lighting equipment

Abstract

A lighting device, particularly for automotive lighting applications, includes a plurality of lighting elements arranged in one or more rows to form a light strip, wherein each lighting element comprises at least one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The plurality of lighting elements are divided into one or more segments, wherein the lighting elements within each segment are electrically connected in series or in parallel. The lighting device also includes at least one contact element for supplying current to the plurality of lighting elements, wherein at least a first contact element supplies current to a first group of segments, allowing the groups of lighting elements to be independently and dynamically controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, in particular for automotive lighting applications, and more particularly in the form of a light strip or lighting strip. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive sector, there's a current trend toward dynamically controllable lighting devices. This means it's no longer sufficient to simply switch a lighting device on and off; instead, the components of the lighting device must be individually adjustable. For example, to create dynamic lighting effects, individual components can be switched on and off or dimmed. The availability of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has greatly facilitated the development of dynamically controllable lighting devices.

[0003] Individual LEDs can be controlled individually by addressing each LED with a separate electronic wire. However, this requires numerous wires connected to the lighting driver to individually control each LED. This increases the effort required to manufacture and implement such lighting devices. Furthermore, the numerous wires and complex wire routing can easily exceed the space constraints of the lighting device, particularly for automotive lighting applications.

[0004] To avoid complex wire routing within lighting fixtures, it's possible to use flat ribbon cables instead. However, using such flat ribbon cables limits the flexibility of the lighting fixture, as they are flexible only in one direction and are not flexible or bendable in the plane in which the wires of the flat ribbon cables are arranged. Modern automotive lighting fixtures often need to conform to complex three-dimensional (3D) shapes. Therefore, flat ribbon cables are not suitable for 3D applications.

[0005] Alternatively, it is common to combine each LED with a control chip (such as an integrated circuit (IC) or microprocessor), with the control chip for the entire lighting device communicating via a bus. However, implementing a control chip for each LED increases the cost of the lighting device. This is particularly true in the automotive sector, where each IC or microprocessor must be tested and certified. This reduces the applicability of this solution and prolongs the necessary development and design cycles. Furthermore, error detection is often required in the automotive sector and requires additional circuitry to implement, further increasing complexity.

[0006] US2018 / 078072 A1 describes a light string having parallel circuits each driven by three independent command signals that merge at a common return path. For example, each circuit can have a unique color scheme and / or spatial distribution to provide a lighting effect. One or more lighting elements in any circuit can be individually addressed, for example, by a serial command supplied on the corresponding command signal.

[0007] US2011 / 050109 A1 relates to an opposite polarity series-connected LED, which is formed by two groups of LEDs and diode assemblies connected in series with opposite polarities, wherein the first group consists of at least one or more unipolar LEDs connected in series or in parallel, or in series and in parallel, and the second group consists of at least one or more unipolar LEDs connected in parallel or in series, or in series and in parallel, for further connection to a driving circuit formed by a current limiting resistor and / or an energy storage and discharge device and / or a voltage limiting circuit device to produce desired operating characteristics. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device that is flexible, dynamically controllable, less complex, and suitable for error detection. The given object is achieved by the lighting device of the present application.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided that is particularly suitable for automotive lighting applications, particularly in automobiles. A plurality of lighting elements are arranged in a row, each of which includes at least one LED. This creates a light strip or strip that can be positioned below or between other lighting devices in an automobile, for example, and facilitates styling of signaling functions.

[0010] In addition, by arranging a large number of lighting elements in a row, a long and very narrow lighting device can be achieved. The lighting device has a length that expands the width of the lighting device. For example, the length of the lighting device can be greater than 200 mm or greater than 500 mm, while the width of the lighting elements can be less than 10 mm or less than 6 mm, for example. The lighting elements are also known as or referred to as inserts. Preferably, the lighting elements are constructed identically. The lighting element may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) carrying the LEDs. The LEDs may be mounted to the PCB by directly attaching the die, or the LEDs may be mounted to the PCB as surface mount devices (SMDs), as through-hole technology (THT) components, or any other type of component. The PCB may comprise one LED or more than one LED.

[0011] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of lighting elements are further divided into a plurality of segments, and the lighting elements within each segment are electrically connected in series. Furthermore, each segment can include the same or a different number of lighting elements. It is further preferred that the physical connections between the lighting elements within each segment are also physically arranged in series, to facilitate control and design of lighting and dimming patterns. The segmentation of the lighting elements enables the random resolution of the lighting and dimming of the light strip to depend on the length of each segment compared to the length of the light strip. Furthermore, the individually controllable segments of the lighting elements can reduce the complexity of the lighting device while still providing a diverse range of lighting functions.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first contact element is positioned at the first end of the row of lighting elements to provide current to a first segment group, where the first segment group includes at least one lighting element segment. This first end can be either end of the light strip. In accordance with the light strip design, the electrical connection between the first contact element and the first segment group is physically arranged substantially parallel to or along the row of lighting elements. Therefore, only one contact element is required to supply power to a given segment group, reducing the number of contact elements required. This contact element can also control the lighting and dimming of that segment group independently of other segments.

