WO2019228836A1

WO2019228836A1 - Lighting module having a communication element

Info

Publication number: WO2019228836A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/062918
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aldegonda Lucia WEIJERS; Peter Johannes Martinus BUKKEMS
Original assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2019-05-20
Publication date: 2019-12-05

Abstract

A lighting module (1) is disclosed, comprising at least one communication element (9) and at least one carrier (2, 21; 8, 11) arranged to support at least one light- emitting element (3) at a first side (6) thereof and the at least one communication element (9) at a second side (7) thereof. The second side (7) of the at least one carrier (2) has a surface (13) having perimeter (12) at least in part defining an edge of the at least one carrier (2), and wherein the at least one carrier (2) is arranged in relation to the at least one communication element (9), or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface (13) along a surface normal (n) to the surface, the at least one communication element (9) is within the perimeter (12) but does not extend beyond the edge.

Description

LIGHTING MODULE HAVING A COMMUNICATION ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lighting module and a lighting device comprising such a lighting module. BACKGROUND

So called filament lamps based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are becoming increasingly popular. In bulb lighting devices based on LEDs, commonly referred to as “retrofit lamps” since these LED lamps are often designed to have the appearance of a traditional incandescent light bulb and to be mounted in conventional sockets, etc., the light emitting filament wire is replaced with one or more LEDs, arranged in a configuration that mimics a light emitting filament wire, which may be referred to as a filament. Filament lamps are often used for ambiance creation in home lighting applications as well as in professional lighting applications, such as in bars, restaurants or hotels. Early versions of filament lamps were often only capable of emitting light of a single color. Presently, versions of filament lamps capable of emitting light of two colors (such as flame white and warm white colors) are available. Filament lamps are often used in so called open luminaires, in which the light sources in the luminaires are directly visible to the viewer.

Lamps with controllable light sources such as LEDs may be communicatively connected with a control unit or controller, e.g., in wireless fashion using radio frequency (RF) communication techniques or means. Such lamps will in the following be referred to as ‘connected lamps’. Such RF communication techniques or means may for example comprise one or more RF antennas. The operation of the light sources of the lamp may be controlled for example by means of the control unit or controller transmitting control signaling to the lamp. This may be particularly desirable for lamps capable of emitting light of different colors, such as, for example, multicolor filament lamps, in order to facilitate or allow for adjusting the color of the light emitted by the lamp.

SUMMARY Communication elements such as RF antennas as used in connected lamps may be difficult to implement or integrate in the lamp in an appropriate way. The

communication elements may impose constraints on the design or construction of the lamp and its surroundings. Also, when the lamp is mounted in a luminaire, the connectivity of the lamp may be negatively affected. In principle, the best location for communication elements such as RF antennas as used in connected lamps is generally in the optically active region of the lamp (e.g., in the light-emitting region of the lamp). However, when communication elements such as RF antennas as used in connected lamps are mounted in proximity to light sources such as LEDs it the lamp, the communication elements may cast shadows, which may be particularly visible for a viewer for full RGB color lamps. For example, for filament lamps with clear bulbs, the communication element may be visible to the viewer and therefore affect the aesthetics of the lamp. This may be counterproductive for filament lamps, which in general are intended to be aesthetically pleasing for a user.

In view of the above discussion, a concern of the present invention is to facilitate for implementing communicative connection of a lighting module or lighting device such as of the filament lamp type with a control unit or controller, with no or very small detrimental effects on the visual aesthetics of the lighting module or lighting device for the user.

To address at least one of this concern and other concerns, a lighting module in accordance with the independent claim is provided. Preferred embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a filament lamp is provided. The filament lamp is having at least one lighting module comprising an LED filament and a communication element. The filament comprises at least one carrier arranged to support at least one light-emitting element at or on a first side thereof and the at least one communication element at or on a second side thereof. The second side of the at least one carrier has a surface having perimeter at least in part defining an edge of the at least one carrier, and wherein the at least one carrier is arranged in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the at least one communication element is within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge.

The at least one carrier arranged to support at least one light-emitting element may for example form a configuration which may mimic a light emitting filament wire, which may be referred to as a filament. By arranging the at least one communication element and the at least one light-emitting element on different sides of the at least one carrier (on the second side and the first side, respectively), the at least one communication element may not be arranged in the light-emitting region of the lighting module. For example, the first side and the second side may be opposite sides of the at least one carrier, and the first side may hence be opposite to the second side. Further, by arranging the at least one carrier in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the at least one communication element is within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge, the at least one communication element may not be directly visible to a user. Thereby, the at least communication element may give rise to no or very small detrimental effects on the visual aesthetics of the lighting module for a user.

