Flexible LED strip with active deformation

Abstract

An actively deformable flexible LED strip is disclosed that comprises a plurality of LEDs (2) set up to emit a light when traversed by an electric current, a flexible base strip (3) provided for receiving the plurality of LEDs, at least one electric conductor provided for the flow of the electric cunent through the LEDs and located inside the strip between the strip (3) and a protective coating, a pair of welding pads (4) of the electric conductor placed at each end of the LED strip to easily connect the strip to a supply source or to other LED strips and an external supply source to supply the electric current. In particular, the LED strip in question has the flexible base strip (3) provided with at least one series of holes (6) arranged outside the line of the LEDs and parallel to the LEDs longitudinally. The holes (6) have any configuration, dimension and distance from one another, are placed along a rectilinear line to the side of the LEDs and enable at least one portion outside the LEDs to be bent up to 90°, enabling the strip to enter support channels (7) that have a section that is reduced with respect to the width of the strip. Further, in the LED strip in question, the electric conductor is placed on the two sides, maintaining a power line with a section that is much greater than the usual 3-4 mm strips. Further, LED strip electronic components (5) are provided such as resistances to regulate the current that flows through the LEDs and ensure correct operation or drivers (current regulators) thereof that can be of a variable shape, size and position on the flexible base strip (3) to modify both the position and the configuration of the electronic components depending on the setup to be achieved. The electronic components (5) are arranged outside the holes (6) as the single LEDs are placed alongside one another. The LED strip is set up to be inserted into the support channel (7) with a rectilinear or curvilinear configuration to be able to achieve setups with different configurations, with shapes of different conformation with different linear and / or curvilinear shapes.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] FLEXIBLE LED STRIP WITH ACTIVE DEFORMATION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention refers to an actively deformable flexible LED strip which is particularly suitable to be housed in small section bars while maintaining a continuous linear light even with power of up to 30 W per metre.

[0005] Background art

[0006] It is commonly known that LED strips are electronic devices composed of a series of small LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) mounted on a support strip. These LEDs are able to emit light in different colours depending on the type of LED used. LED strips are mainly used for decorative and effect lighting and are available in different lengths and with LED densities, powers, and sizes, thereby allowing a wide range of applications. LED strips are used for decorative lighting as they can be mounted on walls, ceilings, furniture or other objects to add a touch of light and an attractive visual effect in different settings, such as homes, entertainment venues, restaurants, shops, and areas used for parties. Furthermore, they can be used as both interior and exterior lighting as they can provide an additional, discreet light source in internal settings, such as kitchens or bathrooms, or external ones, such as around the perimeter of a building or garden.

[0007] LED strips can be used to provide background lighting for televisions and monitors, thereby enhancing image quality and reducing visual fatigue, for signage in order to create illuminated signs to guide people in places such as shopping centres, airports, or train stations.

[0008] In addition, some vehicles use LED strips to add lighting effects inside the passenger compartment or outside the vehicle, for aesthetic, safety, and many other reasons. In further detail, a LED strip comprises a plurality of LEDs, which are semiconductor devices that emit light when traversed by an electric current, a support strip, which is the backing on which the LEDs are mounted and is generally made of material such as polyurethane or flexible PCB, and electrical circuits inside the LED strip, which allow the electric current to flow through the lights. These circuits are usually made on flexible PCB and connect the LEDs in series or parallel, depending on the design. Furthermore, a LED strip generally features a protective coating made of a transparent or opaque material to protect the LEDs and internal circuits from moisture, dust, and mechanical damage. In addition, a LED strip comprises connections and connectors or terminals placed at the ends of the LED strip to easily connect the strip to a power source or to other LED strips. In some LED strips, resistors may be envisaged to regulate the current that flows through the LEDs so as to ensure the correct operation thereof.

[0009] A LED strip requires an external power source to provide the electrical current necessary for operation. This power source can be an AC / DC adapter or a battery, depending on the type of LED strip and power needs.

