JP2001512279A - Strip lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY A strip illuminator includes an elongated housing (14) that is at least partially translucent, and a number of light sources (8) spaced within the housing. Means are provided for diffusing, dispersing or scattering the light from the light source so that, when the light source is activated, a visible optical effect is obtained when the housing is viewed from the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to light sources and lighting systems, and is particularly advantageous when applied to decorative lighting of structures and elements of structures. While emphasizing the wide range of applications, the present invention is particularly effective when employed with LEDs as the light source.

[0002]

[Background Art]

GB 2102933 discloses a lighting display arrangement made of a number of transparent polycarbonate or plastic tubes, connected by several recessed socket units of different orientation for accommodating the tubes. Have been. Each of the tubes includes a lighting bulb and an array of filament lamps or light emitting diodes (LEDs). In this application example, a free-standing framework consisting of a tube and a connecting socket unit is shown.

[0003] Known lighting products in the form of strips have a linear array of well-spaced LED chips in a closely fitted, colored plastic tube having a rectangular cross section. The width of the tube is slightly less than 1 cm, and each LED chip is visible from the outside as a separate point of light, both when not activated and when activated. Since the products are used to provide low light level safety lighting, for example, as front edge "night light" lights on steps and stairs, rectangular tubes protect low level light LED sign lights Carrier housing.

Another known product comprises small incandescent lamps spaced axially in a solid cylinder of plastic material. The bulbs are arranged in parallel as a series of sets, which are also electrically connected via a pair of longitudinally extending wires provided in the cylinder. The cylinder of plastic material effectively serves as a carrier forming a chain of separate incandescent bulbs, since each bulb stands out individually when the device is operated.

[0005]

Summary of the Invention

Applicants have discovered a novel strip fluorescent lamp for playgrounds and structures such as walls and roofs of shops, including restaurants, by virtue of the structure of the lighting tube in which a number of light emitting diodes are arranged in an elongated translucent tube. Recognize that there are various opportunities to provide lighting by This opportunity is further increased by the fact that light-emitting diodes and multicolor LED devices with substantially increased brightness over conventional devices have become available in recent years.

In one respect, the invention involves decorating or emphasizing features of a structure. In another respect, the present invention provides for securing translucent housings containing separated LEDs on the walls of various structures or frame surfaces.

The present invention is a strip illuminator, comprising an elongated housing that is at least partially translucent, a number of light sources spaced within the housing, and a light diffuser from the light sources. When dispersed or scattered and the light source is activated,
Means for providing a visible optical effect when the housing is viewed from the outside.

In certain applications, the present invention is directed to structures having one or more features that are enhanced or decorated by one or more strip lighting devices described above. .

Preferably, the emphasized or decorated features of the structure are corners or edges, for example the edges of a roof, window or door, or corners between respective walls or roof parts It is an edge. A particularly useful application is for gables or ridge lines in building roofs. The strip illuminator may be mounted along an edge or corner, or offset from the edge or corner but adjacent thereto.

[0010] The housing of the strip illuminator may be substantially white, but is preferably a color other than white. In one application of the invention, the structure is a commercial building, and the color of each housing matches or is complementary to the color of the identification or trademark symbol displayed on the building. Is selected.

[0011] Alternatively, the emphasized or decorated structure may be, for example, a pillar, fence or borrow.
der).

[0012] Mounting means may be provided including mounting rails adapted to be secured to the surface, and furthermore, the housing may be snapped or slidably engaged with the strip so that the housing is mounted on the strip. Cooperating means provided on the strip and the housing may be provided for being generally parallel to and preferably positioned thereon. Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode, or other low voltage or semiconductor device.

[0013] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a housing assembly for strip-like lighting, comprising an elongated housing comprising at least partially, preferably substantially entirely, a translucent material. On the rail and the housing for snap-fitting or sliding engagement of the housing with the mounting rail so that the housing rests generally parallel to, and preferably on, the strip. And a cooperable portion extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] The snap or sliding engagement is a longitudinally extending rib means on one of the members (hereinafter "components"), preferably a strip; This can be achieved with complementary groove means on the other. The groove means may be provided with longitudinal relief grooves arranged opposite to each other.

[0015] Advantageously, the strip includes a substantially flat back surface engaging portion for each surface to which it is secured.

Preferably, in all of the above aspects of the invention, the outer or front surface of the elongated hollow housing is defined by a dome-shaped or convex lateral segment.