The lighting module may for example be used in a filament lamp having a light-transmissive envelope at least in part enclosing the lighting module, with the lighting module being arranged within the light-transmissive envelope. The light-transmissive envelope may for example comprise a clear bulb. Since the at least one communication element may not be arranged in the light-emitting region of the lighting module, the at least one light-emitting element may not cast any shadow of the at least one communication element in or on the bulb.

The lighting module may comprise several carriers arranged to support at least one light-emitting element for example at or on first sides thereof. The at least one communication element may be arranged at the second side of one of the carriers, and the other carrier(s) may not have at least one communication element arranged at the second side(s) thereof.

The at least one carrier may for example comprise at least one printed circuit board (PCB), such as, for example, at least one flexible PCB and/or a multilayer PCB. In alternative, or in addition, the at least one carrier may for example comprise at least one flexible foil (e.g.,‘flexfoil’). Such a PCB may be configured to support the at least one light- emitting element and provide power thereto (e.g., by way of one or more electrically conductive tracks or traces, as known in the art).

In alternative, or in addition, the at least one carrier may for example comprise a multilayer substrate, such as, for example, a multilayer PCB or the like, and may for example include one or more electrically conductive tracks or traces on or in a layer of the multilayer substrate. At the second side of the at least one carrier there may be provided a ground plane, which may be configured to electrically isolate the at least one communication element from other components of the lighting module, such as the at least one light-emitting element at or on the first side of the at least one carrier. The ground plane may be a part or portion of the at least one carrier. For example, the at least one carrier may comprise multiple parts, one which may be the ground plane. The ground plane may for example comprise a metal plate, for example made of copper. The ground plane may be arranged so as to provide a heat spreading or transferring functionality or capability. To that end, the ground plane may be configured so that it has a relatively large thickness.

Each or any one of the at least one light-emitting element may for example include or be constituted by a solid state light emitter. Examples of solid state light emitters include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic LEDs (OLEDs). Solid state light emitters are relatively cost efficient light sources since they in general are relatively inexpensive and have a relatively high optical efficiency and a relatively long lifetime. However, in the context of the present application, the term“light-emitting element” should be understood to mean substantially any device or element that is capable of emitting radiation in any region or combination of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example the visible region, the infrared region, and/or the ultraviolet region, when activated e.g. by applying a potential difference across it or passing a current through it. Therefore, a light-emitting element can have monochromatic, quasi-monochromatic, polychromatic or broadband spectral emission characteristics. Examples of light-emitting elements include semiconductor, organic, or polymer/polymeric LEDs, violet LEDs, blue LEDs, optically pumped phosphor coated LEDs, optically pumped nano-crystal LEDs or any other similar devices as would be readily understood by a person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the term light-emitting element can, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, mean a combination of the specific light-emitting element(s) which emit the radiation in combination with a housing or package within which the specific light-emitting element(s) is positioned or arranged. For example, the term light-emitting element or light-emitting module can encompass a bare LED die arranged in a housing, which may be referred to as a LED package. According to another example, the light-emitting element may comprise a Chip Scale Package (CSP) LED, which may comprise a LED die directly attached to a substrate such as a PCB, and not via a sub-mount.

The at least one carrier may for example comprise at least one (light) strip, such as, for example, at least one LED strip. The at least one carrier may for example be elongated, or the at least one carrier may have an elongated shape. The at least one carrier may have a longitudinal axis. The at least one communication element may have an elongated shape, and may have a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The at least one communication element may extend along the longitudinal axis.

The at least one carrier may have a longitudinal axis and be arranged to support a plurality of light-emitting elements on the first side thereof. The plurality of light- emitting elements may be arranged along the longitudinal axis.

The length of the at least one carrier in a direction along the longitudinal axis may be matched to the length of the at least one communication element in a direction along the longitudinal axis (or vice versa), in accordance with the size and/or dimensional requirements of the at least one communication element for the at least one communication element be able to work in the desired or required way (e.g., so as to allow for

communication in a certain frequency range).

