| WO/2002/023087 | IMPROVED LIGHT FOR LIGHT POSTS |
| JP53148879 | ILLUMINATOR |
| WO/2002/049915 | DUAL MODE VISIBLE AND INFRARED LIGHTHEAD |
DINGEMANS, Antonius Petrus Marinus (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
CREUSEN, Martinus Petrus (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
KESER, Merijn (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
BEMBRIDGE, Mathew Lee (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
JANSSEN, Dick Joep Marco (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
DEURENBERG, Peter Hubertus Franciscus (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
DINGEMANS, Antonius Petrus Marinus (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
CREUSEN, Martinus Petrus (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
KESER, Merijn (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
BEMBRIDGE, Mathew Lee (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
JANSSEN, Dick Joep Marco (AE Eindhoven, NL-5656, NL)
| CLAIMS: 1. A lighting module (1) having a connection end (2) for connection to a lamp holder (3), and a light output end (4) for outputting light, wherein said lighting module (1) comprises, at said light output end (4), an extendable grip (7a) movable between a retracted position where said extendable grip (7a) is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where said extendable grip (7a) protrudes from said lighting module in such a way that it can be readily grabbed. 2. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein said extendable grip (7a) is arranged on a hinge (7c) so that said extendable grip (7a) is pivotable between said retracted position and said extended position. 3. The lighting module according to claim 2, wherein said extendable grip (7a), when in said retracted position, extends in a plane substantially perpendicular with a longitudinal axis of the lighting module. 4. The lighting module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said extendable grip (7 a), when in said extended position, is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the lighting module. 5. The lighting module according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein said hinge (7c) is arranged in such a way that a pivotal axis of the hinge intersects a longitudinal centre axis of the lighting module. 6. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said extendable grip (7a) is configured to releasably connect a light output window (5b) at said light output end (4) of the lighting module, wherein said light output window (5b) is secured at the light output end of the lighting module when said extendable grip (7a) is in the retracted position, and detachable from the lighting module when said extendable grip (7a) is in the extended position. 7. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lighting module (1) comprises, at said light output end (4), an annular element (7), wherein said annular element is provided with a hinge (7c) and is configured in such a way that a portion (7a) of said annular element located on a first side of said hinge (7c) is pivotable between a retracted position where said portion (7a) of the annular element is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where said portion (7a) of the annular element protrudes from said lighting module so that said portion (7a) of the annular element forms said extendable grip (7a). 8. The lighting module according to claim 7, wherein a portion (7b) of said annular element located on a second side of said hinge (7c) is pivotable between a retracted position where said portion (7b) of the annular element is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where said portion (7b) of the annular element protrudes from said lighting module. 9. The lighting module according to claim 1, wherein said extendable grip (7a) is displaceable in relation to the lighting module along a longitudinal axis of the lighting module between said retracted position and said extended position. 10. The lighting module according to claim 9, wherein said extendable grip is a displaceable sleeve arranged around the lighting module. 11. The lighting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said extendable grip (7a) is configured to be secured in its retracted position by means of a snap-lock. 12. A luminaire (10) comprising: the lighting module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a lamp holder (3) for receiving said lighting module (1). 13. The luminaire according to claim 12, wherein the luminaire (3) is configured to prevent detachment of the light output window (5 a) when the lighting module (1) is connected to the lamp holder (3). |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a lighting module. The present invention also relates to a luminaire comprising such a lighting module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many lighting systems, such as luminaires, utilize replaceable lighting modules to extend the life time of the system and/or allow for a change in lighting
characteristics. The luminaire typically includes a lamp holder to which the lighting module is connectable. The connection between the lighting module and the lamp holder can, for example, be achieved by a plug-in coupling, a screw coupling, or a bayonet coupling. However, quite a bit of space is required around the lighting module to be able to connect and disconnect the lighting module to the lamp holder with ones hand. For example, in a typical luminaire, minimum 15 mm, but preferably 25 mm in the radial direction around the lighting module is required to be able to grab the lighting modules by ones fingers. The reflector diameter will grow with at least twice this value, which limits design aspects of the luminaire.
US 4,006,653 discloses a tool for inserting and extracting a lamp bulb from relatively inaccessible areas. However, the tool adds inconvenience to the user as it can be misplaced, and lost. Thus, there is a need for a more convenient solution that allows a lighting module to be connected/disconnected to a lamp holder in a relatively inaccessible area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to overcome this problem, and to provide a convenient solution that allows a lighting module to be connected/disconnected to a lamp holder in a relatively inaccessible area.
According to an aspect of the invention, this and other objects are achieved by a lighting module having a connection end for connection to a lamp holder, and a light output end for outputting light, wherein the lighting module comprises, at the light output end, an extendable grip movable between a retracted position where the extendable grip is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where the extendable grip protrudes from the lighting module in such a way that it can be readily grabbed.