[0017] Preferably, in all of the above aspects of the invention, the interior of the housing may be provided with support means for one or more webs or strips extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing. One such web or strip may be a supporting web for the light sources and the electrical connections to these light sources, and may thus incorporate a ribbon cable. A suitable support web is a printed circuit board (PCB) laminate. The web or strip may be oriented laterally at any angle to the backside, for example, parallel or perpendicular thereto,
Or they may be oriented in other manners. The light source may be located on either side or side of the support web or strip, or on both sides or both sides.

Preferably, the housings are relatively longitudinally moved in situ, such as by thermal expansion or building subsidence, while the pair of elongate housings are physically joined and engaged. Connector means are provided to enable this. If the light source is provided on a plurality of support webs or strips having a conductive surface element and extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing, preferably the support webs or strips are joined in an electrically and physically mating manner. Connectors are further provided to allow the web or strip to be relatively moved longitudinally in place while maintaining physical or electrical coupling. It is particularly advantageous to provide such movement between the housings and between the supporting webs or strips carried by the array of housings.

Further, the strip or web may be a photorefractive medium or divergent, suitably located in front of or behind the light source.

In all aspects of the invention, the housing may be hollow and / or define a passage in which the light source is located. Alternatively, the housing is substantially solid, e.g., a molded member provided with a cavity for or around a pre-positioned light source.

When the elongate housing is hollow, it is preferably a plastic (eg, polycarbonate) extruded member having a substantially uniform cross section, and is preferably translucent but not transparent. In some embodiments, a translucent and transparent housing is preferred. The housing may be substantially rigid. Suitable forms for flexible tubular segments are collapsible pleated webs or accordion structures
(concertina structure).

At present, the base strip, flexible tubing segments and coupling means are made, at least in part, of a translucent material.

The means for diffusing, dispersing or scattering may include, for example, a body portion of the housing and / or include light diffusing means provided in the passage. In a further aspect, the present invention provides a connector for physically coupling a pair of generally tubular components, which includes an integral molding, the integral molding of which has a connector therein. A pair of generally tubular portions slidably engageable with the respective tubular components so as to communicate therein, the integral molding further comprising a relatively thin wall between the generally tubular portions. The thin wall portion is elastically deformable to compensate for a relative change in the relative position of the generally tubular portion.

The material of the molding is preferably silicone rubber or the like.
In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connector for electrically and physically coupling a pair or more support strips having conductive surface elements, the connector comprising a respective end of each said strip. Overhang
A structure that defines spaced, generally parallel channels or passages open at the outer end to receive the end finger, thereby allowing the strips to be aligned and laid generally on the same plane. And a conductive contact means provided in the channel or passage for engaging complementary contacts on the strip when the protrusion is received in the channel or protrusion. And each of the contact means for one strip carried by the compact is retained by the compact for electrically connecting to one or more contact means for the other strip. Means and elastically deforming means provided on the compact for latching the compact to each of the strips.

Preferably, each of the electrical connection means is a contact as an integral conductive strip, and more preferably, the strip is mounted in a resiliently curved manner by said protrusion. Made of a suitable conductive material such as bronze or other alloy.

Preferably, the spaced channels are located along opposite sides of the integral molding,
Open laterally from the molded body. In one embodiment, these channels are provided on elongated side portions that are connected by an I or H-shaped central crosspiece.

The resiliently deformable latch means is preferably provided as a pair of bendable tongues having lugs, said tongues connecting said elongated side parts of the molded body. It is defined by slits in the web portion of the integral molding, such as by crosslinking.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to (i) a strip lighting system comprising a number of strip lighting devices as described above, and (ii) the strip lighting device and a flexible tube segment, such as the sixth of the present invention. And / or a set of components for a system including suitable coupling means, such as a connector according to the seventh aspect.

[0029]

[Preferred embodiment]

 In the following, the invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated strip lighting system 10 includes a number of light source enclosures 12, each of which is an elongated hollow including a translucent material. It has a housing 14. The housing 14 is referred to below as a light tube segment. These segments 14 are straight and substantially rigid and are connected by flexible segments 16. The light tube segments 14 define respective internal passages 13 which are spaced apart on a ribbon cable support strip 9, for example a printed circuit board (PCB) laminate, for light emitting diodes (LEDs) 8. A number of light sources of the form are arranged. These laminates are of a substantially rigid or flexible type. The LEDs are preferably surface mounted. The conductor cables printed on these strips are electrically connected to an external power / control device via junction box 20 and upright cable enclosure 22. A PCB laminate or other support strip may include local or extending layers or coatings to cooperate with the LEDs to create an optical effect such as reflection.