The at least one communication element may have a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis that is a fraction of the length of the at least one carrier in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The fraction may for example be between 0.7 and 1.0, or 0.8 and 1.0, or between 0.9 and 1.0, or between 0.95 and 1.0.

The at least one communication element may for example be arranged to receive at least one signal having a wavelength l. The at least one communication element may have a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis that is between l/8 and l.

According to an example, the at least one communication element may have a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis that is between l/4 and l/2.

The at least one communication element may be arranged for, or capable of, wireless communication. The at least one communication element may for example be arranged for, or capable of, radio frequency (RF) wireless communication (and may thus comprise at least one (RF) antenna element), but is not limited thereto. In alternative or in addition, the at least one communication element may for example be arranged for infrared wireless communication, and may for example comprise at least one infrared antenna.

The at least one communication element may be directly or indirectly mechanically coupled, connected, fastened or attached to the second side of the at least one carrier. For example, the at least one communication element may be mechanically coupled or connected, or fastened or attached, to the second side of the at least one carrier by way of a glue connection or coupling. In alternative or in addition, and according to another example, the at least one communication element may be mechanically coupled or connected, or fastened or attached, to the second side of the at least one carrier by way of at least a portion of the at least one communication element being integrally arranged within a portion of the at least one carrier.

The lighting module may possibly comprise a plurality of communication elements mechanically connected or coupled to the second side of the at least one carrier, such as two, three, four or five communication elements, or even more, wherein each may be mechanically connected or coupled to the second side of the at least one carrier.

The at least one communication element may for example comprise at least one antenna. The antenna may be a straight monopole antenna. As indicated in the foregoing, the length of the antenna may for example be (approximately) equal to l/4 or l/2, or between l/4 and l/2, where l is the wavelength of a signal that the antenna is configured to receive. For example, a frequency used for Zigbee, Bluetooth, or WIFI is 2.4 GHz. This would correspond to a wavelength l of (about) 12.5 cm, meaning that the length of the antenna for example may be (about) 31.25 mm (l/4). For lower frequencies the antenna may be longer. A frequency of 1 GHz, for example, may correspond to a wavelength l of (about) 30 cm, i.e. l/4 may be (about) 7.5 cm.

The at least one carrier may be arranged to support a plurality of light-emitting elements on the first side thereof. The at least one carrier may have a longitudinal axis. The plurality of light-emitting elements may be arranged in at least one succession (e.g., in at least one row, line, or string) on the first side of the at least one carrier, possibly parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. Possibly, the plurality of light-emitting elements may be arranged in a plurality of successions (e.g., in a plurality of rows, lines, or strings) on the first side of the at least one carrier, wherein each of the plurality of successions may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one carrier. As mentioned, the at least one carrier arranged to support at least one light-emitting element may for example form a configuration that mimics a light emitting filament wire, which may be referred to as a filament.

In the context of the present application, by a succession of light-emitting elements being parallel to the longitudinal axis of carrier, or an elongated carrier, it is not necessarily meant that the succession of light-emitting elements is exactly parallel to the longitudinal axis, but a small angle (e.g., one or a few degrees) between an axis defining the succession of light-emitting elements and the longitudinal axis may be permitted. At least a part or portion of the at least one carrier may be flexible. For example, at least a part or portion of the at least one carrier may comprise at least one flexible PCB or flexfoil.

Possibly, at least one part or portion of the at least one carrier may be flexible, and at least one part or portion of the at least one carrier may be rigid. The rigid part or portion for example may comprise a PCB or the like, and the flexible part or portion may for example comprise a flexible PCB or a flexfoil or the like.

For example, the at least one carrier may comprise or be constituted by at least two elongated carriers and a coupling carrier (or several coupling carriers). The coupling carrier may be configured to couple to and support each of the at least two elongated carriers. Each of the at least two elongated carriers may be arranged to support at least one light- emitting element at or on a first side thereof. The coupling carrier may have a first side that is contiguous to or congruous with the first side of each of the at least two elongated carriers, wherein the first side of the at least one carrier may comprise or be constituted by the first sides of the coupling carrier and the at least two elongated carriers. The coupling carrier may have a second side that is contiguous to or congruous with a second side of each of the at least two elongated carriers, wherein the second side of the at least one carrier may comprise or be constituted by the second sides of the coupling carrier and the at least two elongated carriers.

