Light fixture assembly
The modular light fixture assembly with a thermally conductive tubular housing and spring means facilitates easy component replacement and efficient heat dissipation, addressing the challenges of non-modular LED fixtures by simplifying installation and repair.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2025186701
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-01
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing light fixtures, particularly LED fixtures, are not modular, making it difficult to replace components and establish electrical connections, especially when working at heights, and they often lack efficient heat dissipation mechanisms.
A modular light fixture assembly featuring a tubular housing with a thermally conductive material, a functional module, and a coupling piece, utilizing spring means for thermal contact and electrical coupling, allowing for easy installation and replacement of components.
Enables rapid and simple installation and repair of light fixtures by creating simultaneous electrical connections and efficient heat dissipation through a thermally conductive jacket, extending the lifespan of the light module and components.
Smart Images

Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a functional fixture with a functional module, particularly a light fixture with a light module, to an assembly for forming such a fixture, particularly a light fixture intended to be fixed on or in a wall, such as a wall or ceiling of a space in a building.Background
[0002] Light fixtures are typically provided on a wall, such as a ceiling or a wall, in a closed or semi-closed space. Light fixtures are often assembled from different components, wherein a connection is made between an electrical cable, which is typically installed in the wall, and the light source of the light fixture in order to provide power to this light source.
[0003] Light fixtures, and particularly LED light fixtures, are generally not modular, or are so to a limited extent, and the different components cannot be individually replaced in simple manner. The coupling between the light fixture and the electrical cable is often difficult to realize, especially when work must be carried out at a height in order to mount the light fixture. Light fixtures typically also have a set appearance.Summary
[0004] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an assembly for forming a functional fixture with a functional module, particularly a light fixture with a light module, which can be installed in simple manner and / or the components of which can be replaced in simple manner, and which can properly discharge the heat generated by the functional module.
[0005] According to a first aspect, an assembly for forming a functional fixture, particularly a light fixture on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, is provided. The assembly comprises a tubular housing, a functional module, such as a light module with a light source, and a coupling piece. The tubular housing has at least one open end. The functional module is configured to be inserted into the housing via the at least one open end of the housing. The coupling piece is configured to be inserted into the housing via the at least one open end and to be received at least partially in the housing, wherein the coupling piece is configured to be electrically coupled to an electric line, for instance to an electrical cable in the wall, on one side and to be electrically coupled to the functional module on the other. The tubular housing has a wall which is manufactured from a thermally conductive material, and the functional module comprises a jacket of thermally conductive material. The assembly further comprises at least one spring means which is arranged between the housing and the functional module. The at least one spring means is configured to clamp a part of the jacket against the wall of the housing, such that a thermal contact is realized between the housing and the jacket in an assembled state of the functional module in the housing.
[0006] By providing a spring means a good thermal contact can on one hand be realized between the functional module and the housing, whereby heat generated by the functional module can be discharged via the jacket to the housing and so to the surrounding area, and the functional module can on the other hand be inserted into the housing in simple manner and be removed from the housing again in simple manner.
[0007] Embodiments are further based on the insight that by designing the connecting means between the components of the assembly, particularly the functional module, the housing and the coupling piece, such that an electrical connection is created between the functional module and the coupling piece and that this electrical connection is created simultaneously to the coupling of the functional module and coupling piece, the assembly can if necessary be installed and repaired in rapid and simple manner.
[0008] The tubular housing can have any cross-section and is dimensioned so that the light module can be inserted via a first open end and so that the coupling piece can be arranged via the same first open end or via a second open end, wherein in the housing an electrical contact is realized between the functional module and the coupling piece. If the functional module and the coupling piece are inserted via the same open end, the second end can be a closed end or an end through which only a wire or fixing means is lead out. The tubular housing can for instance have a round or oval or polygonal cross-section, or a combination thereof.
[0009] The at least one spring means is preferably provided on or partially in the jacket. In this way the inner surface of the wall of the tubular housing need not be modified and the at least one spring means can engage between the jacket and the inner surface of the housing in simple manner.