The light tube segments 14 are fixed to the respective surface 5 of the structure 6, each extending adjacently along the surface by a strip of the base in the form of a mounting rail 30, Light tube segment 14 may be releasably snapped onto 30. The mounting rail 30 is fixed on the surface 5 by screws or the like hidden by the mounted light pipe segments.

Other components of the strip-like lighting system shown include an end insert 40 for providing end coupling formations to the light tube segment 14 and a light tube segment in portions other than the junction box. End plug 5 to end
0 (FIG. 4), insert 40 is inserted into flexible tubular segment 16 or end plug 5.
And a locking means 60 for releasably coupling to the zero.

Each substantially rigid light tube segment 14 is a uniform, made of plastic material that is selected to be translucent to diffuse, disperse, or scatter the light emitted by the LEDs therein. An extruded member having a cross section, whereby
The tube appears to glow when viewed from the outside. In this way, an extended strip or line of illumination is provided, i.e. the tube extends over its length and appears to shine over a substantially continuous zone surrounding the contained light source. Preferably, the translucent material is such that the LED is invisible when viewed from outside the housing when not in operation and substantially invisible when viewed from outside the housing when in operation.

A suitable material is a polycarbonate-polymer composition comprising a suitable colored pigment and a titanium dioxide chalk to determine light dispersion and translucency or opacity. The color is selected to match the color of the LED, is some other color, or is white or colorless. The color is preferably stabilized by UV.
In an alternative embodiment, the material of the extruded member is effective to diffuse, disperse, or scatter the emitted light, thereby producing a sparkling effect, such as metal shavings or divergent light such as chips or dust. It may include a scattering element. In a further variation of the tube segment, the diffusion, dispersion or scattering of the LED light is facilitated by making fine grooves, ribs or other changes in the extruded segment. The material of the extruded member may include components that are optically driven by electromagnetic radiation, such as sunlight or other radiation, so that the emitted color, pattern, or other optical properties can be changed. .

A cross section of the extruded member is shown in FIG. This includes a semi-circular or semi-annular outer portion 23, generally straight side wall portions 24a, 24b, and a slightly flared (flared) thin-walled base structure 25, wherein A pair of longitudinally extending hollow ribs 27a, 27b define a central groove or channel 27.
The channel 27 has shallow clearance grooves 28a, 28b along each wall defined behind the rounded ridge portions 29a, 29b.

Within the side wall portions 24a, 24b of the light tube segment 14, there are provided a number of longitudinally extending ribs 19a, typically four as shown, which are intervening grooves. grooves) 19b are equally spaced to define 19b. These grooves are provided for mounting ribbon cable strips 9, optical radiators, strips or other components as reflectors. This is described further below.

Each mounting rail 30 is also an elongated extruded member having a uniform cross-section, formed of a material similar to light pipe segment 14. It has a main base web 31 with two integrally projecting ribs 32a, 32b in the form of a shallow V. Thereby, the lateral outer shape of this strip closely matches the shape of the side of the channel 27, and the ridge portions 29a, 29b are V
And the relief grooves 28a, 28b align with the mating rib portions 35a, 35b.

The mounting rail 30 is sized to butt-fit into the channel 27. The hollow thin wall shape of the tube segment base structure 25 and the mounting rail 30
Due to the arrangement of the upper ribs 32a and 32b, all of these components are bent and deformed, so that the light tube segment is pressed against the mounting rail in the direction of arrow 80 in FIG. Can be detachably attached to the mounting rail. The ribs 32a, 32b bend inward from one another, the hollow flanges 26a, 26b of the tube bend away, and the rib portions 35a, 35b snap over the ridges 29a, 29b into the clearance grooves 28a, 28b. To do. In this manner, the light pipe segments are secured by first fastening the mounting rails in place against the wall by fasteners 100 which are driven through the rail main web 31 and then snapping the tube segments in place. It can be mounted on a surface such as a wall. The mounting rail 30 has a smooth, flat back surface 33 for engaging a wall or outer surface on which the rail is mounted, with the fastener hidden in the assembled configuration. The mounting rail may also provide for supporting the electrical conductor in certain applications. At any time, re-arrange the strip-shaped lighting fixtures,
Alternatively, if removal is desired, the reverse snap action can be used to grasp the light tube segment 14 and pull it off the mounting rail. In order to facilitate a snap fit, the channel 2 is positioned at the position indicated by 127 in FIG.
A longitudinal slit may be provided at the center of 7.

