EP2788675B1

EP2788675B1 - Linear luminaire system, with fitting light modules

Info

Publication number: EP2788675B1
Application number: EP12812841.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Luis GARCÍA-MAURIÑO de DELÁS; Pablo GARCÍA-MAURIÑO de DELÁS; Jorge Cavestany De Dalmases
Original assignee: Canaled Sl
Current assignee: Canaled Sl
Priority date: 2011-12-07
Filing date: 2012-12-05
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2032-12-05
Also published as: WO2013083267A1; DE202012005588U1; ES1077417U; ES2544693T3; ES1077417Y; WO2013083267A4; EP2788675A1

Description

Technical Field

The present invention concerns linear luminaire systems, formed by a series of light modules. These modules form a long section and integrate a great number of light sources, in such a way that these light modules form a line or row of elements that receive electric energy through any type of setup configuration with long lines like an electric main. These modules are linked by means of connecting blocks which provide a mechanical and electrical interconnection among them and integrate means to control and transform the electric current in order to manipulate the operating conditions of the contiguous module, and carry the control of the current supply towards the respective light sources of the light module or towards a part of them.
In this description, each light module has light sources based on LEDs (light-emitting diodes) although its technical principles can also be applied to other light emitting systems.
It is so provided a pre-manufactured electric main or PEM where light sources are LEDs or other light emitting devices, instead of fluorescent lights, that can be frequently used in car parks, supermarkets, hospitals, shopping centres, airports, industrial areas, etc. The proposed luminaire system with a modular conception and design, gives appropriate and controlled light conditions, according to diverse needs, saving energy and with an essentially lower manufacture and installation cost in comparison with other electric and light wiring systems or other mains including LEDs, already known in the state of the art.

State of the prior art

The patent application EP-A-2151899A2 describes rows of LEDs linked between them with a power supply / supply transformer associated to each row, and a support rail for LEDs. Signal and main lines run through this rail and provide the LEDs with the necessary supply and control units.
The patent application US-A- 2010309652A1 proposes a LED light rod with a replaceable power supply, where a lamp formed by LEDs is inserted in a base and covered by a screen. The supply source is connected in a fixed way to a connector at the end of the base.
The luminaire system for a continuous line of LEDs, known in the market as "Tecton LED" with especial links like "Tecton trunking" from ZUMTOBEL, describes a luminaire formed by different light segments or light modules, in a serial connection, forming a row. Every light module has a series of LEDs as well as a main line for the LEDs support and for the passage of current supply means to feed them, and also the integration of power supply functions, light control and connection to emergency lighting systems. Tecton LED system includes a series of connecting pieces or connectors-node which can be selected to fit between them the different light modules according to different designs, in relation to the technical lighting requirements.
The patent US-A-5559681 describes a modular lighting system that includes support rows of LEDs or light modules, linked through their ends by means of fitting blocks, which are simultaneously linked to an external power supply in an example of use or in another example of use, to an external power control unit, controlled by a microcomputer, that allows the selective switching-on of each LED integrated in the light module or the successive switching-on of the different LEDs of one module.
The patent DE-A-102007008626 describes one luminaire design with an auxiliary battery to feed a light source, usually a LED, in case the supply main fails. It has also a supervision unit associated to a switch that connects the battery in case of energy failure.
In the utility model DE-A-202010000188 U1 it is described the use of a battery and an optical controller to feed a group of LEDs in a serial connection of all elements.
In the utility model DE-A-202010002503 it is described a configuration of linear rows of LEDs, or light modules, with mechanical and electrical elements between the rows and a lateral outlet to one of the modules.
GB 546.064 discloses a system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention offers an alternative to the above mentioned state of the art, and to that effect provides a linear luminaire system with fitting light modules that according to a known technique are used as a series of light modules (M1, M2, ....Mn), forming part of a row of light sources, in such a way that these light modules are set out in a serial row of elements, connected to an electric energy supply through conducting lines L1, L2, L3, with any type of setup design, as an electric main, where these modules are mutually linked by means of connecting blocks (3), that provide a mechanical and electrical interconnection between them, according to an already known technique.
The proposed linear luminaire system has the feature that those connecting blocks (3) integrate means for the control/conversion of the electric energy which actuate on the performance of the adjacent light module (M1, M2, ... Mn), controlling the type of current and the supply conditions to the respective light sources of the corresponding light module, or to a part of those light sources, in such a way that this action is realized at a distance of any of the connecting blocks of the electric main, through its respective connecting lines.
According to the invention, light sources are LEDs and every light module in a series connection comprises:

a series of light-emitting devices based on LEDs, or LEDs devices
at least a main line for the LEDs support and for the passage of current supply means to feed them; and
at least a connecting block providing mechanical and electrical connection of the first light module to the second light module, similar or analogous, creating a continuous row.