[0013] Furthermore, the contact element is used to connect the lighting device to the lighting driver, wherein the contact element can be constructed as an integral part of the lighting device or as a separate entity. More specifically, the current can be supplied directly to the lead frame via a wire, for example, by means of a soldering structure included in the lighting element (see, for example, Figure 9 , which shows contact elements in the form of solder joints); and the current can also be provided by a connector, which is preferably an independent entity separated from the lighting element (see, for example, Figures 1-6 , which shows contact elements in the form of connectors).

[0014] Thus, one or more contact elements are used to control the lighting device and also to provide power to the lighting device.In order to achieve dynamic lighting, one or more contact elements can address individual segments of the lighting element.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention has the following advantages: independent, flexible and dynamic control of lighting and dimming of lighting elements with random resolution; and reduced complexity and space of lighting strips.

[0016] Specifically, each segment is further divided into at least two subsegments; and within each segment, any two consecutive subsegments are electrically connected in anti-series with each other, where anti-series means that the two subsegments are connected in series, but their corresponding lighting elements have opposite polarities. Consequently, each subsegment is only turned on during a certain period of time before the corresponding current in each subsegment reverses; and the current flowing through the LEDs in each subsegment is higher than the average current because not all subsegments are in use at a given moment. This increases the segment-wise resolution of lighting and dimming; that is, within each segment, it is possible to flexibly select which subsegments are turned on during a given period of time. Furthermore, by varying the number of lighting elements in each subsegment and the number of lighting elements in each segment, the increased resolution of lighting and dimming can be flexibly controlled.

[0017] Specifically, each LED is electrically connected in anti-parallel with at least one rectifier diode, wherein anti-parallel means that each LED and the corresponding at least one rectifier diode are connected in parallel, but with opposite polarities. Thus, at a given moment, the current in an unused sub-segment is shunted by the at least one rectifier diode arranged in the unused sub-segment.

[0018] In particular, the first contact element includes a plurality of pins, which are referred to as power terminals. These pins are preferably arranged in a column and include at least one voltage supply pin and at least one ground pin. The voltage supply pins provide a high voltage or a low voltage, wherein the high voltage supply pin is also known as an anode pin or a positive pin, and the low voltage supply pin is also known as a cathode pin or a negative pin.

[0019] In particular, the second contact element is preferably disposed at a second end of the row of lighting elements that provides current to at least a second group of segments, the second group of segments including at least one segment that is different from the segments in the first group. As described above, the second end is preferably different from and opposite the first end. The second contact element increases the number of addressable groups without increasing the complexity of wiring, allowing a large number of groups to be individually addressed by at least two contact elements to provide dynamic lighting.

[0020] In particular, the electrical connection between the second contact element and the second segment group is physically substantially parallel to or arranged along the row of lighting elements. The physical parallelism between the second contact element and the second segment group and between the first contact element and the first segment group enhances operability of independent and dynamic control.

[0021] In particular, the second contact element comprises a plurality of pins, preferably arranged in a row, and preferably having the same number of pins as the first contact element. The second contact element may comprise only anode pins. Alternatively, the second contact element may comprise one or more anode pins and a ground pin. Alternatively, the second contact element may comprise more than one ground pin.

[0022] In particular, at least one further contact element is arranged between the first contact element and the second contact element along the row of lighting elements. Each of the at least one further contact element provides current to a segment group that is not supplied with power by the first contact element or the second contact element. The at least one further contact element increases the number of addressable groups without increasing the complexity of the wiring, allowing even more groups to be individually addressed for dynamic lighting.

[0023] In particular, the electrical connection between at least one further contact element and the corresponding segment group is arranged substantially parallel to or along the row of lighting elements.The physical parallelism between the contact elements and their corresponding segment groups enhances operability of independent and dynamic control.

[0024] In particular, each contact element between the first contact element and the second contact element comprises a plurality of pins, the pins preferably being arranged in two columns, and the number of pins in each column preferably being the same as the number of pins of the first contact element and / or the second contact element. It is possible that each contact element between the first contact element and the second contact element comprises one or more anode pins.

[0025] In particular, the lighting device according to the invention comprises 1, 2 or 3 contact elements. With no more than 3 contact elements, it is possible to independently, flexibly and dynamically control the lighting and dimming patterns without resorting to complex solutions provided by microcontrollers or taking up too much space in narrow lighting strips.

[0026] In particular, a plurality of flexible electrical conductors are passed through the row of lighting elements, these electrical conductors being arranged substantially parallel to one another. The electrical connections in the lighting device can thus be routed within the flexible electrical conductors. The individual lighting elements are connected via the plurality of electrical conductors. The direct connection between subsequent lighting elements can also comprise one or more physical connections, which serve to connect the lighting elements in the lighting device structure. Such physical connections can likewise be wires, more particularly, one or more electrical conductors can also provide a physical connection and thus have a dual function. Thus, the lighting elements are connected via more than one electrical conductor and can also be physically connected in addition. If the lighting elements are constructed as circuit boards, the conductors can be physically connected to the PCB or pass through the PCB and make electrical contact with one or more LEDs of a particular lighting element.

