Light emitting device with variable beam angle

Abstract

The light emitting device (1; 101; 101; 102, 104; 103) comprising a plurality of LEDs (2) adapted to emit light in operation in a main emission direction (E) and arranged along a longitudinal axis (L) of an elongate substrate (3), and a translucent, elastically deformable housing (4) surrounding the plurality of LEDs (2) and the elongate substrate (3) and comprising a length direction (X) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), a height direction (Y) extending parallel to the main emission direction (E) and a width direction (Z) extending perpendicular to the length and height directions (X, Y) wherein the housing (4) further comprises an elongated cavity (5) arranged downstream of the plurality of LEDs (2) as seen from said main emission direction (E) and extending parallel to the length direction (X), the elongated cavity (5) comprises a first surface portion (6), a second surface portion (7), a third surface portion (8) and a fourth surface portion (9), where the first and second surface portions (6, 7) are opposite to each other as seen from the height direction (Y), and where the third and fourth surface portions (8, 9) are opposite to each other as seen from the height direction (Y). The housing (4) comprises a first surface portion (6) and a second surface portion (7), a housing (9) connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion (6, 7), a recess (10) provided in one of the first surface portion and the second surface portion (6, 7), and a protrusion (11) provided on the other of the first surface portion and the second surface portion (6, 7), the recess (10) and the protrusion (11) being configured for releasable engagement with each other by elastic deformation of the housing (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting device comprising: a plurality of LEDs, which are suitable for emitting light in a main emission direction E during operation; a slender substrate, the plurality of LEDs being arranged along the longitudinal axis L of the slender substrate; and a translucent, elastically deformable shell, which at least partially surrounds the plurality of LEDs and the slender substrate and comprises a length direction X extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L, a height direction Y extending parallel to the emission direction E, and a width direction Z extending perpendicular to the length direction X and the height direction Y. Background Art

[0002] LED strips enclosed in flexible silicone casings are common and widely used. For example, LED strips known and sold under the Hue brand include flexible LED strips with silicone covers. These strips are often used to illuminate areas such as under cabinets or behind sofas and are generally more decorative than functional. They are connected to a power source and typically secured to the area using tape or, in some cases, aluminum casing.

[0003] When such an LED strip is placed on the back of a piece of furniture, the area of ​​the wall behind the piece of furniture that is illuminated is currently determined by the distance to the wall. This means that consumers often move their furniture slightly further away from the wall to get the desired good effect.

[0004] US Pat. No. 11,193,653 B1 discloses a linear LED lighting system having a deformable optical device for generating a light beam with a variable beam angle. Deformation of the optical device is achieved via a deformation mechanism comprising a first plate and a second plate movable relative to each other. Actuation of the deformation mechanism is initiated by rotating one or both end cap assemblies of the LED lighting system.

[0005] However, this solution is still complex to construct and cumbersome for the end user to operate, especially after the LED strip has been mounted on a piece of furniture.

[0006] Therefore, and further because furniture varies in size and shape, it remains desirable to provide consumers with LED strips having switching capabilities that would allow them to mechanically select their preferred beam shape, and in particular, beam angle.

[0007] In particular, it would be desirable to provide such an LED strip that is also simple in construction, simple to manufacture, and easy for an end user to handle, particularly after the LED strip has been installed on a piece of furniture. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome this problem and to provide consumers with LED strips having switching capabilities which will allow them to mechanically select their preferred beam shape, and in particular beam angle.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an LED strip that is also simple in structure, simple to manufacture, and easy for the end user to handle, especially after the LED strip has been installed on a piece of furniture.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object and other objects are achieved by a light emitting device, which includes: a plurality of LEDs, which are suitable for emitting light in a main emission direction E during operation; an elongated substrate, the plurality of LEDs being arranged along a longitudinal axis L of the elongated substrate; and a translucent, elastically deformable housing, which at least partially surrounds the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and includes: a length direction X extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L; a height direction Y extending parallel to the main emission direction E; and a width direction Z extending perpendicular to the length direction X and the height direction Y, wherein the housing further includes an elongated cavity, which is arranged between the plurality of LEDs as seen from the main emission direction E. Downstream of the housing ED and extending parallel to the length direction X, the elongated cavity includes a first surface portion, a second surface portion, a third surface portion, and a fourth surface portion, wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are surface portions opposite to each other as viewed in the height direction Y, and wherein the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion, a recess is provided in one of the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and a protrusion is provided on the other of the first surface portion and the second surface portion, and wherein the recess and the protrusion are configured to releasably engage with each other by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing.

