WO2010106470A1

WO2010106470A1 - Lighting system for a freezer cabinet and/or a refrigerator cabinet

Info

Publication number: WO2010106470A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/051049
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edwin P. H. Van Lier; Jacob Stegeman
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2009-03-18
Filing date: 2010-03-11
Publication date: 2010-09-23
Also published as: TW201040475A

Abstract

A refrigerator cabinet and/or a freezer cabinet is disclosed. The cabinet comprises a LED lighting system (2) including one or several LEDs (21a-b) for illuminating an interior of the cabinet. A light-appearance modifying device (1) is slidably attachable to the LED lighting system 2. The light-appearance modifying device (1) has protruding engagement members (11, 12), which are configured to engage with a guide (22) of the LED lighting system (2) for thereby being slidably attached to the LED lighting system (2). The light-appearance modifying device (1) also comprises a light-appearance modifying element, e.g. in the form of a lens (13), which is positioned to modify the illumination caused by the LED 21a of the LED lighting system 2 (when in use).

Description

Lighting system for a freezer cabinet and/or a refrigerator cabinet

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a lighting system suitable for freezer cabinets and/or refrigerator cabinets, particularly freezer cabinets and/or refrigerator cabinets that are equipped with glass-doors. The lighting system, which is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system, is configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior of the refrigerator cabinet and/or the freezer cabinet. More particularly, the present invention concerns a light-appearance modifying device, or light-appearance modifying module, which is slidably attachable to the lighting system intended for the refrigerator cabinet and/or a freezer cabinet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, refrigerators have commonly been constructed with one or two lamps, mounted onto the mullion of the door of the refrigerators for providing illumination of the refrigerators. Also, refrigerators have been constructed with movable shelves that are adapted to having the distance between adjacent shelves changed to accommodate different food heights. When such shelf is moved, the moved shelf could block light from lamps and possibly cause shade spots in the refrigerator. Further, when food is placed on the shelves, the food can sometimes interfere with the light passing through the shelf, also resulting in shade spots. All in all, this may result in relatively poor light-appearance of the light distribution pattern lighting the interior of the refrigerator.

In today's retail environment good quality of lighting is becoming increasingly important because merchandise has to be displayed to optimum effect attracting shoppers when making their purchase decisions. Furthermore, good consistent uniformity of light gives a much more professional appearance to the freezer display and/or refrigerator display in line with, e.g., brand values and company image. Thus, there is a need to provide an improved method of lighting merchandise.

In order to provide an improved method of lighting, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. has suggested a LED lighting system intended for freezer cabinets and/or refrigerator cabinets, which are commonly used in, e.g., grocery stores. Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a freezer cabinet (or refrigerator cabinet) 3 including a LED lighting system 2 of this type. This LED lighting system 2 is designed to replace tubular fluorescent lamps that were used previously inside e.g. vertical full-height freezer cabinets. The lighting system 2 may include one or several LEDs 21a-21j. Generally, LEDs have a useful life which is longer than previously used tubular fluorescent lamps Furthermore, the lighting system 2 may be connected to a LED power driver 25, as is illustrated in Figs 1 and 2. The LED power driver may, e.g., be a power driver with IOOW 24 VDC. The LED power driver 25 can be installed at the top of the freezer cabinet 3, as illustrated in Fig. 1, in order to provide electrical connections 28 to the LED lighting system 2. Alternatively, the LED power driver can be installed at the bottom of the freezer cabinet (not shown).

A LED lighting system 2 of the above-mentioned type was put on the market for the first time during the end of 2007, when such a LED lighting system 2 was selected by a grocery to light the interior of its freezer cabinets. Some of the advantages provided by this type of LED lighting system 2 is an improved visual impression of both the merchandise on display as well as the entire freezer cabinet 3. For example, the LED lighting system 2 can advantageously move the lighting effect on the products (that might be on promotion). Furthermore, the unique optical system provided by the system 2 can prevent the LEDs from being directly visible, thereby reducing any annoying glare. Yet further, this lighting system 2 can contribute to improved sustainability thanks to lower energy consumption, reduced waste, and elimination of hazardous substances, such as mercury and lead which have been used in the past.

