FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting. More particularly, the present invention
relates to systems for fitting a plurality of light emitting diodes such as for example
light emitting diode strips.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Initially, light emitting diodes (LEDs) were mainly used as indicators or signs for
identifying the status of a system or as components in LED displays, such as for example
in stadium displays or as dynamic message displays. Meanwhile, the LED market has
substantially grown. LEDs are now for example also used for traffic lights and signals,
exit signs, emergency vehicle lighting, Christmas lights, high-mounted brake lights,
glowsticks, etc.
[0003] Over the years, a plurality of types of LEDs and LED fittings have been developed,
each having particular properties. Single colour as well as white emitting LEDs exist.
LEDs with higher efficiency and power have been developed. LEDs with different type
of mountings have been introduced, such as surface mounted or mounted using through
holes on a printed circuit board.
[0004] A class of applications that still is strongly developing is the use of LEDs in lighting
and illumination applications, which has amongst others been made possible due to
the development of high efficiency and high power white emitting LEDs having a long
lifetime and low power consumption. Different types of white emitting LEDs have been
developed. One type of white emitting LED is referred to as multi-color LED, whereby
a plurality of light emitting diodes emitting at different wavelenghts or in different
wavelength regions is combined thus resulting in an overall white emission. A second
type of white emitting LED is referred to as a phosphor converted LED, wherein a LED
emission at short wavelengths is created which is converted by a fluorescent layer
into white emission. As indicated above, light emitting diodes (LED) have a significant
longer life time than the incandescent light bulbs they typically are replacing in
lighting applications. Nevertheless, the life time of LEDs still is significantly
influenced by the cooling provided, especially in case of high power LEDs. Thermal
management in this type of LEDs therefore has been extensively studied, resulting
in a plurality of solutions, one thereof being the provision of a heat sink. LEDs
for lighting and illumination applications have been made available in the form of
light bulbs, LED lamps, LED strips, etc. Different types of LED strips exist. One
example of a LED strip is a set of LEDs encapsulated in a flexible strip of translucent
material. This typically results in a bulky packaging. Another example of LED strip
is described in
US2010/0097791 A1, wherein a thin-profiled LED strip is provided having a set of LEDs positioned on
a flexible printed circuit, covered with a thin flexible light- transmitting layer
and having an electrical connector at one end.
[0005] Whereas LED light bulbs or LED lamps often make use of a similar electrical fitting
and mechanical positioning system as for other lamp types, this is less the case for
LED strips. One example of electrical fittings used in LED strips are electrical connectors
at the end of the LED strip.
[0006] US 2009/0239393 describes a LED system with a conductive magnetic coupling system for coupling a
set of LEDs to a LED fitting. The conductive magnetic coupling system provides both
a bonding mechanism for securing the components to one another as well as a mechanism
for providing electrical and data signal connectivity. LED strips are especially suitable
for use in small spaces as they can be compact in size, but the small available space
for mounting and/or connecting, may result in difficulties for mounting and/or connecting
the LED strip in the fitting. In some applications, LEDs are used in indirect illumination
systems. Such illumination systems typically comprise a holder for mounting the LEDs
and a blocking element for blocking direct view of the LEDs, thus creating the experience
of indirect illumination.
[0007] US2007/263379A1 discloses a LED strip fitting which is considered the closest state of the art for
the LED strip fitting of claim 5.
WO2008/099306A1 discloses a LED strip which is considered the closest state of the art for the LED
strip of claim 1.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide systems for illuminating using
LED strips. It is an advantage of the present invention that an easy and user-friendly
electrically and/or mechanically positioning and/or connection can be obtained.
[0009] It is an advantage of the present invention that LED strips are provided that can
be easily applied for indirect lighting. It is an advantage of the present invention
that LED strip fittings or luminaires can be provided for indirect lighting, wherein
the individual LED sources are not directly visible, without the need for a diffusing
filter, such as for example a glass filter.
[0010] It is an advantage of the present invention that LED strip fittings are provided,
allowing easy mounting of LED strips in the LED strip fitting e.g. in case of installation
or in case of replacement after failure of one or more of the LED elements or strips.
[0011] It is an advantage that easy mounting is obtained even at positions where the mounting
space for the LED strip is not directly in a line of sight of the user or where the
available space for manipulating the LED strip is small.
[0012] It is an advantage of the present invention that LED strip fittings and corresponding
LED strips are provided that allow accurate positioning of the LED strip, e.g. without
the risk of the LED strip displacing in the fitting upon use.
[0013] It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that LED strip fittings can be provided
wherein thermal control, e.g. by heat dissipation or cooling, of the fitting can be
easily obtained.
[0014] It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that LED strip fittings can be provided
that can easily be integrated in profiles for finishing a room, allowing to amplify
the effects of contemporary minimalistic architectural designs by isolating or connecting
lines, planes and volumes in a place, using fine light lines.
[0015] It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that a seamlessly fit in walls, ceilings,
floors or furniture can be obtained. It is an advantage of some embodiments that a
pure and homogeneous light output can be obtained.
[0016] It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that easy selection of the length
of the LED strip fitting can be made, as well as that easy connection between different
LED strip fittings can be made.
[0017] It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that compact LED strip fittings with
a limited number of electrical contacts can be provided, while still allowing accurate
and relatively complex driving of the LED strip and/or its light emitting elements.
It is an advantage of at least some embodiments that a reliable and physically small
driver for driving the LED strip and/or its light emitting elements can be obtained.
[0018] The above objectives are accomplished by devices according to the present invention
laid down in the appended independent claims and its preferred embodiments laid down
in the dependent claims.
[0019] The present invention relates to a LED strip fitting for holding at least one LED
strip as defined in any of claims 1 to 4, the LED strip fitting comprising a cavity
adapted for receiving the at least one LED strip so that after installation of the
LED strip in the LED strip fitting, the LED strip is substantially not directly visible
by a viewer and indirect lighting is provided. It also comprises at least one set
of contact electrodes for inducing pressure based contact with the electrical contact
electrodes of the at least one LED strip, a magnetically interacting element for magnetically
interacting with the at least one LED strip for positioning the at least one LED strip,
the magnetically interacting element being adapted for providing, by magnetic interaction
with the at least one LED strip, a pressure between the at least one set of contact
electrodes and the contact electrodes of the at least one LED strip so as to obtain
electrical contact between the LED strip fitting and the at least one LED strip. The
LED strip fitting further comprises in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the LED strip fitting a complementary curved portion wherein the curved
portion disposed on the one side of the positioning means of the LED strip is adapted
for being fitted and a complementary cornered portion wherein the cornered portion
disposed on the one side of the positioning means of the LED strip is adapted for
being fitted.
[0020] The LED strip fitting further may comprise at least one profile portion for receiving
construction material on the profile portion, the LED strip fitting thus forming a
construction profile for finishing any of a wall, a ceiling or construction such as
furniture, the cavity being formed in the construction profile such that it is suitable
for indirect lighting of the wall, the ceiling or the construction.
[0021] The magnetically interacting element may extend along a longitudinal direction of
the LED strip fitting.
[0022] The fitting may comprise a heat sink for removing heat from the LED strip.
[0023] The heat sink of the LED strip fitting may comprise cooling fins for cooling the
LED strip fitting.
