Field of the invention The present invention relates generally to a composite panel and to a lighting element, where the lighting element, in use, is received by the composite panel. The present invention also relates to an arrangement comprising a composite panel and at least one lighting element.

Background Light arrangements consisting of three or more layers wherein at least two layers are electrically conductive layers and at least one layer is an electrically insulating layer or core in-between conductive layers, often formed as a sandwich board, sheet, panel, or the like, are generally known where one or more lighting elements (often several) are inserted into the panel in such a way that an electrical circuit involving the two electrically conductive layers and the lighting element is closed.

An applied electrical potential over the two conductive layers will cause the lighting elements to emit light.

The insulating layer or core is usually relative low density, to keep the overall weight down, and the electrically conductive layers may be made from a relatively lightweight electrically conductive material such as aluminium.

Certain such boards, sheets, panels are sometimes referred to as Dibond panels.

Lighting elements used in this context are often light emitting diodes (LEDs). Throughout the description, such sandwich boards, sheets, panels, and the like will be referred to as composite panels.

There are production processes that involve drilling or milling a number of suitably sized holes in the panel at desired locations and then simply inserting the lighting elements into the holes to give a desired pattern of lights.

Such panels may be used for general lighting or for signs where the lighting elements may form a logo, text, graphics, etc.

It is not unusual for a panel to comprise e.g. about 20 - about 400 light elements although it of course can be more and also fewer.

However, when transporting and/or handling such panels with inserted light elements it is not unusual that one or more light elements will release itself from the panel. By releasing themselves, the electrical circuit powering the given released light elements may be disconnected thereby causing them not to function properly.

Furthermore, some light elements may even dislodge themselves completely from the panel. Such light elements may easier go missing and/or be damaged during transportation and/or handling.

It is not unusual of panels of this type to be fairly large size, e.g. when being used for a sign, general lighting element, etc., compared to its depth whereby it relatively easy will bend or warp thereby increasing the likelihood of light elements being released.

Patent application WO2013/1 17198 discloses an assembly comprising a construction panel defining a sandwich construction comprising an

electrically conducting front plate, an electrically conducting rear plate and an electrically insulating material therebetween. An aperture is defined in the construction panel and an LED is inserted into the aperture. Patent application US2010/293825 discloses an adapter with at least one electronic component for mounting in a hole extending through or partly through a composite board including at least two layers of electrically conducting material being separated by at least one insulater of electrically insulating material.

Patent application WO03/017435 discloses an adapter for at least one light emitter for mounting in an aperture in a sandwich board comprising a core of electrically insulating material, the core being provided with a layer of electrically conducting material at each side of the core. There is therefore a need for a panel, a lighting element, and an arrangement comprising a panel and at least one lighting element that (also on their own) alleviate one or more of the above mentioned drawback at least to some extent.

Summary According to a first aspect, disclosed herein is a composite panel for receiving (i.e. a composite panel adapted to receive) a lighting element, the lighting element comprising a housing comprising a first and a second electrical contact element, the composite panel comprising a first and at least a second electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically insulating layer, where the at least one electrically insulating layer separates and electrically isolates the first and the second conductive layers from each other, wherein the composite panel comprises a receiving recess adapted to receive, during use, the lighting element in at least the electrically insulating layer so that the first electrical contact element of the lighting element forms an electrical connection with the first conductive layer and the second electrical contact element of the lighting element forms an electrical connection with the second conductive layer, and the receiving recess comprises at least one first securing element adapted to engage with at least one second securing element of the lighting element thereby securing the lighting element in the composite panel when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess.

Accordingly, a composite panel is provided that readily enables that one or more (often more) lighting elements inserted into the composite panel is securely held in its respective receiving recess, even during transport and/or handling of the composite panel where the panel may bend or warp to some extent, since the first securing element together with the second securing element will restrict movement of an inserted lighting element in a direction out of the composite panel. In some embodiments, the at least one first securing element is a further recess located in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer.

In some embodiments, the at least one second securing element is a resilient member fitting into the further recess.