[0010] Some LED strips can be equipped with a controller that allows users to adjust the intensity of the light, change the colours, or create dynamic lighting effects.

[0011] The widespread use of LED strips indicates their versatility, ease of installation, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, the said strips are often equipped with an adhesive backing, which greatly simplifies the mounting thereof on different surfaces.

[0012] It is well known that lighting in shops, homes, offices, and industrial and other spaces significantly influences the wellbeing, productivity, and vitality of those who work or spend time there. A pleasant, well-lit environment enhances the image of a building, helps provide an attractive backdrop to furnishings and facilities, and increases the overall value of the property. Furthermore, an environment within which the equipment is well lit and organised is an environment that allows users to create a positive ambiance which is beneficial for the activities carried out therein.

[0013] At present, there are many types of LED strips with different powers and sizes. The power is mainly linked to the size of the strip since the tracks that carry the current from one end to the other depend on the thickness and the width of the strip and therefore the section of the two copper backbones is the multiplication of these two dimensions. When higher power levels are utilised, it becomes almost mandatory to have greater widths, of over 8 mm and reaching up to 12 mm and beyond. Consequently, increasing the power becomes necessary when the luminous flux required is particularly high.

[0014] One need strongly felt by users has emerged in the shop design industry, where very unique striking lighting is required, for example, inside shelves to make the goods displayed much more attractive or in the frame of a glass cabinet to properly light the objects contained therein, for example, to make them sparkle in an eye-catching manner if they are jewels. Indeed, to create striking background effects, a good lighting capacity and therefore power is necessary, but this requires very small dimensions of the strip containing the LEDs (in the order of a few millimetres) while the distance between the LEDs must be increased for all the components to fit. This leads to individual lights being perceived rather than a continuous line of light. Indeed, the closer together the LEDs are, the lower the lighting power and capacity become.

[0015] Current LED strip systems pose a significant limitation consisting of the fact that, when one needs a significant level of power while remaining within containment spaces with very small dimensions, in the order of a few millimetres, there cannot be a continuous line of light.

[0016] In addition to the explanations so far, LED strips are generally flexible longitudinally but are absolutely inflexible transversally and the tracks that cany the current are a limitation when the width of the channel in which they are inserted is low.

[0017] One drawback encountered by current LED strips arises from the fact that when the base of the channel in the containment support is small, it often happens that the tracks often wear because the copper part breaks.

[0018] At present, there are strips available with widths of 3-4 mm, which have, however, a power that varies between 4 and 10 W / m. When greater power is required (between 10 and 30 W), the greater distance between the LEDs becomes a problem, resulting in the perception of individual lights rather than a continuous line of light.

[0019] Disclosure of the invention

[0020] The object of the present invention is essentially to solve the problems of the prior art by overcoming the difficulties described above by means of an actively deformable flexible LED strip capable of having very small dimensions and capable of being inserted into supports whose base measures a few millimetres and offering lighting levels of up to 30 W.

[0021] A second object of the present invention is to create a flexible LED strip capable of offering a continuous line of light with the individual LEDs positioned one next to the other.

[0022] A third object of the present invention is to create a flexible LED strip capable of allowing fast, precise, accurate, and flexible installation.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to create an actively deformable flexible LED strip that can be installed in very narrow, small areas on or in furniture, shelving, display cases, and shelves without the support being visible and only the line of light being visible so as to create attractive, unique, eye-catching environments with a good level of lighting.

[0024] A still further object of the present invention is to create a flexible LED strip that can fit on any support safely and without risk of interruptions in the electrical circuit.

[0025] A still further object of the present invention again is to create an actively deformable flexible LED strip that operates within a simple structure and allows for practical, simple, and fast replacement, with less possibility of error and without the need for adaptations.

[0026] A further but not final object of the present invention is to produce an actively deformable flexible LED strip which is easy to manufacture and works well.

