Patent Description:
Modular construction systems as such are known in the art, as is various modular construction system units, for example motor units, for such modular construction systems etc. Modular construction systems comprises a plurality of construction elements, for example building blocks or bricks, which - when connected together-may be assembled to form a variety of different building structures. Motor units may be added to such modular construction systems in order to make parts of such system move. The present invention, a modular construction system light matrix, allows to provide a building structure formed from such construction elements, for example building blocks or bricks, frames, connectors, beams etc. with light output. For example, the modular construction system light matrixes according to the invention may be used to form eyes of a robot constructed from construction elements.

Modular construction systems are "modular" in the sense that the construction elements making up the construction systems are sized and shaped and comprise cooperating connection means allowing their interconnection, such that models/sets, such as figures robots, etc. may be constructed.

Learning systems, robotics construction sets, and so-called maker kits are known, which can provide a user with a variety of functionalities.

Modular construction elements as they are known from traditional modular construction systems, such as beams, plates, bricks, pegs, connectors, cog-wheels, etc., may be combined with functional modular construction elements, such as lighting elements, motors/actuators, sensors, but also programmable processor units, which may also be digitally connectable with external devices, e.g. for programming or remote control. Such modular construction systems with enhanced functionality have proven their value in a play and/or learning context, not the least because they facilitate reliable, yet easily detachable mechanical connections between simple and functional modular construction elements, and because the functional modular construction elements are adapted to each other to provide a positive and stimulating user experience.

Light matrices as such are known in the art. On example is shown in a video at the internet location https://learn. com/sqaure-neopixel-display-with-black-led-acrylic; see especially from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. Screen dumps from this video is shown in <FIG> in the attached drawings. Although, this the video discusses the problem of light bleeding, the problem of light is not successfully solved in the light matrix shown.

Other examples of light matrixes are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The phenomenon "light bleeding" occurs, in situations where two or more light sources are arranged in the vicinity of each other, and light from one lights source "bleeds" through openings in a light source housing or through the housing itself and distorts or changes the visual appearance of the light from the other light source.

It is clear that the problem may be solved using thick material dimensions or expensive light absorbing materials. However, such solutions are not always possible in small devices.

The present invention alleviates some of these problems of the prior art.

In a first aspect, the objects of the invention are achieved by a modular construction system light matrix comprising.

Thereby, a very efficient prevention of light bleeding between compartments of the modular construction system light matrix and fields/sections of the diffuser element is achieved.

Preferably, the diffuser tiles are made by a material capable of allowing light to pass there through while diffusing the light.

The diffuser grid comprises first diffuser grid walls and intersecting second diffuser grid walls, and the first diffuser grid walls and intersecting second diffuser grid walls are aligned with the compartment grid walls of the compartment grid.

In either case, the compartment grid may be made by a light absorbing material.

In a further embodiment, the diffuser grid is made from a light absorbing material. Alternatively, the diffuser grid is made by a light reflecting material.

In either case the diffuser grid may be formed in the same material as the side walls of the housing.

In some embodiments, outwardly facing sidewalls of the diffuser tiles extend in front of said front edge and forms an extension of the sidewalls of the housing and flush therewith.

Thereby, a visual effect of the fields of the diffuser element is also obtained in the sideways direction of the diffuser element and not just at the front.

In some embodiments, each diffuser tile comprises a compartment portion extending into a compartment provided by the compartment grid.

Thereby, a very efficient light bleeding prevention between the matrix fields is obtained, while at the same time the distribution of the light over the entire outer surface of the diffuser tiles is achieved.

In an embodiment, outwardly facing surfaces of the compartment portion of the diffuser tiles arranged at external edges and corners of the diffuser element are angled relative to the outwardly facing sidewalls of the diffuser tiles. Thereby, it is achieved that light emitted from the light emitting elements is directed also towards the side walls of the diffuser tiles. Preferably, the angle between the side walls of the diffuser tiles and the corresponding outwardly facing surface is acute.

In an embodiment, the compartment portion of the diffuser tiles formed at external corners of the diffuser element comprises a first surface formed between outwardly facing side surfaces at the external corners of the diffuser element, which first surface interconnects the two outwardly facing side surfaces of the compartment portion. Thereby, it is achieved that light emitted from the light emitting elements is directed also towards the corners of the diffuser element. Preferably, the first surface forms an angel of <NUM>° relative to the two adjacent outwardly facing side surfaces.

In further embodiments, the diffuser tiles are interconnected by tile connecting element formed integrally with and in the same material as the diffuser tiles.