In some embodiments, the further recess is located substantially all the way about a central axis of the receiving recess.

In some embodiments, the further recess located in at least a part of the second conductive layer and comprises a first rim or edge in the second conductive layer adapted to engage a distal end of the second securing element when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess and wherein the second securing element is made of an electrically conductive material and it is also the second electrical contact element.

In this way, electrical power to an inserted lighting element may be

transferred via the second securing element abutting against the second conductive layer in the further recess when the second securing element is made as an electrical contact or conductor and is appropriately connected to in the lighting element. Additionally, this facilitates a double function of the second securing element simplifying the construction of the composite panel and lighting element.

Furthermore, a lighting element may be inserted into the receiving recess without requiring any specific rotational orientation, which is a great advantage during assembly/insertion.

In some embodiments, the further recess comprises a second rim or edge (e.g. opposite the first rim or edge), wherein the second rim or edge is rounded.

That the second rim or edge is rounded enables a simpler drilling or milling process of the further recess since it is easier to have a gradual/rounded transition than a sharper one. Additionally, easier installation of a lighting element is also facilitated since it then cannot get stuck on the second rim or edge so easily or at all during installation of the lighting element into the receiving recess. In some embodiments, a cross section (at or along a central axis of the receiving recess) of the receiving recess and the further recess has a trapezoid or trapezium shape with a smaller base of the two bases of the trapezoid or trapezium being located at or towards the first electrically conductive layer. In some embodiments, the receiving recess is located in at least a part of the first conductive layer.

In some embodiments, the receiving recess is substantially cylindrical and defines a substantially circular opening in the second conductive layer and a substantially cylindrical volume in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer, and also goes at least partly into the first conductive layer.

In some embodiments, the composite panel further comprises a transparent cover fixed to the second electrically conductive layer (after the appropriate lighting elements have been inserted into the composite panel), wherein the transparent cover is made from a material selected from polycarbonate, plexiglass, glass, etc.

Having a transparent cover like this and of such material will increase the durability of the composite panel by many magnitudes enabling many further uses of the composite panel and lighting element.

The transparent cover may e.g. be glued to the second electrically

conductive layer or fixed to it in another way.

The transparent cover may e.g. have a concave or convex part (preferably substantially centered at or near the central axis of the receiving recess) to spread or focus the emitted light.

The transparent cover may e.g. also comprise an O-ring or other seal to ensure that the lighting element is water and/or gas-tight, which may be important for certain off-shore and/or marine uses. In some embodiments, the composite panel further comprises one or more grooves, cutouts, etc. in the first and/or second conductive layer thereby forming a number of electric areas or components, and wherein an electrically isolating material, e.g. an ultra-violet (or other) electrically isolating curable material, silicone, an electrically isolating film, etc., is applied in and/or at the one or more grooves, cutouts, etc.

In this way, the grooves, cutouts, etc. readily becomes dust- and/or waterproof. This prevents a potential electrical short-circuit occurring between the electrical areas or components e.g. due to dust (or other electrically conducting material) and/or water (e.g. condensation water) being collected in the grooves, cutouts, etc.

The electrically isolating material may e.g. also be applied in the receiving recess and/or around the circumference of an inserted lighting element. According to a second aspect, disclosed herein is a lighting element for being received by (i.e. a lighting element adapted to be received by) a receiving recess of a composite panel where the composite panel comprises an electrically insulating layer electrically isolating a first and a second

conductive layer, wherein the lighting element comprises a housing

comprising a first and a second electrical contact element, and a light source, wherein the lighting element is adapted to form an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element and the first conductive layer of the composite panel and an electrical connection between the second electrical contact element and the second conductive layer of the composite panel when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess of the composite panel, and comprises at least one second securing element adapted to engage with at least one first securing element in the receiving recess thereby securing the lighting element in the composite panel when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess.

In some embodiments, the at least one first securing element is a further recess located in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer.