The coupling carrier may be flexible, and may in that case for example comprise a flexible PCB or a flexfoil or the like, or it may be rigid, and may in that case for example comprise a PCB or another type of rigid support structure. Each or any of the at least two elongated carriers may be for example be flexible, and may in that case for example comprise a flexible PCB or a flexfoil or the like, or it may be rigid.

The at least one communication element may for example be supported on the second side of the coupling carrier. The second side of the coupling carrier may have a surface having perimeter at least in part defining an edge of the coupling carrier. The coupling carrier may be arranged in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the at least one communication element is arranged within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge. For example, the coupling carrier may be rigid, and each of the at least two elongated carriers may be flexible. However, the coupling carrier may be flexible.

A lighting module according to the first aspect may be suitable for use for example in lighting devices having a light-transmissive envelope such as a light bulb at least in part enclosing the lighting module, with the lighting module being arranged within the light bulb or light-transmissive envelope. The light-transmissive envelope may for example may be made of glass or ceramic.

According to a second aspect, a lighting device is provided. The lighting device may for example comprise a lamp, a light engine and/or a luminaire. The lighting device comprises a lighting module according to the first aspect, or possibly several lighting modules according to the first aspect. The lighting device may comprise a light-transmissive envelope which at least in part encloses the lighting module. The light-transmissive envelope may at least in part define a fluidly sealed and enclosed space within which the lighting module is arranged, and which space may include or be filled with air or a thermally conductive fluid, for example a gas including helium and/or hydrogen. The lighting device may comprise a base for connection to a lamp socket. The base may include or be constituted by any suitable type of connector, for example an Edison screw base, a bayonet fitting, or another type of connection.

The lighting device may for example be included in or constitute a LED bulb or retrofit lamp which is connectable to a lamp or luminaire socket by way of some appropriate connector, for example an Edison screw base, a bayonet fitting, or another type of connection suitable for the lamp or luminaire known in the art.

The lighting module and/or the lighting device may include circuitry capable of converting electricity from a power supply to electricity suitable to operate or drive the light-emitting elements. The circuitry may be capable of at least converting between

Alternating Current and Direct Current and converting voltage into a suitable voltage for operating or driving the light-emitting elements.

The at least one light-emitting element may be controllable with respect to operation thereof.

The lighting device may comprise a control unit, which may be connected with the at least one communication element and the at least one light-emitting element. The control unit may be configured to control operation of the at least one light-emitting element. For example, the control unit may be configured to control operation of the at least one light- emitting element for example by way of transmitting at least one control signal or control message or the like to the at least one light-emitting element. Instructions, data, messages, signals, etc. may be received by the at least one communication element (e.g., from some lighting controller or the like), based on which the control unit may be configured to control operation of the at least one light-emitting element. For example, the control unit may be configured to control supply of power to the at least one light-emitting element. As described in the foregoing, the lighting module may comprise a plurality of light-emitting elements. Supply of power to the plurality of light- emitting elements may be controlled individually or group-wise by the control unit.

Possibly, the control unit may be comprised in the at least one lighting module. In case of there being provided several lighting modules, the control unit may be comprised in one of the lighting modules, and with the lighting module comprising the control unit possibly being coupled or connected to the other lighting module(s). Possibly, there could be several control units, with each control unit possibly being comprised in respective ones of different lighting modules.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention are described in the following by means of exemplifying embodiments. It is noted that the present invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the description herein. Those skilled in the art realize that different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplifying embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a lighting module according to an embodiment of the present invention, which lighting module comprises a carrier having a first side and a second side.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the parts of the lighting module illustrated in Figure 1, in an assembled state.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier of the lighting module illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the second side of the carrier.

Figs. 4 and 5 are views of lighting devices according to embodiments of the present invention.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the present invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote the same or similar components having a same or similar function, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a lighting module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which lighting module 1 comprises a carrier 2 having a first side 6 and a second side 7. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the parts of the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figure 1, in an assembled state. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the carrier 2 of the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the second side 7 of the carrier 2.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the carrier 2 has an elongated shape (although other shapes are possible), and is arranged to support a plurality of light-emitting elements 3 (only some of the light-emitting elements are indicated by reference numerals 3 in Figure 1) at the first side 6 of the carrier 2. The carrier 2 may be configured to provide power to the plurality of light-emitting elements 3.

