SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR LIGHTING DEVICES AND CORRESPONDING METHOD

• US 20160302309A1
• Filed: 04/08/2016
• Published: 10/13/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Optotronic GmbH (Inventronics (Hangzhou), Inc.)
• Original Assignee: OSRAM GmbH (Ams-Osram AG)
• Inventors: Griffoni, Alessio, Zanon, Franco
• Granted Patent: US 10,098,227 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/24 of ribbon or tape form, e.g. LED tapes
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/005 for several lighting devices in an end-to-end arrangement, i.e. light tracks
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0286 Programmable, customizable or modifiable circuits by programmable non-printed jumper connections H05K3/222
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/118 specially for flexible printed circuits, e.g. using folded portions
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/142 Arrangements of planar printed circuit boards in the same plane, e.g. auxiliary printed circuit insert mounted in a main printed circuit
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/189 characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit H05K3/326 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/0909 Preformed cutting or breaking line
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10106 Light emitting diode [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10287 Metal wires as connectors or conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10363 Jumpers, i.e. non-printed cross-over connections
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10681 Tape Carrier Package [TCP]; Flexible sheet connector
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10916 Terminals having auxiliary metallic piece, e.g. for soldering
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2203/0228 Cutting, sawing, milling or shearing

Abstract

In various aspects of this disclosure, a support structure for lighting devices is provided. The support structure includes a ribbon-like support member with electrically conductive lines with mounting locations for electrically powered light radiation sources. The structure includes a sequence of adjacent units having opposed end regions and is severable between mutually facing end regions of adjacent units in the sequence. The units include, at the end regions, at least one electrical connection formation. The electrical connection formation includes a proximal portion electrically coupled to the electrically conductive lines of the respective unit, and a distal portion electrically insulated from the proximal portion. The distal portion is electrically coupled to the distal portion of an electrical connection formation provided in an adjacent unit to the respective unit in the sequence of adjacent units and is separable therefrom by severing the support structure.

Claims

1. A support structure for lighting devices, the support structure comprising:

a ribbon-like support member with electrically conductive lines with mounting locations for electrically powered light radiation sources, the structure comprising a sequence of adjacent units having opposed end regions and being severable between mutually facing end regions of adjacent units in the sequence;

wherein the units include, at the end regions, at least one electrical connection formation comprising;

a proximal portion electrically coupled to the electrically conductive lines of the respective unit; and

a distal portion electrically insulated from the proximal portion, wherein the distal portion is electrically coupled to the distal portion of an electrical connection formation provided in an adjacent unit to the respective unit in the sequence of adjacent units and is separable therefrom by severing the support structure.

2. The support structure of claim 1,

wherein the distal portion is one piece with the distal portion of an electrical connection formation provided in an adjacent unit to the respective unit in the sequence of adjacent units.

3. The support structure of claim 1,

wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are at a distance providing electrical creepage and clearance distance therebetween.

4. The support structure of claim 1,

wherein the units in the sequence of adjacent units include, at the end regions, a pair of electrical connection formations each including one the proximal portion and one the distal portion.

5. The support structure of claim 1,

wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion are connectable via an electrically conductive bridge member therebetween.

6. The support structure of claim 1,

wherein the support member is flexible.

7. A method, comprising:

severing a support structure at at least one location between mutually facing end regions of adjacent units in the sequence of adjacent units by separating from the support structure at least one unit in the sequence of adjacent units, wherein the support structure comprises

a ribbon-like support member with electrically conductive lines with mounting locations for electrically powered light radiation sources, the structure comprising a sequence of adjacent units having opposed end regions and being severable between mutually facing end regions of adjacent units in the sequence;

wherein the units include, at the end regions, at least one electrical connection formation comprising;

a proximal portion electrically coupled to the electrically conductive lines of the respective unit; and

a distal portion electrically insulated from the proximal portion, wherein the distal portion is electrically coupled to the distal portion of an electrical connection formation provided in an adjacent unit to the respective unit in the sequence of adjacent units and is separable therefrom by severing the support structure;

coupling an electrical power feed line to the electrically conductive lines provided in the at least one unit separated from the support structure.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

severing the support structure at at least one location between mutually facing end regions of adjacent units in the sequence of adjacent units by separating from the support structure a plurality of units in the sequence of adjacent units coupled to one another at respective, mutually facing end regions; and

arranging electrically conductive bridge members between the proximal and distal portions of the electrical formations provided at the respective, mutually facing end regions of the plurality of units separated from the support structure, thereby electrically coupling the electrically conductive lines provided in the plurality of units separated from the support structure.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

arranging electrically powered light radiation sources at the mounting locations.