Lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device (100) comprising: a housing (110), one or more LEDs (130) mounted in the housing (110), a cover (120) configured to be releasably attached to the housing (110). The lighting device (100) further comprising a modular LED driver (140, 150), comprising a first module (150) comprising a first set of connectors (151) and a second module (140) comprising a second set of connectors (141). The first module (150) is mounted in the housing and connected to the LEDs (130). The second module (140) is attached to the cover (120) such that the second module (140) is connected to the first module (150) by the second set of connectors (141) engaging the first set of connectors (151) when the cover (120) is attached to the housing (110).

Description

[0001] LIGHTING DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a lighting device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the field of illumination, the light emitting diode, LED, has become the most popular light emitting element and has replaced incandescent and fluorescent light emitting elements in many implementations. LEDs are very power efficient and can be configured to emit light of varying colors and intensity making them highly suitable for a wide range of applications, from decorative illumination to general illumination. Commonly, one or more LEDs are arranged in a housing or attached to some type of luminaire structure. The housing or structure is commonly covered by some form of translucent or transparent cover allowing light emitted by the LEDs to exit the housing or structure. The cover generally serves the purpose protecting the LEDs from the ambient.

[0006] In many applications, the housing or structure is made of metal, such as sheet metal, or plastic, such as molded plastic, giving the housing a very long lifetime. The cover on the other hand is generally much more sensitive and tends to degrade over time resulting in degraded light quality and performance. Failure of the cover is also not uncommon, potentially leaving the luminary useless, especially for outdoor applications.

[0007] Some luminaries have numerous LEDs arranged in sophisticated patterns for providing tailored light patterns, while other luminaries have some or a single LED. To drive the LEDs of a luminary some form of LED driver is commonly employed. Such a driver is commonly connected to the mains and is designed to produce a current suitable to drive the LEDs in a desired manner. The LED driver employs various components of which the expected lifetimes tend to vary greatly. Failure of a single component of the LED driver will typically render the LED driver useless although other components of the LED driver still can be functional. Another problem associated with LED drivers is that some components are more prone to being damaged if the LED driver is subjected to overvoltage or otherwise electrical shock such as when lightning strikes nearby. To not waste valuable components and resources it has since long been suggested to refurbish LED luminaries by replacing components generally having a shorter expected lifetime at regular intervals. Such refurbishing work is troublesome, time consuming and requires trained personnel as well as special tools. The same holds true for when an LED luminary fails due to overvoltage or electrical shock. Also, in this case the repair work is labor intensive and often requires special tools.

[0008] Document KR101503921B1 discloses a flat panel type LED lighting device with a replaceable power supply.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device which solves or at least alleviates the above drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] Another object is to provide a lighting device which is easy to refurbish.

[0012] Another object is to provide a lighting device which is easy to repair.

[0013] Another object is to provide a lighting device which has an overall enhanced lifetime before it needs to be replaced.

[0014] Another object is to provide a lighting device which requires less personnel intervention throughout its lifetime.

[0015] Yet another object is to provide a lighting device which is more cost efficient.

[0016] These and other objects may be achieved by a lighting device in accordance with the independent claim. Embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0017] Hence, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting device comprising: a housing, one or more LEDs mounted in the housing, a cover configured to be releasably attached to the housing, a modular LED driver, comprising a first module comprising a first set of connectors and a second module comprising a second set of connectors, wherein the first module is mounted in the housing and connected to the one or more LEDs and wherein the second module is attached to the cover such that the second module is connected to the first module by the second set of connectors engaging the first set of connectors when the cover (120) is attached to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the cover is comprising one or more translucent portions, wherein the one or more LEDs are configured to emit light through the one or more translucent portions. In other embodiments, the cover may be non- translucent or comprise at least one non-translucent portion.

[0018] Thus, the present invention is based on the idea that the LED driver is formed as a modular LED driver, comprising a first module and a second module where the second module is attached to the cover which allows for that the second module and the cover may easily be exchanged in a single action. By the modular LED driver comprising a first module and a second module arranged at different locations of the lighting device, the second module and the cover to which the second module is attached may easily be attached to and detached from the housing in which the first module is mounted. The luminary may thus be refurbished or repaired in a single action by detaching the cover, including the second module, from the housing, including the first module, and attaching a different cover including a different second module to the cover. In this way the generally sensitive translucent portions of the cover may be exchanged simultaneously as exchanging the second module.

