Light emitting element and support for lighting device

Abstract

To provide a support for a light emitting element that provides effective heat transport and electric conduction when the light emitting element is arranged on a support.SOLUTION: A support for a light emitting element includes a conductor which provides electric connection with at least one fitting surface (6a, 6b) from a main body section (10) arranged adjacently to a fitting section (4) housing at least one light emitting element arranged along the arrangement direction (8) of the at least one fitting surface, wherein the at least one fitting surface has at least two contact sections along the arrangement direction corresponding to the conductor, the main body section separated by an insulation section protrudes sideways from the at least one fitting surface, and a voltage is applied between any of the at least two contact sections when the light emitting element is connected to a power supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to supports for light-emitting elements in lighting devices, particularly including layered structures, for improved heat transport and optical characteristics in applications such as automotive lighting. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts have been made to replace conventional light sources, such as incandescent light sources containing wire filaments, with lighting devices containing light-emitting elements, such as LEDs. For some specific applications, e.g., in automotive lighting, it is desirable to "retrofit" such lighting devices. For example, it would be advantageous to replace only the conventional light source, such as an incandescent light bulb, with an LED lighting device, while the remaining elements of the lamp, e.g., optical elements such as the reflector cup and lens, do not require replacement. Accordingly, there are efforts to provide such retrofit lighting devices that represent a 1:1 replacement for conventional standard light sources, e.g., H7 halogen bulbs.

[0003] However, configuring lighting devices to retrofit conventional light sources is challenging. First, because lighting devices are intended to use the same optical elements as conventional light sources, the illumination pattern of the conventional light source must be closely mimicked by the arrangement and specification of the light-emitting elements. For example, LEDs may be arranged to represent the shape of the filament of an incandescent light source, requiring the LEDs to be aligned along the alignment direction. Second, heat transport from the LEDs must be effective to ensure their long life, which is particularly challenging because replicating the illumination pattern of a conventional light source may require placing multiple LEDs very close to each other, which can lead to heat concentration within a small volume. In retrofit applications, such as in automotive lighting, high light output is required, which can also lead to high heat output from the light-emitting elements. Third, the light-emitting elements must be supplied with electrical energy in an efficient manner, and additional heat generation in the electrical connections must be reduced.

[0004] Attempts have been made to provide support for LEDs for retrofit applications based on printed circuit boards (PCBs), which may provide effective heat transfer for the electrical connections of the LEDs. However, because the PCB constrains the placement of the LEDs to a substantially flat or two-dimensional shape, mimicking the shape of the filament with the PCB as the support is unsatisfactory.

[0005] Other supports from the prior art still require arranging a significant number of LEDs connected in parallel on a conductor with a small cross section so that heat transport can still be further optimized.

[0006] Patent Document 1 refers to an LED module including a heat sink portion and an LED arrangement mounted on the heat sink portion at an LED mounting surface. The heat sink portion has a formed sheet metal carrier that forms a 3D shape, which is essentially a pyramid with a rectangular base. The mounting surface is defined by a flat area on the top of the pyramidal carrier.

[0007] Patent Document 2 describes a light-emitting diode bulb including a base, a printed circuit board housed together with the base, and a plurality of electrical connectors. The light-emitting diode is electrically connected between a conductive plate adjacent to the second end of each of the plurality of electrical connectors. The electrical end of the connector includes an upper substantially flat surface and an undercut surface, and the light-emitting diode is disposed on the undercut surface.

[0008] US Pat. No. 5,699,499 discloses an LED package for use in a lamp that includes a substrate having lighting elements regularly arranged in a row and completely covered by an optical element.

[0009] Patent Document 4 discloses a concentrically connected power semiconductor device package including an inner conductor, an intermediate conductor, and an outer conductor. One semiconductor device is attached to the inner conductor. Multiple semiconductor devices are attached along the flat surface of the inner conductor.

[0010] Patent document 5 refers to a vehicle headlight in which a light source is attached to the front surface of a first of the first sections of a flexible substrate, and a lining member is connected to the rear surface of the first section. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, a drawback of known solutions is that current retrofit lighting modules lack the possibility to combine multiple functions in one light source: further dynamics by dimming or boosting individual LEDs is not possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012]

[0005] Thus, among other things, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support for light-emitting elements that provides effective heat transport and electrical conduction when at least one light-emitting element is disposed on the support. The support may also provide light-emitting elements in various shapes, particularly three-dimensional arrangements, that allow for desirable optical properties in retrofitting applications. The present invention further relates to lighting devices that improve heat transport and lighting patterns, particularly for retrofitting applications. The present invention further relates to methods for manufacturing such lighting devices.

[0013] According to a first exemplary aspect of the present invention, a support for a light-emitting element is proposed, the support including at least one mounting surface, the at least one mounting surface having an arrangement direction and configured to accommodate at least one light-emitting element arranged along the arrangement direction, a mounting section, a body section arranged adjacent to the mounting section, and a conductor for providing an electrical connection from the body section to the at least one mounting surface, the at least one mounting surface including at least two contact sections along the arrangement direction, each contact section corresponding to a conductor, the body section protruding laterally from the at least one mounting surface, and when the body section is connected to a power source, a voltage is applied between any of the at least two contact sections.

[0014] According to a second exemplary aspect of the present invention, there is proposed a lighting device comprising a support according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention and at least one light-emitting element mounted along an arrangement direction of at least one mounting surface, wherein the at least one light-emitting element is in electrical contact with at least two contact sections.

[0015] According to a third exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a lighting device, in particular a lighting device according to the second exemplary aspect of the present invention, is proposed, the method comprising providing a support according to the first exemplary aspect of the present invention and mounting at least one light-emitting element along an arrangement direction of at least one mounting surface, wherein the at least one light-emitting element is electrically contacted to a contact section.

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the first, second, and / or third exemplary aspects of the present invention may have one or more of the characteristics and / or configurations described below.

