Lighting device comprising an exchangeable lighting unit

Abstract

The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising a housing (100), a power supply (200), and an exchangeable lighting unit (300). The power supply (200) is configured to provide electrical power at a plurality of device electrical contacts (121). The exchangeable lighting unit (300) comprises a light source (310) mounted on a carrier (320) and a plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) located at an edge portion (322) of the carrier (320). The housing (100) comprises an opening (110) for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit (300) in an initial position. The lighting device (100) further comprises a slot (120) configured to accommodate the edge portion (322) of the carrier, the slot (120) comprising the plurality of device electrical contacts (121). The exchangeable lighting unit (300) is configured to be moved from the initial position to a first connected position relative to the housing (100), such that when the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is in the first connected position the edge portion (322) of the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is positioned inside the slot (120), the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is reversibly locked in the first connected position, and the plurality of device electrical contacts (121) is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321), such that the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is supplied with electrical power from the power supply (200).

Description

[0001] LIGHTING DEVICE COMPRISING AN EXCHANGEABLE LIGHTING UNIT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a lighting device comprising an exchangeable lighting unit. The invention further relates to a method for exchanging the exchangeable lighting unit.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the past, it was common practice to replace a conventional light bulb when it burned out in a lighting device. This used to be a simple and cost-effective way to maintain the lighting device when the lighting unit was defective. With the increasing popularity of LED technology, this practice has been largely eliminated since LED luminaires are to last for a much longer time than traditional light bulbs. This extended lifespan means that the need for regular bulb replacement was significantly reduced and exchanging the lighting unit has often become impossible, especially for normal consumers. However, this inability to replace a lighting unit in an LED luminaire means that if the lighting unit fails, the entire lighting device must be replaced, which can be expensive and wasteful. Therefore, there is a need for an innovative solution to address this issue and improve the sustainability, repairability and recyclability of LED lighting systems.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0008] In a first aspect, the invention provides a lighting device comprising a housing, a power supply, and an exchangeable lighting unit. The power supply is configured to provide electrical power at the plurality of device electrical contacts. The exchangeable lighting unit comprises a light source mounted on a carrier and a plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts located at an edge portion of the carrier. The housing comprises an opening for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit in an initial position, the lighting device further comprising a slot configured to accommodate the edge portion of the carrier, the slot comprising the plurality of device electrical contacts. The exchangeable lighting unit is configured to be moved from the initial position to a first connected position relative to the housing, such that when the exchangeable lighting unit is in the first connected position: the edge portion of the exchangeable lighting unit is positioned inside the slot, the exchangeable lighting unit is reversibly locked in the first connected position, and the plurality of device electrical contacts is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts, such that the exchangeable lighting unit is supplied with electrical power from the power supply.

[0009] The lighting device of this invention enables the lighting unit to be exchanged easily and essentially without the use of any tools or screws. The lighting unit can be easily changes by a specialized person, but also by a regular consumer, comparable to changing lightbulbs in the past.

[0010] Especially lighting devices made of metal may have a very long lifetime compared to the lighting unit. An exchangeable lighting unit extends the lifetime of the lighting device. The recyclability as well as the repairability are significantly improved since the electronic components can be easily removed from the lighting device. Furthermore, such lighting devices can be refurbished more easily and a lighting unit having a first type of light output can be easily exchanged for a lighting unit having a second type of light output (e.g. white light to RGB light, cool white to warm white, etc.)

[0011] The lighting device of this inventions may for example be a luminaire (essentially any type of indoor or outdoor luminaire, such as a downlight, a ceiling light, a troffer lamp, a streetlight, an automotive luminaire), a lamp, a projector device, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device. The lighting device of this invention may also be a component or a part of another lighting device. Hence, the exchangeable lighting unit may also be a chip-on-board (COB) device and the lighting device may comprise a holder for the COB device.

[0012] As indicated above, the lighting device comprises an exchangeable lighting unit, or simply lighting unit. The lighting unit comprises a light source. The term “light source” may refer to a semiconductor light-emitting device, such as a light emitting diode (LEDs), a resonant cavity light emitting diode (RCLED), a vertical cavity laser diode (VCSELs), an edge emitting laser, etc.. The term “light source” may also refer to an organic light-emitting diode, such as a passive-matrix (PMOLED) or an active-matrix (AMOLED). The light source may comprise one or more LEDs (light emitting diode). Further, the term “light source” may also refer to a so-called chip-on-board (COB) light source. The term “COB” especially refers to LED chips in the form of a semiconductor chip that is neither encased nor connected but directly mounted onto a substrate, such as a PCB. Hence, a plurality of semiconductor light sources may be configured on the same substrate. A COB is a multi LED chip configured together as a single lighting module. The term “light source” may also relate to a plurality of light sources, such as 2-2000 solid state light sources. Hence, the term “light source” especially refers to one or more solid state light sources, such as one or more LEDs.

