WO2012052870A1

WO2012052870A1 - Compact replaceable led module

Info

Publication number: WO2012052870A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martinus Petrus Creusen; Mark Eduard Johan Sipkes; Merijn Keser; Rob Bosma; Peter Hubertus Franciscus Deurenberg
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2010-10-19
Filing date: 2011-10-07
Publication date: 2012-04-26
Also published as: TW201221837A

Abstract

A connector (100) for connecting a lighting module (200), wherein the connector (100) has the shape of a collar for receiving the lighting module (200). The connector (100) comprises a fastener (101) for mechanically fastening the lighting module (200) to the connector (100) by rotation. The connector (100) further comprises an electrical receptor (111) arranged in the collar for providing an electrical connection with an electrical element (205) of the lighting module (200) along an axial direction (AD) of the connector (100), wherein the electrical receptor (111) is arranged for axial and rotational reception of the electrical element (205).

Description

Compact replaceable LED module

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a connector, a lighting module and a light- emitting device. The light-emitting device comprises a connector and a lighting module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is employed for a variety of illumination applications. As LEDs have the advantages of providing a bright light, being reasonably inexpensive, and draw very little power, LED lighting is continuously increasing as an alternative to traditional incandescent lighting.

Furthermore, LEDs have a high operational life. As an example, white LED lamps may last 100,000 hours, which is approximately 20 times the operational life of an incandescent bulb.

However, as a common conception is that LEDs should last a very long time and should not break down prematurely, most fixture designs are such that if the light source fails, the entire fixture needs to be replaced. Just as other types of light sources, however, LEDs may show early failures. Thus, an arrangement that enables easy replacement of the LED module is desirable.

US7703951 discloses a lighting fixture including a housing that is configured to be recessed into or otherwise disposed behind an architectural surface such as a ceiling, a wall, or a soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of a light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage a LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the LED module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. As an example, the LED modules may be replaced and upgraded at the end of their operational life, or earlier, if e.g. a different color temperature is desired, without having to remove the reflector or open the ceiling. Complementary solutions regarding the size of a LED system, comprising a socket and a LED module, may be of interest, such that a more compact LED system is provided. This may especially be the case if the available space in the ceiling or wall is limited, and/or if there is a wish to arrange a large number of LED engines in the ceiling or wall.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate the above problems and in particular to provide a more compact light-emitting device.

This and other objects are achieved by providing a connector, a lighting module and a light-emitting device having the features defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a lighting module, wherein the connector has the shape of a collar for receiving the lighting module. The connector comprises a fastener for mechanically fastening the lighting module to the connector by rotation. Furthermore, the connector comprises an electrical receptor arranged in the collar for providing an electrical connection with an electrical element of the lighting module along an axial direction of the connector, wherein the electrical receptor is arranged for axial and rotational reception of the electrical element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting module for connecting a connector. The lighting module comprises a mechanical element for mechanically fastening the lighting module to the connector by rotation.

Furthermore, the lighting module comprises an electrical element arranged for providing an electrical connection with an electrical receptor of the connector, wherein the electrical element is arranged for axial and rotational connection with the electrical receptor of the connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light- emitting device comprising a connector as defined according to the first aspect of the present invention and a lighting module as defined according to the second aspect of the present invention.

By the term "axial direction", it is here meant a direction which is along an axis of the connector and/or lighting module. In the context of the present application, the term "axial direction" defines a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction defined by the term "radial direction" which is along a radius of a generally circular cross- section of the connector and/or the lighting module. In case of a substantially cylinder-shaped connector and/or lighting module, the axial direction corresponds to the normal to a generally circular cross-section plane of the connector and/or the lighting module.

Analogously, by the term "rotation", it is here meant a rotating operation in the plane of a generally circular cross-section of the connector and/or the lighting module of the connector and/or lighting module. In accordance with the above conditions, the plane of the rotation is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the connector and/or lighting module.

As an example, if the connector is arranged in a ceiling, the axial direction will be the vertical direction, and the rotating operation will be in the horizontal plane as defined by the ceiling.