In some embodiments, the at least one second securing element is a resilient member fitting into the further recess. In some embodiments, the further recess located in at least a part of the second conductive layer and the second securing element comprises a distal end adapted to engage a first rim or edge in the second conductive layer of the further recess when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess and wherein the second securing element is made of an electrically conductive material and it is also the second electrical contact element.

In some embodiments, the further recess comprises a second rim or edge wherein the second rim or edge is rounded. In some embodiments, a cross section (at or along a central axis of the receiving recess) of the receiving recess and the further recess has a trapezoid or trapezium shape with a smaller base of the two bases of the trapezoid or trapezium being located at or towards the first electrically conductive layer.

In some embodiments, the receiving recess is located in at least a part of the first conductive layer.

In some embodiments, the receiving recess is substantially cylindrical and defines a substantially circular opening in the second conductive layer and a substantially cylindrical volume in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer, and also goes at least partly into the first conductive layer.

In some embodiments of the composite panel and/or the lighting element, the lighting element comprises at least one light emitting diode.

According to another aspect is disclosed a lighting arrangement comprising a composite panel and embodiments thereof as described above and throughout the description and at least one lighting element and

embodiments thereof as described above and throughout the description.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 a schematically illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a composite panel;

Figure 1 b shows an expanded view of a portion 1 10 of the composite panel of Figure 1 a;

Figure 1 c schematically illustrates a view of a part of a composite panel, e.g. the one shown in Figure 1 a, in an insertion direction of the lighting element; Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a lighting element to be used with the composite panel of Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6 shown from one side;

Figure 3 shows the lighting element of Figure 2 shown from above; Figure 4 shows the lighting element of Figures 2 and 3 shown from below;

Figure 5 shows the lighting element of Figures 2, 3, and 4 shown from another side;

Figure 6 shows the composite panel of Figures 1 a - 1 c comprising a further element; and Figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of a composite panel.

Detailed description

Various aspects and embodiments of a composite panel, a lighting element, and an arrangement comprising a composite panel and at least one lighting element as disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the figures.

Figure 1 a schematically illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a composite panel along a central axis 1 12 of a receiving recess 1 15.

Shown is a composite panel 101 adapted to receive a lighting element (not shown; see e.g. 200 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5) comprising a first (not shown; see e.g. 203 in Figures 2, 4, and 5) and a second (not shown; see e.g. 204 in Figures 2 - 5) electrical contact element.

The composite panel 101 comprises a first 105 and a second 105' electrically conductive layer. Furthermore, the composite panel 101 also comprises an electrically insulating layer 106, where the electrically insulating layer 106 separates and electrically isolates the first and the second conductive layers 105, 105' from each other.

The composite panel 101 has in this way a 'sandwich' structure with a core being the electrically insulating layer 106 separating the first and second conductive layers 105, 105'.

The electrically insulating layer 106 is of a generally non-conducting material and may be of a relative low density (e.g. as compared to metal) material to keep the overall weight of the composite panel 101 down. The electrically insulating layer 106 may be made of certain types of materials e.g.

polyethylene (PE), rubber-like polymers, most plastics, etc. The width of the electrically insulating layer 106 may depend on a specific use.

The electrically conductive layers 105, 105' may in principal be made from any conductive material e.g. like a suitable sheet metal. The electrically conductive layers 105, 105' are preferably made of a relatively lightweight electrically conductive material, e.g. aluminium. Alternatively, the electrically conductive layers 105, 105' may be made of stainless steel, copper, etc. The width of each electrically conductive layer may be different depending on specific use, but will typically be somewhat smaller than the width of the electrically insulating layer 106. The widths of the two electrically conductive layers may be the same or may be different from each other, again depending on specific use.

The composite panel 101 further comprises at least one receiving recess 1 15 where each receiving recess 1 15 is adapted to receive a lighting element during use in at least the electrically insulating layer 106 so that a first electrical contact element (not shown; see e.g. 203 in Figures 2, 4, and 5) of the lighting element forms an electrical connection with the first conductive layer 105 and the second electrical contact element (not shown, see e.g. 204 in Figures 2 - 5) of the lighting element forms an electrical connection with the second conductive layer 105'. In the lighting element, a given light source, such as e.g. one or more LEDs, is electrically connected to the first and second electrical contact elements so that a circuit is formed. In some embodiments (e.g. the ones shown in Figures 2 - 5), the second securing element and the second electrical contact element of the lighting element are the one and same element, which will provide some further advantages, as will be explained in the following.

