Method for replacing a light source in a lamp

Abstract

A method (50) for replacing a light source (17) of a luminaire is provided. The method comprises providing (100) a luminaire (1) with a first light engine (4) mounted in the luminaire (1), providing (200) a light engine module (15) with a second light engine (4'), and removing (300) the first light engine (4) from the luminaire (1). The method (50) further comprises mounting (400) the light engine module (15) in the luminaire (1) in place of the first light engine (4), wherein the light engine module (15) comprises a reinforcement (16) for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine (4'), and wherein the mounting of the light engine module (15) comprises mounting both the second light engine (4') and the reinforcement (16) in the luminaire. Furthermore, a first light engine (4), a light engine module (15) and a luminaire (1) are provided.

Description

[0001] The technical field of the present application relates generally to lighting devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method for replacing a light engine of a lighting device.

[0002] Given environmental challenges such as the scarcity of raw materials and resources, the compatibility of luminaires with the circular economy is becoming increasingly important. When upgrading or repairing a luminaire, end users are particularly encouraged to replace parts or components of the luminaire, such as light engines, rather than the entire luminaire. Replacing a luminaire's light engine may require tools and specialized technical knowledge that the end user may not have. Furthermore, handling of the light source by the end user may result in damage to the light source before it is installed in the luminaire.

[0003] The aim of this application is to provide a cost-effective way to replace a light source of a luminaire with a reduced risk of damage to the light engine.

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for replacing a light source of a luminaire is provided. The method comprises providing a luminaire with a first light source or at least one first light source of the luminaire. The luminaire can, in particular, have a luminaire body or a housing for accommodating at least one light engine, in particular an LED (light-emitting diode) light engine. The luminaire body can also be configured to accommodate other parts of the luminaire, such as electrical drivers or some driver components for operating the at least one light engine.

[0005] The luminaire can also include a transparent or translucent cover to protect or conceal the light engine mounted within the luminaire. The luminaire can essentially be any type of luminaire. In particular, the luminaire can be designed as a linear luminaire, a grid luminaire, a panel luminaire, a high-bay luminaire, a damp-proof luminaire, or as a continuous-row system.

[0006] The method further comprises providing a light engine module or at least one light engine module with a second light engine, in particular for replacing the first light engine. The method also comprises removing the first light engine or at least one first light engine from the luminaire and mounting the light engine module or the at least one light engine module in the luminaire instead of the first light engine or the at least one first light engine. The light engine module comprises a reinforcement or bracket for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine. Mounting the light engine module comprises mounting both the second light engine and the reinforcement in the luminaire. The method may comprise opening a luminaire cover before removing the first light engine and / or closing the luminaire cover after mounting the light engine module in the luminaire.

[0007] By mechanically stabilizing the second light engine by reinforcing the light engine module, the risk of damage to the second light engine during end-user handling of the light engine module during replacement can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, since the first light engine can be installed during the luminaire's manufacturing process and not by the end user, it can be installed reliably and safely without reinforcement, thus reducing the overall bill of materials for the luminaire, along with the replacement light engine module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the luminaire comprises a mounting base or a mounting platform for mounting a light source, wherein removing the first light engine from the luminaire comprises removing the first light engine from the mounting base, and mounting the light engine module in the luminaire comprises mounting the second light engine and the reinforcement on the mounting base of the luminaire. In particular, the mounting base of the luminaire can provide a support for the reliable mounting of the first light engine and / or the light engine module.

[0009] In some embodiments, the light engine module is configured as a linear light engine module that is substantially compatible with the first light engine or the bare light source. Substantial compatibility in the present context means that the light engine module is suitable as a replacement for the first light engine. In particular, the light engine module may have substantially the same form factor as the first light engine, so that it can be easily installed in the luminaire instead of the first light engine. The light engine module may further have substantially the same or improved light output as the first light engine. The light output may be characterized in particular by the luminous efficacy, the color rendering, and the spectral and radiative properties of the light.Due to the same or improved light output, replacing the first light engine with the light engine module can at least maintain or even improve the light properties of the luminaire.

[0010] The first light engine and the second light engine can, in particular, be designed as linear light engines. Especially with slim and long linear light engines with a high length-to-width ratio, the risk of damage during handling can be increased. Therefore, the reinforcement provided in the light engine module can significantly reduce this risk.

[0011] Removing the first light engine may comprise loosening at least one fastener or fastening means used to secure the first light engine in the luminaire, and installing the light engine module may comprise securing the light engine module in the luminaire with at least one fastener. In particular, the luminaire may comprise one or more fasteners or fastening means for securing the first light engine and / or the light engine module to the mounting base of the luminaire. The fasteners allow the light engines to be reliably secured in the luminaire.