The illustrated system provides a form of strip-like illumination configuration that matches or is complementary to the structure, or provides a particular shape, for example, a recognizable shape. It will be appreciated that it is adaptable. An advantageous application is shown in FIG. For example, a building 150, which is a store such as a restaurant,
Includes a roof 152 having an outer perimeter 153 and a corner such as a ridgeline 154 or gable 156. Some of these edges and corners are fitted with light tube segments 14 to form a strip lighting system for the roof. In this way, the strip lighting system embellishes and decorates each structure of the roof. The color of the tube segments may be selected to be complementary to the shade of the building and / or to match the color of the identification or trademark symbol displayed on the building. Of course, it will be appreciated that the strip lighting system can be applied with similar effects both inside and outside other buildings.

With a good choice of LED features, colors and spacing, the effect of the building strip lighting system shown in FIG. 3 will improve the shape of the ridgeline without being overly frizzy without dazzling. Light is emitted well without providing excessive brightness. Unwanted dark spots are eliminated or reduced. The main electrical switch board adjustment is avoided, and the inventive system does not involve undesired high maintenance and fragile neon tubes. The fixture is hidden and easy to install, and protruding structures that can catch birds are avoided. Very long continuous linear light can be achieved. On the other hand, neon tubes need to be interrupted at equal intervals by the discharge box.

In a variant, the mounting rail 30 may have integral legs or ribs, for example in a T, L or X section, for raising the rail from an edge or surface. Two rail extruded members may be provided. These variations may assist in positioning the light tube segment 14 in forming the surface mounting features, and the like. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a T section leg 129 of a mounting rail 30 for an example of application of a strip-shaped illumination to a display symbol for sales promotion. This highlights the application of the invention in general store equipment. Other applications include playgrounds that emphasize pillars or fences as well as general children's places. In an alternative application, the mounting rail may have a free standing structure.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a connector embodiment 10 for joining a pair of tubular segments 14 to form a long strip of illumination for the application as shown in FIG.
Indicates 0. The shape of this connector is simple, but is useful for adjusting the relative movement between the tube segments due to, for example, thermal expansion or contraction. The connector 100 is an integral, generally tubular molded portion of liquid silicone rubber that includes a pair of substantially identical socket portions 102, 103 connected by a relatively thin-walled central portion 104. Each of the socket portions 102, 103 has an interior shape that closely matches the exterior shape of the light tube segment 14, each of which can be slidably engaged therewith around the end of the respective light tube segment 14. Thus, the inside of the light pipe segment communicates with the inside of the connector 100.

At the inner end, each socket portion 102, 103 is connected to the end 1 of the tube segment.
An outer peripheral groove 107 for receiving and sealing the 4a is defined. A central portion 104 bridging the two flanges 106 elastically buckling,
By extending or otherwise deforming, it is thin enough to accommodate or compensate for the relative movement of the light pipe segments without removing the light pipe segments. Sliding the light pipe segment in the longitudinal direction of the groove 107 provides further compensation. The material of the connector should be selected to facilitate and optimize this role. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) is particularly suitable because of its excellent elastic memory during deformation, its ability to grasp in a sealing manner the tube segment, and its overall durability. Thus, the molded part achieves a substantially waterproof coupling with structural integrity, which can compensate for thermal expansion and movement between other tube segments 14.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show connectors for electrically and physically connecting ribbon cable support strips (typically PCB laminates) 9 in light tube segments 14 or joints therebetween. Example 110 of Example 1 is shown.

Again, the connector 110 is a one-piece molded member made of a suitable material. The shaped part defines a solid body, which is in the form of I or H, the central crosspiece 1
14, spaced apart parallel elongated side portions 112 connected by 14
And 113. The intermediate portion in the body is a substantially rectangular web portion 116,117.
Closed by Along the outside of the side portions 112, 113, respective channels 118 are provided, which open laterally of the connector. Each channel is divided by a central block lug 120. A respective spring metal strip 122 (not shown in FIG. 8, for example, phosphor bronze) is attached to the upper and lower surfaces of each channel, these being on the plug 120 and an intermediate lug 124. Under the end rib 128
Are held by the slots 126 of The ends of the channels 118 are open between the ribs 128 and the end protrusions 140 and 14 of the PCB laminate 9 (FIG. 10).
Receive 2 each. These overhangs resiliently separate the contact strips 122 and the contacts 144 on the top and bottom surfaces of the strip overhangs.
Ensure electrical contact with

The PCB laminate 9 is latched to the connector by engagement of the protrusion 132 in the alignment aperture 145 (FIG. 10) of the laminate. The protrusion 132 is provided in the slot 1
Provided on a resiliently deformable tongue 130 defined by the open edges of the web portions 116, 117 by 34. The projection 132 has a sloped outer strip surface 135 whereby the strip presses the tongue / projection pair, and the projection 132 further has a sloped inner surface 136 that provides a latching function. The tongue 130 can be manually curved to remove the component.