Thereby, it is made possible that the diffuser grid may be formed in spaces between the diffuser tiles as the second stage in a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process), where the diffuser tiles with the connecter elements are formed in the first stage of the two stage moulding process (two component moulding process). In an embodiment thereof, the connecting elements are protrusions extending from the lower surface of the diffuser tiles, at corners of the diffuser tiles, where four neighbouring diffuser tiles meet.

In further embodiments, internal surfaces of the compartments of the compartment grid are covered by internal walls formed in a material different from the material of the compartment grid. The internal walls may be formed in a light reflecting material.

In either case, in an embodiment, the internal walls are made from the same material as the sidewalls of the housing.

In further embodiments, the internal walls are formed integral with the housing. For example, at least the sidewalls of the housing may be formed together with the internal walls in a second injection moulding stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process), where a compartment grid formed in the first injection moulding stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process) is used as core in the second injection moulding stage. In further embodiments, the internal walls taper outwards towards the diffuser element.

Also, in any of the above mentioned embodiments, internal walls of the compartment grid may taper outwards towards the diffuser element.

Also, in any of the above mentioned embodiments, outwardly facing sidewalls of the diffuser element may extend in front of said front edge and form an extension of the sidewalls of the housing and flush therewith.

In further embodiments, the housing comprises connector openings complementary with connector pegs of a modular construction system.

In a second aspect, the objects of the invention are obtained by a modular construction system light matrix comprising.

wherein outwardly facing sidewalls of the diffuser element extend in front of said front edge and forms an extension of the sidewalls of the housing and flush therewith.

In an embodiment the modular construction system light matrix according to the second aspect,.

In further embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, the modular construction system light matrix according to the second aspect, may further comprise any of the further features of the embodiments, of the first aspect of the invention.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

<FIG> show an example of a prior art light matrix <NUM>, in a disassembled state to unveil components thereof. <FIG> shows a square lower housing part <NUM> having a LED array <NUM> formed inside the lower housing part <NUM>, and a grid <NUM> made in a dark plastic material and configured to form a compartment around each of the LEDs <NUM> of the LED array <NUM>. The LEDs are arranged in a regular two-dimensional pattern on a surface of a plate <NUM> - presumably a printed circuit board, the plate <NUM> being mounted in the lower housing part <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the grid <NUM> is disassembled from the lower housing part <NUM>. In <FIG> the grid <NUM> is arranged in the lower housing part <NUM> and forming a compartment around each of the LEDs <NUM> of the LED array <NUM> and abutting on an upper surface of the plate <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> is an upper housing part <NUM> in the form of an upper frame <NUM> and a diffuser plate <NUM> arranged in the upper frame <NUM>. The diffuser plate <NUM> is a continuous unitary structure, made in a material suitable for diffusing light travelling through the diffuser plate <NUM>. The diffuser plate <NUM> is sized and shaped to cover an opening provided in and through a top surface - defined by a circumferential flange of the upper frame <NUM> -by fitting into the upper frame <NUM> and abutting on lower surface of the circumferential flange of the upper frame <NUM>.

The upper housing part <NUM> is sized and shaped to cooperate with the lower housing part <NUM> to form a closed, boxed shaped light matrix unit (not shown).

The LEDs <NUM> of the LED array <NUM> may be of a type capable of emitting light in several colors or the LEDs <NUM> may each emit a different color.

The purpose of the grid <NUM>, which is made in a dark plastic material is to form compartments <NUM> for each LED <NUM>, such that light from one compartment does not "bleed" into a neighboring compartment, and such that the compartments <NUM> partitions the front surface of the diffuser plate into an array of square fields, which may show different colors in neighboring fields with light from one field "bleeding" into, and influencing the light in another square fields. As mentioned above, this is not always successfully achieved, as the diffuser plate material "draws" light from one compartment to another.

Turning now to the present invention, <FIG>, in a perspective view, shows a modular construction system light matrix <NUM> according to some embodiments of the invention. <FIG>, also in a perspective view, shows the modular construction system light matrix from the rear or bottom side. <FIG>, also in a perspective view, shows an embodiment of the modular construction system light matrix <NUM>, in a disassembled state.

The modular construction system light matrix <NUM> - hereinafter called a light matrix <NUM> - comprises a housing <NUM>, an array <NUM> comprising a plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> arranged within the housing <NUM>, a light diffusing element <NUM>, and a compartment grid <NUM>, arranged in the housing <NUM> between the array <NUM> of light emitting elements <NUM> and the light diffusing element <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may - as shown - comprise an upper housing part <NUM> and a lower housing part <NUM>, where the upper housing part <NUM> and the lower housing part <NUM> are interconnectable to form the complete housing <NUM>.