[0017] The support includes a mounting compartment with at least one mounting surface. The mounting surface may provide a suitable mounting surface for one or more light-emitting elements. For example, the mounting surface may be at least partially flat or planar to provide an area suitable for accommodating light-emitting elements, such as LEDs and / or LED dies. The at least one mounting surface has an arrangement direction and is configured to accommodate at least one light-emitting element arranged along the arrangement direction. The arrangement direction may correspond to an extension direction of the at least one mounting surface and / or the at least one light-emitting element. For example, the arrangement direction may correspond to the longest dimension of the at least one mounting surface and / or the at least one light-emitting element. The at least one mounting surface may be specifically configured such that multiple light-emitting elements may be arranged in a line, e.g., along a straight line, and the arrangement direction corresponds to the linear orientation of the light-emitting elements. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting surface may be configured to accommodate only a single light-emitting element, e.g., the light-emitting element has an elongated (rectangular) shape with an arrangement direction corresponding to the extension direction.

[0018] In embodiments of the support for use in a lighting device intended to replace an incandescent light source with a filament, the orientation may correspond to the direction of extension of the filament, i.e., the direction of the longest dimension of the filament, in which case the at least one mounting surface may accommodate at least one light-emitting element to effectively mimic the illumination of an incandescent light source.

[0019] The body section is disposed adjacent to the mounting section, and in particular, the body section is in thermal contact with the mounting section, such that, for example, heat generated by one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the at least one mounting surface may be transferred from the mounting section to the body section. The body section may include, in particular, a volume and / or a surface configured to provide suitable heat dissipation for heat generated by the light-emitting elements and to provide cooling for the light-emitting elements.

[0020] The conductors may provide electrical connection from the body section to the at least one mounting surface. The body section may be connected to a power source, for example, by a socket. The conductors may provide for the transfer of power from the body section to the mounting section and, therefore, to one or more light-emitting elements mounted on the at least one mounting surface. Furthermore, the body section may act as a heat sink and a thermal conductor to the support environment.

[0021] At least one mounting surface includes at least two contact sections along the arrangement direction. For example, the contact sections may be configured as contact patches or contact areas on the surface of the mounting surface that allow electrical contact with the light-emitting device, for example, by soldering or using a conductive adhesive. Each contact section corresponds to a conductor and is therefore electrically connected to the body section such that, for example, when the body section is connected to a power source, a voltage is applied between adjacent contact sections.

[0022] As described above, the body section may provide electrical connection to at least one mounting surface and may simultaneously act as a heat sink and a thermal conductor, which is particularly advantageous when a light-emitting element with a high heat output is used, such as an LED light source for high-current applications such as automotive headlights. Because the body section protrudes laterally from the at least one mounting surface, the volume of the body section is enlarged, and the body section provides significantly improved heat transfer from the mounting section. Electrical conductivity may be improved due to the enlarged conductor cross-section, making it possible to supply a high current to the light-emitting element housed in the at least one mounting surface. Furthermore, it has been found that a support according to the present invention may make it possible to closely mimic the illumination of conventional light sources, such as filament-based incandescent light sources. In particular, the illumination pattern of a light source such as a halogen bulb may be reproduced very closely with a light-emitting element (e.g., at least one LED) based on the support. Thus, a support according to the present invention may provide optimization of the optical, thermal, and electrical aspects of a retrofit light source.

[0023] Under "protruding laterally," it may be particularly understood that when a viewer faces the at least one mounting surface (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the mounting surface), the body section extends beyond one edge of the at least one mounting surface. For example, the body section may protrude laterally relative to the placement direction at a point where the body section extends beyond at least one edge of the at least one mounting surface, with the at least one edge extending substantially parallel to the placement direction.

[0024] When the body section is connected to a power source, a voltage is applied between any of the at least two contact sections. For example, in the case of two contact sections, a voltage may be applied between those two contact sections. In the case of more than two contact sections, e.g., three contact sections, a power source may be applied between any two of the three contact sections. For example, a voltage may be applied between the first and second contact sections, and / or between the first and third contact sections, and / or between the second and third contact sections, just to name a few non-limiting examples. Furthermore, in the case of multiple contact sections (e.g., at least two contact sections), for example, when the body section is connected to a power source, the power source may be enabled to apply a voltage between two different contact sections. In this way, when multiple light-emitting elements are disposed in the mounting section, individual combinations of the multiple light-emitting elements may be addressed to emit light when the body section is connected to a power source.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support further includes an insulating section separating two adjacent contact sections of the at least two contact sections. Thus, each adjacent contact section of the at least two contact sections may be separated by an insulating section. Such an insulating section may be formed by an insulator.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the body section is connected to a power source, a further voltage is applied between any of the at least two further contact sections of the at least two contact sections. It will be understood that in this exemplary embodiment, the support includes at least four contact sections. Thus, when the body section is connected to a power source, a first voltage and, for example, a second voltage in parallel may each be applied between any of the contact sections. The first voltage and the second voltage may be different values.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one contact section is not connected so that no voltage is applied to the at least one contact section when the body section is connected to a power source. It will be understood that the mounting section includes at least three contact sections when a voltage is applied between at least two contact sections formed by the support and at least one contact section must be not connected. When the body section is connected to a power source, a voltage can be applied between any two contact sections, but at least one contact section may be not connected so that no voltage is applied.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body section further includes at least one sensor, and the at least one sensor is coupled to at least two contact sections (e.g., at least two contact sections of the mounting section) so that information collected by the at least one sensor is at least readable via the coupling. The at least one sensor may be configured to collect (e.g., measure) information. The collected information is readable by another entity configured by or connectable to the support, for example, so that the information collected by the at least one sensor can be utilized by the other entity. Furthermore, via the coupling, the at least one sensor may be controllable, for example, to trigger the at least one sensor to begin collecting (e.g., measuring) information and / or to trigger the at least one sensor to output the collected information, or a combination thereof, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor is disposed on the top side of the body section and / or on at least one of the at least three side surfaces at least partially connected to each other. In principle, the at least one sensor may be attached to the support at any reasonable position. This may refer, for example, to a specific type of at least one sensor. For example, in the case of temperature information indicating the temperature near at least one light-emitting element, it may be considered reasonable to position the at least one sensor near the at least one light-emitting element. The actual position of the at least one sensor may be selected according to the user's wishes, as long as the at least one sensor can be coupled so that the information collected by the at least one sensor can be read.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the at least one sensor is at least one temperature sensor for collecting temperature information of the support or of one or more components constituted by the support. An example of the at least one temperature sensor is a thermocouple.