The present invention is based on the understanding that the space required around the lighting module to be able to move the extendable grip from its retracted position to its extended position is typically substantially less than the space required to be able to grab the lighting module in order to take it out. Thus, by using an extendable grip, the space around the lighting module can be reduced allowing more freedom in designing the luminaire. Furthermore as the extendable grip is retractable, it will not protrude into the luminaire reflector during operation, whereby a more efficient reflector can be designed. Moreover, the extendable grip of the inventive lighting module is always available when needed, unlike a separate tool which can be misplaced or lost.
The extendable grip may be arranged on a hinge so that the extendable grip is pivotable between the retracted position and the extended position. A hinge enables a simple construction that can be provided at a low cost.
Further, the extendable grip, when in the retracted position, may extend in a plane substantially perpendicular with a longitudinal axis of the lighting module.
Furthermore, the extendable grip, when in the extended position, may be substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the lighting module.
The hinge may be arranged in such a way that a pivotal axis of the hinge intersects a longitudinal centre axis of the lighting module.
The extendable grip may be configured to releasably connect a light output window at the light output end of the lighting module, wherein the light output window is secured at the light output end of the lighting module when the extendable grip is in the retracted position, and detachable from the lighting module when the extendable grip is in the extended position. An advantage is that the light output window can be replaced. By changing the light output window it is possible to, e.g. change the beam width or the color of the light output by the lighting module.
The lighting module may comprise, at the light output end, an annular element, wherein the annular element is provided with a hinge and is configured in such a way that a portion of the annular element located on a first side of the hinge is pivotable between a retracted position where the portion of the annular element is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where the portion of the annular element protrudes from the lighting module so that the portion of the annular element forms the extendable grip. It is noted, that although, the annular element may preferably have a circular shape, it may also take other shapes such as e.g. hexagonal, or rectangular.
Moreover, a portion of the annular element located on a second side of the hinge may be pivotable between a retracted position where the portion of the annular element is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where the portion of the annular element protrudes from the lighting module. Thus, portions of the annular element located on both sides of the hinge can be bent towards each other to form a more robust grip.
The extendable grip may be displaceable in relation to the lighting module along a longitudinal axis of the lighting module between the retracted position and the extended position.
According to an embodiment, the extendable grip may be a displacable sleeve arranged around the lighting module.
Further, the extendable grip may be configured to be secured in its retracted position by means of a snap-lock.
Furthermore, the lighting module according to the present invention may advantageously be included in a luminaire, further comprising a lamp holder for receiving the lighting module.
The luminaire may preferably be configured to prevent detachment of the light output window when the lighting module is connected to the lamp holder, even if the pivotable portion of the annular element is in the extended position. The possibility to ensure that the light output window cannot be removed as long as the lighting module is connected to the lamp holder, even if the pivotable portion of the annular element is in the extended position, may be essential to fulfill electrical insulation requirements.
It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates connection/disconnection of a lighting module 1 in a luminaire; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates replacement of the light output window;
Figs. 4a-c schematically illustrates an embodiment of the lighting module where two pivotable elements can be bent towards each other to form a common grip; and
Figs. 5a-c schematically illustrates an embodiment of the lighting module where the extendable grip is a displaceable sleeve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a lighting module 1 having a connection end 2 for connection to a lamp holder 3, and a light output end 4 for outputting light. The lamp holder 3 may optionally be attached to a heat sink 12. The lighting module 1 includes a housing accommodating a light source (not shown), such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The housing is here a circular cylindrical housing comprising a bottom surface 5a, a top surface 5b and a wall 5c (i.e. the envelope surface of the cylinder) extending between the bottom surface 5 a and the top surface 5b. In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 5b includes a light output window configured such that the light emitted by the light source can escape from the lighting module. The light output window may, for example, be a disc or lens made of glass, plastic or other suitable optically transparent material. The transparent disc 5b is here attached to the lighting module housing by an annular element 7, such as a ring, that preferably seals the lighting module.