The plurality of light emitting elements <NUM> may be arranged on a 2D grid such as a grid defining, for example, a rectangle, a square, a circle, etc. If the grid is in a rectangular or square shape, the light matrix may be a square matrix, i.e. have the same number of light emitting elements <NUM> in its rows and columns, e.g. a 2x2, 3x3, 4x4, etc. However, in other embodiments, the number of rows and columns of light emitting elements <NUM> may differ. The separate light emitting elements <NUM> may be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and they may be of the same type and/or model, or different.

The colour and/or the intensity of each of the light emitting elements <NUM> may be controlled individually, such that some or all of the light emitting elements may be on or off at a given time.

The light matrix <NUM> can receive digital information and preferably is provided with processing power to decode digital information to regulate the colour and intensity of each of the light emitting elements, for example as requested directly by a user or by a software program. By "regulating" is meant that the colour and intensity is set appropriately, i.e. the colour may be changed, the intensity may be increased or decreased, or the light turned off (intensity = zero).

Preferably, the array <NUM> of light emitting elements <NUM> may as shown be regular <NUM>×<NUM> array (orthogonally arranged in <NUM> rows and <NUM> columns) of light emitting elements <NUM>, i.e. with a total of <NUM> light emitting elements <NUM>.

The light emitting elements <NUM> are preferably - and as shown in e.g. <FIG> - mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM>.

Normally, PCB's are formed in a green material. This material however is quite transparent to light. In order to reduce this source of light bleeding through the housing <NUM>, such as the back side of the housing or lower housing part <NUM>, in preferred embodiments, a black - more light absorbing - PCB material is chosen.

The control for regulating the light emitting elements <NUM> may be provided as components on the PCB <NUM>.

The light matrix <NUM> may further comprise electronic components, such as electronic control components, an energy source (e.g. a battery package), etc. Preferably, any such further electronic components are provided in the lower housing part <NUM> or on the PCB <NUM>, preferably on the back side of the PCB.

The light matrix <NUM> may further comprise means for communicating with external devices or a user. For example control input for the light emitting elements <NUM> may be provided from an external device being in wireless communication (not shown) with the light matrix <NUM>. In other embodiments, and as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the light matrix <NUM> may comprises a cable unit <NUM> comprising one or more electrical cables <NUM> and a connector plug <NUM> configured for connecting the light matrix <NUM> with an external device. Thereby, information (control signals) and/or energy (electrical) may be transferred to the light matrix <NUM> from the (not shown) external device.

In an embodiment - and as shown throughout the figures - the housing <NUM> preferably has a quadratic cross section, when the array <NUM> of light emitting elements <NUM> is an n×n array.

As mentioned above, the housing <NUM> may comprise two parts, an upper housing part <NUM> and a lower housing part <NUM>. It will however be appreciated that the housing may - in not shown embodiments - be formed as a single part. In yet other embodiments the housing may comprise more than two parts.

In any case the housing <NUM> is preferably a box-shaped structure having a set of side walls <NUM> and preferably a bottom wall/end wall <NUM>. Thus, at least a portion of the housing <NUM> has the shape of an open box before mounting of other components. In embodiments, where the housing <NUM> comprises an upper housing part <NUM> and a lower housing part <NUM>, each of the sidewalls <NUM> has a wall portion being defined on the upper housing part <NUM> and a wall portion defined on the lower housing part <NUM>. In this case the bottom wall/end wall <NUM> is provided by the lower housing part <NUM>, and the lower housing part <NUM> has the shape of an open box before mounting of other components. The upper housing part <NUM>, in this case is a tubular structure, having sidewalls <NUM> and open upper and lower ends (before mounting of other components. The sidewalls of the upper housing part <NUM> and the sidewalls <NUM> of the lower housing part <NUM> are configured to cooperate, such that when the upper housing part <NUM> and the lower housing part <NUM> are assembled, they collectively form the housing <NUM>.

The side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> - and thereby the housing <NUM> - has an upper edge or front edge <NUM>, which encircles an upper or front opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The front opening <NUM> is arranged opposite to said end wall <NUM> in the housing <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown herein, the upper edge or front edge <NUM> and the upper or front opening <NUM> are provided on the upper housing part <NUM>.

The above mentioned light diffusing element <NUM> is arranged on and connectable to the housing <NUM>, such that the light diffusing element <NUM> covers the front opening <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as shown in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, a lower or downwardly facing edge <NUM> of the light diffusing element <NUM> is configured to rest on the front edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other, not shown, embodiments a light diffusing element for example as shown in the figures, and described below in connection with <FIG> may alternatively be configured to be located between internally facing sides of the sidewalls of the housing or an upper housing part thereof.