[0031] According to the following exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one mounting surface is configured to accommodate a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged along an arrangement direction. The light-emitting elements may be arranged along the arrangement direction, for example, in a row, particularly in a straight line representing the extension direction of the filaments. The at least one mounting surface may include at least three alternating contact sections along the arrangement direction, each of which corresponds to a conductor and is separated by an insulating section. In some embodiments, the alternating contact sections are configured to provide alternating polarities. For example, the polarities between adjacent contact sections are reversed relative to each other (such as in a sequence such as + / - / + or / + / -). Additionally or alternatively, at least one contact section may be unconnected (nc), such that a sequence such as + / nc / - or / nc / + is enabled. The light-emitting element may be contacted with two contact sections having different polarities, for example, the light-emitting element may be contacted with two adjacent alternating contact sections. By allowing a voltage to be applied between any of the at least two contact sections, it is possible to provide multiple lighting functions, such as low beam, DRL (daytime running light), PL (position light), or combinations thereof, and / or beam dynamics, such as boost, dimming, fast switching, or combinations thereof with the same support. It will be understood that the specific lighting function may depend on the specific light emitting element or combination of multiple light emitting elements configured by the support.

[0032] For example, multiple light-emitting elements may be arranged in a row, e.g., in a "1xN" configuration, along the arrangement direction. Each light-emitting element in the "1xN" configuration arranged along the arrangement direction may be in contact with a different pair of alternating contact sections. Configurations with multiple light-emitting elements in contact with the same pair of alternating contact sections are also possible for arrays of light-emitting elements, such as "2xN" configurations, "3xN" configurations, or even larger arrays.

[0033] By providing at least three alternating contact sections along the arrangement direction, the number of conductors providing heat and electrical conduction can be increased, which can improve heat and electrical conduction to the light-emitting device attached to the mounting surface, particularly in terms of effectively transferring heat to the body section. For example, in a "1 x N" configuration having N light-emitting devices arranged along the arrangement direction, N+1 contact sections and N+1 conductors can be provided to optimize heat transfer. Therefore, compared to the simple columnar shape of the prior art in which multiple light-emitting devices are connected in parallel and heat transfer is achieved through the same conductor, the support according to the present invention can provide improved efficiency and lifespan of the light-emitting device. Providing at least three alternating contact sections also opens up the possibility of operating single or multiple light-emitting devices independently of each other.

[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting section includes at least two mounting surfaces. The use of multiple mounting surfaces allows for more accurate imitation of the illumination provided by a filament. For example, the orientation of each mounting surface may be substantially parallel to one another, with the mounting surfaces representing different sides of the filament. Specifically, the at least two mounting surfaces are arranged adjacent to one another to provide a continuous area for mounting the light-emitting element. The at least two mounting surfaces may be arranged substantially parallel to one another, for example, to obtain several illumination areas facing the same direction, particularly to mimic a light source having multiple filaments. The at least two mounting surfaces, particularly adjacent mounting surfaces, may be arranged at an enclosing angle, for example, in the range of 45° to 135°, particularly 45° to 75°, or substantially perpendicular to one another. For example, mounting surfaces arranged at an angle to one another may represent different sides of the filament and / or provide an increased illumination angle.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mounting section includes three mounting surfaces. Furthermore, one of the three mounting surfaces may be disposed between the other two mounting surfaces, and optionally may be disposed immediately adjacent to the other two mounting surfaces. The mounting section may, for example, include four side surfaces, three of which provide the mounting surfaces and the fourth side of which provides contact with the body section. In particular, one of the three mounting surfaces may be disposed at an enclosed angle of 45° to 135°, particularly 45° to 75°, or may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the other two mounting surfaces.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one light-emitting element of the plurality of light-emitting elements is configured to emit light at a different wavelength than one or more other light-emitting elements of the plurality of light-emitting elements. The different wavelengths and / or intensities that each light-emitting element may emit may enable the plurality of light-emitting elements together to emit additive colors according to a mixture of different wavelengths.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one light-emitting element configured to emit light of different wavelengths is further configured to emit light of a wavelength representing yellow or blue. When at least one light-emitting element of the plurality of light-emitting elements is configured to emit light of a wavelength representing yellow or blue, it is possible to imitate the light of a known incandescent light bulb, where a mixture of light including blue is referred to as cool white, and a mixture of light including white is referred to as warm white.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body section has a cross-sectional area that increases with increasing distance from the mounting section, at least in the section. This may further improve the optical properties of the support-based lighting device in that a smaller amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element housed in the mounting section is blocked by the body section, while the body section may have a large volume and surface area to optimize thermal properties. In particular, when at least the triangular cross-section includes, at least in the section, a mounting section disposed on the edge of the triangular cross-section, the volume and surface area of ​​the body section are optimized, while the amount of light blocked or reflected by the body section can be controlled by selecting an appropriate opening angle of the triangular cross-section. The opening angle of the triangular cross-section may be selected, for example, for a body section with a large volume (larger opening angle) or a larger illumination angle (smaller opening angle).

[0039] In some embodiments, the triangular cross-section may have an opening angle between 0° and 90°, i.e., >0° to 90°. In this range, the thermal properties of the body are sufficient for many applications while providing an illumination angle that is particularly suitable for retrofit applications. The illumination angle may be improved when an opening angle within the range of 30° to 45° is selected. For higher heat generation applications requiring higher heat transfer through the body section, an opening angle within the range of 50° to 70°, particularly about 60°, has been found to be advantageous.

[0040] The mounting section and the body section comprise a layered structure of conductors, preferably conductors and insulating layers. The layered structure represents a particularly simple configuration for providing conductors in the mounting section and / or the body section, and in particular the mounting section and / or the body section may be integrally formed by the layered structure. The conductors may form at least a part of the contact section, such that the mounting surface also comprises the layered structure of the contact section.

[0041] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conductor comprises a metal sheet material. By using a sheet material, the layered structure of the body section and / or the mounting section may be provided in a particularly simple manner and the support may be manufactured cost-effectively. For example, the size and thickness of the sheet material may be selected according to the electrical and thermal conductivity requirements of the support. Different metal materials are possible as a base for the sheet material. In certain embodiments, the metal sheet material is copper-based or consists of copper. Copper may offer very high electrical and thermal conductivity in view of acceptable material costs.