[0013] The exchangeable lighting unit may thus comprise an array of light emitting elements, for example an array of LED light sources. Especially, the array of light emitting elements may be configured on the carrier in a matrix configuration. The light emitting elements may be configured in plurality of columns extending in a first direction and a plurality of rows extending in a second direction. All light emitting elements of the array of light emitting elements may be of the same type. Alternatively, the array of light emitting elements may comprise multiple different types of light emitting elements (i.e. light emitting elements having different correlated color temperatures, such as warm white or cool white light, or RGB light sources).

[0014] The light source may be configured to generate light, especially visible light, i.e., light with spectral power in the visible wavelength range (380-780 nm). Especially, the light may be white light. More especially, the white light may have a correlated color temperature selected from the range of 1800-6500 K and / or a color rendering index of at least 70, such as at least 80. However, the light may also be colored light. The light may have a wavelength in one of the UV and IR wavelength ranges to be used in application such as disinfection, radar as Lidar (750 nm to 1.5pm) and LiFi applications.

[0015] The term “light source” may further refer to a light generating element as such, like e.g. a solid state light source, or e.g. to a package of the light generating element, such as a solid state light source, and one or more of a luminescent material comprising element and (other) optics, like a lens, a collimator. A light converter element (“converter element” or “converter”) may comprise a luminescent material. For instance, a solid state light source as such, like a blue LED, is a light source. A combination of a solid state light source (as light generating element) and a light converter element, such as a blue LED and a light converter element, optically coupled to the solid state light source, may also be a light source. Hence, a white LED is a light source. The lighting device of this invention may similarly operate using OLEDs or laser diodes, for example. The light source is mounted on a carrier. In addition to the light source other electrical components may be mounted on the carrier. A carrier may for example be a printed circuit board (PCB) and may be configured to mechanically support and electrically connect the light source and potentially other electronic components or electrical components using electrically conductive tracks, pads and other features etched from one or more sheet layers of copper laminated onto and / or between sheet layers of a non-conductive substrate (shortly indicated as “track” or “conductive track”); though other options may also be possible. A carrier or PCB may comprise one or more electrically conductive tracks, which may e.g. comprise copper. When there are two or more electrically conductive tracks, two or more tracks may be electrically isolated from each other. Two or more electrically conductive tracks may be electrically isolated from each other but be (temporarily) electrically connected to each other via one or more electrical components. Hence, a PCB may comprise an insulating layer arranged between a substrate and a conductive layer.

[0016] Note that herein the term “electrical component” may also be referred to as “component” and “electronic component”. An (electronic) component, such as a light source, may generally be soldered onto the carrier to both electrically connect and mechanically fasten it to the carrier. The term electrical component may especially refer to an electronic component. The electronic component may include an active or a passive electronic component, such as diodes, power sources, batteries, piezo-electric devices, integrated circuits (IC), antennas, sensors (i.e. optical or light sensors), transistors, drivers, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, etc. The electronic component may include an RFID (Radio-frequency identification) chip.

[0017] Hence, the shape of the carrier may in general be plate-like. Especially, the carrier may have a length and a width and a height, or alternatively a diameter and a height. An aspect ratio of the length or diameter and the height is at least 5, like in the range of 5 - 5000, like 10 - 2500, and wherein an aspect ratio of the width and the height is at least 2, such as an aspect ratio of at least 5, like in the range of 5 - 5000, like 10 - 2500. The terms “length”, “width”, and “height” may also refer to “largest length”, “largest width”, and “largest height”, respectively. The height (or thickness) of the PCB may be selected from the range of 0.2 - 10 mm, such as 0.5 - 5 mm, like 1 - 2 mm. Other dimensions may be possible as well. The carrier may comprise a rigid board or a semi-rigid board, or the carrier may be flexible.

[0018] The exchangeable lighting unit has a lighting unit shape defined by a largest carrier perimeter or lighting unit perimeter. Hence, the lighting unit shape may be substantially defined by the width and the length of the carrier or lighting unit or by the diameter of the carrier or lighting unit. The dimensions of the exchangeable lighting unit may be entirely defined by the dimensions of the carrier and the light source. The height of the exchangeable lighting unit may be defined as the height of the carrier plus the height of the light source (or the height of an additional electronic component in case it is present). The length, width and / or diameter of the exchangeable lighting unit may be equal to the length, width and / or diameter of the carrier.

[0019] The carrier comprises a plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts located at an edge portion of the carrier. An edge portion may be any area of the carrier located within 0.5cm, preferably within 1cm, such as within 2cm, such as within 5cm of any edge of the carrier.

[0020] The lighting device comprises a housing, which may be the external casing or enclosure of the lighting device. The housing may be made of various materials, such as metals, polymers, or glass. The housing may be monolithic or may comprise multiple elements or parts which may be assembled or joined.