[0024] The LED strip fitting may be adapted for contacting the at least one set of electrical
contacts from a second side or a side different from the side for contacting electrodes
of the LED strip such as for example a side opposite the side for contacting electrodes
of the LED strip, thus providing the possibility to contact the at least one set of
electrical contacts with an interconnection means for interconnecting different LED
strip fittings.
[0025] The present invention furthermore relates to a kit of parts comprising a LED strip
according to any of claims 1 to 4 and a LED strip fitting according to any of claims
5 to 12.
[0026] The present invention relates to a LED strip comprising at least one light emitting
device, the LED strip further comprising at least one set of pressure based electrical
contact electrodes for electrical connection with a set of contact electrodes of a
LED strip fitting, and a positioning means comprising on one side a magnetically interacting
element for positioning the LED strip by magnetic interaction with the LED strip fitting,
the magnetically interacting element being adapted for providing, by magnetic interaction
with the LED strip fitting, a pressure between the at least one set of pressure based
electrical contact electrodes and the contact electrodes of the LED strip fitting
so as to obtain electrical contact between the LED strip and the LED strip fitting,
wherein the LED strip comprises a driving module for generating drive signals for
driving the LED strip, wherein the positioning means comprises in a cross-section
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the LED strip on one side a curved
portion, adapted for fitting in a complementary curved portion in the LED strip fitting,
and a cornered portion adapted for fitting in a complementary shaped portion in the
LED strip fitting, said curved portion) and said cornered portion extending in said
longitudinal direction.
[0027] The driving module may be adapted for receiving control data from a controller and
for generating drive signals for driving the LED strip based on the received control
data. The driving module may be adapted for receiving control data from the controller
via an intermediate driving module from another LED strip.
[0028] The magnetically interacting element may extend along a longitudinal direction of
the LED strip. It is an advantage of embodiments according to the present invention
that accurate positioning can be obtained as positioning and/or fixation is obtained
at different positions along the longitudinal direction of the LED strip.
[0029] The LED strip may comprise different sets of pressure based contact electrodes along
a longitudinal direction of the LED strip. It is an advantage of embodiments according
to the present invention that the plurality of pressure based electrical contact electrodes
can provide electrical contact between different parts of a LED strip fitting that
are not in direct electrical contact with each other.
[0030] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying
independent and dependent claims. These and other aspects of the invention will be
apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031]
FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D illustrate a cross-sectional view, a top view,
an elevated front view and an elevated back view respectively of an example of a LED
strip comprising a fixation means for positioning the LED strip and for assisting
in electrically contacting the LED strip in a LED strip fitting, according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example of a LED strip fitting comprising
a LED strip as shown in FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C illustrates an alternative example of LED strip fitting for a LED
strip providing direct illumination not supporting the present invention. FIG. 4A
to FIG. 4E illustrate an example of a construction profile being a LED strip fitting
for providing indirect illumination in a wall, FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C illustrating a cross-sectional
view and elevated top views of LED strip fittings with a LED strip incorporated, FIG.
4D illustrating a construction profile without LED strip, FIG. 4E illustrating an
embedded construction profile according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C illustrates an example of another construction profile comprising
a LED strip fitting for providing indirect illumination in a corner between two walls
or between a wall and a ceiling, FIG. 5A illustrating a construction profile with
LED strip incorporated, FIG. 5B illustrating a construction profile without LED strip,
FIG. 5C illustrating an embedded construction profile according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C illustrate an example of an illumination spot comprising two portions,
a portion for guiding the radiation indirectly to the viewer as shown in FIG. 6B and
a portion for mounting the LED strip in FIG. 6C, the illumination spot being adapted
for comprising a LED strip for providing indirect illumination according to an embodiment
not supporting the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates another LED strip fitting according to an embodiment not supporting
the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an interconnection means for connecting different LED strip fittings.
The drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of
some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.
[0032] Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.
[0033] In the different drawings, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The invention will now be described by a detailed description of several embodiments
of the invention. It is clear that other embodiments of the invention can be configured
according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art, the invention being limited
only by the terms of the appended claims.
[0035] Where in embodiments of the present invention reference is made to a light emitting
device strip fitting or LED strip fitting, reference is made to a lamp holder, wherein
a LED strip can be positioned and which allows or provides for electrical connection
of the LED strip to a power source, such as a battery or a mains voltage. Where reference
is made to fitting or LED strip fitting, also the terminology lamp holder or luminaire
is encompassed.
[0036] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a LED strip for providing lighting
or illumination. The LED strips are especially suitable for use in indirect lighting,
although embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the LED
strips can also be used for other applications, such as for example direct lighting
or illumination. According to embodiments of the present invention, the LED strip
is a lighting or illumination source comprising at least one light emitting device,
in some embodiments being a plurality of light emitting devices. If a plurality of
light emitting devices are used, these may be arranged in a line matrix, column matrix
or m x n matrix, although embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. Also
non arranged LEDs may be used. The at least one light emitting device may be any type
of light emitting device such as for example more conventional LEDs, high power LEDs,
coloured LEDs, white LEDs, single coloured non-dimmable LEDs, single colour dimmable
LEDs, tunable white LEDs, RGB LEDs, ...The LED strip according to the present invention
comprises at least one set of pressure based electrical contact electrodes for electrical
connection with a set of electrode contacts of a LED strip fitting by contacting the
contact electrodes using pressure. The electrical contact electrodes for pressure
based contact may for example be contacts that can be pressed to corresponding electrode
contacts by a resilient means, such as for example a spring. The LED strip furthermore
comprises a positioning means comprising a magnetically interacting element for positioning
the LED strip by magnetic interaction within the LED strip fitting. The magnetically
interacting element thereby is adapted for providing, through magnetic interaction
with the LED strip fitting, a pressure between the at least one set of electrical
contact electrodes of the LED strip and the contact electrodes of the LED strip fitting
so as to obtain electrical contact between the LED strip and the LED strip fitting.
[0037] The electrical contact electrodes may be made of any conductive material, such as
for example - but not limited to - copper. The electrical contact electrodes may be
provided as at least one set of electrodes, such a set of electrodes comprising at
least two electrical contact electrodes. Advantageously, more than one set of electrodes
may be provided. The provision of more set of electrodes may on the one hand provide
a type of redundancy, such that if contact for one set of contacts fails making accurate
contact, good contact still can be reached through one of the other sets. Furthermore,
each resilient electrical contact itself also may be shaped such that it has more
than one position for contacting a counter electrode. The resilient electrical contact
may for example be w-shaped. Another advantage can be obtained for configurations
wherein more than one LED strip fitting is used and whereby the LED strip is positioned
partly on one fitting and partly on another fitting. Providing different sets of contacts
for the LED strip may allow overcoming an interruption of electrical contacts at the
side of the fittings, thus allowing to still obtain an electrical operating circuit.
The different sets of contacts may be provided at different positions along the length
direction of the LED strip. According to one embodiment, each set of electrodes may
comprise more than two electrodes, thus allowing to drive for example different LEDs
provided in the LED strip. If for example different coloured LEDs are used, the electrical
circuit in the LED strip may be adapted so that different coloured LEDs can be selected
by selecting different electrodes within the set for the driving. In such a way, the
LED strip may be tuned to a particular overall colour or to a mixture of different
colours.
