Socketed linear light source with multiple LEDs

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a socketed, linear light source with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Many offices and workspaces use recessed ceiling fixtures containing fluorescent tubes for general lighting. To ensure glare-free light, these tubes are covered by mirrored glare-reducing elements to deflect light rays and prevent people in the room from looking directly at the light source. If a bulb fails, the fixture must be opened by removing the glare-reducing element to access the bulb.

[0003] Lamps containing discharge tubes are increasingly being replaced by entirely new lamps with integrated LEDs because continuing to use old lamp housings with LED-equipped bulbs that mimic discharge tubes is not practical. The electrical connection also needs to be modified, requiring the replacement of starter capacitors and other ballasts.

[0004] Therefore, lamps with permanently installed LEDs are frequently used. The disadvantage of such lamps is that the LEDs have a long, but still limited, lifespan. A complete lamp replacement when all or individual LEDs fail is too expensive, especially for frequently used lamps. Another problem in applications such as workplace lighting is that glare reduction must be provided according to specific criteria and standards. Unlike conventional discharge tubes used for workplace lighting, which have a relatively uniform light intensity along their length, LEDs produce very bright points of light and are therefore not readily suitable for direct area illumination.

[0005] DE 20 2014 000 570 U1 discloses a generic linear light source equipped with end-mounted plug connections, allowing for easy installation in a lamp housing and simultaneously establishing the electrical contacts. However, the light source only has transparent covers. Glare reduction must be achieved by additional elements attached to the lamp.

[0006] JP 2019 067 571 A shows another linear light source consisting of several LEDs arranged on a common circuit board. Additionally, a lens is positioned over each LED and connected to the circuit board. Furthermore, a grid-shaped structure is provided as an glare suppressor, which is also connected to the circuit board. While this light source integrates the functions of generating and focusing light, as well as laterally shielding the resulting light beam, its assembly is complex. The entire mechanical load must be absorbed by the circuit board. Due to the rigid connection of the glare suppressor to the circuit board, deformations can occur due to differing thermal expansion rates between the circuit board and the associated glare suppressor.

[0007] A generic luminaire is known from CN 206530915 U. However, this luminaire is not designed for glare-free illumination, as the flat side of the lens element faces outwards and the convex side of the lens element faces inwards, towards the LED. This produces precisely the opposite optical effect, since the arrangement leads to beam focusing. Accordingly, no additional glare-reducing means are disclosed, as no glare-reducing effect is intended.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to enable glare-free workplace lighting based on replaceable light-emitting diodes, which are easy to install.

[0009] This problem is solved by a socketed, linear light source with the features of claim 1.

[0010] The light source according to the invention forms a self-contained and, above all, glare-free unit. This allows the light source according to the invention to be inserted into or removed from a ceiling lamp, for example, directly from the underside, without having to open a housing or remove glare-reducing reflectors. Because the light source has integrated glare reduction, the corresponding ceiling lamp into which it can be inserted can be designed to be very flat.

[0011] The invention provides a complete optical system with the light source, in which the light source formed by a light-emitting diode (LED) or group of LEDs is modified. A very strong, but concentrated light source is first widened by the optical lens. For this purpose, a plano-convex lens element is used, with its flat side facing the LED. This allows the desired effect to be achieved with only one lens. Since there is no focal length on the flat side facing the LED, the overall height does not need to be increased. A small air gap between the LED and the lens is only necessary to limit the heat load on the lens, which is made primarily of a transparent plastic.

[0012] Viewed from the installation direction, the glare reduction element is located below the lenses. Each lens has a recess surrounded by sloping, mirrored edges. The areas around the recess may be truncated pyramid-shaped.

[0013] Preferably, however, the edging is designed only in a manner similar to a truncated pyramid, in such a way that the four mirrored surfaces of the edging of the recess are each not flat, but convexly curved.

[0014] Furthermore, the edging surfaces can be extended downwards into a shaft in which the lens is enclosed on all sides.

[0015] The described optical system results in good light distribution per light source while simultaneously ensuring glare control. It requires that the LED, lens, and glare control element are arranged vertically and centered at defined distances from one another.

