EP2205902B1 - Magnetically attached luminaire - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to lighting systems made up of lighting means and carriers and, in particular, lighting systems with manually insertable and removable lighting means, so that the quantity, direction and / or the properties of the light emitted by the system can be varied easily.

So far, lighting means, in particular lamps, have been held mechanically in lights and electrically contacted, for example by means of clamps or sockets. However, it is disadvantageous here that the mechanical holder requires a comparatively large amount of installation space and, moreover, a solution and re-fastening of the illuminant is complex, especially with a large number of illuminants in the luminaire.

In modern lighting systems in particular, it is desirable that the user can control the quantity, direction and properties of the light emitted by the system very flexibly. With theater backdrops, one is used to finding a multitude of light fixtures that can direct light of varying intensity, color and other properties onto the stage. Adjustable reflector lamps and track lights are often used in retail environments to illuminate goods or displays. Track lights are commonly used in offices and living spaces to direct light onto a specific work area or for optical effects. Although these systems are flexible, they have disadvantages. One disadvantage is that they are relatively large, in the sense that the lamp brackets are noticeable. In many applications, such as a showcase for jewelry or other high-quality goods, it is desirable that the lighting system is as inconspicuous as possible. In applications in which the appearance of the lighting system itself contributes to the overall aesthetic appearance, additional Design and manufacturing costs. Another disadvantage is that these systems, while flexible, may be cumbersome to adjust based on lighting requirements. In many cases, the lamp holders are relatively heavy. A tool is required to move, add, or remove a lamp holder with a mechanical connector, and in some cases even a new electrical connection may be required. Even in the event that the lamp holder may be rotatably attached, the base of the lamp holder can typically only be moved in one single dimension. Finally, there is the disadvantage that these systems are relatively expensive.

U.S. 5,154,509 , issued October 13, 1992 to Wulfman et al., describes a low voltage rail lighting system in which the lamp holder is attached to the rail by magnetic force and electrical power is supplied by physical contacts between the electrical wires of the rail and the holder Rail is guided to the bracket. Wulfman et al. teaches a conventional track lighting system, that is, a number of lamp holders are movably attached to a linear track. The Wulfman et al. are attached to a triangular bracket. Electrical power is transmitted from the bracket to the housing of the bracket by means of electrical contacts which are located on two sides of the triangular bracket and on two sides of the matching angular receptacle of the housing. The rail and light mounts from Wulfman et al. have a purely functional design, ie for providing and directing light.

DE 102 07 367 A1 describes a busbar arrangement with two busbars which are arranged so as to be electrically insulated from one another and which are designed to be attracted by a magnet. At least two permanent magnets that act as current pick-up contacts and with which an electrical power consumer or An adapter cable is connected, can be variably positioned along the power rails. The busbars, which can be attracted by a magnet, and the permanent magnets hold them independently so that they or the electrical power consumers connected to them can be positioned anywhere along the busbars.

JP 2006 164827 A discloses a lighting system comprising a plurality of housings, each of which has a light source disposed therein, and which is constructed such that an intermediate member for separably connecting the housings to one another is disposed on each peripheral surface of the plurality of housings. The intermediate element is electrically conductive and electrically connected to the light source arranged in the housing. When the housings are connected to one another by the intermediate member, a current which is supplied to the light source arranged in the single-sided housing from the connected housings is supplied to the light source arranged in the single-sided housing.

KR 2002 0086442 A discloses a permanent magnet terminal and an electrical contact structure between two devices that use the permanent magnet terminal to easily secure electrical contact regardless of a housing shape. Permanent magnet connections, which are arranged in a housing of a battery, have a metal film for this purpose, which is formed on a surface of a permanently magnetic and conductive lead wire. Permanent magnet terminals arranged in a housing of a charger have opposite polarity to the permanent magnet terminals arranged in the housing of the battery and have a metal conductor film formed on a surface of a permanent and conductive connection cable. A magnet is arranged in the housing of the battery. A magnet that is opposite to the polarity of the magnet is at a point that the magnet touches when the permanent magnet terminals are in the Housing of the battery and the permanent magnet are located. Permanent magnet connections, which are arranged in the housing of the charger, are contacted by magnetic force.

It is an object of the invention to avoid the deficiencies of the prior art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a possibility for simple and space-saving assembly of lighting means.

Another object of the invention is to improve lighting systems and the ability to control lighting systems on the part of a user.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system that can use incandescent, halogen, LED, and fluorescent light sources.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system that is able to display in a variety of three-dimensional spatial structures, e.g. B. parallelepipedes, spheres, polyhedra to be produced.

This object is achieved by means of a lighting system according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be inferred in particular from the dependent claims.

• die Kontakte der ersten Gruppe und die Kontakte der zweiten Gruppe eine entgegengesetzte magnetische Polung aufweisen und nebeneinander auf dem Träger angeordnet sind,
• jeder der Kontakte als eine magnetische Aufsatzfläche zum Aufsatz eines Anschlusses eines Leuchtmittels mit dazu umgekehrter magnetischer Polarität ausgestaltet ist und wobei
• der Träger mindestens zwei Sätze von Paaren, die für unterschiedliche Arten von Leuchtmitteln vorgesehen sind, mit zwischen den Sätzen unterschiedlich geformten Kontakte aufweist,
• ein seitlicher Abstand von Kontakten eines jeweiligen Paares von Kontakten eines gemeinsamen Satzes von Paaren geringer ist als ein Abstand dieser Kontakte zu gleichgeformten Kontakten eines anderen Satzes von Paaren und
• jeder Satz unabhängig ansteuerbar ist.

The lighting system has at least one lamp, which has one or more individual light sources and two magnetically adhesive electrical connections of opposite magnetic polarity, and at least one flat support, having several pairs of contacts, each pair of which has one contact and one belonging to a first group of contacts has contact belonging to a second group of contacts, between which an electrical potential can be applied, wherein

• the contacts of the first group and the contacts of the second group have opposite magnetic polarity and are arranged next to one another on the carrier,
• each of the contacts is designed as a magnetic attachment surface for attachment of a connection of a lighting means with reversed magnetic polarity and wherein
• the carrier has at least two sets of pairs intended for different types of light sources with differently shaped contacts between the sets,
• a lateral spacing of contacts of a respective pair of contacts of a common set of pairs is less than a spacing of these contacts to similarly shaped contacts of another set of pairs and
• each set can be controlled independently.

Due to the different shape of the contacts, at least between two pairs, it is advantageously possible to distinguish between contact pairs with different properties or for different lighting means.

Incorrect connection can be avoided due to the reversed magnetic polarity of the connections of the illuminant and the contacts of the carrier. It can therefore be magnetically discriminated between the two connections; and they are provided with an inherent way to avoid misconnections.

The sets of differently shaped contacts of the carrier allow different types of lighting means to be controlled in a simple and flexible manner.

Due to the magnetically adhesive electrical connections, the light source, e.g. B. a lamp, easily and space-savingly attached to a corresponding magnetic or magnetizable electrical contact.

The carrier can in particular be designed as a base plate with a lateral dimension of no more than 1 m, e.g. B. as a rigid or flexible square plate with the dimensions 40 cm x 40 cm.

In one embodiment, a DC voltage can be applied between at least two groups or the contacts associated with them.

In an alternative embodiment, an alternating voltage can be applied between at least two groups or the contacts associated with them.

In a further embodiment, the electrical contacts are grouped in two groups and arranged in a checkerboard pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts of the two groups.

In yet another, alternative or additional embodiment, the electrical contacts are grouped in two groups and arranged in a ring pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts of the two groups.

In yet another, alternative or additional embodiment, the electrical contacts are grouped in two groups and arranged in a striped pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts of the two groups.

