A device comprising a top part and a bottom part connected in a snap-locking or click-locking manner

Abstract

A device (1) comprising a top part (2) and a bottom part (3), the bottom part (3) comprising at least one bottom connection element (15), and the top part (2) comprising at least one top connection element (4) configured to receive the at least one bottom connection element (15), the at least one bottom connection element (15) being configured for connecting the bottom part (3) to the top part (2) in a snap-locking or click-locking manner, the at least one connection element (15) being integrated with the bottom part (3), the bottom part (3) comprising a base element (16), the base element (16) comprising at least one slot (17), the at least one bottom connection element (15) being arranged in and protruding from the at least one slot (17), and the at least one slot (17) extending circumferentially around the at least one bottom connection element (15).

Description

[0001] A DEVICE COMPRISING A TOP PART AND A BOTTOM PART CONNECTED IN A

[0002] SNAP-LOCKING OR CLICK-LOCKING MANNER

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a device comprising a top part and a bottom part, where the bottom part comprises at least one bottom connection element, and the top part comprises at least one top connection element configured to receive the at least one bottom connection element.

[0005] The invention further relates to a lighting device, such as a downlight module, configured to be mounted on or in a flat surface and comprising a device according to the invention.

[0006] As used herein, the term “flat surface” is intended to encompass any flat surface on or in which the lighting device may be mounted, such as in particular a ceiling, but also a wall or a floor.

[0007] As used herein, the term “integrate” is intended to mean combined so that the integrated parts form a whole.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Nowadays, it is possible to 3D print plastic parts with high accuracy and resolution for reasonable costs. Therefore, 3D printing is fast becoming a more and more preferred manufacturing method.

[0010] Furthermore, devices comprising a top part and a bottom part each comprising connection elements for connecting the top and the bottom part with one another are commonly known.

[0011] For instance, WO 2023 / 285249 Al discloses a method for manufacturing a 3D article by means of 3D printing, the method comprising the steps of a) printing a 3D structure extending in a first plane and comprising a first surface and a second surface being opposite to the first surface; b) cooling the 3D structure; c) heating the one of the first and the second surfaces of the 3D structure; d) deforming the 3D structure in a second plane deviating from the first plane, such that a 3D article is obtained; e) cooling the 3D article.

[0012] However, the structure, and in particular the connection elements, resulting from the known methods are despite their high degree of flexibility still rather fragile. Therefore, it is desired to provide a device comprising a top part and a bottom part each comprising connection elements for connecting the top part and the bottom part with one another in which the connection elements are made more durable without compromising their flexibility, such that connection and disconnection of the top part and the bottom part is still easily achievable.

[0013] Furthermore, downlight modules are well known products for professional use. Such downlight modules consist of many components and need considerable assembly effort in the luminaire factories.

[0014] Replacing the individual parts of a conventional downlight module by 3D printed versions does not solve the promises of part reduction and functional integration. However, part reduction and functional integration are still a key to make a competitive product.

[0015] Therefore, there is also a desire to provide a downlight module, and more generally a lighting device configured to be mounted on or in a flat surface, which comprises an improved part reduction and functional integration, and which may readily be 3D printed. It is further desired to provide such a lighting device which may be made smaller or even miniaturized to be accommodated in the often small building space available.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to overcome this problem, and to provide a device comprising a top part and a bottom part each comprising connection elements for connecting the top part and the bottom part with one another in which the connection elements are made more robust and durable without compromising their flexibility, such that connection and disconnection of the top part and the bottom part is still easily achievable.

[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide a lighting device configured to be mounted on or in a flat surface, with an improved part reduction and functional integration.

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a lighting device which is more robust and durable.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a lighting device which may be made smaller or even miniaturized to be accommodated in the often small building space available. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide such a device and such a lighting device, respectively, which may further be manufactured in a 3D printing process.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the invention, this and other objects are achieved by means of a device comprising a top part and a bottom part, where the bottom part comprises at least one bottom connection element, and the top part comprises at least one top connection element configured to receive the at least one bottom connection element, where the at least one bottom connection element is configured for connecting the bottom part to the top part in a snap-locking or click-locking manner, where the at least one connection element is integrated with the bottom part, where the bottom part comprises a base element, the base element comprising at least one slot, where the at least one bottom connection element is arranged in the at least one slot and protrudes from the at least one slot, and where the at least one slot extends circumferentially around the at least one bottom connection element.