[0019] By the first module comprising a first set of connectors and the second module comprising a second set of connectors and having the second set of connectors engaging the first set of connectors when the cover is attached to the housing, no additional operation for connecting the first module and the second module to each other is required. In other words, the modular LED driver is easily assembled when attaching the cover to the housing.

[0020] Said cover may for example be one or more of a cover, a panel, a door, an optic, a plate, a sidewall of the lighting device. By “one or more translucent portions” is here meant any portion or portions of the cover through which light emitted by the one or more LEDs may be conveyed and thus made to exit the lighting device. The translucent portions may have diffusive properties. The translucent portions may be transparent portions. The translucent portions may have beam shaping properties.

[0021] By “modular LED driver” is here meant any LED driver which has its components distributed in at least a first module and a second module, where the modules jointly form a functional LED driver capable of driving one or more LEDs.

[0022] By “set of connectors” is here meant any type of connectors which may contact another set of connectors to form a galvanic connection therebetween. That is, any type of suitable, standard or tailor-made set of connectors may be used to advantage as long as a galvanic connection can be established. The individual connectors of the first set of connectors may be of different type. The individual connectors of the second set of connectors may be of different type. For example, some connectors may have a larger cross section as compared to other connectors so as to be able to handle larger currents.

[0023] By “connected to” is here meant that the one or more LEDs are connected to the first module of the modular LED driver in the sense that the modular LED driver can drive the one or more LEDs. The connection between the first module and the one or more LEDs may be a direct connection or an indirect connection therebetween. For instance, cables, controllers or other components may be used to connect the one or more LEDs to the first module of the modular LED driver.

[0024] In some embodiments, the second set of connectors may disengage the first set of connectors when the cover is released from the housing, which is advantageous in that the cover and the second module may easily be released in a single action from the housing without having to disengage the connectors via a separate action.

[0025] In some embodiments, the modular LED driver may be configured to be in an operational state to drive the one or more LEDs when the second module is connected to the first module by the second set of connectors engaging the first set of connectors, which is advantageous in that no further operations are required to put the modular LED driver in an operational state. In other words, the modular LED driver may typically be functional and operational once the second set of connectors engages the first set of connectors.

[0026] In some embodiments, one of the first set of connectors and the second set of connectors may comprise a contact pad, and the other one of the first set of connectors and the second set of connectors may comprise a resilient or spring-loaded contact pin configured to engage the contact pads, which is advantageous in that a reliable connection which is easy to establish may be realized between the first module and the second module. The resilient or spring-loaded contact pin or pins may thus engage and contact the contact pad or pads thereby establishing contact therebetween irrespective of which one of the first module and the second module the contact pad or pads and the resilient or spring-loaded contact pin or pins are located respectively.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first set of connectors may comprise contact pads, and the second set of connectors may comprise resilient or spring-loaded contact pins configured to engage the contact pads, which is advantageous in that a reliable connection may be established between the first module and the second module.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first module may comprise a PCB, having contact pads forming the first set of connectors, which is advantageous in that the contact pads forming the first set of connectors may be formed jointly with or integral to a PCB making part of the first module. Thus, the contact pads forming the first set of connectors may be formed jointly with or integral to a PCB configured to hold and connect components of the first module.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cover may comprise a non-translucent portion, and wherein the second module may be attached to the non-translucent portion, which is advantageous in that second module may be mounted on the non-translucent portion of the cover such that the second module is not visible from an outside of the lighting device. By this arrangement, the second module may be protected from ambient light such as sunlight otherwise risking degrading or damaging components of the second module.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cover may be made of a translucent material, which is advantageous in that the complete cover may be made in a single material. Further, the complete cover may be made in a single manufacturing step using a single material.