In yet another, alternative or additional embodiment, the electrical contacts are grouped in two groups and arranged in a grid pattern, in which the grid represents a contact of the first group and the surfaces enclosed by the grid represent contacts of the second group.

The pairs are preferably distributed in a regular pattern on the carrier.

The electrical potential that can be applied between the contacts of different pairs is not necessarily the same.

The carrier can in particular have at least three sets or types of one or more pairs each with differently shaped contacts between the sets. As a result, contact pairs for LED lamps with different basic colors, e.g. B. R, G and B, are provided, wherein the sentences are in particular independently controllable. Further sets for other colors, such as white or amber, can also be implemented, or for other light sources such as halogen lamps.

In general, a carrier can have these or other contact patterns, specifically a specific contact pattern or, for example, several contact patterns next to one another.

The carrier can have a flexible or rigid base plate.

The magnetic polarity can thus correlate with a group membership, in particular with a connection to a supply connection. The contacts can be permanently or temporarily magnetizable, e.g. B. by means of an electromagnet.

The carrier is preferably expandable in at least one direction, in particular by connecting it to a further, in particular similar, carrier. The connected carriers preferably only require a common power supply and / or control. For this purpose, the carrier can be equipped with a connecting means, in particular a latching or plug-in means, which provides a mechanical and electrical connection with a suitable counter-connecting means of another carrier enables. The carrier preferably has a connecting means on one side and a counter-connecting means on an opposite side.

In particular, different sets of contacts of the carrier can be provided for illuminants with different colors.

The lighting system can also be designed in such a way that the contacts of the carrier of a set and the connections of a lighting means provided for this purpose are shaped in such a way that contacting of connections and contacts that are not intended for one another is prevented.

It is a further development that the carrier frame or carrier (“frame”) has an essentially flat surface and comprises a magnetic material and a first and a second electrically conductive channel. The detachable lamp comprises a light source that is attached to a base. The base has a substantially flat surface and includes a magnetic material and first and second electrically conductive paths. The light source has a first and a second lead wire that is connected to the first and the second electrically conductive path of the base, respectively. The illuminant is attached to the carrier with the essentially flat surface of the base, with it pointing to the essentially flat surface of the carrier, so that the illuminant by means of a magnetic attraction that acts between the magnetic material of the illuminant and the magnetic material of the carrier , is securely attached to the carrier so that the magnetic force of attraction enables the lamp to be removed manually from the carrier.

The at least one electrical connection is preferably permanently magnetic, that is to say that the electrical connection has at least permanently magnetic areas which have a Generate sufficient magnetic field strength for the lamp to adhere.

A contact surface of the electrical connection is preferably part of the magnet. Particularly preferred is an electrical connection whose foot, which provides the contact surface, is made from an electrically conductive permanent magnetic material.

The at least one electrical connection has a flat contact to reduce a transition resistance and for firm adhesion.

The illuminant can have one or more individual light sources, e.g. B. one or more point radiators and / or one or more surface radiators.

It is particularly preferred if at least one of the individual light sources is a light emitting diode, specifically a white light emitting diode, e.g. B. a conversion LED, and / or a colored light emitting diode. It is a further development that the lighting means has at least two different colored light emitting diodes, by means of which a white mixed light can be generated. at least three light-emitting diodes in the basic colors red, green and blue are preferred.

However, it can also be preferred if the lighting means has at least two differently colored light-emitting diodes, in particular if the at least two differently colored light-emitting diodes can be selectively controlled.

However, the lighting means can also include at least one halogen lamp, a tungsten / halogen lamp, an incandescent lamp and / or a fluorescent lamp as an individual light source. It is a training that is the light source.

For the diverse configuration of the lighting means, it can be preferred if a soluble or insoluble adapter piece can be inserted between the at least one electrical connection and the at least one light source, in particular between the at least one electrical connection and a housing of the lighting means. The adapter piece can in particular be set up for spacing and local alignment of the illuminant and, for example, flexible electrical connecting lines, e.g. B. a 'gooseneck', a swivel, a spacer and so on.

To align the direction of emission, a lighting means is particularly preferred in which a flexible intermediate piece is present between the connections and the at least one individual light source or the housing, so that a direction of emission of the at least one individual light source can be set by bending. The flexible intermediate piece can preferably be part of an adapter piece. The flexible intermediate piece can, for example, have separately flexible connecting legs or wires, or also a gooseneck. Alternatively, rotating means can be used, e.g. B. using joints.

The lighting means preferably has a reflector for aligning the emitted light.

To protect the lighting means, at least one individual light source can be covered by means of a transparent or translucent element. A translucent element also increases the homogeneity of intensity and color.

A lighting means is preferred, especially for use as bulk material, which is encapsulated except for the connections. The lighting means then preferably has small dimensions, e.g. B. a maximum expansion between 1 mm and 1 cm. For simple contacting, a lighting means is then preferred which has an essentially spherical contour preferably with a flat or concave partial surface, wherein a contact surface of the at least one electrical connection is in the area of the flat or concave partial surface.

It can be advantageous, in particular for the simple configuration of the lighting means, if it can be operated with direct voltage. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to operate the lamp with alternating voltage.

The lighting means can also have a control for controlling the associated at least one individual light source in order to control an emission property of the lighting means.

In particular, the control can have a dimming function, the activation of which reduces the luminosity of at least one illuminant.

By means of the control, groups of light-emitting diodes of the same color of the illuminant, e.g. B. an LED cluster of the illuminant to be selectively controllable to change a luminous color of the illuminant. The illuminant can then in particular have a variable color characteristic.

The lighting means can furthermore have a receiving means for receiving control signals, which is communicatively coupled to the control. This enables remote control of the light source.

The receiving means can in particular comprise a radio antenna and / or an IR sensor.

The control can in particular be selectively addressable, so that a light source individually or a group of light sources, e.g. B. each of the same color, individually controllable.

A lighting means with one or more individual light sources and with at least one electrical connection which is magnetically adhering, in particular with two magnetically adhering electrical connections, can be provided. It is a development that the at least one electrical connection is permanently magnetic. It is a development that the at least one electrical connection has a flat contact. It is a further development that an adapter piece can be inserted between the at least one electrical connection and the light source. It is a development that the lighting means is encapsulated except for the at least one electrical connection. It is a further development that a flexible intermediate piece is present between the connections and the at least one individual light source, so that an emission direction of the at least one individual light source can be set by a bend. It is a development that the lighting means furthermore has a control for controlling the associated at least one individual light source. It is a further development that the control has a dimming function, the activation of which reduces the luminosity of at least one illuminant. It is a development that the lighting means has a receiving means for receiving control signals, which is communicatively coupled to the control. It is a further development that the control is selectively addressable.

It is a further development that the carrier can be expanded in at least one direction.

It is a further development that the contacts of the carrier of a set and the connections of a lamp provided for this purpose are shaped in such a way that contacting of connections and contacts that are not intended for one another is prevented.

In addition, there can be provided: a lighting system with removable lighting means, comprising: (a) a carrier having a substantially flat surface, the carrier having a magnetic material and a first and a second electrically conductive channel which is attached to the surface ; (b) a lighting means having a light source attached to a base, the base having a substantially flat surface, the base having a magnetic material and first and second conductive paths, the light source having first and second lead wires electrically connected to the first and second electrically conductive paths of the base; and (c) wherein the lamp is attached to the carrier with the substantially flat surface of the lamp facing the substantially flat surface of the carrier, and wherein the first path of the lamp is in electrical contact with and from the first channel of the carrier second channel is electrically isolated and the second path of the illuminant is in electrical contact with the second channel of the carrier and is electrically isolated from the first channel, so that the illuminant by means of a magnetic attraction between the magnetic material of the illuminant and the magnetic material of the The carrier acts, is securely attached to the carrier, and in such a way that the magnetic force of attraction enables the illuminant to be removed manually from the carrier. It is a development that the light source is detachably attached to the base of the illuminant. It is a further development that the carrier has a groove which is made in the essentially flat surface of the carrier, and in which the first electrically conductive channel of the carrier is arranged in the groove. It is a development that the carrier has a dielectric material, so that the first and the second electrically conductive channel are electrically isolated from one another and from the carrier.