[0010] An outer surface of the jacket is preferably provided with at least one recess in which the at least one spring means is partially arranged. In this way the at least one spring means can be fixed in the jacket of the functional module in simple manner.
[0011] The at least one spring means preferably comprises a spring-mounted ball or pin, wherein the spring-mounted ball or pin preferably protrudes outward from the jacket partially.
[0012] The jacket preferably has an outer surface with a cylindrical part which extends through at least 20°, wherein the tubular housing has a cylindrical inner surface with a complementary form, and the at least one spring means is configured to press the cylindrical part of the outer surface against the cylindrical inner surface. Providing complementary cylindrical parts which extend through at least 20°, preferably through a range of between 20° and 200°, more preferably through a range of between 60° and 180°, most preferably through a range of between about 120° and 180°, enables a good thermal contact to be realized through this range by the pressure force exerted by the at least one spring means.
[0013] In an advantageous embodiment the outer surface of the jacket has at the position of the cylindrical part a first radius and the remaining part of the outer surface has a radius smaller than the first radius. A part of the remaining part is preferably flat. The at least one spring means can then be provided in this remaining flat part.
[0014] The assembly preferably further comprises a locking means configured to lock the functional module in the housing in a determined position. In a possible embodiment one of the housing and the jacket is provided with a cavity, and the other of the housing and the jacket is provided with a protruding part which is receivable in the cavity in the assembled state of the functional module in the housing, such that the protruding part forms the locking means, wherein the protruding part is preferably provided on the jacket, substantially opposite the at least one spring means.
[0015] In an advantageous embodiment the protruding part is spring-mounted in a recess in the jacket. In this way the functional module can be inserted into the housing, wherein the protruding element is pressed into the recess and then springs out when the protruding part is situated opposite the cavity.
[0016] The tubular housing preferably has a constant cross-section, as seen along a central axis of the tubular housing. According to an alternative, the tubular housing can have a variable cross-section. The tubular housing can be formed as an interconnection of different jacket parts, for instance a first jacket part with a cylindrical outer wall with a first diameter, a second jacket part with a cylindrical outer wall with a second diameter, and an intermediate jacket part connecting the first and second jacket part to each other. According to another example, the tubular housing has a first jacket part with an outer wall with the form of a prism or truncated pyramid, a second jacket part with a cylindrical outer wall.
[0017] The thermally conductive material is preferably a material with a thermal conductivity λ greater than 25 W / mK, preferably greater than 75 W / mK, more preferably greater than 150 W / mK, most preferably greater than 220 W / mK, measured at 293 K, 1 atm and a relative air humidity of 50%. By selecting materials with a sufficient thermal conductivity, such as for instance aluminium, a heat transport can be provided between the functional module and the surrounding area. In this way the lifespan of the light module and components thereof can be increased.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment the functional module is a light module comprising a body of the thermally conductive material, wherein the jacket forms part of the body, and the body has a first open end in which the light source is arranged and a second end which is configured to be coupled electrically to the coupling piece. In this way the heat generated by the light source will be dischargeable to the housing via the body of the light module. The body can be provided with an internal wall between a first end of the jacket and a second end of the jacket. The light source is preferably arranged on a light source substrate which is arranged against a first side of the internal wall of the body of the functional module, optionally with interposing of a thermally conductive layer. The first electric connecting element can then be arranged against a second side of the internal wall.
[0019] The internal wall of the body of the light module is preferably provided with one or more passages for electrical wires for connecting the light source to the first electric connecting element. In a possible embodiment the electrical wires are connected to the contact elements of the light source holder.
[0020] The functional module is preferably configured to be fixed in the housing by translation. This allows the functional module to be placed and replaced in simple manner.
[0021] Preferably, the functional module comprises a first electric connecting element and the coupling piece comprises a second electric connecting element, wherein the functional module is configured to be coupled mechanically to the housing and / or to the coupling piece such that an electrical contact between the first and second electric connecting element is realized by the coupling.
