WO2019174649A9

WO2019174649A9 - A modular lighting device

Info

Publication number: WO2019174649A9
Application number: PCT/CN2019/078545
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerry Kochanski
Original assignee: Jerry Kochanski
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2019-03-18
Publication date: 2020-04-09
Also published as: WO2019174649A1

Abstract

A modular lighting device (1) including: a first housing (2) having a light source (14); a heat exchange element (5) releasably coupled to the first housing (2); and a second housing (3) configured to house an electrical power source, the second housing (3) releasably coupled to the first housing (2) through the heat exchange element (5), wherein the first housing (2) and the heat exchange element (5) are configured for heat conductive engagement, and the first housing (2) and the second housing (3) are configured for electrical engagement.

Description

“A MODULAR LIGHTING DEVICE”

FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular lighting device, and in particular, though not limited to a light device of the type for producing space lighting within a building, for example, a domestic dwelling, an industrial premises, an office building, and also for producing space lighting for street lighting and the like.

SUMMARY

According to the invention there is provided a modular lighting device comprising a first housing comprising an electrically powered light source, a heat exchange element releasably coupled to the first housing, and in heat conducting engagement therewith for sinking heat from the first housing, and a second housing configured to house an electrical power source, the second housing releasably coupled to the first housing through the heat exchange element, wherein the first housing and the heat exchange element are configured for heat conductive engagement, and the first housing and the second housing are configured for electrical engagement.

Preferably, the first housing comprises a heat conductive material, and advantageously, the first housing is adapted to transfer heat from the light source.

In one aspect of the invention a first coupling means is provided for coupling the first housing to the heat exchange element, and preferably, the first coupling means comprises a first connector and a second connector, the first connector extending from one of the first housing and the heat exchange element, and the second connector provided in the other one of the first housing and the heat exchange element for engaging the first connector. Advantageously, the first connector and the second connector are in heat conducting engagement.

Preferably, the first connector comprises a first spigot, and preferably, the second connector comprises a central bore within which the first spigot is engageable. Preferably, the first spigot is threaded externally, and advantageously, the first bore is threaded internally for engaging the external threads of the first spigot.

In another aspect of the invention the first connector extends from the first housing, and preferably, the first connector engages the second connector of the heat exchange element with heat conducting engagement.

In another aspect of the invention the head exchange element comprises a central body member, and a plurality of heat exchange fins extending radially from the central body member. Preferably, the heat exchange fins are spaced apart circumferentially around the central body member, and advantageously, the heat exchange fins are equi-spaced apart around the central body member.

Advantageously, each heat exchange fin comprises a metal plate material.

In one aspect of the invention each heat exchange fin in cross-section defines a tuning form shape, and preferably, the cross-section of each heat exchange fin defines a stem of the tuning fork shape, and a pair of spaced apart tines of the tuning fork shape extending from the stem, and preferably, the cross-sectional portion of each heat exchange fin defined by the tines of the tuning fork shape are configured such that the portions defined by the tines of the tuning fork shape diverge radially outwardly from the stem.

In another aspect of the invention the central body member of the heat exchange element comprises an annular member defining the central bore of the first coupling means, and preferably, the annular member defines an outer periphery from which the heat exchange fins extend radially outwardly therefrom. Advantageously, the outer periphery of the central body member is of circular transverse cross-section.

In another aspect of the invention the first housing defines a central axis, and preferably, the heat exchange element defines a central axis, and advantageously, the central axes of the first housing and the heat exchange element substantially coincide when the first housing is coupled to the heat exchange element. Preferably, the central axis of the heat exchange element is defined by the annular member.

In another aspect of the invention one of the first housing and the heat exchange element comprises a heat exchange ring engageable with a corresponding ring shaped heat exchange groove extending in the other one of the first housing and the heat exchange element. Preferably, the heat exchange ring and the ring shaped heat exchange groove define respective axes coinciding with the coinciding central axes of the first housing and the heat exchange element.

In another aspect of the invention the first housing comprises a base plate, and advantageously, the base plate is configured for conducting heat from the light source. Advantageously, the light source comprises at least one light emitting device, and preferably, the light source comprises at least one surface mounted light emitting device, and advantageously, the light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

In another aspect of the invention a surface mounting printed circuit board is provided, and each light source is electrically coupled to the surface mounting printed circuit board.