[0021] The housing comprises an opening for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit in an initial position. The opening may be created by the (monolithic) housing or may be created by a separate part or element of the lighting device, such as a holder for (part of) the lighting unit. The shape, dimensions, and location of such an opening strongly depend on the design of the lighting device. To receive the lighting unit, the opening needs to be larger than at least one dimension of the lighting unit, such as larger than the height of the lighting unit, larger than the diameter of the lighting unit, and so forth. The opening has an opening shape defined by an opening perimeter. The opening shape corresponds to the lighting unit shape, the opening perimeter being equal to or greater than the largest carrier perimeter. Hence, in other words, the opening is dimensioned and shaped so as to allow passage of the exchangeable lighting unit through the opening along the largest dimension of the carrier or the lighting unit.

[0022] Such configurations allow for more flexibility in the design of lighting devices with exchangeable lighting units. Side access to the lighting device is no longer required to replace the lighting unit. The lighting unit can be replaced from the front side of the lighting device, i.e. through the light exit window using a twist-and-lock mechanism. This allows replacing the lighting unit also in lighting devices which are built in (e.g. into the ceiling or wall of a space or into a device), such as for example downlights, spotlights, or COBs. Hence, the initial position is the position in which the exchangeable lighting unit first enters the housing and / or a first portion of the exchangeable lighting unit first passes through the opening. The opening may be the light exit window of the lighting device or may be part of the light exit window of the lighting device. Further details of the opening and the initial position will be described in more detail below.

[0023] The lighting device further comprises a slot configured to accommodate the edge portion of the carrier. The slot comprises the plurality of device electrical contacts. The slot may also be described as a recess, an insert, cavity, hollow space, indentation, hole, or niche. The slot may be part of the housing (i.e. a recess of the housing) or may be a separate part or element of the lighting device, such as a holder for (part of) the lighting unit. The slot comprising the plurality of device electrical contacts may preferably be shaped such that the device electrical contacts are not directly exposed at the exterior surface of the lighting device, also not during replacement of the exchangeable lighting unit. Especially for safety considerations, the device electrical contacts may be positioned such that the risk of a user accidentally touching the contacts (e.g. during exchange of the lighting unit) is minimized. The slot may thus be large or deep enough such that the electrical contacts are sufficiently far removed from the exterior surface of the lighting device. The plurality of device electrical contacts may be positioned at a distance of at least 0.5cm, preferably at least 1cm, such as at least 2cm from the opening of the slot or from an outer surface of the housing.

[0024] The exchangeable lighting unit is configured to be moved from the initial position to a first connected position relative to the housing. Hence, the first connected position is a position which is different from the initial position. The lighting unit reversibly locks in the first connected position, meaning that the exchangeable lighting unit may be removed from the lighting device by unlocking the exchangeable lighting unit and moving it from the first connected position back to the initial position.

[0025] The power supply is configured to provide electrical power at the plurality of device electrical contacts. The power supply may convert electrical energy from one form to another in order to provide power to the lighting device, i.e. the exchangeable lighting unit. The power supply may output an AC or a regulated DC voltage suitable for powering the device. The power supply may for example be a (LED) driver. An (LED) driver may take in a DC input voltage and may output a regulated current to the array of light emitting elements.

[0026] The power supply or the lighting device may alternatively or additionally comprise a controller to regulate the power supply, manage communication between components, and control various functions of the lighting device. The controller or control system may be configured to control (or operate in a mode of operation), the light source, i.e. the brightness or the color of the emitted light.

[0027] A control system may comprise or may be functionally coupled to a user interface. The control system may also be configured to receive and execute instructions from a remote control. In embodiments, the control system may be controlled via an App on a device, such as a portable device, like a Smartphone or I-phone, a tablet, etc.. The device is thus not necessarily coupled to the lighting system but may be (temporarily) functionally coupled to the lighting system.

[0028] Hence, in embodiments the control system may (also) be configured to be controlled by an App on a remote device. The lighting system may also comprise means for communicating with other systems or devices, such as on the basis of Bluetooth, Thread, WIFI, LiFi, ZigBee, BLE or WiMAX, or another wireless technology.

[0029] The luminaire may execute an action in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. The term “operational mode may also be indicated as “controlling mode”. Likewise, in a method an action or stage, or step may be executed in a “mode” or “operation mode” or “mode of operation” or “operational mode”. This does not exclude that the luminaire may also be adapted for providing another controlling mode, or a plurality of other controlling modes. Likewise, this may not exclude that before executing the mode and / or after executing the mode one or more other modes may be executed.

[0030] However, a control system may be available, that is adapted to provide at least the controlling mode. Would other modes be available, the choice of such modes may especially be executed via a user interface, though other options, like executing a mode in dependence of a sensor signal or a (time) scheme, may also be possible. The operation mode may also refer to a luminaire, which can only operate in a single operation mode (i.e. “on”, without further tunability).

[0031] The electrical contacts are electrically connected to the power supply on the device side, and to the light source (and possibly other electronic components) on the lighting unit side.

[0032] At least one of the plurality of device electrical contacts and the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may comprise a spring contact, a sliding contact, or a conductive brush contact.

