IT202000023986A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERIOR LIGHTING - Google Patents

Description

"System and method for interior lighting"

The present invention relates to a simplified system and method for lighting interiors using LED lights.

Pi? precisely, the present invention fits into the sector concerning the lighting of interiors using LED lights, in situations in which it is desired to increase or move the light points of an interior, above all if already? furnished and in use, without carrying out masonry work to bring electricity to the light point.

The lighting through LED bulbs ? become part of our daily and ? considered the most advantageous in terms of energy consumption and duration, despite a higher initial cost than conventional incandescent bulbs.

LED lamps were invented as an experimental method of alternative lighting during the 1960s, then with the appearance of the first red and blue light models during the 1970s, but only in the early 2000s were they put into large-scale sales white light models. LEDs allow irradiation through semiconductors, to be precise through light-emitting diodes (?Light-Emitting Diodes?, hence the acronym LED), which are cio? an optoelectronic device that exploits the capacity? of some semiconductor materials to produce photons through a phenomenon of spontaneous emission when crossed by an electric current.

It is precisely this feature that makes the LED convenient and sustainable since it does not require filaments or gases and does not emit infrared or ultraviolet rays. Initially this type of technology concerned the light projection which reached a maximum radius of 120?, but over time new solutions have been implemented which have solved this defect and made LED bulbs more and more attractive. efficient.

? It is possible to distinguish LED bulbs in five different models:

Multiple LED: consists of the first technology used and provides for the placement of more? Individual LEDs for a brighter beam ample. SMD LEDs: this technology? the "P? widespread on the market and makes use of the LED chip implant directly on printed boards; they usually consist of plastic-coated parallelepipeds of very small height and thickness. On the top side ? once the emitting surface has been placed, the feet used for power supply are mounted on two opposite sides. Inside can be present one or more? LED circuits that influence the luminous flux, the absorbed power and the color of the emitted light.

COB LED: further evolution, it is a single module made up of a substrate of multiple welded LEDs. The difference between COB and SMD is the number of circuits needed: while SMDs need one circuit for each diode on the chip, COB modules have only one circuit and two contacts for the entire chip, regardless of the number of diodes, and there ? sets them apart in terms of simplicity? structural as well as? in a greater energy gain.

Filament LEDs: this type of bulbs are very recent, launched in 2014. They use COB technology, but with the series position of the LEDs that rest on glass or sapphire bars, creating filaments like in incandescent lamps. Thanks to this particular design, the light is emitted at 360? evenly while the color ? determined by the yellow or orange patina applied along the filament.

Tube LED: in shape it is very reminiscent of fluorescent lamps but instead of containing gas inside there are series of LEDs that radiate uniformly. At the ends? of the tube are the connections for the ceiling light. The glass that contains them pu? be transparent or opaque.

This type of lighting not only? therefore very versatile, but ? especially long-lasting. Most of the LEDs taken individually do not ? it can be powered with the classic domestic electric voltage (220 Volts) and therefore requires a power supply/transformer in order to function. However, the latest generation LED bulbs have an internal transformer that allows the conversion of the voltage received at the input with the voltage necessary to power the LED, so that they can be used immediately, often with universal connections which therefore ensure immediate use. maybe in chandeliers already? existing, replacing cos? the previous lighting system.

On the one hand, therefore, ? more and more felt the need to use LED lighting indoors, to precisely increase the lighting of an enclosed space, with reduced consumption and consequently also with particular attention to the environment.

Furthermore, where you want to increase or move the light points of an interior, especially if already? furnished and in use, the problem arises of having to carry out masonry work to bring electricity to the light point, with consequent costs, long construction times, inconvenience and annoyance.

Alternatively, not wanting to carry out masonry work, corrugated pipes can be provided applied externally to the wall or ceiling with an absolutely unattractive aesthetic effect.