[0012] According to a second aspect, a first light engine is provided for installation in a luminaire. The first light engine comprises an LED substrate with a number of LEDs mounted on the LED substrate. The LED substrate is configured to be replaceably or removably mounted on a mounting base of the luminaire. The replaceably mounted light engine can be easily removed and / or replaced in the event of an upgrade or repair of the luminaire.

[0013] The LED substrate may have a substantially planar shape and be configured to be interchangeably mounted on a substantially planar mounting base of the luminaire. Due to the planar shape of the LED substrate and the mounting base of the luminaire, the mounting base can provide reliable support and a good thermal connection with the LED substrate.

[0014] The first light engine can be configured as a linear light engine, particularly for installation in a linear and / or planar luminaire. Linear light engines are suitable as a light source for both linear lights and planar luminaires, especially when multiple linear light engines are arranged parallel to each other.

[0015] According to a third aspect, a light engine module is provided for replacing a first light engine mounted in a luminaire. The light engine module comprises a second light engine and a reinforcement for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine, wherein the reinforcement is configured such that the second light engine can be mounted together with the reinforcement in the luminaire to replace the first light engine. Due to the mechanical stabilization of the second light engine by the reinforcement of the light engine module, the risk of damage to the second light engine when handling the light engine module during the replacement process can be reduced.

[0016] The light engine module can be essentially compatible with the first light engine. This allows the light engine module to be easily installed into the luminaire to replace the first light engine, without the additional process step of removing the second light engine from the reinforcement.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect, a luminaire is provided. The luminaire comprises a housing for accommodating a first light engine according to the second aspect, wherein the housing is further configured to accommodate a light engine module according to the third aspect instead of the first light engine. By replacing the first light engine with the light engine module, the luminaire can be easily upgraded or repaired.

[0018] In the following description, details are provided to describe the embodiments of the present specification. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without such details.

[0019] Some parts of the embodiments have similar parts. The similar parts may have the same names or similar part numbers. The description of one part may refer to another similar part, thereby avoiding repetition of text without limiting the disclosure. Fig. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a luminaire according to an embodiment with a first light engine according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the luminaire from Fig. 1 with a light engine module according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross section of a light source holder according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a light source holder according to a second embodiment, Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section of a light source holder according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for replacing a light engine of a luminaire according to an embodiment.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a luminaire according to an embodiment with a first light engine according to an embodiment. The luminaire 1 comprises a housing 2 and a mounting base 3 arranged in the housing 2. Fig. 1 also shows a first light engine 4 with an LED substrate 5 and with a number of LEDs 6 mounted on the LED substrate 5 or the printed circuit board (PCB). The luminaire housing 2, the mounting base 3, and the LED substrate 5 each have an elongated shape. The LEDs 6 are arranged in a row between a first longitudinal end 7 and a second longitudinal end 8 of the LED substrate 5. The first light engine 4 is designed for mounting on the mounting base 3 of the luminaire housing 2, such that after mounting the first light engine 4, the LEDs 6 are arranged along the elongated mounting base 3 of the luminaire 2. The luminaire 1 may also include electrical components, electrical drivers, or some driver components for operating the light engine mounted on the mounting base 3. The housing 2 includes a mounting flange 9, which is attached to the main body of the housing 2 by fasteners 10.The mounting flange 9 is intended for the installation of a translucent cover of the luminaire 1 to cover the mounting base 3 and the light engine mounted on the mounting base 3. For reasons of clarity, the translucent cover is shown in . Fig. 1 not shown.

[0021] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1, the luminaire 1 comprises fastening elements 11 for fastening the mounting base 3 in the luminaire housing 2. The fastening elements 11 are designed as snap connections so that the mounting base 3 can be easily fastened in the housing 2 of the luminaire 1. Openings 12 are provided in the mounting base 3, which can be used for electrical connections (not shown), e.g. between a driver and the light engine 4. The openings 12 can also be designed as pivot points in order to adjust the position of the mounting base 3 before fastening with the fastening elements 11. The housing 2 further comprises ventilation openings 13 for the air circulation to cool the light engine 4 and / or the driver electronics during operation of the luminaire 1. At one of the longitudinal ends of the luminaire housing 2, a cable opening 14 is provided for the electrical connection of the luminaire 1 to an external power supply.

[0022] In the present embodiment, luminaire 1 represents a so-called linear light. However, the present principles are not limited to such luminaires. In some embodiments, the luminaires can be designed as panel luminaires with one or more light engines. A panel luminaire can, in particular, comprise several linear light engines arranged in parallel to create a flat illumination surface. Fig. 1 corresponds to the manufacturing mode of the luminaire when the first light engine 4 is mounted as the light source of the luminaire 1.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the lamp from Fig. 1 with a light engine module according to one embodiment. The light engine module 15 comprises a second light engine 4' with an LED substrate 5' and a number of LEDs 6' arranged on the LED substrate 5'. The LEDs 6' are arranged in a row that extends between a first longitudinal end 7' and a second longitudinal end 8' of the LED substrate 5'. The light engine module 15 also comprises a reinforcement 16 for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine 4'. The reinforcement 16 has the shape of an elongated profile and is designed to accommodate the second light engine 4'. Thus, compared to the first light engine 4, the light engine module 15 with the second light engine 4' additionally comprises the reinforcement 16 or holder for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine 4'.

