Dual tap l2 power configuration for tled lamps

Abstract

This invention relates to a modified LED lighting device for connection to a fluorescent lamp ballast. The modified LED lighting device includes: a first terminal, comprising a first power connection and a second power connection for receiving output power from the fluorescent lamp ballast, and including a first relay, wherein the first and second power connections are coupled to a first single connector, and wherein the first terminal is adapted to provide a first output and a second output; a second terminal, comprising a third power connection and a fourth power connection for receiving output power from the fluorescent lamp ballast, and including a second relay, wherein the third and fourth power connections are coupled to a second single connector, and wherein the second terminal is adapted to provide a third output and a fourth output, wherein the first output is coupled to the third output, and the second output is coupled to the fourth output; and an LED. The LED load includes a first group of one or more LEDs coupled to a first output and a second group of one or more LEDs coupled to a second output, wherein the first group of one or more LEDs and the second group of one or more LEDs are coupled in series. The modified LED lighting device further includes: a first relay including a first relay switch and a first drive coil circuit, wherein the first relay switch is connected in series between a first power connection or a second power connection and the LED load; and a second relay including a third relay switch and a second drive coil circuit, wherein the second relay switch is coupled between a third power connection or a fourth power connection and the LED load, wherein the first drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across the first group of one or more LEDs, and the second drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across the second group of one or more LEDs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to modified light-emitting diode (LED) lighting equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Fluorescently modifiable light-emitting diode (LED) lamps may include relays on a driver board located at either end of the lamp. For example, the relays may provide pin safety features to prevent voltage from flowing from one end of the lamp to the other during installation in a socket. Each relay's drive coil needs to be energized to activate the relay, for example, to close a normally open relay. Figure 1 This illustrates how the drive coil of a relay in a fluorescent modifiable LED lamp is currently powered. A buck converter is used to convert the voltage across the LED (i.e., LED+) to a lower voltage that matches the voltage required to drive the drive coil. In this example, the buck converter is located at one end of the fluorescent modifiable LED lamp, and its output is routed via the LED board to the relay at the driver board at the second end of the fluorescent modifiable LED lamp, thus requiring additional connections between the respective boards in driver boards 1, 3, and LED board 2, next to the positive power supply LED+ and the negative power supply LE-. In the fluorescent modifiable LED lamp, the first driver board 1 is located at one end of the fluorescent modifiable LED lamp, preferably at the first end, and the second driver board 3 is located at the opposite end of the fluorescent modifiable LED lamp, preferably at the second end.

[0003] Another major drawback of using a buck converter or any kind of switch-mode power supply (SMPS) is that the converter typically exhibits a negative differential input impedance at its input terminals. The input current increases as the input voltage decreases, which can cause problems under varying operating conditions, as it can lead to unexpected oscillations.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an easier and more reliable solution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modified light-emitting diode (LED) lighting device that provides simple relay driving.

[0006] To provide this simple actuation of the relay, in a first aspect of the invention, a modifiable light-emitting diode (LED) lighting device for connection to a fluorescent lamp ballast is provided, wherein the modifiable LED lighting device comprises:

[0007] - A first end, including a first power connection and a second power connection, for receiving output power from a fluorescent lamp ballast, and including a first relay, wherein the first power connection and the second power connection are coupled to a first single connector, wherein the first end is adapted to provide a first output and a second output;

[0008] - The second end includes a third power connection and a fourth power connection for receiving the output power of the fluorescent lamp ballast, and includes a second relay, wherein the third power connection and the fourth power connection are coupled to a second single connector, wherein the second end is adapted to provide a third output and a fourth output, wherein a first output is coupled to the third output and a second output is coupled to the fourth output;

[0009] - Light-emitting diode (LED) load, including:

[0010] - A first group of one or more LEDs, coupled to a first output; and

[0011] - A second group of one or more LEDs, coupled to a second output, wherein the first group of one or more LEDs and the second group of one or more LEDs are connected in series; wherein the modified LED lighting device also includes:

[0012] - A first relay, comprising a first relay switch and a first drive coil circuit, wherein the first relay switch is connected in series between a first power connection or a second power connection and the LED load; and

[0013] - The second relay includes a third relay switch and a second drive coil circuit, wherein the second relay switch is coupled between a third power connection (in3) or a fourth power connection and the LED load.