[0022] Thereby, and in particular by providing that the bottom part comprises a base element, the base element comprising at least one slot, where the at least one bottom connection element is arranged in the at least one slot and protrudes from the at least one slot, and where the at least one slot extends circumferentially around the at least one bottom connection element, a device is provided which comprises connection elements that by means of the slot are protected against excess deflection or bending, and thus against breakage. Thereby, the bottom connection elements are made more robust and durable without compromising their flexibility, such that connection and disconnection of the top part and the bottom part is still easily achievable.

[0023] By further providing that the at least one connection element is integrated with the bottom part, such a device which may further be manufactured in a 3D printing process is provided for. Manufacturing the device by a 3D printing process eliminates otherwise necessary or even inevitable additional parts.

[0024] The at least one connection element may be integral with the bottom part. The at least one connection element may be in one piece with the bottom part.

[0025] Thereby, a device which may further be manufactured in a 3D printing process, and which is even more robust, and durable is provided for.

[0026] The at least one bottom connection element comprises a bottom connection element height, HC, the at least one slot comprises a slot height, HS, and the bottom connection element height, HC may be at least two times the slot height, HS but less than five times the slot height, HS. The ratio of the bottom connection element height, HC, to the slot height, HS, i.e., HC / HS, may be in a range from 1.5 to 5, such as in a range from 2 to 4, or in a range from 2 to 3.

[0027] Thereby a device is provided which further comprises connection elements that comprise sufficient flexibility to allow the connection, and that provide for a robust and durable connection between the top part and the bottom part.

[0028] The at least one bottom connection element comprises a bottom connection element width, WC, the at least one slot comprises a slot width, WS, and the slot width, WS, may be larger than the bottom connection element width, WC, such that a spacing with a width AW equal to %(WS — WC) is provided on each side of the at least one bottom connection element.

[0029] The slot comprises a width, WS, which may have a size of between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0030] The at least one bottom connection element comprises a bottom connection element thickness, TC, the at least one slot comprises a slot thickness, TS, and the slot thickness, TS, may be larger than the bottom connection element thickness, TC, such that a spacing with a width AT equal %(T5 — TC is provided on each side of the at least one bottom connection element.

[0031] Thereby a device is provided which further comprises connection elements that provide for a particularly well-functioning or even an optimized relation between flexibility and durability.

[0032] The at least one connection element comprises a first end attached to the base element and a second end opposite the first end, where the second end may comprise at least one through opening configured and placed to allow manipulation of the at least one connection element in the assembled condition of the lighting device.

[0033] Thereby the bottom part may be disconnected from the top part in a very simple manner by inserting a suitable tool in the through opening and using the tool to move the connection element out of engagement with the corresponding connection element of the top part.

[0034] The at least one bottom connection element may comprise a first end attached to the rim or the ring-shaped element, a second end opposite the first end, and at least two legs, where the at least two legs extend from the first end towards the second end, and wherein the at least two legs are mutually spaced apart by a gap. The gap comprises a gap width, WG, which may have a size of between 0.5 and 3 mm.

[0035] Thereby a device is provided which further comprises connection elements with an even further improved flexibility without compromising the durability.

[0036] The gap comprises a gap width, WG, which may be chosen in dependence of the size of the at least one bottom connection element. Particularly, the larger the bottom connection element, the larger the gap width GW may be chosen to be.

[0037] Thereby a device is provided which further comprises connection elements with a flexibility adapted to the size of the bottom connection element such as to ensure that the top part and the bottom part may be connected in a simple manner irrespective of the size of the bottom connection element.

[0038] The bottom part may comprise two bottom connection elements arranged on diametrically opposite positions on the bottom part.

[0039] Alternatively, the bottom part may comprise a plurality of bottom connection elements arranged on the bottom part, equally distributed along a circumference of the bottom part.

[0040] Thereby a device is provided with which an improved stability of the connection between the top part and the bottom part is ensured.

[0041] The at least one bottom connection element may be a flexible bottom connection element. Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one bottom connection element may be an elastic bottom connection element.

[0042] Thereby a device is provided which further comprises connection elements with a particularly good flexibility without compromising the durability.

[0043] The top part may further comprise at least one opening configured and placed to allow manipulation of the at least one bottom connection element through the at least one opening in the assembled condition of the device.