[0024] Due to the profile of the reinforcement 16, the reinforcement can provide necessary support and stabilization for the second light engine. This can reduce the risk of deformation or damage to the second light engine 4' during handling during the replacement process. The reinforcement 16 or the holder of the second light engine 4' can be an aluminum profile, a plastic holder, or a metal sheet, which can prevent deformation or damage to the light engine.

[0025] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the light engine module 15 is substantially compatible with the first light engine 4 or the bare light source. In particular, the light engine module may have substantially the same form factor as the first light engine, so that it can be easily installed into the luminaire in place of the first light engine. The light engine module may also have substantially the same or improved light output as the first light engine. Furthermore, the same mounting technology or the same mounting elements may be used to mount the light engine module 15 on the mounting base 3 of the luminaire 1. The light output may be characterized in particular by the luminous efficacy, the color rendering, and any spectral or radiant properties of the light.By replacing the first light engine with the light engine module, the light characteristics of the luminaire can be essentially maintained or even improved while maintaining the same or improving light output. Fig. 2 corresponds to the mode of light source change when the light engine module 15 is mounted with the second light engine 4' and the reinforcement 16 as the light source of the luminaire 1.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a light source holder according to an embodiment. The light source 17 may be a first light engine 4, as shown in Fig. 1, or a light engine module 15, ie a second light engine 4' together with the reinforcement 16, as in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, mounting screws 18 are used to fasten the light source 17 to the mounting base 3 of the luminaire. The light source 17 has openings or through-holes for receiving the mounting screws 18, which can be screwed into corresponding threaded holes in the mounting base 3 of the luminaire 1. In particular, the LED substrate 5 of the first light engine 4 can have through-holes for receiving the fastening screws. Likewise, the LED substrate 5' of the second light engine 4' as well as the reinforcement 16 of the light engine module 15 can have through-holes for receiving the fastening screws. The mounting screws 18 can be dimensioned such that the mounting screws 18 can be used both for mounting the first light engine 4 and for mounting the light engine module 15, i.e. the second light engine 4' together with the reinforcement 16.The first light engine 4 and / or the light engine module 15 can be reliably attached to the mounting base 3 of the luminaire using the mounting screws.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section of a light source mount according to a second embodiment. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the mounting clamps 19 are used to attach the light source 17 to the mounting base 3 of the luminaire 1. The mounting clamps 19 are dimensioned such that the mounting clamps 19 can be used both to attach the first light engine 4 and to attach the light engine module 15, i.e., the second light engine 4' together with the reinforcement 16. Using the mounting clamps 19, the first light engine 4 can be easily and quickly replaced with the light engine module 15.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section of a light source holder according to a third embodiment. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the reinforcement 16 of the light engine module 15 serves as a holder for the second light engine 4'. The reinforcement thus has the dual function of mechanically stabilizing the second light engine 4' and fixing the second light engine 4' to the mounting base 3 of the lamp 3. The Fig. The fastening structures shown in Figures 3 to 5 can be used for fastening the bare light source (without reinforcement) or the alternator module (light source together with a reinforcement), even if the bare light source and the alternator module have different thicknesses.

[0029] In some embodiments, the reinforcement 16 has a substantially flat top surface for receiving a substantially flat substrate of a light engine and a substantially flat bottom surface that serves as a contact surface for mounting the reinforcement 16 on the mounting base 3. Due to the planar geometry, in particular the flat top surface and the flat bottom surface of the reinforcement 16, good thermal contact can be established between the second light engine 4' and the reinforcement 16, as well as between the reinforcement 16 and the mounting base 3.

[0030] Fig.6 shows a flowchart of a method for replacing a light engine of a luminaire according to one embodiment. According to the method 50 for replacing a light engine in a luminaire, in a first step 100, a luminaire is provided with at least one first light engine mounted in the luminaire. The first light engine can be mounted, in particular, during the manufacturing process of the luminaire.

[0031] In step 200, at least one light engine module is provided with at least one second light engine for replacing the first light engine. The at least one first light engine and / or the at least one second light engine can, in particular, comprise a number of light engines, e.g., linear light engines, in particular as described in the above embodiments. The light engine module can have at least one reinforcement or mount for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine.