Ideally, the surface mounting printing circuit board is coupled to the base plate of the first housing, and preferably, is coupled to the base plate with heat conducting engagement.

In another aspect of the invention a lens is provided cooperating with each light emitting device for transmitting light therefrom, and the first housing comprises a retaining means for retaining the lens in place aligned with the at least one first light emitting device. Advantageously, the retaining means comprises a retaining ring engageable with the base plate.

In another aspect of the invention a second housing is provided for housing one of an electrical power source and a main electrical connecting means configured for connecting to an external power source, the one of the electrical power source and the main electrical connecting means being configured for delivering electrical power to the light source in the first housing, and a second coupling means is provided for coupling the second housing to the first housing, and advantageously, the second housing is coupled to the first housing through the heat exchange element.

In another aspect of the invention the second coupling means comprises a third connector and a fourth connector, the third and fourth connectors being configured to engage each other. Preferably, the third and fourth connectors engage each other through the heat exchange element.

In one aspect of the invention the third connector of the second connecting means comprises a second spigot extending from the second housing. Preferably, the second spigot is externally threaded. In another aspect of the invention the fourth connector of the second coupling means comprises a first bore for engaging the second spigot. Preferably, the first bore extends into the first spigot and is internally threaded for engaging the external threads on the second spigot. Advantageously, the first bore extends coaxially with the first spigot.

Advantageously, the second spigot comprises a second bore extending axially therethrough. Advantageously, a secondary electrical connecting means extends through the first and second bores of the first and second spigots for electrically connecting the one of the electrical power source and the main electrical connecting means to the light source.

Preferably, the secondary electrical connecting means comprises two pairs of coaxial electrical connectors, one of each pair of the electrical connectors being provided on a corresponding one of the first and second bores, and preferably the electrical connectors of the respective pairs thereof are elongated electrical connectors. Preferably, one of the pair of the electrical connectors extending from the first housing, and the other one of the pair of the electrical connectors extending from the second housing.

In one aspect of the invention the second spigot is one of externally and internally threaded, with one of the external and internal threads configured to engage corresponding external and internal threads on the first spigot. Advantageously, the second spigot is externally threaded for engaging internal threads of the first spigot. Alternatively, the second spigot is internally threaded for engaging external threads on the first spigot. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the second spigot is externally threaded for engaging the internally threaded central bore of the heat exchange element, with the internally threaded bore of the second spigot engaging external threads on the first spigot.

In a further aspect of the invention when the second spigot is configured with an external thread only, the second spigot engages the internally threaded bore of the first spigot while the externally threaded bore of the first spigot engages the internal threads in the bore extending through the heat exchange element.

In another aspect of the invention the heat exchange fins of the heat exchange element define an outer periphery, and preferably, the dimensions of the outer periphery defined by the heat exchange fins of the heat exchange element is similar to dimensions of an outer periphery of at least one of the first housing and the second housing, and preferably, the outer periphery of the heat exchange element defined by the heat exchange fins is of dimensions similar to the dimensions of the outer periphery of both the first and second housings.

In another aspect of the invention the outer periphery of the heat exchange element defined by the heat exchange fins is of dimensions greater than the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second housings, and preferably, greater than the dimensions of both of the first and second housings.

In another aspect of the invention the outer periphery of the heat exchange element defined by the heat exchange fins is of circular shape.

In another aspect of the invention the outer periphery of at least one of the first and second housings is of circular shape, and preferably, the outer periphery of the first and second housings are of circular shape.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof which are given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a modular lighting device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is an underneath perspective of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a portion of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is an exploded side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 4 of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 4 of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of another portion of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 4 of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further detail of the modular lighting device of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view similar to that of Fig. 3 of a portion of a modular lighting device according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 9 thereof, there is illustrated a modular lighting device according to the invention indicated generally by the reference number 1 for providing space lighting in a building, for example, a domestic dwelling, an office building, an industrial building and the like, and the modular lighting device 1 is also suitable for providing street lighting. In this embodiment of the invention the modular lighting device 1 comprises a first housing 2, a second housing 3 coupled to the first housing 2 as will be described below through a heat exchange element 5.