[0038] According to the present invention, the LED strip comprises a driving module for
generating drive signals for driving the LED strip. Such drive signals may be derived
or generated based on control data provided by a controller being part of the lighting
system. The driving module thus may be adapted for receiving control data from a controller
and for generating drive signals for driving the LED strip based on the received control
data.
[0039] It is an advantage that the driving module may be incorporated in the LED strip,
as this allows reducing the number of electrical contacts that are required. With
a driving module incorporated in the LED strip, the number of electrical contacts
for contacting the LED strip may be limited to the number of contacts required for
powering the device, while drive signals for the light emitting devices on the LED
strip can be obtained separately, e.g. wireless, or through demodulating a modulated
power signal.
[0040] This furthermore allows to prolong the LED strip fitting used to the length as required,
e.g. using multiple fittings coupled to each other, as it reduces the requirements
for drive signal transport along the LED strip fitting. The latter may in some embodiments
be assisted by the fact that the driving module may be adapted for receiving control
data from a controller via an intermediate drive module from another LED strip. In
other words, the driving module may be adapted for receiving control data through
another LED strip, e.g. an intermediate LED strip and/or a neighbouring LED strip.
The driving module therefore may be adapted not only for receiving control data, but
also for transmitting control data to other LED strips, e.g. neighbouring LED strips.
Control signals may for example comprise signals for dimming or signals for inducing
a colour change, although embodiments are not limited thereby.
[0041] In some advantageous embodiments, the driving module is adapted for receiving the
control data in a wireless manner, i.e. through wireless communication. It is an advantage
of embodiments of the present invention using driving modules adapted for wireless
communication that such driving modules can be small or compact, such that integration
in the LED strip can easily be made. The driving module may for example be a Bluetooth,
wireless LAN or ZigBee based or compatible.
[0042] If for example ZigBee is considered, transmission or receipt of data control signals
can be obtained making use of a low-data-rate short-range wireless network. For the
example of ZigBee, different frequency bands can be used, optionally depending on
the geographic region wherein the LED strip fitting is used, for example 868MHz, 915MHz
or 2.4GHz. Furthermore ZigBee provides a sufficient data rate, e.g. up to 250 Kbits
per second. Another advantage is that ZigBee devices can operate at low power. With
respect to size, the ZigBee modules typically are compact so these can in at least
some embodiments of the present invention be fitted into the LED modules. ZigBee modules
also do not seem to suffer from signal disturbance due to the LED strip fitting, even
if the profile is made of metal such as Aluminum. The driving module may be an electronic
circuit for converting a modulation of an incoming electronic signal to driving signals
for driving the at least one light emitting device. In some embodiments, the driving
module may comprise an intelligent module for interpreting, e.g. demodulating, a modulated
electrical or digital signal provided to the electrical contact, whereby modulation
of the electrical signal in a particular way may correspond with a particular driving
of the one or more LEDs. Such an intelligent module thus may convert a particularly
modulated electrical or digital signal to different drive signals for the different
LEDs, thus allowing driving the individual LEDs differently, resulting in e.g. a different
overall colour emitted by the LED strip.
[0043] The magnetically interacting element may be a magnetic material or a metal material
which can magnetically interact with a magnet in the LED strip fitting. The magnetically
interacting element may for example be magnetite, cobalt, nickel, ferrite, ainico
magnets, ticonal magnets, etc. Advantageously the magnetic material is permanent magnetic
material such as for example hard magnetic materials, also referred to as permanent
magnetic materials. Some examples thereof, the present invention not being limited
thereby, can be commercial materials such as Arnokrom or Crovac. The magnetically
interacting element may be in any suitable form, such as for example in the form of
a plate or a film. The magnetically interacting element may have an elongated form
and may extend along the length direction of the LED strip. In some embodiments, the
magnetically interacting element may extend over at least 50%, advantageously over
at least 75% of the length of the LED strip.
[0044] According to the present invention, the positioning means is provided with curved
and corner-shaped portions adapted for assisting, by virtue of their shape, in positioning
of the LED strip in the LED strip fitting. The curved and corner-shaped portions are
such that they interact with a complementary shaped portion of the LED strip fitting.
In this way, when the positioning of the LED strip and the LED strip fitting is accurate,
the LED strip can for example be fully adjacent at certain sides with the LED strip
fitting. Furthermore, during positioning, the combination of the magnetic force and
the shape results in additional mechanical forces on the LED strip, so that an even
more accurate positioning is obtained.
[0045] According to the present invention, the LED strip shape and the shape of the LED
strip are such that that due to the magnetic interaction there is a good contact between
the LED strip and the LED strip fitting, allowing to transfer heat from the LED strip
to the LED strip fitting. The materials of the LED strip also may be selected for
having a good thermal conductivity, such that heat is easily transferred. By way of
illustration, embodiments of the present invention not being limited thereby, an exemplary
LED strip according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1A
in cross-sectional view and in FIG. 1B in top view. Furthermore FIG. 1C and FIG. 1D
show an elevated front view and an elevated back view of the LED strip 100. The LED
strip 100 illustrates the electrical contact electrodes 120 for pressure based electrical
contact, in the LED strip shown being 4 sets of electrical contact electrodes 120
for pressure based electrical contact. Furthermore, the magnetically interacting element
132 is shown being part of a positioning means 130. In the present example, the magnetically
interacting element 132 extends along the full length of the LED strip. In the current
example, the magnetically interacting element has a width of about 5mm and a thickness
of about 2mm, although embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereby.
The positioning means 130 of the present example furthermore has on one side a curved
portion 134, adapted for fitting in a complementary curved portion in the LED strip
fitting, and a cornered portion 136 adapted for fitting in a complementary shaped
portion in the LED strip fitting. In FIG. 1B it is shown that the different LEDs that
typically may be grouped on an intermediate device 150 may be mounted in the LED strip
using any suitable means, such as by means of screws 152. It is an advantage of embodiments
of the present invention that applying such screws 152 can be performed before the
fitting of the LED strip into the LED strip fitting, thus avoiding mounting problems
in small or difficult reachable spaces. The intermediate device may be a printed circuit
board. In some embodiments the major part of the remaining body, e.g. besides the
magnetically interacting element and the electrical contacts, can be made of any type
of material such as for example a plastic or a metal, such as e.g. aluminum. For heat
control reasons the material may be selected for having a high thermal conductivity.
[0046] Whereas in the present example the magnetically interacting material and the electrical
contacts have been shown as lying in different planes of the LED strip, the latter
is not required and magnetically interacting material and electrical contact can also
be positioned in the same plane. An example not supporting the independent claims
will be visible in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, as discussed later.
[0047] It is an advantage of the present invention that the positioning means with magnetically
interacting element can provide both a good positioning and a good fixing of the LED
strip in a LED strip fitting. This may for example allow that the LED strip may be
mounted in any direction, without having the risk that the LED strip drops out of
the LED strip fitting.