Further in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the lighting module 1 comprises an optical element 4, which is coupled to the carrier 2 and configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting elements 3 of the carrier 2 when supplied with power, mix the received light by means of diffusing and/or scattering the received light, and output the mixed light. The optical element 4 is optional. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the optical element 4 is arranged (directly or indirectly, via one or more intermediate optical components) on the side 6 of the carrier 2 on which the light-emitting elements 3 of the carrier 2 are arranged, and possibly on the light-emitting elements 3 of the carrier 2. For example, the optical element 4 may for example comprise at least one of: light scattering elements, luminescent material, or material configured to diffuse and/or scatter light incident or impinging thereon. For example, the light-scattering elements may comprise light scattering particles embedded or integrated in a light-transmissive substrate. In alternative or in addition, the light-scattering elements, and/or the material configured to diffuse and/or scatter light incident or impinging thereon, may comprise a layer or coating of material such as AI₂O₃, BaS0₄ and/or T1O₂, and/or a surface of the optical element 4 may be made diffusing, e.g. so as to exhibit a rough structure. The light-scattering elements may consist of optical surface structures, intended to scatter the light and/or to direct the light in any preferred directions.

The carrier 2 may for example comprise at least one printed circuit board (PCB), such as, for example, at least one flexible PCB and/or a multilayer PCB. In alternative, or in addition, the carrier 2 may for example comprise at least one flexible foil (e.g.,‘flexfoih).

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the carrier 2 may comprise one or more electrical contacts 5 for connecting the carrier 2 to at least one of one or more other components, such as, for example, a power source, or a control unit and/or driver circuitry.

Each or any one of the plurality of light-emitting elements 3 supported on the carrier 2 may for example include or be constituted by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The lighting module 1 comprises a communication element 9, which for example may be arranged for, or capable of, wireless communication, such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) wireless communication. The communication element 9 may for example comprise at least one RF antenna element. However, the communication element 9 is not limited to RF wireless communication.

The carrier 2 is arranged to support the communication element 9 on a second side 7 of the carrier 2. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first side 6 and the second side 7 may be opposite sides of the carrier 2.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the carrier 2 comprises a substrate 11 and a ground plane 8 coupled to the substrate 11. The ground plane 8 is at the second side 7 of the carrier 2. Thus, the ground plane 8 and the substrate 11 may be different, interconnected parts of the carrier 2. The substrate 11 may for example comprise a PCB or a flexfoil.

The ground plane 8 may be configured to electrically isolate the communication element 9 from other components of the lighting module 1, such as the light- emitting elements 3 at the first side 6 of the carrier 2. The ground plane 8 may for example comprise a metal plate, for example made of copper. The ground plane 8 may be arranged so as to provide a heat spreading or transferring functionality or capability. To that end, the ground plane 8 may be configured so that it has a relatively large thickness. As illustrated in Figure 3, the second side 7 of the carrier 2 has a surface 13 having a perimeter 12 defining an edge of the carrier 2. The carrier 2 is arranged in relation to the communication element 9, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface 13 along a surface normal n to the surface 13, the communication element 9 is within the perimeter 12 but does not extend beyond the edge.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the carrier 2 has a longitudinal axis L, and the plurality of light-emitting elements 3 are arranged in a plurality of successions (or lines, or strings) on the first side 6 of the carrier 2, wherein each of the plurality of successions is parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the carrier 2.

By arranging the communication element 9 and the light-emitting elements 3 on different sides of the carrier (on the second side 7 and the first side 6, respectively), the communication element 9 may not be arranged in the light-emitting region of the lighting module 1. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first side 6 and the second side 7 may for example be opposite sides of the carrier 2. Further, by arranging the carrier 2 in relation to the communication element 9, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface 13 along a surface normal n to the surface 13, the communication element 9 is within the perimeter 12 but does not extend beyond the edge, the communication element 9 may not be directly visible to a user. Thereby, the communication element 9 may give rise to no or very small detrimental effects on the visual aesthetics of the lighting module 1 for the user.

The lighting module 1 may for example be used in a filament lamp having a light-transmissive envelope at least in part enclosing the lighting module 1 , with the lighting module being 1 arranged within the light-transmissive envelope. The light-transmissive envelope may for example comprise a clear bulb. Since the communication element 9 may not be arranged in the light-emitting region of the lighting module 1, the light-emitting elements 3 may not cast any shadow of the communication element 9 in or on the bulb.