[0044] Thereby the bottom part may be disconnected from the top part in a very simple manner, for instance by inserting a suitable tool or by manual manipulation through the opening in the top part and into the through opening of the bottom connection element and using the tool to move the bottom connection element out of engagement with the corresponding top connection element of the top part.

[0045] Alternatively, or additionally, the top part may further comprise at least one stud or protrusion configured and placed to allow manipulation of the at least one bottom connection element through the at least one opening in the assembled condition of the device. Thereby the bottom part may be disconnected from the top part in a very simple manner by pressing the stud or protrusion into the through opening of the bottom connection element such as to move the bottom connection element out of engagement with the corresponding top connection element of the top part.

[0046] The device, or at least the top part and the bottom part of the device, may be manufactured in a 3D printing process.

[0047] The 3D printing process may be any suitable 3D printing process, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).

[0048] The device according to the invention may, at least when manufactured in a 3D printing process, comprise polycarbonate (PC), acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene furanoate (PEF) or mixtures thereof. In particular, the lighting device according to the invention may, at least when manufactured in a 3D printing process, comprise a thermoplastic biopolymer or a recycled polymeric material. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing an environmentally friendly downlight module. By the term “thermoplastic biopolymer” is meant a polymer originating from biomass resources such as cellulose, lignin, and chitin. Such a polymer may require chemical and physical modification techniques in order to induce thermoplasticity. Modification techniques focus on masking the hydroxyl groups to disrupt dense hydrogen bonding and so enable polymer chain mobility upon heating. Thus, introduction of long alkyl chains into the polymer backbone effectively improves the thermoplastic processing of natural polymers.

[0049] The device according to the invention may, at least when manufactured in a 3D printing process, comprise a coating. The coating may comprise several layers and may be arranged for improving aesthetical appearance, providing additional UV resistance, and preventing penetration of fluid and / or gas.

[0050] The top part may further comprise at least one attachment feature configured for attachment of an assembly robot.

[0051] Thereby, automated assembly of the top part and bottom part is enabled in a particularly simple and secure manner, which in turn reduces the assembly effort needed.

[0052] The top part may further comprise at least one chip-on-board, CoB, holding element configured for holding a CoB component. Alternatively, or additionally, the top part may further comprise at least one printed circuit board, PCB, holding element configured for holding a PCB component.

[0053] Thereby, the top part may be provided with a desired electronic functionality in a particularly simple manner.

[0054] The top part may further comprise at least one stud and / or at least one clip configured for aligning one or more of a chip-on-board, CoB, component, a printed circuit board, PCB, component, and a heatsink element.

[0055] Thereby simple and easy alignment of the provided components may be achieved in a particularly simple manner, which in turn adds to easy assembly of the device and a reduced assembly effort.

[0056] The top part may further comprise at least one venting hole.

[0057] Thereby, cooling air may be brought to the interior of the top part in a particularly simple manner.

[0058] The top part may further comprise at least one light source adapted for, in operation, emitting light.

[0059] Thereby the device may be given the key functionality of a lighting device, namely to emit light when in operation, in a particularly simple manner.

[0060] The top part may further comprise at least one heat sink element.

[0061] Thereby, the interior of the top part, and especially any electronic and / or optical components provided in the top part, may be cooled in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

[0062] The bottom part may further comprise a rim configured for, in a mounted condition of the device, abutting an edge of a mounting hole.

[0063] Thereby, a device is provided with which not only easy mounting in a mounting hole, but also an aesthetically pleasing end result in that the rim covers the edge of the mounting hole, may be obtained.

[0064] The device comprises a longitudinally extending center axis, A, and the bottom part may further comprise a reflector extending from the rim in an axial direction, AD, being parallel to the center axis, A.

[0065] In case the top element comprises at least one light source, the light source light may by means of such a reflector be guided from the at least one light source to a light exit surface of the bottom part with a minimum of light loss.

[0066] The bottom part may further comprise a diffuser. In case the top element comprises at least one light source, the light source light may by means of such a diffusor be converted into diffuse light which in turn provides a more uniform light output.

[0067] The bottom part may further comprise a light mixing cavity forming an optical space between the at least one light source and a light exit surface of the device or the diffuser.

[0068] In case the top element comprises at least one light source, the light source light may by means of such a mixing cavity be mixed such as to provide a more uniform light output.