It is a development that the base of the lighting means has a dielectric material, so that the first and the second electrically conductive channel are electrically isolated from one another and from the base. It is a development that the groove has a dielectric material, so that the first and the second electrically conductive channel are electrically isolated from one another and from the carrier. It is a further development that the carrier has a means for ensuring reliable electrical contact between the first and the second electrically conductive channel of the carrier and the first and the second electrically conductive path of the base. It is a development that the carrier also has a means for ensuring a suitable electrical polarity between the first and the second electrically conductive channel of the carrier and the first and the second electrically conductive path of the base of the illuminant. It is a further development that the light source is an LED and the magnetic material of the carrier and the magnetic material of the base provide a heat sink which essentially meet the thermal operating requirements of the LED. It is a development that the lighting system has a plurality of lighting means that are attached to the carrier.

It is a further development that the lighting system has a plurality of electrically conductive pairs of channels.

It is a development that the lighting means has a first and a second LED, wherein the first LED has a different polarity than the second LED.

In a further development, the lighting system has a first and a second group of lighting means, the first group of lighting means having a different polarity than the second group of lighting means.

It is a further development that the lighting means has a reflector around the light source and a lens attached to the reflector, through which light emitted by the light source passes. It is a further development that the illuminant has a movably mounted reflector so that the direction of the beam emitted by the illuminant can be adjusted without repositioning the illuminant on the carrier. It is a further development that the lamp emits colored light. It is a further development that the system is used as a sign. It is a further development that the system is used as a signaling device. It is a further development that the lighting system furthermore has a housing which encloses the carrier and the lighting means, the housing having an openable transparent cover which, when it is closed, prevents access to the first and second electrically conductive channels, and an emergency stop button that is responsive to the position of the cover so that the electrical current flowing through the channels is shut off when the cover is open. It is a further development that the lighting system is adapted to be built into a grid of a suspended ceiling. It is a further development that the carrier also has plastic. It is a further development that the carrier is essentially a parallelepiped. It is a further development that the carrier is essentially a sphere. It is a further development that the carrier is essentially a polyhedron. It is a further development that the lighting system has an electrical control device which operates the lighting means, the electrical control device being located in the body of the wearer. It is a development that the electrical control device operates a large number of lighting means. It is a further development that the lighting means has a resistor which is attached to the lighting means, the resistor being connected electrically in parallel with the LED. It is a further development that the lighting system is attached to the underside of a shelf in a display case.

In addition, there can be provided: a lighting system with removable lighting means, comprising: (a) a carrier having a substantially flat surface, the carrier having an electrically conductive magnetic material and an electrically conductive channel attached to the surface, wherein the electrically conductive channel is electrically isolated from the carrier; (b) a lighting means having a light source attached to a base, the base having a substantially flat surface, the base having a magnetic material and first and second conductive paths, the light source having first and second lead wires electrically connected to the first and second electrically conductive paths of the base; and (c) wherein the lamp is attached to the carrier with the substantially flat surface of the lamp facing the substantially flat surface of the carrier, and wherein the first path of the lamp is in electrical contact with the carrier and from the channel of the carrier is electrically insulated and the second path of the illuminant is in electrical contact with the channel of the carrier and is electrically insulated from the carrier, so that the illuminant is safe by means of a magnetic attraction that acts between the magnetic material of the illuminant and the magnetic material of the carrier is attached to the carrier, and in such a way that the magnetic attraction enables the lamp to be removed from the carrier manually.

FIG 1

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ausschnittsweise ein Leuchtsystem aus einem Leuchtmittel und einem Träger;

FIG 2

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht einen breiten Ausschnitt des Leuchtsystems mit mehreren Leuchtmitteln;

FIG 3

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Leuchtmittel, das nun gekapselt ist;

FIG 4

zeigt in Schrägansicht ein Leuchtsystem mit einem Leuchtmittel und einem nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Träger;

FIG 5

zeigt in Aufsicht einen weiteren nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Träger für Leuchtmittel;

FIG 6

zeigt in Aufsicht noch einen weiteren nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Träger für Leuchtmittel;

FIG 7

zeigt in Aufsicht noch einen weiteren nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Träger für Leuchtmittel;

FIG 8

zeigt in Aufsicht noch einen weiteren nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Träger für Leuchtmittel;

FIG 9

zeigt in Aufsicht einen Träger für Leuchtmittel gemäß der Erfindung;

FIG 10

ist eine bildhafte Ansicht eines Leuchtsystems gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform ;

FIG 11

ist eine vergrößerte Querschnittsansicht des Leuchtsystems aus FIG 10 entlang der Linie 2-2;

FIG 12

ist eine Schnittansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform ;

FIG 13

ist eine Schnittansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Leuchtmittels;

FIG 14

ist eine bildhafte Ansicht eines Trägers für ein Leuchtsystem;

FIG 15

ist eine Ansicht eines kreisförmigen Trägers für ein Leuchtsystem;

FIG 16A

ist eine Ansicht eines sphärischen nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Trägers für ein Leuchtsystem;

FIG 16B

ist eine Ansicht eines sphärischen nicht zur Erfindung gehörigen Trägers für ein Leuchtsystem, wobei ein Teil der sphärischen Oberfläche ausgeschnitten ist;

FIGn 17A und 18A

sind isometrische Ansichten von dreidimensionalen Trägern für ein Leuchtsystem in den Formen eines Ikosaeders bzw. eines Dodekaeders; FIG 17B ist eine Ansicht einer dreieckigen Fläche aus FIG 17A, und FIG 18B ist eine Ansicht einer fünfeckigen Fläche aus FIG 18A;

FIG 19

ist eine Querschnittansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Leuchtsystems mit einem Mittel zum Ausrichten des Leuchtmoduls am Träger;

FIG 20

ist eine Querschnittansicht einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform eines Leuchtsystems mit einem Mittel zum Sicherstellen einer geeigneten Ausrichtung und elektrischen Polarität des Leuchtmoduls am Träger;

FIG 21

ist eine bildhafte Ansicht einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, die in einer Vitrine angebracht ist.

In the following figures, the invention is schematically described in more detail using exemplary embodiments. Elements that are the same or have the same effect can be provided with the same reference symbols for better clarity.

FIG 1

shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a cutout of a lighting system made up of a lighting means and a carrier;

FIG 2

shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a wide section of the lighting system with several lighting means;

FIG 3

shows, as a sectional illustration in side view, a lighting means which is now encapsulated;

FIG 4

shows an oblique view of a lighting system with a lighting means and a carrier not belonging to the invention;

FIG 5

shows a plan view of another carrier for lighting means not belonging to the invention;

FIG 6

shows in plan view yet another carrier for illuminants not belonging to the invention;

FIG 7

shows in plan view yet another carrier for illuminants not belonging to the invention;

FIG 8

shows in plan view yet another carrier for illuminants not belonging to the invention;

FIG 9

shows a top view of a support for lighting means according to the invention;

FIG 10

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a lighting system in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG 11

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lighting system of FIG FIG 10 along line 2-2;

FIG 12

Figure 3 is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment;

FIG 13

Figure 3 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting means;

FIG 14

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a support for a lighting system;

FIG 15

Figure 3 is a view of a circular support for a lighting system;

FIG 16A

Fig. 3 is a view of a spherical carrier not belonging to the invention for a lighting system;

FIG 16B

Fig. 3 is a view of a spherical carrier not belonging to the invention for a lighting system with a portion of the spherical surface cut away;

Figures 17A and 18A

are isometric views of three-dimensional supports for a lighting system in the shapes of an icosahedron and a dodecahedron; FIG 17B Fig. 3 is a view of a triangular face from Fig FIG 17A, and FIG 18B Figure 13 is a view of a pentagonal face from Figure 14 FIG 18A ;

FIG 19

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting system with a means for aligning the lighting module on the carrier;

FIG 20

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of a lighting system with a means for ensuring appropriate alignment and electrical polarity of the lighting module on the carrier;

FIG 21

Figure 4 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the invention mounted in a display case.