[0022] By giving the assembly a modular form such that an electrical connection is made while the components are being assembled, an installer can provide the functional module on a wall, such as a ceiling wall, in rapid and simple manner. The coupling piece can here for instance be fixed to the wall, wherein an electrical cable in the wall is connected to the second electric connecting element. By configuring the functional module to be coupled to the housing and / or to the coupling piece, wherein an electrical contact between the first and second electric connecting element is simultaneously realized, the light module can be placed and removed in the light fixture in simple manner. In this way the housing is removable and replaceable in simple manner.
[0023] The first electric connecting element preferably comprises a first substrate on which at least one first electrically conductive contact element, preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided and / or the second electric connecting element comprises a second substrate on which at least one second electrically conductive contact element, preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided. By providing a first and / or second substrate with contact elements the first and / or the second contact element can take a compact and particularly a relatively flat form, whereby the height of the functional module and / or of the coupling piece, as measured along a central axis of the housing, can be relatively small. By designing the connection between the components of the assembly, particularly the functional module, the housing and the coupling piece, such that an electrical connection is created between functional module and coupling piece and that this electrical connection is created simultaneously to the coupling of the functional module and coupling piece, the assembly can be installed and / or repaired in rapid and simple manner.
[0024] According to a possible embodiment, the at least one first electrically conductive contact element is preferably provided on a first side of the first substrate, and the light source is provided on a second side of the first substrate. According to yet another embodiment, two separate substrates are arranged in the light module, one for the light source and one for the contact elements, wherein the two substrate are electrically connected to each other.
[0025] The at least one first and / or second contact element is preferably one of the following or a combination thereof: a flat electrically conductive element, a spring contact. One of the at least one first and / or second contact element is preferably an electrically conductive element, and the other a spring contact. By designing the at least one first and / or second contact element in this way it is ensured that the electrical connection between the functional module and the coupling piece can be realized in simple manner, particularly by bringing the two components into mutual contact during coupling of the functional module to the housing and / or the coupling piece.
[0026] The housing is preferably tubular and the first and / or the second substrate preferably lies substantially perpendicularly of a central axis of the tubular housing. Configuring the first and second substrate in this way facilitates assembly of the components of the assembly and ensures that the electrical coupling can be realized in simple manner by moving the light module toward the coupling piece in the tubular housing.
[0027] In an embodiment one of the at least one first contact element and the at least one second contact element protrudes relative to respectively the first or second substrate, and the other of the at least one first contact element and the at least one second contact element is embodied as a flat electrically conductive element. In this way the protruding element can make good electrical contact with the flat electrically conductive element.
[0028] In an embodiment the at least one first contact element and / or the at least one second contact element extends along a circular path. In this way the light module and the coupling piece can be rotated relative to each other without the electrical contact being lost. This circular path can describe a part of a circle or a full circle, depending on the desired freedom of rotation of the light module. If a plurality of contact elements extend along a plurality of circular paths, these paths can have a different diameter and lie in a flat plane or lie in a cylindrical plane at a mutual distance, as seen in the axial direction of the cylindrical plane, wherein the axial direction then preferably corresponds with an axial direction of the housing.
[0029] The functional module is preferably configured for tool-less coupling to the housing and / or the coupling piece.
[0030] In a possible embodiment the functional module is a light module with a body comprising the jacket. The light module for instance comprises a light source holder for fixing the light source substrate against the body of the light module, and the first electric connecting element can be provided on the light source holder. The first connecting element then preferably protrudes at least partially into an opening of the body. The opening is preferably a throughfeed opening extending between the first side and the second side of the body. The first connecting element is then for instance a printed circuit board connector element which is fixed to the light source holder and which is electrically connected to contacts of the light source. The second electric connecting element is then preferably received at least partially in the throughfeed opening of the body and is there coupled to the first electric connecting element. The second electric connecting element is for instance a printed circuit board connector which can be inserted into the first connecting element. In this way a good electrical connection can be realized in a simple manner.