[0069] The bottom part may further comprise at least one spring element configured to in a mounted condition of the device, hold the device in place in a mounting hole.

[0070] The at least one spring element may be provided on an outer surface of the bottom part.

[0071] Thereby, a device is provided with which not only easy mounting in a mounting hole, but also a particularly durable result, may be obtained since the spring elements in the mounted condition of the device will exert a spring power on the edge of the mounting hole, thereby fixing the device to the edge of the mounting hole.

[0072] The at least one spring element may be provided on an outer surface of the base element of the bottom part.

[0073] The base element of the bottom part may be a ring-shaped element extending from the rim in the axial direction, and the at least one spring element may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped element.

[0074] When a reflector is provided in the bottom part, the base element of the bottom part may be a ring-shaped element arranged in a position radially outside of the reflector.

[0075] Thereby, the spring elements will in the mounted condition of the device be arranged in direct contact with the edge of the mounting hole, thus ensuring a particularly durable result.

[0076] The at least one spring element may extend, in an unbiased condition, tangentially away from the outer surface of the bottom part, the outer surface of the base element or the outer circumferential surface of the ring-shaped element.

[0077] The at least one spring element may comprise at least one through opening.

[0078] The at least one through opening contributes to making the flexibility of the spring element variable. The bottom part may comprise two spring elements arranged on diametrically opposite positions on the surface of the bottom part. The bottom part may comprise a plurality of spring elements arranged on the surface of the bottom part, equally distributed along the surface of the bottom part.

[0079] Thereby, a further improved durability of the connection between device and mounting hole in the mounted condition of the device is ensured.

[0080] The device may further comprise a printed circuit board, PCB, element, the PCB element comprising a metal core PCB and PCB component attached to a heatsink, the PCB element being configured to, in an assembled condition of the device, be arranged between the bottom part and the top part.

[0081] Alternatively, the device may further comprise a chip-on-board, CoB, element, the CoB element comprising a CoB holding element and a CoB component attached to a heatsink, the CoB element being configured to, in an assembled condition of the device, be arranged between the bottom part and the top part.

[0082] Thereby, the top part may be provided with a desired electronic functionality and with a cooling functionality for cooling the electronics in a particularly simple manner. The invention further relates to a lighting device comprising at least one device according to the invention.

[0083] The lighting device may be configured to be mounted on or in a flat surface.

[0084] The lighting device may be a luminaire. The lighting device may be any one of a downlight module, a spotlight, a wall mounted lighting module or an up-light module.

[0085] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.

[0086] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention in an assembled condition and comprising a top part and a bottom part.

[0089] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a top part of a device according to the invention, the top part comprising top connection elements.

[0090] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a top part of a device according to the invention and further comprising a chip-on-board, CoB, component, or a printed circuit board, PCB, component, a heat sink, and a light source. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the top part according to Fig. 3 and further comprising a CoB holding element holding in place the CoB component, or a PCB holding element holding in place the PCB component, and the heat sink.

[0091] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom part of a device according to the invention, the bottom part comprising bottom connection elements and spring elements.

[0092] Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the bottom connection element of the bottom part according to Fig. 5.

[0093] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a bottom connection element of a bottom part according to Fig. 5.

[0094] Fig. 8 shows perspective views of five different embodiments A-E as well as a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment F of a spring element of a bottom part of a lighting device according to the invention.

[0095] Fig. 9 shows a top view of a lighting device comprising a device according to the invention in a mounted condition in which the device is mounted in a flat surface.

[0096] As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0097] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0098] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

[0099] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention in an assembled condition. The device 1 comprises a top part 2 and a bottom part 3. The device 1 further comprises a longitudinally extending center axis A and a radial axis R. The radial axis R extends perpendicular to the center axis A. An axial direction AD extends in parallel with the center axis A. A radial direction RD extends in parallel with the radial axis R. Turning now to Fig. 2, a perspective view of an embodiment of a top part 2 of a device 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0100] Referring first to Fig. 2, the top part 2 generally comprises at least one top connection element 4. Furthermore, the top part 2 comprises a housing 32. In the embodiment shown, the housing 32 is circular in cross-section with a circumferential wall 33 and a bottom wall 34 at one end of the circumferential wall 33. Other shapes of the housing 32 are also feasible. Other embodiments is also feasible, such as a housing 32 without the circumferential wall 33, or a base element instead of the housing 32. In the embodiment two top connection elements 4 are provided and arranged at mutually (in the embodiments shown diametrically) opposite sides of the housing 32. The one or more top connection elements 4 correspond to and is configured for receiving a bottom connection element 15 of the bottom part 3 in a manner to be described further below (cf. also Figs. 5-7).