In this example, according to the modular luminaire of the present invention, the mentioned conducting lines comprise at least a first (F1), second (F2) and third(F3) conducting line for current supply, that are respectively connected to a first, second and third current supply source, and the connecting block between the LEDs support modules has inside at least the selection means (S) which are going to select one of these conducting lines (F1, F2 o F3) for power supply and connect them to at least one part of the LEDs of one of those first (M1) or second (M2) light modules, for their selective supply or feeding according to their needs (time of the day, number of people, work or inspection areas, etc.).
According to one modification of that example, first, second and third means for current supply comprise the respective phases of a three-phase electric mains, in such a way that the housing of the connecting block has a converter AC/DC between the: modules, to connect the phase selected by the selection means and the LEDs, in such a way that it can be chosen the phase that loads those LEDs. Such structure will let the design of a luminaire like a main line, with a perfect equilibrium among the supply phases coming from different branch lines.
According to another example of use, the connecting block is also composed by a battery connected through the mentioned converter AC/DC (or transformer) to those current distribution means and capable to supply in specific cases the LEDs of the adjacent module or modules. To that effect it has been foreseen a fourth current distribution mean and a control circuit associated to the former battery, that detects through this fourth mean, any failure in the current supply, and it reacts in that situation of emergency, connecting the battery with at least one part of the LEDs of the adjacent module or modules to the connecting block, during the period of time without electric supply and allowing its performance. In this way, the battery can function as emergency battery for a specific part of the luminaire of for the whole luminaire.
The luminaire proposed by the invention has, for an example of use, many similar o analogous light modules to the first light module, and also many connecting blocks, similar or analogous to the described one, in order to fix the light modules in a similar way to the fastening between first and second light modules.
Every light module has metal connectors accessible from outside, which are connected with at least conducting lines of the power supply means, running inside the main line, and each connecting block comprises one first and second metal connector, that are in connection through the selection means, and placed at both opposite ends of the connecting block, and designed for the connection with metal connectors of the two light modules that have to be connected between them.
In another example of use, every light module comprises data distribution media running inside its respective main line, and the metal connectors are also connected by the conducting lines of these data distribution means.
In another example of use, every connecting block comprises a housing with controlling circuits inside. They carry out a selective control of the function of at least the LEDs from one of the light modules connected to the connecting block, where the controlling circuit is associated to the selection means of the respective connecting block.
According to one modification of that former example, the controlling circuit and/or the selection means are under remote control, for the selective remote control of LEDs performance that includes switching on/off functions or electronic dimerization.
For another example of use, at least part of the connecting blocks keep inside their respective housings controlling circuits for the treatment of data coming from data distribution means.

Short description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the examples, in relation to the enclosed figures, that must only be taken in an illustrative, but not limitative way. These figures are the following:

Fig. 1 Exploded perspective view illustration of the linear luminaire of the present invention in an example of use where there is only one light module;
Fig. 2 Exploded perspective view of the linear luminaire according to another embodiment of the present invention, where two light modules are connected between them by means of a connecting block;
Fig. 3 Perspective view of the connecting block of the luminaire of the present invention in an example where the luminaire includes a battery connected to the inner circuits of the connecting block;
Fig. 4 Perspective view of the connecting block of the luminaire of the present invention in another example, where the connecting block provides two derivation outlets to connect with an external device;
Fig. 5 Representative schema of the selection means included in the connecting block in an example of use, where these have been inserted among three current distribution means, in order to feed a series of LEDs of a light module corresponding to the luminaire of the present invention, through the respective converter AC/DC also included in the connecting block;
Figs 6 to 9 illustrate an alternative example of the linear luminaire system of the invention, where there are variations in the design of the main, the housing and the connecting block, as it will be subsequently explained;
Fig. 10 illustrates how an obstacle can be overcome using the linear luminaire system of the invention;
Figs. 11 a to 11c illustrate examples for the linear luminaire according to the present invention changing several structures of the connecting blocks used in it; and
Fig. 12 illustrates schematically an example for the alternative switching-on of parts of the main, according to the linear luminaire system of the invention.