[0027] These objects and others besides, which will better emerge over the course of the present description, are essentially achieved by means of an actively deformable flexible LED strip as outlined in the claims below. n of the drawings

[0028] Further characteristics and advantages will emerge more clearly from the detailed description that follows, of an actively deformable flexible LED strip according to the present invention, having reference to the appended drawings, which are provided merely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 shows, schematically, a top-down view of a flexible LED strip according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the LED strip in Figure 1 inserted into a support and in operational mode;

[0031] Figure 3 shows, schematically and in a top-down view, a different embodiment of the LED strip in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the LED strip in Figure 3 inserted into a support and in operational mode;

[0032] Figure 5 shows, schematically and in a top-down view, a different embodiment of the LED strip in Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 6 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the LED strip in Figure 5 inserted into a support and in operational mode;

[0034] Figure 7 shows, schematically and in a top-down view, a different embodiment of the LED strip in Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 8 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the LED strip in Figure 7 in operational mode;

[0036] Figure 9 shows, schematically and in a top-down view, a curvilinear embodiment of the LED strip in question;

[0037] Figure 10 shows, schematically, a sectional view of the movement of the LED strip according to the present invention for insertion thereof into a support.

[0038] With reference to the aforesaid figures, and in particular Figure 1, 1 denotes a flexible LED strip according to the present invention.

[0039] Best mode of carrying out the invention

[0040] The LED strip in question comprises a plurality of LEDs 2 which are designed to emit light when traversed by an electric current, a flexible base strip 3 envisaged to house the plurality of LEDs, and at least one electrical conductor placed inside the strip between the strip 3 and the protective coating and envisaged for the flow of electric current through the LEDs.

[0041] Furthermore, the LED strip comprises a pair of weld pads 4 on the electrical conductor placed at each end of the LED strip to easily connect the strip to a power source or to other LED strips and features, at constant pre-established intervals based on the type of power supply, a series of intermediate pads 40.

[0042] The LED strip features an external power source to provide the electric current necessary for operation and the power source can be an AC / DC adapter or a battery, depending on the type of LED strip and the power needs.

[0043] In addition, the LED strip features electronic components 5 such as, for example, resistors to regulate the current that flows through the LEDs to ensure correct operation or drivers (current regulators), which can vary in terms of shape, size, and position on the base strip 3.

[0044] According to the present invention, the LED strip in question features the base strip 3 provided with a series of holes 6 arranged externally to the LED line and parallel to the LEDs, as shown in Figure 1.

[0045] The holes 6 can have any configuration and be any size and distance from each other, but are placed in a rectilinear line laterally to the longitudinal line of LEDs. In further detail, the holes can be rectangular, square, or circular with different diameters depending on the method for the subsequent use and positioning of the strip in a support channel 7. In particular, the holes can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the LEDs. This distribution allows the tracks connecting the LEDs to the electronic components 5 to be routed in a practical, functional way.

[0046] In addition, the electronic components 5 are arranged externally to the holes and no longer between the LEDs (as is often the case in existing strips) because the individual LEDs are arranged next to each other in order to have a continuous line of light. The configuration of the strip allows the LED strip to have the electrical conductor placed on both sides while maintaining a power supply backbone of a much larger section than the 3-4 mm strips currently on the market.

[0047] Furthermore, the longitudinal holes in the strip allow the portion outside the LEDs to be bent by up to 90°, as shown in Figure 10, thereby allowing the strip to enter support channels which feature a smaller section, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6.

[0048] In the present embodiment of the LED strip, the width is very low, just 3-4 mm, but the LED strip has a lighting capacity of up to 30 watts per metre, unlike current strips, which reach a maximum of 12-14 watts per metre.

[0049] In accordance with the present embodiment, the LED strip features a protective coating to protect against humidity, dust and small impacts, etc, positioned in the lower portion of the strip opposite where the LEDs are positioned.