An applied electrical potential over the two conductive layers 105, 105' will thereby cause a lighting element inserted into a receiving recess 1 15 to emit light and actually cause all the lighting elements inserted in this way into the composite panel to emit light.

The actual design of the lighting element including design and location of the its first and second electrical contact elements may vary as long as it enables separate connection with the first and second conductive layers 105, 105'.

The receiving recess 1 15 goes in certain embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 1 a, all the way through the second electrically conductive layer 105' and in this particular and similar embodiments also all the way through the electrically insulating layer 106 while only partially into the first electrically conductive layer 105 thereby exposing the first electrically conductive layer 105 for electric connection while also using it as an abutment surface. The receiving recess 1 15 may in certain embodiments, e.g. as shown in Figure 1 a, be substantially cylindrical about a central axis 1 12 whereby the receiving recess 1 15 then defines a substantially circular opening in the second conductive layer 105' and a substantially cylindrical volume in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer 106 for receiving a lighting element. The receiving recess 1 15 may also have other shapes, e.g. as shown and explained in connection with Figure 7. The receiving recess 1 15 may alternatively go fully through also the first conductive layer 105, at least at some locations, just as long as the first electrical contact element is designed accordingly.

Such receiving recesses 1 15 may generally be made in the composite panel 101 relatively easy and efficiently during manufacture e.g. using appropriate drilling or milling processes.

The receiving recess 1 15 furthermore comprises at least one first securing element 102 adapted to engage with at least one second securing element (not shown; see e.g. 202 in Figures 2, 3,4, and 5) of the lighting element thereby securing the lighting element in the composite panel 101 when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess 1 15.

In this way, it is readily enabled that the one or more lighting elements inserted into a composite panel is securely held in its respective receiving recess, even during transport and/or handling of the composite panel where the panel may bend or warp to some extent.

The first securing element 102 may together with the second securing element restrict movement of an inserted lighting element in a direction out of the composite panel 101 . It is even further advantageous if the first and/or second securing elements still facilities easy insertion of the lighting element, especially since some composite panels may comprise a high number of inserted lighting elements, and also if the first and the second securing elements engage in an expedient and simple way.

In certain embodiments, the at least one first securing element is a further recess 102 located in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer 106. Shown in Figure 1 a is an embodiment comprising one further recess 102 going all the way around, i.e. being 360 degrees, inside the receiving recess 1 15. This facilitates simple insertion of the lighting element into the receiving recess 1 15. As will be explained further in connection with Figure 1 b the further recess 102 forms an upper rim, edge, etc. (see 109 in Figure 1 b) for keeping an inserted lighting element in place after insertion.

In embodiments as shown in Figure 1 a and similar embodiments, the further recess 102 are additionally also located in the second conductive layer 105'. That the further recess 102 is located (also) in the second conductive layer 105' enables that electrical power to the lighting element may be transferred via the second securing element abutting against the second conductive layer 105' in the further recess 102 when the second securing element is made as an electrical contact or conductor and is appropriately connected to in the lighting element. This facilitates a double function of the second securing element simplifying the construction of the composite panel 101 and lighting element 200.

This furthermore enables the lighting element to be inserted into the receiving recess 1 15 without requiring any specific rotational orientation, which is a great advantage during assembly/insertion.

It is to be understood that the further recess 102 need not necessarily go all the way around on the inside of the receiving recess 1 15. It could e.g. go only a substantial part around, e.g. 350 degrees or less, and still provide more or less the same functionality. The further recess 102 could also be separated into two or more further recesses instead of a single continuous recess. The smaller the recess is about the central axis 1 12 and the greater the number of smaller separate recesses the single recess is replaced by to more careful the lighting element has to be inserted in relation to its specific rotational orientation (to ensure that the contacts add up), but it may still provide some of the other mentioned advantages.