The present invention is based on an understanding that a connector for connecting a lighting module can be provided with an electrical receptor that extends along an axial direction of the connector. The electrical receptor is configured to receive the electrical element of the lighting module in an axial direction, and the lighting module is rotated when mechanically fastening the lighting module. Advantageously, the arrangement of the electrical receptor of the connector according to the present invention provides a more compact connector compared to e.g. a connector comprising an electrical receptor extending in a radial direction of the connector. The more compact connector of the present invention is advantageous, as it may be installed on a wall or in a ceiling where space is limited. In other words, the density of the connectors (and consequently lighting modules) that can be arranged on a wall or in a ceiling can be increased. Furthermore, the receptor of the connector provides a more discrete connector as the outer dimensions of the connector is reduced.

Another advantage of the connector of the present invention is that the electrical receptor, allowing a connection of a lighting module in the axial direction of the connector, provides a facilitated connection of the connector to the lighting module. The electrical receptor reduces any manual operation for the connection and at least reduces an advanced manual connection of the connector and the lighting module in e.g. a radial direction, an operation which may be obstructive and/or awkward.

Further, the connector of the present invention is advantageous in that the electrical connection is made within the connector, which enhances the safety regarding dangerously high voltages. As an example, the connector may be provided with standard electrical connections such as GU10 or GU28d, known to the man skilled in the art. The connector may be a lamp holder, providing both a mechanical fastening of a lighting module and a supply of power to the lighting module.

The connector has the shape of a collar for receiving the lighting module, i.e. that the lighting module may respectively be attachable to, and detachable from, the collar.

Another advantage of the connector of the present invention is that the connector has the shape of a collar, wherein the term "collar" should here be construed as an element into which another element at least partly may be fittingly inserted. In the present invention, the collar may tightly enclose at least a part of the lighting module when received in the collar, providing a stable connection. Furthermore, the collar provides a straight docking path for the lighting module, such that the collar may receive the lighting module in an axial direction of the collar.

By the terms "electrical receptor" of the connector and "electrical element" of the lighting module, it is here meant cooperating units for an electrical connection, wherein examples may be e.g. plugs and sockets. More specifically, the electrical receptor may be formed as a female contact whereas the electrical element may be formed as a male contact. However, the opposite relationship between the two units may be feasible, i.e. that the electrical receptor is formed as a male contact and the electrical element is formed as a female contact.

Analogously, the terms "fastener" of the connector and "mechanical element" of the lighting module here means cooperating units providing a mechanical coupling, wherein examples may be e.g. bayonet couplings or couplings comprising threaded bolts and threaded nuts. The mechanical coupling may further ensure a sufficient force on a thermal interface material between the lighting module and an underlying heat sink, which heat sink may be arranged to dissipate heat from the lighting module. The fastener of the connector may also be referred to as a holding means.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector is generally round, having an inner radius and an outer radius. As an example, the connector may be shaped as a flat disc or a cylinder provided with a circular cavity, i.e. a cylinder having a relatively small height compared to its inner and outer radius.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical receptor is formed as a recess. In the present invention, the term "recess" may be construed as a cavity or a hole wherein at least a wall or a part of the wall of the cavity or hole, preferably the bottom of the cavity, is electrically conducting. In other words, the recess may be a female part of an electrical contact for electrical connection. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical receptor extends along a sub-arc of the connector along a circular direction in a radial plane of the connector. By the term "sub-arc", it is here meant that the electrical receptor of the connector extends along a defined arc length of the connector. As an example, the sub-arc may have the shape of a "C", or a portion of a "C". An advantage with the electrical receptor of the present embodiment is that the electrical receptor follows the circular shape of the connector. This provides a more compact connector in its radial direction, compared to e.g. an electrical receptor extending in a radial direction of the connector.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fastener may be arranged within the outer dimension of the connector. In other words, the fastener may be comprised within the outer diameter of the connector. An advantage with the present embodiment is that the size of the connector may be even further diminished. As the fastener does not extend beyond the outer dimension of the connector, the connector may be provided on walls or in ceilings where space is limited. Alternatively, more connectors may be provided on walls or in ceilings compared to arrangements wherein the fastener extends beyond the outer dimensions of the connector. Another advantage of providing the fastener within the collar is that the collar thereby provides a more stable mechanical fastening, inhibiting undeliberate de-fastening of the light-emitting element from the collar. The fastener of the collar may be a portion of the collar facing the cavity of the collar provided with threads, recesses or the like. Alternatively, the fastener may be a portion of the collar provided with any other mechanical fastening wherein the mechanical fastening is enclosed by the collar.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the connector may further comprise a control connecting region, wherein the control connecting region is separated from the electrical receptor. In the context of the present invention, the term

"control connecting region" may be construed as a region comprising control connections of the lighting different to that of the mains connection.