[0027] In particular, the bendable electrical conductors are flexible along two axes. For example, it is possible to bend the lighting device along both horizontal and vertical axes on a specific surface of a car. This allows for a versatile way to stylize signaling functions, adapting them to the car's signaling system. Preferably, the conductors are arranged in a common plane. It is possible to bend the lighting device perpendicular to this plane, allowing the shape of the lighting device to be adapted to a specific application. Even complex 3D shapes are possible. Preferably, the two bendable axes are perpendicular to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the lighting device. The longitudinal axis of the lighting device is defined as the axis extending along the row or lighting elements. The possible bending radius is preferably less than 100 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 25 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting device is twistable about the longitudinal axis. A 90° twist of the lighting device is possible within a length of 100 mm, more preferably 75 mm, and most preferably 50 mm. This flexibility makes the lighting device suitable for a wide range of applications and adaptable to a wide variety of shapes.

[0028] In particular, the number of flexible electrical conductors is the same as the number of pins of the first contact element and / or the second contact element and / or the third contact element (if any).Preferably, the conductor arrangement between each lighting element is exactly the same along the entire row.

[0029] In particular, the lighting device according to the present invention includes three or four flexible electrical conductors. Preferably, the number of conductors between each lighting element is the same throughout the entire lighting device. Increasing the number of conductors between each lighting element also increases the ability to control more groups of lighting elements. However, this also increases the complexity of the lighting device and the required installation space. Therefore, with a maximum of four conductors between each lighting element, a sufficiently large number of groups can be controlled to provide dynamic lighting.

[0030] In particular, at least two segments are composed of the same number of lighting elements. This makes it possible, for example, for the lighting driver to compare the current and / or voltage of the two segments and detect errors if there is a current or power deviation between two identical segments. Preferably, each segment is composed of the same number of lighting elements, and even more preferably, each lighting element segment includes the same number of LEDs. Thus, the current and voltage of each segment can be compared to each other, resulting in reliable error detection.

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a lighting device is provided that is particularly suitable for automotive lighting applications, in particular in automobiles. For the sake of simplicity, similar features related to the invention described above with respect to the first aspect of the invention are omitted below. According to the invention, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged in one or more parallel rows, wherein each lighting element comprises at least one LED. Each parallel row as described above may comprise the same or a different number of lighting elements. In this case, a light-emitting strip or lighting strip comprising one or more rows of light sources is formed, which can not only be flexibly placed in locations with limited space, but also allows for more versatile lighting and dimming patterns required for different signaling functions.

[0032] A plurality of lighting elements are divided into a plurality of segments, and the lighting elements within each segment are electrically connected in parallel. Furthermore, each segment as described above may include the same or a different number of lighting elements; and lighting elements belonging to the same segment are preferably arranged in the same row of lighting elements. It is further preferred that the physical connections between the lighting elements within each segment are also arranged physically in parallel to facilitate control and design of lighting and dimming patterns. Similar to what has been disclosed above, the segmentation of the lighting elements enables the random resolution of the lighting and dimming of the light strip to depend on the length of each segment compared to the length of the light strip; and due to the independently controllable segments of the lighting elements, the complexity of the lighting device is reduced while still providing a diverse range of lighting functions. Furthermore, in addition to the serial connection as described previously, the parallelism mentioned here provides an alternative solution for a dynamic control mechanism between the lighting elements in a segment.

[0033] According to the present invention, current for multiple lighting elements is provided by a first contact element comprising at least three power pins. The first contact element is arranged at one end of one or more parallel rows of lighting elements and electrically connected thereto, with the electrical connection therebetween being physically arranged substantially parallel to the one or more rows of lighting elements, thereby forming a light strip. This provides flexibility in allocating two of the at least three power pins as power sources for certain segments of the lighting elements, allowing different segments to be independently controlled by their respective power pins. Complexity is also reduced, as a single contact element can flexibly control all segments.

[0034] Thus, similar to what was discussed previously, the present invention has the advantages of independently, flexibly, and dynamically controlling the lighting and dimming of segments of lighting elements at random resolutions; and reducing the complexity and space of lighting strips.

[0035] Furthermore, while, as discussed above, independent and dynamic control of the lighting elements was achieved by further grouping the segments and then assigning different groups to different contact elements, the same effect is now achieved by segmenting the lighting elements across one or more rows and assigning the segments to different pairs of pins contained in only one contact element.

[0036] Specifically, across any two power pins, there are at least two segments electrically connected thereto, with these at least two segments connected in anti-parallel to one another. In other words, at least two segments are connected in parallel, but their corresponding lighting elements have opposite polarities. Therefore, given any two power pins, it is possible to flexibly select which of these segments are turned on during a given period. Alternatively, the length of each segment across any two power pins can be extended by adding more lighting elements. Depending on the stylized functionality required by the lighting application, any two consecutive segments across any two power pins can include the same or different numbers of lighting elements. Even more patterns can be achieved by considering one or more rows. The result is a further increase in the resolution of lighting and dimming across any two power pins, as well as a further increase in the number of patterns of lighting functions formed along the entire light strip.

[0037] Furthermore, as discussed above, as previously explained, a further increase in resolution was achieved by adding rectifier diodes and sub-segments of the segments to each lighting element, wherein any two consecutive sub-segments were electrically connected in anti-series with each other such that only one of them could be switched on at a given moment; whereas the same or similar effect is now achieved by an alternative solution wherein two consecutive segments across two power pins are electrically connected in anti-parallel with each other such that given a particular value of the pair of pins, only one segment can be switched on.

[0038] In particular, the three power pins included in the first contact element are preferably arranged in a row, and the voltage values provided by the three pins are preferably different from each other. This configuration of the power pins is used to ensure that between any two power pins, some segments connected therebetween can be connected, while other segments also connected therebetween but with opposite polarity cannot be connected.