FIG 1 shows, as a sectional representation in side view, a lighting system 1 made up of an LED lighting means 2 and a carrier 3 shown in detail in the form of a base plate.

The LED illuminant 2 has a white LED 4 as a light source, which is mounted on a housing 5 and is laterally surrounded by a reflector 6 for beam guidance. To power the LED 4 and a control circuit 7 for the LED 4 present in the housing 5, mechanically flexible contact legs 8, each of which has a permanent magnetic base 9, lead out of the housing 5. The feet 9 thus serve both for the electrical contacting of the LED lighting means 2 and for its detachable fastening. The unit comprising the housing 5 (with control 7), the LED 4 and the reflector 6 can also be referred to as an LED module 2a.

The flat carrier 3 has electrical contacts 11, 12 embedded in a carrier material 10, the surface 13 of which is exposed and thus serves as an electrical contact surface and as a mounting surface for the feet 9. The contacts 11, 12 shown have a different electrical potential, so that electrical power for operating the LED 4 is tapped from the lighting means 2 via them.

The contacts 13 are designed in their function as attachment surface 13 so that the magnetic feet 9 can adhere to them flat. For this purpose, the contacts 11, 12 preferably have a permanent magnetic material; which has a magnetic polarity on the contact surface 13 which is opposite to a magnetic polarity of the associated foot 9. The contacts 11, 12 are magnetically polarized opposite to one another with respect to their contact surface 13 for aligning the LED illuminant 2. For example, when the contacts 11, 12 are supplied with direct current, a positive electrical potential of the left contact 11 can be connected to a positive magnetic polarity on its surface 13 and a lower electrical potential of the right contact 12 (e.g. ground) can be connected to a negative magnetic polarity its surface 13 be connected. Correspondingly, a foot 9, which is to be connected to a positive electrical potential, has a negative magnetic polarity on its contact surface; and a foot 9, which is to be connected to a lower electrical potential, has a positive magnetic polarity on its contact surface. In this way, correct electrical polarity can be ensured, especially when the LED illuminant 6 is operated with direct current, since if the LED illuminant 2 is incorrectly oriented, its feet 9 and the contacts 11, 12 repel each other and only attract each other if they are correctly oriented. The magnetic polarity is shown with the symbols '+' and '-'. Alternatively, the Contacts of the carrier 3 or the feet 9 a ferromagnetic material, in particular an iron material such as steel.

As a result, the LED light source 2 can be contacted in a particularly simple and space-saving manner.

The reflector 6 can be covered by a transparent cover 14 to protect the light-emitting diode 4.

The control circuit 7 can be designed as a driver for the light-emitting diode 4, in particular when the contacts 11, 12 are operated in alternating current. The control circuit 7 can also have various other functions, for example a dimming function, when activated, the luminosity of the LED 4 is specifically reduced. Another possible function is the use of color-variable illuminants a change in the luminous color of the illuminant, e.g. B. when using an LED color cluster of differently colored, individually controllable LEDs.

To activate the various functions, the control circuit 7 has a receiving means 15 with a radio antenna for receiving wirelessly transmitted radio control signals. The receiving means 15 is communicatively coupled to the control circuit 7 so that the control circuit 7 can convert the control signals.

The control 7 is also selectively addressable, that is to say that it implements commands that have a matching identity code and does not implement commands that do not have a matching identity code. As a result, LED lamps 2 or groups of LED lamps 2 with the same identity code can be controlled in a targeted manner. In particular, groups of same-colored light-emitting diodes or lighting means can be selectively controlled, for example to change the color impression of the system, e.g. B. by switching on and / or switching off light sources of a certain color.

FIG 2 shows the carrier 3 in a comparison to the view from FIG 1 a wider section with six contacts 11,12. The six contacts 11, 12 are connected to a DC voltage source 16 in such a way that they form a first group of contacts 11, which are connected to a positive pole of the DC voltage source 16, and a second group of contacts 12, which are connected to a negative pole of the DC voltage source 16 are connected. Each LED illuminant 2 magnetically adheres with its connections to a pair of contacts from the first group and the second group. The LED lighting means 2 are therefore connected electrically in parallel.

A control circuit (not shown here) for controlling the lighting means 2 connected to the carrier 3 can be connected to the carrier 3. Thus, alternatively or additionally, a dimming function can be provided via this control circuit, which energizes all contacts or a selected subset of contacts to a lesser extent. Providing a dimming function on the support instead of on the lighting means has the advantage that dimming can be implemented using only one control circuit and is therefore particularly cost-effective. In order to reduce expenditure, it tends to be advantageous to implement as many functions as possible via a control circuit of the carrier 3 instead of via control circuits 7 of the lighting means. The controls 7 can work selectively by only converting control signals which are provided for the specific lighting means. For example, one of the lighting means 2 shown may dim down the luminosity in response to a data signal provided with a specific identity code, while another of the lighting means 2 does not respond to the dimming command. The control signals can e.g. B. transmitted by modulating the carrier signal. The control then preferably has a corresponding data readout function, e.g. B. a decoder.

Alternatively, the contacts 11, 12 can also be connected differently. Another type of power supply can also be used, e.g. B. an AC voltage source. In general, the carrier can be equipped with a suitable power supply unit, e.g. B. with a transformer for converting mains voltage into a supply voltage, if necessary using a rectifier.

FIG 3 shows the LED lamp 2 off FIG 1 , but which is now encapsulated by means of an encapsulation material 17, in particular encapsulated. The encapsulation 17 has an essentially spherical contour with a flat underside. The contact surfaces 18 of the feet 9 of the LED lighting means 2 are exposed, that is to say that the contact surface 18 of the respective electrical connection 9 is exposed in the area of the flat underside.

A luminous means 2 encapsulated in this way has the advantage that it can also be applied to a carrier as bulk material, in particular if the luminous means has a small dimension. Because of the round basic shape, the illuminant 2 can roll on the carrier until it rests on the flat underside and is then held on the carrier by the magnetic adhesive force. This is particularly advantageous if the magnetic polarity of the contact surfaces 18 of the feet is different and correlates with an associated magnetic polarity of associated contacts of the carrier, as described above, for example. Because then it is ensured that the feet 9 only put on suitable contacts of the wearer, for. B. connected to different connections of the (DC or AC) voltage source.

Alternatively, the shape of the encapsulation is not restricted and can, for example, be cuboid, disk-shaped or cylindrical, which can be achieved in particular by appropriate encapsulation. Encapsulation can also can be achieved by using capsule shells, but their assembly is comparatively complex.

FIG 4 shows the LED illuminant 2 as it adheres to a carrier 19 which has two groups of contacts 20, 21, between which a potential can be applied. The shape of the single contact 20 of the first group is lattice-shaped, while the rectangular contacts 21 of the other group of the other potential are arranged in the interspaces of the first contact 20. Of course, a rectangular shape is not mandatory; rather, the contact 20 of the first group can also be diamond-shaped, for example, and so on. In other words, the electrical contacts 20, 21 are grouped into two groups and arranged in a grid pattern, in which the grid represents a contact 20 of the first group and the surfaces enclosed by the grid represent contacts 21 of the second group, with different contacts 20, 21 being different Groups an electrical potential can be applied.