The first housing 2 comprises a first base plate 7 of circular shape of heat conductive material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium, and houses a plurality of light sources, in this embodiment of the invention light emitting diodes 8 which are surface mounted on a surface mounting printed circuit board 10, which in turn is bonded to and is in heat conducting engagement with the first base plate 7. A lens plate 12 comprising a plurality of lenses 14, one lens 14 being provided for each light emitting diode 8 is retained in place in the first housing with the lenses 14 aligned with the light emitting diodes 8 by a retaining means, in this embodiment of the invention a retaining ring 15 of the first housing 2. An internal annular flange 16 extends inwardly from the retaining ring 15 adjacent the distal end thereof, and the proximal end of the retaining ring 15 is internally threaded at 17 for engaging corresponding external threads 19 on the first base plate 7 of the first housing 2 for retaining the lens plate 12 within the first housing 2.

The second housing 3 comprises a second base plate 18 and a cover element 20 comprising a top wall 21 and a peripheral side wall 23 extending around the top wall 21 and secured to the second base plate 18 by screws 24. The second base plate 18 and the cover element 20 together define a hollow interior region, within which a driver circuit if required is provided for powering the light emitting diodes 8, an electrical power source, for example, a battery for powering the light emitting diodes 8, or a main connecting means configured for connecting to an external electrical power source for providing electrical power to the light emitting diodes 8. In this embodiment of the invention the second housing 3 comprises a main electrical connector (not shown) , but three electrically conductive pins 25 of the main connector are located in an electrical input port 27 extending from a peripheral side wall of the secondary housing 3.

Before describing the electrical connection of the light emitting diodes 8 to the main electrical connector (not shown) in the second housing 3, the coupling of the first housing 2 to the second housing 3 through the heat exchange element 5 will first be described.

In this embodiment of the invention a first coupling means for coupling the first housing 2 to the heat exchange element 5 with heat conducting engagement comprises a first connector, namely, a first externally threaded spigot 29 extending from the first base plate 7 of the first housing 2 which is engageable with a second connector, namely, a first bore provided by an internally threaded bore 30 which extends through the heat exchange element 5 for securing the first housing 2 in heat conducting engagement with the heat exchange element 5 for in turn transferring heat from the light emitting diodes 8 through the surface mounting printing circuit board 10, and the first base plate 7 into the heat exchange element 5.

A second coupling means for coupling the second housing 3 to the first housing 2 through the heat exchange element 5 comprises a third connector, in this embodiment of the invention a second externally threaded spigot 32 for engaging a fourth connector, which in this embodiment of the invention is formed by a second bore, namely, an internally threaded bore 34 extending coaxially into the first spigot 29.

A secondary electrical connecting means for electrically conducting electrical power from the main connector (not shown) in the second housing 3 to the surface mounting printing circuit board 10 in the first housing 2, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises two pairs of coaxial elongated

electrical connectors

36 and 37 extending through the internally threaded bore 34 of the first spigot 29, and an unthreaded bore 39 extending through the second spigot 32 and coaxial therewith.

The pair of electrical connectors 37 extends from the second base plate 18 of the second housing 3 and comprises an inner elongated electrically conductive inner pin 40 of circular transverse cross-section, which is coaxially located within an elongated outer tubular member 41 defining an elongated socket 42 also of circular transverse cross-section. The inner pin 40 is electrically connected to one pole of a positive and negative pole of an electrical power supply provided by the main connector (not shown) located in the second housing 5. The outer tubular member 41 which forms the socket 42 is electrically connected to the other one of the positive and negative poles of electrical power supply provided by the main connector (not shown) in the second housing 3.

The pair of electrical connectors 36 extends from the first base plate 7 of the first housing 2 and comprises an elongated outer hollow cylindrical elongated contact element 44 of circular transverse cross-section, and an inner elongated contact element 45 also of circular transverse cross-section coaxial with the outer contact element 44, and having a bore 46 of circular transverse cross-section extending therethrough. An insulating sleeve 47 of electrical insulating material is located around the inner contact element 45 and electrically insulates the outer contact element 44 from the inner contact element 45. The outer contact element 44 electrically engages the socket 42 of the electrical connector 37, while the inner pin 40 of the electrical connector 37 electrically engages the bore 46 extending through the inner contact element 45. The outer contact element 44 is electrically connected to the surface mounting printed circuit board 10 to provide one of the positive and negative poles of the electrical power supply, while the inner contact element 45 is connected to the surface mounting printed circuit board 10 to provide the other one of the positive and negative poles of the electrical power supply to the surface mounting printed circuit board 10.

