ES2742439T3 - Lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting system (1) comprising: - an electrified rail (2) comprising a U-shaped bar that defines a cavity (3) within which a plurality of electrical conductors (2a) are housed, which can be connected to a power supply network (4) to receive an alternating current; - a power supply (5) comprising: - first electrical input terminals (5a) that can be connected to said electrical conductors (2a) to receive said alternating current input and first electrical output terminals (5b) to supply a constant output supply voltage, - a first restriction means (5c) configured to mechanically restrict said power supply (5) to said electrified rail (2); - at least one optical device (6) provided with at least one light source (7) and housed at least partially within said cavity (3), said optical device (6) comprising second restriction means (6c) configured to mechanically restrict said optical device (6) to said electrified rail (2) and a second electrical input terminals (6a) electrically and mechanically connected to said first electrical output terminals (5b) to receive said constant input supply voltage to feed electrically said at least one light source (7); wherein - said at least one optical device (6) comprises second electrical output terminals (6b) that can be electrically and mechanically connected to said second electrical input terminals (6a) of an additional and separate optical device (6) for transmitting said constant supply voltage to said separate optical device (6); - said power supply (5) is housed concealed within said cavity (3) of said electrified rail (2), characterized in that said at least one optical device (6) is an optical device module.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Lighting system

Application Field

The object of the present description is a lighting system, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In particular, the present description refers to a lighting system comprising a three-phase electrified rail adapted to support and supply mains voltage to at least one power source for LED light sources.

Description of the prior art

The use of a LED rail lighting system is known in the state of the art. For example, such a system comprises an electrified rail, configured as a U-profile bar, which defines a cavity where a plurality of electrical conductors are housed, and a power supply, which is incorporated into the mechanical structure of the apparatus. of lighting.

In particular, the power supply is arranged outside the electrified rail and is in the form of an AC / DC converter that has the task of converting the voltage, for example the grid voltage, from alternating to continuous. The continuous voltage generated in this way feeds a controller, for example, an LED control unit configured to generate a constant current capable of supplying at least one LED device. In this way, the LEDs receive continuous current and voltage from the electronic power supply. The electronic control card present in the controller makes it possible to adjust the operation of the LEDs, for example, to adjust the ignition, the intensity of the brightness and the color temperature.

In addition, said lighting systems also comprise an electromechanical adapter that is configured to connect electrically and mechanically to the electrified rail.

The electrified rail is configured to capture the controlled current generated by the power supply / controller assembly to be supplied to the electromechanical adapter, in order to power an LED light source. Optionally, the electrified rail can supply a mechanical support to the electromechanical adapter. Document DE 20.2014.100.258 U1 discloses a lighting system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Prior art problem

The known lighting systems have a number of drawbacks, such as those linked to the large space occupied by the electronic power supply, which adjusts their use outside the electrified rail, also conditioning the aesthetics of the lighting apparatus.

In addition, in the event of failure or breakage of the converter of the known lighting system, it is necessary to replace the entire apparatus, because its repair would require involving the system as a whole, causing a decrease in its integrity. This results in an increase in cost and difficulty in performing maintenance and repair of the system.

In addition, known electromechanical brackets have some critical aspects specifically linked to the mechanical and electrical connection between the electromechanical adapter and the electrified rail. For example, in the case of LED bulbs that can be oriented through a spherical joint, there is a high risk of breaking or damaging the mechanical supports between the adapter and the electrified rail when a user adjusts the orientation of the bulbs. In fact, if the mechanical connection between the adapter and the rail is broken or weakened, there is also a risk that the electrical connection between the two components will be lost, causing the LED bulbs to go out. Summary of the invention

The purpose of the object invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art lighting systems.

A further purpose of the present invention is to manufacture an LED lighting system capable of facilitating installation, maintenance and repair operations.

A further purpose of the present invention is to manufacture an LED lighting system that occupies less space, while comprising at least the same essential components as a known lighting system.

A further purpose of the present invention is to manufacture a lighting system in which the light sources have greater stability and practicality of use in the electrical and mechanical connection with the electrified rail. Advantages of the invention

Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a lighting system with high flexibility in installation, repair / replacement and maintenance.

Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a lighting system with greater operational reliability. Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a lighting system that occupies less space.

Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a lighting system in which the LED lights can be oriented with greater safety and reliability.

Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated as a non-limiting example in the set of drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a lighting system according to the present invention, - Figure 2 shows a front view of the lighting system of Figure 1,

- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lighting system according to an embodiment variant of the present invention,

- Figure 4 shows an enlargement of the part of the lighting system identified by the dashed box of Figure 3,

- Figure 5 shows an assembly configuration of a plurality of components of the lighting system of the present invention,

- Figures 6, 7 and 8 show respectively a bottom, side and front view of a component of the lighting system of the present invention,

- Figures 9, 10 and 11 respectively show a front, side and top view of a variant embodiment of the lighting system of the present invention,

- Figures 12, 13 and 14 show in sequence three stages of the assembly of the lighting system illustrated in Figures 9, 10 and 11.

Detailed description

The lighting system illustrated in the attached figures should be considered schematically represented, not necessarily to scale and not necessarily with the proportions represented between the various constituent elements.

Although not explicitly shown, the individual characteristics described in reference to the specific embodiments should be considered accessory and / or interchangeable with other characteristics described in reference to other embodiments.

The object of the present invention is a lighting system 1 that uses LED light sources.

The lighting system 1 comprises at least one optical device 6 provided with an LED light source and an electrified rail 2 defining an interior cavity 3 having a U-profile (when viewed in cross-section), in which they are housed a plurality of electrical conductors 2a that can be connected to a power supply network 4 in order to be able to receive alternating supply voltage.

The electrified rail 2 extends along a direction of extension XX a predefined length and defines two side walls P substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of extension X X, a base wall L, perpendicular to the two side walls P and an opening A opposite the base wall L. According to one aspect, the electrical conductors may comprise two or more conductors, each of which is arranged along a respective wall P of the electrified rail 2 .

According to known techniques, the conductors of the plurality of electrical conductors 2a have the form of conductive rails.

It should be noted that the electrified rail 2 is of the three-phase type and is configured to take an alternating voltage from a power supply network 4 in order to distribute it by the plurality of electrical conductors 2nd.

In one form of use, it is envisioned that the lighting system 1 comprises a plurality of electrified rails 2 electrically and mechanically connected to each other. In particular, the respective inner cavities 3 form a single cavity without interruptions and the respective electrical conductors 2a are connected to each other to distribute the supply voltage.

As an alternative or in combination with the embodiments described above, it is possible to manufacture an electrified rail 2 that has a transverse U profile, but that extends longitudinally with a curvilinear and / or angled progression to adapt to the different requirements.

In order to power the LED light sources, the lighting system 1 comprises a box-shaped power supply 5 which has:

- first electrical input terminals 5a that can be connected to the electrical conductors 2a to receive the alternating current of input and

- first electrical output terminals 5b to supply a constant output supply voltage.

Said first electrical input terminals 5a are configured as sheet contacts and act to make electrical contact with the plurality of electrical conductors 2a of the electrified rail 2.

The power supply 5 comprises first restriction means 5c configured to mechanically restrict the power supply 5 to the electrified rail 2.

According to one aspect, the first restriction means 5c have the form of rigid fins capable of engaging in complementary seats formed in one or both of the walls P of the electrified rail 2.

In particular, the mechanical fins 5c are pairs of fins arranged symmetrically on two opposite side walls of the power supply 5 in order to engage respectively with the corresponding seats formed on the two side walls P of the electrified rail 2.

In one embodiment, the power supply 5 comprises a rotating cam 5d, which can be operated by a user, which is operatively connected to the restriction means 5c to allow the power supply 5 to be connected / disconnected to / from the electrified rail. 2, respectively, by means of a rotation thereof. In other words, each rotary cam 5d can be moved (for example, by means of a rotation thereof) by a user both to insert the fins into the seats of the electrified rail 2 and to extract the seat fins, respectively, to restrict and release the power supply 5 to / from the electrified rail 2.

According to the invention, the power supply 5 is housed hidden (or completely contained) within the cavity 3 of the electrified rail 2, that is, it does not protrude or does not extend in height beyond the side walls P of the rail two.

In other words, the power supply 5 is completely contained in the cavity 3, so it is not visible from the outside when viewed by a user.

Therefore, advantageously, the space occupied by the lighting system 1 is reduced, since the power supply 5 is within the volume of the electrified rail 2.

Advantageously, it is possible to install the power supply along the predefined length of the electrified rail 2, adjusting the position thereof in a practical and easy way.