Detailed description of the examples

Fig. 5 illustrates schematically an example of use where current distribution means comprise first F1, second F2 and third F3 current distribution means (or conducting lines) connected with their respective electric energy sources (not illustrated), like three phases of a three-phase mains. Between them the selection means S do select, at the request of a user and from a distant point, one of the phases F1, F2 or F3, and supply the alternating current coming from this phase to the converter AC/DC 9, which converts it in direct current and supplies it to the illustrated LEDs L that belong to one or more light modules M1, M2. According to this invention proposal the group of selection means S and the converter AC/DC are all integrated in the connecting block 3 inserted between each two light modules (see Fig. 2).
In case these current distribution means F1, F2, F3 would be the referred phases of a three-phase main, the selection means S would obviously supply the alternating current to the converter AC/DC through the selected phase and the neutral conductor, and the corresponding earth connection would also be established. These earth and neutral connections have not been illustrated in Fig. 5.
In another example of use, instead of the AC/DC converter, selection means S connect one of the distribution means F1, F2, F3 directly with the LEDs (group of special LEDs with connection fittings to the mains) or through a transformer (not illustrated) which is also inside the housing of the connecting block 3.
Fig. 3 corresponds to an example of use where the linear luminaire has fourth current distribution means F4, connected to a fourth current supply source and the connecting block 3 integrates additionally one battery BAT, in an advantageous position (although it is not shown in the picture) located inside the housing of that connecting block 3 (it will therefore include an appropriate embodiment). This battery BAT receives the current through the above mentioned current distribution means F1, F2, F3, from the converter AC/DC and has associated a control circuit that through those fourth current distribution means F4 verifies if the mains is under correct conditions, and in case of power failure it connects the battery with at least one part of the LEDs of module M1 or of the adjacent modules M1, M2,...Mn.
The use of a battery and the forecast of the fourth current distribution means F4 (or additional line) will allow the supply of segments or pieces of the luminaire in case of failures in the ordinary three-phase mains.
As it has been illustrated in Fig. 2, the housing of the connecting block 3 is formed by a base 3a and a cover 3b, and this latter includes external wings or ribs, which are useful to dissipate the heat generated by the different devices and electric and electronic circuits placed inside the housing.
Fig 1 illustrates an example of use corresponding to the invention system, where the luminaire has only one light module M1, with its respective main line 1 and cover 2, as well as an adapter or drop wire 4 that is fitted to one end, and a final lid or cap 5 that is fitted to the other end.
Luminaire system of Fig. 1 has also a flange or strap 8 to fasten or secure the light module M1 to the room ceiling.
In an example of use where the luminaire comprises several light modules, both the drop wire 4 in one of the ends of the luminaire, and the final cap 5 are prepared to be fastened or secured to two respective modules at the opposite ends of the luminaire through their respective ends that are not used to join any other light module. For this reason, the luminaire has several flanges or straps to secure the light modules to the room ceiling.
As it has been illustrated in Fig.2, the luminaire of the invention is formed by two light modules M1 and M2, which have an elongated form and are connected in series forming a row. Every module M1, M2 has a series of metal connectors t, accesible from outside. Although it is not clearly illustrated in the enclosed figures, these connectors are connected with the current distribution means (connecting lines L1, L3 or L4) and preferably with data distribution means, being all them located in the main line 1.
Each connecting block 3 comprises a first and second group of metal connectors T, that are connected between them through the selection means S, and are disposed in the connecting block 3 with a specific design for their connection with the metal connectors t of the two light modules M1 and M2. One can only observe the first group of metal connectors T in figure 2, because the second one is hidden behind the connecting block.
In the example of use illustrated in Fig. 4, the connecting block 3 has two derivation outlets D1, D2, one connected by means of a wiring derivation D1 and the other one D2 by a simple plug.
As it can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, light modules M1, M2 from the luminaire of the invention comprise in all illustrated examples, one translucent cover 2 linked to the main line 1 that protects the LEDs (not illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2) and lets the light emitted, pass through them.