[0048] In a second aspect according to embodiments of the present invention, a LED strip
fitting is provided. The LED strip fitting according to the present invention is suitable
for operation with the LED strip as described in the first aspect. According to the
present invention, the LED strip fitting comprises a set of contact electrodes for
pressure based contacting electrical contact electrodes of a LED strip and a magnetically
interacting element for magnetically interacting with a LED strip for positioning
the LED strip. The magnetically interacting element is adapted for providing, by magnetic
interaction with the LED strip a pressure between the at least one set of contact
electrodes and the contact electrodes of the LED strip so as to obtain electrical
contact between the LED strip fitting and the LED strip.
[0049] The set of electrodes of the LED strip fitting may comprise at least two electrodes,
although also more electrodes may be provided. More than two electrodes may for example
allow driving only a selected number of electrodes, resulting in the possibility to
select colour if different colour LEDs are used, to drive only a certain part of the
LEDs on the LED strip such that only a selected part of the LED strip is illuminating,
etc. In this way colour selection of the LED strip can be performed. The LED strip
fitting is adapted for operating with LED strips comprising a driving module for converting
control signals into drive signals. In such an embodiment the number of electrodes
can still be low, e.g. two, while control of the illumination, e.g. with respect to
dimming or colour change, can still be obtained, for example by wirelessly obtaining
control signals or by modulation/demodulation of control signals applied to the power
signals. The LED strip fitting may comprise a controller for generating such control
signals and/or modulation. The electrodes may be made of any electrically conductive
material, such as for example copper. When a plurality of different LED strip fittings
are used to form a long LED strip fitting, the electrodes may be electrically interconnected
using interconnection pieces, although in some embodiments interconnection can also
be provided via the LED strips, when these are positioned into place. The electrodes
may advantageously extend along the full longitudinal direction of the LED strip fitting.
The latter results in that the exact position along the longitudinal direction of
the LED strip fitting is less critical. In some embodiments, the electrodes advantageously
are arranged such that parallel connection of different LED strips in one or more
LED strip fitting is obtained.
[0050] The magnetically interacting element in the LED strip fitting may for example be
a magnetic element , in which case the LED strip itself may comprise merely a metallic
material as magnetic interacting element, or for example the LED strip fitting may
comprise merely a metallic material as magnetic interacting element, in which case
the LED strip itself should comprise a magnetic element. The material may be applied
in any suitable form, such as for example as a plate or film of material. In some
embodiments the magnetically interacting element may extend along the length direction
of the LED strip fitting. It may extend over the full length of the LED strip fitting,
although embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the magnetically
interacting element may extend over at least 50%, advantageously over at least 75%
of the length of the LED strip. According to the present invention, the LED strip
fitting comprises curved and cornered shaped portions adapted for assisting in positioning
of the LED strip. Such assisting may be by virtue of the shape of the curved and cornered
portions. The shape of the curved and cornered portions is such that it is complementary
to the shape of curved and cornered portions of the LED strip to be positioned. In
this way, when the positioning of the LED strip in the LED strip fitting is accurate,
the LED strip fitting can, at certain surfaces of the fitting, be adjacent to LED
strip. Furthermore, during positioning, the combination of the magnetic force and
the shape results in additional mechanical forces between the LED strip and the LED
strip fitting, so that an even more accurate positioning is obtained.
[0051] It is an advantage of the present invention that a good direct contact between the
LED strip fitting and the LED strip is obtained over e.g. one side of the LED strip,
so that heat dissipation to the LED strip profile and optionally to a heat sink thermally
coupled therewith can be obtained.
[0052] The LED strip fitting furthermore may comprise electrical components for providing
power to the LED strip, driving the LED strip or providing control signals to the
LED strip. Such components could be introduced in the LED strip fitting at any suitable
position, for example positioned at a position opposite to where the LED strip is
to be positioned with respect to the magnetic interacting element. In some embodiments
intelligent driving can be performed, e.g. by modulating the electrical or digital
driving signals, whereby interpretation of the modulated signal may indicate a certain
driving pattern, such as a timing for the ON time of the individual light emitting
devices, dimming or colour control, to be applied in the LED strip to the different
LEDs. In such cases, the LED strip typically may comprise an intelligent driving module
for translating the modulated driving signals in particular driving signals in the
LED strip. As indicated above, when a LED strip with driving module implemented therein
is used, the LED strip fitting may comprise a controller for providing control signals
to the driving module. Such a controller may be adapted for providing control data
to the LED strip for generating drive signals for driving the LED strip. The controller
may transmit control signals for a number of LED strips to one or more driving modules
which at their turn may transmit control signals to further driving modules of other
LED strips or the controller may provide control signals to each of the LED strips
separately. Control signals may for example comprise signals for dimming or signals
for inducing a colour change, although embodiments are not limited thereby.
[0053] The controller may provide data to the driving modules through wireless communication.
The controller may for example be a Bluetooth, wireless LAN or ZigBee based or compatible.
[0054] According the present invention, the LED strip fitting comprises a cavity adapted
for receiving one or more LED strips so that, after installation of the LED strip,
the LED strip is substantially not or not directly visible by a viewer and that indirect
lighting is provided. The cavity may be formed by a single constructional element
of the LED strip fitting, thus avoiding the need for mounting a cover or side wall
in front of the cavity after mounting of the LED strip in the fitting. The cavity
may have a curved back wall adapted for reflecting radiation from the LED strip out
of the cavity towards a viewer. The latter has the advantage of avoiding the need
for partial disassembly of the LED strip fitting when a LED strip is to be installed
or replaced, but results in the difficulty that the position where the LED strip is
to be mounted with respect to the LED strip fitting is not directly visible by the
person installing the LED strip. In other words, mounting is to be performed without
direct vision on the at least one LED strip. The latter is solved in embodiments of
the present invention by providing good mechanical and electrical contact by the magnetic
interaction, advantageously further assisted by structural mechanical features, such
as curved or cornered portions. In some embodiments of the present invention, the
LED strip fitting forms a construction profile comprising at least one profile portion
for receiving construction material on the profile portion. The construction profile
may be a profile for finishing any of a wall, a ceiling or construction. The cavity
thereby may be formed in the construction profile such that it is suitable for indirect
lighting of the wall, the ceiling or the construction.
[0055] Other components that may be introduced are a heat sink for guiding the heat away
from the LEDs, cooling fins, e.g. mounted on a heat sink, ... The material of the
LED fitting or a part thereof may be selected such that the fitting has a good thermal
behaviour for collecting heat from the LED strip and optionally dissipating it towards
a heat sink.
[0056] The LED strip fitting furthermore may be adapted with an electrical connector for
connecting the contact electrodes of the LED strip fitting to a power source, such
as a battery or mains supply. Preferably, the LED strip fitting furthermore may be
adapted for being electrically connected to neighbouring LED strip fittings. The latter
can for example be obtained by adapting the LED strip fitting for contacting the at
least one set of electrical contacts from a second side, thus providing the possibility
to contact the at least one set of electrical contacts with an interconnection means
for electrically interconnecting different LED strip fittings. Advantageously at the
same time also a mechanical interconnection between different LED strip fittings can
be obtained. The LED strip fitting may comprise connector spacings in which interconnection
means, more particularly connection pieces, can be introduced. By providing such connector
spacings at both sides of the LED strip fitting, insertion of a connector at one side
of a first LED strip fitting and at another side of a second LED strip fitting, a
connection between the first and the second LED strip fitting can be obtained. The
connector spacing may be such that by virtue of its shape it fits with the connection
pieces.