[0011] Thus, and in particular by providing a housing having a cavity, recess and protrusion as described above, and in particular by providing the recess and protrusion being configured for releasable engagement with each other by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing, a light emitting device (optionally in the form of an LED strip) is provided with a switching capability that allows a user or consumer to mechanically select their preferred beam shape, and in particular the beam angle.

[0012] This may also allow the user or consumer to mechanically select other properties related to the beam shape, such as the gradient or optical effect of the resulting beam. It should be noted that in this case, in order to obtain the desired effect, it may also be necessary to add additional beam-altering elements to the light emitting device, in particular to the housing. Such additional beam-altering elements may, for example, include shaping the housing and embedding one or more of a diffractive element, a refractive element, and a scattering element in the housing (possibly in a predetermined pattern).

[0013] Furthermore, the lighting device is simple in structure, simple to manufacture, and easy for the end user or consumer to handle, especially after the lighting device is mounted on a piece of furniture.

[0014] The recess and the protrusion may be configured to be movable between the release position and the engagement position by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing.

[0015] Thus, the lighting device is provided with a switching capability which is also non-destructive and can be used multiple times.

[0016] The cavity, recess and protrusion can be configured so that light emitted by the plurality of LEDs propagates through the cavity in the released position of the recess and protrusion, and so that at least a portion of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs does not propagate through the cavity in the engaged position of the recess and protrusion.

[0017] Hereby, the light emitting device is provided with a switchability providing two different beam shapes in a particularly simple manner, ie by exploiting the inherent difference in refractive index between the material of the housing and the gas (typically air) filling the cavity.

[0018] The projection may be configured to be arranged in the release position with the free end being located at the mouth of the recess or at the level of one of the first and second surface portions in which the recess is provided.

[0019] Hereby, it is ensured that the above-mentioned advantages are achieved, while also ensuring that the lighting device is compact and takes up a minimum of space during transport and storage and when installed at the customer's location.

[0020] The recess may be provided at the center of one of the first and second surface portions as viewed in the width direction Z, and the protrusion may be provided at the center of the other of the first and second surface portions as viewed in the width direction Z.

[0021] The recesses and protrusions are therefore arranged in the main emission direction E of the plurality of LEDs. This in turn ensures that in particular the inherent difference in refractive index between the material of the housing and the gas filling the cavity (usually air) can be utilized in a particularly structurally simple manner.

[0022] The elongated cavity may be continuous in the length direction X, and the recess and the protrusion may be continuous in the length direction X.

[0023] Thus, two different beam widths are continuously available over the entire length of the light emitting device, which in turn ensures a uniform light output over the length of the light emitting device.

[0024] The size of the recess measured in the height direction Y may be within 2 mm of the size of the cavity measured in the height direction Y.

[0025] The size of the recess measured in the height direction Y may be equal to the size of the cavity measured in the height direction Y.

[0026] This in turn ensures that the inherent difference in refractive index between the material of the housing and the gas filling the cavity (typically air) can be utilized in a particularly effective manner.

[0027] A size of the recess measured in the width direction Z may be equal to or larger than a size of an LED among the plurality of LEDs measured in the width direction Z.

[0028] Hereby it is ensured that a substantial portion of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs propagates through the cavity and the recess, thereby ensuring that the inherent difference in refractive index between the material of the housing and the gas filling the cavity (typically air) can be utilized in a particularly efficient or even optimal manner.

[0029] The recess and projection may be configured for snap-lock or friction-lock mutually releasable engagement.

[0030] Thus, recesses and projections are provided that are particularly easy for a user or consumer to bring into engagement and release from engagement when or if desired.

[0031] The housing may include a main body portion, a top portion, and two side portions, wherein the main body portion surrounds a plurality of LEDs and an elongated substrate and includes a first surface portion of the cavity, the top portion includes a second surface portion of the cavity, and the two side portions connect the main body portion and the top portion, wherein the recess and the protrusion are configured to engage with each other by pressing a section of the top portion toward the main body portion along a direction A parallel to the height direction Y.

