AU2017203055A1

AU2017203055A1 - Lighting system

Info

Publication number: AU2017203055A1
Application number: AU2017203055A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lance Robert WALK
Original assignee: East West Lighting Pty Ltd
Current assignee: East West Lighting Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-06
Filing date: 2017-05-08
Publication date: 2017-11-23
Also published as: AU2017101833A4; AU2017203055A2

Abstract

An LED lighting system including: a plurality of LED lighting elements; wherein the LED lighting elements can be installed by someone without electrical qualifications; and wherein the system is arranged to extend from a power supply box. LO) Lf) LO) C) LO) 4-P c 4-P 4-P C) m toU LO) Fiur 9

Description

LIGHTING SYSTEM

Technical Field [0001] The present invention generally relates to an industrial lighting system. Background Art [0002] Conventionally, where lighting systems in previously unlit areas are needed an electrician is required to be used to set up power sources for the lighting. This is also the case where durable, reliable and constant illumination Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting is required as constant current is needed in these types of LED lighting scenarios. Where long lengths of lighting is required, resulting in the use of long LED strings these problems are emphasised and require large voltages to produce the constant current required by the long LED string.

[0003] In these circumstances a safe, easy to connect, low voltage light string is need that does not use extension leads that provide a tripping and electrical hazard that can be installed by people without electrical qualifications.

[0004] Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in Australia or any other country.

Summary of Invention [0005] It is an object of this invention to provide to ameliorate, mitigate or overcome, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0006] The present invention provides an LED lighting system for lighting including: a plurality of LED lighting elements; wherein the LED lighting elements can be installed by someone without electrical qualifications, and wherein the system is arranged to extend from a power supply box.

[0007] Preferably, the LED lighting elements connect to the power supply and to each other using plugs.

[0008] In using plugs, a person without electrical qualifications or well developed electrical knowledge can connect the LED lighting elements to the power supply or to each other.

[0009] Preferably, the LED lighting elements are arranged as lighting strings of up to 50m in length.

[0010] Preferably, a plurality of LED lighting strings may be joined together.

[0011] Preferably, the plugs become locked once the LED lighting elements have been connected to the power supply or to each other.

[0012] Preferably, the locked plugs can be unlocked with a specific tool.

[0013] Preferably, the LED lighting elements are housed in a flexible cable.

[0014] Preferably, at least one additional electrical lead runs alongside the LED lighting element in the flexible cable.

[0015] Preferably, the additional electrical cable is arranged to supply power to a second LED lighting element joined to the LED lighting element.

[0016] Preferably, a plurality of additional electrical leads runs alongside the LED lighting element in the flexible cable.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one additional electrical lead supplies power to a second LED lighting element.

[0018] Preferably, a DC-DC converter is located between adjoining LED lighting strings to provide a stable voltage to each LED lighting string.

[0019] Preferably, a connector is located between adjoining LED lighting strings to receive power from one LED lighting string and distribute it to one or more adjoining LED lighting strings.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0020] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power supply box used with the LED lighting system of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of plugged outlets from the power supply of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a casing used with the LED lighting system of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a LED lighting string in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connector used with the LED lighting string of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the LED lighting string of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is perspective view of the LED lighting string of Figure 4;

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the LED lighting system of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a plan view of a lighting string used with the LED lighting system of the present invention; and

Figure 10 is a schematic view of the LED lighting system of Figure 8.

[0021] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments [0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the invention according to a first embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a lighting system 10 suitable for use in an industrial setting, such as in underground mines, on construction sites or in commercial settings.

[0023] The lighting system 10 includes a power supply box 11 which includes circuit protection for the supply and outgoing circuits, power meters 23 to monitor the power load of the outgoing circuit, a lockable isolator 13 to allow power shut downs when required for maintenance, repair or otherwise and outlet connection points 17, 19 and 21 to connect to outgoing circuits. Power supply leads 33 run from the outlet connection points 17. Three separate power supply leads 33 run from the power supply box to provide power to separate light strings. The skilled addressee would understand that the number of outlet connection points 17, 19 and 21 can be altered as required to provide more or less power supply leads 33 as required, such as outlet 20 shown in Figure 9.