[0016] It is advantageous that at least one circuit board with the light-emitting diodes arranged in a grid, a strip-shaped lens element comprising several optical lenses, and the glare control element are inserted into guide rails formed on the inside of the housing profile. This allows for the very simple assembly of the inventive light source while simultaneously achieving adjustment of the optical system with respect to vertical distances as well as centering transversely to the longitudinal extent of the housing.

[0017] It is also advantageous to ensure a positive locking mechanism for the components in the longitudinal direction of the housing, in order to guarantee centering in this direction as well. It is particularly preferred to design at least one strip-shaped lens element, comprising several optical lenses, in such a way that it can be snapped into place with the at least one glare reduction element.

[0018] In this case, it is also advantageous if at least two projections are present on the underside of a combination of glare reduction element and lens element snapped into it, which engage in corresponding recesses in the circuit board.

[0019] The width and height of the light source according to the invention are preferably between 36 mm and 40 mm.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The figures show, in detail: Fig. 1 A ceiling lamp with two light sources; Fig. 2 A light source in top view; Fig. 3 The partially disassembled light source in the area of ​​the connection socket; Fig. 4 A view of the opened housing from an end face; Fig. 5 An end cap from the inside in top view; Figs. 6-10 Various stages of mounting the light source, each in a perspective view; Fig. 11 Two light sources of different lengths in a perspective view; Fig. 12 A lamp housing in a perspective view; Figs. 13, 14 Inserting a light source into a lamp housing, each in a perspective view; and Fig. 15 A mounted light source in section.

[0021] In Figure 1A ceiling lamp 200 with two light sources 100 designed according to the invention is shown, with a view of the underside facing a room. The ceiling lamp 200 has a lamp housing with a surrounding frame 202 with a cover surface 209 and is designed as a recessed cassette for a suspended ceiling. The light sources 100 can each be removed by pressing against the lamp housing.

[0022] A 100 light bulb is in Figure 2 shown. It comprises a housing 10 with two end caps 40, 50, via which the mechanical and electrical connection to the ceiling lamp can be established. Two row-shaped glare control elements 60 are inserted into the housing 10, each of which has eleven recesses 61 in this example. Optical lenses 31 are visible within the recesses 61 in the glare control elements 60.

[0023] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a disassembled light source 100. A glare-reducing element 60 with recesses 61 is visible at the top. A truncated pyramid-shaped rim is formed around the recesses 61. Below the recesses 61, a lens element 30 is visible, which combines several optical lenses. The lens element 30 consists of several lenses 31 arranged in series and connected to each other via a bridge 32. The light source 100 also includes an end cap 40, which is in Figure 5 The image is enlarged. It has two U-shaped pole shoes 42, 43, which enclose a receiving area 44 for a contact area of ​​a printed circuit board. The pole shoes 42, 43 continue into conductor elements that terminate in a connector element 41. This connector can be inserted into a coupling in the lamp housing and is, for example, compatible with the Zhaga standard. Book 14 trained.

[0024] This plug-and-socket connection allows for tool-free insertion and removal by applying pressure to the connection.

[0025] In Figure 3 A housing 10, designed as an aluminum profile, is also visible, in which a linearly extending circuit board 20 is arranged. Light-emitting diodes 21 or groups of light-emitting diodes are arranged on its upper surface at grid intervals. In the exemplary embodiment, each group 21 comprises four light-emitting diodes. Above each group of light-emitting diodes, an optical lens 31 of the lens element 30 and a recess 61 of the glare control element 60 are arranged. The recess is framed by reflector surfaces 62, 63, which extend parallel to the longitudinal extent of the housing 10 and transversely to it, respectively.

[0026] A contact area 24 at the left end of the circuit board 20 is in the receiving area 44 (see Fig. 5) usable, whereby an electrical connection is established to the pole shoes 42, 43. The other side of the housing 10 is closed by an end cap 50, which is provided with a plug-in socket 51, which forms the second point by which the light source 100 can be fixed in the lamp housing.

[0027] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a view inside the housing 10 with the end cap 40 and the glare control elements 60 removed. Contact surfaces are formed on the top and / or bottom of the circuit board 20 for contact with the pole shoes 42, 43 (see Figure 1). Figure 5 ) are determined at the end cap 40.

[0028] The housing 10 is designed as an extruded aluminum profile. Heat can be dissipated via the housing. The profile's side walls are quite high, making the profile rigid and preventing deflection over typical lamp lengths of up to 1.20 m or 1.50 m. The housing 10 has profile rails 11 and 12 in cross-section, which allow the circuit board 20 and the glare control elements 60 to be inserted from the front, eliminating the need for separate fastening of these elements.