As an example, additional control functions such as e.g. dimming via DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) or 0-10V lighting control, and/or color control (functions which are known to the man skilled in the art, and for which a more detailed information is omitted) may need extra electrical interface connections, besides the (normal) mains connections, to be added to the control connecting region. Further, adding sensors (e.g. for detection of temperature or light) in the module may require extra electrical interface connections. For some lampholder concepts described in the prior art, dimming functions are provided via the mains connection (e.g. phase cut dimming), i.e. an integrated connection for the supply voltage and dimming function. However, in case one or more functions are required, the integration of the control functions and the mains connection will result in larger connectors due to electrical safety requirements (e.g. creepage and clearance) of the mains connection.

A separation of the electrical receptor from the control connecting region overcomes the above mentioned drawback related to a larger connector, and such a separation is advantageous in that more control channels may be included in the lighting module without increasing the size of the electrical receptor and/or control connecting region. When separating the electrical receptor from the control channels, large creepage and clearance distances may need to be applied for the mains connection of the electrical receptor for avoiding lekage currents, thereby increasing e.g. the pitch distance between the different electrical contacts. However, using small pitch connectors for the low voltage control channels, the size of the control connecting region may be held small. Examples of such connectors may be control protocols for digital communication networks commonly used to control lighting such as DMX-512 and/or DALI. An additional advantage of reducing the size of the control connecting region is that a small control connecting region provides more space for e.g. thermal dissipation from the lighting module, where an example may be an increased area for a thermal contact between the lighting module and a heat sink.

Referring now in particular to the lighting module as defined in the second aspect of the present invention, most of the advantages described above for the connector applies for the lighting module. In particular, the lighting module of the present invention is advantageous in that it is more compact since the electrical element extends in an axial direction of the lighting module instead of extending in a radial direction.

As for the advantages described above for the connector, the lighting module of the present invention is advantageous in that it can be installed on a wall or in a ceiling where space is limited. In other words, the density of the lighting modules that can be arranged on a wall or in a ceiling can be increased. Furthermore, the electrical element of the lighting module provides a more discrete lighting module as the outer dimensions of the lighting module is reduced.

Another advantage of the lighting module of the present invention is that the electrical element, allowing a connection of the lighting module in the axial direction of the connector, provides a facilitated connection of the lighting module to the connector. The electrical element reduces any manual operation for the connection and at least reduces an advanced manual connection of the lighting module and the connector in e.g. a radial direction, an operation which may be obstructive and/or awkward.

The lighting module may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (LED), which is advantageous since LEDs are a cost-efficient alternative. Indeed, LEDs are, in comparison to other types of light sources, rather cheap, only draw small amounts of power, and have a relatively high operational lifetime. Furthermore, as the LEDs provide a bright light, the lighting module may be reduced in size, further improving the compactness of the lighting module.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrical element protrudes along an axial direction of the lighting module. Hence, in this embodiment, the electrical element is arranged as a male contact that protrudes into a female, electrical receptor of the connector. The electrical element may be any protruding element such as a contact pin, a peg, or the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lighting module may comprise an upper cylindrical portion and a lower cylindrical portion, the lower cylindrical portion being concentric with the upper cylindrical portion and the diameter of the lower cylindrical portion being smaller than the diameter of the upper cylindrical portion such that the lower cylindrical portion is arranged to fit into an inner portion of the connector and the upper cylindrical portion is arranged to fit an outer portion of the connector when mechanically fastening the lighting module to the connector.

In the present embodiment, the lighting module may be "mushroom-shaped", "bolt-shaped", or "T-shaped", wherein the lower cylindrical portion, provided below the upper cylindrical portion, has a smaller diameter than the upper cylindrical portion.

Furthermore, the shape of the lighting module may be complementary to the shape of the connector, i.e. that the lighting module may tightly fit the connector when coupling the lighting module to the connector. As an example, the lower cylindrical portion may extend to fit into a cavity of the connector, whereas the outer portion of the upper cylindrical portion may be arranged to fit an outer portion of the connector. In other words, the outer dimensions of the connector (or the lamp holder) closely match the outer dimensions of the lighting module. An advantage of the present embodiment is that the outer radial dimensions of the lighting module and the connector coincide when mechanically fastening the lighting module to the connector, a feature which further improves the compactness of the arrangement comprising the lighting module being fastened to the connector (referred herein as to a light-emitting device). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical element may extend radially from the lower cylindrical portion and be arranged within the diameter of the upper cylindrical portion of the lighting module. An advantage of this embodiment is that the mechanical element provides for a mechanical fastening which does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the lighting module. Hence, an even more compact lighting module is provided.