[0033] Electrical contacts of the above-mentioned types ensure that a stable electrical connection can be established between the device side and the exchangeable lighting unit when the lighting unit is moved into the first connected position. It needs to be noted that the any type of electrical contact which is suitable for establishing a stable electrical connection between the device side and the lighting unit side by a movement of the lighting unit relative to the housing is suitable for the use in this invention. Contacts which require user intervention (i.e. cable connectors) or use of a tool (i.e. luster terminal) may not be suitable for the use in this invention.

[0034] The remaining electrical contacts (i.e. not being spring contacts, sliding contacts, or conductive brush contacts) may be stationary contacts. The stationary may be fixed on the device or lighting unit and may be shaped in various ways depending on the specific application. It may be made from a variety of materials to ensure good electrical conductivity and durability. The electrical contacts may for example be flat (such as a flat piece of metal that the spring or brush contact makes contact with), curved (allowing for a larger contact area and a more stable electrical connection), pointed (e.g. having a small, pointed tip that the spring or sliding contact makes contact with), serrated, or grooved (providing a more secure electrical connection).

[0035] In the first connected position, the exchangeable lighting unit may be located completely within the housing and the light source may be covered by a light exit window of the housing.

[0036] The exchangeable lighting unit may enter the housing in any location and / or position, but once the light source is in the first connected position it may be located completely within the housing and may be located such that the light source is positioned to emit light through the light exit window of the lighting device.

[0037] The fact that the exchangeable lighting unit may be completely located within the housing (i.e. entirely contained by the housing, not extending beyond the housing or sticking out) ensures safe operation of the lighting device and prevents accidental movement or damage of the exchangeable lighting under contact or impact with the lighting device.

[0038] The light exit window of the lighting device is the surface through which is configured to direct the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the light source to the exterior of the lighting device. The light exit window may vary in shape and size depending on the shape and size of the housing as well as the chosen design of the lighting device. The light exit window may be a physical component, such as an optical element (i.e. a lens or a diffuser), The light exit window may also simply be an opening in the housing through with the light can be emitted, or it may be the opening through which the exchangeable lighting unit is received. The exchangeable lighting unit may be configured to be moved from the initial position to the first connected position by means of a rotational movement.

[0039] Moving the exchangeable lighting unit from the initial position to the first connected position by rotation may be especially suitable for exchangeable lighting units having a high degree of rotational symmetry. Thus, for example exchangeable lighting units having a (partly) circular shape, a polygonal shape (i.e. a hexagonal shape, or a square shape).

[0040] In such examples, the way of moving and reversibly locking the lighting unit may also be described as a “twist-and-lock” mechanism. Furthermore, this way of mounting the lighting unit may especially be suitable in examples in which the opening corresponds with the light exit window of the lighting device.

[0041] The rotational movement from the initial position to the first connected position may comprise rotating the exchangeable lighting unit by an angle in the range of 30° to 330°, such as 45° to 135°, preferably 60° to 120°.

[0042] The angle may preferably be large enough to move the edge portion of the lighting unit into the slot such that the lighting unit electrical contacts and the device electrical contacts overlap and establish connection. Suitable angles depend largely on the design of the lighting device and the shape of the exchangeable lighting unit. In examples in which the exchangeable lighting unit has a rotational symmetry, angles may be avoided in which the shape of the lighting unit is rotated by a certain angle but again fits onto its original form (e.g. 60° for a hexagonal shape, 180° for a circle with two opposite flat sides). Hence, in such positions the lighting unit may not reversibly lock due to its geometry. Such positions may be considered alternative initial positions in which the lighting unit may equally be removed from the lighting device.

[0043] The exchangeable lighting unit may be configured to be moved from the initial position to the first connected position by means of a translational movement.

[0044] Moving the exchangeable lighting unit from the initial position to the first connected position by a translational movement may be especially suitable for elongated lighting devices comprising elongated exchangeable lighting units.

[0045] In such examples, the way of moving and reversibly locking the lighting unit may also be described as a “slide-in” mechanism. Furthermore, this way of mounting the lighting unit may especially be suitable in examples in which the opening does not corresponds with the light exit window of the lighting device. The lighting device may comprise a retention mechanism for reversibly locking the exchangeable lighting unit in the first connected position.

[0046] To avoid unintentional disconnection by rotation or translation of the lighting unit, the lighting device may comprise a retention mechanism to keep the exchangeable lighting unit securely in position during operation. The retention mechanism may also function as a feedback mechanism to the user to confirm that the lighting unit is in the correct (i.e. first connected) position for operation of the lighting device.

[0047] Such retention mechanism can take any suitable form that may range from simple mechanical means (e.g. notches, grooves, bumps, springs) holding the lighting unit in position by mechanical force, to more sophisticated mechanisms which may comprise electro-mechanical means or specific locking / unlocking mechanisms.

[0048] The retention mechanism may comprise a push to release mechanism.