[0029] The Figures 6 to 10 Each image shows a perspective view of different assembly stages of the light source 100. In Fig. 6The housing 10 is shown, which is manufactured as a section of an aluminum extrusion profile. It is already fitted with the end cap 50 at one end. The profile rails 11, 12, formed on the inner surfaces of the U-shaped housing profile, for inserting the circuit board and glare control elements are clearly visible. Fig. 7 The circuit board 20 with the groups of light-emitting diodes 21 is inserted into the profile rail 11. Fig. 8 The circuit board 20 is positioned in its final position in the housing 10. Only the contact area 24 still protrudes. A glare reduction element 60 is inserted into the profile rail 12. Fig. 9 A second glare reduction element 60 has been added. The dashed line marks the separation between the two adjacent glare reduction elements 60. In Fig. 10 The light source 100 is completed by attaching the end cap 40 with the plug element 41.

[0030] The length-dependent components are designed so that they can be cut to length and / or joined together. For example, the lens element is designed as a strip of optical lenses 31 that can be divided as desired. The conductive traces on the circuit board 20 extend linearly, at least in the sections between the groups of LEDs 21, so that the circuit board can also be divided. Due to their complex shape, the glare control elements 60 are not divisible, but are designed so that they can be joined together for longer light sources without the join being visually noticeable.

[0031] In this way, the invention offers a modular system with which light sources of different lengths can be easily manufactured. Figure 11In addition to the previously described light source 100, which comprises two glare-reducing elements 60 arranged in series, the figure also shows an alternative short light source 100' in which only one glare-reducing element 60 is used. The length of a housing 10', the circuit board inserted therein, and the lens strip are adapted accordingly.

[0032] Figure 12Figure 1 shows the empty lamp housing 201 viewed from below. The surrounding frame 202 defines a side wall 208, which is closed off by a base 205. On two opposite sections, the side wall 208 does not extend directly to the base 205; instead, a raised section 203 is provided between the two sections. This raised section serves two functions: firstly, it stiffens the lamp housing 201 sufficiently to allow the lamp to be replaced by creating or releasing a push-fit connection without the housing buckling. Secondly, it raises the mounting surface for the lamp relative to the base 205. This ensures that the upper edge of the lamp is flush with the frame 202. Furthermore, a free space 204 is created below the raised section 203 to accommodate a coupling for the plug element 41 and to receive the plug socket 51.Thus, no components extend beyond the plane formed by the base 205, and only a shallow ceiling depth is required for installation. Electrical components and wiring can be housed on the inside of the housing on the floor, since the light sources only require two narrow strips on the outer sides, and the entire central installation space is located below the cover 209 (see figure). Fig. 1 ) remains free. The raised edges 203 have recesses 206, 207. A coupling for receiving the plug element 41 and for establishing an electrical connection with it is attached to each of the recesses 206. A socket receptacle for the socket 51 is provided at each of the recesses 207.

[0033] In Fig. 13The ceiling lamp 200 is shown, in which a light source 100 is already inserted. Another light source 100 is brought forward at an angle so that the end cap 50 with the plug-in socket 51 is positioned close to the recess 207 in the raised edge 203. By pushing it in the direction indicated by the block arrow, the plug-in socket 51 is inserted into a socket receptacle connected to the lamp housing 201. The plug-in socket 51 has an axle section at its end. Once the plug-in socket 51 is inserted into the socket receptacle, it can pivot about this axle section.

[0034] The pivoting movement is indicated by the block arrow in Figure 14marked. This causes the light source 100 to pivot until it also rests against the raised edge 203 on the other side and the plug element 41 engages in the coupling through the recess 206. The connection on the plug element 41 is designed such that by pressing on the plug element 41 again, the locking connection to the coupling is released and the light source is inserted in the reverse order as described above. Figure 13 and 14 As described, it can be removed again. No tools are required. The ceiling lamp 200 does not need to be disassembled to change the bulbs 100.