The LED illuminant 2 shows the contact pins 8 in the bent state, in which the direction of radiation of the illuminant 2 has been individually aligned by the bend. As an alternative to the two contact legs 8, for example, a gooseneck with a flexible thin tube can be used, which carries or receives the electrical leads.

FIG 5 shows a carrier 22 with concentric ring-shaped contacts 23,24, each belonging to one of two groups with a potential difference between them, contacts 23,24 of different groups alternating, ie, that an electrical potential can be applied between two adjacent contacts. In other words, the electrical contacts 23, 24 are grouped in two groups and arranged in a ring pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts 23, 24 of the two groups, with an electrical potential being able to be applied between contacts 23, 24 of different groups.

FIG 6 shows a carrier 25 with adjacent strip-shaped contacts 26, 27 which each belong to one of two groups with a potential difference between them, contacts 26, 27 of different groups alternating, that is, an electrical potential can be applied between two adjacent contacts. In other words, the electrical contacts 26, 27 are grouped in two groups and arranged in a striped pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts 26, 27 of the two groups, an electrical potential being able to be applied between contacts 26, 27 of different groups.

FIG 7 shows a carrier 28 with square contacts 26, 27 arranged adjacently in both directions, each belonging to one of two groups with a potential difference between them, contacts 26, 27 of different groups alternating, that is, between two extensively adjacent contacts 29, 30 an electrical potential can be applied. In other words, the electrical contacts 29,30 are grouped in two groups and arranged in a checkerboard pattern with an alternating arrangement of the contacts 29,30 of the two groups.

FIG 8 shows a carrier 31 with several pairs of contacts 32, 33, between which an electrical potential can be applied. In other words, each pair has a contact 32 of a first group and a contact 33 of a second group, an electrical potential being able to be applied between cross-group contacts. This arrangement has the advantage that it enables a high degree of flexibility in the control of the contacts 32, 33, since each pair of contacts 32, 33 can be easily identified and in extreme cases can have an individual power connection, e.g. B. a constant current source. Then an associated LED light source z. B. manage without their own control.

FIG 9 shows a carrier 34 with several pairs of differently shaped contacts 35,36; 37.38 and 39.40, respectively. In other words, three pairs of groups are arranged in the same basic pattern on the carrier 34, the contacts 35, 36; 37, 38 and 39, 40 of each pair group have the same shape, which differs between the groups. As a result, different types of lighting means can be used, which can then be controlled and / or supplied in particular in a group-specific manner. So the contacts of a first couple group, e.g. B. with the rectangular contacts 35,36, to a different power source with a higher supply voltage than the second group of pairs with the triangular contacts 37,38. The third pair group with the round contacts 39, 40 may in turn be controlled differently and / or supplied from a different source. As an alternative or in addition, the contacts of a pair group may be matched to the connections of lamps with the same radiation characteristics, e.g. B. on LED lamps of the same color. Then, by group-selective control of the contacts 35 to 40, a luminosity of a color can be set individually. In order to rule out an incorrect assignment of light sources to contact pairs, the contact surfaces of the contacts and the associated connections may be shaped in such a way that they only fit one another.

The following definitions apply to the description of the figures that now follow. A "detachable light module" means a light module that can be manually attached to, detached from, or repositioned on the carrier without the use of tools or the need for permanent, hand-made electrical connections such as a connection that by a screw, splice, screw-wire connector, etc. The term "magnetic material" means a material that is either a permanent magnet or a material that is strongly attracted to a permanent magnet. A phrase that says that an object is attached to a surface of an object is mounted includes an arrangement in which the object is mounted in the object such that a surface of the object comprises or coincides with part of the surface of the object. The term "LED" means light-emitting diode, and the term "LED" may include a current limiting resistor connected in series with the light emitting diode. The term "low voltage" means about twenty-four volts or less; the term "high voltage" means everything but low voltage. The term "electrical polarity" or "polarity" means the direction in which a direct current flows, and the term "opposite polarity" or "other polarity" means the opposite direction from that in which a direct current flows.

Now, with particular reference to the following drawings, it should be noted that the orientation of the invention and the emitted light shown in the drawings are exemplary only and not limiting in nature. In many applications the light is essentially emitted downwards. FIG 10 shows a lighting system 1010 which has a carrier 1012 and a removable lighting module 1014. The carrier 1012 may be formed entirely of a magnetic material, such as iron, or of a non-magnetic material, such as plastic, in which one or more pieces of magnetic material are embedded. In embodiments where the substrate is electrically conductive, a dielectric coating 1016 (in FIG 11 shown in more detail) can be used to isolate the electrically conductive channels 1018 and 1020 from each other and from the body 1026 of the wearer. The electrically conductive channels 1018 and 1020 are thin electrically conductive strips, e.g. B. copper foil. Terminals 1022 and 1024 provide a means for connecting lighting system 1010 to an external source of electrical power. In the case where the carrier is electrically conductive, the carrier may be used as one of the electrically conductive channels, e.g. B. Ground, especially in low voltage applications.

The light module 1014 has a light source 1028 attached to the base 1030. The light source 1028 has lead wires 1036 and 1038 which are connected to electrically conductive paths 1032 and 1034 which establish physical and electrical contact with the channels 1020 and 1018 of the carrier 1012, respectively. In various aspects of the invention, the light source 1028 will be replaceably attached to the base so that the light source, e.g. B. a lightbulb, may be replaced after its burn time. As discussed above, dielectric coating 1031 (in FIG 11 shown in more detail) can be used to isolate the electrically conductive paths 1032 and 1034 from each other and from the base 1030. The electrically conductive paths 1032 and 1034 are made of thin electrically conductive material, e.g. B. copper foil formed. The base 1030 may be formed entirely of a magnetic material, such as iron, or of a non-magnetic material, such as plastic, in which one or more pieces of magnetic material are embedded. The magnetic material of the carrier 1012 may be a permanent magnet that will attract the magnetic material of the base 1030, or conversely, the magnetic material of the base 1030 may be a permanent magnet that will attract the magnetic material of the carrier 1012. In either case, the magnetic attraction between the luminous module 1014 and the carrier 1012 must be of sufficient strength to hold the module 1014 securely on the carrier 1012 while the module is still able to be attached, removed therefrom, or re-attached to the carrier 1012 positioned manually without the use of tools or the need for permanent electrical connections.

A flexible circuit or flex circuit comprising channels 1018 and 1020 may serve as carrier 1012. The flexible circuit with pressure-sensitive, thermally conductive adhesive may be applied to any magnetic substrate material without dielectric treatment. The dielectric strength is provided by the flexible circuit material. This type of carrier is particularly well suited for attachment under a shelf or a cabinet made of sheet metal or the like, or on a flexible magnetic strip.

FIG 11 shows an enlarged sectional view of the lighting system 1010. FIG 11 shows the electrical circuit of the lighting system 1010. As in FIG FIG 10 As shown, electrical power is supplied from an external source via electrically conductive channels 1018 and 1020. FIG 11 Figure 10 shows a channel 1018 in electrical contact with the electrically conductive path 1034 and a channel 1020 in electrical contact with the electrically conductive path 1032. The paths 1032 and 1034 are connected to lead wires 1036 and 1038 of the light source 1028, respectively. A dielectric coating 1031, e.g. An electronic grade enamel, electrically isolates paths 1032 and 1034 from each other and from socket 1030. Any number of conventional dielectric or resistive coating materials such as enamel, glass, ceramic, organic electrically insulating materials, or glass / ceramic coatings may be used in conjunction can be used with the present invention. A dielectric coating may be used when using magnets with high electrical resistance, e.g. B. ceramic magnets are not required. However, such magnets must also have adequate thermal conductivity to function as a heat sink, as discussed below. To avoid the possibility of short-circuiting the carrier channels, the width w (in FIG 11 shown) between the carrier channels 1018 and 1020 should be wide enough to prevent either the path 1032 or the path 1034 from touching both channels at the same time, even if the module 1014 is twisted on the carrier 1012.