[0049] A retention mechanism comprising a push-to-lock and push-to-release mechanism may be equivalent to the mechanism widely known in the art to secure and release an SD card in an SD card holder. Such a mechanism may also be described as fix and eject mechanism or spring-loaded push-push mechanism. By implementing a push-to-release mechanism the lighting unit can be easily exchanged without the need to open the lighting device at all.

[0050] The retention mechanism may be configured to engage with the exchangeable lighting unit when inserted into (i.e. pushed into) the slot and prevent it from being accidentally removed. The retention mechanism may further comprise a spring-loaded latch that engages with a notch or groove on the lighting unit. The exchangeable lighting unit may be ejected by a push on the lighting unit to disengage mechanism, allowing the spring to push the lighting unit out slightly so that it can be easily removed from the lighting device.

[0051] The retention mechanism may further be similar to the mechanism known to eject a SIM card from a device. Such a retention mechanism may have a push-to-release mechanism using an ejector tool which may be inserted into a small hole on the device. The ejector tool may typically be a small metal pin. The ejector tool may push a spring-loaded mechanism within the retention mechanism, causing the exchangeable lighting unit to disengage and be pushed out slightly from the device such that it can be easily removed from the lighting device.

[0052] The exchangeable lighting unit may further be configured to be moved to a second connected position relative to the housing and to be reversibly locked in the second connected position. The exchangeable lighting unit may be supplied with electrical power from the power supply when in the second connected position, and a second light emitted by the exchangeable lighting unit in the second connected position may be different from a first light emitted in the first connected position.

[0053] The lighting functionality of the lighting device may be controlled by the position of the lighting unit. The lighting unit may have a first connected position and a second connected position, and the light emitted by the lighting unit may be different for both positions. In this way, a simple and easy way to provide a lighting device having multiple lighting modes may be created without the need for a controller or (wireless) connectivity of the lighting device.

[0054] In such examples, in the first connected position the lighting device may emit warm white light (e.g. light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 2000- 3500K) and in the second connected position the lighting device may emit cool white light (e.g. light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 4000-6000K). Alternatively, the amount of lighting elements which are switched on or the dimming level of the lighting elements may be different between the first and the second connected position.

[0055] The lighting device may comprise a first set of lighting unit electrical contacts and a second set of lighting unit electrical contacts. The first set of lighting unit electrical contacts may be in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts when the exchangeable lighting unit is in the first connected position. The second set of lighting unit electrical contacts may be in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts when the exchangeable lighting unit is in the second connected position.

[0056] A lighting device having multiple connected positions may be provided by using a lighting unit having multiple sets of lighting unit electrical contacts. The device electrical contacts may connect to a different set of lighting unit electrical contacts in each of the multiple connected positions.

[0057] In such examples, the first set of lighting unit electrical contacts may be connected to a first light source and the second set of lighting unit electrical contact may be connected to a second light source, which are both mounted to the carrier.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device may comprise a first set of device electrical contacts and a second set of device electrical contacts. The set of device electrical contacts may connect to one or more sets of lighting unit electrical contacts when the lighting unit is in different connected positions. In such examples, for example the power supply may provide different drive currents at different sets of device electrical contacts to control a dimming level of the light source. The carrier may have a circular shape having one or more flat sides.

[0059] A carrier having a circular shape may be especially beneficial for circular lighting devices, such as for example downlights, pendant lights, or spot lights.

[0060] A carrier having a fully circular shape may be less suitable in examples in which the exchangeable lighting unit is locked using a rotational movement and in which the opening of the housing is the light exit window. Holding the exchangeable lighting unit in the first connected position may not be possible for fully circular carriers in such examples. Hence, it is preferred to have a circular carrier comprising one or more flat sides, or alternatively having one or more cut-outs at the edge of the carrier. The size and shape of the cut-out may approximately correspond to the internal size and shape of the recess created in the housing.

[0061] The carrier may have a rectangular shape.

[0062] A carrier having a rectangular shape may be especially beneficial for elongated lighting devices, such as for example office lighting, troffers, linear luminaires, wall washers, or streetlights.

[0063] A carrier having a rectangular shape may be most suitable in examples in which the exchangeable lighting unit is locked using a translational movement and in which the opening is in a location separate from the light exit window such as an opening located at one of the sides of the housing, configured to slide in the exchangeable lighting unit from one of the sides into the housing.

[0064] The housing may comprise guiding means for guiding the exchangeable lighting unit from the initial position to the first connected position.

[0065] The movement of exchangeable lighting unit from the initial position to the first connected position may need to be reliably and securely guided to ensure correct movement and reliable connection of the lighting unit. To this end, the housing may comprise guiding means. The guiding means may also have a secondary function to support (the weight of) the exchangeable lighting unit being in the first connected position.

[0066] Guiding means in the context of this invention may for example comprise recesses, grooves, channels, threading, or supports. Further, also the slot (or additional slots comprised by the lighting device) may serve as guiding means. However, every means suitable for facilitating a reliable positioning of the exchangeable lighting unit in the first connected position (or further connected positions) may be regarded as guiding means according to the invention. The carrier may have a first major surface to which the light source is mounted and an opposite second major surface. The plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may be located on the first major surface, on the second major surface, or such that a first lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the first major surface and a second lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the second major surface.