Instead of the mentioned translucent cover, other principles for light emission can also be applied, like for example, the application of LEDs at one edge of a transparent or translucent plate or screen for light diffusion, considering that the invention refers to a selective control of the light source LED, and not to the distribution of that light source.
These transparent covers can also include lenses for the selective diffusion of light to the surrounding environment.
In the example illustrated in Fig. 2, one can see a step e1 in one end of the first light module M1, and the connecting block 3 has been designed to be placed partially on the footstep or track e1 h of that step e1, and partially on the footstep e3h defined by the step e3 corresponding to the second light module M2 in a respective first end ahead the first end of the first light module M1, being both steps e1, e3 and the connecting block 3, designed to join the first ends between them when that connecting block 3 is set out on the footsteps e1h, e3h, of the e1, e3 steps, in such a way that the projecting part Cn of the connecting block 3 fits in properly the opening O of the second module M2.
Following the description of Fig. 2, it can be observed how first and second modules M1, M2 have at their respective second ends, the steps e2, e4, similar or analogous to steps e1, e3 of the first end. These are used for the fitting to a respective end of another light module by means of the respective connecting block, similar or analogous to the connecting block 3, in the same way as first and second light modules M1, M2 connect through their first ends.
In other example of use, the luminaire proposed by the invention has multiple light modules M1, M2, ...Mn, similar or analogous to the first light module M1, where their ends define the respective steps, and multiple connecting blocks 3 necessary to fit between them the light modules through the respective stepped sections of their ends, likewise the fitting in first and second light modules M1 and M2.
According to one modification of that example of use, light modules are long and form one or more straight rows in a series connection.
According to figure 2, every step e1, e2, e3, e4 and the connecting blocks 3 comprise several combined fitting configurations C1, C2 which can be mutually linked, in a way that the connecting block remains duly placed and fixed to modules M1 and M2, through the fitting configurations C1, C2 and through the projecting part Cn and the opening O.
In the example of use of Fig. 2, the fitting configuration C1 of every e1, e2, e3, e4 is located at a riser (rise of a step) e1c, e2c, e3c, e4c, where part of the metal connectors t of the respective light module M1, M2 stand out.
In fact, the fitting design C1 is formed by protruding parts or bosses (four in the illustrated example) for every e1, e2, e3, e4, that are going to fit in the corresponding cope belonging to each design of the C2 fitting, in a way that each connector t coincides in position with every boss and every metal connector T with every cope.
In figure 2 it is observed that one of the risers e1c, e3c closes the main line 1 of the respective module M1, M2 at one end, and that the other end of the main line 1 of every module M1, M2 is closed by one of the risers e2C, e4c of the mentioned step, in the second end of the corresponding light module M1, M2.
This structure of the coupling parts of the ends of the light modules allow an easy disassembly of any of the modules for a line, in case to be substituted, which can occur in a vertical direction, simply removing connecting block 3.
In Fig. 6, corresponding to a second example of the invention, one can see one end of one of the modules where the main line has an empty profile 1, obtained by extrusion, with an upper design in "T" 1 a, in order to make it easier the hanging of the main line from the ceiling with straps. The cover 2 is a plate with lateral wings that can be inserted in grooved parts of the profile. It is also represented the group or device 9 of terminals ta foreseen to fit the connecting block and one terminal tb working as earth connection.
Fig. 7 illustrates the end of a module by means of a cap 11, that is fixed with one or more screws 12 to the main line 1, and this cap 11 has a window through which the terminals ta and tb are sticking out.
Fig. 8 shows the connection between two modules M1 and M2, both drawn in an incomplete form. One can also see the connecting block 3 with its cover 3b, and inside it there is frequently a converter AC/DC and phase selection means, according to the structure already explained in the last example of use.
Fig. 9 illustrates the base 3a of the mentioned connecting block 3, provided with connectors Ta, Tb, according to two rows, one for each module, and ready to connect to terminals ta and tb illustrated in the already described Figs. 6 and 7.
Fig. 10 illustrates a possible solution to overcome an obstacle using the linear luminaire system of the invention and a connecting block 3 in one of the ends of the light modules linked by a flexible multi-wire conductor 15.
In Figs. 11 a to 11c one can observe the assembly steps of a linear luminaire according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and to several constructions of the employed connecting blocks.
In Fig. 12 it is possible to appreciate the selective switching-on of several segments of the linear luminaire using the invention principles.