The connector 110 typically includes members (not shown) that prevent coupling unless the relative orientation of the strips is correct. Preferably, the connector 110 is further adapted to allow the respective laminate to move relatively longitudinally between extremes defined by cooperating abutments, for example, without being physically or electrically disconnected. I do. The connector 110 is preferably designed and tinted to minimize the likelihood of loss of uniformity in the pattern of light emitted by the connected light tube segments.

The various component sets described and illustrated herein may be transported to an appropriate location and mounted to a structure or wall in the manner described above. The connector 110 is used to bridge the diode mount through the interior of the flexible tube segment 16,
The diode is powered by the upright cable enclosure 22 and the junction box 20 (FIG. 1), which mounts at least some of the light tube segments 14. Advantageously, the level of illumination of a number of light tube segments can be adjusted at a central point to achieve a balance or to achieve a particular effect. In an alternative alternative configuration, each light tube segment or a respective subgroup of light tube segments includes a separate brightness adjuster, for example, a current level adjuster mounted on the light tube segment or adjacent mounting rail. Can have.

The light emitting diodes may be of any suitable type, for example, a set of three-color diodes currently available, but may cause excessive variations in the output between the diodes for a given current. It is desirable to avoid this and seek LED products with a long service life. The LEDs may simply be activated to provide constant and uniform illumination, or may be managed in a variable sequence by programmed logic circuits either internally or externally in the form shown. By similar means, random and variable patterns, color and shade changes, and color changes can be achieved.

The connector 100 allows the joined adjacent light pipe segments 14 to move relatively longitudinally to some extent, and the connector 110 performs a similar function between the adjacent joined PCB laminates 9 so that the system Can simultaneously compensate for or accommodate such double movements, such as due to thermal expansion or building subsidence, outside the array of tube segments 14 and inside the array of included PCB laminates. Providing such compensation is advantageous in many "real world" applications in accordance with the inventive concept.

As noted above, the light tube segment 14 includes an end insert.
40 are fitted so that they are connected to other fittings. Such a typical insert is shown in FIGS. They are one-piece molded members made of a suitable plastics material, and are preferably light tube segments 14.
And 42 and the mounting rail 30. The insert basically comprises three axially continuous parts, namely a plug part 42 and an end flange 44.
And a connector portion 46. The plug portion 42 is precisely aligned to butt-fit to any of the open ends of the light pipe segment 14 and thus has an outer shape that is complementary to the inner shape of the tube segment 14. Inside the insert, a shallow outer peripheral shoulder 29a is provided at the transition between the plug portion 42 and the flange portion 44, and a longitudinally extending convex rib 29b is provided inside the upper portion of the plug portion 42. . These structures are for arranging electrical cable ribbon connectors as needed and securing them.

The end flanges 44 extend laterally about the entire plug portion 42 and have an outer shape that closely matches the shape of each light tube segment 14. Thus, it can be snapped onto the base strip 30, if necessary, at an intermediate position on the base strip.

The connector portion 46 is a generally tubular, coaxial extension extending from the flange 44 with two additional structures at its axially outer end, ie these are the outer flanges 4.
7 and a frustoconical extension 48 of the inner bore 45 extending to the outer periphery. This extension provides an O-ring seat, as described further below. The flange 47 has a lock ring 60 placed thereon.

The light tube segments 14 assembled for installation are fitted with at least an array of light emitting diodes 8, which are mounted on a suitable cable ribbon support strip 9. Typically, this strip is mounted in the lower pair of grooves 19b. A suitable diffuser strip may be attached to another of the pair of grooves, if desired, to produce a particular effect, or a refractive media strip is typically attached to a further pair between the light emitting diodes. The diffuser strip may be attached to the curved front of the tube. Once they are in place, the insert 40 is fitted to either or both ends of the tube and the joint between the plug portions 42 on the inner surface of the tube is provided with a suitable adhesive or contact cement. Can be held by fixing them in place. Of course, other fastening and closure configurations are possible.

The orientation of the surface of the support strip 9 may be different in other embodiments. For example, this plane may be perpendicular to the surface 5 of FIG. Further, the LEDs 8 may be on either or both surfaces of the support strip 9.