The ring 7 is here provided with a hinge 7c configured in such a way that a portion 7a of the ring located on a first side of the hinge 7c is pivotable about an axis of rotation 14 between a retracted position where it is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where it protrudes from the lighting module in such a way that it can be readily grabbed. Thereby the pivotable portion 7a of the ring forms an extendable grip 7a. In the retracted position, the pivotable portion 7a of the ring is preferably releasably connected to the wall 5 c of the lighting module by a snap fit connection. Furthermore, a portion 7b of the ring located on a second side of the hinge 7c is here permanently fixed to the wall 5c. The hinge can be achieved by using a suitable plastic designed such that it is sufficiently flexible at the hinge point 7c to allow pivotal movement. Furthermore, the region of the ring that forms the hinge 7c may preferably have a reduced thickness, to facilitate pivotal movement. However, as is recognized by a person skilled in the art, the hinge can also be achieved in other ways. For example, the hinge can be a hinge coupling that rotates about a shaft. The hinge 7c is preferably arranged such that its pivotal axis 14 intersects a longitudinal centre axis 13 of the lighting module. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates connection/disconnection of a lighting module 1 in a luminaire 10. The illustrated luminaire 10 includes a lamp holder 3 for receiving the connection end 2 of the lighting module 1 , and a reflector 11 for reflecting light output by the lighting module 1. The connection between the lamp holder and the lighting module may be achieved in a variety of ways well-known in the art. For example, the connection may be achieved by a plug-in coupling, a screw coupling, or a bayonet coupling.
When a person wants to disconnect the lighting module 1 from the lamp holder 3, he releases the extendable grip 7a from the retracted position by pulling or peeling off the extendable grip 7a from its snap-lock. The lamp holder may preferably be have a recess 15 that makes it easier for the user to get hold of the extendable grip 7a with his finger tips or nails. However, it is noted that the space required to get hold of the extendable grip 7a with the finger tips is typically substantially less than the space required to grab and disconnect the lighting module as is done in prior art solutions.
As the extendable grip 7a is released from the snap-lock, it remains attached to the lighting module at the hinge 7c, and the person can pivot the extendable grip 7a, from its retracted position, where it extends in a plane substantially perpendicular with a longitudinal axis 13 of the lighting module, to an extended position, where it is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis 13 of the lighting module (i.e. the extendable grip 7a is rotated
approximately 90° about the hinge 7c). In the extended position, the extendable grip 7a forms a handle, here having the shape of a semi-circular arc, that can be readily grabbed by the person. The person can then disconnect the lighting module 1 from the lamp holder 3 by grabbing the extendable grip 7a, twisting the lighting module (here anti-clockwise) to release the bayonet coupling, and pull the lighting module 1 out of the luminaire 11.
Similarly, a person can connect the lighting module 1 to the lamp holder 3 by moving the extendable grip 7a to its extended position, grabbing the extendable grip 7a, introducing the connection end 2 of the lighting module into the lamp holder 3, and twisting the lighting module 1 (here clockwise) to fasten the bayonet coupling. The extendable grip 7a can then be pivoted to its retracted position where it can be secured by the snap-lock arrangement.
As illustrated in Fig. 3, the ring 7 can be adapted to releasably connect the light output window 5b at the light output end 4 of the lighting module. Thus, when the pivotable portion 7a of the ring is in its retracted position, the light output window is secured at the lighting module, but when the pivotable portion 7a of the ring is in the extended position, the light output window 5b can be slided (i.e. moved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13 of the lighting module) out from its position beneath the ring 7, whereby the light output window 5b can be detached from the lighting module. This allows the light output window to be replaced. By changing light output window it is possible to, e.g. change the beam width or the color of the light output by the lighting module. However, is the luminaire may preferably be configured in such a way that lateral movement of the light output window is blocked by a portion of the luminaire, such as the lamp holder, the heat sink or the reflector, as long as the lighting module 1 is connected to the lamp holder 3, so that the light output window 5b cannot be removed even if the pivotable portion 7a of the ring is in its extended position. This possibility to ensure that the light output window cannot be removed as long as the lighting module is connected to the lamp holder may be essential to fulfill electrical insulation requirements.
Figs. 4a-c schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment of the lighting module, where a portion 7b of the ring located on a second side of the hinge 7c is also pivotable between a retracted position, where the pivotable portion 7b is retracted in the lighting module, and an extended position, where the pivotable portion 7b protrudes from the lighting module. Thus, the two pivotable portions 7a,7b can be bent towards each other to form a common grip.
Figs. 5a-c schematically illustrates an alternative embodiment, where the extendable grip is a displacable sleeve 16 arranged around the lighting module. The displacable sleeve 16 is slidably arranged in relation to the lighting module 1 so that it is moveable along a longitudinal axis 13 of the lighting module between a retracted position where substantially all of the sleeve 16 is retracted in the lighting module and an extended position where a portion of the sleeve protrudes from the lighting module to form a displaceable grip which can be readily grabbed. Here the sleeve is a ring 16 with a set of vertically protruding rails 18, or bars, which rails are inserted into a set of axial grooves 17 provided in the lighting module to allow for axial movement of the sleeve. Each rail is here provided with a protrusion 19, or stop, that prevents that the rails are completely pulled out of the lighting module, when the sleeve is raised to its extended position.
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, although the pivotable element that forms the extendable grip has been described as being part of an annular element, the extendable grip may take other shapes, such as e.g. a semi-circular ring which is provided separately and attached to the housing by a hinge mount.
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