The further recess 102 and its surroundings (labelled by box 1 10 in Figure 1 a) are shown as an expanded view in Figure 1 b and will be described in further details in connection thereby. Preferably, the at least one second securing element (of the lighting element) is a resilient member (not shown; see e.g. 202 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5) fitting into the further recess 102. The resilient member may e.g. be a resilient leg, peg, or similar. And as mentioned, it may be made of an electrically conductive material and be appropriately connected enabling also to double in function as the second electrical contact element 204.

If the second securing element(s) is/are a resilient member secured at one end to the housing of the lighting element while the other end is free and the secured end is the first end of the two to be inserted then it may simply be pressed against the housing of the lighting element during insertion and then snap into the further recess at a proper location thereby locking and securing the lighting element in the composite panel 101 .

The further recess 102 may also be manufactured using an appropriate drilling or milling process, e.g. using a CNC (computer numeric control) milling machine e.g. a high speed machine capable of up to about 40.000 rpm. The receiving recess 1 15 and the further recess 102 may be produced in a single milling run or process e.g. using a single tool making it relatively easy to manufacture. Alternatively, the receiving recess 1 15 and the further recess(es) 102 may be produced by two different milling runs or processes e.g. with two different tools.

It is noted that only a part of the composite panel 101 is shown in Figure 1 a and often the composite panel 101 will comprise a plurality of receiving recesses and thereby a plurality of lighting elements in use but may of course in principle also comprise only one receiving recess and one lighting element if that is suitable for a given use.

When inserted into the receiving recess 1 15, the lighting element will, in certain embodiments, be flush or in line with the second conductive layer 105', i.e. the lighting element will not extend beyond the second conductive layer 105'. In other embodiments, the lighting element may extend beyond and in such cases, the lighting element may comprise a collar, sleeve, skirt, or the like.

In some embodiments, the composite panel further comprises one or more grooves, cutouts, etc. in the first and/or second conductive layer thereby forming a number of electric areas or components that may be used for various purposes. In such embodiments, an electrically isolating material, e.g. an ultra-violet (or other) electrically isolating curable material, silicone, an electrically isolating film, etc., is applied in and/or at the one or more grooves, cutouts, etc. This readily dust- and/or water-proofs the grooves, cutouts, etc., which prevents a potential electrical short-circuit occurring between the electrical areas or components e.g. due to dust (or other electrically conducting material) and/or water (e.g. condensation water) being collected in the grooves, cutouts, etc. The electrically isolating material may e.g. also be applied in the receiving recess and/or around the circumference of an inserted lighting element.

Figure 1 b shows an expanded view of a portion 1 10 of the composite panel of Figure 1 a.

Shown is a portion 1 10 of a composite panel of Figure 1 a that illustrate the first and second conductive layer 105, 105', the electrically insulating layer 106, the receiving recess 1 15, and the first securing element here in the form of a further recess 102 as discussed in connection with Figure 1 a.

The further recess 102 comprises a first rim or edge 109 in the second conductive layer 105' and in a part of the insulating layer 106 being adjacent to the second conductive layer. The first rim or edge 109 is adapted to engage the second securing element, e.g. more specifically adapted to engage a distal end (not shown; see e.g. 202' in Figure 5) of the second securing element, e.g. in the form of a resilient member, leg, peg, etc., when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess 1 15.

When the lighting element is inserted into the receiving recess 1 15, the second securing element in the form of a resilient member, leg, peg, etc. will snap into the further recess 102 thereby locking and securing the lighting element in the composite panel from being moved out again. Even if the composite panel is bend or warped during handling or transportation.

Preferably, the angle between the rim or edge 109 and the insulating layer is substantially rectangular or 'sharp', i.e. about 90 degrees. The angle may be different to some extent. What is significant is that the angle enables reliable securing of an inserted lighting device and if the angle differs too much from 90 degrees (either direction) then the second securing element may more easily 'pop' out thereby releasing an inserted lighting device.