However, there still exists a need for further improving the lighting in, e.g., retail environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it would be desirable to achieve further improved lighting of a freezer cabinet and/or a refrigerator cabinet.

In order to address this concern, there are provided a light-appearance modifying device according to the appended claim 1, a LED lighting system according to claim 11, a refrigerator cabinet according to claim 13, a freezer cabinet according to claim 14 and a combined refrigerator and freezer cabinet according to claim 15.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a light- appearance modifying device, which is slidably attachable to a LED lighting system intended for a refrigerator cabinet and/or a freezer cabinet. The LED lighting system is configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior of the refrigerator cabinet and/or the freezer cabinet. The light-appearance modifying device comprises a body having protruding engagement members, the protruding engagement members being configured to engage with a guide of the LED lighting system for thereby being slidably attached to the LED lighting system, and wherein the body comprises a light-appearance modifying element positioned to modify the light distribution pattern caused by the LED lighting system (when in use).

Since the light-appearance modifying device comprises a light-appearance modifying element positioned to modify the light distribution caused by the LED lighting system, it is possible to customize the light-appearance that lights the interior of the refrigerator cabinet and/or the freezer cabinet. Various parameters of the light distribution could be modified by means of the light-appearance modifying element, e.g., light beam width, light beam distribution, light color, light brightness, etc. Accordingly, a customizable light-appearance is realized by the exchangeable light-appearance modifying device, or module, which can be detachably attached to the lighting system. The customizable light- appearance achieved by the light-appearance modifying device is especially attractive for use in glass-door refrigerator cabinets and/or a freezer cabinets used in e.g. grocery stores, because merchandise can be lighted in an appealing and customized way. It may also be perceived as attractive to the shoppers of merchandise when the lighting differs in dependence of the displayed merchandise. Yet further, changeable lighting may be beneficial for the grocery stores, because it enables them to bring shoppers attention to selected merchandise by modifying the lighting of the selected merchandise.

According to one embodiment, the light-appearance modifying element comprises an optical element. The optical element may comprise one or several lenses. Alternatively, or additionally, the optical element may comprise one or several collimators. Yet further, the optical element may alternatively, or additionally, include a filter, a reflector, a refractor, a lightpipe, a lightguide, etc. The optical element may suitably be positioned at a center portion of the body such that, when the light-appearance modifying device, or module, is attached to the LED lighting system it is positioned at or near one of the LEDs of the LED lighting system. In this position, the optical lens can cover the LED in question along its optical axis. In this position, the optical lens is capable of modifying, e.g. changing/varying the form or qualities of, the light emitted from the LED in question by e.g. redirecting the light emitted from the LED.

According to one embodiment, the light-appearance modifying device further comprises a fitting to receive the light-appearance modifying element. For example, the light- appearance modifying element may be a light source, such as a lamp. If so, the fitting is adapted to receive the light source. Optionally, the fitting can be pivotally attached to the light-appearance modifying device for thereby enabling rotation of the fitting. Accordingly, when the light source is fitted into the fitting, the light distribution pattern provided by the light source can be rotated, such that this light distribution pattern can be directed in various directions.

According to one embodiment, the light-appearance modifying element comprises a light source. Optionally, the light source can be pivotally attached to the light- appearance modifying device for thereby enabling rotation of a light distribution pattern provided by the light source. Accordingly, when the light source is rotated the light distribution pattern can be directed in various directions.