Figures 4 and 5 are views of lighting devices 20 according to embodiments of the present invention. Each of the lighting devices 20 comprises a lighting module 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Each of the lighting devices 20 comprises a light-transmissive envelope 15 which at least in part encloses the lighting module 1. The light-transmissive envelope 15 may at least in part define a fluidly sealed and enclosed space 16 within which the lighting module 1 is arranged, and which space 16 may include or be filled with air or a thermally conductive fluid, for example a gas including helium and/or hydrogen. Each of the lighting devices 20 may comprise a base 17 for connection to a lamp socket. The base 17 may include or be constituted by any suitable type of connector, for example an Edison screw base, a bayonet fitting, or another type of connection.

Each of the lighting devices 20 may for example be included in or constitute a LED bulb or retrofit lamp which is connectable to a lamp or luminaire socket by way of some appropriate connector, for example an Edison screw base, a bayonet fitting, or another type of connection suitable for the lamp or luminaire known in the art.

As known in the art, the lighting module 1 and/or the lighting device(s) 20 may include circuitry capable of converting electricity from a power supply to electricity suitable to operate or drive the light-emitting elements. The circuitry may be capable of at least converting between Alternating Current and Direct Current and converting voltage into a suitable voltage for operating or driving the light-emitting elements. The circuitry may for example be arranged at least in part within the base 17.

Each or any of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 may for example be similar to the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. However, compared to the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, each of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 comprises several carriers 2, whereas the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises only one carrier 2 (even though it could comprise additional carriers). Each of the carriers 2 of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 has an elongated shape, and the elongated carriers 2 are arranged about a longitudinal axis of the lighting device 20.

Each of the carriers 2 of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements supported on the first side of the carrier 2, similarly to the lighting module 1 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

Each of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 comprises at least one communication element (not shown in Figures 4 and 5), for example arranged for, or capable of, wireless communication, such as, for example, radio frequency (RF) wireless communication. One or more of the carriers 2 may be arranged to support one (or the) communication element on the second side of the respective carrier 2.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, there may be provided a support structure which supports the lighting module 1 in the lighting device 20. In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the support structure comprises a stem or cylindrical support 18 or the like connected to and/or supported by the base 17. The stem or cylindrical support 18 may extend for example along a longitudinal axis of the lighting device 20. There may be support rods or the like (not shown in Figures 4 and 5), possibly extending laterally from the stem or cylindrical support 18, and being coupled to each or any one of the lighting modules 1.

Compared to the lighting module 1 of the lighting device 20 illustrated in Figure 4, the lighting module 1 of the lighting device 20 illustrated in Figure 5 comprises a coupling carrier 21 in addition to the (other) carriers 2.

The coupling carrier 21 is configured to couple to and support each of the elongated carriers 2. As described in the foregoing and illustrated in Figure 5 (and in Figure 4), each of the elongated carriers 2 may be arranged to support a plurality of light-emitting elements 3 at a first side thereof. The coupling carrier 21 has a first side that is contiguous to or congruous with the first side of each of the elongated carriers 2, and a second side that is contiguous to or congruous with a second side of each of the elongated carriers 2.

In lieu of one or more of the carriers 2 being arranged to support one (or the) communication element on the second side of the respective carrier 2, in the lighting device 20 illustrated in Figure 5, a communication element may be supported on the second side of the coupling carrier 21. Possibly, the communication element may be supported only on the second side of the coupling carrier 21, and no communication element may be supported on the second side of any of the carriers 2. The second side of the coupling carrier 21 may have surface having perimeter at least in part defining an edge of the coupling carrier 21. The coupling carrier 21 may be arranged in relation to the communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the communication element is arranged within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge. Thereby, the communication element may give rise to no or very small detrimental effects on the visual aesthetics of the lighting module 1 and the lighting device 20 for the user, and the light-emitting elements 3 may not cast any shadow of the communication element 9 in or on the bulb. The coupling carrier 21 may for example be rigid, and each or any of the carriers 2 may be flexible or rigid. The coupling carrier 21 may for example comprise a rigid PCB or another type of rigid support structure. Each or any of the carriers 2 may for example comprise a flexible PCB or a flexfoil or the like, or a rigid PCB or another type of rigid support structure.