[0039] In particular, each lighting element is electrically connected in series to a current limiter. The current limiter - well known in the form of a resistor - is used to ensure that there is not enough power across any two given power pins to switch on segments of opposite polarity to those that can be switched on. Given a first power pin, a second power pin and a third power pin - their current values are arranged in descending order - it is possible that the first section between the first power pin and the second power pin is connected between them, wherein the current limiter is connected between the cathode pin of the first section and the second power pin, and the second section is connected in anti-parallel to the first section as described above, wherein the current limiter is connected between the anode pin of the second section and the second power pin; alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the first section between the second power pin and the third power pin has a current limiter connected therebetween, which is connected between the cathode pin of the second section and the third power pin, and the second section is connected in anti-parallel to the first section as described above, wherein the current limiter is connected between the anode pin of the second section and the third power pin; and alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the first section between the third power pin and the first power pin is connected therebetween, wherein the current limiter is connected between the anode pin of the first section and the first power pin, and the second section is connected in anti-parallel to the first section as described above, wherein the current limiter is connected between the cathode pin of the second section and the first power pin. Thus, it is possible to achieve flexible and dynamic lighting and dimming patterns across any row of the lighting strip and across any two power pins, using selected voltages provided by corresponding pins connected to the lighting driver. Thus, highly complex lighting and dimming patterns or patterns of different or distant lighting elements are possible using the present invention.

[0040] In particular, the lighting driver that is powered via the power pin is an active B6 bridge.

[0041] In particular, and similarly to the first aspect of the present invention, the lighting device further comprises a plurality of bendable electrical wires, which pass through the rows of lighting elements and are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0042] In particular, and similarly to the first aspect of the invention, the bendable electrical conductor is flexible in two axes and / or twistable along the longitudinal axis of the lighting device, wherein preferably the two bendable axes are perpendicular to each other and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0043] In particular, the number of flexible electrical conductors is preferably 3. Since three power pins are provided, three electrical conductors are sufficient to apply independent control to different rows along the light strip and to different segments across any two power pins, which greatly reduces the complexity and space required by the diverse range of lighting applications and ensures universal and complex patterns of lighting functions.

[0044] In particular, the present invention further comprises one or more of the features described in conjunction with the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described above with reference to the following figures, wherein like or similar elements are indicated by like reference numerals.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a lighting device according to the present invention,

[0047] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention,

[0048] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the present invention,

[0049] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Figure 5-1 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the present invention,

[0051] Figure 5-2 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the present invention,

[0052] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the present invention,

[0053] Figure 7 is the cross section of the lighting fixture,

[0054] Figure 8 is a detailed view of the lighting components, and

[0055] Figure 9 It is a contact diagram of the lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In the following description, specific details, such as specific architectures, interfaces, technologies, etc., are set forth for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the concept of the present invention. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In a similar manner, the text of this description is directed to the example embodiments as illustrated in the figures and is not intended to limit the claimed invention beyond the limitations explicitly included in the claims. For the purposes of brevity and clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary details. The following description should not be understood as limiting the allocation of any specific features to specific embodiments. Therefore, the features of the embodiments mentioned below can be freely combined with each other.

[0057] Figure 1 The diagram shows an implementation of the lighting device according to the present invention. The lighting device comprises a plurality of lighting elements 10, wherein Figure 1 In the example of , the lighting device includes ten lighting elements 10. The lighting elements 10 are divided into five segments 12, each segment consisting of two lighting elements 10. Of course, the lighting device may have less than ten lighting elements 10 or more than ten lighting elements 10. Additionally, each segment may also consist of one or more lighting elements 10. Figure 1 In the example shown, each lighting element comprises one light emitting diode (LED) 14. Each lighting element 10 may also comprise more than one LED 14. In particular, each lighting element 10 does not necessarily have the same number of LEDs 14. However, it is preferred that each lighting element 10 has the same number of LEDs 14, and it is further preferred that each segment 12 comprises Figure 1 . Thus, preferably, each segment has the same number of LEDs.

[0058] All LEDs 14 are oriented in the same direction. Therefore, along the entire lighting device, light is emitted only in half of the space. The lighting device can only emit light at an emission angle equal to or less than 180°, and more preferably equal to or less than 120°, or equal to or less than 90°. In order to further enhance the emission characteristics, it is possible to Figure 1 Reflective elements are arranged on a plane (e.g., the image plane) to reflect all light into the desired half of the space. Furthermore, the width of the lighting device is less than 10 mm, and preferably less than 6 mm. This allows for the construction of very narrow and long light strips, providing highly efficient lighting.

[0059] The lighting elements 10 are arranged in a row, wherein each lighting element 10 is directly connected to the previous lighting element 10 and / or the next lighting element 10 via wires 16a, 16b and 16c. Figure 1 The lighting device in includes three wires between each lighting element. Figure 1 In the example shown, the number of wires 16 between each lighting element 10 is exactly the same. However, it is also possible to have unequal numbers of wires between at least two or more lighting elements 10. The lighting elements 10 are electrically connected to each other via the wires and the same electrical wires also provide the physical connection of the lighting elements. However, within the scope of the present invention, the physical connection need not be the same as the electrical connection. Figure 1 In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the first lighting element 10 a is directly electrically and physically connected to the second lighting element 10 b through the wires 16 a to 16 c.