In the embodiments shown herein, the light diffusing element <NUM> covers the front opening <NUM> provided in the upper housing part <NUM>, and the lower or downwardly facing edge <NUM> of the light diffusing element <NUM> is configured to rest on the front edge <NUM> of the upper housing part <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Thereby, the diffuser element <NUM> and the housing <NUM> can be configured such that the sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM> are flush with the sidewall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as shown in e.g. <FIG>.

As mentioned above, the light matrix <NUM> comprises a compartment grid <NUM>. The compartment grid <NUM> may be formed in a light absorbing material. In some embodiments the compartment grid <NUM> may be made in a black polymer material.

The compartment grid <NUM> is arranged within the housing <NUM>. The compartment grid <NUM> comprises grid walls (may also be called compartment grid walls), two or more first compartment grid walls <NUM>, and two or more a second set of first compartment grid walls <NUM>. The first compartment grid walls <NUM> are arranged in parallel to each other. The second compartment grid walls <NUM> are arranged in parallel to each other. The first compartment grid walls <NUM> are arranged perpendicular to the second compartment grid walls <NUM>. Thus, the first compartment grid walls <NUM> and the second compartment grid walls <NUM> intersect, and form compartments <NUM> between them.

Preferably, the compartment grid <NUM> is configured, such that one compartment <NUM> is provided for each light emitting element <NUM> of the array <NUM> of light emitting elements <NUM>.

The compartment grid <NUM> is further configured such that the compartment grid walls/grid walls <NUM>, <NUM> allows the compartment grid <NUM> to extend from the surface (such as the upper/upwardly facing surface of a PCB <NUM>) on which the light emitting elements <NUM> are arranged, and towards said front opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, such as to a bottom/lower/downwardly facing surface of the light diffusing element <NUM>, as shown in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>.

In some embodiments, and as shown in <FIG>, the compartment grid <NUM> may be an individual element which is mounted within the housing <NUM> during an assembly stage of manufacturing the light matrix <NUM>.

However, in other embodiments, and as described in further detail below, the compartment grid <NUM> may be formed together with the housing <NUM>, for example in a two stage injection moulding process (two component moulding process).

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the compartment grid <NUM> has two first compartment grid walls <NUM> and two intersecting second compartment grid walls <NUM> forming a grid or array of nine compartments <NUM>, in a <NUM>×<NUM> array, where only the central compartment <NUM> is closed on all sides, and where the eight compartments <NUM> formed along the perimeter of the compartment grid <NUM> are open in the sense that these compartment have an externally facing side, facing an inner surface of the housing side walls <NUM> (when assembled), which is not covered by a wall.

It will be appreciated, that in some embodiments also a "loose" compartment grid <NUM> as shown in <FIG> may have first compartment grid walls <NUM> and second compartment grid walls <NUM> formed along and facing the inner surface of the housing side walls <NUM> (when assembled), such that all of the compartment <NUM> are closed sideways.

In embodiments shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the compartment grid <NUM> comprises first compartment grid walls <NUM> and second compartment grid walls <NUM> formed along and facing the inner surface of the housing side walls <NUM>, such that all of the compartment <NUM> are closed sideways. In this embodiment, the compartment grid <NUM> has four first compartment grid walls <NUM> and four intersecting second compartment grid walls <NUM> forming a grid or array of nine compartments <NUM>, in a <NUM>×<NUM> array, where all the compartments are closed on all sides.

The housing <NUM> is provided with at least one modular connector <NUM> for connecting the light matrix <NUM> to another construction element of a modular construction system. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, see <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is provided with six such modular connectors <NUM>, two in the end wall <NUM>, and two in each of two opposed side wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In these embodiments the modular connectors <NUM> are provided in the lower housing element <NUM>. In other embodiments there may be fewer or more modular connectors <NUM>. In other embodiments one or more connectors may be provided in the upper housing part <NUM> also. The modular connectors <NUM> are formed as indentions into and through the housing <NUM>. The connectors are preferably connector openings. Preferably, the one or more modular connectors <NUM> are configured for cooperating with and connecting to various types of construction elements of a modular construction. An example of a construction system having such connectors is known in the art, e.g. under the trade name LEGO TECHNIC ©, marketed by LEGO A/S.

Now returning to the compartment grid <NUM>, embodiments thereof are shown in more detail in e.g. <FIG>, in a perspective sectional view, shows an upper portion of a modular construction system light matrix according to an embodiment of the invention. The section is taken along a side wall of the light matrix <NUM> housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments the compartment grid <NUM> is formed in a light absorbent material. In some embodiments the compartment grid <NUM> is formed in in a polymer material. Preferably, the compartment grid <NUM> is formed in a polymer material suitable for injection moulding. In some embodiments, the compartment grid <NUM> is formed in a black polymer material. Such a material may be black colored ABS plastic, which has high light absorption properties and low light reflection properties. This help containing the light and stopping it from traveling between the compartments <NUM>, and through the outermost compartment grid walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the outer walls, sidewalls <NUM>, of the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> or at least the upper housing portion <NUM> may be formed in a reflective polymer material, and preferably in a polymer material suitable for use in an injection moulding process.