According to one embodiment, the protruding engagement members comprise engagement hooks.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a LED lighting system intended for a refrigerator cabinet and/or a freezer cabinet, wherein the LED lighting system is configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior of the refrigerator cabinet and/or the freezer cabinet. The LED lighting system comprises a suspension element, the suspension element being attachable to a surface of the refrigerator cabinet and/or a freezer cabinet (e.g. a wall of said cabinet) in order to provide suspension for the LED lighting system; at least one LED configured to emit light for providing said light distribution pattern, and a guide configured to engage with protruding engagement members of at least one light-appearance modifying device according to the first aspect of the invention for thereby slidably attaching the least one light-appearance modifying device to the LED lighting system. According to one embodiment, the LED lighting system may comprise blocking members for preventing the light-appearance modifying device from being slidably detached from the LED lighting system.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a refrigerator cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to the second aspect of the invention. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a freezer cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to the second aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a combined refrigerator and freezer cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to the second aspect of the invention. The second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention may generally have the same features and advantages as the first aspect of the invention.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrative embodiments described hereinafter. Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail, reference being made to the drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a refrigerator (or freezer) cabinet comprising a lighting system;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a lighting system of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an embodiment of a light-appearance modifying device, which is to be attached to the lighting system of Fig. 3;

Fig. 4b schematically illustrates the light-appearance modifying device of Fig. 4a when slidably attached to the lighting system of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates another embodiment of a light-appearance modifying device when slidably attached to the lighting system of Fig. 3.

Figs. 6a-6c schematically illustrate various further applications for embodiments of the light-appearance modifying device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The various embodiments of the present invention can be used in connection with a lighting system 2 intended for a refrigerator cabinet 3 (or freezer cabinet 3), which is suitably equipped with glass-doors, such as the cabinet 3 described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. Having now indicated an example of an application for a light appearance- modifying device, exemplary embodiments of the light appearance-modifying device according to the present invention will be described in the following. However, before exemplary embodiments of the light appearance-modifying device according to the present invention are described, a lighting system 2 as illustrated in Fig. 3 will be briefly discussed in order to help the reader understand the features, advantages and principles of various embodiments of the invention.

The LED lighting system 2 is configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior 30 of the refrigerator cabinet 3 and/or the freezer cabinet 3, when in use in said cabinet 3 (see e.g. Figs. 1 and 2). The LED lighting system 2 comprises a suspension element 20 or the like. The suspension element 20 is attachable to a surface (e.g. a wall as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2) of the refrigerator cabinet 3 and/or a freezer cabinet 3 in order to provide suspension for the LED lighting system 2 when it is installed in the cabinet 3. Furthermore, the LED lighting system 2 is equipped with one or several LEDs 21a-n, each configured to emit light for providing the light distribution pattern and, accordingly, illuminate the cabinet 3 when in operation in said cabinet 3. The LED lighting system 2 also comprises a guide 22, which extends in a longitudinal direction of the LED lighting system 2. This guide 22 is arranged to engage with protruding engagement members of at least one light-appearance modifying device 1 , which will be described in further detail hereinafter. The one or several light-appearance modifying device(s) 1 can be slidably attached to the guide 22 of the LED lighting system 2.

Figs. 4a and 4b schematically illustrates a light-appearance modifying device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The light-appearance modifying device 1 is attachable to the LED lighting system 2, described in connection to Fig. 3, in a 'click-on'- manner. A body 10 of the light-appearance modifying device 1 comprises protruding engagement members 11, 12. The protruding engagement members 11, 12 are configured to engage with the guide 22 of the LED lighting system 2 for thereby being slidably attached to the LED lighting system 2. When slidably attached to the LED lighting system 2, the light- appearance modifying device 1 is movable along the full length, or almost the full length, of the sides 23, 24 of the LED lighting system 2. In other words, the guide 22 allows for a movement of the light-appearance modifying device 1 along the lighting system 2 in the longitudinal direction of the LED lighting system 2. This way, the light-appearance modifying device 1 can be adjusted in height/length by sliding.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the protruding engagement members 11, 12 may be engagement hooks which form a hook-shape. The guide 22 may have corresponding edges 26, 27 with which the hook-shaped engagement members engages when the light- appearance modifying device 1 is attached to the lighting system 2.