[0031] In some embodiments, the cover may comprise one or more optical beam forming elements, which is advantageous in that the cover may function to control how light is emitted from the lighting device. The optical beam forming elements may be configured to receive light emitted from the one or more LEDs. The optical beam forming elements may be configured to diffuse light emitted from the one or more LEDs such that light leaving the lighting device is diffused and hence spread out into what may be regarded a diffusive output light of the lighting device. Hence, the optical beam forming elements may include diffusive elements such as a rough surface, particles included in the cover, lens elements, or similar. By including such diffusive elements in the cover, light exiting the lighting device may be diffused, and hence mixed, for instance in a region where the second module is attached to the cover. By this arrangement, the second module may become less visible in the optical view of the lighting device. In other words, the second module may be less visible in a light pattern produced by the lighting device. Further, wave guides, gratings, or other types of optical elements capable of shaping a beam of light exiting the cover may be used to advantage.

[0032] In some embodiments, the second module may comprise a module housing, wherein at least a portion of the module housing consists of a lightguide. This arrangement is advantageous in that the module housing of the second module may convey light within the cover by means of its lightguide. In other words, light may be distributed to different portions of the cover by the lightguide of the module housing.

[0033] In some embodiments, a component of the modular LED driver having an estimated lifetime expected to limit a lifetime of the modular LED driver may be mounted in the second module, which is advantageous in that one or more components of the modular LED driver may be easily replaceable along with the cover thereby prolonging a lifetime of the modular LED driver and hence the lifetime of the complete lighting device. In other words, one or more components expected to have a shorter lifetime than other components of the modular LED driver may be easily replaced to thereby increase an overall lifetime of the modular LED driver. Such component or components may be replaced prior to failure when an expected lifetime approaches or at failure. The modular LED driver and hence the lighting device may thereby be refurbished or repaired.

[0034] In some embodiments, one or more of a buffer capacitor, a mains filter, an overvoltage protection circuit, a rectification circuit, a metal oxide varistor, a transient voltage suppressor diode, a gas discharge tube, an electrostatic discharge diode, a fuse and a fusible resistor may be mounted in the second module, which is advantageous in that a component or components typically being more sensitive to overvoltage and / or electrical shock may be arranged in the second module and thereby be easily replaceable in case damage or failure due to overvoltage or electrical shock. Such components may thus easily be replaceable in a single action along with the cover.

[0035] In some embodiments, the second module may be an electrolyte capacitor, and the second set of connectors may be connector pins of the electrolyte capacitor, which is advantageous in that an electrolyte capacitor may be directly connected to the first module using its contact pins as connectors. Moreover, a damaged or failed electrolyte capacitor may easily be replaced in a single action along with the cover.

[0036] In some embodiments, the second module may comprise a memory circuit configured to store one or more of operational data of the lighting device and commissioning data of the lighting device, which is advantageous in that information related to the operation or commissioning may be accessed and hence be read out after a replacement of the cover and the second module comprising the memory circuit. The memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining a total operation time of the lighting device and hence the modular LED driver, the one or more LEDs and other components thereof. The memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining to operational modes of the lighting device and data pertaining to power consumption, such as accumulated power consumption and momentary power consumption.

[0037] The memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining to optical properties of the cover, such as a diffusion of the cover, a lens configuration of the cover, a beam forming element configuration of the cover, a material of the cover, a material combination of the cover and a color filter of the cover. The modular driver may consequently read out data related to the cover once the second module of the modular driver connects to the first module of the modular driver for instance when exchanging the cover and the second module attached to the cover. In this regard, information pertaining to a material or material combination of the cover may be used to advantage to estimate a lifetime of the cover before the cover is to be exchanged. For example, by knowing the material or material combination of the cover a time before the cover is yellowing too much may be estimated. Such time before the cover is yellowing too much may be more accurately estimated by for instance taking operational data into account, since a cover made of plastic material generally yellows more quickly when subjected to e.g., high light flows as well as elevated temperatures. Hence, the memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining to optical properties of the cover in combination with operational data of the lighting device.