The light-emitting device of the present invention is advantageous in that an upgrade and replacement of a lighting module is facilitated. In particular, the lighting module of the light-emitting device may be easily replaced at the end of its operational life, or earlier, if e.g. different color temperature for a change of ambience is required, without having to remove the complete light-emitting system or open the ceiling where the light-emitting device eventually is arranged.

Another advantage of the light-emitting device of the present invention is the "twist and lock"- functionality of the mechanical fastening of the lighting module. For example, the fastening may be a bayonet coupling, which is an intuitive way of inserting and removing a lighting module from a connector.

In addition, as a result of the above mentioned advantages associated with the connector and the lighting module, an advantage associated with the light-emitting device comprising such a connector and lighting module is that it is more compact.

The light-emitting device may be used for a general lighting, such as down- lighting and/or spotlighting, as used in e.g. offices, restaurants, museums, advertising boards, homes, shops and shop windows.

According to an embodiment, the fastener of the connector may be formed as a female part of a bayonet coupling and the mechanical element of the lighting module may be formed as a male part of the bayonet coupling. Alternatively, the opposite relation between the fastener and the mechanical element may be feasible, i.e. that the fastener of the connector may be formed as a male part of a bayonet coupling and the mechanical element of the lighting module may be formed as a female part of a bayonet coupling. Such type of coupling (bayonnet) is advantageous in that the coupling provides a firm but releasable mechanical fastener and an easy de-fastening of the lighting module. A further benefit of implementing a bayonet coupling is that the fastening and de-fastening may be made singlehandedly, which facilitates any lighting module replacement e.g. due to failure.

According to an embodiment, the light-emitting device may further comprise a heat sink for dissipating heat from the lighting module, the lighting module being

connectable to the heat sink and the lighting module being arranged in thermal contact with the heat sink when connecting the lighting module to the heat sink. Hence, heat generated from the lighting module in the light-emitting system is dissipated from the lighting module to the heat sink. By the term "thermal contact" it is here meant that heat may be transmitted from the lighting module to the heat sink, i.e. that the lighting module and the heat sink may be in actual physical contact, normally using a thermal interface material or grease to reduce the thermal interface resistance. An advantage of the present embodiment is that the operational lifetime of the lighting module is even further enhanced, as heat, which in a long term may be detrimental to the lighting module, is led away from the lighting module.

According to an embodiment, the lighting module may comprise an outer housing being releasably connectable to the heat sink and rotatable with respect to an inner portion of the lighting module such that, when mechanically fastening the lighting module to the connector, a thermal connection between the lighting module and the heat sink may be established by a rotation of the outer housing, moving a first thermal side of the heat sink towards a second thermal side of the lighting module.

A disadvantage with prior art arrangements is the relative rotation of the thermal side of a lighting module with respect to the thermal side of the heat sink during insertion and removal of the lighting module. Typically a thermal interface material (TIM) is required to lower the thermal interface resistance from the lighting module to the heat sink. To enable this rotation, an additional non-sticky plastic foil is commonly added to the TIM to prevent that the TIM blocks the rotation of the lighting module in the connector. However, this TIM foil increases the thermal interface resistance, limiting the maximum luminous output of the LED module.

The present embodiment overcomes, or at least alleviates, this problem as the outer housing may rotate freely with respect to the inner portion of the lighting module. Hence, the complete lighting module does not need to be rotated, but only the outer housing of the lighting module. In this way, the first thermal side of the heat sink is moved towards the second thermal side of the lighting module without moving the TIM. The present embodiment enables the use of conventional, sticky materials with enhance thermal conductivity, thereby improving the dissipation of heat from the lighting module. Another advantage of the present embodiment is that the thermal sides are not required to be circular. As a result, the shape and size of the thermal sides may be designed for increasing the thermal side area, which leads to a lower thermal resistance from the lighting module to the heat sink. Another advantage associated with the present embodiment is that the electrical connection between the connector and the lighting module is established after the thermal connection between the lighting module and the heat sink has been ensured. In case the thermal connection has not been ensured, the lighting module may be released from the connector, which is advantageous compared to prior art in which lamps electrically connects and lights up before the thermal connection has been guaranteed.