[0050] As mentioned earlier, the market requires LED strips with extremely small dimensions to be able to illuminate, for example, the edges of shop windows displaying jewellery or small items that need to be viewed in the best possible lighting conditions so as to be displayed as effectively as possible. Indeed, the LED strip 1 in question allows installations with very small support channels (of the order of a few millimetres in section), as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6, but with a lighting capacity of up to 30 watts per metre.

[0051] In particular, the support channel 7 is finished externally, i.e. can be made in any colour or with any type of finish so that it can fit in with the aesthetic of any setting without the need for additional cosmetic covers, which is very convenient and practical for many installations.

[0052] The support channel is preferably made of extruded aluminium and has a rectilinear or curvilinear configuration so as to be able to create installations with different configurations, with various shapes and conformations, unlike commonly known systems, which mainly allow solely linear elements.

[0053] One variant of the LED strip according to the present invention envisages the presence of openings 8, as shown in Figure 7, placed perpendicular to the length of the strip and arranged a predetermined distance one from the next so as to be able to create a curvilinear LED strip as shown in Figure 9.

[0054] At present, on the market, it is not possible to find a LED strip with a continuous line of uniform light, a curvilinear configuration, and a strip width in the order of a few millimetres. Indeed, current strips have few LEDs and low power as well as being spaced particularly far apart.

[0055] The LED strip in question allows users to have a homogeneous, continuous line of light, which may also be curvilinear, with a basic strip size of a few millimetres and a brightness reaching 30 watts, as shown in Figure 9.

[0056] Furthermore, with the LED strip in question, configurations with imaginative shapes and different curvilinear forms can be obtained.

[0057] In accordance with the present invention, where a curvilinear line is required, the holes 6 are positioned on one side only parallel to the LEDs, and according to the length of the strip, the openings 8 are envisaged between the LEDs at predetermined distances, which allow the strip to be bent with the desired curvature while maintaining the power at levels of up to 30 W / m, as shown in Figure 7. This arrangement allows there to be almost 300 LEDs per metre, unlike existing strips, which reach a maximum of 60 LEDs per metre.

[0058] In particular, it is possible to create joints with ad hoc degrees (according to the layout design) without losing any functionality of the channel and the LED strip. One feature offered by the present LED strip in question is the possibility of modifying both the position and the configuration of the electronic components based on the installation to be created.

[0059] After this predominantly structural description, the operation of the invention in question is described as follows.

[0060] When an installation must be prepared to light up a room, a piece of furniture, a shelf, a display cabinet, or any other item, a user simply has to use the LED strip in question with its support channel in the same way as a conventional one. In particular, before inserting the strip into the support channel, the external sides of the LEDs must be rotated to reduce the base of the strip.

[0061] When maintenance or modifications to the type of lighting or installation are required, the user simply has to remove the support channel or simply just the LED strip and make the necessary replacements or the necessary modifications.

[0062] The present invention thus achieves the objects set.

[0063] The actively deformable flexible LED strip allows for fast, precise, accurate and flexible installation with the possibility of having significant lighting capacities (up to 30 watts per metre) with a strip width of a few millimetres.

[0064] Advantageously, the LED strip according to the present invention allows for a continuous line of light having the individual LEDs placed one next to the other even though the dimensions are very small, which cannot be achieved with strips according to prior art.

[0065] In particular, the LEd strip in question can be installed in very narrow, small areas on or in furniture, shelving, display cases, and shelves without the support channel being visible and only the line of light being visible so as to create attractive, unique, eyecatching environments with a good level of lighting. A still further advantage of the present invention is to have a flexible LED strip that can fit on any support safely and without risk of interruptions in the electrical circuit.

[0066] A further advantage offered by the LED strip in question is that the said strip operates within a simple structure that allows for practical simple, fast and easy replacement, with less possibility of error and without the need for adaptations.

[0067] Advantageously, the LED strip according to the present invention offers the possibility of installation on objects with very small dimensions or recessed in very small spaces while offering a very high lighting capacity and a continuous line of light.

[0068] In addition to the explanations so far, the LED strip according to the present invention allows the user to create flexible installations with different configurations, even irregular curvilinear ones, unlike those currently in use. which mainly feature linear installations.