[0038] The memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining a location of the lighting device. The memory circuit may for instance store data pertaining how the lighting device is connected to and communicates with other appliances such as other lighting devices.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second module may comprise a transceiver for conveying data, which is advantageous in that the second module may communicate with, or otherwise share, information with other entities, such as other lighting devices. The transceiver may for instance convey one or more of operational data of the lighting device and commissioning data of the lighting device. Such data may for instance emanate from a memory circuit of the above-described type.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second module may comprise a control circuit configured to control the one or more LEDs to operate according to one or more operational modes, which is advantageous in that the operational modes of the lighting device may be altered or updated by replacing the second module comprising the control circuit. In other words, the lighting device may be made to operate differently by exchanging or replacing the second module comprising the control circuit along with the cover. For example, the lighting device may be upgraded so as to become more energy efficient, to produce a more pleasant light, or to produce one or more specific light schemes.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second module may comprise an NFC or RFID tag for conveying data, which is advantageous in that data pertaining to the second module and / or the lighting device may be conveyed to entities. For instance, operational data and / or commissioning data may be conveyed by means of an NFC or RFID tag comprised in the second module of the modular driver.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and, thus, are provided to illustrate the general structures of embodiments. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0044] Fig. 1 schematically shows a partial perspective view of a lighting device according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 2 schematically shows a partial perspective view of a lighting device according to another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 3 schematically shows a partial perspective view of a lighting device according to yet another exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Fig. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a lighting device 100 in form of a LED luminaire 100 having a plurality of LEDs 130 as light sources. The depicted lighting device 100 is illustrated in part and in a simplified manner to clearly indicate relevant details and features thereof. It is for instance to be noted that end portions of the lighting device 100 have been omitted to illustrate the interior of the lighting device more clearly 100. Similarly, the lighting device 100 is illustrated in disassembled state to show the interior thereof more clearly.

[0049] The lighting device 100 depicted in Fig. 1 has a housing 110. The depicted housing is folded from a thin metal sheet. As a few non-limiting examples, the housing 110 may alternatively be molded from plastic or extruded form plastic or aluminum. Other materials and designs of the housing 110 may be used to advantage.

[0050] The depicted housing 110 is opaque and does thereby hinders light emitted by the LEDs 130 from shining through it. However, the housing may, according to embodiments, be completely or partially made of a translucent material or of a transparent material so as to allow light to shine through it. The plurality LEDs 130 are mounted in the housing 110 on what may be regarded a bottom side thereof. A single LED 130 may however be used to advantage. The plurality LEDs 130 may to advantage be mounted in any suitable location of the housing 110.

[0051] The lighting device 100 depicted in Fig. 1 has a cover 120. The cover 120 of the depicted lighting device 100 is made of a translucent material. In other words, the cover

[0052] 120 has a translucent portion 121. In the depicted lighting device 100 the translucent portion

[0053] 121 is making up the cover 120. The plurality of LEDs 130 is positioned and configured such that they emit light through the translucent portion 121 making up the cover 120. In other words, when operated, the LEDs 130 will shine light through the cover 120 and out of the lighting device 100.

[0054] In alternative examples, the lighting device comprises a cover made of a non- translucent material.

[0055] The cover 120 is configured to be releasably attached to the housing 110. Hence, the cover 120 may for example be employed with snap fit features configured to engage and lock onto dedicated protrusions of the housing 110. Any type of releasably attachable connection between the housing 110 and the cover 120 may be used to advantage. Further, the housing 110 may be attached to the cover 120 using any type of releasably attachable connection element, such as a screw, a bolt, a nut, a wingnut, a pin, or a clip.

[0056] The lighting device 100 depicted in Fig. 1 further has a modular LED driver 140, 150. The modular LED driver 140, 150 is configured to power and hence drive the LEDs 130. The depicted modular LED driver 140, 150 has two modules, namely a first module 150 and a second module 140. The modular LED driver 140, 150 may however be constructed such that it has any suitable number of modules, such as three modules, four modules or even ten modules.

[0057] The first module 150 is mounted in the housing and connected to the LEDs 130. The second module 140 is attached to the cover 120.