[0057] The connector spacing may comprise extruding portions and indenting portions such
that the interconnection piece, or more particularly a connector portion thereof,
can be received for example in a sliding manner in one direction, allowing to insert
the interconnection piece in the LED strip fitting. By way of illustration, an example
of a LED strip fitting 200 with a connector spacing 702 with indentations and extruding
portions is shown in FIG. 7. The electrical contacts 220 from one side being electrically
connectable to the LED strip and at the other side being electrically connectable
with an interconnection means are also indicated, as well as the magnetic interacting
element 232. Furthermore, by way of illustration, an interconnecting means is also
shown in FIG. 8. The interconnection means 800 may be made of a single piece or may
be made of several separate pieces. In the example shown, two connector pieces 802,
804 are provided, each connector piece 802, 804 fitting the connector spacing at one
side of a LED strip fitting. The connector pieces may provide an electrical feedthrough
, e.g. from one side of the connector piece to the other sied, ad may comprise an
electrical socket in connection with the electrical feedthrough and adapted for receiving
an electrical contact plug. Furthermore, a third portion 806 is provided for electrically
interconnecting the two connector pieces, thus forming the interconnection means.
Electrically interconnecting the two portions may be based on any suitable third portion,
e.g. wires with electrical contact plugs for electrically contacting the connector
pieces. It is to be understood that other connector pieces also can be provided, such
as for example sliding electrical contact plugs. A first exemplary embodiment of a
LED strip fitting according to the invention, in the present example with a LED strip
according to the present invention positioned therein, is shown in FIG. 2.
[0058] The LED strip fitting 200 comprises at least one set of electrodes 220, a magnetically
interacting element 232 and curved and cornered portions 234, 236 further assisting
in accurate positioning when combined with complementary curved and cornered portions
of the LED strip. The LED strip shown comprises the same features as described for
FIG. 1B. Whereas this example shows the magnetically interacting portion and the electrical
contacts in different planes of the fitting, these components also may be positioned
in the same plane.
[0059] By way of illustration, particular examples are shown, whereby different examples
illustrate embodiments of different aspects of the present invention. A number of
LED strip fittings being at the same time construction profiles 200 will further be
discussed in more detail. In a first example, a LED strip 100 is shown as well as
a LED strip fitting 200, whereby direct lighting or illumination is obtained. Whereas
a particular example is shown, it is obvious for the person skilled in the art that
different shapes of fitting 200 and LED strips 100 are within the scope of the present
invention as laid down in the appended claims.
[0060] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross section of a LED strip 100, FIG. 3B illustrates a cross
section of a LED strip fitting 200 and FIG. 3C illustrates a cross section of a LED
strip 100 positioned in a LED strip fitting 200. In this first example not supporting
the invention, the magnetically interacting element 132 and the electrical contacts
120 are positioned in the same plane. According to an embodiment of the present invention,
that magnetic interaction between the LED strip 100 and LED strip fitting 200, more
particularly between the magnetically interacting element 132 and the magnetically
interacting element 232 results in the pressure electrical contacts 120 being in direct
contact with the electrical contacts 220 of the LED strip fitting 200. The LED strip
fitting 200 shown can be used for direct lighting or illumination. In the example
shown, additional features are present in the LED strip shape and LED strip fitting
shape, assisting in obtaining a more accurate positioning, although embodiments are
not limited thereby.
[0061] In a second example, a LED strip fitting as described above is provided, whereby
the LED strip fitting comprises at least one profile portion for receiving construction
material such as for example plasterboard or plaster on the profile portion, such
that the LED strip fitting can be used as a construction profile for finishing any
of a wall, a ceiling or a construction. By way of illustration, an example of such
a profile is shown in FIG. 4A in cross section and in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C in elevated
top views, illustrating a profile that can be used for indirect lighting. In FIG.
4D a profile without LED strip is shown. In FIG. 4E an embedded construction profile
is shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D illustrate a LED strip fitting whereby extension profile
portions 402 and 404 are suitable for receiving plasterboard material whereby portion
406 and 408 is adapted for mounting against existing construction material and wherein
a cavity 410 is provided wherein the LED strip is or can be positioned. The cavity
410 may have a curved back wall 412 adapted for reflecting radiation from the LED
strip out of the cavity towards a viewer. The walls of the cavity 410 may have a high
reflectivity. The latter may be obtained in any suitable way, e.g. through material
selection or coating. The cavity 410 is formed so that the LED strip 100 in the cavity
of the profile can be positioned so that, after installation of the profile, the LED
strip is not directly visible by a viewer and indirect lighting is provided in the
wall, the ceiling or the construction. As mounting is to be performed without direct
vision on the LED strip 100, the LED strip and LED strip fitting properties as described
above are highly beneficial for these applications. The LED strip fitting may be made
of any suitable material.
[0062] In FIG. 4E, an example of a similar construction profile is shown, mounted in a construction
setting and illustrating how an indirect illumination is obtained. The LED strip fitting
200 is initially positioned against existing construction material 450, in the present
example being wood and fixed thereto, in the present example by means of screws 452.
The wall further can be finalized by providing finishing materials 460 such as plasterboard
in the profile portions and by creating a finished surface using filling material
462 such as plaster. In this way a finished surface is obtained whereby, besides a
flat wall, substantially only the cavity entrance 410 of the LED strip fitting is
directly visible for the viewer.
[0063] In a third example, a LED strip fitting similar as the fitting shown in the second
example is provided, but the LED strip fitting is adapted for forming a corner profile
between two walls, a wall and a ceiling or two surfaces of a construction that are
not parallel to each other. It can be seen that similar components are present, but
that one portion of the profile is oriented in a different direction, in order to
receive construction material from a different direction. An example of a corner profile
LED strip fitting is shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B illustrating
the LED strip fitting in an elevated view, and FIG. 5C illustrating the LED strip
fitting being mounted in a construction for finishing a corner. In one embodiment,
when forming radiation lines using LED strip fittings and LED strips according to
the present invention, these radiation lines typically can be build up of a plurality
of LED strips. The strips thereby typically are linear strips and a curvature in an
overall radiation line can be formed by varying the direction of different adjacent
linear strips. In one aspect, the present invention also relates to a kit of parts
comprising one or more LED strip fittings as described in the second aspect and comprising
one or more LED strips for use therein, such as for example a LED strip according
to the first aspect. The same features and advantages as described in the first and
second aspect may be present for the parts in the kit of parts. Interconnection means
as described above also can be part of the kit of parts. Disclosed below is a non-claimed
method for using a LED strip fitting as described in the second aspect. More particularly,
a method for using a LED strip fitting as described above for making a transition
between two walls or parts thereof, between a wall and a ceiling or for finishing
a construction is provided. The latter can advantageously be used for creating indirect
lighting or illumination, although embodiments of the present invention are not limited
thereto. The method comprises obtaining a LED strip fitting according to an embodiment
as described in the second aspect and positioning profile portions of such a LED strip
fitting on existing construction material. The LED strip fitting advantageously is
connected, e.g. with a connector, to a power source or mains supply, so that electrical
contact can afterwards be provided to the LED strip used. Alternatively, a power source
may be integrated in the LED strip fitting or even in the LED strip. Typically such
existing construction material will be completely hidden after the installation of
the LED strip fitting. The LED strip fitting can be fixed to the existing material
using e.g. screws. The method furthermore comprises providing finishing materials
on profile portions adapted for receiving such finishing materials. The LED strip
fitting profile may for example have profile portions adapted for receiving plasterboard.