[0042] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the metal sheet material includes a main surface and a side surface, and each of the contact sections is at least partially formed by the side surface of the metal sheet material. The main surface of the sheet material may be the surface of the sheet material having the largest dimension. When the contact section is formed by the side surface of the metal sheet material, for example, the contact section may have a (small) dimension suitable for electrical and thermal contact to at least one light-emitting element, while the metal sheet material may provide a large volume and cross-section for electrical and thermal transport.

[0043] The extension direction of the conductor layer structure, preferably the extension direction of the conductor and insulating layer layer structure, extends substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of at least one mounting surface in the mounting section. In particular, the layer structure is based on a metal sheet material that extends substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the at least one mounting surface. The extension direction in this sense may refer to a direction parallel to the layers of the layer structure. Electrical and thermal transport may be provided primarily by the conductor (e.g., metal sheet material), with the extension direction being substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction, allowing for very direct and effective electrical and thermal transport from the mounting section to the body section.

[0044] In other embodiments, the extension direction of the conductors, in particular the metal sheet material, and the layered structure of the insulating layer extends substantially parallel to the arrangement direction of the at least one mounting surface. Under "substantially perpendicular" an angle of 90°±10°, in particular an angle of 90°±5°, may be understood. Under "substantially parallel" an angle of 0°±10°, in particular an angle of 0°±5° may be understood.

[0045] The layered structure of the conductor (e.g., metal sheet material), preferably the conductor and insulating layers, includes an angled section. In the angled section, the mounting section may be positioned at a specific orientation relative to the length of the body section, i.e., the longest dimension of the body section. For example, the body section may have a first end configured for electrical connection to a power source, e.g., via a socket, a second end opposite the first end, and a side surface connecting the first end to the second end. The mounting section may be provided on a side surface of the body, further improving heat transfer. In particular, the angled section is configured so that the length of the body section extends substantially parallel to the direction of placement. In addition to optimizing heat transfer, such an arrangement is similar to the arrangements in various conventional light sources.

[0046] According to the following exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one mounting surface is configured to accommodate a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged along an arrangement direction. The light-emitting elements may be arranged along the arrangement direction in a line, particularly in a straight line, for example, representing the extension direction of the filament. The at least one mounting surface may include at least three alternating contact sections along the arrangement direction, each contact section corresponding to a conductor and separated by an insulating section. In some embodiments, the alternating contact sections are configured to provide alternating polarities. For example, the polarities between adjacent contact sections are reversed relative to each other (such as in a sequence such as + / - / + or / + / -). A light-emitting element may be contacted with two contact sections having different polarities, for example, a light-emitting element may be contacted with two adjacent alternating contact sections.

[0047] For example, multiple light-emitting elements may be arranged in a row, e.g., in a "1xN" configuration, along the arrangement direction. Each light-emitting element in the "1xN" configuration arranged along the arrangement direction may be in contact with a different pair of alternating contact sections. For example, for arrays of light-emitting elements, such as a "2xN" configuration, a "3xN" configuration, or even larger arrays, configurations having multiple light-emitting elements in contact with the same pair of alternating contact sections are also possible.

[0048] By providing at least three alternating contact sections along the arrangement direction, the number of conductors providing heat transfer and electrical conduction can be increased, which can improve heat transfer and electrical conduction to the light-emitting device attached to the mounting surface, particularly in terms of effectively transferring heat to the body section. For example, in a "1 x N" configuration having N light-emitting devices arranged along the arrangement direction, N+1 contact sections and N+1 conductors can be provided to optimize heat transfer. Therefore, compared to the simple columnar shape of the prior art in which multiple light-emitting devices are connected in parallel and heat transfer occurs through the same conductor, the support according to the present invention can result in improved efficiency and lifespan of the light-emitting device. Providing at least three alternating contact sections also opens up the possibility of operating single or multiple light-emitting devices independently of each other.

[0049] A lighting device according to a second aspect includes a support according to the first aspect and at least one light-emitting element mounted along the arrangement direction of the at least one mounting surface. The at least one light-emitting element is in electrical contact with at least two contact sections, for example, at points where contact patches of the at least one lighting element are in electrical contact with the contact sections, respectively. The electrical contact and / or mechanical connection may be based, for example, on soldered contacts (e.g., using solder paste) and / or contact with a conductive adhesive. The at least one light-emitting element may be activated by applying a voltage to a conductor associated with the corresponding contact section. For example, the body section may be configured to provide electrical contact to a power source.

[0050] Therefore, in the following embodiments of the present invention, the lighting device may further include a socket for connection to a power source, the socket being connected to the body section. The socket may be a standard socket, particularly suitable for the intended use, particularly for the required type of retrofit. In some embodiments, the socket may be a standard socket for halogen and / or incandescent bulbs for automobiles. An example of such a socket is an H7 socket. The body section and the mounting section having at least one mounting surface may be arranged to mimic the arrangement of a filament and its mounting in a conventional light source. For example, the arrangement direction and the positioning of the light-emitting element correspond to the arrangement of a standard filament, particularly a halogen filament. When a socket is used, in particular the distance and orientation of the mounting surface relative to the socket may correspond to the distance and orientation of the filament relative to the socket in a conventional light source.

[0051] In the method according to the third aspect, the at least one light emitting element is brought into electrical contact with the contact section, for example such that a contact patch of the at least one lighting element is electrically connected to the contact section. The electrical contact may be established, for example, by means of soldering, in particular by using a solder paste and / or by using a conductive adhesive.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, providing a support may include stacking (laminating) metal sheets. As described above, a layered structure of conductors may be provided by using metal sheet materials such as copper sheets. The stacked metal sheet materials may provide the shape of the body section and / or the mounting section, as well as conductors that provide electrical connection from the body section to at least one mounting surface. In particular, the metal sheets may be stacked on the major surfaces of the metal sheets. Insulating layers between the metal sheets may be disposed to prevent electrical contact between the metal sheets. In some embodiments, the metal sheet material may be provided as a composite material having one or more insulating layers on the major surfaces. In another exemplary embodiment, an adhesive is disposed on the metal sheet materials before and / or during lamination to form at least a portion of the insulating layers between the metal sheets. By using an adhesive, the metal sheets may be simultaneously mechanically connected and insulated from each other.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the metal sheets are bent to form angled sections. The bending may be performed before stacking the sheets so that the sheets are at least partially forced into the shape required for the support. The bending may also be performed during or after stacking the metal sheets. For example, a stack of metal sheets with insulating layers disposed between them may be provided as a composite or semi-finished product and bent to the shape of the support.