As can be seen in Figs 4a-b, the LED lighting system 2 may further comprise blocking members 29 for preventing the light-appearance modifying device 1 from being slidably detached from the LED lighting system (e.g. when in use).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4a-b, the body 10 comprises an optical element 13 for modifying the light distribution pattern caused by the LED lighting system 2. The optical element 13, which may suitably be a lens or a collimator, is positioned in the center portion of the body 10 such that, when the light-appearance modifying device 1 is positioned at one of the LEDs 21a-n of the lighting system 2, the optical element 13 covers the LED in question along its optical axis. In this position, the optical element 13 is configured to modify, e.g. change/vary the form or qualities of, the light emitted from the LED 21a-n in question. Accordingly, the optical element 13 is capable of changing or adjusting the lighting from the LED in question. Various parameters of the light distribution could be modified by means of the optical element 13, e.g., light beam width, light beam distribution, light color, light brightness, etc, depending on the characteristics of the optical element 13. It should be appreciated that the exact characteristics of the optical element 13 depends on the specific needs as regards the light-appearance and, hence, this should be tested and evaluated in each specific case depending on the special requirements of lighting in certain retail environments.

It should be appreciated that the optical element 13 may comprise a single component or a combination of components from the group of components comprising: a lens, a collimator, a filter, a reflector, a refractor, a lightpipe, an optical foil, a lightguide, etcetera. As the reader will understand, a customizable light-appearance can be realized by the exchangeable light-appearance modifying device 1 , or module, which can be detachably attached to the lighting system 2. This customizable light-appearance achieved by the light-appearance modifying device 1 is especially attractive for use in glass-door refrigerator cabinets 3 and/or a freezer cabinets 3 used in e.g. grocery stores, because merchandise can be lighted in an appealing and customized way. It may also be perceived as attractive to the shoppers of merchandise when the lighting differs in dependence of the displayed merchandise. Yet further, changeable lighting may be beneficial for the grocery stores, because it enables them to bring shoppers attention to selected merchandise by modifying the lighting of the selected merchandise.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a light-appearance modifying device 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. The light-appearance modifying device 1 illustrated in Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment of Figs. 4a-b in that it comprises a light source 14, such as a lamp, in contrast to the optical element 13. In this embodiment, the body 10 comprises a fitting 15 configured to receive the light source 14. The fitting 15 is preferably, but not necessarily, pivotally attached to the body 10 of the light-appearance modifying device 1. This way, rotation of the fitting can be enabled and consequently, when the light source 14 is fitted into the fitting 15, this enables of the light distribution pattern emitted from the light source 14 to be directed in various directions.

The pivotal attachment of the fitting 15 to the appearance modifying device 1 can be realized via a rod 16 as illustrated or via joint (not shown) or via any other suitable generally known principle for pivotal attachment.