[0060] A first connector 18, disposed at the first end (i.e., the leftmost end) of the row of lighting elements 10, is connected to the row of lighting elements 10 via wires 16a to 16c. Additionally, a second connector 20 is disposed at the second end (i.e., the rightmost end) of the row of lighting elements 10 and is also connected to the row of lighting elements 10 via wires 16a to 16c. The first and second connectors each include three pins 22, where the number of pins of connectors 18, 20 is equal to the number of wires of the lighting device. Thus, by using two connectors 18, 20 and three wires 16a to 16c, five segments 12 can be individually controlled by a lighting driver (not shown). Figure 1 The lighting device in the embodiment is connected to the lighting driver via a first connector 18 and a second connector 20. Thus, using only three wires between each lighting element 10, a sufficiently large number of segments can be dynamically controlled, while the complexity of the wiring of each individual segment is low.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the distance A between each lighting element 10 is less than the length of each of the wires 16a to 16c. Figure 1 In the example shown, the distance A between each lighting element 10 is equal. However, it is also possible to have at least two or more distances between the respective lighting elements 10 that are different from each other. The wires have a curved or meandering shape so as to provide an excess length. By virtue of this excess length, bending of the lighting device is possible and further thermal expansion of the lighting device can be compensated. Additionally, the outer wires 16a and 16c comprise a longer length than the inner or central wire 16b. Thus, the lighting device can be bent in a plane in which the wires 16a to 16c are also arranged to correspond to Figure 1 The image plane is aligned with the plane of the image. Thus, the lighting device can be adapted to any three-dimensional (3D) shape of the application. In particular, since a specific configuration of a 90° twist of the lighting device is possible within a short length, sufficient flexibility is provided to adapt to a wide variety of applications (i.e., shapes). Furthermore, the bending radius is preferably less than 100 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, and most preferably less than 25 mm.

[0062] Figure 2 A circuit diagram of a lighting device is shown, the lighting device comprising a circuit diagram of a lighting device according to Figure 1 The five sections 12, of which Figure 2 In the example of , each segment 12 includes seven LEDs 14. Each LED 14 can be provided on a separate lighting element 10, or more than one LED 14 can be provided on a single lighting element 10 in a segment 12, until all seven LEDs 14 are provided on a single lighting element 10. Further, Figure 2The lighting device has a first connector 18 and a second connector 20. Three parallel wires 16a, 16b, and 16c originate from the first connector 18 and run in parallel along the entire length of the lighting device, which is also connected to the second connector 20. The LEDs 14 are arranged along a row to define a light strip or lighting strip.

[0063] First connector 18 includes a ground pin 24, as well as a first anode pin 26 and a second anode pin 28. Second connector 20 includes a third anode pin 30, a fourth anode pin 32, and a fifth anode pin 34. First anode pin 26 is used to control first segment 12a of LED 14, which is also connected to ground pin 24 of first connector 18. Each additional anode pin of first connector 18 or second connector 20 allows for direct addressing of segments 12 of LED 14 by a lighting driver connected to the lighting device via first connector 18 and second connector 20. Thus, first connector 18 controls a first group of segments 12a and 12b, and second connector 20 controls a second group of segments 12c, 12d, and 12e. Five segments 12 of LED 14 can be individually addressed to provide dynamic lighting, achieved using only three parallel wires along the entire length of the lighting device, thereby maintaining the ability to bend the lighting device in all directions and providing low complexity in wiring within the lighting device.

[0064] Figure 3 Another example of a circuit diagram of the present invention is shown. Each segment 12 consists of only a single LED 14, wherein Figure 3 In FIG, seven segments 12 are presented. However, each segment 12 may also comprise more than one LED 14. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a smaller number of segments 12.

[0065] First connector 18 includes a first ground pin, a second ground pin, a first anode pin, and a second anode pin. Second connector 20 includes third and fourth ground pins, as well as third and fourth anode pins. Furthermore, first connector 18 controls a first group of segments, including segments 12a, 12b, and 12c, and second connector 20 controls a second group of segments, including segments 12d, 12e, 12f, and 12g. First connector 18 and second connector 20 are connected to lighting element 10 of the lighting device via four wires arranged in parallel along the entire length of the lighting device. Thus, by connecting the lighting device to a lighting driver via the pins of first connector 18 and second connector 20, each segment 12 can be individually controlled to provide dynamic lighting.

[0066] Figure 4Another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein each segment 12 is illustrated with two LEDs 14, which may be provided on different lighting elements 10 or on the same lighting element 10. However, additional LEDs 14 and / or additional lighting elements 10 may be introduced in each segment 12.

[0067] Figure 4 The lighting device shows the Figure 2 Furthermore, the lighting device includes a first connector that is identical to the connector of Figure 2 The second connector 20 is identical to the second connector 20 except that Figure 4 Pin 30 is the ground pin shown in Figure 1. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , three parallel wires along the lighting device are also foreseen. However, in addition, a third connector 36 is provided between the first connector 18 and the second connector 20. In particular, the third connector 36 is provided between the fifth segment 12e and the sixth segment 12f of the lighting device, counting from the leftmost segment. The third connector 36 has six anode pins arranged in two columns and is to be connected to a lighting driver to individually control the segments 12 of LEDs 14 in order to achieve dynamic lighting. Figure 4 As illustrated in FIG, first connector 18 controls a first segment group including 12a and 12b; second connector 20 controls a second segment group including 12i and 12j; and third connector 36 controls a third segment group including 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, and 12h.