Accordingly, when the first spigot 29 extending from the first housing 2 is coupled to the second spigot 32 extending from the second housing 3, the

electrical connectors

36 and 37 are in electrically conductive engagement with each other for providing the respective poles of an electrical power supply from the main connector (not shown) in the second housing 3 to the surface mounting printed circuit board 10 for in turn powering the light emitting diodes 8.

Turning now to the heat exchange element 5, the heat exchange element 5 comprises a central body member, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises an annular body member 48 of circular transverse cross-section and of heat conductive material, namely, a heat conducting metal material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium. The internally threaded bore 30 extends coaxially through the annular body member 48. The annular body member 48 defines an outer circular periphery 50 from which a plurality of heat exchange fins 52 extend radially outwardly. The head exchange fins 52 are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the outer periphery 50 of the annular body member 48.

Each heat exchange fin 52 is of heat conducting material, in this embodiment of the invention anodised aluminium. In cross-section, each heat exchange fin substantially defines a turning fork having a stem-like portion 54 extending from the outer periphery 50 of the annular body member 48, and a pair of tine-like portions 55 extending from the stem-like portion 54 and diverging outwardly therefrom. In this embodiment of the invention, the heat exchange element 5 is formed in one piece by extrusion.

Respective ring shaped grooves 57 extend into the annular body member 48 from respective opposite sides thereof for engaging corresponding first and second heat exchange rings 60 and 61 extending from the first and

second bases

7 and 18 for transferring heat from the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 into the heat exchange element 5, and also for aligning the first and

second housings

2 and 3 with the heat exchange element 5. In this embodiment of the invention the first and

second housings

2 and 3, the heat exchange element 5 and the first and

second spigots

29 and 32 define respective central axes, and when the first and second housings are coupled together through and to the heat exchange element 5, the respective central axes coincide with each other.

In this embodiment of the invention an indent 62 is formed in the peripheral side wall 23 of the second housing 3 to accommodate the electrical input port 27. However, apart from the indent 62, the peripheral side wall 23 is of cylindrical shape, and is of outer diameter substantially similar to the outer diameter of the retaining ring 15 of the first housing 2. Additionally, the distal ends of the heat exchange fins 52 define an outer circular periphery 65 which is of diameter substantially similar to the outer diameter of the first and

second housings

2 and 3. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention the modular lighting device 1 is formed in a particularly compact shape with the diameter of the first and

second housings

2 and 3 and the heat exchange element 5 substantially similar.

A threaded bore 63 is formed centrally in the cover 20 of the second housing 3 for engaging a threaded screw or other threaded spigot for securing the modular lighting device 1 to a mounting rack, or to any other suitable mounting.

In use, initially the heat exchange element 5 is coupled to the first housing 2 by engaging the first spigot 29 with the internally threaded bore 30 extending through the annual body member 48 of the heat exchange housing 5. When the first housing 2 is in tight heat conducting engagement with the heat exchange element 15, the second housing 3 is then engaged with the first housing 2 by engaging the second spigot 32 in the internally threaded bore 34 of the first spigot 29 of the first housing 2. Thereafter, the modular lighting device 1 is ready for use and may be secured to any suitable lighting rack, and then connected to an external electrical power supply through the connecting pins 25 of the input port 27.

In order to disassemble the modular lighting device 1, the combination of the first housing 2 and the heat exchange element 5 are disengaged from the second housing 3 by disengaging the first spigot 29 from the second spigot 32. Once the combination of the first housing 2 and the heat exchange element 5 have been disengaged from the second housing 3, the heat exchange element 5 is then disengaged from the first housing 2 by disengaging the first spigot 29 from the internally threaded bore 30 of the heat exchange element 5.

Turning now to Fig. 10 there is illustrated a modular lighting device according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 70. The modular lighting device 70 is substantially similar to the modular lighting device 1, with the exception that in this embodiment of the invention the second externally threaded spigot 34 extending from the second housing 3 engages the internal threaded bore 30 of the heat exchange element 5, and the externally threaded first spigot 29 engages an internally threaded bore 72 in the second spigot 32. Otherwise, the modular lighting device 70 is similar to the modular lighting device 1.