[0032] Hereby it is ensured that bringing the recess and projection into engagement is both very simple and intuitive for the user or consumer.

[0033] The section of the top portion may be a section of the top portion directly connected to the recess or protrusion.The section of the top portion may be a central section of the top portion seen in the width direction Z.

[0034] Hereby, it is ensured that bringing the recess and the projection into engagement is particularly intuitive for the user or consumer.

[0035] The housing may include a body portion, a top portion, and two side portions, the body portion enclosing the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and including the first surface portion of the cavity, the top portion including the second surface portion of the cavity, and the two side portions connecting the body portion and the top portion, wherein the recess and the protrusion are configured to be released from mutual engagement by one or more of the following:

[0036] pressing the two side parts toward each other in a direction B or C perpendicular to the height direction Y, and

[0037] The two side portions are pressed away from each other by pressing the top portion in a direction D forming an angle δ with the height direction Y that is greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0038] Hereby it is ensured that releasing the recess and projection from engagement is both very simple and intuitive for the user or consumer.

[0039] The housing may include a main body portion, a top portion, and two side portions, the main body portion enclosing the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and including a first surface portion of the cavity, the top portion including a second surface portion of the cavity, and the two side portions connecting the main body portion and the top portion, and the light emitting device may further include a first lens element and a second lens element, wherein the first lens element forms part of the top portion of the housing, and wherein the second lens element forms part of the main body portion of the housing.

[0040] Thus, two (or more) different beam widths can be obtained by further exploiting the inherent light-modifying properties of the selected lenses. The first lens element can be a rigid lens or a semi-rigid lens. The second lens element can be a rigid lens or a semi-rigid lens.

[0041] In particular, when at least one of the first and second lens elements is a semi-rigid lens element, a sufficiently elastically deformable housing is ensured in a straightforward manner, so that the above-mentioned advantages can still be achieved in a simple manner.

[0042] Viewed from the length direction X, the first lens element and the second lens element may each be a continuous lens.

[0043] Thus, two different beam widths can be obtained continuously over the entire length of the light emitting device, which in turn ensures a uniform light output.

[0044] Alternatively, the first lens element and the second lens element may respectively comprise a series or a plurality of lenses arranged along the longitudinal axis L of the elongated substrate.

[0045] Thus, two different beam widths can still be obtained continuously over the entire length of the light emitting device, which in turn ensures a uniform light output. Another advantage in this case is that, by selecting the lens, two different customized beam widths can be provided for the light emitted by each individual LED or LED subgroup in the plurality of LEDs.

[0046] The protrusion may be provided on one of the first lens element and the second lens element, and the recess may be provided on the other of the second lens element and the first lens element.

[0047] This provides a lighting device with a particularly simple structure.

[0048] The recess may include at least one engagement structure, and the protrusion may include a complementary engagement structure that is complementary to the at least one engagement structure.

[0049] Such corresponding engagement structures provide a more stable engagement between the recess and the protrusion.

[0050] The at least one engagement structure may be any one of a notch and a projection, and the complementary engagement structure is any one of a projection and a notch.

[0051] A particularly structurally simple joint is thus provided.

[0052] At least one of the engagement structures may be a continuous structure, and the complementary engagement structure may be a continuous structure.

[0053] Thus, a more stable engagement between the recess and the protrusion is ensured along the entire length of the light emitting device.

[0054] At least one of the engaging structures may be a discontinuous structure, and the complementary engaging structure may be a discontinuous structure.

[0055] Thus, material can be saved while still ensuring a stable engagement between the recess and the projection.

[0056] The translucent housing may be a transparent housing.

[0057] The translucent housing may be made of silicone.

[0058] Silicone has been shown to provide a housing that is easy to produce, such as by molding, durable, especially when exposed to LED light, and sufficiently elastically deformable.

[0059] The cavity may be filled with a gas, such as air, in particular atmospheric or ambient air.

[0060] The invention also relates to a luminaire comprising at least one light emitting device according to the invention.

[0061] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0063] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to the present invention is shown, the light emitting device comprising a housing having an elongated cavity, a recess and a protrusion, the recess and protrusion being shown in a released or disengaged position.