Purpose of the present invention? therefore that of creating a system and a method for interior lighting that allows for the creation of new light points with LED lighting on walls, ceilings, etc., without any masonry work, therefore without the need for to work with traces in the walls or ceilings and without external corrugated pipes, in a particularly simple, fast and economical way, possibly also with aesthetic and decorative effects.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore a method for interior lighting by making light points, without masonry works, which consists in connecting at least one LED or charged light point to a control unit by means of a forward strip or ribbon and a return strip or tape, said strip or tape being a conductive medium having a conductivity? electric which varies from about 10<-4>S/m to about 10<8>S/m and a resistivity? electric which varies from about 10<4 >??m to about 10<-8 >??m, where said conductive medium that connects the light point to the control unit ? applied to at least one surface by gluing or direct application.

Further object of the present invention ? therefore an interior lighting system by means of the creation of light points, without masonry works, which includes at least one LED or charged light point, a conductive medium and a control unit, in which said LED or charged light point? connected to the control unit by means of a forward strip or tape and a return strip or tape, said strip or tape being a conductive medium having a conductivity? electric which varies from about 10<-4>S/m to about 10<8>S/m and a resistivity? electric which varies from about 10<4 >??m to about 10<-8 >??m, where said conductive medium that connects the light point to the control unit ? applied to at least one surface by gluing or direct application.

It should be noted that the expressions "outward" and "return" refer to the direction of current flow.

Preferably, said control unit has a pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency which varies from 120 to 125 Hz, preferably equal to 122.5 Hz, for each LED light point.

Preferably, the conductive medium which constitutes said going strip and said return strip ? chosen from copper, aluminium, carbon fiber or a conductive paint comprising graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5% to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene).

Pi? preferably, said conductive medium ? chosen from copper, aluminum or a washable wall paint comprising powdered or micronized graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5 to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene), still more preferably copper, aluminum or a washable wall paint comprising powdered graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5 to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene). Preferably the conductive medium ? present in a percentage that varies from 4 to 8% by weight, even more? preferably from 6 to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene).

When the conductive medium ? a tape or strip of metal, even more? preferably a tape or strip of copper or aluminum or carbon fiber fabric, the conductive medium ? applied by gluing to the surface of the wall or ceiling.

In the event that the conductive medium consists of a strip or ribbon of metal, even more? preferably from a strip or tape of copper or aluminum, applied by gluing to the surface of the wall or ceiling, it can? be subsequently painted to make it invisible.

In the case of the carbon fiber fabric strip or tape, it ? always applied by gluing and subsequent application of a layer of cement-based mix and varnish.

Alternatively, the conductive medium consists of a strip or ribbon of metal, even more so. preferably from a strip or tape of copper or aluminum, preferably having a thickness ranging from 20 ?m to 500 ?m and a width ranging from 1 mm to 100 mm, can? be applied following particular shapes and designs, thus giving rise also to an aesthetic effect and also allowing to make a decoration of the wall or ceiling. When the conductive medium ? a conductive paint, the conductive medium ? applied directly to the wall or ceiling surface, preferably with a brush or trowel.

Said control unit, having a pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency ranging from 120 to 125 Hz, preferably equal to 122.5 Hz, for each LED light point. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit can? provide for a PWM frequency equal to 490 Hz and power four LED light points (24 volts) managed by four independent channels, each channel comprising a forward strip and a return strip.

Preferably, each channel managed by the control unit has a power of 5 A and is adjusted by touch control, where with touch control we mean, for example, the capacity? by a user to generate one or more? input command signals to the control unit by touch, or contact.

The distance between the touch point and the control unit depends, for example, on the type of paint used.

In particular, the command signal deriving from the touch command can? vary according to the type of touch and / or the amount? of touches used by the user.

For example, the control unit pu? accept ON/OFF commands and/or intensity adjustment commands? of the LED light from 0 to 100%.

It should be noted that the touch used for the touch control can? be a punctual touch, in which contact with the strip ? very short, or a touch of duration pi? extended over time, such as a scroll.

When the strip or tape ? in paint or metal covered with paint, the point where to make the touch? identifiable by inserting an ad hoc decorative element (even a simple drawing) on the touch point.