The flexible tubing segment 16 is shown in FIG. 1 with its location in place, and details are shown in FIGS. 14 and 18. The flexible tube segment 16 is
A thin-walled molded part comprising a translucent material, similar to that of FIG. The overall structure has a wavy or pleated configuration that curves more than 90 ° along its axis in an accordion-like manner where the segments are flexible and can be compressed. The segment is provided with an end portion 84 that includes a tapered spigot 85 and a pair of diametrically open arched protrusions 86 that are tapered. An O-ring washer 89 between the protruding portion 86 and a very shallow inverted annular shoulder 88 at the inner end of the spigot 85 which is set back from the end portion 85
Is defined.

A further component for joining the flexible tubular segment 16 to the rigid tube segment 14 is an integrally molded lock ring 60 (FIGS. 15-17)
It is. It basically includes a bayonet socket ring 62 and a snap-fit half ring 64 with a clearance groove 65. The outer surface of the ring has integral gripping ribs 63. The bayonet socket ring 62 has diametrically opposed arched recesses 66 that are adapted to receive the projections 86 of the flexible tube segment 16. The snap-fit half ring 64 is slightly larger than the semicircle, extends up to 250 ° at the outer rim, and extends between the deformed wings 67a, 67b.

Referring now to FIG. 18, which shows, in cross-section, an assembly of the flexible tubing segment 16 with the tubing segment 14, wherein a lock ring 60 is applied to the body of the insert 40 behind the flange 47, The wings 67a, 67b are deformed such that the locking ring is snapped around the body of the insert and later retained by the engagement of the flange 47 behind the relief groove 65. The end 88 of the flexible tube segment 16 with the O-ring 90 of the washer 89 is then introduced into the lock ring by passing the projection 86 through the recess 66. By twisting both components, the O-ring 90, held on the washer 89, is clamped against the conical end face 48, thereby clamping all of the components, FIG.
Form the assembly shown in FIG. The joint preferably has a liquid seal and / or hermetic seal, especially if the system is intended for field installation.

Instead of coupling the light tube segment 14 to another tube segment 16, the tubular segment can be terminated by means of an end plug 50 (FIGS. 19-21). The end plug 50 has an end 51 similar to the end portion 84 of the flexible tubular segment 16, which includes a spigot 55, a shoulder 58, and an O-ring washer 59.
However, in this case, the lateral membrane 5 is flush with the plug end.
2 and the component ends in an outer flange 54. The assembly for the end insert 40 using the locking ring 60 and clamping the O-ring 90 is similar to that described above for the flexible tubing segment, which is shown in FIG.

The end insert 40 connects a pair of tube segments to the tubular elbow component 22.
0 (FIGS. 4, 22) can be employed to couple to each end of this elbow component 220, which defines a selected angle of curvature between the two segments. This component is rigid or flexible and may conveniently be formed of the liquid silicone rubber (LSR) described above.

An alternative to the end plug 50 is shown in FIG. 23, which includes an LSR end cap 250 that fits into the end insert 40 and may include a port 252 for a cable 254 or other component. This provides an effective liquid seal around the cable.

An alternative coupling arrangement is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Here, the light tube segment 14 is closed by a polycarbonate end cap 200 with a port 201 of a conductor pin 202. These pins 202 are held by a liquid silicone rubber coupler 204 formed in the shape of a tube segment, similar to connector 100.
The coupler 204 has a central boss 206, which holds the conductor pin 202 and projects to the port 201 to seal it. Couplers 204 surround and grasp each end cap 200.

The exemplary embodiment with confined tubes 14 and 16, separate mounting rails 30 and variously shaped connections provides a strip lighting system in which the LEDs are protected in certain environments. Can be sealed against ingress of moisture, but can be easily installed and removed. Thus, the installation is substantially permanent or simply temporary. The tubes can be easily removed individually to perform work on electrical components, such as replacing a failed diode.

The component bodies, ie pipe segments 14 and 16, mounting rail 3
0, external connector 110, end insert 40, lock ring 60 and end plug 50 can be provided in one uniform color or in a form having another color. By forming all components with an optically divergent translucent material,
Advantageously, continuous strip-like illumination can be achieved. The intensity can be easily changed by appropriately selecting the material and the form or control of the internal LED. In an alternative configuration, the tube segments 14 and mounting rails 30 can be extruded with significantly different color materials. In a further variation shown in FIG. 26, the tube segments 14 can be cut into bases 14a and caps 14b of various colors and / or materials.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a single configuration of a strip lighting system incorporating multiple light source enclosures according to an embodiment of the invention, as shown on a wall of a restaurant or other building.