[0067] Several advantageous positions of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may be considered. Positioning the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts on the same side of the carrier as the light source may provide the most cost-effective solution in producing the carrier. Positioning the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts on the opposite side of the carrier may provide advantages in the architecture of the housing and the slot, since the electrical connection may be simplified. Positioning the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts such that a first lighting unit electrical contact is located on same side as the light source and a second lighting unit electrical contact is located on opposite side may provide a lighting unit which can only be connected in one way. Due to the positioning of the electrical contacts, potential errors in placing and connection of the lighting unit (i.e. inverted polarity) may thus be avoided.

[0068] A first lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may be located at a first edge portion of the carrier, and a second lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may be located at a second edge portion of the carrier.

[0069] The plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may be located next to each other at the same edge portion. However, the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts may also be located at two separate edge portions. To this end, the lighting device may have a second slot to accommodate the second edge portion of the carrier. The second slot may comprise the second device electrical contact.

[0070] The second lighting unit electrical contact may be located at an opposite side of the carrier. The first and second lighting unit electrical contacts are preferably arranged in an axial symmetric way around a central axis of the carrier (in contrast to a rotational symmetric way). An axial symmetric arrangement equally provides a lighting unit which can only be connected in one way and potential errors in placing and connection of the lighting unit (i.e. inverted polarity) may easily be avoided.

[0071] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0072] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a cross section of the lighting device;

[0073] Figs. 2a and 2b show examples of an exchangeable lighting unit and a housing comprising an opening;

[0074] Figs. 3a and 3b show examples of an initial position and a first connected position;

[0075] Figs. 4a and 4b show additional examples of an exchangeable lighting unit and a corresponding housing;

[0076] Figs. 5a to 5c show different example locations of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts;

[0077] Fig. 6 shows additional aspects of the exchangeable lighting unit;

[0078] Figs. 7a and 7b show an example of a luminaire comprising an exchangeable lighting unit; and

[0079] Fig. 8 shows example applications of the lighting device.

[0080] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Fig. 1 schematically depicts a cross section through an example of a lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 comprising a housing 100, a power supply 200, and an exchangeable lighting unit 300. The power supply 200 is configured to provide electrical power at a plurality of device electrical contacts 121. The exchangeable lighting unit 300 comprises a light source 310 mounted on a carrier 320 and a plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321 located at an edge portion 322 of the carrier 320. The housing 100 comprises a slot 120 configured to accommodate the edge portion 322 of the carrier, the slot 120 comprising the plurality of device electrical contacts 121.

[0083] In the example depicted in Fig. 1, the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is in the first connected position and thus the edge portion 322 of the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is positioned inside the slot 120, the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is reversibly locked in the first connected position, and the plurality of device electrical contacts 121 is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321, such that the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is supplied with electrical power from the power supply 200. The light source 310 may be configured to emit light source light when the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is supplied with power from the power supply 200.

[0084] Fig. 2a shows an example of an exchangeable lighting unit 300 and Fig. 2b shows an example of a corresponding housing 100 comprising an opening 110 for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit 300 depicted in Fig. 2a in an initial position.

[0085] The exchangeable lighting unit 300 shown in Fig. 2a comprises a light source 310 comprising an array of light emitting elements. The carrier 320 has a circular shape having two flat sides. The carrier 320 further has an edge portion 322 comprising the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321.

[0086] The corresponding housing 100 shown in Fig. 2b comprises an opening 110 for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in an initial position. The opening 110 may have a shape having similar dimensions as the carrier 320, such that the carrier can be inserted into the housing 100 through the opening 110. In this example the opening 110 has a circular shape having two flat sides, comparable to the shape of the carrier 320. Furthermore, the opening 110 may be the light exit window 130, may be a part of the light exit window 130, or may comprise the light exit window 130. The housing 100 may comprise guiding means 140 for guiding the exchangeable lighting unit 300 from the initial position to the first connected position.

[0087] Fig. 3a schematically depicts the lighting device 1 with the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in the initial position and Fig. 3b depicts the exchangeable lighting unit in the first connected position. In Fig. 3a the exchangeable lighting unit 300 has been positioned within the opening 110 of the housing in the initial position. As described above, the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is configured to be moved from the initial position to the first connected position. In this example the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is configured to be moved by means of a rotational movement of 90° in a clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 3b. However, other rotation angles and rotation directions may be possible depending on the design of the lighting device, such as an angle in the range of 30° to 330°, such as 45° to 135°, preferably 60° to 120°. The lighting device 1 may preferably comprises a retention mechanism for reversibly locking the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in the first connected position. This retention mechanism may ensure that the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is securely held in position during operation, but may also ensure that the user exchanging the lighting unit receives (haptic, physical) feedback on when the lighting unit is in the correct position for operation. Fig. 3b shows the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in the first connected position. Thus, the edge portion 322 of the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is positioned inside the slot 120, the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is reversibly locked in the first connected position, and the plurality of device electrical contacts 121 is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321. The exchangeable light source 300 is held in the first connected position by a retention mechanism (not shown) and is supported by the slot 120 and at the opposite end of the carrier 320 by the guiding means 140.