Claims

System of linear luminaire with fitting light modules, composed by a series of light modules (M1, M2, ...Mn), forming part of a row of light sources, in such a way that these light modules are set out in a serial row of elements, connected to an electric energy supply through conducting lines L1, L2, L3, with any type of setup design, as an electric main, where these modules are mutually linked by means of connecting blocks (3), that provide a mechanical and electrical interconnection between them,
wherein these connecting blocks (3) integrate means for the control/conversion of the electric energy which actuate on the performance of the adjacent light module (M1, M2, ...Mn), controlling the type of current and the supply conditions to the respective light sources of the corresponding light module, or to a part of those light sources, in such a way that this action is realized at a distance of any of the connecting blocks of the electric main, through its respective connecting lines.
characterized in that the light sources are LEDs and wherein the luminaire has a first light module (M1) with:
- a series of light-emitting devices (L) based on LEDs,

- a main line for the LEDs (L) support and for the passage of current supply means to feed those LEDs(L); and

- a connecting block (3) for the mechanical and electrical connection of the first light module(M1) to the second light module (M2), similar or analogous, creating a continuous row,
wherein the mentioned conducting lines comprise at least a first (F1), second (F2) and third (F3) conducting line for current supply, that are respectively connected to a first, second and third current supply source, and the connecting block(3) has inside at least selection means (S) which are going to select one of these conducting lines (F1, F2 o F3) for power supply and connect them to at least one part of the LEDs(L) of one of those first (M1) or second (M2) light modules, for their feeding.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 1, characterized in that these first (F1), second (F2) and third (F3) conducting lines for current supply provide the respective phases of a three-phase electric mains, in such a way that the connecting block (3) houses a converter AC/DC (9) to connect a phase selected by the selection means (S) and the LEDs (L) linked to it.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting block (3) is also composed by a battery (BAT), fed by the mentioned converter AC/DC (9), wherein this battery is associated to a control circuit that regulates a fourth conducting line for current supply (F4) connected to a fourth current supply source, in order to derivate the current supply of that battery (BAT) to those LEDs (L) of the module, in case of detecting a failure of the current supply through that connecting line (F4).
Linear luminaire system according to claim 1, characterized in that every light module (M1, M2, ....Mn) further comprises data distribution means running inside its respective main line, the metal connectors(t) being also connected by the conducting lines of these data distribution means, and at least one part of the connecting blocks (3) keep inside their respective housings controlling circuits, for the treatment or control of the data flow coming from those data distribution means.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of those connecting blocks (3) also include at least one emergency lighting device and/or at least one outlet (D1, D2).
Linear luminaire system according to claim 1 characterized in that every connecting block (3) comprises a housing with controlling circuits inside., carrying out a selective control of the function of at least the LEDs from one of the light modules (M1, M2,....Mn) connected to the connecting block (3), where the controlling circuit is associated to the selection means (S) of the respective connecting block (3).
Linear luminaire system according to claim 6 characterized in that the controlling circuit and/or the selection means (S) are under remote control, for the selective remote control of LEDs (L) performance, including switching on/off functions from a remote point using conducting lines (L1, L2, L3 or L4).
Linear luminaire system according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising many similar or analogous light modules (M1, M2...Mn) to the first light module (M1), and also many connecting blocks(3), to fix the light modules in a similar way to the fixing between first (M1) and second (M2) light modules and in that at least one end of those light modules (M1, M2, ... Mri) has a final cap (5) that is fitted to one end that will not serve to fasten to another light module and further comprising several flanges (8) or straps to secure the light modules (M1, M2) to the room ceiling.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 8, characterized in that every light module (M1, M2, ....Mn) has metal connectors (t) accessible from outside, which are connected with at least conducting lines of the power supply means L1, L2, L3, L4 running inside the main line (1), and each connecting block (3) comprises one first and second group of metal connectors (T), that are electrically connected through the selection means(S), and placed at both opposite ends of the connecting block(3), and designed for the connection with metal connectors(t) of the two light modules (M1, M2, ....Mn) that have to be connected between them.
Linear luminaire system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that these light modules comprise a translucent cover (2) linked to the main line (1) that protects the LEDs (L) and lets the light emitted, pass through them, and in that this cover may comprise optical lenses for a selective light diffusion.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 11, characterized by comprising multiple light modules (M1, M2, ... Mn), similar or analogous to the first light module (M1), where their ends define the respective fitting configurations, and multiple connecting blocks (3) necessary to fit between them the light modules (M1, M2, ...Mn) through the respective fitting configurations of their ends, likewise the fitting in first (M1) and second (M2) light modules.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 12, characterized in that those light modules (M1, M2,...Mn) are long and connected in series forming at least a row.
Linear luminaire system according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is formed by a base (3a) and a cover (3b).
Linear luminaire system according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one end of those light modules (M1, M2, ... Mn) has a drop wire (4) that is fitted to one end that will not serve to fasten to another light module.
Linear luminaire system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that one end of a first light module M1 includes a step (e1), and the connecting block (3) is placed partially on a footstep or track (e1h) of that step (e1), and partially on a footstep (e3h) defined by a step (e3) corresponding to a second light module M2 in a respective first end ahead the first end of the first light module M1, providing both steps (e1, e3) and the connecting block (3) join of the two ends of modules M1, M2, and allowing an easy disassembly by removing connecting block (3) and acting in a vertical direction.