Advantageously, the touch control channel ? predisposed to be able to function even in the presence of capacity? considerable parasites, which depend on the types of paints that will cover the conductive control medium.

In figure 1 ? An example diagram of a control unit is shown, the dimensions of which can be adapted for any type of container.

Does it include a 24 volt input protected against reverse polarity? and output against short circuits. The 24 or 48 volt input could in fact short circuit due to accidental overload. This configuration eliminates this possibility.

A control unit of this type with four light points? able to illuminate a room of variable dimensions up to about 30 m<2>. Obviously, for larger dimensions of the interior or for a greater number of light points, ? it is sufficient to provide for a greater number of control units.

The light points are dimmable, that is? the intensity? of lighting can? be adjusted with a dimmer which provides a ramp time of 2 seconds.

The system according to the present invention also provides

- switching on/off (On/off) by quick touch;

- the regulation of the intensity? of the lighting (dimming) by means of a long touch;

- keeping in memory the last intensity? registered and

- after a possible reset (the light fails) the system remains off.

The main advantage of the method or system according to the present invention ? identifiable in the possibility? to increase the light points or to move the light points of an interior without any need? of masonry works, in a simple, versatile, economic, ecological and also of particular aesthetic value.

Examples.

By way of non-limiting example of the present invention, some examples are given below.

Example 1

Preparation of conductive paints with pulverized graphene

The preparation ? was carried out using an immersion blender and an ultrasonic sonicator.

100 mL of base varnish placed in a glass beaker of the capacity? of 1 litre, are swirled at room temperature using an immersion blender and graphene is added, in small portions, until the desired weight percentage is reached. so that Isn't the mix too thick? just enough distilled water was added so that the reformulated paint was brushable; at this point the preparation? was subjected to ultrasound at a temperature of 30?C, using a bath of 120 W effective (240 W peak peak).

Using this procedure, the mixtures indicated in the following table 1 were prepared:

Table 1

The percentages shown in the table are all percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+graphene+water).

With the paints formulated as described above, samples were made to be subjected to conductivity tests? a circle of about 8 cm in diameter by brushing on a transparent sheet of vinyl acetate of A4 format (21 x 29.7 cm), so? as described in Figure 2.

In addition to the specimens made as described above ? A specimen was also made with a commercial graphite-based paint.

The means or conductive materials, based on wall paints and glues added with graphene particles, characterized by different formulation and concentration of graphene, reported above, were then characterized by measuring the conductivity? electric. Conductive mediums based on carbon fibers and metallic adhesive tapes have also been characterized.

One of the problems associated with the measurement of conductivity? of such systems? given by the contact resistance between the measuring apparatus and the material, very often characterized by an irregular and yielding surface.

Because of this, ? a 4-terminal measurement technique was used (https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misura_a_quattro_terminali).

This technique employs a pair of electrodes dedicated to measuring voltage and a second pair dedicated to current. The separation of the two couples allows to obtain measures more? accurate compared to the pi? common two-terminal technique (2T), in which the current and voltage are measured by the same electrodes, the impedance of which is added to the measured value.

In addition to the conductivity? ?, ? The resistance value R referred to a 5 mm long, 5 mm wide and 1 mm thick rod was also measured, using the same 4-terminal measurement technique.

For the conductivity?, the reference value? that of copper, for which ? Cu= 6*10<7 >S/m.

The results obtained are shown in the following table 2:

Table 2

Conductivity material? Resistence

Graphite gray enamel? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

Washable wall paint

White ? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

1.1% graphene ? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

2.8% graphene ? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

3.8% graphene ? = 6*10<-4 >S/m R => 2*10<6 >Ohm

8.0% graphene ? = 30 S/m R => 33 ohms

Vinvil

White ? = 6*10<-4 >S/m R = 2*10<6 >Ohm

1.0% graphene ? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

1.8% graphene ? = 2?10<-5 >S/m R = 5*10<7 >Ohm

2.9% graphene ? = 1.2?10<-1 >S/m R = 8.5*10<3 >Ohm

4.2% graphene ? = 4 S/m R = 260 ohms

Water soluble acrylic

White ? < 10<-6 >S/m R => 1000 MOhm

2.8% graphene ? = 1.2?10<-1 >S/m R = 8.5*10<3 >Ohm

3.5% graphene ? = 7?10<-2 >S/m R = 15*10<3 >Ohm

5.1% graphene ? = 2?10<-1 >S/m R = 4.6*10<3 >Ohm

6.7% graphene ? = 1.3 S/m R = 800 ohms

The percentages shown in the table are all percentages by weight with respect to weight

total weight of the paint (graphene weight/total weight of paint+water+graphene).