In some embodiments, and as described in further detail below, the housing <NUM>, or at least the upper housing part <NUM> thereof may further comprises internal walls <NUM>, see e.g. <FIG>, also made in a light reflecting material. This material may be the same as used for the housing <NUM> as such. In such cases, the black ABS plastic material (or materials with similar properties) of the compartment grid <NUM> prevents the light from zig zagging between white reflective and the black parts and between the (black) PCB <NUM> and the black compartment grid <NUM>.

In all embodiments described above and below, preferably the diffuser element <NUM> and the compartment grid <NUM> are assembled, to avoid air gaps there between. In practice such airgaps may not be possible to eliminate entirely, for example due to production tolerances. In such cases the black or other light absorbent properties of the compartment grid <NUM> may secure that, where at the few places where there are airgaps between the upper edge of the reflecting inner walls and the diffuser element, it is secured, that the compartment grid <NUM> is always on one side of these airgaps. This limits the amount the light that can "zig-zag" between the parts, and thereby the light bleeding between the compartments <NUM> and between compartments <NUM> and the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG>, in a side sectional view, shows the upper portion of a modular construction system light matrix according to the same embodiment of the invention as <FIG>, but in a section different than in <FIG>.

Turning now to the diffuser element <NUM>, preferred embodiments are illustrated in <FIG>.

Portions of the diffuser element <NUM> is preferably formed in a material capable of allowing light to pass there through while diffusing the light, or a transparent material treated to give light diffusing properties.

In an embodiment the diffuser element <NUM> comprises a plurality of diffuser tiles <NUM>. A diffuser tile <NUM> is provided for each compartment <NUM> of the compartment grid <NUM>, and covers the compartment <NUM> with which it is associated.

In embodiments, where the diffuser element <NUM> comprises a plurality of diffuser tiles <NUM>, the diffuser tiles are preferably formed in a material capable of allowing light to pass there-through while diffusing the light, or a transparent material treated to give light diffusing properties.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, there are <NUM> diffuser tiles <NUM> arranged in a <NUM>×<NUM> regular array. However, generally, the diffuser element is provided such that there is a diffuser tile <NUM> for each light emitting element <NUM>. Similarly, the above mentioned compartment grid <NUM> is manufactured such that there is one compartment for each light emitting element <NUM>.

Each of the diffuser tiles <NUM> comprises a front surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM> and sidewalls <NUM>.

The front surface <NUM> and the back surface <NUM> are formed parallel to each other.

The sidewalls <NUM> of a diffuser tile <NUM> are formed perpendicularly to the front surface <NUM>.

Because the diffuser tiles <NUM> are arranged in a regular, two-dimensional array, some of the sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM> will face the sidewalls <NUM> of the neighbouring diffuser tiles <NUM>, i.e. they have mutually facing sidewalls <NUM>, while the diffuser tiles <NUM> formed along edges of the diffuser element <NUM> also have outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM>, i.e. sidewalls not facing other diffuser tiles <NUM>.

As shown, the diffuser element <NUM> comprises a diffuser grid <NUM> providing a barrier between the mutually facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>.

This diffuser grid <NUM> is preferably formed in a material different from a material of the diffuser tiles <NUM>.

The diffuser grid <NUM> comprises an array of diffuser grid walls, first diffuser grid walls <NUM> and intersecting second diffuser grid walls <NUM>. The first diffuser grid walls <NUM> and intersecting second diffuser grid walls <NUM> are aligned with the compartment grid walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the compartment grid <NUM>, when the diffuser element <NUM> is assembled with the housing and the compartment grid. Preferably, the compartment grid <NUM> and the diffuser element <NUM> are also assembled such that the diffuser grid walls <NUM>, <NUM> abut on the compartment grid walls <NUM>, <NUM>, to minimize air gaps there between as also mentioned above. Thereby, light bleeding between the compartments <NUM> and the square light fields or zones provided by the diffuser tiles <NUM> is minimized or even prevented.

So, a lower side (or at least a portion thereof) of the diffuser grid <NUM> is adapted to abut against an upper side (or at least a portion thereof) of the compartment grid <NUM>. This means that the compartment grid <NUM> and the diffuser grid <NUM> are separate entities, that when the light matrix <NUM> is assembled abuts against each other.