[0014] The first drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across one or more LEDs in the first group, and the second drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across one or more LEDs in the second group.

[0015] A first relay is preferably positioned at a first end, where most of the space is available for the relay. The first end receives input power from a fluorescent lamp ballast via a first single connector. A first output and a second output are provided from the first end to a first group of one or more LEDs and a second group of LEDs connected in series. The drive coil of the first relay is coupled across the first group of one or more LEDs. This means that the drive coil is coupled to the first output of the first group of one or more LEDs and the corresponding other nodes, effectively making the drive coil parallel to the first group of one or more LEDs.

[0016] The modified LED lighting device has a second end. The modified LED lighting device can then be an elongated lighting tube with two opposing ends, where corresponding first and second ends are located. Additionally, a second relay is provided for switching a third or fourth power supply connection to the LED load. The drive coil of the second relay is coupled in a similar manner to the drive coil of the first relay: the drive coil of the first relay is electrically coupled across a first group of one or more LEDs, and the drive coil of the second relay is electrically coupled across a second group of one or more LEDs. The two drive coils are effectively coupled in series with each other and in parallel with different LEDs. This modified LED lighting device allows for simple relay driving without significantly affecting the light output.

[0017] This modified LED lighting device provides a simple and reliable way to supply a small current to the drive coil of the relay used in the modified LED lighting device. Furthermore, since a switch-mode power supply is not required to power the drive coil, the effects of the negative differential impedance at the input terminals of the switch-mode power supply are also eliminated.

[0018] In another example, the first drive coil circuit includes a parallel combination of a first capacitor and a first resistor.

[0019] The introduction of the parallel combination of the first capacitor and the first resistor allows a high drive current to be supplied to the drive coil via the first capacitor during relay off, and a weaker drive current to be supplied to the drive coil via the first resistor after relay off.

[0020] In another example, the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs is matched with the required drive voltage of the first drive coil circuit by providing a number of series-coupled LEDs from the first group of one or more LEDs to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the required drive voltage of the first drive coil circuit.

[0021] The relay switch can close correctly when the forward voltage of the LED connected in parallel with the drive coil circuit is equal to or greater than the drive voltage of the drive coil circuit. Preferably, the forward voltage of the LED is selected to be slightly higher than the required drive voltage, so that the forward voltage of the LED approximates the drive voltage.

[0022] In another example, the rectifier circuit is coupled between the first power connection and the second power connection, and between the first output and the second output.

[0023] A rectifier circuit is provided between the first power connection, the second power connection, the first output, and the second output, allowing the AC input to be rectified and enabling simple control of the current through the LED load (preferably a current limiter), which can be placed in series with the LED load if dimming is required, for example. The rectifier circuit provides a first power connection that can provide a first positive voltage to the LED load and a second power connection that provides a return path.

[0024] In another example, the first relay switch is coupled between the first power connection or the second power connection and the rectifier circuit.

[0025] The first relay switch is coupled in the path between the first terminal and the input of the rectifier circuit, allowing the first relay to completely disconnect the modified LED lighting device from the ballast. The relay switch can be positioned such that no component can provide a leakage path between the first power connection and the second power connection, which could otherwise cause losses when the modified LED lighting device is in standby mode, meaning that the modified LED lighting device will not generate light.

[0026] In another example, the first relay includes a second relay switch, wherein the first relay switch is coupled between the first power connection and the rectifier circuit, and the second relay switch is coupled between the second power connection and the rectifier circuit.

[0027] The relay can be a relay with two relay switches controlled by the same drive coil. The relay can then be used to completely disconnect the LED load from both a first power supply and a second power supply. A relay with two relay switches can also provide additional benefits, such as automatic switching between pin safety and filament emulation functions. This feature will be described in more detail in the following description.

[0028] In another example, the modified LED lighting device also includes:

[0029] - A second terminal, including a third power connection and a fourth power connection, for receiving the output power of a fluorescent lamp ballast, and including a second relay, wherein the third power connection and the fourth power connection are coupled to a second single connector, wherein the second terminal is adapted to provide a third output and a fourth output, wherein a first output is coupled to the third output, and a second output is coupled to the fourth output; and

[0030] - The second relay includes a third relay switch and a second drive coil circuit, wherein the second relay switch is coupled between a third power supply connection and a rectifier circuit or between a fourth power supply connection and an LED load.