[0058] The first module 150 of the modular LED driver 140, 150 is employed with a first set of connectors 151. The depicted first set of connectors 151 are formed as contact pads 152. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the depicted first set of connectors 151 has three contact pads 152. However, any number of contact pads 152 may be used to advantage. The depicted contact pads 152 of Fig. 1 are formed on a PCB 153 making part of the first module 150. In other words, the first module 150 comprises the PCB 153 with its contact pads 152 forming the first set of connectors 151. The second module 140 of the modular LED driver 140, 150 is employed with a second set of connectors 141. The depicted second set of connectors 141 are formed as resilient contact pins 142. The depicted resilient contact pins 142 are formed by curved metal pins employed with a contact surface at their respective ends. Hence, the curved portion of each resilient contact pin 142 is designed to flex and press its associated contact surface against an associated contact pad 152 in order to establish a galvanic connection therebetween. Alternatively, spring loaded contact pins may be used to advantage. Spring loaded contact pins are generally straight contact pins which are capable of being pushed back by compressing a spring backing the contact pins. Hence, such spring loaded contact pins will like the depicted resilient contact pins 142 press an associated contact surface against for instance a contact pad 152 in order to establish a galvanic connection therebetween.

[0059] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the depicted second set of connectors 141 has three resilient contact pins 142. However, any number of resilient contact pins 142 may be used to advantage. Further, the first set of connectors 151 and the second set of connectors 142 may be designed using any type of suitable standard contacts or any type of tailor-made contacts as long as a connection may be established therebetween. The first set of connectors 151 and the second set of connectors 142 may include male type contacts. The first set of connectors 151 and the second set of connectors 142 may include female type contacts. The first set of connectors 151 and the second set of connectors 142 may include both male type contacts and female type contacts.

[0060] In the depicted lighting device 100 of Fig. 1, the second module 140 will connect to the first module 150 by the second set of connectors 141 engaging the first set of connectors 151 when the cover 120 is attached to the housing 110. How the connection is established between the first module 150 and the second module 140 by the second set of connectors 141 engaging the first set of connectors 151 is indicated by dotted pilot lines in Fig. 1. Hence, by attaching the cover 120 to the housing 110 a complete operational LED driver 140, 150 is formed by the by the second set of connectors 141 engaging the first set of connectors 151. Typically, the modular LED driver 140, 150, is designed such that it enters an operational state to drive the one or more LEDs 130 once the second module 140 is connected to the first module 150 by the second set of connectors 141 engaging the first set of connectors 151. In other words, no further operations are generally required to put the modular LED driver 140, 150 into an operational state. Correspondingly, when the cover 120 is released from the cover 110, the second set of connectors 141 will disengage the first set of connectors 151 such that the modular LED driver 140, 150 is disassembled and no longer operational.

[0061] By the above design, the cover 120 and the second module 140 of the modular LED driver 140, 150 may be exchanged simultaneously in a single action where no special action is needed to disengage and engage the first set of connectors 151 from and to the second set of connectors 141. In other words, the modular LED driver may be disassembled and assembled by detaching and attaching the cover 120.

[0062] Since the cover 120 and the second module 140 of the modular LED driver 140, 150 may be exchanged simultaneously in a single action a component or components of the modular LED driver 140, 150 having an estimated lifetime expected to limit a lifetime of the modular LED driver 140, 150 may typically be mounted in the second module 140. In this regard, a component or components likely to fail or reach a reduced capacity prior to other components of the modular LED driver 140, 150 are advantageously mounted in the second module 140. By this arrangement, the LED driver may easily be refurbished or repaired by changing the cover 120 and the second module 140 attached thereto.

[0063] Other components typically mounted in the second module 140 may be a component or components which are sensitive to overvoltage and / or electrical shock. It is further advantageous to mount components which may be sacrificed in case of electrical overvoltage in the second module 140. By this arrangement, components sensitive to overvoltage and / or electrical shock may easily be exchanged simultaneously in a single action together with the cover 120. For instance, one or more of a buffer capacitor, a mains filter, an overvoltage protection circuit, a rectification circuit, a metal oxide varistor, a transient voltage suppressor diode, a gas discharge tube, an electrostatic discharge diode, a fuse and a fusible resistor may be mounted in the second module 140.

[0064] Now also turning to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a lighting device 100 in form of a LED luminaire 100 having a plurality of LEDs 130 as light sources. The lighting device 100 of Fig. 2 is in many aspects similar to the lighting device 100 of Fig. 1. Give the similarities, only relevant differences between the lighting device 100 of Fig. 2 and the lighting device 100 of Fig. 1 will be described below to avoid undue repetition.