[0031] In an embodiment the functional module is a light module with a light source and the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode, LED, preferably an array of LEDs. An OLED can optionally be used as light source. The light module optionally comprises an optical element, such as a reflector or diffuser, which is configured to optically influence the light emitted by the light source. The optical element is preferably removably fixable in or on the housing. The optical element can for instance be a reflector provided with an external screw thread, and the housing can be provided with a corresponding internal screw thread.
[0032] In an embodiment a converter is provided in the functional module and / or in the coupling piece, which converter is configured to convert a supply voltage, for instance an AC or DC voltage, into one or more current or voltage signals suitable for powering the functional module, and preferably for driving the at least one LED when the functional module is a light module. The converter can optionally be configured to receive one or more control signals, such as a dimming signal or a light colour control signal, and to control the current or voltage signal in accordance with the one or more control signals.
[0033] If the converter is provided in the light module, three or more contact elements can thus be provided in the first and second connecting element. One or more control signals can hereby be sent to the converter in the light module, for instance in order to dim the light source and / or to control a colour of the emitted light (for instance tunable white).
[0034] In an advantageous embodiment the housing, the functional module and the coupling piece are substantially cylindrical. In this way the assembly can form a compact whole, wherein the components are preferably couplable to each other by translation.
[0035] According to a possible embodiment, the coupling piece comprises an electrical connector for receiving an external electric cabling, wherein the electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electric connecting element.
[0036] According to a possible embodiment, the coupling piece comprises a base body configured to be fixed in the housing. The base body can for instance be provided with an external screw thread or a bayonet coupling part and the housing can then be provided with a corresponding internal screw thread or a corresponding bayonet coupling part. The second substrate of the second electric connecting element can thus for instance be provided with an integral bayonet coupling part, and the housing can be provided with a bayonet coupling part couplable thereto.
[0037] According to a possible embodiment, the coupling piece comprises a hinge with a pivot axis intended to extend substantially parallel to the wall, all this such that the housing with light module is orientable. The hinge can for instance comprise a hinge part which is fixed pivotally on the base body, wherein the hinge part is rotatable round the pivot axis relative to the base body.
[0038] In an embodiment the coupling piece comprises an electrical connector which is configured to clampingly receive an external electrical cable and to electrically connect the electrical cable to the second electric connecting element.
[0039] The functional module can for instance be one of the following or a combination thereof: a camera module, a sensor module such as a smoke detection module or a motion sensor, a sound module, a light module. The functional module is preferably a light module.
[0040] In a possible embodiment the housing is intended to be visible, i.e. to be provided against the wall or at a distance from the wall. In another embodiment the housing can be intended to be built into a wall. The housing can here be built directly into a wall, or the housing can be receivable in a mounting piece which is mounted, for instance seamlessly, in a wall, particularly in a false ceiling. The mounting piece can for instance be tubular, preferably cylindrical, and can optionally be provided with one or more flanges, for instance one peripheral flange, which is / are intended to be fixed in a surface of the wall. The housing can then be configured to be fixed in the mounting piece, for instance by a snap-fit mechanism or by a sealing ring.
[0041] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a light fixture comprising an assembly according to any one of the above described embodiments in an assembled state.
[0042] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a light module for use in an assembly according to any one of the above described embodiments.
[0043] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a coupling piece for use in an assembly according to any one of the above described embodiments.