Now is regarding FIG 12 a lighting system 1050 is shown, in which the channels 1018 and 1020 are located in electrically isolated grooves 1052 and 1054 of the carrier 1062. The surface 1060 of the carrier 1062 may include a dielectric coating 1016 outside of the grooves 1052 and 1054 to avoid electrical contact of the paths 1032 or 1034 with the carrier 1062. The dielectric material 1056 and 1058 can be formed from any suitable non-conductive material, which can be the same or different from the material of the dielectric coating 1016. As discussed above, dielectric material 1056 and 1058 may not be necessary if paths 1032 and 1034 are electrically isolated from one another due to the non-conductivity of the substrate surrounding grooves 1052 and 1054.

In the in the FIGS. 19 to 21 In the embodiments shown, the light source 1028 is preferably an LED. LED light modules are typically light, compact, relatively robust and inexpensive. LED embodiments according to the invention are essentially well suited for a showcase in which the physical lighting systems are designed to be as compact and inconspicuous as possible. The carrier may be thin, e.g. B. a thin piece of steel, the dielectric coating is only below the electrical contacts. The lighting modules may have a low profile so that the entire lighting system is ideal for use in showcases. The carrier may be formed in or through a surface of a structure such as a shelf, a showcase top, a bottom of a cabinet, etc. In a case in which a carrier has an insufficient internal volume, some of the devices or all of the devices for electrical supply and / or control may be remote therefrom.

The optimum voltage for operating a circuit with a large number of LED light sources depends on the number of light sources, their properties and their arrangement in the circuit and depend on other circuit components. The current may be direct current or alternating current, depending on the application. In the case of an LED light source, the electrical power that is supplied via connections 1022 and 1024 is the FIGS. 19 to 21 is about five volts DC, but, as discussed below, AC may be desirable in some LED applications. For tungsten / halogen lamps, such as MR-16 lamps, which are often used in track lights, the voltage applied across terminals 1022 and 1024 is approximately twelve volts. In any of these low voltage embodiments, there is no risk of electrical shock from the exposed electrical channels 1018 and 1020.

However, other types of light sources, such as incandescent, tungsten / halogen and fluorescent lamps, are within the scope of the invention. A step-down transformer may be used to reduce the voltage applied across terminals 1022 and 1024 if necessary, such as with a conventional tungsten / halogen track light. In high-voltage embodiments, the lighting system may be mounted in a housing with a translucent cover that prevents access to the exposed channels 1018 and 1020, preferably with an emergency stop switch that automatically switches off the power via channels 1018 and 1020 when the cover is open is.

In the case of LED embodiments in particular, the base 1030 and the carrier 1026 are dimensioned such that they act as a heat sink that dissipates enough heat from the lighting module 1028 to meet the thermal operating conditions of the module. In particular, the magnet serves as a thermal path for heat transfer to the substrate part of the carrier. The substrate is the effective heat sink.

A wide variety of LEDs in all colors that are suitable for use in accordance with the invention is available from Osram Opto Semiconductors Inc., 2650 San Tomas Expressway, Suite 200, Santa Clara, CA 95051. LEDs of the DRAGON family are particularly well suited.

In terms of FIG 13 an alternative embodiment of a light source is shown. The light source 1080 off FIG 13 like for the light source 1028 FIG 10 be used by electrically connecting lead wires 1082 and 1084 to channels 1018 and 1020, respectively. The light source 1080 comprises a cylindrical sleeve 1086 with a central axis AA. The reflector 1088, also with a central axis AA, is attached in the sleeve 1086. The reflector 1088 may, as in FIG 13 shown, parabolic, or any other shape to give a desired beam pattern. The reflector 1088 typically has a light reflective coating 1089 on the inner surface. The lens 1090 may be removably attached to the sleeve 1086 by any suitable means, e.g. B. by means of a thread 1092, so that the lens 1090 can be screwed into the sleeve 1086 in front of the LED 1096, or by attaching it to two locking lugs. As is well known in the art, lens 1090 may be shaped, patterned, and / or coated to produce various properties of the light emitted from light source 1080. Further, the lens 1090 may be colored to match or differ from the color of the light emitted by the light source 1080. The lens 1090 may be opaque or semi-opaque except for the outline of an alphanumeric character or other symbol so that the light source 1080 projects the image of such a character or symbol when the light source is illuminated. Since the 1090 lens is interchangeable, the property or the effect of the light emitted by the light source 1080 may be changed by exchanging the lens 1090 with a different lens. In FIG 13 the light source 1080 uses the LED 1096 as the light generating device, but another light generating device may be used. In an alternative embodiment of the According to the invention (not shown in the drawings), the reflector 1088 may be detachably attached to the light module, so that the direction of the emitted beam can be adjusted without repositioning the light module on the carrier. See for example U.S. 5,154,509 , issued October 13, 1992 to Wulfman et al. (above), and U.S. 4,719,549 , issued January 12, 1988 to Apel.

FIG 14 FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of a carrier 1100 for use with one or more light modules. The carrier 1100 differs from the carrier 1012 FIG 10 in that there are a multiplicity of pairs of electrically conductive channels to which one or more light modules can be attached magnetically. In the drawing, channels 1102 and 1104 form a first pair of channels, channels 1106 and 1108 form a second pair, and channels 1110 and 1112 form a third pair. Additional pairs of channels may be added to the carrier 1100 if desired. Each channel may be formed from a thin, electrically conductive material and attached to a body 1101 covered with a dielectric coating, as in FIG FIG 11 or each channel may be secured in an isolated groove in body 1101, as in FIG FIG 12 shown. Terminals 1114 and 1116 may be connected to an external source of electrical power. The electrically conductive channels and / or channel pairs may be produced by means of circuit board techniques. With one like in FIG 14 The embodiment shown has the advantage that a multiplicity of light modules can be attached to the carrier, specifically essentially in the form of an array, that is to say an arrangement of rows and columns in the x and y directions.

The carrier 1100 may have a variety of embodiments and uses. In a like in FIG 14 The vertical alignment or orientation shown, the carrier 1100 may be used as a fastening for a signage. Luminous modules with alphanumeric lenses may be attached to the carrier 1100 in such a way that they display a message. When the carrier 1100 is mounted horizontally under a counter or in a display case, with the channels pointing downwards, the carrier accommodates a flexible arrangement of light modules that can be positioned in both the x and y directions to provide light on one To direct certain work areas or areas, or to highlight certain goods, possibly with different light intensities, colors or aesthetic effects.

FIG 21 FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention mounted in a display case 1300. The showcase 1300 has a lighting system 1303 which is attached to the underside of an upper shelf 1302. The objects 1310 that are on the shelf 1312 are objects that are displayed behind a pane of glass 1314. The lighting modules 1306 are attached to a carrier 1304 in order to advantageously illuminate the objects 1310. The positioning of the modules 1306 is very flexible. As already regarding FIG 14 As discussed, the modules may be mounted in different positions in both the x and y directions of the horizontal shelf. As already with reference to FIG 13 described, reflectors 1308 are adjustably attached to modules 1306 so that light rays 1316 may be directed to illuminate objects 1310 at a desired angle, and various properties of the emitted light may be achieved through the choice of lenses used on reflectors 1308 will be obtained (if at all). An additional lighting system 1303 may be attached to the underside of the shelf 1312, if objects that are placed on the shelf 1316 are to be illuminated.