In some embodiments, and as exemplified below, the diffuser grid <NUM> and the diffuser tiles are formed together as a single unit, for example in a two stage moulding process.

In some embodiments, the diffuser grid <NUM> is formed in a light absorbing material. However, in alternative embodiments the diffuser grid <NUM> is formed in a light reflecting material.

In some embodiments, the diffuser grid <NUM> may be formed in the same material as the housing <NUM>, or at least the same material as the side walls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiment, and as shown in for example <FIG> and <FIG>, the outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM> and in embodiments, where the diffuser element <NUM> comprises diffuser tiles <NUM>, the outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM>/diffuser tiles <NUM> extend in front of or above the front edge <NUM>, such that the outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM>/diffuser tiles <NUM> form an extension of the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM> in the plane of the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM>/ diffuser tiles <NUM>, are preferably arranged such that they are flush with the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In such embodiments, it is secured that light in a square light field or zone defined by the compartment <NUM>, is visible also to the side (perpendicularly to the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>).

It will be appreciated, that in principle a diffuser element <NUM> as described above, may - alternatively to being arranged to extend in front of the front edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM> - be arranged in the front opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, with the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM> covering the outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM>/diffuser tiles <NUM>.

In either of the above embodiments, the each diffuser tile <NUM> may comprise a main body part <NUM> and a compartment portion <NUM> extending downwards from the main body part <NUM>. This downwardly extending compartment portion <NUM> is configured for extending into a compartment <NUM> provided by the compartment grid <NUM>. This may be appreciated from <FIG> or <FIG>.

On the diffuser tiles <NUM> being arranged along the edges of the diffuser element <NUM> (i.e. diffuser tiles <NUM>) and on the diffuser tiles <NUM> being arranged in the corners of the diffuser element <NUM> (diffuser tiles <NUM>), the main body part <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a downwardly facing edge <NUM> or surface <NUM> formed as a ledge between the main body part <NUM> and the compartment portion <NUM>. This downwardly facing edge <NUM> may be configured for abutment on the front edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (in embodiments where the diffuser element <NUM> extend in front of the housing), or on an upper edge of the compartment grid <NUM> (in embodiments, where the diffuser element <NUM> is framed by the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>).

As shown in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, the diffuser tiles <NUM>, or the main body part <NUM> are generally square (seen in a cross section parallel to the upper/upwardly facing surface <NUM> of the diffuser tiled <NUM>.

As also shown in e.g. <FIG> and <FIG>, the compartment portion <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM> is also generally square (seen in a cross section parallel to the upper/upwardly facing surface <NUM> of the diffuser tiled <NUM>). However, dependent on the diffuser tile being arranged at a corner of the diffuse element <NUM> (diffuser tiles <NUM>) or at a side edge (diffuser tiles <NUM>) or inside the array (diffuser tiles <NUM>), the compartment portion <NUM> may be placed differently relative to the main body part <NUM>.

The compartment portion <NUM> of a diffuser tile <NUM> have side surfaces. Some of the side surfaces <NUM> of the compartment portion <NUM> face towards compartment portion <NUM> of a neighbouring diffuser tile <NUM>. The compartment portion <NUM> formed on diffuser tiles <NUM>, <NUM> formed at external edges and corners of the diffuser element <NUM> have outwardly facing surfaces <NUM>.

In some embodiments (in particular where the diffuser element <NUM> extend in front of the housing <NUM>), the outwardly facing surfaces <NUM> of the compartment portion <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>, <NUM> formed at external edges of the diffuser element <NUM> comprises, are angled relative to the outwardly facing sidewalls <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>. Thereby, it is achieved that light emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> is also directed towards the side walls <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the angle between the side walls <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM> and the corresponding outwardly facing surface is acute.

As may be appreciated from <FIG> and <FIG>, the compartment portion <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>, <NUM> formed at external corners of the diffuser element <NUM> may comprises a first surface <NUM> formed between outwardly facing side surfaces <NUM> at the external corners of the diffuser element <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> interconnects the two outwardly facing side surfaces <NUM> of the compartment portion <NUM>.

A first surfaces <NUM> directs light emitted from the light emitting elements <NUM> and through the diffuser tile <NUM> and towards the corresponding corner of the diffuser element <NUM>. Preferably the first surface <NUM> forms an angel of <NUM>° relative to the two adjacent outwardly facing side surfaces <NUM>.

In some embodiments the diffuser tiles <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM> may be formed as separate pieces and connected to form the diffuser element <NUM>, by for example the diffuser grid <NUM>, or other (not shown) connecter elements.