FIG. 2 is a view of the end element showing the light pipe segment and the mounting rail in an engaged state.

FIG. 3 illustrates an advantageous application of a strip lighting system to illuminate a ridgeline of a building, according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the invention is applied to assembling of a display symbol unit.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing a part of the unit shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure of a connector for connecting two light pipe segments.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing the connector of FIG. 6 in place.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a connector for joining a cable ribbon support strip, which is an embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention.

9 is a side elevation view of the connector shown in FIG. 8 with the support strip inserted in place.

10 shows an end portion of a support strip slit cooperating with the connector of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an axial sectional view of the end insert.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along lines 12-12 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view showing the outer end of the end insert.

FIG. 14 is an axial cross-sectional view showing a flexible tube segment for connecting light pipe segments in an unaligned state.

FIG. 15 is an elevational view showing an end of a lock ring.

FIG. 16 is an axial sectional view of a lock ring.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 16;

18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the assembly of a pair of substantially rigid tube segments with an intervening flexible light tube segment of the form shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an end plug.

FIG. 20 is a view showing an end plug.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an end of a light tube segment by an end plug.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing an elbow.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative form of the end cap.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view showing a further alternative configuration for interconnecting two ends of a tube segment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a further alternative configuration for interconnecting two ends of a tube segment.

FIG. 26 is a partial isometric view showing a modified tube and rail assembly.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number PP 3229 (32) Priority date April 29, 1998 (1998. 4.29) (33) Priority claim country Australia (AU) (81) Designation Country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG) , CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE , DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Goddard, Kenneth Robert Australia, 3095 Victoria, Eltham, Frank Street, 15 (72) Inventor Aldis, Malcolm Wesley Australia, 3095 Eltham, Victoria, Wizards Way, 7

Claims (43)