[0031] The first drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across one or more LEDs in the first group, and the second drive coil circuit is electrically coupled across one or more LEDs in the second group.

[0032] In another example, the second drive coil circuit includes a parallel combination of a second capacitor and a second resistor.

[0033] Similar to that described for the first drive coil, the introduction of the parallel combination of the second capacitor and the second resistor allows a high drive current to be supplied to the drive coil of the second relay via the second capacitor during the second relay being off, and a weaker drive current to be supplied to the drive coil via the second resistor after the second relay is off.

[0034] In another example, the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs is matched with the drive voltage of the first drive coil circuit by providing a certain number of LEDs from the first group of one or more LEDs to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the drive voltage of the first drive coil circuit, and the forward voltage of the second group of one or more LEDs is matched with the drive voltage of the second drive coil circuit by providing a certain number of LEDs from the second group of one or more LEDs to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the drive voltage of the second drive coil circuit.

[0035] The forward voltage of one or more LEDs in the first group is matched with the drive voltage of the first drive coil of the first relay. The forward voltage of one or more LEDs in the second group is matched with the drive voltage of the second drive coil of the second relay. This allows the first and second relays to be properly turned off.

[0036] Preferably, the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs and the forward voltage of the second group of one or more LEDs are selected to be slightly higher than the required driving voltage of their respective first and second relay coils, such that the forward voltage of the LEDs approximates the driving voltage.

[0037] In another example, when voltage and / or current are detected at the first and second terminals, the first and second relay switches are closed.

[0038] The function of a relay is pin safety. Relays can be used as safety devices because they have internal creepage that provides electrical safety. A relay switch is electrically connected between the first and second terminals of the modified LED lighting device. This means that the relay can be used to prevent voltage from appearing at one terminal while the other is not present. Preferably, two relays are used to provide redundancy for safety.

[0039] In another example, the first relay includes a second relay switch, wherein the first relay switch is coupled between a first power connection and an LED load, and the second relay switch is coupled between a second power connection and an LED load, and wherein the second relay includes a fourth relay switch, wherein a third relay switch is coupled between a third power connection and an LED load, and the fourth relay switch is coupled between a fourth power connection and an LED load.

[0040] Both relays can be relays with two relay switches, controlled by the same corresponding drive coil. The relays can then be used to completely disconnect the LED load from the first, second, third, and fourth power supplies. Relays with two relay switches also offer additional benefits such as automatic switching between pin safety and filament emulation functions. This feature will be described in more detail in the following description.

[0041] In another example, the first relay switch is adapted to close when it is detected that the modified LED lighting device is correctly inserted into the modified luminaire.

[0042] In another example, one or more LEDs in the first group and / or one or more LEDs in the second group are evenly distributed between the first end and the second end.

[0043] Due to the redirecting current to the drive coil, one or more LEDs in the first group and / or one or more LEDs in the second group may suffer reduced light output. This effect can be mitigated by distributing the LEDs along the length of the modified LED lighting fixture, i.e., between the two ends, as there will be no differences or black spots in the visible light along the length of the modified LED lighting fixture due to the overall light output of the fixture.

[0044] In another example, the modified LED lighting device includes a third group of one or more LEDs coupled between a first group of one or more LEDs and a second group of one or more LEDs, wherein the LED density of the first group of one or more LEDs is higher than the LED density of the third group of one or more LEDs and / or the LED density of the second group of one or more LEDs is higher than the LED density of the third group of one or more LEDs.