However, in preferred embodiments, and as shown in e.g. <FIG>, <FIG>, the diffuser element <NUM> comprising diffuser tiles <NUM> and the diffuser grid <NUM> is formed as one integrated unit. In some embodiments, this may be achieved by the diffuser tiles <NUM> of the diffuser element <NUM> being interconnected by tile connecting elements <NUM> formed integrally with and in the same material as the diffuser tiles <NUM>.

Thereby, it is made possible, that the diffuser grid <NUM> may be formed in the spaces between the diffuser tiles <NUM> as the second stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process), where the diffuser tiles <NUM> with the connecter elements <NUM> are formed in the first stage of the two stage moulding process (two component moulding process). Alternatively, the diffuser grid <NUM> may be formed in a first stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process), and the interconnected diffuser tiles <NUM> may be formed in the second stage.

In some embodiments, and as shown in e.g. <FIG>, <FIG>, the connecting elements <NUM> are protrusions extending from the lower surface <NUM> of the diffuser tiles <NUM>, at corners of the diffuser tiles <NUM>, where four neighbouring diffuser tiles <NUM> meet.

<FIG>, in a perspective view, shows a diffuser element <NUM> for a modular construction system light matrix according to an embodiment of the invention, and viewed from an inner/internal/bottom side thereof, the diffuser element having nine diffuser tiles <NUM> formed in a regular two-dimensional array. In this case, the diffuser element <NUM> have four connecting elements <NUM>, that connects the nines diffuser tiles <NUM>. Two of the four connecting elements <NUM> are solid, and the other two of the four connecting elements <NUM> have a circular holes <NUM> in the center forming inlet points for injection moulding the diffuser grid <NUM> in the second shot/stage of a two component injection moulding process. The connecting elements <NUM> enables that the diffuser element <NUM> can be moulded with two inlets instead of nine inlets, which is very beneficial on such small injection moulded plastic parts.

Above it was mentioned, that is some embodiments the internal surfaces of the compartments <NUM> of the compartment grid <NUM> may be covered by internal walls <NUM>. Now this will be explained in further detail with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

First, it is noted that these internal walls <NUM> may be formed in a material different from the material used for compartment grid <NUM>.

Preferably, the internal walls <NUM> are formed in a light reflecting material.

In either case, in an embodiment, the internal walls <NUM> may be made from the same material as the housing <NUM>, or at least as the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments (not shown), the internal walls <NUM>, the housing <NUM> (or at least as the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM>) and the compartment grid <NUM> may be formed as separate, individual parts and be assembled subsequently.

In other embodiments (not shown), internal walls <NUM> may be provided as a layer made on the compartment grid <NUM> after the formation thereof, for example by coating the internal sides of the compartment grid <NUM> using a suitable material.

However, in preferred embodiments, the internal walls <NUM> are formed integral with the housing <NUM>. For example, at least the sidewalls <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be formed together with the internal walls <NUM> in a second injection moulding stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process), where a compartment grid <NUM> formed in the first injection moulding stage of a two stage moulding process (two component moulding process) is used as a core in the second injection moulding stage.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, at least some of the internal walls <NUM> and/or the inwardly facing surfaces of the compartments <NUM> may be configured such that they taper outwards in a direction from the light emitting elements <NUM> at the bottom of the compartments <NUM> and towards the diffuser element <NUM> at the front edge <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an upper part of the housing <NUM>, with the upper housing part <NUM> of the housing and the arrangement of the compartment grid <NUM> and the PCB <NUM> (with the light emitting elements <NUM>) relative thereto. However, portions of the lower housing part <NUM> is also visible in both <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown most clearly in <FIG>, the upper housing part <NUM> may comprise a slightly recessed (relative to the outer surface of the side wall <NUM> of the upper housing part <NUM>), downwardly extending flange <NUM> configured for cooperating with a flange <NUM> upwardly extending from the lower housing part <NUM>.

As may be best appreciated from <FIG>, B, E, and F, the upper hosing part <NUM> may further comprise downwardly extending flexible/resilient legs <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the upper hosing part <NUM> comprises four legs <NUM>. A barb <NUM> is provided on each leg <NUM>. An opening <NUM> is formed in and through a sidewall <NUM> of the lower housing part <NUM>, which opening <NUM> is configured for receiving the barb <NUM> of a corresponding leg <NUM> extending downward from upper housing part <NUM>. The barb receiving opening <NUM> is shown in e.g. <FIG>. The resilience of the leg <NUM> ensures that the barb <NUM> may snap into the barb receiving opening <NUM>. By pressing the barb <NUM> inwardly, the upper housing part <NUM> and the lower housing part <NUM> may be released from each other again.