The further recess 102 also comprises a second rim, edge, or the like 108. This second rim or edge 108 is preferably more rounded than the sharper first rim or edge 109. That the second rim or edge 108 is rounded enables a simpler drilling or milling process of the further recess 102 since it is easier to have a gradual/rounded transition than a sharper one. Additionally, that it is rounded also facilitates easier installation of the lighting element 200 since it then cannot get stuck on the second rim or edge 108 so easily or at all during installation of the lighting element 200 into the receiving recess 1 15.

As mentioned, that the first rim or edge 109 is in the second conductive layer 105' as well enables using the second securing element also as the second electrical contact element (see 202 and 204 in Figures 2 - 5). As already mentioned, the receiving recess 1 15 ends partly into the first electrically conductive layer 105, which creates a further rim or edge 1 1 1 between the first electrically conductive layer 105 and the electrically insulating layer 106. This further rim or edge 1 1 1 may also be substantially rounded in order to enable a simpler drilling or milling process of the receiving recess 1 15.

The composite panel of Figure 1 a (and 1 b) is shown and explained further in connection with Figure 1 c. Figure 1 c schematically illustrates a view of a part of a composite panel, e.g. the one shown in Figure 1 a, in an insertion direction of the lighting element.

Shown is a view of a part of a composite panel 101 in the direction of insertion of a lighting element. The view corresponds to seeing Figure 1 a from 'above'. Shown is a part of the composite panel 101 comprising a second conductive layer 105' and a substantially circular (as seen from this direction) receiving recess 1 15. The receiving recess 1 15 reveals a part of a first conductive layer 105 otherwise located under the second conductive layer 105' with an electrically insulating layer (not shown; see e.g. 106 in Figures 1 a and 1 b) between them as already explained.

Further illustrated is a further recess 102 adapted to receive one or more corresponding second securing element(s)/resilient member(s) (not shown; see e.g. 202 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5) e.g. arranged in pairs (see e.g. 21 1 in Figures 3 and 4) when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess 1 15, where the second securing element(s)/resilient member(s) may also function as second 204 electrical contact element(s).

This and corresponding embodiments enables very reliable securing of an inserted lighting element. It also enables that an inserted lighting element do not need to have a specific rotational orientation in the receiving recess 1 15 when being inserted. Figure 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a lighting element to be used with the composite panel of Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6 shown from one side.

Shown is an exemplary embodiment of a lighting element 200 comprising a housing 201 comprising at least a first 203 and a second 204 electrical contact element, a light source (not shown; see e.g. 301 in Figure 3), and at least one second securing element 202. The light source may e.g. comprise one or more LEDs, and be electrically connected to the first and second electrical contact elements 203, 204. The lighting element 200 is for being received by a receiving recess of a composite panel (not shown; see e.g. 1 15 and 101 in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6) like the ones shown and explained elsewhere.

As mentioned, the lighting element 200 will form an electrical connection between the first electrical contact element 203 and a first conductive layer (see e.g. 105 in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6) of the composite panel and an electrical connection between the second electrical contact element 204 and a second conductive layer (see e.g. 105' in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6) of the composite panel when the lighting element 200 is received by the receiving recess 1 15 of the composite panel. In addition, the at least one second securing element 202 is adapted to engage with at least one first securing element (not shown; see e.g. 102 in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6), preferably in the form of a further recess, in the receiving recess of the composite panel thereby securing the lighting element 200 in the composite panel when the lighting element 200 is received by the receiving recess.

In the shown embodiment, the lighting element 200 comprises four second securing elements 202 arranged in two pairs 21 1 of two elements where only one pair is visible in the Figure. The other non-visible pair is located on the opposite side of the housing 201 .

Preferably, the at least one second securing element 202 is a resilient member, each fitting into a further recess (not shown; see e.g. 102 in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6). The resilient member may e.g. be a resilient leg, peg, or similar.