[0064] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device, wherein the recess and the protrusion are shown in an engaged position.

[0065] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and illustrates the operation of bringing the recess and protrusion from the release position to the engagement position.

[0066] Figure 4 Shown according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and illustrates the operation of bringing the recess and protrusion from the engaged position to the released position.

[0067] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0068] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the use of Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of a light beam obtained by a light emitting device according to the present invention in the illustrated state.

[0071] Figure 9 It shows that the use of Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of a light beam obtained by a light emitting device according to the present invention in the illustrated state.

[0072] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0073] As shown in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are therefore provided to illustrate the general structure of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so as to be thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0075] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 1 according to the present invention is shown. In general, and irrespective of the embodiment, the light emitting device 1 comprises a plurality of LEDs 2, an elongated substrate 3 and a housing 4 surrounding the plurality of LEDs 2 and the elongated substrate 3.

[0076] Each of the plurality of LEDs 2 is adapted to emit light in a main emission direction E during operation. The plurality of LEDs 2 are arranged on an elongated substrate 3. The plurality of LEDs 2 are distributed along a longitudinal axis L of the elongated substrate 3. The plurality of LEDs 2 may be, for example, white LEDs, red LEDs, green LEDs, blue LEDs, or a mixture thereof.

[0077] The elongated substrate 3 comprises a longitudinal axis L. The elongated substrate 3 may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The elongated substrate 3 may comprise wiring configured to provide electrical energy to the plurality of LEDs 2 .

[0078] The shell 4 is a translucent, elastically deformable shell. The elastically deformable shell should be understood as at least a portion of the shell 4 being elastically deformable, so it is not excluded that a portion of the shell 4 may be rigid. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the housing 4 completely encloses the plurality of LEDs 2 and the elongated substrate 3. The housing 4 includes a length direction X extending parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the elongated substrate 3. The housing 4 includes a height direction Y extending parallel to the main emission direction E. The housing 4 includes a width direction Z extending perpendicular to the length direction X and the height direction Y. The housing 4 also includes an elongated cavity 5. The housing 4 also includes a main body portion 12. The main body portion 12 may be the portion of the housing 4 that at least partially encloses the plurality of LEDs 2 and the elongated substrate 3. The housing 4 also includes a top portion 13 and two side portions 14 and 15. The main body portion 12 includes the first surface portion 6 of the cavity 5. The top portion 13 includes the second surface portion 7 of the cavity 5. The side portions 14 and 15 respectively include the third surface portion 8 and the second surface portion 9 of the cavity 5. The two side portions 14 and 15 connect the main body portion 12 and the top portion 13. The housing 4 can be made of any suitable translucent and elastically deformable material. For example, the housing 4 can be made of silicone, particularly optical-grade silicone.

[0079] The elongated cavity 5 is arranged downstream of the plurality of LEDs 2, as viewed in the main emission direction E. The elongated cavity 5 extends parallel to the length direction X. The elongated cavity 5 comprises a first surface portion 6, a second surface portion 7, a third surface portion 8, and a fourth surface portion 9. As viewed in the height direction Y, the first surface portion 6 and the second surface portion 7 are surface portions that are opposite to each other. The third surface portion 8 and the fourth surface portion 9 connect the first surface portion 6 and the second surface portion 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface portion 6, the second surface portion 7, the third surface portion 8, and the fourth surface portion 9 form the elongated cavity 5 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, it is also feasible to provide an elongated cavity having other cross-sectional shapes, such as a circular, oval, square, or trapezoidal shape.

[0080] The elongated cavity 5 further comprises a recess 10 provided in the first surface portion 6 and a protrusion 11 provided on the second surface portion 7. Alternatively, the recess 10 may be provided in the second surface portion 7 and the protrusion 11 may be provided on the first surface portion 6. The protrusion 11 comprises a free end 27, and the recess comprises an opening or mouth 28. The elongated cavity 5 may be continuous in the length direction X, and the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 may be continuous in the length direction X.