The electrical connection to the light source 14 can be realized according to any previously known technique, e.g. a similar technique as for providing spotlights on spotlight ramps with electrical connection. As a mere example, one could provide electrical connections from the light source 14 and running at the back of the LED lighting system 2, which is connected to the electrical supply of :i) the cable of that LED lighting system 2 or ii) connected to the power supply for the LED lighting system 2. The light source 12 is capable of modifying the light distribution pattern already caused by the LEDs 21a-n of the LED lighting system 2 by providing additional lighting emitted by the light source 14. Thus, and as the reader will understand, a customizable light-appearance can be realized by the exchangeable light-appearance modifying device 1, or module, which can be detachably attached to the lighting system 2 in a 'click-on '-manner. This customizable light-appearance achieved by the light-appearance modifying device 1 is especially attractive for use in glass-door refrigerator cabinets and/or a freezer cabinets used in e.g. grocery stores, because merchandise can be lighted in an appealing and customized way. It may also be perceived as attractive to the shoppers of merchandise when the lighting differs in dependence of the displayed merchandise. Yet further, changeable lighting may be beneficial for the grocery stores, because it enables them to bring shoppers attention to selected merchandise by modifying the lighting of the selected merchandise.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For example, it is possible to provide a light-appearance modifying device 1 comprising a combination of the optical element 13 and the extra light source 14. Yet further, while refrigerator cabinets and freezer cabinets have mainly been referred to as separate cabinets in the foregoing description, the various embodiments of the invention can equally possible be utilized in a combined freezer and refrigerator cabinet. Even further, while refrigerator cabinets and freezer cabinets have mainly been illustrated with so-called full-height refrigerator cabinets and freezer cabinets as shown in Figs. 1-2, various embodiments of the invention can equally possible be applied in other refrigerator cabinets and freezer cabinets, such as those illustrated in Figs. 6a-6c. Fig. 6a shows a glass- door equipped full-height cabinet, Fig. 6b shows a so-called "island" cabinet and Fig. 6c shows a cabinet which is a combination of the cabinets illustrated in Figs 6a and 6b. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Furthermore, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A light-appearance modifying device (1), which is slidably attachable to a LED lighting system (2) for a refrigerator cabinet (3) and/or a freezer cabinet (3), the LED lighting system (2) being configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior (30) of the refrigerator cabinet (3) and/or the freezer cabinet (3), the light-appearance modifying device (1) comprising: a body (10) having protruding engagement members (11, 12), the protruding engagement members (11, 12) being configured to engage with a guide (22) of the LED lighting system (2) for thereby being slidably attached to the LED lighting system (2), and wherein the body (10) comprises a light-appearance modifying element (13, 14) positioned to modify the light distribution pattern caused by the LED lighting system when in use.

2. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 1, wherein the light-appearance modifying element comprises an optical element.

3. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 2, wherein the optical element comprises at least one lens.

4. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 2, wherein the optical element comprises at least one collimator.

5. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 1, wherein the light-appearance modifying device further comprises a fitting to receive the light-appearance modifying element.

6. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 5, wherein the light-appearance modifying element is a light source.

7. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 6, wherein the fitting is pivotally attached to the light-appearance modifying device for thereby enabling rotation of the fitting and accordingly, when the light source is fitted into the fitting, rotation of a light distribution pattern provided by the light source.

8. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 1, wherein the light-appearance modifying element comprises a light source.

9. The light-appearance modifying device according to claim 8, wherein the light source is pivotally attached to the light-appearance modifying device for thereby enabling rotation of a light distribution pattern provided by the light source.

10. The light-appearance modifying device according to any of the previous claims, wherein the protruding engagement members comprises engagement hooks.

11. A LED lighting system (2) for a refrigerator cabinet (3) and/or a freezer cabinet (3), wherein the LED lighting system (2) is configured to provide a light distribution pattern to light the interior (30) of the refrigerator cabinet (3) and/or the freezer cabinet (3), the LED lighting system comprising: a suspension element (20), the suspension element being attachable to a surface of the refrigerator cabinet (3) and/or a freezer cabinet (3) in order to provide suspension for the LED lighting system (2), at least one light-emitting diode, LED (21a-n), configured to emit light for providing said light distribution pattern, and a guide (22) configured to engage with protruding engagement members (11,

12) of at least one light-appearance modifying device (1) according to any of the claims 1-10 for thereby slidably attaching the least one light-appearance modifying device (1) to the LED lighting system (2).

12. The LED lighting system (2) according to claim 11, further comprising blocking members (23) for preventing the light-appearance modifying device (1) from being slidably detached from the LED lighting system (2).

13. A refrigerator cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to claim 11 or 12.

14. A freezer cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to claim 11 or 12.

15. A combined refrigerator and freezer cabinet comprising the LED lighting system according to claim 11 or 12.