Finally, Fig. 3 shows the conductivity trends? obtained in

different materials, depending on the graphene content. As the content of

graphene, over values of 8% by weight, there is a growing difficulty?

in obtaining uniform layers of material.

The formulations of commercial paints with the addition of pulverized graphene

they work as conductive paint, in particular, they work well with bass

voltages and with modest absorptions, making it an excellent conductive medium for

capacitive switches, as a component in LED lighting systems,

according to the present invention.

Among the various formulations tested, the best? it turned out to be the one in which washable wall paint added with about 8% of graphene powder is used.

Example 2

Preparation of conductive paints with micronized graphene

Were performed a series of formulations, using the white washable paint for masonry and micronized graphene with the use of a laboratory micronizer in order to increase the possibility of inclusion of graphene in the paint.

With the method described above, wall paint-graphene mixtures were prepared with the percentages shown in the following Table 3.

Table 3

The percentages shown in the table are all percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/total weight of paint+water+graphene).

Using the same method reported above, the specimens subjected to conductivity measurement were prepared:

Wall paint with 3.8% micronized graphene

- spatula ? = 0.33 S/m;

- brush ? = 0.25 S/m;

Wall paint with 6.5% graphene, homogenized with the use of a stick blender (20,000 rpm) for 5 minutes:

- ? = 5*10<-2 >S/m;

Wall paint with 7.4% micronized graphene:

- spatula and brush ? = 10 S/m;

Wall paint with 20% graphene where graphene? been micronized with a rotary knife mill, graphene particle size between 20 and 90 ?m:

- spatula and brush ? = 3.4 S/m;

Wall paint with 20% micronized graphene:

- spatula and brush ? = 0.4 S/m;

Wall paint with 20% micronized graphene, micronized with a rotary knife mill and homogenized with the use of an immersion blender (20,000 rpm) for 10 minutes:

- ? = 3 S/m.

In case for? of paint with 20% graphene it is practically impossible or in any case extremely difficult to apply a uniform layer of material (see conclusions example 1).

The use of micronized graphene has not given better results than pulverized graphene, the results obtained have been worse than the previous ones and only with the percentage of 8% of graphene is there ? approached, but always with conductivity? lower than the use of simple graphene powder.

Example 3 comparative

Preparation Conductive paints with metallic powders

Finally a series of formulations were carried out, using the same white washable paint for masonry and metallic powder of aluminum (5 ?), copper (40 ?) and bronze (40 ?).

50 mL of varnish and 50 mL of distilled water were placed in a glass beaker of the capacity of 1 liter and were vortexed at room temperature using a stick blender. To the stirring mixture? was added the metal powder, in small portions, until you reach the desired weight percentage, the mixture so? obtained ? was subjected to ultrasound at a temperature of 30?C, using a bath of 120 W effective (240 W p-p).

The formulations obtained with the method described above are shown in the following Table 4:

Table 4

The percentages shown in the table are all percentages by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (metal weight/total paint weight+water+metal).

In a preliminary measurement carried out directly with a professional tester, the paints formulated with copper, bronze and aluminum powder showed no measurable variations in resistance compared to the pure paint used as white.

Does this prove that it is not the insertion of conductive materials such as copper, bronze or aluminum is sufficient to make a conductive paint, but that graphene surprisingly allows instead to solve the technical problem faced by the present invention.

Example 4

Were also tested some materials that fall within the ranges of conductivity? and dispersion of the conducting means according to the present invention, for which ? the resistance value was measured on some reference lengths, considering the interest in using them as such.