[0045] Due to the diversion current flowing through the drive coil, the first and / or second sets of series-coupled LEDs may experience reduced light output. When the third set of series-coupled LEDs does not experience diversion current through the drive coil, a difference in light output will exist between the first and / or second sets of series-coupled LEDs and the third set of series-coupled LEDs. The LEDs emitting the least light can be placed closer together to increase LED density. This difference in density allows for uniform light distribution along the entire length of the modified LED lighting fixture (i.e., between the two ends) between the first and / or second sets of series-coupled LEDs and the third set of series-coupled LEDs. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 An example of a circuit diagram for a well-known fluorescent modifiable LED lamp is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 An example circuit diagram of a fluorescently modifiable LED lamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 3 Another example of a circuit diagram for a fluorescently modifiable LED lamp according to the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 4 An example of the connection between an LED load and a relay drive coil according to the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 5 Another example of the connection between the LED load and the drive coil of the relay according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

[0053] It should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatuses, systems, and methods, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more readily understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that these drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0054] Figure 2An example circuit diagram of a fluorescent customizable LED lamp is shown. The fluorescent customizable LED lamp can be connected to a fluorescent lamp ballast. The ballast can be any type of common ballast, such as an electromagnetic ballast or a high-frequency ballast. The fluorescent customizable LED lamp has a first end 1 and a second end 3, located at their respective first and second ends. These two ends are opposite ends of the fluorescent customizable LED lamp. Each end has a single connector that allows the fluorescent customizable LED lamp to be inserted into a conventional fluorescent lamp recessed reflector. The single connector can be a two-pin connector, such as those used by fluorescent tubes to fit into tombstone lamp holders. Within the fluorescent customizable LED lamp that provides an electrical connection between the first end 1 and the second end 3, by introducing electronic equipment instead of ventable gas, the voltage present on one single connector can also be available on the other single connector. This can pose a dangerous situation for installers mounting the fluorescent customizable LED lamp into the recessed reflector, as the installer could touch a single connector that is not yet inserted and exposed to a potentially dangerous voltage. Pin safety circuitry is provided in this case and allows the electrical connection between the two ends to be interrupted. This can typically be accomplished using a relay, as relays are considered safety devices and are placed in the electrical connection between the two ends. When the fluorescent reversible LED is not powered, the relay switch is in the open position. When the fluorescent reversible LED is inserted, the relay only closes when both ends are correctly inserted into the concave reflector slots, preventing installers from accessing any pins.

[0055] In the provided example, the first relay Relay1 has a first relay switch relay_1a and a second relay switch relay_1b, both of which are controlled via a drive coil Lrelay1. In this example, the second relay Relay2 has a third relay switch relay_2a and a fourth relay switch relay_2b, both of which are controlled via a drive coil Lrelay2. In the provided example, the switches of both the first relay Relay1 and the second relay Relay2 are placed in the electrical connection between their two ends.

[0056] The first terminal 1 may have a first power connection in1 and a second power connection in2. The output of a fluorescent lamp ballast can be connected to these inputs. A first relay Relay1 may be included in the first terminal 1. The first power connection in1 and the second power connection in2 are coupled to a first single connector.

[0057] The fluorescent convertible LED lamp can have a second terminal 3, which has a third power connection in3 and a fourth power connection in4. Another output of the fluorescent lamp ballast can be connected to these inputs. A second relay 2 can be included in the second terminal 2.

[0058] The fluorescent modifiable LED lamp has a light-emitting diode (LED) load 2. The LED load 2 has a first group of one or more LEDs (LED1). The first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) may include one or more LEDs arranged in series and / or parallel combinations. Preferably, the LEDs have the same color output.

[0059] The first drive coil circuit Lrelay1 is connected across a first group of one or more LEDs LED1. In this example, the first drive coil circuit Lrelay1 is the first drive coil Lrelay1. Therefore, the voltage across the first group of one or more LEDs LED1 also exists across the first drive coil Lrelay1. If the voltage across the first group of one or more LEDs LED1 exceeds the voltage required to drive the first drive coil Lrelay1, the first relay Relay1 can operate reliably. Therefore, it is desirable that the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs LED1 matches the voltage required to reliably operate the first drive coil Lrelay1. This matching is accomplished by providing a series connection of LEDs in the first group of one or more LEDs LED1, which provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the required drive voltage of the first drive coil Lrelay1. Preferably, when the forward voltage is greater than the required drive voltage of the first drive coil Lrelay1, the forward voltage is kept close to the required drive voltage to prevent additional power loss. In the provided example, a relay that requires a drive voltage equal to the forward voltage of a single LED can be selected. Alternatively, the required drive voltage can correspond to an integer number of LEDs connected in series. In this case, a certain number of LEDs connected in series can provide a forward voltage that is equal to or greater than the required driving voltage of the first driving coil Lrelayl.