[0069] Furthermore, the support channel features a notable construction simplicity due to the extrusion of the section bars and the absence of special pieces or supports, as occurs with prior-art section bars.

[0070] Indeed, once the support channel in question is appropriately installed, it is possible to modify the installations and types of lighting without undoing everything, as occurs with prior-art installations, resulting in considerable financial savings over time. Indeed, it is possible to change the installation whenever necessary in the event of changes in the use of and the activities carried out in the room.

[0071] A further but not final advantage of the present invention is that the LED strip proves to be easy to make and works well.

[0072] Naturally, further modifications or variants may be applied to the present invention while remaining within the scope of the invention that characterises it.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Actively deformable flexible LED strip of the type comprising:- a plurality of LEDs (2) that are designed to emit light when they are traversed by an electric current,- a flexible base strip (3) provided for receiving the plurality of LEDs,- at least one electric conductor provided for the flow of the electric current through the LEDs and placed inside the strip between the strip (3) and a protective coating,- a pair of welding pads (4) of the electric conductor placed at each end of the LED strip to easily connect the strip to a supply source or to other LED strips and a series of intermediate pads (40) placed at set and constant intervals on the basis of the type of supply,- an external supply source to supply the electric current, wherein this supply source is an AC / DC adapter or a battery, depending on the type of LED strip and on supply needs, characterized in that: the flexible base strip (3) has at least one series of holes (6) arranged outside the line of the LEDs and parallel to the LEDs longitudinally in which said holes (6) have any configuration, dimension and distance from one another, are placed on a rectilinear line to the side of the line of the LEDs and said holes enable at least one portion outside the LEDs to be bent up to 90° to enable the strip to enter support channels (7) that have a section that is reduced with respect to the width of the flexible base strip, the electric conductor is placed on the two sides, maintaining a power line with a larger section than the normal 3-4 mm strips.electronic components (5) such as resistances are provided to regulate the current that flows through the LEDs to ensure correct operation or drivers (current adjusters) thereof that can be of a variable shape, sizes and position on the flexible base strip (3), being able to modify both the position and the configuration of the electronic components on the basis of the setup to be achieved, said electronic components (5) are arranged outside the holes (6) as the single LEDs are placed alongside one another, said LED strip is located in the support channel (7) with a rectilinear or curvilinear configuration to be able to achieve setups with different configurations, with shapes of various conformations with different linear and / or curvilinear shapes.2) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has holes (6) which are placed on just one side parallel to the LEDs and between the LEDs, at set distances, it has openings (8) placed perpendicularly to the length of the strip and arranged at a set distance from one another that enable the flexible base strip (3) to be bent with the desired curvature, maintaining power up to 30W / m, reaching almost 300 LED per metre.3) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1, characterized in that it permits installations to be made with very small support channels (7) of the order of a section of a few millimetres.4) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 3, characterized in that the support channel (7) is finished externally, can be made of any colour or type of finish so as to be able to adapt aesthetically to any environment without the need for further aesthetic covers, a very convenient and practical condition for many installations.5) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 4, characterized in that said support channel (7) is preferably made of extruded aluminium and has a rectilinear or curvilinear configuration to be able to achieve setups with different configurations, with shapes of differing conformation.6) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a curvilinear configuration with dimensions with a very small section - in the order of a few millimetres with a homogenous, continuous and uniform light line.7) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1 , characterized in that it also has configurations with fancy shapes with different curvilinear shapes.8) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1, characterized in that the holes (6) can be rectangular, square, circular with different diameters depending on the mode of subsequent use and positioning of the strip in a support channel (7) and said holes are located symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the LEDs, permitting the transit of the tracks that connect the LEDs to the electronic components (5) in a practical and functional manner.9) Actively deformable flexible LED strip according to claim 1 , characterized in that it has a 3-4 mm width and a lighting capacity that can reach 30 watts per metre.

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