[0088] Figs. 4a and 4b show additional examples of an exchangeable lighting unit and a corresponding housing. Fig. 4a shows an exchangeable lighting unit 300 of which the carrier 320 has a rectangular shape. Fig. 4b shows the corresponding housing 100 configured to accommodate the exchangeable lighting unit shown in Fig. 4a. the exchangeable lighting unit 300 of this example is configured to be moved from the initial position to the first connected position by means of a translational movement. The opening 110 for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in an initial position is located at a side face of the housing 100 (and may thus be an opening 110 different and separate from the light exit window 130). The opening 110 may be shaped as a slot having similar (equal or slightly larger) dimensions as the exchangeable light source 300, in particular the width and the height of the exchangeable light source 300.

[0089] The housing 100 of this example comprises guiding means 140 for guiding the exchangeable lighting unit 300 from the initial position to the first connected position. The guiding means 140 being protrusions from the housing on both sides of the light exit window 130 at regular intervals. The guiding means are configured to guide and to support the exchangeable lighting unit 300 once it is in the first connected position.

[0090] In the first connected position, the exchangeable lighting unit 300 may be located completely within the housing 100 and the light source 310 may be covered by a light exit window 130 of the housing 100.

[0091] Figs. 5a to 5c show different implementations of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts. Fig. 5a shows an example in which a first lighting unit electrical contact 3211 of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321 is located at a first edge portion 3221 of the carrier 320, and wherein a second lighting unit electrical contact 3212 of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 312 is located at a second edge portion 3222 of the carrier 320. The second edge portion 3222 may be at an opposite end of the carrier 320 to the first edge portion 3221. The carrier 320 may have a first major surface 323 to which the light source 310 is mounted and an opposite second major surface 324. Fig. 5b shows an example in which the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321 is located on the first major surface 323, thus at the same side as the light source 310. Fig. 5c shows an example in which the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321 is located on the second major surface 323, thus at the opposite side as the light source 310. The plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321 may alternatively be located such that a first lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the first major surface 323 and a second lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the second major surface 324.

[0092] Fig. 6 shows an example of an exchangeable lighting unit 300 configured to be moved to a second connected position relative to the housing 100 and to be reversibly locked in the second connected position. Second light emitted by the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in the second connected position may be different from the first light emitted in the first connected position. To this end the lighting device, more specifically the exchangeable lighting unit may comprise a first set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3213 and a second set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3214. The first set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3213 may be in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts (not shown) when the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is in the first connected position and the second set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3214 may be in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts when the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is in the second connected position.

[0093] For example, in the first connected position the light source 310 may emit cool white light (e.g. light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 2000-3500K) and in the second connected position the lighting device may emit warm white light (e.g. light having a correlated color temperature in the range of 4000-6000K). Alternatively, the amount of lighting elements 310 which are switched on or the dimming level of the light source 310 may be different between the first and the second connected position.

[0094] In the example depicted in Fig. 6, the first set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3213 is connected to a first light emitting element 310 of the light source and the second set of lighting unit electrical contacts 3214 is connected to a second light emitting element 310 of the light source.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device may comprise a first set of device electrical contacts and a second set of device electrical contacts (not shown). The set of device electrical contacts may connect to one or more sets of lighting unit electrical contacts when the lighting unit is in different connected positions. In such examples, for example the power supply may provide different drive currents at different sets of device electrical contacts to control a dimming level of the light source.

[0096] Figs. 7a and 7b show a further example of a lighting device according to the invention. In this example, the lighting device is depicted as a spotlight for illustration purposes only and the lighting device may be of any other suitable type.

[0097] The lighting device 1 may comprises a retention mechanism for reversibly locking the exchangeable lighting unit 300 in the first connected position. More specifically, the retention mechanism may comprise a push-to-release mechanism, preferably an SD card mechanism. The exchangeable lighting unit may comprise depicted in the example of Fig. 7 may comprise multiple sub areas. The lighting unit 300 may comprise a handling area for easy handling and release of the lighting unit 300 having space for additional electronic components. The lighting unit comprises a COB light source mounted on a carrier 320, such as placed in a holder. The exchangeable light source 300 may further comprises an edge portion 322 comprising the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321. The edge portion 322 may comprise a shape corresponding to the shape of an SD card. A typical SD card mechanism may provide eight electrical connections (i.e. eight device electrical contacts) and may thus be used for multi-channel applications, RGB, low resolution pixelated content, and / or swivel beam.

[0098] The exchangeable lighting unit 300 is pushed into lighting device through the opening 110 in the housing 100. The retention mechanism may be configured to engage with the exchangeable lighting unit 300 to hold it in the first connected position. The edge portion 322 of the exchangeable lighting unit 300 is positioned inside the slot 120 such that the plurality of device electrical contacts 121 is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts 321.

