engagement with a protrusion provided on the heat sink element 3. The main body part 4 may further comprise a central through opening 21 or cutout. In such an embodiment, the main body part 4 may also comprise an incision 22 (cf. Fig. 6) provided in a peripheral surface 24 forming the central through opening 21. As shown on Fig. 6, The incision 22 is configured for engagement with a protrusion 32 provided on the carrier 41 carrying the light source 25 of a light emitting device 2. In the embodiment shown on Fig. 1, two such incisions 22 and 23 are provided. The two incisions 22 and 23 may be provided diametrically opposite to one another in the peripheral surface 24 forming the central through opening 21. The incisions 22 and 23 are configured for engagement with a corresponding respective protrusion 32 and 33 provided on the carrier 41 carrying the light source 25 of a light emitting device 2. The two protrusions 32 and 33 form part of the electric circuit and provide the electrical connection by being brought into abutment or engagement with the poles (negative and positive) of the solid-state light source 25. The two protrusions 32 and 33 may also serve to, upon engagement with the respective incision 22 and 23, positionally lock the clamping element 1 with respect to the carrier 41 and thus the thermal interface material 3. As an alternative to, or in addition to, an incision 22, the clamping mechanism 1 may also comprise a protrusion or on or adjacent to the peripheral surface 24 forming the central through opening 21 and configured similarly to the incision 21, and thus configured for engagement with an incision provided in the carrier 41 carrying the light source 25 of a light emitting device 2.

Referring now to Figs. 2-7, the assembly of a light emitting device 2 using a clamping mechanism 1 according to the invention and described above will be described.

First, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the solid-state light source 25, which has been arranged on a carrier 41 and a thermal interface material 26, is attached to the heat sink element 3 (arrow A in Fig. 2). Also, in the embodiment shown, the heat sink element 3 has already been arranged in a housing 27.

Next, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the clamping mechanism 1 is provided and held with the clamping elements 8 and 9 in an angle a with respect to the main body part 4, and thus with the attachment elements 12 and 13 in an un-biased or relaxed condition. The clamping mechanism 1 is ready for attachment to the heat sink element (arrow B in Fig. 3).

Then, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the attachment elements 12 and 13 are inserted (arrows C and D in Fig. 4) into the openings 28 and 29 in the heat sink element 3 until the protrusions 19 and 20 (Fig. 1) are brought into engagement with the recesses 30 and 31 (see particularly Fig. 8) As illustrated in Fig. 5, the main body part 4 is thereby brought into abutment with the heat sink element 3. Next, the clamping elements 8 and 9 are, by rotation around the first axis of rotation 10 and 39, respectively, brought from the first position to the second position (arrows E and F in Fig. 5). Thereby, the clamping elements 8 and 9 are brought into abutment with the main body part 4 as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. At the same time, and as best seen in Figs. 7 and 8, the rotation of the clamping elements 8 and 9 causes the attachment elements 12 and 13 to rotate around the respective second axis of rotation 11 and 40, and the respective second axis of rotation 11 and 40 to be brought into the same plane as the respective first axis of rotation 10 and 39. This in turn biases the attachment elements 12 and 13, and in particular the end sections 15 and 16 thereof, into engagement with the structures 301 and 302 on the heat sink element 3.

When the clamping elements 8 and 9 have reached the second position, the respective securing elements 14 are brought into engagement with the respective receiving elements 18, thereby locking the clamping mechanism 1. This concludes the assembly of the light emitting device 2.

To release the clamping mechanism 1, for instance to enable exchanging the light source 25, the securing elements 14 are brought engagement with the respective receiving elements 18. Subsequently, the clamping elements 8 and 9 are, by rotation around the first axis of rotation 10 and 39, respectively, brought from the second position to the first position, and the clamping mechanism 1 may then be lifted off of the heat sink element 3 of the light emitting device 2.

Referring now finally to Fig. 9 a clamping mechanism 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. The clamping mechanism 100 differs from that shown above and illustrated in particular in Fig. 1 in virtue of the following features.

The clamping mechanism 100 comprises a main body part 4, two clamping elements 8, 9 and two attachment elements 12, 13.