According to an embodiment, the outer housing may comprise a female part of a bayonet coupling and the heat sink may comprise a male part of the bayonet coupling. Alternatively, the opposite relation between the outer housing and the heat sink may be feasible, i.e. that the outer housing may comprise a male part of a bayonet coupling, and the heat sink may comprise a female part of the bayonet coupling. An advantage associated with the present embodiment is that the bayonet coupling provides a firm but releasable fastening. Another advantage is that the bayonet coupling may be provided with a "twist and lock"- functionality, which is an intuitive way for fastening and de-fastening. Furthermore, reaching the end position of the bayonet coupling may be notified either by a distinct feeling and/or hearing a "click", which acts as feedbacks for the coupling. A further benefit of the bayonet coupling is that the fastening and de-fastening may be made singlehandedly.

It will be appreciated that the specific embodiments and any additional features described above with reference to the connector and the lighting module according to the first and the second aspect of the present invention, respectively, are likewise applicable to the light-emitting device according to the third aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 2 shows a lighting module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 3a and 3b show a light-emitting device in accordance with an

embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the present invention is described with reference to a connector, a lighting module, and a light-emitting device.

Fig. 1 shows a connector 100 for connecting a lighting module or light- emitting component 200. The connector 100 has the shape of a round collar, i.e. a portion of a cylinder with an inner radius Ri, an outer radius R₂, and a height (or thickness) H. The connector 100 may be made of a thermally non-conductive material such as plastic.

The coordinate axes in Fig. 1 indicate the radial direction (RD), the axial direction (AD) and the circular (or azimuthal) direction (CD), relative to the connector 100.

The connector 100 comprises a fastener 101 (or holding means) for fastening a lighting module 200 to the connector 100. The fastener 101 of the connector 100 shown in Fig. 1 is realized by three female bayonet couplings 102. A female bayonet coupling 102 (or female part 102 of a bayonet coupling) may comprise an opening 103 and a clamp 104 to ensure a controlled and durable force on a thermal interface material.

The opening 103 of the female part 102 of the bayonet coupling is shaped as a parallelepiped cavity comprising (or defined by) a face extending in the radial direction (RD) of the connector 100 from the inner radius Ri to a radius approximately between Ri and R₂, and a face extending in the axial direction (AD) through the entire height H of the connector 100.

The clamp 104 of the bayonet coupling 102 is provided at an end of the opening 103 and extends along the circular direction (CD) in a radial plane of the

connector 100, such that the opening 103 and the clamp 104 together have a shape resembling an "L". In this way, a male bayonet coupling, after being inserted into an opening 103 in the axial direction (AD), may be rotated in the clamp 104 along the circular direction (CD) in a radial plane of the connector 100 such that the male bayonet coupling is fastened.

The connector 100 shown in Fig. 1 comprises three electrical recesses 1 1 1 symmetrically distributed around the connector 100. The electrical recesses 1 1 1 extend in the axial direction (AD) of the connector 100 and extend along a sub-arc 1 12 of the connector 100 along the circular direction (CD) in a radial plane of the connector 100. Hence, the electrical recesses 1 1 1 are somewhat "C"-shaped, extending along an arc length of the connector 100 and following the shape of the connector 100. Further, the connector 100 may be connectable to an external power supply (AC or DC, not shown in Fig. 1).

Furthermore, the connector 100 may be provided with three countersunk holes 1 13, each extending axially and being symmetrically distributed around the

connector 100. In the holes 1 13, screws may be provided for the fastening of the connector 100 to a wall or a ceiling.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the three openings 103, the three electrical recesses 1 1 1 and the three holes 1 13 are for each group of elements symmetrically distributed around the connector 100, i.e. with an angle of approximately 120° between two elements, e.g. recesses. The groups of elements are further angularly shifted with respect to each other, such that the distribution of elements e.g. is recess-electrical recess-hole, and so on, wherein the angle between two adjacent elements is approximately 40°. It will be appreciated, however, that the above description of the arrangement of the openings 103, the electrical recesses 1 1 1 and the holes 1 13 is merely an example of a possible arrangement. Any number of the mentioned elements and any other configuration of their relative positions on the connector 100 may also be feasible embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a lighting module 200 for connecting a connector 100. The lighting module 200 comprises an upper cylindrical portion 201 and a lower cylindrical portion 202 being concentric with the upper cylindrical portion 201. The radius R3 of the lower cylindrical portion 202 is smaller than the radius R4 of the upper cylindrical

portion 201 such that the general shape of the lighting module 200 resembles the shape of a "mushroom".