Receiving finishing materials furthermore may include using filling materials, such
as for example plaster, for providing a smooth finished surface. The construction
may additionally be finished, e.g. through painting, and may be prepared for use by
providing a LED strip in the LED strip fitting. Similar aspects relate to replacing
a LED strip from a LED strip fitting, such replacing comprising removing the LED strip
from the LED strip fitting by applying a mechanical force stronger than the magnetic
interaction force between the LED strip and the LED strip fitting, and positioning
a new LED strip in the LED strip fitting by bringing the LED strip in the environment
of the magnetic interacting element in the LED strip fitting and allowing magnetic
interaction to assist in the positioning. Aspect of the invention also encompass the
use of a LED strip or LED strip fitting for generating lighting or illumination, such
as for example indirect lighting or illumination, and the use of a LED strip fitting
for finishing a wall, ceiling or construction, e.g. for providing lighting or illumination
via indirect lighting or illumination.
[0064] This method for using a LED strip fitting does not support independent claims 1 and
5. Disclosed is further a non-claimed luminaire for providing indirect illumination.
Such a luminaire may be for example introduced in a wall or in a ceiling. The luminaire
comprises two components, a first integratable component for building in in a construction
and a second component for cooperating with the first integratable component, the
luminaire comprising a set of electrodes connectable to a power supply, the second
component being adapted for receiving at least one LED strip so that the LED strip
is electrically connectable to the set of electrodes, the second component blocking,
when cooperating with the first integratable component, direct view of the LED strip
by the viewer and forming together with the first integratable component at least
one cavity having a transparent outcoupling region for guiding radiation indirectly
from the LED strip to the viewer.
[0065] It is an advantage of the luminaire that an indirect illumination can be obtained
without the need for using a translucent material. It is a further advantage that
an efficient outcoupling can be obtained. A heat sink and/or cooling fins can be provided
at the first integratable component, e.g. at the backside of walls of the cavity that
will be used for guiding radiation indirectly from the LED strip to the viewer. In
another embodiment, a heat sink and/or cooling fins can be provided on the second
component, for collecting or dissipating heat generated in or through the LED strip.
The materials used for the first and or the second component may be or may at least
partly be good thermal conductive materials, so that heat transport can more easily
be obtained. Provision of heat sinks and/or cooling fins may be performed both on
the first integratable component and on the second component.
[0066] It is an advantage that accurate cooling of components of the luminaire can be obtained
as the different components can be provided with a heat sink and or cooling fins close
to the heated materials without interfering with the radiation to be coupled out.
The set of electrodes may be provided on the first integratable component and electrical
connection of the LED strip to the first set of electrodes may be obtained when positioning
the second component with respect to the first component so that these can cooperate.
It is an advantage of some embodiments that no direct electrical connection needs
to be provided between the second component and the mains supply. The latter allows
for example a more easy installation. The transparent outcoupling region may be a
transparent glass or may be an opening. It is an advantage that no translucent material
is used, as the latter results in a reduction of radiation intensity or the need for
stronger radiation sources.
[0067] According to the present invention, the adaptation for receiving at least one LED
strip is an adaptation according to a LED strip fitting as described in the second
aspect. The latter allows for accurate positioning of the LED strip in the system,
without the need for screws or alike. Furthermore, a similar manner for building in
the first integratable component as described for building in the LED strip fitting
in the luminaire, can be applied. The second component may be either mounted to the
construction so that it can cooperate with the first integratable component to form
the luminaire or it may be mounted directly to the first integratable component. It
may be mounted using any suitable mounting means. By way of illustration, an example
of a LED strip luminaire is provided whereby the LED strip luminaire is shaped such
that it can accommodate LED strips oriented in different directions. In the drawing
shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C a cross-sectional side view is provided of a LED strip
luminaire 600 generating a rectangular shaped indirect illumination beam. The LED
strip profile of the current example comprises two separate portions, one portion
610 comprising surfaces 612 for guiding the radiation indirectly to the viewer which
will form at least part of the cavity, as shown in FIG. 6B and one portion 620 whereon
the LED strip 100 can be mounted as shown in FIG. 6C. In the current example, the
portion 620 comprising the mounting area for the LED strip 100 also comprises a heat
sink 630 adjacent the LED strips when mounted and cooling fins 640 for adjusting in
further cooling. In this way, a luminaire based on indirect illumination and providing
an indirect radiation line for the viewer, e.g. in a closed shape, such as forming
a polygonal, can be formed. The embodiments show in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, FIG. 6A, FIG.
6B and FIG. 7 do not support the independent claims 1 and 5.
1. A LED strip (100) comprising at least one light emitting device (110), the LED strip
(100) further comprising
- at least one set of pressure based electrical contact electrodes (120) for electrical
connection with a set of contact electrodes (220) of a LED strip fitting (200), and
- a positioning means (130) comprising on one side a magnetically interacting element
(132) for positioning the LED strip (100) by magnetic interaction with the LED strip
fitting (200), the magnetically interacting element (132) being adapted for providing,
by magnetic interaction with the LED strip fitting (200), a pressure between the at
least one set of pressure based electrical contact electrodes (120) and the contact
electrodes (220) of the LED strip fitting so as to obtain electrical contact between
the LED strip (100) and the LED strip fitting (200), wherein the LED strip comprises
a driving module for generating drive signals for driving the LED strip (100),
wherein the positioning means (130) comprises in a cross-section perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction of the LED strip (100) on said one side a curved portion
(134), adapted for fitting in a complementary curved portion in the LED strip fitting
(200), and a cornered portion (136) adapted for fitting in a complementary shaped
portion in the LED strip fitting (200), said curved portion (134) and said cornered
portion (136) extending in said longitudinal direction.
2. A LED strip (100) according to claim 1, wherein the driving module is adapted for
receiving control data from a controller and for generating drive signals for driving
the LED strip (100) based on the received control data.
3. A LED strip (100) according to claim 2, wherein the driving module is adapted for
receiving control data from the controller via an intermediate driving module from
another LED strip (100).
4. A LED strip (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driving module is
an electronic circuit for converting a modulation of an incoming electronic signal
to driving signals for driving the at least one light emitting device.
5. A LED strip fitting (200) for holding at least one LED strip (100) as defined in any
of the claims 1 to 4, the LED strip fitting (200) comprising
- a cavity adapted for receiving the at least one LED strip (100) so that, after installation
of the LED strip (100) in the LED strip fitting (200), the LED strip (100) is substantially
not directly visible by a viewer and indirect lighting is provided,
- at least one set of contact electrodes (220) for inducing pressure based contact
with the electrical contact electrodes (120) of the at least one LED strip (100),
- a magnetically interacting element (232) for magnetically interacting with the at
least one LED strip (100) for positioning the at least one LED strip (100), the magnetically
interacting element (232) being adapted for providing, by magnetic interaction with
the at least one LED strip (100), a pressure between the at least one set of contact
electrodes (220) and the contact electrodes (120) of the at least one LED strip (100)
so as to obtain electrical contact between the LED strip fitting (200) and the at
least one LED strip (100),
wherein the LED strip fitting (200) further comprises in a cross-section perpendicular
to the longitudinal direction of the LED strip fitting (200) a complementary curved
portion (234) wherein the curved portion (134) disposed on the one side of the positioning
means (130) of the LED strip (100) is adapted for being fitted and a complementary
cornered portion (236) wherein the cornered portion (136) disposed on the one side
of the positioning means (130) of the LED strip (100) is adapted for being fitted.