[0054] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, providing the support includes material removal, particularly after lamination of the metal sheets. For example, metal sheets of a regular shape, such as a rectangular shape, may be used to laminate and provide at least a portion of the body section and / or the mounting section. To obtain a more complex shape of the support, e.g., the aforementioned triangular cross-section of at least a section of the body section, a specific shape of one or more mounting surfaces, such as mounting surfaces arranged at an angle relative to each other, etc., metal sheet material and / or material of the insulating layer may be removed. For example, the shape of the support may be obtained at least in part by cutting, grinding, cutting, and / or etching.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, mounting at least one light-emitting element includes removably fixing the at least one light-emitting element on a support layer, applying a contact material to the at least one light-emitting element, and applying the at least one light-emitting element fixed on the support layer to at least one mounting surface, the contact material connecting the at least one light-emitting element to the contact section. Because mounting surfaces can have complex shapes and, in particular, can be arranged in a three-dimensional (non-flat) manner, reliable solder positioning may not be possible using standard techniques, such as solder masks. Applying solder masks to relatively small mounting surfaces with complex shapes can be difficult. Furthermore, controlling the positioning and amount of solder is difficult when the solder is placed near the edge of the mounting surface. Therefore, undesirable repositioning of the light-emitting element can occur, especially during solder reflow.

[0056] For example, when at least one light-emitting element is already fixed on a support layer, it has been found to be advantageous to apply a contact material such as solder paste onto the at least one light-emitting element, in particular onto the contact patches of the at least one light-emitting element. The support layer may be used for accurate positioning of the at least one light-emitting element, and the at least one light-emitting element may be connected to the contact sections. For example, the at least one light-emitting element is applied to the mounting surface such that the contact material is in contact with the contact sections. The contact material may be subjected to reflow and / or curing. The support layer may be removed before, after, or during the reflow and / or curing of the contact material.

[0057] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applying the at least one light emitting element secured to the support layer to the at least one mounting surface includes bending the support layer to conform to a shape of the at least one mounting surface. Bending the support layer can be particularly useful for conforming to the shapes of multiple mounting surfaces, such as when light emitting elements are simultaneously mounted on multiple mounting surfaces.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the light emitting elements fixed on the support layer may be applied by SMT technology. The support layer may be lifted by one or more holding devices, such as suction nozzles. For example, a holding device may be used for each light emitting element or group of light emitting elements (e.g., each group corresponding to a mounting surface). The holding devices may be positioned and rotated relative to each other to obtain a shape of the support layer corresponding to the shape of the mounting surface and to apply the light emitting elements onto the mounting surface.

[0059] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support layer has at least one predetermined bend line. The bend line may, for example, correspond to a line separating sections of the support layer, each section corresponding to a light-emitting element or group of light-emitting elements corresponding to a mounting surface. The bend line may significantly improve the accuracy of bending the support layer and therefore the accuracy of positioning the light-emitting elements. The bend line may, for example, be formed by perforations in the support layer. Other configurations may also or alternatively be possible, such as a different material having a reduced thickness and / or higher flexibility compared to the remainder of the support layer.

[0060] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, applying at least one light-emitting element secured to a support layer to at least one mounting surface includes cutting the support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer may be cut before the light-emitting elements are secured on the support layer. For example, the support layer may be cut into segments, each segment supporting a group of light-emitting elements. Each group of light-emitting elements may correspond to a mounting surface, for example, to obtain a strip of support layer that can be applied independently to each mounting surface. In another embodiment, the support layer may be cut after securing the light-emitting elements but before the contact material is applied. In another embodiment, the support layer may be cut after at least one light-emitting element is secured and the contact material is applied.

[0061] For example, a polyimide adhesive tape may be used as the support layer. The polyimide adhesive tape may be removed after the contact material has cured, for example, after reflow of the solder paste used as the contact material. In another embodiment, a support layer having a curable adhesive layer on its surface, for example, a UV-curable adhesive tape, may be used. In this case, the support layer may be more easily removed before curing the contact material by exposing the UV-curable adhesive to UV light, and the light-emitting element may be released from the support layer. Then, curing of the contact material may be performed without the support layer.

[0062] The at least one light-emitting element may in particular include at least one semiconductor element capable of emitting light. In particular, the at least one light-emitting element may include at least one LED. The LED may include at least one semiconductor element, such as a pn junction, a diode, and / or a transistor. For example, the LED may be provided in the form of a separate or combined LED die and / or LED package, in particular at least one LED may be arranged on a substrate, for example a sapphire substrate. The LED package may include a wavelength conversion element (e.g., based on phosphor) and / or at least one optical element, such as a diffusing layer, a diffractive element (e.g., a lens), and / or a reflective element (e.g., a reflector cup). The LED or LEDs may, for example, be integrated into an LED lead frame.

[0063] The support and / or lighting device according to the invention may be configured in particular for use in automotive lighting, for example as an automotive headlight.

[0064] The configurations and exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above may equally relate to different aspects according to the present invention. It should be understood that the presentation of the present invention in this section is by way of example only and is not limiting.

[0065] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for illustrative purposes only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being made to the appended claims. It is to be further understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale and are intended merely to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0066] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a support; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a support in a top view. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a support; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a support in perspective view; [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a lighting device in perspective view; [Figure 6] 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a lighting device in perspective view; [Figure 7] 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a lighting device in perspective view; [Figure 8] 3 shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a lighting device in a perspective view. [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a lighting device in a perspective view. [Figure 10] 5 shows a schematic diagram of a fifth embodiment of a lighting device in a perspective view. [Figure 11] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a sixth embodiment of a lighting device in a perspective view. [Figure 12] 10 shows a schematic diagram of a seventh embodiment of a lighting device in a perspective view. [Figure 13a] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a lighting device. [Figure 13b] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a lighting device. [Figure 13c] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a lighting device. [Figure 13d] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a lighting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] The following description will be helpful in providing a better understanding of the present invention and should be read in conjunction with and understood as a complement to the description provided in the Summary section above of this specification.

[0068] Figures 1, 2 and 3 show a schematic side view, a top view and a front view of a first embodiment of a support 2 for at least one light-emitting element, respectively. In Figure 4, the first embodiment of the support 2 is shown in a perspective view.