Advantageously, the lower cylindrical portion 202 is arranged to fit into an inner portion of a connector such as the connector 100 described with reference to Fig. 1 and the upper cylindrical portion 201 is arranged to fit an outer portion of such a connector 100 when connecting the lighting module 200 to the connector 100. According to an embodiment, the radius R3 of the lower cylindrical portion 202 of the lighting module 200 corresponds to the radius Ri of the connector 100. Analogously, the radius R4 of the upper cylindrical portion 201 of the lighting module 200 corresponds to the radius R₂ of the connector 100.

The upper cylindrical portion 201 may be provided with lights or light sources, such as LEDs, wherein the light emitted from the LEDs is emitted from the upper cylindrical portion 201 in a direction opposite to the location of the lower cylindrical portion 202.

The lower cylindrical portion 202 may comprise three mechanical elements 203 symmetrically distributed around the lower cylindrical portion 202 and extending radially from the lower cylindrical portion 202. Each mechanical element 203 of the lighting module 200 shown in Fig. 2 is formed as a male bayonet coupling 204.

In particular, a male bayonet coupling 204 of the lighting module 200 may first be inserted axially into a female bayonet coupling 102 of the connector 100 and then fastened or locked via a clockwise rotation of the lighting module 200 in the female bayonet coupling 102 of the connector 100 for fastening the lighting module 200 to the

connector 100.

The lighting module 200 may further comprise three electrical elements 205 symmetrically distributed around the lighting module 200. Each electrical element 205 protrudes in the axial direction (AD) of the lighting module 200. Furthermore, each electrical element may be arranged in a periphery of the upper cylindrical portion 201 of the lighting module 200, i.e. between radius R3 and R4. By this arrangement, the lighting module 200 may be inserted axially and rotationally into the electrical recesses 111 of the connector 100 when coupling the lighting module 200 to the connector 100.

The three male bayonet couplings 204 and the three electrical elements 205 are angularly shifted with respect to each other on the lighting module 200, wherein the angle between a male bayonet coupling 204 and an electrical element 205 in the radial plane may be approximately 40°. It will be appreciated, however, that the above description of the arrangement of the male bayonet couplings 204 and the electrical elements 205 is merely an example of a possible arrangement. Any number of the mentioned elements and any other configuration of their relative positions on the lighting module 100 may also be feasible embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3a shows a light-emitting device 300 comprising a connector 301, a lighting module 302, and a heat sink 303 for dissipating heat from the lighting module 302. The connector 301 shown in Fig. 3a may be identical to the connector 100 described with reference to Fig. 1 and, analogously, the lighting module 302 shown in Fig. 3a may be identical to the lighting module 200 described with reference to Fig. 2.

The heat sink 303 may comprise a first thermal side 304 and the lighting module 302 may comprise a second thermal side 305. The second thermal side 305 (of the lighting module) may be a flat copper plate arranged to form the bottom of the lighting module 302. Other materials having a high thermal conductivity such as carbon, an aluminium alloy, thermally conductive plastic or ceramics may also be used for the second thermal side 305. The area of the second thermal side 305 may be designed to enable sufficient heat to be dissipated from the lighting module 302 to the heat sink 303. In the example shown in Fig. 3a, the second thermal side 305 forms the entire bottom surface of the lighting module 302.

The heat sink 303 may be cylinder-shaped as to conform with the dimensions of the connector 301 and the lighting module 302. The heat sink 303 may for example be made of aluminum and be dimensioned to dissipate heat generated by the lighting

module 302 used in the light-emitting device 300. Although the heat sink 303 is depicted in Fig. 3a as a flat cylinder, it could also be realized as a heat sink 303 with fins for heat dissipation. In addition, although the heat sink is represented as a round disk, other shapes are envisaged. It will be appreciated that the light-emitting device 300 according to the present invention is advantageous as it improves power dissipation. By increasing the diameter of the first thermal side 304 and the second thermal side 305 of the heat sink 303 and the lighting module 302, respectively, a higher power dissipation may be achieved.

The lighting module 302 may comprise an outer housing 306 being releasably connectable to the heat sink 303 and rotatable with respect to an inner portion of the lighting module 302. The outer housing 306 may e.g. comprise a female part of a bayonet

coupling 307, and the heat sink 303 may comprise a male part of a bayonet coupling 308.