[0035] Figure 15Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a light source 100 in the area of ​​one of the recesses in the glare control element 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess is framed in the upper area by planar reflector surfaces 62, 63 and is thus truncated pyramid-shaped. In the lower area, a cuboid-shaped shaft 64, also mirrored on the inside, is formed in which the optical lens 31 is positioned. This extends only to slightly above the edge between the shaft 64 and the adjacent, inclined reflector surfaces 62, 63, so that good glare control is achieved. The shaft 64 extends to the circuit board 20 and thus also encloses the light-emitting diodes 21 in its center. Reference symbol list:

[0036] 10, 10' Housing 11,12 Profile rails 20 Circuit board 21 Light-emitting diodes 24 Contact area 30 Lens element 31 Lens 32 Bridge 40 End cap 42, 43 Pole shoes 44 Mounting area 50 End cap 51 Plug socket 60 Glare reduction elements 61 Recesses 62, 63 Reflector surfaces 64 Shaft 100, 100'light bulbs 200Ceiling lamp 201Lamp housing 202Frame 203Upstand 204Installation space 205Floor 206,207Recesses 208,Side wall 209Cover surface

Claims

1. Base-mounted, linear lighting means (100; 100') which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (21), at least comprising an elongate housing (10), which is open at least on one side and has at least one plug element (41) with integrated electric conductor elements and / or has a plug-in base (51) for mechanical and / or electrical connection to a lamp housing (201), and comprises at least one printed circuit board (20) on which the light-emitting diodes (21) are located, wherein - individual light-emitting diodes (21) or groups of multiple light-emitting diodes (21) are spaced apart from one another in a grid layout on the printed circuit board (20) ; - a plurality of optical lenses (31) are interconnected in respective pairs via a bridge (32) to form a lens element (30) in strip form; - at the end of the printed circuit board (20) is formed a contact region (24), which can be inserted into a receiving region (44) of an end cap (40) located on an end face of the housing (10), wherein, on the end cap (40), an electrical connection is established to pole shoes (42, 43) which continue in conductor elements leading into a plug element (41) on the end cap (40), wherein the conductor elements of the plug element (41) lead into two U-shaped pole shoes (42, 43) inside the housing (10), and wherein the end face of the printed circuit board (20) has at least one contact surface which contacts one of the pole shoes (42, 43), characterized - in that the housing (10) contains, above each light-emitting diode (21) or group of light-emitting diodes (21), a convex optical lens (31) and a glare-suppressing element (60), the glare-suppressing element having, in each case above the lens (31), an outwardly widening, peripherally mirrored aperture (61); - in that the lenses are each plano-convex and the plane side faces towards the light-emitting diodes (21), - in that, for multiple light-emitting diodes (21) or groups of light-emitting diodes (21) arranged in the grid, the glare-suppressing element (60) has an outwardly widening aperture (61), these apertures (61) being next to one another and spaced apart in a grid layout; and - in that the two U-shaped pole shoes (42, 43) are oriented with the open sides facing towards one another and transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the housing (10).

2. Lighting means (100; 100') according to Claim 1, characterized by at least one plug-in base (51) for form-fitting connection to a complementary socket on a ceiling lamp (200) and by an at least two-pole plug element (41).

3. Lighting means (100; 100') according to Claim 2, characterized in that: - the plug-in base (51) is part of a first end cap (50) located on an end face of the housing (10) and - the plug element (41) is part of a second end cap (40) located on the opposite end face of the housing (10) .

4. Ceiling lamp (200) comprising at least one lighting means (100; 100') according to one of the preceding claims and comprising a lamp housing (201) which has at least a coupling for connection to the plug element (41) and a plug-in base receptacle for connection to the plug-in base (51).

5. Ceiling lamp (200) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the lighting means (100; 100') can be pivoted around a pin element on its plug-in base (51) with respect to the latching receptacle on the lamp housing (201), and in that the lighting means (100; 100') can be latched in and out of the coupling located in the lamp housing (201) by pressing on the plug element (41) in each case.

6. Ceiling lamp (200) according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the lamp housing (201) is cuboidal and is reinforced by an encircling frame (202), adjoining an upper edge of a side wall (208), and two parallel upturns (203), wherein the upturns (203) are formed on opposite sides in each case between the side wall (208) and an end wall (205) and have in each case at least one recess (206) on which there is a coupling for receiving the plug element (41), and / or a recess (207) on which there is a plug-in base receptacle for the plug-in base (51) of the lighting means (100; 100').