[0101] The top part 2 may further optionally comprise at least one opening 5 (cf. Figs. 3 and 4). The at least one opening 5 is configured and placed to allow manipulation of the at least one bottom connection element 15 in the assembled condition of the device 1, for instance by insertion of a suitable tool (not shown) through the at least one opening 5. The at least one opening 5 is thus typically placed in a wall of the top connection element 4.

[0102] The top part 2 may further optionally comprise at least one venting hole 8. The at least one venting hole 8 serves to provide ventilation to the interior of the top part. The at least one venting hole 8 is typically provided in the bottom surface 34 of the housing 32.

[0103] The top part 2 may further optionally comprise at least one attachment feature 11 configured for attachment of an assembly robot with the aim of automatic and easy assembly of devices 1 according to the invention. The at least one attachment feature 11 is typically provided in or on the circumferential wall 33 of the housing 32. In the embodiment shown, the at least one attachment feature 11 is a through hole. The at least one attachment feature 11 may alternatively, or additionally, be a recess or a suitable surface structure, such as a grooving or the like.

[0104] Figs. 3 and 4 show two different perspective views of a top part 2’ of a device 1 according to the invention, which in this embodiment forms part of a lighting device 100 (Fig. 9). The top part 2’ according to Figs. 3 and 4 differ from the above top part 2 according to Fig. 2 in respect of the following additional and / or optional features.

[0105] In such an embodiment, the top part 2’ may further optionally comprise at least one light source 9. The at least one light source 9 is adapted for, in operation, emitting light. The at least one light source 9 may be any suitable light source, such as one or more LEDs, for instance one or more warm white LEDs, one or more cold white LEDs, RGB LEDs or a combination thereof.

[0106] The top part 2’ may further optionally comprise at least one chip-on-board, CoB, holding element 7 (cf. Fig. 4). The CoB element 7 is configured for holding a chip-on- board, CoB, component 6 and / or a heat sink element 10 (cf. Fig. 3) in place in the top part 2’.

[0107] Alternatively, the top part 2’ may further optionally comprise at least one printed circuit board, PCB, holding element 7’ (cf. Fig. 4). The PCB element 7’ is configured for holding a printed circuit board, PCB, component 6’ and / or a heat sink element 10 (cf. Fig. 3) in place in the top part 2’. The top part 2’ may further optionally comprise at least one clip and / or at least one stud 31 (cf. Fig. 3). The clip or stud 31 is configured for aligning one or both of the chip-on-board, CoB, component 6 (alternatively the printed circuit board, PCB, component 6’) and the heatsink element 10 in the housing 32 of the top part 3. The top part 2’ may further optionally comprise at least one heat sink element 10 (cf. Fig. 4). The heat sink element 10 provides cooling to the CoB component 6 (alternatively the printed circuit board, PCB, component 6’) and the light source 9 of the device 1. The top part 2 may further optionally comprise at least one venting hole 8 (cf. Fig. 2). The at least one venting hole 8 serves to provide cooling to the CoB component 6 (alternatively the printed circuit board, PCB, component 6’) and the light source 9 of the device 1. The at least one venting hole 8 is typically provided in the bottom surface 34 of the housing 32.

[0108] Turning now to Fig. 5, a perspective view of an embodiment of a bottom part 3 of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. Generally, and irrespective of the embodiment, the bottom part 3 comprises at least one bottom connection element 15 and a base element 16 with a slot 17.