[0099] A small, button-like part of the exchangeable lighting unit 300 may still extend through the opening 110 when the lighting unit 300 is in said position. The exchangeable lighting unit 300 may be ejected by a push on the button-like part of the lighting unit 300 to disengage the retention mechanism. This decouples the electrical contacts and thermal contact to the heat sink and the lighting unit 300 can be easily removed from the lighting device 1.

[0100] Fig. 8 schematically depicts examples of possible applications of the lighting device 1000 as described above. Reference 301 indicates a user interface which may be functionally coupled with the control system 300 comprised by or functionally coupled to the lighting device 1000. Reference 3 indicates a projector device or projector system, which may be used to project images, such as at a wall, which may comprise the lighting device 1000. Hence, Fig. 8 schematically depicts embodiments of a lighting device 1000 selected from the group of a lamp 1, a luminaire 2, a projector device 3, a downlight 4, a disinfection device, a photochemical reactor, and an optical wireless communication device, comprising the lighting device 1000 as described herein. Such lighting device 1000 may especially be a lamp 1 or a luminaire 2, or a downlight 3. Lighting device light escaping from the lighting device 1000 is indicated with reference 1201. Lighting device light 1201 may essentially consist of system light 1001, and may in specific embodiments thus be system light 1001.

[0101] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0102] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device (1) comprising a housing (100), a power supply (200), and an exchangeable lighting unit (300), wherein the power supply (200) is configured to provide electrical power at a plurality of device electrical contacts (121), wherein the exchangeable lighting unit (300) comprises a light source (310) mounted on a carrier (320) and a plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) located at an edge portion (322) of the carrier (320), wherein the exchangeable lighting unit has a lighting unit shape defined by a largest carrier perimeter, wherein the housing (100) comprises an opening (110) for receiving the exchangeable lighting unit (300) in an initial position, wherein the opening (110) has an opening shape defined by an opening perimeter, the opening shape corresponding to the lighting unit shape, the opening perimeter being equal to or greater than the largest carrier perimeter, wherein the lighting device (1) further comprising a slot (120) configured to accommodate the edge portion (322) of the carrier, the slot (120) comprising the plurality of device electrical contacts (121), wherein the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is configured to be moved from the initial position to a first connected position relative to the housing (100) by means of a rotational movement, such that when the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is in the first connected position: the edge portion (322) of the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is positioned inside the slot (120), the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is reversibly locked in the first connected position, and the plurality of device electrical contacts (121) is in physical and electrical contact with the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321), such that the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is supplied with electrical power from the power supply (200).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (310) comprises an array of light emitting elements.

3. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of device electrical contacts (121) and the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) comprises a spring contact, a sliding contact, or a conductive brush contact.

4. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device comprises a light exit window (130), wherein the opening (i) is the light exit window (130) (ii) is part of the light exit window (130), or (iii) comprises the light exit window (130).

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational movement from the initial position to the first connected position comprises rotating the exchangeable lighting unit (300) by an angle in the range of 45° to 135°.

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is completely contained within the housing (100) when the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is in the first connected position.

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device (1) comprises a retention mechanism for reversibly locking the exchangeable lighting unit (300) in the first connected position.

8. The lighting device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the retention mechanism comprises a push to release mechanism.

9. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is further configured to be moved to a second connected position relative to the housing (100) and to be reversibly locked in the second connected position, wherein the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is supplied with electrical power from the power supply (200) when in the second connected position, and wherein a second lightemitted by the exchangeable lighting unit (300) in the second connected position is different from a first light emitted in the first connected position.

10. The lighting device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the lighting device (1) comprises a first set of lighting unit electrical contacts (3213) and a second set of lighting unit electrical contacts (3214), wherein the first set of lighting unit electrical contacts (3213) is in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts (121) when the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is in the first connected position, wherein the second set of lighting unit electrical contacts (3214) is in physical and electrical contact with the device electrical contacts when the exchangeable lighting unit (300) is in the second connected position.

11. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the carrier (320) has a circular shape having one or more flat sides.

12. The lighting device (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the carrier (320) has a rectangular shape.

13. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (100) comprises guiding means (140) for guiding the exchangeable lighting unit (300) from the initial position to the first connected position.

14. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier (320) has a first major surface (323) to which the light source (310) is mounted and an opposite second major surface (324), wherein the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) is located(i) on the first major surface (323),(ii) on the second major surface (324), or(iii) such that a first lighting unit electrical contact (of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the first major surface (323) and a second lighting unit electrical contact of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts is located on the second major surface (324).

15. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first lighting unit electrical contact (3211) of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) is located at a first edge portion (3221) of the carrier (320), and wherein a second lighting unit electrical contact (3212) of the plurality of lighting unit electrical contacts (321) is located at a second edge portion (3222) of the carrier (320).

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