6. A LED strip fitting (200) according to claim 5, wherein the LED strip fitting (200)
furthermore comprises at least one profile portion for receiving construction material
on the profile portion, the LED strip fitting (200) thus forming a construction profile
for finishing any of a wall, a ceiling or construction, the cavity being formed in
the construction profile such that it is suitable for indirect lighting of the wall,
the ceiling or the construction.
7. A LED strip fitting (200) according to any of the claims 5 to 6, wherein the magnetically
interacting element (232) extends along the longitudinal direction of the LED strip
fitting (200).
8. A LED strip fitting (200) according to any of the claims 5 to 7, wherein the at least
one set of contact electrodes (220) comprise two elongated electrodes along the LED
strip fitting (200).
9. A LED strip fitting (200) according to any of the claims 5 to 8, the LED strip fitting
(200) furthermore comprising at least one electrical component for driving the LED
strip, the at least one electrical component being positioned at a position opposite
to where the LED strip (100) is to be positioned with respect to the magnetic interacting
element (232).
10. A LED strip fitting (200) according to any of the claims 5 to 9, wherein the fitting
(200) comprises a heat sink for removing heat from the LED strip (100).
11. A LED strip fitting (200) according to claim 10, wherein the heat sink comprises cooling
fins for cooling the LED strip fitting (200).
12. A LED strip fitting (200) according to any of the claims 5 to 11, wherein the LED
strip fitting is adapted for contacting the at least one set of contact electrodes
(220) from a side different from the side for contacting the contact electrodes (120)
of the LED strip (100), thus providing the possibility to contact the at least one
set of contact electrodes (220) of the LED strip fitting (200) with an interconnection
means for interconnecting different LED strip fittings.
13. A kit of parts comprising a LED strip (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4 and
a LED strip fitting (200) according to any of claims 5 to 12.
1. LED-Band (100), umfassend mindestens eine lichtemittierende Vorrichtung (110), wobei
das LED-Band (100) ferner Folgendes umfasst:
- mindestens einen Satz von druckbasierten elektrischen Kontaktelektroden (120) für
die elektrische Verbindung mit einem Satz von Kontaktelektroden (220) einer LED-Bandfassung
(200), und
- ein Positionierungsmittel (130), umfassend auf einer Seite ein magnetisch wechselwirkendes
Element (132) zum Positionieren des LED-Bandes (100) durch magnetische Wechselwirkung
mit der LED-Bandfassung (200), wobei das magnetisch wechselwirkende Element (132)
ausgelegt ist, um Folgendes bereitzustellen: durch magnetische Wechselwirkung mit
der LED-Bandfassung (200), einen Druck zwischen mindestens einem Satz von druckbasierten
elektrischen Kontaktelektroden (120) und den Kontaktelektroden (220) der LED-Bandfassung,
um einen elektrischen Kontakt zwischen dem LED-Band (100) und der LED-Bandfassung
(200) zu erhalten, wobei das LED-Band ein Antriebsmodul zum Erzeugen von Antriebssignalen
zum Antreiben des LED-Bandes (100) umfasst,
wobei das Positionierungsmittel (130) in einem Querschnitt senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung
des LED-Bandes (100) auf der einen Seite einen gekrümmten Abschnitt (134) umfasst,
der zum Passen in einen komplementären gekrümmten Abschnitt in der LED-Bandfassung
(200) ausgelegt ist, und einen mit Ecken versehenen Abschnitt (136), der zum Passen
in einen komplementär geformten Abschnitt in der LED-Bandfassung (200) ausgelegt ist,
wobei sich der gekrümmte Abschnitt (134) und der mit Ecken versehene Abschnitt (136)
in Längsrichtung erstrecken.
2. LED-Band (100) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Antriebsmodul zum Empfangen von Steuerdaten
von einer Steuerung und zum Erzeugen von Antriebssignalen zum Antreiben des LED-Bandes
(100) basierend auf den empfangenen Steuerdaten ausgelegt ist.
3. LED-Band (100) nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Antriebsmodul zum Empfangen von Steuerdaten
von der Steuerung über ein Zwischenantriebsmodul von einem anderen LED-Band (100)
ausgelegt ist.
4. LED-Band (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei das Antriebsmodul eine elektronische
Schaltung zum Umwandeln einer Modulation eines eingehenden elektronischen Signals
zum Antreiben von Signalen zum Antreiben der mindestens einen lichtemittierenden Vorrichtung
ist.
5. LED-Bandfassung (200) zum Halten mindestens eines LED-Bandes (100) wie nach einem
der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 definiert, wobei die LED-Bandfassung (200) umfasst:
- einen Hohlraum, der zum Aufnehmen mindestens eines LED-Bands (100) ausgelegt ist,
sodass, nach der Installation des LED-Bandes (100) in der LED-Bandfassung (200) das
LED-Band (100) im Wesentlichen nicht direkt von einem Betrachter sichtbar ist und
eine indirekte Beleuchtung bereitstellt,
- mindestens einen Satz von Kontaktelektroden (220) zum Induzieren von druckbasiertem
Kontakt mit den elektrischen Kontaktelektroden (120) des mindestens einen LED-Bandes
(100),
- ein magnetisch wechselwirkendes Element (232) zum magnetischen Wechselwirken mit
mindestens einem LED-Band (100) zum Positionieren des mindestens einen LED-Bands (100),
wobei das magnetisch wechselwirkende Element (232) ausgelegt ist, um Folgendes bereitzustellen:
durch magnetische Wechselwirkung mit dem mindestens einen LED-Band (100), einen Druck
zwischen mindestens einem Satz von Kontaktelektroden (220) und den Kontaktelektroden
(120) des mindestens einen LED-Bandes (100), um einen elektrischen Kontakt zwischen
der LED-Bandfassung (200) und dem LED-Band (100) zu erhalten,
wobei die LED-Bandfassung (200) ferner in einem Querschnitt senkrecht zu der Längsrichtung
der LED-Bandfassung (200) einen komplementär gekrümmten Abschnitt (234) umfasst, wobei
der gekrümmte Abschnitt (134), der auf der einen Seite des Positionierungsmittels
(130) des LED-Bands (100) angeordnet ist, ausgelegt ist, um dort hinein zu passen
und einen komplementären mit Ecken versehenen Abschnitt (236), wobei der mit Ecken
versehene Abschnitt (136) auf der einen Seite des Positionierungsmittels (130) des
LED-Bands (100) angeordnet ist, um darin eingepasst zu werden.
6. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die LED-Bandfassung (200) des Weiteren
mindestens einen Profilabschnitt zum Aufnehmen von Konstruktionsmaterial auf dem Profilabschnitt
umfasst, wobei die LED-Bandfassung (200) somit ein Konstruktionsprofil zum Abschließen
eines beliebigen von einer Wand, einer Decke oder einer Konstruktion bildet, wobei
der Hohlraum in dem Konstruktionsprofil so ausgebildet ist, dass er sich zum indirekten
Beleuchten der Wand, der Decke oder der Konstruktion eignet.
7. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 6, wobei sich das magnetisch
wechselwirkende Element (232) entlang der Längsrichtung der LED-Bandfassung (200)
erstreckt.
8. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, wobei der mindestens eine
Satz von Kontaktelektroden (220) zwei längliche Elektroden entlang der LED-Bandfassung
(200) umfasst.
9. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 8, wobei die LED-Bandfassung
(200) des Weiteren mindestens eine elektrische Komponente zum Antreiben des LED-Bands
umfasst, wobei die mindestens eine elektrische Komponente an einer Position gegenüber
davon angeordnet ist, wo das LED-Band (100) in Bezug auf das magnetisch wechselwirkende
Element (232) anzuordnen ist.
10. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9, wobei die Fassung (200) eine
Wärmesenke zum Entfernen von Wärme von dem LED-Band (100) umfasst.
11. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Wärmesenke Kühlrippen zum Kühlen
der LED-Bandfassung (200) umfasst.
12. LED-Bandfassung (200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 11, wobei die LED-Bandfassung
zum Inkontakttreten mit dem mindestens einen Satz von Kontaktelektroden (220) von
einer Seite ausgelegt ist, die anders als die Seite zum Inkontakttreten der Kontaktelektroden
(120) des LED-Bandes (100) ist und so Bereitstellen der Möglichkeit zum Kontaktieren
des mindestens einen Satzes von Kontaktelektroden (220) der LED-Bandfassung (200)
mit einem Verbindungsmittel zum Verbinden unterschiedlicher LED-Bandfassungen.
13. Teilekit, umfassend ein LED-Band (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4 und eine LED-Bandfassung
(200) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 12.
1. Bande LED (100) comprenant au moins un dispositif électroluminescent (110), la bande
LED (100) comprenant en outre
- au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de contact électrique basé sur la pression (120)
pour le raccordement électrique avec un ensemble d'électrodes de contact (220) d'une
pièce de fixation de bande LED (200), et
- des moyens de positionnement (130) comprenant d'un côté un élément d'interaction
magnétique (132) pour positionner la bande LED (100) par interaction magnétique avec
la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200), l'élément d'interaction magnétique (132)
étant adapté pour fournir, par interaction magnétique avec la pièce de fixation de
bande LED (200), une pression entre le au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de contact
électrique basé sur la pression (120) et les électrodes de contact (220) de la pièce
de fixation de bande LED de sorte à obtenir un contact électrique entre la bande LED
(100) et la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200), dans laquelle la bande LED comprend
un module de commande pour générer des signaux de commande pour commander la bande
LED (100),
dans lequel les moyens de positionnement (130) comprennent dans une section transversale
perpendiculaire au sens longitudinal de la bande LED (100) dudit un côté une portion
incurvée (134), adaptée pour être fixée dans une portion incurvée complémentaire dans
la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200), et une portion angulaire (136) adaptée pour
être fixée dans une portion de forme complémentaire dans la pièce de fixation de bande
LED (200), ladite portion incurvée (134) et ladite portion angulaire (136) s'étendant
dans le sens longitudinal.
2. Bande LED (100) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le module de commande est
adapté pour recevoir des données de contrôle d'un contrôleur et pour générer des signaux
de commande pour commander la bande LED (100) sur la base des données de contrôle
reçues.
3. Bande LED (100) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle le module de commande est
adapté pour recevoir des données de contrôle du contrôleur par le biais d'un module
de commande intermédiaire d'une autre bande LED (100).
4. Bande LED (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle le
module de commande est un circuit électronique pour convertir une modulation d'un
signal électronique entrant en signaux de commande pour commander le au moins un dispositif
électroluminescent.
5. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) pour retenir au moins une bande LED (100) tel
qu'il est défini dans l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, la pièce de fixation
de bande LED (200) comprenant
- une cavité adaptée pour recevoir la au moins une bande LED (100) de sorte que, après
l'installation de la bande LED (100) dans la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200),
la bande LED (100) est sensiblement non directement visible par un observateur et
un éclairage indirect est fourni,
- au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de contact (220) pour induire un contact basé
sur la pression avec les électrodes de contact électrique (120) de la au moins une
bande LED (100),
- un élément d'interaction magnétique (232) pour interagir magnétiquement avec la
au moins une bande LED (100) pour positionner la au moins une bande LED (100), l'élément
d'interaction magnétique (232) étant adapté pour fournir, par interaction magnétique
avec la au moins une bande LED (100), une pression entre le au moins un ensemble d'électrodes
de contact (220) et les électrodes de contact (120) de la au moins une bande LED (100)
de sorte à obtenir un contact électrique entre la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200)
et la au moins une bande LED (100),
dans laquelle la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) comprend en outre dans une section
transversale perpendiculaire au sens longitudinal de la pièce de fixation de bande
LED (200) une portion incurvée complémentaire (234) dans laquelle la portion incurvée
(134) disposée d'un côté des moyens de positionnement (130) de la bande LED (100)
est adaptée pour être fixée et une portion angulaire complémentaire (236) dans laquelle
la portion angulaire (136) disposée d'un côté des moyens de positionnement (130) de
la bande LED (100) est adaptée pour être fixée.
6. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle la pièce
de fixation de bande LED (200) comprend en outre au moins une portion profilée pour
recevoir du matériel de construction sur la portion profilée, la pièce de fixation
de bande LED (200) formant ainsi un profilé de construction pour la finition de l'un
parmi un mur, un plafond ou une construction, la cavité étant formée dans le profilé
de construction de sorte à être appropriée pour l'éclairage indirect du mur, du plafond
ou de la construction.
7. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à
6, dans laquelle l'élément d'interaction magnétique (232) s'étend le long du sens
longitudinal de la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200).
8. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à
7, dans laquelle au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de contact (220) comprend deux
électrodes allongées le long de la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200).
9. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à
8, la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) comprenant en outre au moins un composant
électrique pour commander la bande LED, le au moins un composant électrique étant
positionné à une position opposée à l'endroit où la bande LED (100) va être positionnée
par rapport à l'élément d'interaction magnétique (232).
10. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à
9, dans laquelle la pièce de fixation (200) comprend un dissipateur thermique pour
évacuer la chaleur de la bande LED (100).
11. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle le dissipateur
de chaleur comprend des ailettes de refroidissement pour refroidir la pièce de fixation
de bande LED (200).
12. Pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à
11, dans laquelle la pièce de fixation de bande LED est adaptée pour mettre en contact
le au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de contact (220) d'un côté autre que le côté
pour mettre en contact les électrodes de contact (120) de la bande LED (100), donnant
ainsi la possibilité de mettre en contact le au moins un ensemble d'électrodes de
contact (220) de la pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) avec des moyens d'interconnexion
pour interconnecter différentes pièces de connexion de bande LED.
13. Jeu de pièces comprenant une bande LED (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 4 et une pièce de fixation de bande LED (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
5 à 12.