[0109] The at least one bottom connection element 15 is configured for connecting the bottom part 3 to the top part 2 in a snap-locking or click-locking manner. The at least one bottom connection element 15 is integrated with the bottom part 3. The at least one bottom connection element 15 and the bottom part 3 may be provided in one piece. In the embodiment shown there is provided two bottom connection elements 15 arranged at mutually (in the embodiments shown diametrically) opposite sides of the bottom part 3. Alternatively, a plurality of bottom connection elements 15 may be provided and arranged on the bottom part 3, equally distributed along a circumference of the bottom part 3. The at least one bottom connection element 15 may be flexible and / or elastic. The at least one bottom connection element 15 is configured for engagement with a top connection element 4 of the top part 2. Different embodiments and details of the bottom connection element 15 will now be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

[0110] Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, it may be seen that the bottom connection element 15 further protrudes from the base element 16. The base element 16 is in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 a ring-shaped element. The base element 16 comprises a slot 17. The bottom connection element 15 is arranged in and protrudes from the slot 17. The at least one slot 17 extends circumferentially around the at least one bottom connection element 15. The bottom connection element 15 comprises a bottom connection element height HC. The slot 17 comprises a slot height HS. The bottom connection element height HC and the slot height HS extend in a height direction HD (cf. Fig. 7). The bottom connection element height HC is at least two times the slot height HS but less than five times the slot height HS. For example, the ratio HC / HS may be in a range from 1.5 to 5, such as in a range from 2 to 4, or in a range from 2 to 3. The slot 17 comprises a slot width WS and a slot thickness TS. The bottom connection element 15 comprises a bottom connection element width WC and a bottom connection element thickness TC. To allow the bottom connection element 15 flexibility within the slot 17, the slot width WS is larger than the bottom connection element width WC such as to provide a spacing 26 between the bottom connection element 15 and the rim 12 along the width direction WD shown in Fig. 7. Particularly, a spacing 26 with a width AW equal %(WS — WC) is provided on each side of the bottom connection element 15 along the width direction WD. A similar spacing 36 may be provided between the bottom connection element 15 and the rim 12 along the thickness direction TD shown in Fig. 7. Particularly, a spacing 36 with a width AT equal to %(T5 — TC) is provided on each side of the bottom connection element 15 along the thickness direction TD. The spacing 36 is provided on each side of the bottom connection element 15 along the thickness direction TD. The spacing 26 along the width direction WD may be different from the spacing 36 along the thickness direction TD. The spacing 26 and 36 may be chosen such that an optimized relation between flexibility and durability is obtained for the connection element 15. In the width direction WD, the ratio WS / WC may be larger than 1, but not larger than 1.2, such as not larger than

[0111] 1.1. In the thickness direction TD, the ratio TS / TC may be larger than 1, but not larger than

[0112] 1.2, such as not larger than 1.1.

[0113] The bottom connection element 15 comprises a first end 18. The first end may be attached to the base element 16. The bottom connection element 15 comprises a second end 19 opposite to the first end 18. The second end 19 comprises at least one through opening 20. The through opening 20 is configured and placed to allow manipulation of the at least one bottom connection element 15 in the assembled condition of the device 1. The second end 19 further comprises an engagement element 30. The engagement element 30 is configured for snap-locking or click-locking engagement with a corresponding engagement element (not visible on the figures) of the corresponding top connection element 14 of the top part 2.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the bottom connection element 15 further comprises two legs 21 and 22. In other embodiments the bottom connection element 15 may comprise another number of legs, such as one leg or three legs. The two legs 21, 22 extend from the first end 18 towards the second end 19. The two legs 21, 22 each comprise an engagement element 30. The engagement element 30 is configured for snap-locking or clicklocking engagement with a corresponding engagement element (not visible on the figures) of the corresponding top connection element 14 of the top part 2. The two legs 21, 22 are mutually spaced apart by a gap 23. The gap 23 comprises a gap width WG with a size sufficiently large to allow the two legs 21, 22 to be moved sufficiently in a direction towards each other to bring the bottom connection element 15 out of engagement with the corresponding top connection element 14 of the top part 2. Generally, the size of the gap width WG thus depends on the size of the bottom connection element 15, and especially the width WG of the bottom connection element 15 and the size of the engagement element(s) 30. The gap width WG may be at least 1 mm, at least 5 m or at least 1 cm.

[0115] The bottom part 3 may optionally further comprise a rim 12. The rim 12 is configured for, in a mounted condition of the device 1, abutting an edge of a mounting hole in a mounting surface, such as a flat surface 100 (cf. Fig. 9). In such an embodiment, the bottom connection element 15, and especially the first end 18 of the bottom connection element 15, may in principle be attached to the rim 12, rather than to the base element 16.