[0069] 1 and 2, the support 2 includes a mounting section 4 with three mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, which have an arrangement direction 8. The mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c are configured to receive light-emitting elements arranged along the arrangement direction 8. The mounting surface 6b is disposed between the other two mounting surfaces 6a, 6c and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the other two mounting surfaces 6a, 6c.

[0070] A body section 10 is disposed adjacent to and in thermal contact with the mounting section 4. The support 2 includes conductors 12 that provide electrical connection from the body section 10 to the mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c, such that power may be provided to the light-emitting elements by connecting the body section 10 to a power source. The mounting section 4 and the body section 10 include a layered structure of conductors 12 formed from a metal sheet material, in particular a copper-based sheet material, and an insulating layer 13 disposed between the conductors 12.

[0071] The elongation direction of the metal sheet material forming the insulating layer 13 and the conductor 12 extends substantially perpendicular to the orientation direction 8 of the mounting surfaces 6 a, 6 b, 6 c in the mounting section. In a portion of the body section 10, the elongation direction extends substantially parallel to the orientation direction 8. The layered structure of the conductor 12 and the insulating layer 13 includes an angled section 18, and the length of the body section 10 extends substantially parallel to the orientation direction 8.

[0072] 1, the mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c include contact sections 16 along the arrangement direction 8, each contact section 16 corresponding to a conductor 12 and separated by an insulating section formed by the insulating layer 13. The metal sheet material forming the conductors 12 includes a main surface and a side surface, and each of the contact sections 16 is formed by the side surface of the metal sheet material.

[0073] 3, the body section 10 protrudes laterally from the mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, and 6c relative to the orientation 8. For example, when a viewer faces the mounting surface 6b, the body section extends beyond the edges of the mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, and 6c. That is, the body section 10 has an increased width compared to the mounting section 4.

[0074] The body section 10 has a cross-sectional area that increases with increasing distance from the mounting section 4, as is particularly evident from the top view of FIG. 2 . The body section 10 has a triangular cross-section, and the mounting section 4 is located at the edge of the triangular cross-section. The triangular cross-section has an opening angle of 45°. As already mentioned above, the body section may provide an electrical connection to at least one mounting surface and may simultaneously act as a heat sink and thermal conductor, which is particularly advantageous when light-emitting elements with high heat output are used, such as LED light sources for applications such as automotive headlights. Because the body section 10 protrudes laterally from the mounting surfaces 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c, the volume of the body section 10 is expanded, and the body section 10 provides significantly improved heat transfer from the mounting section 4 while providing effective electrical conductivity and optical properties suitable for retrofit applications.

[0075] In particular, the illumination pattern of a light source such as a halogen bulb may be very closely reproduced with light emitting elements mounted on mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c of support 2. Each of mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c is configured to accommodate a plurality of light emitting elements arranged along an arrangement direction 8. In this first embodiment, mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, 6c each include six contact sections 16 along arrangement direction 8, each contact section 16 corresponding to a conductor 12 and separated by insulating sections 13. The arrangement direction may correspond to the extension direction of a filament in an incandescent light source.

[0076] A first embodiment of a lighting device 20 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 5, and the lighting device 20 comprises the first embodiment of the support 2 as shown in Figures 1 to 4. Five light-emitting elements 22 are mounted along the arrangement direction 8 of each mounting surface 6a, 6b, 6c. Each light-emitting element 22 is in electrical contact with two adjacent (alternating) contact sections 16.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a lighting device 20 according to the invention, which is provided with a socket 24 for connection to a power supply, the socket 24 being connected to the body section 10 of the support 2. The support 2 is constructed in accordance with the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. The socket 24 represents a standard socket for H7 halogen lamps in automotive applications.

[0078] Figures 7 to 12 each show further embodiments of a lighting device 20 according to the present invention, which, in contrast to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 5, illustrate different control of the conductors 12a to 12f, which enable other of the lighting functions of the lighting device 20 and / or include optional further structural configurations.

[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention based on the lighting device shown in FIG. 5. Each contact section 16 corresponds to a conductor 12a-12f. Between two adjacent contact sections corresponding to conductors 12a-12f, a respective insulating section 13 is formed by a support 2. Each light-emitting element 22 is an LED die. To enable multiple lighting functions, such as low beam, DRL, PL, or a combination thereof, and / or to provide beam dynamics, such as boosting, dimming, fast switching, or a combination thereof, one or more voltages can be applied to any combination of conductors 12a-12f, resulting in one or more voltages being applied to the LED die. For example, one or more voltages can be applied in a timed manner, e.g., at specific predefined time intervals, to provide traveling light, for example, enabled by the support. As shown in FIG. 5, conductor 12a is energized with a positive polarity, conductor 12f is energized with a negative polarity, while conductors 12b-12e are not connected (as indicated by "NC"). This may result, for example, in all of the LED dies 22 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 emitting light as defined by the respective LED die 22 .

[0080] In FIG. 8 , conductors 12a and 12b are applied with voltages of alternating polarity (12a: positive polarity, 12b: negative polarity), conductors 12e and 12f are applied with a second voltage of alternating polarity (12e: positive polarity, 12f: negative polarity) (e.g., different from the voltage applied to conductors 12a, 12b), and conductors 12c and 12d are not connected (as indicated by “NC”), so that the LED dies 22 coupled to conductors 12a and 12b are switched on, and furthermore, the LED dies 22 coupled to conductors 12e and 12f are switched on while the other LED dies 22 are also switched off.

[0081] The exemplary embodiment of support 2 shown in FIG. 9 includes optional sensor 14a, which is a temperature sensor 14a attached to the side of support 2. Information collected by temperature sensor 14a (e.g., temperature information indicating a temperature value measured near LED die 22) can be read via conductors 12c and 12d. Conductors 12c and 12d are energized with voltages of alternating polarity (12c: negative polarity, 12d: positive polarity), while conductors 12a, 12b, 12e, and 12f are not connected (as indicated by "NC"). This control of the conductors can allow information collected by temperature sensor 14a to be read. For example, if information from temperature sensor 14b is not to be read, conductors 12c and 12d energized with their respective voltages as shown can result in the respective LED dies connected via conductors 12c and 12d being switched on.