[0060] A rectifier circuit can be provided to supply rectified voltage to the LED load 2. The rectifier circuit can be part of the first terminal 1. The rectifier circuit is coupled between the first power connection in1 and the second power connection in2 and the first output LED+ and the second output LED-. The rectifier receives an alternating current (AC) voltage and rectifies it into a direct current (DC) voltage, which is represented in the figure as the first output LED+ and the second output LED-. The relay can be activated by supplying power (not shown) to the first drive coil Lrelayl, causing the first relay switch relay_l to close. Power then flows to the LED load 2 and the first drive coil Lrelayl. This activation can be provided, for example, as energy storage, such as a battery or a capacitor coupling between the two terminals, which allows a small amount of power to be collected to power the first drive coil Lrelayl.

[0061] Optionally, Figure 2The modified LED lighting device shown can have a second relay Relay2. An additional rectifier circuit is provided, coupled between the third power connection in3 and the fourth power connection in4 and the first output LED+ and the second output LED-. The second relay Relay2 can be part of the second terminal. The LED load 2 has a second group of one or more LEDs LED2. A second drive coil circuit Lrelay2 is connected across the second group of one or more LEDs. In this example, the second drive coil circuit Lrelay2 is the second drive coil Lrelay2.

[0062] The second relay Relay 2 can operate reliably if the voltage across one or more LEDs in the second group exceeds the voltage required to drive the second drive coil Lrelay 2. Therefore, it is desirable that the forward voltage of the one or more LEDs in the second group matches the voltage required to reliably operate the second drive coil Lrelay 2. This matching is accomplished by providing a series connection of LEDs in the second group of one or more LEDs, which provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the required drive voltage of the second drive coil Lrelay 2. Preferably, when the forward voltage is greater than the required drive voltage of the second drive coil Lrelay 2, the forward voltage is kept close to the required drive voltage to prevent additional power loss. In the provided example, a relay that requires a drive voltage equal to the forward voltage of a single LED can be selected. Alternatively, the required drive voltage can correspond to an integer number of LEDs connected in series. In this case, a certain number of LEDs connected in series can provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the required drive voltage of the second drive coil Lrelay 2.

[0063] In the provided example, the first relay Relay 1 and / or the second relay Relay 2 are positioned such that they provide pin safety functionality. The first relay Relay 1 and / or the second relay Relay 2 then only turn off when voltage is present at the first terminal 1 and the second terminal 3. This implies that the modifiable LED lighting device has been correctly inserted into the housing (e.g., a recessed reflector groove).

[0064] exist Figure 3 The image provides another example of a modifiable LED lighting device. The relay switch is located in the AC path, similar to... Figure 3Example. The first relay switch relay_1a can be a single-throw (normally open) switch or a normally open switch of a double-throw relay. The second relay switch relay_1b can be a double-throw (reversing) switch. The first relay switch relay_1a can be used to close when the correct insertion of the modifiable LED lighting device into the concave reflector slot is detected, and therefore can be used for pin safety functions. The second relay switch relay_1b can be used for two functions. In the inactive state, the second relay switch relay_1b is used to couple the first filament element Rfill to the second power connection in2 via its normally closed contact. The first filament element Rfill is also connected to the first power connection in1. In this inactive state, the second relay switch relay_1b provides filament emulation, allowing the fluorescent lamp ballast to detect the filament impedance present at the first terminal 1. When the second relay switch relay_1b enters the active state, it disconnects the first filament element Rfill from the second power connection in2. In the active state, the second relay switch relay_1b connects the second power connection in2 to the input of the rectifier circuit via its normally open contact. The second relay switch relay_1b closes simultaneously with the first relay switch relay_1a, providing optimized pin safety features.