In addition, maintenance and repair / replacement operations are easy and do not involve other components of the lighting system, since it is possible to intervene only in the individual component (for example, power supply 5).

Optionally, the power supply 5 may comprise a selector S for the stages (for example 0, 1, 2, 3) of the three-phase system of the plurality of electrical conductors 2a disposed within the electrified rail 2.

The delivery system 1 comprises at least one optical device 6 equipped with at least one light source 7, preferably, an LED light line (for example, a linear LED system) or an orientable light projector, for example a spotlight LED.

The optical device 6 can be housed at least partially within the inner cavity of an electrified rail 2 (Figures 9-11).

The optical device 6 comprises a second electrical input terminals 6a that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the output terminals 5b to receive a constant input supply voltage, in order to be able to electrically power the light source 7.

In the event that the light source 7 is manufactured as an LED light line, the optical device 6 can be hidden in the cavity 3 of the electrified rail 2. In other words, the light source 7 is manufactured flush with the wall. side P of the electrified rail 2 in order to be able to project the light emitted by the lamp out of the electrified rail 2.

For example, if the light source 5 comprises a focus, it is possible that it protrudes with respect to the side wall P of the electrified rail 2. In other words, the LED lamps are oriented towards and protruding from the opening A formed in the side wall P of the electrified rail 2, or, alternatively, can be manufactured flush with the wall P that projects completely in the profile of the electrified rail 2.

With reference to Figures 12 to 14, the light source 7 comprises an LED system 10 configured as an LED spotlight. In addition, the optical device comprises a compartment 9 comprising a coupled grip 11 within it adapted to allow the rotation of the LED system 10 with respect to the compartment 9 around a predetermined axis of rotation Y-Y. Preferably, the predetermined axis of rotation Y-Y is perpendicular to the extension direction X-X.

According to one aspect, the compartment 9 comprises two complementary housings 9a intended to engage each other through fixing means 9b, such as screws, to define a volume within the compartment 9 suitable to accommodate the coupled grip 11.

As described above, the LED system 10 comprises a focus mounted on a shaft 12 arranged axially along the predetermined axis of rotation Y-Y. The coupled grip comprises two complementary plates 11a, each provided with a longitudinal groove 11c having a substantially semicircular section. The two plates 11a are coupled to each other and restricted through fixing means 11b, such as screws, so that the two grooves 11c also engage with each other to define a cylindrical seat adapted to hold a first end of the tree 12.

In this way, the attached grip only allows a relative rotation of the shaft 12 and, therefore, of the focus, around the predetermined axis of rotation Y-Y.

Preferably, the coupled grip 11 also comprises an anti-rotation stop which determines an end stop for the rotation of the shaft 12.

For example, the end stop can be manufactured through a tooth protruding from the cylindrical profile of the tree 12, intended to be abutted with a corresponding tooth formed in one of the two plates 11a. For the sake of completeness, it should be specified that the shaft 12 also has a second end, opposite the first end, on which an LED system 10 is mounted, such as, for example, an LED spotlight.

According to a preferred solution of the invention, the at least one optical device 6 is an optical device module. In other words, the lighting system 1 comprises one or more modular optical devices 6, that is, optical device modules.

According to a peculiar aspect of the present description, the optical device 6 comprises a second electrical output terminals 6b that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the second electrical input terminals 6a of an additional and different optical device 6 to transmit the voltage of constant feeding to it. That is, the optical devices 6 are optical device modules that can be electrically and mechanically connected to each other.

The optical device 6 is partially housed within the cavity 3 of the electrified rail 2. In one embodiment, the LED system 10 (ie, the LED spotlight) is disposed outside the cavity 3, while the compartment 9 is fully housed inside the cavity 3.

Preferably, the optical device 6 comprises second restriction means 6c configured to mechanically restrict the optical device 6 to the electrified rail 2.

According to a preferred solution of the invention, the second restriction means 6c are configured as rigid fins adapted to engage in complementary seats formed in one or both of the walls P of the electrified rail 2.

In a manner analogous to that described with respect to the first restriction means 5c, the second restriction means 6c are configured as mechanical fins, for example, as pairs of arranged fins symmetrically in the two opposite side walls of the compartment 9, in order to engage respectively with the corresponding seats formed in the two side walls P of the electrified rail 2.