In this and similar embodiments, the at least one second securing element 202 is electrically conductive and connected appropriately to the light source making it function also as the second electrical contact element 204 as already explained. The securing elements/second electrical contact elements 202, 204 also comprises a distal end 202' adapted to engage with a first rim or edge (see e.g. 109 in Figure 1 b) in the second electrically conductive layer (see e.g. 105' in Figures 1 a and 1 b) as already explained.

The first electrical contact element 203 is preferably resilient for simple and reliable contact with an exposed first conductive layer (see e.g. 105 in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6). This will also also provide a reliable contact and electrical connection between the second electrical contact element 204 (also being the second securing element 202) as the resilient first electrical contact element will push the second electrical contact element 204 against the first rim or edge in the second conductive layer (see e.g. 109 and 105', respectively, in Figures 1 b and 7).

The shown embodiment of the lighting device fits into the embodiments of the composite panel shown in Figures 1 a - 1 c, and 6.

It is to be understood, that several other embodiments, e.g. changing the number, type, and/or location of the second securing elements/second electrical contact elements 202/204, are contemplated and covered.

Figure 3 shows the lighting element of Figure 2 shown from above. Shown is the lighting element 200 of Figure 2 shown from above (i.e. in its insertion direction). Here is can readily be seen that it comprises two pairs 21 1 of two second securing elements 202. Furthermore, the light source 301 is shown. The light source may e.g. comprise one or more LEDs, electrically connected to the first and second electrical contact elements.

It is to be understood for the lighting element of Figures 2 - 5, that the securing elements 202/contacts 204 need not be arranged in pairs. As alternatives, they could e.g. be placed equidistantly from each other on the housing 201 or in other ways. Figure 4 shows the lighting element of Figures 2 and 3 shown from below.

Shown is the lighting element 200 of Figures 2 and 3 shown from below (i.e. opposite its insertion direction) revealing further details of the first electrical contact element 203, here comprising two resilient legs bending 'downwards' the insertion direction of the lighting element for contacting the first conductive layer of a composite panel. Alternatively, the first electrical contact element 203 could comprise another number of resilient legs, e.g. one, four, e.g. located as a (Greek) cross, eight, etc.

Figure 5 shows the lighting element of Figures 2, 3, and 4 shown from another side. Shown is the lighting element 200 of Figures 2, 3, and 4 shown from another side being 90 degrees from the shown side of Figure 2.

Shown are a number of securing elements doubling as second electrical contact elements 202, 204 each having a distal end 202' adapted to engage with a first rim or edge (see e.g. 109 in Figure 1 b) in the second electrically conductive layer (see e.g. 105' in Figures 1 a and 1 b) as already explained.

Figure 6 shows the composite panel of Figures 1 a - 1 c comprising a further element. Shown in Figure 6 is a part of a composite panel 101 . Figure 6 corresponds to Figure 1 a with the addition of a further element being a transparent cover sheet 600 preferably made by a durable material like polycarbonate, plexiglass, glass, etc. The transparent cover 600 may be glued to the second electrically conductive layer 105' or fixated to it in another way.

The transparent cover 600 may e.g. have a concave or convex part (not shown) preferably substantially centered at or near the central axis 1 12 to spread or focus the emitted light.

The transparent cover 600 may e.g. also comprise an O-ring or other seal to ensure that the lighting element is water and/or gas-tight, which may be important for certain off-shore and/or marine uses.

By having a transparent cover 600 in this way and of such material will increase the durability of the composite panel by many magnitudes enabling many further uses of a composite panel and lighting element as described. It is to be understood, that the transparent cover 600 may also be used in connection with other embodiments of a composite panel, e.g. also the one shown and explained in the following in connection with Figure 7.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of a composite panel along a central axis 1 12 of a receiving recess 1 15. Shown is a composite panel 101 for receiving a lighting element (not shown; see e.g. 200 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5) comprising a first (not shown; see e.g. 203 in Figures 2, 4, and 5) and a second (not shown; see e.g. 204 in Figures 2 - 5) electrical contact element. The composite panel 101 corresponds to the composite panel shown and explained in connection with Figures 1 a - 1 c except as noted in the following and likewise comprises a first 105 and a second 105' electrically conductive layer separated by an electrically insulating layer 106 between them and at least one receiving recess 1 15 with a central axis 1 12.