To assemble the modular lighting device 70, the heat exchange element 5 is initially engaged on the second spigot 32 of the second housing 3, and the first spigot 29 is then engaged in the threaded bore 72 of the second spigot 32. Disassembly of the modular lighting device 70 is the reverse of its assembly, in that the first housing 2 is first disengaged from the second housing 3, and the heat exchange element 5 is then disengaged from the second housing 3.

Otherwise, the modular lighting device 70 and the modular lighting device 1 and their operation are similar.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the lighting devices according to the invention are provided in modular form. By providing the lighting devices in modular form, whereby each lighting device comprises a first housing, a second housing and a heat exchange element, in the event of failure of the light source in the first housing, the first housing can be readily disassembled from the second housing and the heat exchange element and replaced by a new first housing and light source, and the new first housing and light source can then be readily secured to the existing second housing and the heat exchange element. This has the particularly important advantage that the minimum amount of material in the event of a failure of the light source is disposed of to waste, since the heat exchange element and the second housing together with its components may be reused. When the lighting devices according to the invention are provided in three parts, namely, the first and second housings and the heat exchange element, in the event of either of the light source in the first housing, or one or more of the components of the second housing failing, the relevant one of the first and second housings may be disposed of while still retaining the heat exchange element and the other one of the first and second housings. This has significant advantages, particularly, from the point of view of minimising waste which in general would end up as landfill waste. Furthermore, assembly and disassembly of the first and second housings from each other and from the heat exchange element in the event of a failed light source or a failed component in the second housing may be carried out by an unskilled serviceman.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the first and second housings are coupled together by the respective spigots which are provided with screw threads, in that the first and second housings may be readily assembled and disassembled to and from each other. Additionally, by providing the bore extending through the heat exchange element as a threaded bore, the first or second housing, as the case may be can be readily secured and disassembled from the heat exchange element.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by providing the electrical connecting means for connecting the component or components in the second housing with the light source or light sources in the first housing as concentric connectors, which are concentric with the coupling means which couple the first and second housings together, and which couples the first and second housings to the heat exchange element. By providing the electrical connecting means in this manner, the first and second housings can be rotated relative to each other for coupling and decoupling the respective housings together, and also for coupling and decoupling the housings to the heat exchange element.

While the first and second housing have been described as being of similar outer diameter, and of similar diameter to the diameter of the periphery defined by the distal ends of the heat exchange fins, it is envisaged that in order to enhance heat transfer by convection through the heat exchange element 5 the diameter of the periphery defined by the distal ends of the heat exchange fins 52 may be significantly greater than the diameter of at least one of the first and

second housings

2 and 3. For example, in cases where a large number of light emitting diodes are required, the diameter of the first base plate 7 and the surface mounting printed circuit board 10 as well as the retaining ring 15 may be of considerably greater diameter than the diameter of the second housing 3, and in which case, it is envisaged that the outer periphery defined by the distal ends of the heat exchange fins 52 may be of similar diameter to or greater diameter than the outer diameter of the first housing 2.

It is also envisaged that the outer periphery 65 of the heat exchange element 5 defined by the distal ends of the heat exchange fins 52 may be significantly greater than the outer diameter of both of the first and

second housings

2 and 3, and it is also envisaged that the outer diameter of the first and

second housings

2 and 3 may be similar, but the diameter of the outer periphery 65 defined by the distal ends of the heat exchange fins 52 would be considerably greater than the diameter of both the first and

second housings

2 and 3, in order to further enhance heat transfer by convection.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that while the housings have been described as being of essentially cylindrical shape, and the outer periphery defined by the heat exchange elements has been described as being of circular shape, it is envisaged that the shapes of the first and second housings and the outer periphery of the heat exchange fins may be of any desired shape, for example, square, hexagonal, octagonal, rectangular or the like. It is also envisaged that the first and second housings may be of different shapes to each other, which in turn may also be different to the shape of the outer periphery defined by the heat exchange elements.