[0032] In step 300, the first light engine is removed from the luminaire, and in step 400, the light engine module is installed into the luminaire in place of the first light engine. The assembly of the light engine module in step 400 includes the assembly of the second light engine together with the reinforcement in the luminaire.

[0033] In some embodiments, the luminaire includes a mounting base for securing a light source. Removing the first light engine in step 300 may include removing the first light engine from the mounting base of the luminaire. Mounting the light engine module in the luminaire may include mounting the second light engine and reinforcement onto the mounting base of the luminaire.

[0034] The light engine module may be compatible with the first light engine. In particular, the light engine module may have substantially the same form factor as the first light engine, allowing it to be easily installed into the luminaire in place of the first light engine using the same mounting hardware.

[0035] In some embodiments, the luminaire includes a translucent cover for the light source. The method may include opening or removing the cover before removing the first light engine in step 300. The method may also include closing or attaching the cover to a mounting flange of the luminaire after mounting the light engine module in step 400.

[0036] In particular, the reinforcement or bracket provided in the light engine module rather than in the first light engine allows for reliable and user-friendly light source replacement. At the same time, overall costs, including the cost of manufacturing the luminaire, can be kept low.

[0037] Especially for luminaires with slim linear light engines, such as damp-proof luminaires, continuous row systems, low-bay luminaires, panel luminaires, or troffer luminaires, the reinforcement provided in the light engine module can help significantly reduce the risk of damage to the light engine when replacing a light source in a luminaire. At the same time, the reinforcement does not have to be part of the initial product, which can consist of a bare light engine, e.g., just a circuit board with LEDs mounted on it. This helps keep the manufacturing costs of the luminaire low.

[0038] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description is intended to provide those skilled in the art with practical guidance for implementing the exemplary embodiment or embodiments. List of reference symbols 1 light 2 housings 3 mounting bases 4 first light engine 4.4' lightweight engine 5.5' LED substrate 6.6' LED 7, 7' first longitudinal end 8, 7' second longitudinal end 9 Flange 10 fasteners 11 Fasteners 12 Opening 13 Ventilation hole 14 cable hole 15 Light Engine Module 16 reinforcements 17 Light source 18 Fixing screw 19 Mounting clip 50 procedures 100 Providing a luminaire with a first light engine 200 Provision of a light engine module 300 Removing the first light engine from the luminaire 400 Installation of the light engine module in the luminaire

Claims

[1] A method (50) for replacing a light source (17) of a luminaire, the method comprising: - Providing (100) a luminaire (1) with a first light engine (4) mounted in the luminaire (1), - Providing (200) a light engine module (15) with a second light engine (4'), - Removing (300) the first light engine (4) from the lamp (1), and - Mounting (400) the light engine module (15) in the luminaire (1) instead of the first light engine (4), wherein the light engine module (15) comprises a reinforcement (16) for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine (4'), and wherein mounting the light engine module (15) comprises mounting both the second light engine (4') and the reinforcement (16) in the luminaire. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein the luminaire (1) comprises a mounting base (3) for mounting a light source (17), and wherein removing the first light engine (4) from the luminaire (1) comprises removing the first light engine (4) from the mounting base (3), and mounting the light engine module (15) in the luminaire (1) comprises mounting the second light engine (4') and the reinforcement (16) on the mounting base (3) of the luminaire (1). [3] The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light engine module (15) is configured as a light engine module that is substantially compatible with the first light engine (4). [4] Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first light engine (4) and the second light engine (4') are designed as linear light engines. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the removal of the first light engine (4) comprises the release of at least one fixing (18, 19) which fixes the first light engine (4) in the luminaire, and wherein the mounting of the light engine module (15) comprises fixing the light engine module (15) in the luminaire (1) with at least one fixing (18, 19). [6] A first light engine (4) for mounting in a luminaire (1), wherein the first light engine (1) comprises an LED substrate (5) and a number of LEDs (6) mounted on the LED substrate (5), and wherein the LED substrate (5) is configured to be replaceably mounted on a mounting base (3) of the luminaire (1). [7] The first light engine (4) according to claim 6, wherein the LED substrate (5) has a substantially planar shape and is configured for replaceable mounting on a substantially planar mounting base (3) of the luminaire (1). [8] Light engine module (15) for replacing a first light engine (4) mounted in a luminaire (1), wherein the light engine module (15) comprises a second light engine (4') and a reinforcement (16) for mechanically stabilizing the second light engine (4'), and wherein the reinforcement (16) is configured such that the second light engine (4') can be mounted together with the reinforcement (16) in the luminaire (1) to replace the first light engine (4). [9] Light engine module (15) according to claim 8, wherein the light engine module (15) is substantially compatible with the first light engine (4). [10] Luminaire (1) with a housing (2) for receiving a first light engine (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing (2) is further designed to receive a light engine module (15) according to claim 8 or 9 instead of the first light engine (4).

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