[0068] Figure 5-1 Another example of a circuit diagram of the present invention is shown, which includes Figure 2 The example shown in FIG. 1 shows an identical first connector 18 and an identical second connector 20. Each segment 12 includes four LEDs 14, which are further evenly divided into two sub-segments. However, each sub-segment within the same segment does not necessarily include the same number of lighting elements. Figure 5-1, the two sub-segments within any segment are electrically connected in anti-series with each other, so that the two sub-segments cannot be turned on simultaneously. Furthermore, each LED 14 is electrically connected in anti-parallel to a rectifier diode 44. A first connector 18 provides current to the first segment group, which includes segments 12a and 12b, with two anode pins 26 and 28 of the first connector 18 positioned at the uppermost positions in the pin array and one ground pin 24 positioned at the lowest position in the pin array. As a result, LEDs 141 and 142 in segment 12a and LEDs 145 and 146 in segment 12b—representing half of the LEDs in the first segment group—are turned on, while the corresponding current is shunted to the remaining LEDs via rectifier diodes 443 and 444 in segment 12a and rectifier diodes 447 and 448 in segment 12b. The second connector 20 provides current to the second segment group including segments 12c, 12d and 12e, wherein the three anode pins 30, 32 and 34 are arranged in a pin column. Therefore, LEDs 149 and 1410 included in segment 12c, LEDs 1413 and 1414 included in segment 12d, and LEDs 1417 and 1418 included in segment 12e, which are half of the LEDs included in the second group, are turned on, and the corresponding current is shunted to the remaining LEDs through the rectifier diodes 4411 and 4412 included in segment 12c, the rectifier diodes 4415 and 4416 included in segment 12d, and the rectifier diodes 4419 and 4420 included in segment 12e. Therefore, by arranging the power supplied to the lighting element in such a manner as described above, it is possible to further increase the resolution of lighting and dimming without adding any more complex circuits. In the example Figure 5-1 In the particular case depicted, the resolution is as Figure 2 This is twice the resolution described in , because only half of the LEDs are turned on at a given moment.

[0069] Figure 5-2 Shown Figure 5-1 The counterpart of the example shown in , which swaps the anode pin with the ground pin. As a result, in Figure 5-1 All LEDs that are switched on in the present case are shunted by the rectifier diodes 441, 442, 445, 446, 449, 4410, 4413, 4414, 4417 and 4418 connected to them; and Figure 5-1All LEDs that were not turned on in , i.e., LEDs 143, 144, 147, 148, 1411, 1412, 1415, 1416, 1419, and 1420, are now turned on. Because each segment can include a different number of lighting elements, and each group can include a different number of segments, flexible control of the lighting pattern is possible. Figures 2 to 4 As illustrated, according to Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2 The lighting device may also include only one connector or three connectors, and may also include Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2 The specific power pins shown in the figure are different from the power pin arrangement. For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Both embodiments shown in FIG. 1 can be modified to Figure 2 The example is modified to Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2 The double resolution of lighting and dimming is obtained in the same way as the example.

[0070] Figure 6 Another example of a circuit diagram of the present invention is shown, comprising a first connector 18 with three electrical conductors extending from three power pins included in the first connector 18—namely, a first pin 24, a second pin 26, and a third pin 28. Across any two pins, two segments of LEDs are connected therebetween, in anti-parallel with one another. Within each segment, five LEDs are connected across the corresponding pins therebetween, in parallel with one another. Each segment may include the same or a different number of lighting elements, and each lighting element may include one or more LEDs. Across pins 24 and 26, segments 12a and 12b are connected in anti-parallel via conductors 16b and 16c, and are preferably arranged in the same row. Across pins 26 and 28, segments 12c and 12d are connected in anti-parallel via conductors 16a and 16b, and are preferably arranged in the same row. And across pins 28 and 24, segments 12e and 12f are connected in anti-parallel via conductors 16b and 16c, and are preferably arranged in the same row. Because the electrical wires can be bent in two axes as described above, the segments connected between any pair of pins can also be arranged in different rows of lighting elements and even in not necessarily the same surface of the lighting device, so it is possible to achieve different lighting and dimming patterns using selected wire routing.

[0071] exist Figure 6In the example shown, the voltages supplied to pins 24, 26, and 28 can be arranged in descending order; in other words, the voltage at pin 24 is higher than the voltage at pin 26, and the voltage at pin 26 is also higher than the voltage at pin 28. This ensures that current flows only through segments 12a, 12c, and 12e. This power supply can be provided by an active B6 bridge. Each LED 14 is also connected in series to a current limiter 64. Therefore, given the above power supply arrangement, only segments 12a, 12c, and 12e can be turned on. Therefore, simply by varying the voltage supply at the connectors, it is possible to further increase the resolution within the lighting element segments. In this particular case, the resolution is doubled. Furthermore, by varying the number of lighting elements contained in each segment and the number of segments along the entire light strip, it is possible to achieve other ratios of increased resolution and complex lighting patterns.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the voltages supplied at pins 24, 26, and 28 can also be in, for example, an increasing order; in other words, the voltage at pin 24 is lower than the voltage at pin 26, and the voltage at pin 26 is also lower than the voltage at pin 28. In this way, current is ensured to flow only through segments 12b, 12d, and 12f. Thus, different ways of physically arranging the segments along or above two rows of lighting elements enable versatile lighting patterns.