[0044] Advantageous features described above for the first and second aspect likewise apply to embodiments according to the final aspect of the invention.Brief description of the figures
[0045] The invention will now be further described on the basis of figures of a number of by no means limitative exemplary embodiments, wherein the figures are purely illustrative. Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of an embodiment of an assembly for forming a light fixture. Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-section of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figures 4A and 4B are respectively a side view and a longitudinal section of the assembly of Figure 1. Figures 4C and 4D are respectively a side view and a longitudinal section of the assembly of Figure 1. Figures 5A-5C are respectively a perspective view, a side view and a section of the body 314 of the light module of Figure 1. Figures 5D-5F are respectively a perspective view, a side view and a section of the body 314 of the light module of Figure 1. Brief description of the figures
[0046] Figures 1A and 1B show perspective views of an assembly 1000 for providing an electrical module 300, typically a light module, on or in a wall W (mount-in or mount-on). The assembly comprises a coupling piece 100, a tubular housing 200 and an electrical module, here a light module 300. The light module 300 is shown in the state in which it has not yet been mounted in the housing 200, while the coupling piece 100 is in the mounted state. Figure 2 shows this assembly in the assembled state, with the light module 300 mounted in the housing.
[0047] The coupling piece 100 is configured to be connected to the wall. In alternative embodiments the coupling piece is designed to be arranged in a wall opening.
[0048] The tubular housing 200 has a first open end 201 and a second end 202.The light module 300 comprises a light source 350 and is configured to be inserted via the open end 201 and to be received at least partially in the first open end 201 of housing 200. The coupling piece 100 is configured to be inserted via the first open end 201 and to be received in the housing 200. The coupling piece 100 is configured to be electrically coupled via the second end 202 to an electrical cable (not shown) in the wall on one side and, on the other, to be electrically coupled to the light module 300 in the housing 200.
[0049] The tubular housing 200 can have any cross-section and is dimensioned so that the light module 300 and the coupling piece 100 can be inserted via the first open end 201, wherein in housing 200 an electrical contact is realized between the light module 300 and the coupling piece 100. The tubular housing 200 has a round cross-section here, although the skilled person will appreciate that other forms are also possible. The tubular housing 200 is here formed as a substantially cylindrical tube.
[0050] The tubular housing 200 has a wall 205 which is manufactured from a thermally conductive material, and the functional module 300 comprises a jacket 305 of thermally conductive material, wherein at least one spring means 400 is arranged between the housing 200 and the functional module 300 in order to clamp a part of the jacket 305 against the wall 205 of the housing 200, such that a thermal contact is realized between the housing 200 and the jacket 305 in an assembled state of the functional module 300 in the housing 200. The at least one spring means 400 is provided partially in the jacket 305. In other words, the spring means 400 is a spring-mounted element which lies partially in the jacket 305 and protrudes partially from the jacket 305, so that it can make contact with an inner surface of the wall 205 of the housing 200 in order to press a part of the jacket 305 against the wall 205.
[0051] As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, Figures 4C-4D and Figures 5A-5D, an outer surface of the jacket 305 is provided with at least one recess 306, here two recesses 305, in which a spring means 400 is in each case partially arranged. The spring means 400 can for instance comprises a spring-mounted ball or pin, wherein the spring-mounted ball or pin preferably protrudes outward from the jacket partially. The ball can for instance be spring-mounted in a hollow piece which is received clampingly in a recess 306. The hollow piece can for instance be cylindrical and be received in a recess 306 by pressing or by a screw thread.
[0052] As can be seen most clearly in Figures 1A, 2 and 3, the jacket 305 has an outer surface with a cylindrical part 307 which extends through an angle H (see Figure 3) of at least 20°, preferably through a range of between 20° and 200°, more preferably through a range of between 60° and 180°, most preferably through a range of between about 120° and 180°. The tubular housing 200, and particularly the wall 205 thereof, has a cylindrical inner surface with a complementary form, and the at least one spring means 400 is configured to press the cylindrical part 307 of the outer surface of the jacket 305 against the cylindrical inner surface of the wall 205. Preferably, the outer surface of the jacket 305 has at the position of the cylindrical part 307 a first radius R1 and the remaining part 308 of the outer surface has a radius R2 smaller than the first radius R1. A part of the remaining part 308 can optionally be flat, for instance in order to facilitate fixing of the at least one spring means 400 in the jacket 305, although this is not essential.