[0065] The second relay can be of a similar type to the first relay. In this example, the third relay switch relay_2a can be a single-throw (normally open) switch or a normally open switch of a double-throw relay. The fourth relay switch relay_2b can be a double-throw (reversing) switch. The third relay switch relay_2a can be used to close when the correct insertion of the modifiable LED lighting device into the concave reflector slot is detected, thus it can be used for pin safety functions. The fourth relay switch relay_2b can be used for two functions. In the normally open state, the fourth relay switch relay_2b is used to couple the second filament element Rfil2 to the fourth power connection in4 via its normally closed contact. The second filament element Rfil2 is also connected to the third power connection in3. In the deactivated state of the second relay, the fourth relay switch relay_2b provides filament emulation functionality, allowing the fluorescent lamp ballast to detect the filament impedance present at the second terminal 3. When the fourth relay switch relay_2b enters the activated state, the second filament element Rfil2 is disconnected from the fourth power connection in4, and the fourth power connection in4 is connected to the input of the rectifier circuit via its normally open contact. The fourth relay switch relay_2b and the third relay switch relay_2a are closed simultaneously, providing optimized pin safety features. Preferably, both the first and second relays are switched on and off simultaneously.

[0066] Figure 4An example of LED load 2 is shown. LED load 2 may have a first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) coupled to a first output and a second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) coupled to a second output. A third group of one or more LEDs (LED3) may be coupled between the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2). No drive coil is connected across the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3).

[0067] Figure 5 Another example of LED load 2 is shown. A first drive coil circuit is connected across one or more LEDs in a first group (LED1). A second drive coil circuit is connected across one or more LEDs in a second group (LED2). In this example, the first drive coil circuit has a first drive coil Lrelay1 connected in series with a parallel combination of a first resistor R1 and a first capacitor C1. The second drive coil circuit has a second drive coil Lrelay2 connected in series with a parallel combination of a second resistor R2 and a second capacitor C2. The capacitors combined with the resistors provide the AC path for the current flow through the drive coils. This is particularly useful during relay switch closure when a larger current is required. When the relay switch is switched, less current is required, and the current through the drive coils is stable. This means that only the current via the resistors is supplied to the drive coils.

[0068] In the provided example, the LED load is directly coupled to the bus voltages LED+ and LED-. Alternatively, the LED can be powered by an SMPS, which uses the bus voltage LED+ and converts it to a current suitable for powering the LED load. Instead of an SMPS, a linear current regulator can be placed in series with the LED load. The linear current regulator can then regulate the current through the LED load. When coupled to a high-frequency fluorescent lamp ballast, this modified LED lighting fixture may not require an SMPS.

[0069] In the provided example, the relay can be a relay that requires keeping the drive coil energized to maintain the position of the relay switch. When the drive coil is de-energized, the relay switch returns to its initial position. Another example of a relay can be a latching relay. When the drive coil is energized, the relay switch changes position and remains in that position. When the drive coil is no longer energized, the relay switch remains in its last position. In the example of a latching relay, additional circuitry can be provided in the drive coil circuitry to enable proper control of the drive coil.

[0070] In the provided example, the groups of one or more LEDs are electrically coupled in series. However, this is not limited to the distribution of LEDs across the printed circuit board (PCB) on which they are mounted. Because some current can be diverted from the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and / or the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2), these LEDs will provide lower light output. The LEDs in the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and / or the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) can be evenly distributed between the first end 1 and the second end 3. This allows the reduced light output of the LEDs to be evenly distributed along the length of the modified LED lighting fixture. The user may then not perceive the difference in light output.

[0071] Another option is to change the LED density of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and / or the LED density of the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) relative to the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3). The LED density of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and / or the LED density of the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) is higher than the LED density of the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3). The increase in LED density compensates for the reduced light output of the LEDs. The user will then be less likely to perceive differences in light intensity between the groups of one or more LEDs.

[0072] Preferably, the first drive coil circuit Lrelay1 is electrically coupled in parallel to one or more LEDs in the first group (LED1), and the second drive coil circuit Lrelay2 is electrically coupled in parallel to one or more LEDs in the second group (LED2). Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art while practicing the claimed invention, through 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 articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be considered limiting.