[0065] As can be seen in Fig. 2, the cover 120 of the lighting device 100 of Fig. 2 is differently designed. The depicted cover 120 of Fig. 2 has two translucent portions 121 and two a non-translucent portions 122. The non-translucent portions 122 are consequently opaque and prevent light from being shined therethrough. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the second module 140 of the modular LED driver 140, 150 is attached to the leftmost non- translucent portion 122 of the cover 120. By this arrangement, the second module 140 will generally not be visible from the outside of the of the lighting device 100. Further, the appearance and light distribution of the lighting device 100 may be tailored by including one or more non-translucent portions in the cover 120.

[0066] Further, as can be seen in Fig. 2, the first set of connectors 151 are formed as resilient contact pins 142 attached to the first module 150 of the modular driver 140, 150, whereas the second set of connectors 141 are formed as contact pads 152 attached to the second module 150 of the modular driver 140, 150. In the depicted lighting device 100 of Fig. 2, the resilient contact pins 142 are attached to the PCB 153 by being soldered thereto. Such resilient contact pins 142 may however be connected to the first module using any suitable technique.

[0067] Now also turning to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a lighting device 100 in form of a LED luminaire 100 having a plurality of LEDs 130 as light sources. The lighting device 100 of Fig. 3 is in many aspects similar to the lighting devices 100 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Give the similarities, only relevant differences between the lighting device 100 of Fig. 3 and the lighting devices 100 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 will be described below to avoid undue repetition.

[0068] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the cover 120 of the lighting device 100 of Fig. 3 is differently designed. The depicted cover 120 of Fig. 3 is generally made of a translucent material forming an overall translucent portion 121. The translucent portion 121 of the cover 120 of Fig. 3 is provided with a plurality of beam forming elements 123 in form of lenses 123. In Fig. 3, the cover 120 is provided with eight lenses 123. It is however to be understood that any number of lenses 123 may be used to advantage. Similarly, any number of other types of beam forming elements 123, such as wave guides, gratings, or other types of optical elements capable of shaping a beam of light exiting the cover may be used to advantage.

[0069] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the second module 140 is an electrolyte capacitor 143. The contact pins 144 of the electrolyte capacitor 143 jointly form the second set of connectors 141. In other words, the second module of Fig. 3 is formed of a single component, namely the electrolyte capacitor 143, which is easily exchangeable together with the cover 120. Also, as can be seen in Fig. 3, the first set of connectors 151 is adapted to the second set of connectors 141, i.e., to the contact pins 144 of the electrolyte capacitor 143. As depicted in Fig. 3, the first set of connectors 151 is formed of a pair of contacts 152 where each contact 152 is configured to receive a respective one of the contact pins 144 of the electrolyte capacitor 143 so as to establish a galvanic connection therebetween.

[0070] Now returning to Fig. 1, the second module 140 is shown in enlargement above the cover 120 to show a design thereof according to embodiments. It is to be noted that the enlarged second module 140 is drawn with the second set of connectors 142 having a slightly different design. In the enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1, the second set of connectors 141 is drawn as three spring loaded contact pins which of all are provided with respective contact surface configured to establish a galvanic contact with contact pads 152 of the first set of connectors 151 of the fist module 150. The different design of the contact pins 142 is shown for illustrative purposes, and to visually convey a further design to the skilled reader.

[0071] Further, in the depicted enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1, two optional components 145, 146 thereof are schematically drawn.

[0072] The depicted enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1, includes a memory circuit 145. The memory circuit 145 is generally configured to store one or more of operational data of the lighting device 100 and commissioning data of the lighting device 100.

[0073] It is to be understood that, the memory circuit 145 may store different types of data in different formats to suit different needs or desires. It is also to be understood that the memory circuit 145 may be connected to the second module in any suitable standard fashion so as to put the memory circuit 145 in an operational state when the second module 140 is connected to the first module 150. The memory circuit 145 may for instance store data associated with how the lighting device 100 is operated. The memory circuit 145 may for instance store data associated with how the lighting device 100 is configured. The memory circuit 145 may for instance store data associated with how the lighting device 100 interplays with other entities or other lighting devices.

[0074] The depicted enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1 may further include an NFC or RFID tag, not shown, for conveying data. That is, the second module 140 in general may include an NFC or RFID tag for conveying data. Such NFC or RFID tag may thus be used to convey one or more of operational data of the lighting device 100 and commissioning data of the lighting device 100. In other words, such NFC or RFID tag may convey data of the above-described type.