[0053] As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, Figure 4D and Figure 5C, the assembly further comprises a locking means 500 configured to lock the functional module 300 in the housing 200 in a determined position. In the illustrated embodiment the housing 200 is provided with a cavity 209, and the jacket 305 is provided with a protruding part 500 which is receivable in the cavity in the assembled state of the functional module in the housing, such that the protruding part 500 forms the locking means, wherein the protruding part 500 is preferably provided on the jacket 305, substantially opposite the at least one spring means 400. The protruding part 500 is spring-mounted in a recess 319 in the jacket 305. In other embodiments (not illustrated) the spring means 400 can also function as locking means, and no separate locking means 500 is provided.
[0054] The thermally conductive material from which the jacket 305 and the housing 205 are manufactured is preferably a material with a thermal conductivity λ greater than 25 W / mK, preferably greater than 75 W / mK, more preferably greater than 150 W / mK, most preferably greater than 220 W / mK, measured at 293 K, 1 atm and a relative air humidity of 50%.
[0055] Preferably, the light module 300 comprises a body 314 of thermally conductive material of which the jacket 305 forms part, and the body 314 has a first open end 321 in which the light source 350 is arranged and a second end 322 which is configured to be coupled electrically to the coupling piece 100, see Figures 1A and 1B. The light source 350 is arranged on a light source substrate 355 which is arranged against an inner wall 325 of the body 314 of the functional module 300, see Figure 2, optionally with interposing of a thermally conductive layer.
[0056] The light module 300 is configured to be fixed in the housing 200 by translation.
[0057] The light module 300 comprises a first electric connecting element 310 and the coupling piece 100 comprises a second electric connecting element 110, wherein the light module 300 is configured to be coupled mechanically to the housing 200 and / or to the coupling piece 100 such that an electrical contact between the first and second electric connecting element is realized by the coupling.
[0058] As can be seen most clearly in Figures 1A-1B and Figure 2, the first electric connecting element 310 comprises a first substrate 311 on which at least one first electrically conductive contact element 312, preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided. In the shown embodiment the at least one first contact element 312 extends along a circular path, here a full circle, although this could also be a part of a circle. The second electric connecting element 110 comprises a second substrate 111 on which at least one second electrically conductive contact element 112, preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided. Each second contact element 112 is here a spring contact.
[0059] In the shown embodiment four circular first contact elements 312 are provided and four second contact elements 112, although the skilled person will appreciate that two or three or more than four first and second contact elements can also be provided.
[0060] The light module 300 comprises a light module body 314 onto which the electric connecting element 310 can be secured, for instance via a screw 309 which can be received in a throughfeed hole 309b (Figure 5C) of the light module body 314. The light module body 314 is further configured to secure light source 350 thereon.
[0061] The body 314 has a first side on which the first electric connecting element 310 is provided and a second side against which the light source 350 is provided. Figure 6 further shows determined components of light module 300 in more detail. The light source 350 is preferably arranged on a light source substrate 355, such as a PCB, wherein the light source substrate 355 is arranged on the second side of body 314 of light module 300 such that the light source substrate 355 is in thermal contact with the body, for instance with interposing a thermally conductive sheet 354. The body 314 is provided with an internal wall 325 between a first end of the jacket 305 and a second end of the jacket 305, wherein the light source 350 is arranged on a light source substrate 355 which is arranged against a first side of the internal wall 325, and the first electric connecting element is arranged against a second side of the internal wall 325. The body 314 is provided with one or more passages 356 (see Figures 5D and 5E) for electrical wires for connecting the light source to the first electric connecting element 310.
[0062] The coupling piece 100 comprises a base body 101 configured to be fixed in the housing, wherein the second electric connecting element is provided on a first side of the base body and wherein an electrical connection line preferably runs through the base body from the first side to a second, opposite side in order to connect the second electric connecting element 110 to an electrical cable in the wall.