Back to FIG 14 , the bracket 1100 may be used as a multi-track light mount that is attached to a ceiling or wall. The carrier 1100, preferably with a diffuse and protective cover, likes to be used as a ceiling light bracket. In rooms with suspended ceilings, the carrier 1100 may be designed to fit into the ceiling grid instead of a ceiling panel. In addition, different carriers 1100 of the same or a different size may be used together as building units or components to form a two- or three-dimensional lighting system, e.g. B. a two-dimensional system in the form of the letter "E", or a three-dimensional system in the form of a cube or a parallelepiped or combinations thereof, wherein the light modules are attached to some or all of the surfaces.

A beam does not need to be rectangular. FIG 15 FIG. 11 shows a view of a circular carrier 1120 based on the same wiring and insulation principles as the carrier 1100. In FIG FIG 15 each electrically conductive channel is represented by a single line instead of a double line as in FIG 14 to show the electrical circuit more clearly. The drawing shows three pairs of channels 1122 and 1124, 1126 and 1128 and 1130 and 1132 which are arranged essentially in concentric circles on the dielectric surface 1134 of the carrier 1120. When the terminals 1134 and 1136 are activated with appropriate electrical power, one or more light modules may be functionally attached to one or more pairs of channels. In a variation of the embodiment from FIG 15 a single pair of channels is attached to the circular support in a spiral rather than a pattern of concentric circles. It is within the scope of the disclosure to modify the substrate 1120 and the channels on its surface by drawing their circular shapes into various other shapes such as oval, crescent, and so on.

Aspects of the disclosure are also applicable to three dimensions. FIG 16A FIG. 13 shows a view of a spherical carrier 1140 based on the same wiring and insulation principles as the carrier 1100 of FIG FIG 14 . As in FIG 15 are the electrically conductive channels in FIG 16A shown as single lines. Channel pair 1142 includes channels 1142A and 1142B; Likewise, the channel pairs 1144, 1146, 1148 and 1150 each consist of two channels. In this embodiment, the electrical circuit is entirely on dielectric surface 1141 of sphere 1140. Channel pairs 1142, 1144, 1146, 1148, and 1150 are essentially the circles of latitude of sphere 1141. The circuit may be made by connecting terminals 1152 and 1154 to a suitable one Power source activated.

In order to attach the light modules to the spherical carrier 1140, the carrier surface must be essentially flat. The term "substantially flat" as used herein means that the support surface is either flat or has a sufficiently large radius of curvature to enable the lighting modules to be attached to the support surface by means of magnetic attraction without sliding or tilting. The distance between the channels of each channel pair should be small enough that a reliable electrical and thermal contact takes place between the channels and the corresponding paths of an attached lighting module. In order to facilitate reliable electrical and thermal contact between the carrier channels and the corresponding paths of an attached lighting module, the surface of the lighting module may be curved in order to adapt to the curvature of the carrier. The term "substantially flat" as used herein with respect to a module surface means that the module surface may be either flat or curved so that the module can be attached to the carrier surface by magnetic attraction without sliding or tilting, despite the curvatures of the carriers - and module surfaces do not have to be identical. Furthermore, the carrier channels may be raised with respect to the surface of the carrier, as in FIG FIG 11 and / or the module paths may be elevated with respect to the module body. In addition, the module may include spring contacts, which are typically formed from beryllium copper which may be shaped to conform to the curvature of the wearer. The spring contacts will improve the heat transfer away from the module and improve the module stability especially where the path / channel contacts between the module and the carrier are narrow. By using a sensible combination of the aforementioned techniques, a light module may be designed in such a way that it can be magnetically attached to a carrier securely even if the surface of the carrier is curved.

Even though FIG 16A shows a spherical beam, the same principles apply to a cylindrical or conical beam and other curved three-dimensional beams. In particular, in the three-dimensional embodiments of the invention, it may be advantageous to maintain weight by using a carrier comprising a non-magnetic material such as plastic, with pieces of magnetic material embedded in the carrier or adhered to the inside of the carrier. In such embodiments, however, the mass of the embedded magnetic material must be large enough to fulfill the heat sink function, and, as is the case in all embodiments of the invention which use the heat sink capability of the magnetic material, the size of the contact areas between the The carrier and the module be sufficient to allow adequate heat transfer from the module to the carrier.

FIG 16B FIG. 12 shows the same spherical support 1140 except that the channel pairs 1142, 1144, 1146, 1148, and 1150 are full circles of latitude on the dielectric surface 1141 of the sphere 1140. In this embodiment, the connections 1152 and 1154 protrude into the interior of the carrier 1140. When looking through the detail in the drawing, connector 1152 is electrically connected to the first channel of each channel pair, as shown by connecting wires 1156, 1158, and 1160. Port 1154 is with the second channel of each channel pair electrically connected as shown by leads 1162, 1164 and 1166. Additional connecting wires to the remaining channels are in FIG 16B omitted for the sake of clarity. It is within the scope of the disclosure to modify the carrier 1140 by drawing it into various other shapes such as an ellipsoid. In a variation of the embodiment from FIG 16A A single pair of channels spiral across the surface of sphere 1141, which runs essentially from the North Pole to the South Pole. The embodiments of the Figures 16A and 16B are typically used in lighting systems that hang from a ceiling or are attached to a rod-shaped base. For a lighting system attached directly to a horizontal or vertical surface, one half of the support 1140, ie, a hemisphere, may be used using the same principles as those in FIG Figures 16A and 16B shown.

FIG 16B shows the concept that electrical power may be delivered from the interior of the carrier of the lighting system to the carrier channels. Various electrical control devices, such as ballasts, dimmers, transformers, power supplies, inverters, drivers, controllers, etc., may also be located in the wearer's body so that the lighting system may be connected directly to a standard power source, such as 110 volts AC. In addition, such control devices may each operate one or more lighting modules, such as a ballast which operates four or eight fluorescent lighting modules. This feature of the disclosure may be associated with three-dimensional supports, e.g. B. a cube, a sphere or a polyhedron can be used, and it may also with two-dimensional supports, such as those in FIGS FIGn 10 , 14th and 15th can be used by extending the electrical channels to the inside of the support bodies rather than directly to the external connections as shown in the drawings.

In further aspects of the invention show Figures 17A and 18A additional examples of embodiments of three-dimensional supports. FIG 17A FIG. 11 shows an icosahedron support 1180 having twenty equal faces 1182, each of which is an equilateral triangle, as in FIG FIG 17B shown. The connector 1181, which includes double electrically insulated wires, extends within the body of the carrier 1180 and provides a means for supplying electrical power to the lighting modules from within the carrier 1180. FIG 18A FIG. 13 shows a dodecahedron beam 1190 having twelve equal faces 1192, each of which is an equilateral pentagon, as in FIG FIG 18B shown. Terminal 1191, comprising double electrically insulated wires, extends within the body of carrier 1190 and provides a means for supplying electrical power to the lighting modules from within carrier 1190. As shown in the drawings, the electrically conductive channels 1184 and 1186 may be centered on the dielectrically coated triangular surface 1182 and so are the electrically conductive channels 1194 and 1196 on the dielectrically coated pentagonal surface 1192, although the orientation of these channels in the triangular or pentagonal faces is not critical. The surfaces 1182 and 1192 comprise magnetic material so that a light module can be attached to each surface. The channels 1184 and 1186 are electrically isolated from each other and from the surface 1182 and so are the channels 1194 and 1196 from the surface 1192. The channels 1184 and 1186 run through the surface 1182 and are connected to the terminal 1181 so that the electrical power from Inside the body of the icosahedron carrier 1180 in the same way as in FIG 16B and the same applies to the channels 1194 and 1196 from the interior of the dodecahedron beam 1190. Additional solid shapes for beams according to various aspects of the disclosure, such as cylinders, cones, prisms, combinations and truncations of various spatial structures, etc., like by a professional using the the same principles as described above.