[0075] The depicted enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1 may further include a transceiver, not shown, for conveying data. That is, the second module 140 in general may include a transceiver for conveying data. Such transceiver may thus be used to convey one or more of operational data of the lighting device 100 and commissioning data of the lighting device 100. In other words, such transceiver may convey data of the abovedescribed type.

[0076] The depicted enlargement of the second module 140 of Fig. 1 also includes a control circuit 146. Such control circuit 146 is generally configured to control the operation of the one or more LEDs 130. The depicted control circuit 146 of Fig. 1 is configured to control the LEDs 130 to operate according to certain operational modes. The control circuit 146 may alternatively be configured to control the LEDs 130 to operate according to a single mode. It is to be understood that the control circuit 146 may control the LEDs 130 to operate according to different modes to suit different needs or desires. It is also to be understood that the control circuit 146 may be connected to the second module in any suitable standard fashion so as to put the control circuit 146 in an operational state when the second module 140 is connected to the first module 150.

[0077] 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 example, the cover 120 may include a combination of non-translucent portions 122 and beam forming elements 123 according to the invention. Also, a plurality of second modules 140 may be attached to the same cover 120 such that more than one modular LED driver 140, 150 may be refurbished or repaired in a single action.

[0078] Moreover, while in the above, example embodiments of the lighting device 100 has been disclosed with reference to a LED luminaire, it is noted that the concept also is applicable to complete LED lighting systems comprising a multitude of modular drivers 140, 150.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device (100) comprising: a housing (110), one or more LEDs (130) mounted in the housing (110), a cover (120) configured to be releasably attached to the housing (110); characterized in that the lighting device comprises: a modular LED driver (140, 150), comprising a first module (150) comprising a first set of connectors (151) and a second module (140) comprising a second set of connectors (141), wherein the first module (150) is mounted in the housing and connected to the one or more LEDs (130) and wherein the second module (140) is attached to the cover (120) such that the second module (140) is connected to the first module (150) by the second set of connectors (141) engaging the first set of connectors (151) when the cover (120) is attached to the housing (110).

2. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (120) comprising one or more translucent portions (121), wherein the one or more LEDs (130) are configured to emit light through the one or more translucent portions (121).

3. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second set of connectors (141) disengaging the first set of connectors (151) when the cover (120) is released from the housing (110).

4. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular LED driver (140, 150), is configured to be in an operational state to drive the one or more LEDs (130) when the second module (140) is connected to the first module (150) by the second set of connectors (141) engaging the first set of connectors (151).

5. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first set of connectors (151) and the second set of connectors (141) comprises a contact pad (152), and the other one of the first set of connectors (151) and thesecond set of connectors (141) comprises a resilient or spring-loaded contact pin (142) configured to engage the contact pads (152).

6. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first set of connectors (151) comprises contact pads (152), and the second set of connectors (141) comprises resilient or spring-loaded contact pins (142) configured to engage the contact pads (152).

7. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (120) comprises a non-translucent portion (122), and wherein the second module (140) is attached to the non-translucent portion.

8. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the cover (120) is made of a translucent material.

9. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (120) comprises one or more optical beam forming elements (123).

10. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a component of the modular LED driver (140, 150) having an estimated lifetime expected to limit a lifetime of the modular LED driver (140, 150) is mounted in the second module (140).

11. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein one or more of a buffer capacitor, a mains filter, an overvoltage protection circuit, a rectification circuit, a metal oxide varistor, a transient voltage suppressor diode, a gas discharge tube, an electrostatic discharge diode, a fuse and a fusible resistor is mounted in the second module (140).

12. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second module (140) is an electrolyte capacitor (143), and the second set of connectors (141) are connector pins (144) of the electrolyte capacitor (143).

13. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the second module (140) comprises a memory circuit (145) configured to store one or more of operational data of the lighting device (100) and commissioning data of the lighting device (100).

14. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module (140) comprises a control circuit (146) configured to control the one or more LEDs (130) to operate according to one or more operational modes.

15. The lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module (140) comprises an NFC or RFID tag for conveying data.

Images