The optical device 6 comprises at least one rotary cam 6d, which can be operated by a user, which is operatively connected to the restriction means 6c in order to be able to allow the optical device 6 to connect / disconnect to / from the electrified rail 2, respectively, through a rotation thereof. In other words, a user can move each rotary cam 6d (for example through a rotation thereof) both to insert the fins in the seats of the electrified rail 2 and to extract them therefrom, respectively, to restrict and release the optical device 6, and in particular the compartment 9 a / of the electrified rail 2.

Preferably, the second electrical input terminals 6a of the optical device 6 are electrically and mechanically connected to the first electrical output terminals 5b of the power supply 5 to receive the constant input power voltage to electrically power the at least one source of light 7.

According to a preferred solution of the invention, the power supply system 1 comprises a plurality of optical devices 6 arranged in series within the cavity 3 and electrically connected to each other in parallel.

As indicated above, each optical device 6 is an optical device module comprising a second electrical output terminals 6b that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the second electrical input terminals 6a of an additional and different optical device 6 for transmitting the constant supply voltage to said distinct optical device 6.

Preferably, the second electrical input terminals 6a are electrically and mechanically connected to the first electrical output terminals 5b of the power supply 5 or to the second electrical output terminals 6b of an additional and different optical device 6 to receive the supply voltage keep going.

According to one aspect, the first electrical output terminals 5b of the power supply 5 and the second electrical output terminals 6b of the optical device 6 are configured as male connectors; while the second electrical input terminals 6a are configured as female connectors that can be electrically and mechanically connected to the male connectors. The male and female connectors are adapted to be mechanically connected to each other in a detachable manner to also allow an electrical connection to each other. The specific conformation of the electrical terminals makes it possible to make a direct electrical and mechanical connection between the power supply 5 and the optical device 6, or between two optical devices 6, so that said elements are electrically and mechanically connected to each other in series within of the cavity 3 of the electrified rail 2.

For example, the electrical connection can be of the parallel or serial type and this depends on the specific circuit requirements that must be addressed in the design stage.

In this way, it is possible to carry out a configuration of optical devices 6 electrically connected to each other, and capable of being housed within the cavity 3 of the electrified rail in a series arrangement.

For example, a first optical device 6 has the second electrical input terminals 6a connected to the first electrical output terminals 5b of the power supply 5, while a second optical device 6 has the second electrical input terminals 6a connected to the second electrical output terminals 6b of the first optical device 6, and so on.

It should be noted that in this case the power supply 5 is sized so as to be able to electrically power a plurality of optical devices 6 connected in parallel, and more precisely a predetermined number of optical devices 6 greater than or equal to two.

Advantageously, since the optical devices 6 are optical device modules, the parallel electrical connection of the plurality of optical devices 6 powered by a single power supply 5 creates an electrical connection, such that, in the event of a malfunction of One of the optical devices 6, the circuit is not interrupted and the intact optical devices 6 continue to operate on a regular basis.

In addition, as indicated above, it is especially easy to replace damaged components (for example one of the various optical device modules provided, that is, the optical devices 6, or the power supply itself 5).

According to one aspect, the power supply 5 is configured to take an AC alternating current from a power supply network 4, in order to convert it into a DC direct current to be supplied to at least one optical device 6 to power electrically the light source 7. In particular, the power supply 5 comprises an electronic control card equipped with a controller configured to emit a direct current (with constant current or voltage) to power the light source 7.

To this end, the power supply 5 comprises electrical input terminals 5a configured to take an alternating current AC of the power supply network 4, through the connection to the conductors 2a of the electrified rail 2, and the terminals electrical output 5b configured to transmit DC direct current to at least one optical device 6. The electronic control card of the controller makes it possible to control the operation of the light source, for example, to adjust the brightness or the flashing interval of the same, etc.

According to an additional preferred solution, the lighting system 1 comprises an electrical connection cable 8 which is in the form of an electrical cable, equipped with:

- electrical input terminals that can be mechanically and electrically connected to the first electrical output terminals 5b of the power supply 5 and

- electrical output terminals that can be mechanically and electrically connected to the second electrical input terminals 6a of an optical device 6.

It should be noted that, according to the preferred embodiment described above in which the lighting system 1 comprises a plurality of optical devices 6 which are optical device modules, then the electrical input terminals of the cable 8 can be connected mechanically and electrically to the electrical output terminals 6b of a first optical device 6, in order to be able to make the electrical connection between two modular optical devices 6.