[0024] The power supply leads 33 include a plugged end that is attachable to the outlet connection points 17, 19, 21. In one embodiment the power supply leads 33 include a male socket plug end and the connection points 17, 19, 21 include a female socket receiving portion to receive the power supply leads 33 plugged end. In an alternative embodiment the power supply leads 33 include a female socket plug end and the connection points 17, 19, 21 include a male socket portion to receive the power supply leads 33 plugged end.

[0025] As the power supply leads 33 and the connection points 17, 19, 21 are pluggable sockets with male female connection means, an electrician is not required to connect power supply cables 33 and lighting strings 38 to the power supply box 11.

[0026] The power meters 23 can display at least one of the voltage, power, current, and amp-hour load of the outgoing circuit connected to outlet connection points 17, 19, 21 to which the power meters 21 are associated.

[0027] The power supply box can be manufactured from, a suitable plastic (such as PVC), metal, a composite material or otherwise as understood as appropriate for the particular setting for the lighting system 10 by the skilled addressee.

[0028] The power supply box is set up to receive mains power of between 110V to 414V as appropriate. The output of the power supply box can be between 12V and 24V, chosen based on the installation requirements and LED’s used.

[0029] In one embodiment, the present invention uses 5050 LED strips to provide sufficient lumens for a bright output. In an alternative embodiment the LED strips are 2835, 5630, 5730 or otherwise as would be understood by the skilled addressee for providing sufficient brightness.

[0030] In certain environments where established power lines with outlets are not available, such as in underground mines, an appropriately qualified electrician is required to install the power supply box 11. In settings where power lines are available with readily accessible outlets, such as in established factories, other established industrial environments, on construction sites or in warehouses or other commercial premises the power supply box 11 can be provided with a power input lead and plug. In this scenario the power supply box 11 and lighting system 10 can be installed without requiring an electrician.

[0031] A flexible cable 25 is used to receive and restrain power leads 35 in receiving recesses 27 LED light string 38 in receiving channel 31. The LED light string 38 is connected to the light string power lead 37 to provide power to the LED light string 38. The flexible cable 25 can be made of rubber, silicon or other suitable material to allow the flexible cable to flex so that the LED light string 38 can be manipulated to lie in a desired position.

[0032] In one embodiment the flexible cable 25 can be 5m long. The skilled addressee will recognise that alternative lengths for the flexible cable and LED light string can be provided. The LED light string 38 can provide warm, natural, cool or RBG light. The skilled addressee will recognise that the use of LEDs of alternative wavelength are within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] With reference to Figure 4 power leads 35 and light string power lead 37 include plug ends 41 with male sockets 42. These male sockets 42 plug into female sockets in the connector 39. In alternative embodiments, the power leads 35 and light string power lead 37 have female sockets and the connector 39 includes male sockets. Variations on the male, female connections on the plug ends 41 and the connector 39 are envisaged by the present invention.

[0034] With reference to Figure 5, a power supply connector 39 is illustrated splitting power from power supply cable 33 through the LED light string and power leads 35. The plug ends 41 of the power supply cable 33, power leads 35 and light string power lead 37 feed into receiving portions 43 in the power supply connector 39. Power fed into light power string 37 lights the LED light string 38 and the power fed into power leads 35 is fed past the LED light string 38.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates the Power leads 35 and LED string 38 in place in receiving recesses 27 and receiving channel 31. This illustrates the flexibility possible for the LED lighting string 38 of the lighting system of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates the LED light string 38 lit up and in position. This shows that the lighting system can be installed in position as desired.

[0037] Figure 8 illustrates the connection of an LED light string 38 from a connector 39 to a joiner 40. The power supply lead 33 enters the connector 39 as shown and described in Figure 5.

[0038] The power leads 35 run alongside the LED light string 38 in the flexible cable 25. The power leads 35 are fed into a joiner 40. The LED light string 38 receives power through LED light lead 37 but does not feed into joiner 40.