[0073] Figure 7 A cross-section of a lighting device is shown. An LED 14 is positioned atop an insert or lighting element 10. In the example of FIG5 , the lighting element 10 is connected via three wires 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c. The light-emitting side of the LED 14 is connected to the light-emitting surface 40 of the lighting device via a transparent polymer 38. The wires 16 a, 16 b, and 16 c, the lighting element 10, the LED 14, and the transparent polymer 38 are surrounded by an opaque polymer 42. The opaque polymer 42 serves as a protective cover for the lighting device while still providing sufficient flexibility. Additionally, the opaque polymer 42 may be a white polymer, which reflects any light emitted from the transparent polymer 38 back toward the light-emitting surface 40, thereby increasing the efficiency of the lighting device. Of course, the opaque polymer 42 may alternatively have any other color suitable for a specific application.

[0074] Figure 8 Detailed view of an insert or lighting element 10 is shown. The lighting element 10 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 48, wherein the LEDs 14 are arranged on one upper side of the PCB 48. The PCB 48 is connected to the previous lighting element 10 or contact element in the row by a first set of three wires 15a, 15b, 15c, wherein the three wires are arranged in parallel and are respectively connected at a first position ( Figure 6The upper position in the middle), the second position ( Figure 6 The middle position in the middle) and the third position ( Figure 6 4 (lower position in FIG1 ). However, in other embodiments, more or fewer wires may be implemented. In addition, the lighting element 10 is connected to a subsequent lighting element 10 or contact element via a second set of three wires 17a, 17b, 17c, which are also placed in parallel and connected to the PCB 48 on the opposite side of the first set, wherein these wires are also connected to the PCB 48 at positions corresponding to the first position, the second position, and the third position. Figure 6 The dashed lines in indicate the electrical wiring provided by the PCB 48 of the lighting element 10. Figure 6 In the example shown, first anode connections 15a, 17a pass through PCB 48, where they connect to PCB 48 at a first location on both sides of PCB 48. However, second anode connections 15b, 17c may connect to PCB 48 at different locations on both sides. Furthermore, ground connection 15c may connect to the PCB at one location on the first side and then connect to the LED via the circuitry of PCB 48. Anode connection 17b may connect to PCB 48 at the same or a different location as ground connection 15c, and then connect to LED 14 on the same or opposite side. Thus, LED 14 connects to anode connection 17b via the circuitry of PCB 48 and also to ground connection 15c to supply power to LED 14. Consequently, PCB 48 of lighting element 10 allows for more complex wire routing, such as crossover wires, to be implemented, thereby maintaining parallel wires between each lighting element. This provides a high degree of freedom regarding wire routing along the lighting device.

[0075] Figure 9 A detailed view of the lighting device is shown by illustrating the connections between the inserts or lighting elements 10 when viewed from the top of the lighting device, wherein Figure 9 The upper portion shows a top view on the bottom layer of the lighting element (as indicated by the leftward arrow 49), and Figure 9 The lower part of shows a top view on the top layer of the lighting element (as indicated by the left arrow 51). Figure 9 In FIG. 1 , each lighting element 10 includes an LED 14 sitting on top of a PCB 48, beneath which a collection of wires 16a, 16b, and 16c are used to provide power to the LED 14, similar to the embodiment of FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In addition, in Figure 9In the example, electrical connections having a positive voltage or connected to the anode lead frame are represented by solid lines and are labeled anode tracks; electrical connections to GND are represented by dashed lines and are labeled GND tracks; and intra-segment connections connecting consecutive LEDs contained within a segment are represented by dot-dash lines.

[0076] like Figure 9 As shown in the upper portion of FIG, a light strip is formed comprising ten lighting elements 10, evenly divided into five segments 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e. On the far left side of the light strip, two anode pins 28 and 26 and one GND pin 24 are located; and on the far right side of the light strip, three anode pins 34, 32, and 30 are located. Within each segment, two LEDs 14 are connected to each other via intra-segment connections. Accordingly, two solder joints 19 are provided for each LED 14 in the corresponding lighting element, connecting the corresponding LED 14 to the anode or GND pins and to the LEDs 14 included in the other lighting elements. Taking segment 12a as an example, the two LEDs therein are connected to each other via intra-segment connections. The left side of segment 12a is connected to pin 28, which supplies a high or positive voltage, and the right side of segment 12a provides a GND trace or connection, allowing both LEDs in segment 12a to be turned on. Taking segment 12b as another example, the anode trace starting from pin 26 passes through the shaded area shown in segment 12a until it reaches solder joint 19 on the left side of segment 12b, so that the two LEDs in segment 12b are turned on. Figure 9 As further illustrated in the lower portion of FIG, the solder joints 19 included in the segments are arranged to be staggered segment by segment so that each segment can be independently controlled by a corresponding pin. More specifically, segment 12a is electrically connected between anode pin 28 and GND pin 24, segment 12b is electrically connected between anode pin 26 and GND pin 24, segment 12c is electrically connected between anode pin 34 and GND pin 24, segment 12d is electrically connected between anode pin 32 and GND pin 24, and segment 12e is electrically connected between anode pin 30 and GND pin 24.