[0116] The bottom part 3 may optionally further comprise at least one spring element 14. The at least one spring element 14 is configured to, in a mounted condition of the device 1, hold the device 1 in place in a mounting hole in a flat surface 100 (cf. Fig. 9). In the embodiment shown there is provided two spring elements 14 arranged at mutually (in the embodiments shown diametrically) opposite sides of the bottom part 3. Different embodiments and details of the spring element 14 will be described further below with reference to Fig. 8.

[0117] Referring to Fig. 8, five perspective views A-E and a cross-sectional view F of six different embodiments A-F of a spring element 14 are shown. Generally, in the embodiments shown, the spring element 14 extends, in an unbiased condition, tangentially away from the outer surface of the bottom part, particularly from the outer surface of the base element 16, and more particularly from the outer circumferential surface 24 of the ringshaped base element 16.

[0118] Embodiments A and B illustrate that the bottom part 3 may comprise two spring elements 14 arranged on diametrically opposite positions on the bottom part 3, and particularly the base element 16. Embodiment B illustrates that the spring element 14 may be arranged in an almost horizontal direction, and particularly in an angle of less than 30 degrees.

[0119] Embodiment C illustrates that the spring element 14 may be made of a material differing from that of the remaining bottom part 3. This may even be done in the same 3D printing process. Current available 3D printers are capable of making this material change during the print.

[0120] Embodiment D illustrates that the spring element 14 may be constructed progressively, that is such as to comprise a larger contact area 27 between the spring element 14 and the bottom part 3, particularly the base element 16. Thereby, the free end 35 of the spring element 14 may bend easier than the remaining part of the spring element 14.

[0121] Embodiment E illustrates that the spring element 14 may be provided with features 25 locally making the material of the spring element 14 thinner. Such features 25 may be through openings, recesses, or cavities. Such features 25 enables adjusting the flexibility of the spring element 14. Embodiment F illustrates that the features 25 locally making the material of the spring element 14 thinner may be hidden inside the spring element 14. In this embodiment, the features 25 may be provided as cavities in the spring element 14.

[0122] Referring again to Fig. 5, the bottom part 3 of the device 1 may for instance form part of a lighting device 100 (Fig. 9) together with a top part such as the top part 2’ described above with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. In such embodiments, the bottom part 3 may further comprise one or more of the following additional and / or optional features.

[0123] The bottom part 3 may optionally further comprise a reflector 13. The reflector 13 extends, for instance from the rim 12, in the axial direction AD. The reflector is configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source 9 of the top part 2’ towards a light exit surface of the lighting device 100 with minimal loss of light.

[0124] The bottom connection element 15 may be arranged in a position radially outside of the reflector 13. The bottom connection element 15 may extend perpendicular to the rim 12 in the axial direction AD. The bottom part 3 may optionally further comprise a diffuser 28. The diffuser is arranged at the light exit surface of the lighting device 100. The diffuser 28 serves to convert the light source light emitted by the at least one light source 9 to diffuse light.

[0125] The bottom part 3 may optionally further comprise a light mixing cavity 29 (cf. Fig. 9). The light mixing cavity 29 forms an optical space between the at least one light source 9 and the light exit surface of the lighting device 100, or if provided the diffuser 28. The light mixing cavity 29 serves to mix the light source light emitted by the at least one light source 9.

[0126] Fig. 9 shows a top view of a lighting device 100 comprising a device 1 according to the invention in a mounted condition in which the lighting device 100 is mounted in a flat surface 200. The flat surface 200 is typically a ceiling, in which case the lighting device 100 is or may form part of a downlight module. Alternatively, the flat surface 200 may also be a wall or a floor, in which case the lighting device 100 may be or may form part of wall-mounted lighting module or an up-light module, respectively.

[0127] As may be seen from Fig. 9, in the mounted condition of the lighting device 100 there is ideally only four features of the lighting device 100 visible. These are a rim 12 covering the edges of a mounting hole (not visible in Fig. 9) cut in the flat surface 200, an optional diffuser 28, a light mixing chamber 29 underneath the diffuser and a light source 9.

[0128] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For instance, it is feasible to provide the top part 2 with a connection element corresponding to the bottom connection element 15 described above, and to provide the bottom part 3 with a connection element corresponding to the top connection element 4 described above.