Carbon fiber band, about 0.5 mm thick and about 50 mm wide, 175 g/m<2>

The electrical resistance per unit? in length (Ru) of this material, formed by carbon fiber fabric whose structure is? shown in figure 4, ? equal to approximately Ru = 1 Ohm/cm.

Carbon fiber tape, about 0.5 mm thick and about 10 mm wide (Toho Tenax, Tenax-E STS40 F13, 24K 1600tex)

The electrical resistance per unit? in length (Ru) of this material, formed by carbon fiber filaments, shown in figure 5, ? equal to approximately Ru = 0.4 Ohm/cm.

Aluminum adhesive tape, 75 ?m thick and 50 mm wide: the electrical resistance per unit? of length (Ru) of this material ? equal to approximately Ru = 10<-3 >Ohm/cm.

Copper adhesive tape, 50 ?m thick and 30 mm wide: the electrical resistance per unit? of length (Ru) of this material ? equal to approximately Ru = 3*10<-3 >Ohm/cm.

Claims (12)

1. Method for interior lighting by making light points, without masonry work, which consists in connecting at least one LED light point or load to a control box by means of a forward strip or ribbon and a forward strip or ribbon return, said strip or tape being a conductive medium having a conductivity? electric which varies from about 10<-4>S/m to about 10<8>S/m and a resistivity? electric which varies from about 10<4 >??m to about 10<-8 >??m, where said conductive medium that connects the light point to the control unit ? applied to at least one surface by gluing or direct application. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the conductive medium constituting said forward strip and said return strip are? chosen from copper, aluminium, carbon fiber or a conductive paint comprising graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5% to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene). 3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the conductive medium is? chosen from copper, aluminum or a washable wall paint including powdered or micronized graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5 to 8% by weight (graphene weight / paint weight + water + graphene), even more? preferably copper, aluminum or a washable wall paint comprising powdered graphene in a percentage ranging from 2.5 to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene). 4. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the conductive medium constituting said forward strip and said return strip? a conductive paint comprising graphene in a percentage ranging from 4% to 8% by weight, even more? preferably from 6 to 8% by weight with respect to the total weight of the paint (weight of graphene/weight of paint+water+graphene). 5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive medium is? a strip or ribbon of metal, even more? preferably a strip of copper or aluminum or carbon fiber fabric, and ? applied by gluing to the surface of the wall or ceiling. 6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive medium is? a strip or ribbon of metal, even more? preferably a strip or tape of copper or aluminum, applied by gluing to the surface of the wall or ceiling, and subsequently painted to make it invisible. 7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the conductive medium is? a strip or tape of carbon fiber fabric applied by gluing with subsequent application of a layer of cement-based mixture and painting. 8. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive medium consists of a metal strip or ribbon, even more so? preferably from a copper or aluminum strip or tape, preferably having a thickness ranging from 20 µm to 500 µm and a width ranging from 1 mm to 100 mm, ? applied following particular shapes and designs. 9. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive medium is? a conductive paint, applied directly to the surface of the wall or ceiling, preferably with a brush or trowel. 10. System for interior lighting through the construction of light points, without masonry works, which includes at least one LED or charged light point, a conductive medium and a control unit, in which said LED or charged light point ? connected to the control unit by means of a forward strip or tape and a return strip or tape, said strip or tape being a conductive medium having a conductivity? electric which varies from about 10<-4>S/m to about 10<8>S/m and a resistivity? electric which varies from about 10<4 >??m to about 10<-8 >??m, where said conductive medium that connects the light point to the control unit ? applied to at least one surface by gluing or direct application. 11. System according to claim 10, wherein said control unit has a pulse width modulation (PWM) frequency ranging from 120 to 125 Hz, preferably equal to 122.5 Hz, for each LED light point. 12. System according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said control unit provides a PWM frequency equal to 490 Hz and powers four LED light points (24 volts) managed by four independent channels, each channel comprising a strip of forward and a return strip, preferably each channel managed by the control unit has a power of 5 A and ? adjusted by touch control.