[0082] 11, another sensor 14b, e.g., a temperature sensor, is configured by the support, this sensor 14b being disposed on a side of the support and being coupled to conductors 12c, 12d, and 12e, via which coupling, for example, information collected by sensor 14b and / or control of sensor 14b is possible.

[0083] 12, additional sensors 14c, such as temperature sensors 14c, are configured on the top side of the support. In this embodiment, each sensor 14c is coupled via conductors 12a to enable information collected by each sensor 14c to be at least read and / or each sensor 14c to be controlled accordingly (e.g., as discussed above).

[0084] 10, the LED die 22 comprises a particular LED die 22a, which may be an LED die enabled to emit light of certain wavelengths resulting in yellow and / or blue colors, and thus may be enabled to emit, for example, cool white light or warm white light.

[0085] Exemplary embodiments according to all exemplary aspects of the present invention enable one or more of the following configurations. Each Cu (copper) stripe is an electrical port (e.g., a conductor). - Addressing LEDs can be enabled individually or in groups (all LEDs on). - Addressing LEDs can be enabled individually or in groups (welcome mode). - It is possible to place additional LEDs (e.g. LEDs of other colors, such as blue LEDs) in different locations. The polarity of the LEDs can be used to realize dual or multiple functions (for example, turning on the LEDs sequentially and thus at different times).

[0086] The polarity may differ between the connectors (prior art: higher order connectors have higher potential). Furthermore, LED dice can be turned off, sensors can be enabled, and / or other LED dice can be selectively activated. In normal operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, all LED dice operate in series (e.g., connector 1 has a positive potential, the last connector has a negative potential, and all connectors in between are isolated, thus realizing series operation).

[0087] 13a to 13d show schematic diagrams of a method for manufacturing a lighting device according to the invention, in particular a method for manufacturing a lighting device according to the first embodiment.

[0088] A support 2 is provided, for example configured according to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. The support 2 may be provided by stacking metal sheets and disposing an insulating layer between the metal sheets, which may be formed by an adhesive applied to the metal sheets. The metal sheets may be bent to form angled sections with substantially perpendicular angles, and material removal may be performed to obtain the shape of the support 2 as shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0089] Next, the light emitting elements 22 are attached to the support 2 as shown in Figures 13a to 13d. Figure 13a shows a front view, in which the light emitting elements 22 are removably fixed to a support layer 26, for example, an adhesive polyimide tape or a UV-curable adhesive tape. The support layer 26 has predetermined bending lines in the form of perforations 28 that divide the light emitting elements 22 into groups, each group corresponding to a mounting surface 6a, 6b, 6c. A solder paste as a contact material is applied to the contact sections of the light emitting elements 22 (not shown).

[0090] The support layer 26 is picked up by suction nozzles 30a, 30b, and 30c of the holding device. Three suction nozzles 30a, 30b, and 30c, or three groups of suction nozzles 30a, 30b, and 30c, are used, each corresponding to a group of light emitting elements 22 and mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, and 6c. After the light emitting elements 22 corresponding to mounting surface 6b are applied, as shown in the top view of support 2 in FIG. 13b, suction nozzles 30a and 30c are repositioned and rotated so that the support layer 26 is bent at perforations 28 to conform to the shape of mounting surfaces 6a, 6b, and 6c, as shown in FIG. 13c.

[0091] Alternatively, the support layer 26 may be cut into strips, each strip corresponding to a mounting surface 6a, 6b, 6c (not shown), and the strips applied in a similar manner.

[0092] The solder paste is reflowed after positioning the light-emitting element 22 so that the solder paste permanently connects the light-emitting element 22 to the contact sections 16 of the mounting surfaces 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c. The support layer 22 may be removed from the light-emitting element 22 after reflow (e.g., when an adhesive polyimide tape is used) or before reflow (e.g., when using a UV-curable adhesive tape that can be exposed to UV light to reduce adhesion to the light-emitting element 22). The light-emitting element 20 is obtained as shown in FIG. 13 d. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention enable an architecture that is 100% compatible with, for example, the H7 architecture of automotive lights. Furthermore, it is possible to incorporate multiple lighting functions (low beam, DRL (daytime running light), PL (position light), etc.) and / or provide beam dynamics (boost, dimming, fast switching, etc.) in the same retrofit lighting module by allowing a voltage to be applied across any of the contact sections when connected to a power source.

[0093] The following embodiments are also considered to be disclosed.

[0094] Embodiment 1: A support for a light-emitting element, comprising: a mounting compartment (4) comprising at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c), the at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) having an arrangement direction (8) and configured to accommodate at least one light emitting element (22) arranged along the arrangement direction (8); a body section (10) arranged adjacent to the mounting section (4); - a conductor (12) providing an electrical connection from the body section (10) to at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c); - at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) includes at least two contact sections (16) along the arrangement direction (8), each contact section corresponding to a conductor (12); the body section (10) projects laterally from at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c); support.

[0095] Embodiment 2: The body section (10) has, at least in a section, a cross section that increases with increasing distance from the attachment section (4), at least in a section, a triangular cross section, and the attachment section (4) is located at the edge of the triangular cross section. A support according to embodiment 1.

[0096] Embodiment 3: The triangular cross section has an opening angle of 0° to 90°, in particular 30° to 45°; A support according to embodiment 2.

[0097] Embodiment 4: The mounting section (4) and / or the body section (10) include a layered structure of a conductor (12) and an insulating layer (13); A support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0098] Embodiment 5: The conductor (12) comprises a metal sheet material, particularly a copper-based sheet material. A support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4.

[0099] Embodiment 6: the metal sheet material includes a major surface and a side surface, and each of the contact sections is at least partially formed by the side surface of the metal sheet material, respectively; 6. A support according to embodiment 5.

[0100] Embodiment 7: the extension direction of the conductors, in particular the metal sheet material, and the layered structure of the insulating layer in the mounting section extends substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to the arrangement direction (8) of the at least one mounting surface; A support according to any one of embodiments 4 to 6.

[0101] Embodiment 8: The layered structure of the conductor (12) and insulating layer (13) includes angled sections (18), particularly so that the length of the main body section (10) extends substantially parallel to the direction of arrangement (8). A support according to any one of embodiments 4 to 7.