The receiving recess 1 15 likewise comprises at least one first securing element 102 adapted to engage with at least one second securing element (not shown; see e.g. 202 in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5) of the lighting element thereby securing the lighting element in the composite panel 101 when the lighting element is received by the receiving recess 1 15.

The securing element(s) 102 is/are in the embodiment of Figure 7 different in shape than the one(s) shown and explained in connection with Figures 1 a - 1 c.

The first securing element 102 will preferably still, together with a second securing element of the lighting element, restrict movement of an inserted lighting element in a direction out of the composite panel 101 while facilitating easy insertion of the lighting element. In the embodiment of Figure 7 and similar, the at least one first securing element is a further recess 102 located in at least a part of the electrically insulating layer 106. More specifically, the further recess 102 of the embodiment of Figure 7 is going all the way around, i.e. being 360 degrees although it may be less, inside the receiving recess 1 15 and forms an upper rim, edge, etc. 109 for keeping an inserted lighting element in place after insertion e.g. by engaging a distal end (see e.g. 202' in Figures 2 and 5) of a second securing element (see e.g. 202 in Figures 2 - 5). Preferably and as mentioned in connection with Figure 1 a, the angle between the rim or edge 109 and the insulating layer is substantially rectangular or 'sharp', i.e. about 90 degrees but may be different to some extent.

In embodiments as shown in Figure 7 and similar embodiments, the further recess 102 are additionally also located in the second electrically conductive layer 105' enabling that electrical power to the lighting element may be transferred via the second securing element abutting against the second conductive layer 105' in the further recess 102 when the second securing element is also the second electrical contact element of the lighting element (see 202 and 204 in Figures 2 - 5). As mentioned, the securing element(s) and thereby the further recess 102 is/are in the embodiment of Figure 7 different in shape than the one(s) in the embodiment of Figures 1 a - 1 c.

More specifically, the further recess 102 in this embodiment does not comprises a second rim, edge, or the like but rather has an e.g. substainally linearly reducing diameter towards the first electrically conductive layer 105, i.e. the receiving recess 1 15 and the further recess 102 will together have a cross section at or along the central axis 1 12 having a trapezoid or trapezium shape with a smaller base of the two bases of the trapezoid or trapezium being located at or towards the first electrically conductive layer 105. The bases of the trapezoid or trapezium are the parallel sides while the other two legs often are referred to as the 'legs'. The shape of the receiving recess 1 15 and the further recess 102 may also be described as cone segment with a reducing diameter towards the first electrically conductive layer 105 and where a part comprising the apex or vertex of the cone is 'removed'. Compared to the embodiment of Figures 1 a - 1 c, this enables an even simpler drilling or milling process when manufacturing the receiving recess 1 15 and further recess 102 in the composite panel 101 since producing a sloped wall is simpler than a further recess comprising a further rim or similar. This will also shorten the time necessary for manufacturing each receiving and further recess 1 15, 102 and enable the use of a simpler and thereby cheaper drilling or milling head. Additionally, the drilling or milling head will be simpler to maintain.

Additionally, the trapezoid or trapezium (or cone) shape also enables more precise insertion of a lighting element at a center location or central axis. In principal, the further recess 102 may also be a full cylinder (still having the upper rim, edge, etc. 109). However, a further recess 102 with an inclined wall having a reducing diameter towards the first electrically conductive layer 105 will enable the second securing elements/second electrical contact elements of the lighting element (see e.g. 202/204 in Figures 2 - 5) to abut more securely and enable insertion of a lighting element at a center location/axis (while a full cylinder typically will have some slip or gap between the sides of the lighting element and the cylindrical receiving recess).

In the claims enumerating several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by one and the same element, component or item. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, elements, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.