[0081] Generally, and regardless of the embodiment, the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 are configured to releasably engage with each other by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing 4. More specifically, the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 are configured to releasably engage with each other in a release position ( Figure 1 ) and engagement position ( Figure 2). The recess 10 and the protrusion 11 can be configured for a snap-lock or friction-locked releasable engagement with each other. Optionally, the recess 10 can further include an engagement structure 17, and the protrusion 11 can further include a complementary engagement structure 16. The engagement structures 16 and 17 are configured for mutual engagement in the engaged position of the recess 10 and the protrusion 11.

[0082] The cavity 5, the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 are constructed and shaped so that the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 2 is emitted in the released position ( Figure 1 ) propagates through the cavity 5, and causes at least a portion of the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 2, in particular a portion of the light emitted in the main emission direction E or a direction close thereto, to be emitted at the junction position ( Figure 2 ) does not propagate through the cavity 5, but through the shell 4.

[0083] For example, when in the release position ( Figure 1 ), the protrusion 11 can be configured to be arranged with a free end 27 located at the mouth 28 of the recess 10, or at the level of one of the first surface portion 6 and the second surface portion 7 in which the recess 10 is provided.

[0084] Since the refractive index of the gas filling the cavity 5 (such as most commonly atmospheric or ambient air) and the refractive index of the material of the housing 4 are different from one another, different beam shapes are obtained in this way.

[0085] The recess 10 may be provided at the center of the first surface portion 6 as viewed in the width direction Z, and the protrusion 11 may be provided at the center of the second surface portion 7 as viewed in the width direction Z. The size of the recess 10 measured in the height direction Y may be within 2 mm of the size of the cavity measured in the height direction Y. Alternatively, the size of the recess 10 measured in the height direction Y may be equal to the size of the cavity 11 measured in the height direction Y. Alternatively or additionally, the size of the recess 10 measured in the width direction Z may be equal to or greater than the size of an LED in the plurality of LEDs 2 measured in the width direction Z.

[0086] Now also refer to Figure 3 By pressing the section 29 of the top part 13 toward the main part 12 in a direction A parallel to the height direction Y, the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 can be engaged with each other, i.e. brought into the engaged position ( Figure 2 ). The section 29 of the top portion 13 may be the section 29 of the top portion 13 that is directly connected to the protrusion 11. Alternatively or additionally, the section 29 of the top portion 13 may be a central section of the top portion 13 as seen in the width direction Z.

[0087] Now also refer to Figure 4 , the recess 10 and the projection 11 can be released from mutual engagement, ie brought into the release position in one of three different ways ( Figure 1 ). Or by pressing the two side portions 14 and 15 toward each other in a direction B perpendicular to the height direction Y. Alternatively, by pressing the upper portion of the main body portion 12, i.e., the portion adjacent to the cavity 5, inwardly in a direction C perpendicular to the height direction Y. Alternatively, the two side portions 14 and 15 are pressed away from each other (arrow G) by pressing the top portion 13 in a direction D that forms an angle δ greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees with the height direction Y.

[0088] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Two light beams 25 and 26 are schematically shown, respectively, which can be obtained using a lighting device according to any embodiment of the present invention. In each case, the lighting device 1 is mounted on the back of a piece of furniture 23 (such as a cabinet) and is used to illuminate a wall 24 adjacent to the piece of furniture 23. The distance between the furniture 23 and the wall 24 is the same in each case.

[0089] Figure 8 Shows the use of Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a light beam 25 obtained by a light emitting device 1 according to the present invention in the released state is shown, wherein the recess 10 and the protrusion 11 are in the disengaged or released position as described above. Figure 9 shows the use of Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a light beam 26 obtained by a light emitting device 1 according to the present invention in an engaged state is shown, with the recess 10 and protrusion 11 in the engaged position as described above. It can be seen that when the light emitting device 1 is in the engaged state, the light beam 26 is wider than the light beam 25 obtained when the light emitting device 1 is in the released state. Thus, the light beam 26 illuminates a larger area than the light beam 25, without requiring the piece of furniture 23 to be moved away from the wall 24.

[0090] Now go to Figure 5 , shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting device 100 is shown in a released position of the recess 10 and the protrusion 11.

[0091] Figure 5 The light emitting device 100 and the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The light emitting device 1 of EMBODIMENT 2 differs in that the recess 10 is provided in the second surface portion 7 and the protrusion 11 is provided on the first surface portion 6 .