[0039] The joiner 40 feeds the power from power leads 35 into outlets 42. Power supply leads 33 can be connected to outlets 42 to feed into further connectors 39 to feed additional power leads 35 and LED light strings 38. Although two outlets 42 are shown, it will be understood that alternative numbers of outlets 42, such as 1, 3 or more can be provided to supply power supply leads 33. The ends of the power leads 35 feeding into the joiner are in the form of a plug 41 with male or female connections as described above with respect to power leads 35 and light string power lead 37. Similarly, the joiner 40 includes male or female connections as described above with respect to connector 39.

[0040] In this way LED lighting strings 38 can be added to the lighting system to increase the length of the lighting system.

[0041] Referring to Figure 9, the lighting system 10 of the present invention is shown in an embodiment where a plurality of power leads 33 are connected to power supply box 11. Each of the power leads 33 connected to the power supply box 11 include a plurality flexible cables 25 containing LED light strings 38 to extend the length of the area lighted by the power supply box 11.

[0042] In one embodiment, where a plurality of flexible cables 25 are connected together from one connection points 17, 19, 20, 21 the voltage supplied from the power supply box 11 drops as the length of the connection from the connection points 17, 19, 20, 21 increases. To supply sufficient voltage to the LED lighting string 38 and power leads 35 in each flexible cable 25 DC-DC converters are placed in each joiner 40 to ensure that a constant, stable voltage is supplied to each LED lighting string 38. This ensures a constant light intensity along the length of the lighting system 10.

[0043] The lighting system of the present invention can be lengthened through the addition of more power leads 33, connectors 39, flexible cables 25 with power leads 35 and LED light strings 38 with joiners 40. As these components connect to either the power supply box 11 or each other with plugs 41 and male and female connections the risk associated with installing lights is minimised. When this is coupled with the low voltage supplied through the power supply box 11 and the DC-DC converters, these components can be installed by people without electrical qualifications or well developed electrical knowledge.

[0044] Referring to Figure 10, the LED lighting string 38 of Figure 8 is illustrated.

[0045] To enable people without electrical qualifications or well developed electrical knowledge to use the lighting system of the present invention, the plugs 41 and male and female connections cannot be disconnected without a tool. This enables the person without electrical qualifications or well developed electrical knowledge to set up the lighting system 10, but not to be able to try and alter, steal or interfere with the system 10.

[0046] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0047] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0048] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0049] Also, future patent applications maybe filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from, the present application. It is to be understood that the following provisional claims are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or re-define the invention or inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An LED lighting system including: a plurality of LED lighting elements; wherein the LED lighting elements can be installed by someone without electrical qualifications; and wherein the system is arranged to extend from a power supply box.
2. The LED lighting system of Claim 1, wherein the LED lighting elements connect to the power supply and to each other using plugs.
3. The LED lighting system of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the LED lighting elements are arranged as lighting strings of up to 50m in length.
4. The LED lighting system as claimed in of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of LED lighting strings may be joined together.
5. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 2, or any one of Claims 3 or 4 when appended to Claim 2, wherein the plugs become locked once the LED lighting elements have been connected to the power supply or to each other.
6. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the locked plugs can be unlocked with a specific tool.
7. The LED lighting system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the LED lighting elements are housed in a flexible cable.
8. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein at least one additional electrical lead runs alongside the LED lighting element in the flexible cable.
9. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the additional electrical cable is arranged to supply power to a second LED lighting element joined to the LED lighting element.
10. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein a plurality of additional electrical leads runs alongside the LED lighting element in the flexible cable.
11. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claims 8, 9 or 10, wherein the at least one additional electrical lead supplies power to a second LED lighting element.
12. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 4 or any one of Claims 3 to 11 when appended to Claim 4, wherein a DC-DC converter is located between adjoining LED lighting strings to provide a stable voltage to each LED lighting string.
13. The LED lighting system as claimed in Claim 4 or any one of Claims 3 to 12 when appended to Claim 4, wherein a connector is located between adjoining LED lighting strings to receive power from one LED lighting string and distribute it to one or more adjoining LED lighting strings.