<FIG>, in a perspective view, shows a bottom housing part of a modular construction system light matrix according to an embodiment of the invention, with an array of LEDs.

<FIG>, in a perspective view, shows a top housing part of a modular construction system light matrix mounted on the bottom housing part of <FIG>.

Together, <FIG> illustrates steps of the assembly of a light matrix according to the invention.

First in <FIG> the electronic components of the light matrix <NUM> are assembled in the lower housing part <NUM>. The cable unit <NUM> is connected to the PCB <NUM> with the light emitting elements <NUM>. The PCB <NUM> with the light emitting elements <NUM> is arranged in the lower housing part <NUM> with the light emitting elements <NUM> facing upwards.

Then the upper housing part <NUM> is connected to the lower housing part <NUM> to form the assembled housing <NUM> of the light matrix <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Preferably, but not shown in <FIG>, the diffuser element <NUM> is also mounted to the top/upper housing part <NUM> before connecting the upper housing part <NUM> to the lower housing part <NUM>.

The diffuser element <NUM> may be first ultra-sonic welded onto the top/upper housing part <NUM>. Then, the combined diffuser element <NUM> and top/upper housing part <NUM> may then be snapped onto the bottom/lower housing part <NUM>.

The top/upper housing part <NUM> could also be called "light reflector housing".

<FIG>, in a perspective view, shows a top housing part of a modular construction system light matrix viewed from above, the top housing part having a compartment grid arranged therein. <FIG>, in a perspective view, shows the top housing part of <FIG> from below.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the compartment grid <NUM> may comprise one or more flanges <NUM> extending downward from the compartment grid <NUM> arranged along side(s) of the compartment grid <NUM>. The purpose of the one or more flanges <NUM> is to prevent light bleeding sideways from the compartments <NUM> at the level of the PCB and light bleeding downwards and through the sidewalls of the lower housing part <NUM>.

In <FIG>, <FIG>, the compartment grid <NUM> comprise two flanges <NUM> arranged along opposite sides of the compartment grid <NUM>.

The bottom <NUM> of compartment grid <NUM> is in black color. This is chosen, so there would be black plastic and a black PCBA around the LEDs, which provides for limited light bleeding/optimizing the light containment.

<FIG>, shows the modular construction system light matrix with the diffuser element removed, and illustrates light pattern in the light matrix. <FIG>, in a sectional perspective view parallel to a side of the light matrix, shows the top housing part including a diffuser element, and illustrates light patterns in the light matrix; and <FIG>, in a sectional perspective view diagonally from corner to corner of the light matrix, shows the top housing part including a diffuser, and illustrates light patterns in the light matrix.

The placement of the light emitting elements <NUM> have an impact on the light output. The light emitting elements <NUM> are moved as much as possible towards the center of the PCB <NUM> (illustrated by arrows in <FIG>).

The construction of the light reflecting internal walls <NUM> makes the limitation. With the optimized position, the center of the light emitting elements <NUM> have direct line towards the edge of the diffuser element <NUM>. This way as much as possible of the emitted light with direction towards the edge of the diffuser elements enters the diffuser element (see arrows <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

Claim 1:
A modular construction system light matrix (<NUM>) comprising
- a housing (<NUM>) having side walls (<NUM>), an end wall (<NUM>) and a front edge (<NUM>) encircling a front opening (<NUM>) of said housing (<NUM>) opposite to said end wall (<NUM>);
- an array (<NUM>) of light emitting elements (<NUM>) arranged on a printed circuit board (<NUM>), the printed circuit board (<NUM>) being arranged in said housing (<NUM>);
- a compartment grid (<NUM>) arranged in said housing (<NUM>), and having compartment grid walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from said printed circuit board (<NUM>) towards said front opening (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), and forming an array of compartments (<NUM>), one compartment (<NUM>) for each light emitting element (<NUM>); and
- a light diffusing element (<NUM>) arranged at said opening (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the diffuser element (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of diffuser tiles (<NUM>), each diffuser tile (<NUM>) for covering a compartment (<NUM>) of the compartment grid (<NUM>),
wherein each diffuser tile (<NUM>) has a front surface (<NUM>), a back surface (<NUM>) and sidewalls (<NUM>) formed perpendicularly to the front surface (<NUM>),
wherein the diffuser element (<NUM>) comprises a diffuser grid (<NUM>) providing a barrier between mutually facing sidewalls (<NUM>) of the diffuser tiles (<NUM>),
wherein the diffuser grid (<NUM>) is formed in a material different from a material of the diffuser tiles (<NUM>), characterised in that
a lower side of the diffuser grid (<NUM>) is adapted to abut against an upper side of the compartment grid (<NUM>).