Of course, in this case, the electrical output terminals of the electrical connection cable 8 can be connected to the second electrical input terminals 6a of a second optical device 6.

It should be noted that, in this scenario, the cable 8 has a predefined length which makes it possible to determine the linear distance between the power supply 5 and an optical device, or between two optical devices 6 within the cavity 3 of the electrified rail 2 In a manner compatible with the preferred solution described above, the electrical input and output terminals are respectively configured as female and male terminals to be complementary with the respective connectors of the power supply 5 and the optical device 6. Advantageously, it is possible to place the optical devices 6 in a remote position with respect to the power supply 5.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the power supply 5 and / or each optical device 6 can slide, along the extension direction XX, in a manner restricted to the electrified rail 2. This makes it possible place the components according to the specific requirements of the occupied space and the lighting of the rooms.

Of course, those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the variants described above, in order to meet contingent and specific requirements, all of them in any case covered by the scope of protection defined in the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. Lighting system (1) comprising: - an electrified rail (2) comprising a bar with a U-profile defining a cavity (3) within which a plurality of electrical conductors (2a) are housed, which can be connected to a power supply network (4) to receive an alternating current; - a power supply (5) comprising: - first electrical input terminals (5a) that can be connected to said electrical conductors (2a) to receive said alternating input current and first electrical output terminals (5b) to supply a constant output supply voltage, - first restriction means (5c) configured to mechanically restrict said power supply (5) to said electrified rail (2); - at least one optical device (6) provided with at least one light source (7) and housed at least partially inside said cavity (3), said optical device (6) comprising second restriction means (6c) configured for mechanically restricting said optical device (6) to said electrified rail (2) and a few second electrical input terminals (6a) electrically and mechanically connected to said first electrical output terminals (5b) to receive said constant input supply voltage to feed electrically said at least one light source (7); in which - said at least one optical device (6) comprises second electrical output terminals (6b) that can be electrically and mechanically connected to said second electrical input terminals (6a) of an additional and separate optical device (6) to transmit said voltage of constant feeding to said separate optical device (6); - said power supply (5) is concealed inside said cavity (3) of said electrified rail (2), characterized in that said at least one optical device (6) is an optical device module. 2. Lighting system (1) according to claim 1, wherein - said second electrical input terminals (6a) are electrically and mechanically connected to said first electrical output terminals (5b) of said power supply (5) or to said second electrical output terminals (6b) of an additional and different optical device (6) to receive said continuous supply voltage. 3. Lighting system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: - a plurality of optical devices (6) arranged in series in said cavity (3) and electrically connected to each other in parallel or in series. 4. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein - said first electrical output terminals (5b) of said power supply (5) and said second electrical output terminals (6b) of said optical device (6) are configured as a male connector, and said second electrical input terminals ( 6a) are configured as female connectors that can be electrically and mechanically connected to said male connectors. 5. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 4, comprising at least one electrical connection cable (8) comprising an electrical cable, third electrical input terminals that can be connected mechanically and electrically to said first electrical output terminals (5b) of said power supply (5) or to said second electrical terminals (6b) of said optical device (6), and third electrical output terminals that can be mechanically and electrically connected to said seconds electrical input terminals (6a) of said optical device (6). 6. Lighting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first electrical input terminals (5a) are configured as reed contacts. 7. Lighting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first restriction means (5c) are configured as rigid fins adapted to engage in complementary seats formed in said cavity (3) to mechanically restrict said power supply (5) to said electrified rail (2), - said second restriction means (6c) are configured as rigid fins adapted to engage in complementary seats formed in said cavity (3) to mechanically restrict said optical device (6) to said electrified rail (2). 8. Lighting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light source (7) comprises an LED system (10) disposed outside said cavity (3), said optical device (6) comprises a compartment (9) housed within said cavity (3), wherein said compartment (9) comprises an inner coupled grip (11) adapted to allow rotation of said LED system (10) with respect to said compartment (9) about a predetermined axis of rotation (YY). 9. Lighting system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - said electrified rail (2) is in the form of a bar with a U-profile that extends longitudinally along an axial direction (XX) a predefined length, in order to define said cavity (3) that extends without interruptions along said axial direction (XX) said predefined length, - said power supply (5) and / or each optical device (6) are slidably restricted to said electrified rail (2) to slide into said cavity (3) along said axial direction (X-X).