[0063] The coupling piece 100 can comprise a hinge 120 with a pivot axis which is preferably intended to extend substantially parallel to the wall, all this such that the housing 200 with functional module 300 is orientable. The hinge 120 comprises a hinge part which is fixed pivotally to the base body 101, wherein the hinge part is rotatable round the pivot axis relative to the base body 101. The base body 101 can for instance be connected pivotally to the hinge part via screws and springs. The coupling piece 100 can further be provided with a strain relief plate and screw for improving the pivoting connection between coupling piece and hinge part. The wall coupling part is intended to be connected to the wall W and the hinge part is connected to the wall coupling part, preferably in a rotatable manner. The substrate 111 is connected to the base body 101, for instance via screws 104, see Figure 4B.
[0064] The light module 300 can comprise a light source holder manufactured from an electrically insulating material, such as mica, for fixing the light source substrate 355 against the body 314 of light module 300, wherein the light source holder is provided with contact elements, preferably spring contacts, which make contact with two contact elements on said substrate 355. In this way a good electrical connection to light source 350 can be realized without soldering steps being necessary to realize the connection to the light source substrate 355. The light source holder can for instance be an annular plate which fits around the light source 350 and is fixed against the light source substrate 355 using screws.
[0065] Light source 350 preferably comprises an array of LEDs on which a layer of phosphor is optionally arranged.
[0066] In some embodiments of the invention the light module is replaced with a different electrical module, for instance a detection module such as a motion sensor, a light sensor, a smoke detector, an alarm module, a camera, a sound module and the like. An electrical module can also combine several functions, for instance a lighting function and a sensor function.
[0067] Figure 2 further shows that the base body 101 is provided with a throughfeed hole for throughfeed of electric cabling (not shown), preferably to provide electric cabling between the electrically conductive connecting element 110 and an electrical cable coming from the wall W.
[0068] The housing 200 is preferably connected removably to coupling piece 100 so that it can be easily replaced, for instance in accordance with the wishes of the architect and / or changing interior design trends.
[0069] The assembly can further be provided with an optical element 360, such as a reflector, see Figure 2, which is configured to spread light coming from the light source 350. The optical element 360 is preferably removably fixable in or on the housing 200. The optical element 360 can for instance be a reflector provided with an external screw thread, and housing 200 can be provided with a corresponding internal screw thread.
[0070] The skilled person will appreciate that many variants and modifications can be envisaged within the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the following claims.
Claims
1. Assembly (1000) for forming a functional fixture, typically a light fixture on or in a wall, such as a ceiling, wherein the assembly comprises: - a tubular housing (200) with at least one open end, - a functional module, such as a light module (300) with a light source, which is configured to be inserted into the housing via the at least one open end of the housing, and - a coupling piece (100) which is configured to be inserted into the housing via the at least one open end and to be received at least partially in the housing, wherein the coupling piece is configured to be electrically coupled to an electric line, for instance to an electrical cable in the wall, on one side and to be electrically coupled to the functional module on the other; wherein the tubular housing (200) has a wall (205) which is manufactured from a thermally conductive material, and the functional module (300) comprises a jacket (305) of thermally conductive material, wherein at least one spring means (400) is arranged between the housing and the functional module in order to clamp a part (307) of the jacket (305) against the wall (205) of the housing, such that a thermal contact is realized between the housing and the jacket in an assembled state of the functional module in the housing.
2. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one spring means is provided on or partially in the jacket; wherein an outer surface of the jacket (305) is provided with at least one recess (306) in which the at least one spring means (400) is partially arranged.
3. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least one spring means comprises a spring-mounted ball or pin, wherein the spring-mounted ball or pin preferably protrudes outward from the jacket partially.
4. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the jacket (305) has an outer surface with a cylindrical part (307) which extends through an angle (H) of at least 20°, preferably through a range of between 20° and 200°, more preferably through a range of between 60° and 180°, most preferably through a range of between about 120° and 180°, wherein the tubular housing has a cylindrical inner surface with a complementary form, and the at least one spring means is configured to press the cylindrical part of the outer surface against the cylindrical inner surface; wherein preferably the outer surface of the jacket has at the position of the cylindrical part a first radius and the remaining part of the outer surface has a radius smaller than the first radius; wherein preferably a part of the remaining part is flat.
5. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a locking means (500) configured to lock the functional module in the housing in a determined position.
6. Assembly according to claim 5, wherein one of the housing and the jacket is provided with a cavity (209), and the other of the housing and the jacket is provided with a protruding part which is receivable in the cavity in the assembled state of the functional module in the housing, such that the protruding part forms the locking means (500) , wherein the protruding part is preferably provided on the jacket, substantially opposite the at least one spring means.
7. Assembly according to claim 6, wherein the protruding part is spring-mounted in a recess in the jacket.
8. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the thermally conductive material is a material with a thermal conductivity λ greater than 25 W / mK, preferably greater than 75 W / mK, more preferably greater than 150 W / mK, most preferably greater than 220 W / mK, measured at 293 K, 1 atm and a relative air humidity of 50%.
9. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the functional module is a light module comprising a body of thermally conductive material, of which the jacket forms part, and the body has a first open end in which the light source is arranged and a second end which is configured to be coupled electrically to the coupling piece; wherein the light source(350) preferably is arranged on a light source substrate (351) which is arranged against a part (314) of the functional module, optionally with interposing of a thermally conductive layer.
10. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the functional module (300) comprises a first electric connecting element (310) and the coupling piece (100) comprises a second electric connecting element (110), wherein the functional module is configured to be coupled mechanically to the housing and / or to the coupling piece such that an electrical contact between the first and second electric connecting element is realized by the coupling; wherein the first electric connecting element (310) comprises a first substrate (311) on which at least one first electrically conductive contact element (312), preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided; and / or wherein the second electric connecting element (110) comprises a second substrate (111) on which at least one second electrically conductive contact element (112), preferably at least two electrically conductive contact elements, is / are provided; wherein preferably the coupling piece (100) comprises an electric connecting element which is configured to is configured to clampingly receive an external electrical cable and to electrically connect the electrical cable to the second electric connecting element (110).
11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein the at least one first and / or second contact element (312, 112) is one of the following or a combination thereof: a flat electrically conductive element, a spring contact; wherein preferably the at least one first contact element (312) and / or the at least one second contact element extends along a circular path (312b), this being a part of a circle or a full circle.
12. Assembly according to claim 9 and any one of the claims 10-11, wherein the body is provided with an internal wall between a first end of the jacket and a second end of the jacket, wherein the light source is arranged on a light source substrate which is arranged against a first side of the internal wall, and the first electric connecting element is arranged against a second side of the internal wall; wherein preferably the internal wall is provided with one or more passages (356) for electrical wires for connecting the light source to the first electric connecting element (310).
13. Assembly according to any one of the claims 10-12, wherein the coupling piece (100) comprises a base body (101) configured to be fixed in the housing, wherein the second electric connecting element is provided on a first side of the base body and wherein an electrical connection line preferably runs through the base body from the first side to a second, opposite side in order to connect the second electric connecting element (110) to an electrical cable in the wall; wherein the coupling piece (100) comprises a hinge with a pivot axis intended to extend substantially parallel to the wall, all this such that the housing with functional module is orientable; wherein the hinge comprises a hinge part which is fixed pivotally to the base body, wherein the hinge part is rotatable round the pivot axis relative to the base body.
14. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the functional module is a light module and a converter is provided in the light module (300) and / or in the coupling piece (100), which converter is configured to convert a supply voltage, for instance an AC or DC voltage, into a current or voltage signal suitable for powering the light source; and / or wherein the functional module is a light module and the light module comprises an optical element (360, 360'), such as a reflector or diffuser, which is configured to optically influence the light emitted by the light source (350).
15. Assembly according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the housing, the functional module and the coupling piece are substantially cylindrical.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Lamp package assembly and spotlight
CN113503482A
Surface-mounted LED down lamp
CN211780506U
Electric light
EP3527886A1
Electric light
EP3527887A1
Lighting devices, lighting assemblies, fixtures and method of using same
US20080084700A1