[0129] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word ’’comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article ”a” or ”an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device (1) comprising a top part (2) and a bottom part (3), wherein the bottom part (3) comprises a bottom connection element (15), and the top part (2) comprises a top connection element (4) configured to receive the bottom connection element (15), wherein the bottom connection element (15) is configured for connecting the bottom part (3) to the top part (2) in a snap-locking or click-locking manner, wherein the bottom part (3) comprises a base element (16), the base element (16) comprising a slot (17), wherein the bottom connection element (15) is arranged in the slot (17) and protrudes from the slot (17), and wherein the slot (17) extends circumferentially around the bottom connection element (15), wherein the bottom connection element (15) is in one piece with the bottom part (3), wherein the bottom connection element (15) comprises a bottom connection element height HC, the slot (17) comprises a slot height HS, and the bottom connection element height HC is at least two times the slot height HS but less than five times the slot height HS, and wherein at least one of the following applies: the bottom connection element (15) comprises a bottom connection element width WC, the slot (17) comprises a slot width WS, and the slot width WS is larger than the bottom connection element width WC such that a spacing (26) with a width AW equal to %(WS — WC) is provided on each side of the bottom connection element (15), and the bottom connection element (15) comprises a bottom connection element thickness TC, the slot (17) comprises a slot thickness TS, and the slot thickness TS is larger than the bottom connection element thickness TC such that a spacing (36) with a width AT equal to %(T5 — TC) is provided on each side of the bottom connection element (15).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the slot width WS and the bottom connection element width WC is larger than 1, but not larger than 1.2, and / or wherein a ratio of the slot thickness TS and the bottom connection element thickness TC is larger than 1, but not larger than 1.2.

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom connection element (15) comprises a first end (18) attached to the base element (16) and a second end (19) opposite the first end (18), and wherein the second end (19) comprises a through opening (20) configured and placed to allow manipulation of the bottom connection element (15) in an assembled condition of the device (1).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part (3) comprises a rim (12) configured for abutting an edge of a mounting hole in a mounted condition of the device (1), wherein the bottom connection element (15) comprises a first end (18) attached to the rim (12), a second end (19) opposite the first end (18), and two legs (21, 22), wherein the two legs (21, 22) extend from the first end (18) towards the second end (19), and wherein the two legs (21, 22) are mutually spaced apart by a gap (23).

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the gap (23) comprises a gap width, and wherein the gap width is chosen in dependence of the size of the bottom connection element (15).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom part (3) comprises two bottom connection elements (15) arranged on diametrically opposite positions on the bottom part (3), or wherein the bottom part (3) comprises a plurality of bottom connection elements (15) arranged on the bottom part (3), equally distributed along a circumference of the bottom part (3).

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom connection element (15) is a flexible bottom connection element and / or an elastic bottom connection element.

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top part (2) and the bottom part (3) of the device (1) are both manufactured in a 3D printing process.

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top part (2) comprises an opening (5) configured and placed to allow manipulation of the bottom connection element (15) through the opening (5) in an assembled condition of the device (1).

10. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top part (2) comprises one or more of: an attachment feature (11) configured for attachment of an assembly robot, a chip-on-board holding element (7’) configured for holding a chip-on-board component (6’), at printed circuit board holding element (7) configured for holding a printed circuit board component (6), a stud (31) and / or a clip configured for aligning one or more of a chip-on- board component (6’), a printed circuit board component (6), and a heatsink element (10), a venting hole (8), a light source (9) for emitting light, and a heat sink element (10).

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) comprises a longitudinally extending center axis, and wherein the bottom part (3) comprises one or more of: a rim (12) configured for abutting an edge of a mounting hole in a mounted condition of the device (1), a spring element (14) configured for holding the device (1) in place in a mounting hole in a mounted condition of the device (1), a diffuser (28), and a light mixing cavity (29) forming an optical space between a light source (9) and a light exit surface of the device (1) or the diffuser (28).

12. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:a printed circuit board element, the printed circuit board element comprising a metal core printed circuit board (7) and a printed circuit board component (6) attached to a heatsink (10), the printed circuit board element being configured to be arranged between the bottom part (3) and the top part (2) in an assembled condition of the device (1), or - a chip-on-board element, the chip-on-board element comprising a chip-on- board holding element (7’) and a chip-on-board component (6’) attached to a heatsink (10), the chip-on-board element being configured to be arranged between the bottom part (3) and the top part (2) in an assembled condition of the device (1).

13. A lighting device (100) comprising the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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