The clamping element 8 comprises a first leg 81, a second leg 82 and an axis of rotation 83 arranged in the transition between the first leg 81 and the second leg 82 such that the first leg 81 and the second leg 82 are rotatable with respect to one another around the axis of rotation 83. The second leg 82 is connected to the main body part 4 such as to be rotatable around the first axis of rotation 10. The first leg 81 is connected to the attachment element 12 such as to be rotatable around the second axis of rotation 11.

Likewise, the clamping element 9 comprises a first leg 91, a second leg 92 and an axis of rotation 93 arranged in the transition between the first leg 91 and the second leg 92 such that the first leg 91 and the second leg 92 are rotatable with respect to one another around the axis of rotation 93. The second leg 92 is connected to the main body part 4 such as to be rotatable around the first axis of rotation 39. The first leg 91 is connected to the attachment element 13 such as to be rotatable around the second axis of rotation 40.

The respective clamping elements 8 and 9 are furthermore biased in such a way as to be relaxed in the first position illustrated by clamping element 9 in Fig. 9 and tensioned and locked in the second position illustrated by clamping element 8 in Fig. 9. This may be obtained by providing the respective second leg 82, 92 as a suitable spring element, such as by making the respective second leg 82, 92 of spring steel. Alternatively, this may be obtained by providing the respective clamping element 8, 9 with a spring element, for instance a spring element arranged around one or both of the respective axis of rotation 83, 93 arranged in the transition between the respective first leg 81, 91 and the respective second leg 82, 93 and the respective second axis of rotation 11, 40.

The main body part 4 and the clamping element 8 may be one circumferential element extending along the whole periphery of the heat sink element 3 in the connected state. If so, the clamping element 9 may be omitted. Alternatively, the main body part 4 and the clamping elements 8 and 9 may extend along only a part of the periphery of the heat sink element 3 in the connected state.

When assembling a light emitting device 2 using a clamping mechanism 100 according to the invention and as shown in Fig. 9, the clamping mechanism 100 is first arranged such that the protrusions 19 and 20 are engaging a corresponding recess 30 and 31, respectively, In the embodiment shown, the recesses 30 and 31 are provided in an intermediate element 46 arranged on top of the heat sink element 3. The intermediate element may form an integral part of the heat sink element 3. The recesses 30 and 31 may also be provided in the carrier 41, or directly in the heat sink element 3, in which case the intermediate element 46 may be omitted. The clamping elements 8 and 9 are held in the first position as illustrated by the clamping element 9 in Fig. 9.

The clamping elements 8 and 9 are then brought from the first position to the second position. This is accomplished by rotating the second leg 82, 92 around the first axis of rotation 10, 39 in the direction of the arrow G. In practice this is done by pushing the first leg 81, 91 towards the main body part in the direction of the arrow J, causing the respective first leg 81, 91 to rotate with respect to the respective second leg 82, 92 around the respective axis of rotation 83, 93. In addition to rotating the second leg 82, 92 around the first axis of rotation 10, 39, this also rotates the first leg 81, 91 around the second axis rotation 11, 40, which in turn causes the attachment element 12, 13 to move in the direction indicated by arrow H. When the clamping elements are brought into the second position as illustrated by the clamping element 8 in Fig. 9, the second leg 82, 92, and thus the clamping element 8, 9, is brought into abutment with the main body part 4, the first leg 81, 91 is brought into abutment with the second leg 82, 92 and the end sections 15 and 16 of the attachment elements 12 and 13 ae brought into engagement with the corresponding structures 301 and 302 of the heat sink element 3. Thereby the assembly of the light emitting device 2 is completed.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A clamping mechanism (1) configured for holding a solid-state light source (25) in place on a heat sink element (3), the clamping mechanism comprising: a main body part (4) comprising a first surface (5), a second surface (6) and a circumferential rim (7) connecting the first surface and the second surface, two clamping elements (8, 9), the two clamping elements being attached to one of the first surface and the second surface at mutually opposite positions such that the two clamping elements are rotatable around a respective first axis of rotation (10, 39) between a first position in which the two clamping elements each abuts the main body part and a second position in which the two clamping elements each extend in a respective angle (a) with the main body part, where the respective first axis of rotation extends in parallel with the first surface and the second surface, and two attachment elements (12, 13), the two attachment elements being attached to a respective one of the two clamping elements such that the two attachment elements are rotatable around a respective second axis of rotation (11, 40), the respective second axis of rotation extending in parallel with and in a distance (d) from the respective first axis of rotation, wherein each clamping element (8, 9) further comprises at least one respective securing element (14) provided on the at least one clamping element and configured to secure the at least one clamping element to the main body part in the first position, or at least one of the two clamping elements (8, 9) comprises at least one securing element (14) configured to secure the two clamping elements to each other in the first position.