While the first housing has been described as comprising a base plate with a surface mounting printed circuit board mounted thereon any other suitable construction of first housing may be provided. Indeed, while the first housing has been described as being provided in the form of a housing comprising the base plate and the retaining element, in certain embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the first housing may be provided in the form of a single plate only, upon which the printed circuit board or surface mounting printed circuit board may be mounted. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable construction of second housing may be provided.

While a specific construction of heat exchange fins has been described, the heat exchange fins may be of any other suitable shape or construction, for example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the heat exchange fins may be provided as single plate fins, and in certain cases, may be provided as single plate fins of arcuate shape when viewed in plan along the central axis defined by the heat exchange element. It will also be appreciated that while the heat exchange fins have been described as being equi-spaced apart around the central body member of the heat exchange element, while this is desirable it is not essential, and the heat exchange fins may be non-uniformly spaced apart around the central body member.

While the modular lighting devices 1 and 70 have been described as comprising light emitting diodes, surface mounted on a surface mounting printed circuit board, any other suitable light sources may be provided, for example, any other suitable light emitting device, and such light sources may be mounted on a surface mounting printed circuit board, or a non-surface mounting printed circuit board, or may be connected to the first electrical connector 36 in any other suitable manner.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

A modular lighting device including:

a first housing having a light source;

a heat exchange element releasably coupled to the first housing; and

a second housing configured to house an electrical power source, the second housing releasably coupled to the first housing through the heat exchange element, wherein

the first housing and the heat exchange element are configured for heat conductive engagement, and the first housing and the second housing are configured for electrical engagement.
The modular lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first housing includes a heat conductive material.
The modular lighting device of claim 2, including a first connector extending from one of the first housing and the heat exchange element, and a second connector provided in the other of the first housing and the heat exchange element for engaging the first connector.
The modular lighting device of claim 3, wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured for heat conducting engagement.
The modular lighting device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first connector includes a first spigot, and the second connector includes a central bore configured to receive the first spigot.
The modular lighting device of claim 5, wherein the first spigot includes external threads and the central bore includes internal threads for engaging the external threads of the first spigot.
The modular lighting device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchange element includes a central body member, and a plurality of heat exchange fins extending radially from the central body member.
The modular lighting device of claim 7, wherein the fins are spaced apart circumferentially around the central body member.
The modular lighting device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the central body member includes an annular member defining the central bore.
The modular lighting device of claim 9, wherein the first housing has a circular cross section measuring a first diameter, the second housing has a circular cross section measuring a second diameter, and the heat exchange element has a periphery diameter defined by distal ends of the fins, wherein the periphery diameter of the heat exchange element is greater than at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter.
The modular lighting device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing defines a first central axis, and the heat exchange element defines a second central axis, and wherein the first central axis and the second central axis substantially coincide when the first housing is coupled to the heat exchange element.
The modular lighting device of any one of the preceding claims, including a third connector extending from the second housing and a fourth connector extending from the first housing, wherein the third and fourth connectors are configured to engage each other through the heat exchange element.
The modular lighting device of claim 12, wherein the third connector includes a second spigot extending from the second housing, and the fourth connector includes a first bore configured to receive the second spigot.
The modular lighting device of claim 13, wherein the second spigot includes external threads, and the first bore extends into the first spigot and includes internal threads for engaging the external threads on the second spigot.
The modular lighting device of claim 14, wherein the externally threaded bore of the first spigot engages the internal threads in the central bore of the heat exchange element.
The modular lighting device of claim 13, wherein the second spigot includes external and internal threads, with one of the external and internal threads configured to engage corresponding external and internal threads on the first spigot.
The modular lighting device of claim 14, wherein the second spigot includes a second bore extending axially therethrough, and wherein the first bore of the first spigot and the second bore of the second spigot are configured to receive electrical connecting means for electrically connecting the electrical power source and the light source.
The modular lighting device of claim 17, wherein the electrical connecting means includes two pairs of coaxial electrical connectors, one of each pair of the electrical connectors being provided on a corresponding one of the first and second connectors, and wherein one of the pair of the electrical connectors extends from the first housing and the other of the pair of the electrical connectors extends from the second housing.
The modular lighting device of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the second housing defines a third central axis, and the first and second connecting means define respective fourth and fifth central axes, and wherein when the first and second housings are connected through and to the heat exchange element, the respective central axes coincide with each other.
The modular lighting device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board.