[0092] Now go to Figure 6, shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 101 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting device 101 is shown in a released position of the recess 10 and the protrusion 11.

[0093] Figure 6 The light emitting device 101 is the same as the above Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 5 The light emitting device 100 is different in that it includes a recess 10 and a protrusion 11 having different configurations or structures. The protrusion 11 includes a protrusion 20, and the recess 10 includes a cutout 21. The protrusion 20 and the cutout 21 can be a circumferential structure or a partial circumferential structure. The protrusion 20 and the cutout 21 respectively form an engagement structure and a complementary engagement structure for use with the above-mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2 The engagement structure 16 and the complementary engagement structure 17 described above serve the same purpose. The projection 20 and the cutout 21 can be made of the same material as the housing 4, or of a more flexible material than the housing 4. In any case, the material of the projection 20 and the cutout 21 and the material of the housing 4 advantageously have the same or nearly the same refractive index. This ensures that the projection 20 and the cutout 21 have minimal impact on the light output. In an alternative embodiment, the protrusion 11 can include the cutout 21, and the recess 10 can include the projection 20.

[0094] Now go to Figure 7 , shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 102 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting device 102 is shown in a released position of the recess 10 and the protrusion 11.

[0095] Figure 7 The light emitting device 102 and Figure 6 The illustrated light emitting device 101 is very similar, but differs from it for the following reasons. Specifically, the protrusion 11 includes a cutout 21, and the recess 10 includes two protrusions 20 and 22. Thus, the protrusion 11 can be engaged in the recess 10 in two different engagement positions, corresponding to each of the two protrusions 20 and 22. This, in turn, provides a light emitting device 102 that can provide three different beam shapes, specifically beam angles, corresponding to a release position and two different engagement positions.

[0096] Finally go to Figure 10 , shows a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 103 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The light emitting device 103 is shown in an engaged position of the recess 10 and the protrusion 11. Figure 10 The light emitting device 103 is similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , but differs therefrom due to the following features.

[0097] Light emitting device 103 includes a first lens element 30 and a second lens element 31. First lens element 30 forms part of top portion 13 of housing 4. Second lens element 31 forms part of main body portion 12 of housing 4. More specifically, second lens element 31 forms an extension of main body portion 12 of housing 4, extending toward top portion 13 and surrounding multiple LEDs 2. First lens element 30 can be a rigid lens or a semi-rigid lens. Second lens element 31 can be a rigid lens or a semi-rigid lens. First lens element 30 and second lens element 31 are attached to the remainder of housing 4.

[0098] The first lens element 30 and the second lens element 31 may extend along a portion or all of the longitudinal extension of the housing 4. The first lens element 30 and the second lens element 31 may each be a continuous lens as seen in the length direction X. Alternatively, the first lens element 30 and the second lens element 31 may each include a series or a plurality of lenses, such as a lens for each LED 2 of the plurality of LEDs 2, arranged one after the other as seen in the length direction X.

[0099] The protrusion 11 is provided on one of the first lens element 30 and the second lens element 31. The recess 10 is provided in the other of the second lens element 31 and the first lens element 30. Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 11 is provided on the first lens element 30, and the recess 10 is provided in the second lens element 31. Figure 10 As further shown in FIG, two recesses 10 and two protrusions are provided and arranged on or at sides of the respective lens elements 30 and 31 that are opposite to each other, as seen in the width direction Z. Therefore, the recesses 10 and the protrusions 11 are arranged to minimally interfere with the light emitted by the plurality of LEDs 2.

[0100] Those skilled in the art realize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0101] Moreover, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A light emitting device (1; 101; 102； 103) including: a plurality of LEDs (2) adapted to emit light in a main emission direction (E) during operation, an elongated substrate (3), said plurality of LEDs being arranged along a longitudinal axis (L) of said elongated substrate, and A translucent, elastically deformable housing (4) at least partially surrounding the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and comprising a length direction (X) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (L), a height direction (Y) extending parallel to the main emission direction (E), and a width direction (Z) extending perpendicular to both the length direction (X) and the height direction (Y), wherein the housing (4) further comprises: an elongated cavity (5) arranged downstream of the plurality of LEDs as seen from the main emission direction (E) and extending parallel to the length direction (X), the elongated cavity comprising a first surface portion (6), a second surface portion (7), a third surface portion (8) and a fourth surface portion (9), wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are surface portions opposite to each other as seen from the height direction (Y), and wherein the third surface portion and the fourth surface portion connect the first surface portion and the second surface portion, a recess (10) provided in one of the first surface portion (6) and the second surface portion (7), and a protrusion (11) provided on the other of the first surface portion (6) and the second surface portion (7), And wherein the recess and the protrusion are configured to releasably engage with each other by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are configured to be movable between a release position and an engagement position by elastic deformation of at least a portion of the housing (4).