2. A clamping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least one securing element is any one or more of a snap-locking securing element and a friction locking securing element.

3. A clamping mechanism according to any one of the above claims, wherein the distance d is larger than or equal to 0.5 mm or larger than or equal to 1 mm.

4. A clamping mechanism according to claim 1, 2 or 3, and further comprising a receiving element (18), the receiving element being configured to receive the securing element (14) in a locking engagement.

5. A clamping mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the receiving element (14) is provided on any one of the main body part and the one of the two clamping elements not being provided with the securing element.

6. A clamping mechanism according to any one of the above claims, wherein at least one of the following applies: the attachment element (12, 13) is any one or more of a snap-locking attachment element and a friction locking attachment element, and the attachment element (12, 13) comprises a protrusion or a hook-shaped end section (15, 16) opposite to the second axis of rotation.

7. A clamping mechanism according to any one of the above claims, wherein the at least one clamping element (8, 9) is configured to, when in the first position, bias the at least one attachment element (12, 13) in any one or more of a direction towards the first surface and the second surface of the main body part and a direction towards a center axis (17) of the main body part, the center axis (17) extending perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface.

8. A clamping mechanism according to any one of the above claims, the clamping mechanism comprising at least one of: at least one protrusion (19, 20) provided on the one of the first surface and the second surface to which the clamping element is not attached, and at least one recess provided on the one of the first surface and the second surface to which the clamping element is not attached.

9. A clamping mechanism according to any one of the above claims, wherein the main body part (4) comprises a central through opening or cutout (21).

10. A clamping mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the main body part further comprises at least one of an incision (22, 23) and a protrusion provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface (24) forming the central through opening or cutout (21).

11. A light emitting device (2) comprising: at least one solid-state light source (25), a thermal interface material (26) on which the at least one solid-state light source is arranged, a carrier (41) configured to carry the at least one solid-state light source, a heat sink element (3), and a clamping mechanism (1) according to any one of the above claims 1 to 10.

12. A light emitting device according to claim 11, wherein the heat sink element (3) comprises at least one opening or recess (28, 29) configured to receive the at least one attachment element of the clamping mechanism in a snap-locking or a friction-locking engagement.

13. A light emitting device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one of the following applies: the clamping mechanism comprises at least one protrusion (19, 20) provided on the second surface (6) of the main body to which the clamping element is not attached, and the heat sink element (3) comprises at least one recess (30, 31) configured to receive the at least one protrusion of the clamping mechanism, and the clamping mechanism comprises at least one recess provided on the second surface (6) of the main body to which the clamping element is not attached, and the heat sink element comprises at least one protrusion configured to receive the at least one recess of the clamping mechanism.

14. A light emitting device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one of the following applies: the carrier (41) comprises at least one protrusion (32, 33), and the clamping mechanism comprises at least one incision (22, 23) provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface (24) forming a central through opening or cutout (21) in the main body part, the incision (22, 23) being configured to be brought into engagement with the protrusion (32, 33), the carrier comprises at least one incision, and the clamping mechanism comprises at least one protrusion provided in or on or adjacent to a peripheral surface forming a central through opening or cutout in the main body part, the protrusion being configured to be brought into engagement with the incision, and the clamping mechanism (1) and the heat sink element (3) comprises the same cross-sectional shape.