[0102] Embodiment 9: the mounting section (4) comprises at least two mounting surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c) arranged adjacent to each other; and / or At least two mounting surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c) are arranged at an angle to each other or substantially parallel to each other; A support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8.

[0103] Embodiment 10: The mounting section (4) comprises three mounting surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c), one of which (6b) is arranged between the other two mounting surfaces (6a, 6c), in particular at an enclosing angle of 45° to 135°, in particular 45° to 75°, or is arranged substantially perpendicular to the other two mounting surfaces (6a, 6c). 10. A support according to embodiment 9.

[0104] Embodiment 11: At least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) is configured to accommodate a plurality of light-emitting elements (22) arranged along an arrangement direction (8); At least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) includes at least three alternating contact sections (16) along the arrangement direction (8), each of the alternating contact sections (16) corresponding to a conductor (12) and separated by an insulating section; A support according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10.

[0105] Embodiment 12: a support (2) according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, - at least one light emitting element (22) attached along the arrangement direction (8) of at least one attachment surface (6a, 6b, 6c); At least one light emitting element (22) is in electrical contact with at least two contact sections (16); Lighting device.

[0106] Embodiment 13: The lighting device further includes a socket (24) for connection to a power source, the socket (24) being connected to the body section (10). 13. A lighting device as described in embodiment 12.

[0107] Embodiment 14: A method for manufacturing a lighting device (20), in particular a lighting device (20) according to embodiment 12 or 13, comprising the steps of: - providing a support (2) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11; - mounting at least one light emitting element (22) along the arrangement direction (8) of at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c); At least one light emitting element (22) is electrically contacted to the contact section (16); method

[0108] Embodiment 15: Providing the support (2) includes stacking metal sheets and disposing an insulating layer between the metal sheets; 15. The method of embodiment 14.

[0109] Embodiment 16: The metal sheet is bent to form angled sections (18), in particular with a substantially vertical angle; 16. The method of embodiment 15.

[0110] Embodiment 17: Providing the support (2) includes removing the metal, in particular after stacking the metal sheets, 17. The method according to any one of embodiments 14 to 16.

[0111] Embodiment 18: Mounting at least one light emitting element (22) includes: - removably fixing at least one light emitting element (22) onto a support layer (26); - applying a contact material onto at least one light-emitting element (22); and - applying (coating) at least one light emitting element (22) fixed on a support layer (26) to at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c), wherein a contact material connects the at least one light emitting element (22) to the contact section (16); 18. The method according to any one of embodiments 14 to 17.

[0112] Embodiment 19: Applying the at least one light-emitting element (22) fixed on the support layer (26) to the at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) includes bending the support layer (26) to fit the shape of the at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c), the support layer (26) having at least one predetermined bending line (28), in particular a material reduction or a material weakening such as a perforation. 19. The method of embodiment 18.

[0113] Embodiment 20: Providing at least one light emitting element (22) fixed on a support layer (26) to at least one mounting surface (6a, 6b, 6c) includes cutting the support layer (26); 20. The method of embodiment 18 or 19.

[0114] As used herein, any connections presented in the described embodiments should be understood as operatively coupling the associated components. Thus, connections may be direct or indirect using any number or combination of intervening elements, and there may simply be a functional relationship between the components.

[0115] Furthermore, any of the methods, processes, and acts described or illustrated herein may be implemented using executable instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor and stored on a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a disk, memory, or the like) for execution by such a processor. References to a "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to encompass specialized circuitry such as FPGAs, ASICs, signal processing devices, and other devices.

[0116] The phrase "A and / or B" is considered to include any one of three scenarios: (i) A, (ii) B, or (iii) A and B. Furthermore, the singular form ("a") should not be understood as "one." That is, the use of the phrase "an element" does not exclude the presence of additional elements. The term "comprising" should be understood in an open sense, that is, an object "comprising element A" may also include additional elements in addition to element A.

[0117] It will be understood that all presented embodiments are merely exemplary, and that any feature presented for a particular exemplary embodiment may be used with any aspect of the present invention by itself, in combination with any feature presented for the same or another particular exemplary embodiment, and / or in combination with other features not mentioned. In particular, the exemplary embodiments presented in this specification should be understood to be disclosed in all possible combinations with each other, unless it is technically reasonable and the exemplary embodiments are not substitutes for each other. Furthermore, it will be understood that any feature presented for an exemplary embodiment in a particular category (method / apparatus / computer program / system) may be used in a corresponding manner in an exemplary embodiment in any other category. It should also be understood that the presence of a feature in a presented exemplary embodiment does not necessarily imply that this feature is an essential feature of the present invention and cannot be omitted or substituted.

[0118] A statement that a configuration includes at least one of a succession of listed configurations does not require that the configuration include all of the succession of listed configurations or at least one of a plurality of the succession of listed configurations. Selection of the listed configurations in any combination or selection of only one of the listed configurations is also possible. Specific combinations of all of the succession of listed configurations are also contemplated. Also, a plurality of only one of the listed configurations may be possible.

[0119] The sequence of method steps presented above is not required, and alternative sequences are possible. Nevertheless, the specific sequence of method steps illustrated in the figures should be considered as one possible sequence of method steps for each embodiment described by each figure. The present invention has been described above by way of exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that there are alternative methods and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art and can be implemented without departing from the scope of the appended claims. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0120] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 156463A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent Application Publication No. 1760391A2 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2009 / 037645A2 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0006423A1 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-198847

Claims

1. a support including a mounting section having at least one mounting surface, the at least one mounting surface having an orientation, the at least one mounting surface including at least two contact sections along the orientation, the support further including a body section, the mounting section and the body section including a common conductor; at least one light emitting element attached along the arrangement direction of the at least one mounting surface so as to be in electrical contact with the at least two contact sections; Lighting device.

2. 10. The lighting device of claim 1, further comprising a socket connected to the body section for connection to a power source.

3. 1. A method of manufacturing a lighting device, comprising: providing a support including a mounting section having at least one mounting surface, the at least one mounting surface having an orientation, the at least one mounting surface including at least two contact sections along the orientation, the support further including a body section, the mounting section and the body section including a common conductor; Mounting at least one light emitting element along a common arrangement direction of at least one mounting surface of the mounting section of the support; and electrically connecting the at least one light emitting element to at least two contact sections of the mounting surface along the common arrangement direction. method.

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