When mechanically fastening the lighting module 302 to the connector 301, a rotation of the outer housing 306 moves the first thermal side 304 towards the second thermal side 305. The resulting arrangement is shown in Fig. 3b, wherein the outer housing 306 has been rotated clockwise, and consequently, the inclination of the female part of the bayonet coupling 307 of the lighting module 302 has moved the male part of the bayonet

coupling 308 of the heat sink upwards, thereby moving the first thermal side 304 towards the second thermal side 305.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, other solid state light sources than LEDs may be used, e.g. lasers or laser diodes. Further, the connector 100 may be used for any electrical interface, being an AC mains voltage, a low voltage AC voltage or a DC voltage.

The openings 103, the electrical recesses 111, and the holes 113 are depicted in Fig. 1 in quantity of three. However, any other number (of these elements) may be feasible embodiments of the invention. As a further example, the electrical recesses 111 may be provided with female bayonet couplings such that the electrical elements 205 of the lighting module 200 may act as male bayonet couplings.

Furthermore, the shapes and/or dimensions of the connector 100 and the lighting module 200 may be different than those depicted in Figs. 1-3. As an example, the upper cylindrical portion 201 of the lighting module 200 may instead have any other geometrical shape, such as e.g. a rectangular shape.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A connector (100) for connecting a lighting module (200),

wherein said connector has the shape of a collar for receiving said lighting module, said connector comprising:

a fastener (101) for mechanically fastening said lighting module to said connector by rotation, and

at least one electrical receptor (111) arranged in said connector for providing an electrical connection with at least one electrical element (205) of said lighting module along an axial direction (AD) of said connector, wherein said electrical receptor is arranged for axial and rotational reception of said electrical element.

2. The connector as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connector is generally round, having an inner radius (Ri) and an outer radius (R₂).

3. The connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one electrical receptor is formed as a recess.

4. The connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said at least one electrical receptor extends along a sub-arc (112) of said connector along a circular direction (CD) in a radial plane of said connector.

5. The connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein said fastener is arranged within the outer dimension of said connector.

6. The connector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

further comprising at least one control connecting region being separated from said electrical receptor.

7. A lighting module for connecting a connector, comprising:

a mechanical element (203) for mechanically fastening said lighting module to said connector by rotation, and

at least one electrical element (205) arranged for providing an electrical connection with at least one electrical receptor of said connector, wherein said electrical element is arranged for axial and rotational connection with said electrical receptor of said connector.

8. The lighting module as claimed in claim 7, wherein said electrical element protrudes along an axial direction (AD) of said lighting module.

9. The lighting module as claimed in claim 7 or 8, comprising an upper cylindrical portion (201) and a lower cylindrical portion (202), said lower cylindrical portion being concentric with said upper cylindrical portion, wherein the diameter of said lower cylindrical portion is smaller than the diameter of said upper cylindrical portion, such that said lower cylindrical portion is arranged to fit into an inner portion of said connector and said upper cylindrical portion is arranged to fit an outer portion of said connector when mechanically fastening said lighting module to said connector.

10. The lighting module as claimed in any one of claims 7-9,

wherein said mechanical element extends radially from said lower cylindrical portion and is arranged within said diameter of said upper cylindrical portion of said lighting module.

11. A light-emitting device, comprising:

a connector according to any one of claims 1-6, and

a lighting module according to any one of claims 7-10.

12. The light-emitting device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said fastener of said connector is formed as a female part of a bayonet coupling (102) and said mechanical element of said lighting module is formed as a male part of a bayonet coupling (204), or vice versa.

13. The light-emitting device as claimed in claim 12, further comprising

a heat sink (303) for dissipating heat from said lighting module, said lighting module being connectable to said heat sink and being arranged in thermal contact with said heat sink when connecting said lighting module to said heat sink.

14. The light-emitting device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said lighting module comprises an outer housing (306) being releasably connectable to said heat sink and rotatable with respect to an inner portion of said lighting module (200), such that when mechanically fastening said lighting module to said connector, a thermal contact between said lighting module and said heat sink is established by a rotation of the outer housing, moving a first thermal side (304) of said heat sink towards a second thermal side (305) of said lighting module.

15. The light-emitting device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said outer housing comprises a female part of a bayonet coupling (307) and said heat sink comprises a male part of a bayonet coupling (308).