Claims

1. A lighting device comprising: Luminous strip, including: a row of lighting elements divided into a plurality of segments of at least two lighting elements, each lighting element comprising at least one light emitting diode, and at least two lighting elements within each segment being electrically connected in series, a first terminal connector at a first end of the row of lighting elements, the first terminal connector configured to provide current to a first group of the plurality of segments, and a plurality of wires electrically coupled between the first terminal connector and a first group of the plurality of segments and between each lighting element in the row, The lighting device further comprises: a second terminal connector at a second end of the row of lighting elements, the second terminal connector being configured to provide current to at least a second group of the plurality of segments, at least one third terminal connector between the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector along the row of lighting elements, the at least one third terminal connector being configured to provide current to at least a third group of the plurality of segments, Wherein, each of the at least one third terminal connector includes a plurality of third power pins arranged in two sets, and the integer number of the plurality of third power pins in each of the two sets is the same as at least one of the integer numbers of power pins of the first terminal connector or the second terminal connector.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The first terminal connector includes a plurality of power pins including at least one voltage supply pin and at least one ground pin.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein The second terminal connector further includes an integer number of second power pins, the integer number of the second power pins being equal to the integer number of the plurality of power pins of the first terminal connector.

4. The lighting device of claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of wires electrically coupled between the second terminal connector and at least a second group of the plurality of segments, and a third plurality of wires electrically coupled between the third terminal connector and at least a third group of the plurality of segments.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein The plurality of wires, the second plurality of wires, and the third plurality of wires include a plurality of flexible electrical wires passing through the row of lighting elements and arranged substantially parallel to one another. The lighting device according to claim 5 , wherein: The plurality of bendable electrical conductors are at least one of flexible in two bending axes or twistable along a longitudinal axis of the lighting device, wherein the two bending axes are at least one perpendicular to each other or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: The integer number of the flexible electrical conductors is the same as the integer number of power pins of at least one of the first terminal connector, the second terminal connector, or the at least one third terminal connector.

8. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein: The integer number of the flexible electrical conductors is 3 or 4.

9. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: At least two sections of the plurality of sections include the same number of lighting elements.

10. A lighting device comprising: Luminous strip, including: at least two parallel rows of lighting elements divided into a plurality of segments, each lighting element comprising at least one light emitting diode, and the lighting elements within each of the plurality of segments being electrically connected in parallel, a first terminal connector at a first end of the at least two parallel rows of lighting elements, the first terminal connector comprising at least three power pins configured to provide current to the lighting elements, and a plurality of wires electrically coupled between the first terminal connector and the plurality of segments, The lighting device further comprises: a second terminal connector at a second end of the at least two parallel rows of lighting elements, the second terminal connector being configured to provide current to the lighting elements, at least one third terminal connector between the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector along the at least two parallel rows of lighting elements, the at least one third terminal connector being configured to provide current to at least a third group of the plurality of segments, Wherein, each of the at least one third terminal connector includes a plurality of third power pins arranged in two sets, and the integer number of the plurality of third power pins in each of the two sets is the same as at least one of the integer numbers of power pins of the first terminal connector or the second terminal connector.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein: At least two of the plurality of sections of the lighting element are electrically coupled in anti-parallel with each other across any two of the at least three power pins.

12. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein: The at least three power pins are arranged in a column and are configured to supply voltages having different values.

13. The lighting device of claim 10, further comprising a current limiter, each lighting element being electrically coupled in series to the current limiter.

14. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein The power provided through the at least three power pins is provided by an active B6 bridge.

15. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of wires includes a plurality of bendable electrical wires passing through the at least two parallel rows of lighting elements.

16. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein The plurality of bendable electrical conductors are at least one of flexible in two bending axes or twistable along a longitudinal axis of the lighting device, the two bending axes being perpendicular to each other or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

17. The lighting device according to claim 15, wherein: The plurality of flexible electrical wires includes three flexible electrical wires.

18. The lighting device according to claim 15, further comprising a plurality of rectifier diodes, each rectifier diode being electrically coupled in anti-parallel to a corresponding light emitting diode.

19. A lighting device comprising: Luminous strips, including: a row of lighting elements divided into a plurality of segments of at least two lighting elements, each lighting element comprising at least one light emitting diode, and each of the plurality of segments being further divided into at least two sub-segments, wherein a first terminal connector is at a first end of the row of lighting elements, the first terminal connector being configured to provide current to a first group of the plurality of segments, and a plurality of wires electrically coupled between the first terminal connector and a first group of the plurality of segments and between each lighting element in the row, The lighting device further comprises: a second terminal connector at a second end of the row of lighting elements, the second terminal connector being configured to provide current to at least a second group of the plurality of segments, at least one third terminal connector between the first terminal connector and the second terminal connector along the row of lighting elements, the at least one third terminal connector being configured to provide current to at least a third group of the plurality of segments, Wherein, each of the at least one third terminal connector includes a plurality of third power pins arranged in two sets, and the integer number of the plurality of third power pins in each of the two sets is the same as at least one of the integer numbers of power pins of the first terminal connector or the second terminal connector.

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