Claims

1. A modifiable LED lighting device for connection to a fluorescent lamp ballast, wherein the modifiable LED lighting device comprises: The first end (1) includes a first power connection (in1) and a second power connection (in2) for receiving output power from the fluorescent lamp ballast, and includes a first relay (Relay1), wherein the first power connection (in1) and the second power connection (in2) are coupled to a first single connector, wherein the first end (1) is adapted to provide a first output (LED+) and a second output (LED-). The second end (3) includes a third power connection (in3) and a fourth power connection (in4) for receiving the output power of the fluorescent lamp ballast, and includes a second relay (Relay2), wherein the third power connection (in3) and the fourth power connection (in4) are coupled to a second single connector, wherein the second end (3) is adapted to provide a third output (LED+) and a fourth output (LED-), wherein the first output (LED+) is coupled to the third output (LED+), and the second output (LED-) is coupled to the fourth output (LED-). The light-emitting diode (LED) load (2) includes: One or more LEDs in the first group (LED1) are coupled to the first output (LED+); and A second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) is coupled to the second output (LED-), wherein the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) are coupled in series; wherein the modifiable LED lighting device further includes: The first relay (Relay1) includes a first relay switch (relay_1a) and a first drive coil circuit (Lrelay1), wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) is coupled between the first power connection (in1) or the second power connection (in2) and the LED load (2), and The second relay (Relay2) includes a third relay switch (relay_2a) and a second drive coil circuit (Lrelay2), wherein the third relay switch (relay_2a) is coupled between the third power connection (in3) or the fourth power connection (in4) and the LED load (2). The first drive coil circuit (Lrelay1) is electrically coupled in parallel to one or more LEDs in the first group (LED1), and the second drive coil circuit (Lrelay2) is electrically coupled in parallel to one or more LEDs in the second group (LED2).

2. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the first driving coil circuit (Lrelay1) comprises a parallel combination of a first capacitor (C1) and a first resistor (R1).

3. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) is matched with the required driving voltage of the first driving coil circuit (Lrelay1) by providing a number of series-coupled LEDs of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the required driving voltage of the first driving coil circuit (Lrelay1).

4. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a rectifier circuit coupled between the first power connection (in1) and the second power connection (in2) and between the first output (LED+) and the second output (LED-).

5. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) is coupled between the first power connection (in1) and the rectifier circuit or between the second power connection (in2) and the rectifier circuit.

6. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the first relay (Relay1) includes a second relay switch (relay_1b), wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) is coupled between the first power connection (in1) and the rectifier circuit, and the second relay switch (relay_1b) is coupled between the second power connection (in2) and the rectifier circuit.

7. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second drive coil circuit (Lrelay2) comprises a parallel combination of a second capacitor (C2) and a second resistor (R2).

8. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the forward voltage of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) matches the driving voltage of the first driving coil circuit (Lrelay1) by: providing a certain number of LEDs from the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the driving voltage of the first driving coil circuit (Lrelay1), and The forward voltage of the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) is matched with the driving voltage of the second driving coil circuit (Lrelay2) by providing a certain number of LEDs from the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) to provide a forward voltage equal to or greater than the driving voltage of the second driving coil circuit (Lrelay2).

9. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) and the third relay switch (relay_2a) are closed when voltage and / or current are detected at the first terminal and the second terminal.

10. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first relay (Relay1) includes a second relay switch (relay_1b), wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) is coupled between the first power connection (in1) and the LED load (2), and the second relay switch (relay_1b) is coupled between the second power connection (in2) and the LED load (2), and wherein the second relay (Relay2) includes a fourth relay switch (relay_2b), wherein the third relay switch (relay_2a) is coupled between the third power connection (in3) and the LED load (2), and the fourth relay switch (relay_2b) is coupled between the fourth power connection (in4) and the LED load (2).

11. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first relay switch (relay_1a) is adapted to close when it is detected that the modifiable LED lighting device is correctly inserted into the modifiable luminaire.

12. The modifiable light-emitting diode (LED) lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and / or the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) are uniformly distributed between the first end (1) and the second end (3).

13. The modifiable LED lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a third group of one or more LEDs (LED3), the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3) being coupled between the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) and the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2), wherein the LED density of the first group of one or more LEDs (LED1) is higher than the LED density of the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3) and / or the LED density of the second group of one or more LEDs (LED2) is higher than the LED density of the third group of one or more LEDs (LED3).

Images