Light-emitting module

#The present invention pertains to the field of lighting systems and in particular to a light-emitting module with versatile electromechanical mounting, connecting, and assembly capabilities.

#Advances in the development and improvements of the luminous flux of light-emitting devices such as semiconductor, organic or polymer light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have made these devices suitable for use in general illumination applications, including architectural, entertainment, and roadway lighting, for example. As such, LEDs are becoming increasingly competitive with light sources such as incandescent, fluorescent, and high-intensity discharge lamps.

#LEDs offer a number of advantages and are generally chosen for their ruggedness, long lifetime, high efficiency, low voltage requirements, and the possibility to control the colour and intensity of the emitted light independently. They provide an improvement over delicate gas discharge lamp, incandescent bulb, and fluorescent lighting systems. Solid state lighting sources have the capability to create the same lighting impressions but outweigh the drawbacks associated with the other lighting technologies.

#FIG. 1 illustrates the light-emitting side of a light-emitting module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2a illustrates three light-emitting modules according to one embodiment of the present invention coupled together.

#FIG. 2b illustrates a string of light-emitting modules according to an embodiment of the present invention, mounted to an inside surface of a sign.

#Definitions

#The term “light-emitting element” is used to define any device that emits radiation in any region or combination of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum for example, the visible region, infrared and/or ultraviolet region, when activated by applying a potential difference across it or passing a current through it, for example. 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 light-emitting diodes, optically pumped phosphor coated light-emitting diodes, optically pumped nano-crystal light-emitting diodes or any other similar light-emitting devices as would be readily understood by a worker skilled in the art. Furthermore, the term light-emitting element is used to define the specific device that emits the radiation, for example a LED die, and can equally be used to define a combination of the specific device that emits the radiation together with a housing or package within which the specific device or devices are placed.

#As used herein, the term “about” refers to a +/−10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.