At least some of the light-emitting elements of the lighting modules 1 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, respectively, may be controllable with respect to operation thereof. Each or any of the lighting device 20 illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 may comprise a control unit, or controller, schematically indicated at 22, which control unit 22 may be connected with the communication element(s) and the light-emitting elements. The connection between the control unit 22 and the communication element(s) and the light- emitting elements, respectively, may be wired and/or wireless, for example employing wireless and/or wired communication techniques or means as known in the art. The control unit 22 may be configured to control operation of the at least some of the light-emitting elements. It is to be understood that the control unit 22 is drawn schematically. The control unit 22 could for example be arranged in the base 17 and/or within the space 16.

In conclusion, a lighting module is disclosed, comprising at least one communication element and at least one carrier arranged to support at least one light-emitting element at a first side thereof and the at least one communication element at a second side thereof. The second side of the at least one carrier may have a surface having perimeter at least in part defining an edge of the at least one carrier, wherein the at least one carrier may be arranged in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the at least one communication element is within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge.

While the present invention has been illustrated in the appended drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration is to be considered illustrative or exemplifying and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the appended claims, the word“comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article”a” or“an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A filament lamp having at least one lighting module (1) comprising an LED filament and a communication element (9), said filament comprises

at least one carrier (2, 21; 8, 11) arranged to support at least one light-emitting element (3) at a first side (6) thereof and the at least one communication element at a second side (7) thereof, wherein the second side of the at least one carrier has a surface (13) having perimeter (12) at least in part defining an edge of the at least one carrier, and wherein the at least one carrier is arranged in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal (n) to the surface, the at least one communication element is within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge, and

wherein the at least one carrier is elongated, having a longitudinal axis (L), and the at least one communication element has an elongated shape and a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis that is a fraction of the length of the at least one carrier in a direction along the longitudinal axis, wherein the fraction is between 0.7 and 1.0.

2. A filament lamp according to claim 1, wherein the at least one communication element is arranged for, or capable of, wireless communication.

3. A filament lamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one communication element is arranged for at least one of radio frequency, RF, wireless communication or infrared wireless communication.

4. A filament lamp according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein the at least one communication element is arranged to receive at least one signal having a wavelength l, wherein the at least one communication element has a length in a direction along the longitudinal axis that is between l/8 and l.

5. A filament lamp according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides of the at least one carrier.

6. A filament lamp according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one carrier is arranged to support a plurality of light-emitting elements (3) on the first side thereof, wherein the at least one carrier has a longitudinal axis (L), and wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in at least one succession on the first side of the at least one carrier, parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof.

7. A filament lamp according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged in a plurality of successions on the first side of the at least one carrier, each of the plurality of successions being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one carrier.

8. A filament lamp according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein at least a part or portion of the at least one carrier is flexible.

9. A filament lamp according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein at least one part or portion of the at least one carrier is flexible, and at least one part or portion of the at least one carrier is rigid.

10. A filament lamp according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the at least one carrier comprises or is constituted by at least two elongated carriers (2) and a coupling carrier (21) configured to couple to and support each of the at least two elongated carriers, wherein each of the at least two elongated carriers is arranged to support at least one light-emitting element (3) at a first side (6) thereof, wherein the coupling carrier has a first side that is contiguous to or congruous with the first side of each of the at least two elongated carriers, the first side of the at least one carrier comprising or being constituted by the first sides of the coupling carrier and the at least two elongated carriers, wherein the coupling carrier further has a second side that is contiguous to or congruous with a second side of each of the at least two elongated carriers, the second side of the at least one carrier comprising or being constituted by the second sides of the coupling carrier and the at least two elongated carriers;

wherein the at least one communication element is supported on the second side of the coupling carrier, and wherein the second side of the coupling carrier has a surface having perimeter at least in part defining an edge of the coupling carrier, and wherein the coupling carrier is arranged in relation to the at least one communication element, or vice versa, such that, as seen in a direction towards the surface along a surface normal to the surface, the at least one communication element is arranged within the perimeter but does not extend beyond the edge.

11. A filament lamp according to claim 10, wherein the coupling carrier is rigid, and each of the at least two elongated carriers is flexible.

12. A lighting device (20) comprising a filament lamp (1) according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. A lighting device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one light-emitting element is controllable with respect to operation thereof, and wherein the lighting device further comprises a control unit (22) connected with the at least one communication element and the at least one light-emitting element, the control unit being configured to control operation of the at least one light-emitting element.