As described in the preceding examples, numerous embodiments and variants of the support structure are possible and practicable. In all of these embodiments it is important that the electrical paths of the light module are correctly positioned on the electrical channels of the carrier so that the light module can be reliably fed. Illustrations or graphics may be used to provide guidance for the proper alignment of modules on the carrier. FIG 19 shows the lighting system FIG 11 with additional bumps 1206, 1208 and 1210 and a receiving groove 1212. Assuming that the bump 1210 and the groove 1212 are omitted, the bumps 1206 and 1208 ensure that the light module 1200 is correctly electrically aligned when it is on the carrier 1204 is appropriate, possibly except for the electrical polarity. When the elevation 1210 is positioned in the groove 1212, correct polarity is ensured, since the elevation and the groove, which are both located to the right of the center line BB in the drawing, are not centered on the carrier 1204. It should be noted that the elevation 1210 and the groove 1212 do not always have to be necessary or desired, for example in the case in which the light module 1200 is operated with alternating current.

In a DC embodiment in which the light source 1214 is an LED and the bump 1210 and groove 1212 have been omitted, a user would notice that the light module has been attached with the wrong polarity due to the fact that the LED is used as it was switched on, did not light up, whereupon the user would attach the light module again with the polarity reversed. Alternatively, the light module may comprise two LEDs, each of which lights up with a different polarity, so that one LEDs would light up, regardless of the polarity of the module. A light module with two LEDs of opposite polarity will work with alternating current. Another double LED alternative is one in which each LED emits differently colored light, for example the first LED emits white light and the second, with opposite polarity, emits red light. The emitted red light could signal to the user that the light module is attached with the wrong polarity, or it may be a design feature of the light module that it can emit differently colored light depending on its polarity position on the carrier or depending on the polarity supplied to the light system. The latter case may be used in a signaling system since the color of the light emitted, e.g. B. red or green, can be changed by reversing the polarity supplied to the lighting system. Additional signaling options, such as blinking, could be achieved by pulsing the power delivered to the lighting system. A single light module may consist of two groups of LEDs, with one group responding to a first applied polarity and the second group responding to the opposite applied polarity, or alternatively, a light system may use two groups of light modules, with one group of modules responding to a first Polarity reacts and the second group of modules reacts to the opposite applied polarity.

FIG 20 shows the lighting system FIG 12 with an additional elevation 1222 on the carrier 1226 and a matching receiving groove 1224 in the light module 1228. The elevation 1222 is asymmetrical, having a vertical side (left side in the drawing) and a beveled side (right side in the drawing), and the same applies to the mating groove 1224. Attaching the module 1228 to the carrier 1226 with the bump 1222 properly positioned in the groove 1224 ensures reliable electrical contacts and correct polarity, regardless of whether the groove is relative to the center line CC is centered or not. There are numerous other possible arrangements of protrusions, grooves and / or other means according to various aspects of the invention to ensure that the light module is attached to the carrier with reliable electrical contacts between the module and the carrier and, if appropriate, correct electrical polarity.

In each of the preceding embodiments of the invention, a variable number of lighting modules can be electrically connected in parallel on a carrier which is connected to an external power supply or a driver circuit. Since the lighting modules can be added to or removed from the carrier at any time, the power supply must be able to regulate the operating current so that a suitable current is provided to each lighting module. Such regulated power supplies are known in the art. See for example U.S. 6,577,512 , issued June 10, 2003 to Tripathi et al., which describes a power supply for a varying number of LEDs wired in series or in parallel.

In an embodiment that uses a variable number of LED light modules connected in parallel, the driver circuit may need the ability to detect the number of light modules attached to the carrier in real time. A resistor added in parallel with the LED on each module will facilitate the ability of the drive module to sense the number of LED light modules attached at any one time. By periodically recording the equivalent resistance of the attached LED modules, the driver circuit would regulate the operating current accordingly.

Referring again to the aforementioned Wulfman et al. likes the present invention in low or high voltage applications with LED, incandescent, halogen or fluorescent light sources can be used, whereas Wulfman et al. only teaches a low voltage halogen system. A carrier of the present invention may be adapted to carry light modules in one, two or three dimensions, whereas the housing according to Wulfman et al. are limited to a linear rail. An advantage of the present invention not disclosed by Wulfman et al. is taught, the feature is that the magnetic materials in the carrier and in the light module serve the dual purpose of attachment and heat dissipation in LED embodiments. In applications where it is desired that the lighting system be as inconspicuous as possible, such as an under-counter system for lighting merchandise, the bracket and postures of Wulfman et al. take up significantly more space and be more conspicuous than a lighting system according to the invention, in particular in an embodiment that uses LED light sources. There are other advantages. The present invention may be used in signage or signaling applications. Lighting systems according to the present invention may be used as components or assemblies in larger lighting systems. Lighting systems according to the present invention may be made with three-dimensional supports that provide an aesthetic appearance even when the lighting system is not illuminated. The present invention has a much wider variety of uses than the Wulfman et al lighting system. and provides the user with an improved ability to control the quantity, direction and properties of the emitted light.

While there has been shown what are presently considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims . Accordingly, it should be noted that the invention has been described only by way of example and not limiting.

The present invention is therefore not restricted to the exemplary embodiments shown. As an alternative or in addition to light-emitting diodes, halogen lamps can also be used. OLEDs can also be used as light-emitting diodes, in particular flat OLED lamps. So the contact legs 8 can be added during manufacture or afterwards. When added later, they can be designed as an adapter piece that can at least be attached to the module and that it includes feet or can also be connected to these at a later date. The adapter pieces can thus be designed as aftermarket parts, while in a basic lamp z. B. the feet can be connected directly to the housing.

Claims (8)

1. Lighting system (1, 34) comprising at least one illuminant (2) having one or a plurality of individual light sources (4) and two magnetically adhering electrical connections (9) of opposite magnetic polarity, and furthermore comprising at least one plane support (34), having a plurality of pairs of magnetic contacts (35-40), each pair of which has a contact associated with a first group of contacts (35, 37, 39) and a contact associated with a second group of contacts (36, 38, 40), between which an electrical potential is able to be applied, wherein

   - the contacts (35, 37, 39) of the first group and the contacts (36, 38, 40) of the second group have an opposite magnetic polarity and are arranged next to one another on the carrier (34),

   - each of the contacts (35-40) is configured as a magnetic attachment area for attaching a connection (9) of an illuminant (2) having a reverse magnetic polarity with respect thereto,

   characterized in that

   - the support (34) has at least two sets of pairs of contacts (35-40) provided for different types of illuminants (2), with differently shaped contacts (35-40) between the sets,

   - a lateral distance between contacts (35-40) of a respective pair of contacts (35-40) of a common set of pairs is smaller than a distance between these contacts (35-40) and identically shaped contacts (35-40) of a different set of pairs, and

   - each set is independently controllable.
2. Lighting system (1, 34) according to Claim 1, wherein the support (34) has at least three sets of pairs provided for different types of illuminants (2), with differently shaped contacts (35-40) between the sets.
3. Lighting system (1, 34) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the different types of illuminants (2) are illuminants that emit light with different colours.
4. Lighting system (1, 34) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an adapter piece is insertable between the at least one electrical connection (9) and the light source (4).
5. Lighting system (1, 34) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a flexible intermediate piece (8) is present between the connections and the at least one individual light source (4), such that an emission direction of the at least one individual light source (4) is adjustable by means of bending.
6. Lighting system (1, 34) according to any of the preceding claims, which furthermore has a controller for controlling the associated at least one individual light source.
7. Lighting system (1, 34) according to Claim 6, wherein the controller (7) is selectively addressable.
8. Lighting system (1, 34) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminant (2) has a reflector.

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