3. A light-emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cavity, the recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are constructed so that the light emitted by the multiple LEDs propagates through the cavity in the released position of the recess and the protrusion, and so that at least a portion of the light emitted by the multiple LEDs does not propagate through the cavity in the engaged position of the recess and the protrusion.

4. A light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein the protrusion (11) is configured to be arranged to have a free end (27) in the release position, and the free end (27) is located at the mouth (28) of the recess (10) or at the level of one of the first surface portion and the second surface portion in which the recess is provided.

5. A light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (10) is centrally arranged on one of the first surface portion and the second surface portion as viewed in the width direction (Z), and wherein the protrusion (10) is centrally arranged on the other of the first surface portion and the second surface portion as viewed in the width direction (Z).

6. A light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated cavity (5) is continuous in the length direction (X), and wherein the recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are continuous in the length direction (X).

7. A light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimension of the recess (10) measured in the height direction (Y) is within 2 mm of the dimension of the cavity (5) measured in the height direction (Y), or wherein the size of the recess (10) measured in the height direction (Y) is equal to the size of the cavity (5) measured in the height direction (Y), and / or The size of the recess (10) measured in the width direction (Z) is equal to or larger than the size of an LED in the plurality of LEDs (2) measured in the width direction (Z).

8. A lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are configured for a snap-locking or friction-locking mutually releasable engagement.

9. Light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (4) comprises: a body portion (12) surrounding the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and including the first surface portion (6) of the cavity; The top portion (13), the top portion including the second surface portion (7) of the cavity; and two side portions (14, 15), the two side portions connecting the main portion and the top portion, wherein The recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are configured to engage with each other by pressing a section (29) of the top portion (13) toward the body portion (12) in a direction (A) parallel to the height direction (Y).

10. A light-emitting device according to claim 8, wherein the segment (29) of the top part is a segment of the top part directly connected to the recess (10) or the protrusion (11), or wherein the segment (29) of the top part is a central segment of the top part (13) as viewed from the width direction (Z).

11. Light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (4) comprises: a body portion (12) surrounding the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and including the first surface portion (6) of the cavity; a top portion (13) comprising the second surface portion (7) of the cavity; and two side portions (14, 15), wherein The recess (10) and the protrusion (11) are configured to be released from mutual engagement by one or more of the following: pressing the two side parts (14, 15) towards each other in a direction (B or C) perpendicular to the height direction (Y), and The two side portions (14, 15) are pressed away from each other by pressing the top portion (13) in a direction (D) forming an angle (δ) greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees with the height direction (Y).

12. A light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (4) comprises a body portion (12) surrounding the plurality of LEDs and the elongated substrate and comprising the first surface portion (6) of the cavity; a top portion (13) comprising the second surface portion (7) of the cavity; and two side portions (14, 15), wherein The light emitting device (103) further comprises a first lens element (30) and a second lens element (31), wherein the first lens element forms part of the top portion (13) of the housing (4), and wherein the second lens element forms part of the main body portion (12) of the housing.

13. A light emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (10) comprises at least one engagement structure (16), and wherein the protrusion (11) comprises a complementary engagement structure (17) which is complementary to the at least one engagement structure.

14. The light emitting device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one engagement structure (16) is any one of a cutout and a protrusion, and wherein the complementary engagement structure (17) is any one of a protrusion and a cutout.

15. A light emitting device according to any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein the at least one engagement structure (16) is a continuous structure, and wherein the complementary engagement structure (17) is a continuous structure, or wherein the at least one engaging structure (16) is a discontinuous structure, and wherein the complementary engaging structure (17) is a discontinuous structure.

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