[Claims] 1. A strip illuminator, comprising: an elongated housing that is at least partially translucent; a number of light sources spaced within the housing; and a light diffuser and diffuser from the light sources. Or means for scattering to provide a visible optical effect when the light source is activated when the housing is viewed from the outside. 2. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the housing emits light so as to form strip-shaped or linear light. 3. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a plurality of scattering elements such that the optical effect includes a sparring effect. 4. The light source of claim 1, wherein the light source is substantially invisible when viewed from outside the housing when not in operation, and substantially invisible when viewed from outside the housing when in operation. 4. The strip-shaped lighting device according to 2 or 3. 5. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the means for diffusing, dispersing, or scattering the light includes a main body portion of the housing. 6. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the means for diffusing, dispersing or scattering light includes or further includes a light diffusing means in a passage. 7. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a semiconductor device such as a light emitting diode (LED) device. 8. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface or a front surface of the elongated housing is defined by a dome-shaped or convex lateral segment. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the housing is solid and is molded around the light source or has one or more cavities for receiving the light source. The strip-shaped lighting device as described in the above. 10. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is hollow, and defines a passage extending longitudinally through the housing, and the light source is disposed in the passage. . 11. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, wherein said elongated housing is a plastic extruded member having a substantially uniform cross section. 12. When directly or indirectly dependent on claim 7, the semiconductor or LED element is disposed on a printed circuit board strip extending along the passage and mounted in the passage. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 10 or 11. 13. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising: means for attaching the housing to a surface such that the housing extends adjacently along the surface. . 14. The mounting means being on a mounting rail adapted to be secured to the surface and on the rail and the housing, wherein the housing is snap-fit or slidably engaged with the rail. 14. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 13, comprising cooperating means for making said housing generally parallel to said rail. 15. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 14, wherein the housing is placed on the rail during the engagement. 16. The snap or sliding engagement between a longitudinally extending rib means on one of the members and a complementary groove on the other. 16. The strip-shaped lighting device according to 15. 17. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 16, wherein said groove means further includes a longitudinal clearance groove disposed opposite to said groove means. 18. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising a surface providing a substantially flat back surface engaging portion when the device is secured to a surface. 19. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising means for coupling said housing to another housing or another member similar to said housing. 20. The elongated housing is physically connected to a similar housing of a further device, such that the housing can be relatively moved longitudinally in place by thermal expansion or building subsidence while maintaining the bond. 20. The strip-shaped lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a connector means for coupling to the lighting device. 21. The connector means includes an integral molding defining a pair of generally tubular portions slidably engageable with the respective housing such that their interiors communicate with the connector. The integral molding defines a relatively thin wall between the generally tubular portions, the thin walls being resilient to compensate for relative changes in the relative positions of the generally tubular portions. 21. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 20, which is deformed. 22. The unitary molded body is made of a material adapted to be gripped in a manner engaging and sealing the respective housing.
2. The strip-shaped lighting device according to 1. 23. The strip of claim 12, further comprising means for electrically and physically connecting said circuit board strip to a similar circuit board strip of a similar device to which said device is coupled. Illumination device. 24. A separate generally parallel channel open at an outer end to receive a respective end protrusion of said respective strip, said means for electrically and physically connecting. Or an integral molding having a structure defining a passageway, such that the strips are aligned and generally lie on the same plane; and when the overhang is received in the channel or overhang. A conductive contact means in said channel or passage for engaging complementary contacts on said strip; and each of the contact means of one of the strips carried by said molding,
Electrically connecting to one or more contact means of said other strip;
24. The strip illuminator of claim 23, comprising: means held by the compact; and elastic deformation means on the compact and for latching the compact to each of the strips. 25. The strip illuminator of claim 24, wherein the spaced channels are disposed along opposite sides of the integral molding and open laterally from the molding. 26. The resiliently deformable latch means may be a curved one having a projection.
26. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 24 or 25, provided as a pair of tongues, the tongues being defined by slits in the web part of the integral molding. 27. A structure having one or more structures that is accentuated or decorated by one or more strip lighting devices according to any of the preceding claims. 28. The structure of claim 27, wherein the emphasized or decorated features of the structure are corners or edges. 29. The structure of claim 28, wherein the edge is a roof, window, or door edge, or a corner of a wall or roof portion between respective walls. 30. The structure of claim 28, wherein the edge is a gable or ridgeline of a building roof. 31. The structure is a store and the color of the housing is selected to match or be complementary to the color of the identification or trademark symbol displayed on the building. 31. The structure according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the structure is formed. 32. A housing assembly for strip-like lighting, comprising: an elongated housing that is at least partially translucent material; a mounting rail; and on the rail and the housing, wherein the housing is the rail. A cooperating longitudinally extending portion for snapping or slidingly engaging said housing to said rail so as to be generally parallel to the housing. 33. The housing assembly of claim 32, wherein said housing is positioned on said rail during said engagement. 34. The snap or sliding engagement between a longitudinally extending rib means on one of the components and a complementary groove means on the other. The strip-shaped lighting device according to claim 1. 35. The housing assembly of claim 34, wherein said groove means further comprises opposed longitudinal relief groove portions. 36. The housing assembly according to any of claims 31 to 33, further comprising a surface that provides a substantially flat back engaging portion when the device is secured to the surface. 37. A housing assembly according to any of claims 31 to 36, further comprising means for coupling the housing to another similar housing or other member. 38. A strip-like lighting system, comprising: a plurality of elongated housings comprising at least partially translucent material; and support means for a plurality of spaced light sources disposed in said housing. Means provided on each of the housings, wherein when viewed from outside through a translucent material, the housing emits light and can be operated to form strip or linear light. Strip lighting system. 39. A connector for physically connecting a pair of tubular members, the connector including an integral molding, wherein the integral molding is slidably associated with each of the tubular members. A pair of generally tubular portions that are matable are defined such that their interiors communicate with the connector, and the integral molding further includes a portion of the relatively thin wall between the generally tubular portions. A connector, wherein the thin wall is elastically deformed to compensate for a relative change in a relative position of the generally tubular portion. 40. The unitary molded body is made of a material adapted to grip the respective members in a manner that engages and seals them.
A connector as described in. 41. A connector for electrically and physically coupling a pair or more support strips having conductive surface elements to receive respective end protrusions of said respective strips. An integral molding having a structure defining spaced generally parallel channels on the passage opening at the outer end, such that the strips are aligned and generally lie on the same plane; Conductive contacts provided in the channel or channel for engaging complementary contacts on the strip when the overhang is received in the channel or overhang; and retained by the molding Each of the contact means for one of the strips to be replaced by one or more contacts for the other strip A connector comprising: means for electrically connecting to the means, held by the body; and elastically deforming means on the body for latching the body to each of the strips. 42. The connector of claim 41, wherein the spaced channels are disposed along opposite sides of the integral molding and open laterally from the molding. 43. The resiliently deformable latch means is provided as a pair of bendable tongues with projections, the tongues being provided by slits in the web portion of the integral molding. 43. The connector of claim 41 or 42, as defined.