WO2011136640A2

WO2011136640A2 - Roof lighting suitable for lighting from above a terrain under a roof

Info

Publication number: WO2011136640A2
Application number: PCT/NL2011/000033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rutger Emiel Van Dierendonck
Original assignee: Bever Innovations B.V.
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2011-04-27
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Also published as: WO2011136640A3; NL2004633C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a canopy lighting suitable for lighting (1) an area under a canopy from above. The canopy lighting comprises a fitting and a light source (4) supported by the fitting, wherein the fitting comprises a connection for connecting the light source to an electricity network, a holder for the light source, and a light cover (5) which partially screens the light source so that light coming from the light source is directed in a light beam toward one radiating side of the canopy lighting. This is characterized by a control unit connected to the canopy lighting for controlling the light intensity of the light source and an operating unit connected to the control unit for operating the control, which operating unit can be operated remotely of the canopy lighting. The invention also comprises an assembly of a canopy lighting and a suspension bracket, wherein the canopy lighting can be coupled to the suspension bracket.

Description

Roof lighting suitable for lighting from above a terrain under a roof

The present invention relates to a canopy lighting for lighting an area under a canopy from above, comprising:

- a fitting; and

- a light source supported by the fitting, wherein the fitting comprises :

- a connection for connecting the light source to an electricity network;

- a holder for the light source; and

- a light cover which at least partially screens the light source so that light coming from the light source is directed in a light beam toward one radiating side of the canopy lighting.

Such a canopy lighting is already known in the prior art.

An example is lighting an area under a canopy of a petrol station, such as a fuelling platform, wherein HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps, such as metal-halide lamps, are generally used. A number of canopy lights are arranged here on the underside of the canopy so that the area under the canopy is lit by the light beams from the HID lamps.

A drawback of the known canopy lighting with HID lamps is that it is necessary to work at considerable height in order to configure these HID lamps. Configuring is here understood to mean setting and changing light intensities. The canopy of a petrol station has for instance a height of about 4 metres. Working at height puts the person performing the configuration at an increased risk of a serious accident. It is therefore necessary to comply with a number of safety regulations before the person is allowed to work at height. The use of a scaffold may be mandatory here. All in all, the configuring of a canopy lighting is labour-intensive and relatively dangerous. For a canopy lighting of a petrol station it may thus be necessary to close off part of the area under the canopy for the purpose of constructing a scaffold, which is of course a drawback in operation of the petrol station.

An object of the present invention is to obviate or at least reduce the prior art drawbacks. For this purpose a canopy lighting is provided as according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by a control unit connected to the canopy lighting for controlling the light intensity of the light source, and an operating unit connected to the control unit for operating the control, which operating unit can be operated remotely of the canopy lighting. Using the control unit and the

remote-controlled operating unit it is possible to configure canopy lighting remotely. A person responsible for the configuration of the canopy lighting now no longer need carry out the configuration at height. An advantage hereof is that the configuration of the canopy lighting is less labour-intensive and work safety is increased considerably. It is no longer necessary here to close off part of the area, so that an owner of a petrol station does not lose takings due to a configuration of the canopy lighting having to be carried out.

The canopy lighting according to the invention has various preferred embodiments, which preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and/or will be apparent from the following description of several embodiments. The advantages and the inventive features of the invention in all its aspects, including the measures defined in the dependent claims, are by no means limited to the considerations stated above and/or below.

The light beam of the canopy lighting will preferably have a rectangular periphery, for instance in order to light a surface area corresponding to a fuelling location (space where a car parks during fuelling) . The rectangular periphery of the light beam of the canopy lighting is realized by an edge of the light cover with a rectangular periphery.

A preferred embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention has the feature that the light source is of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) type, and preferably comprises a number of LEDs placed adjacently of each other, preferably 50-200 LEDs, each with a power of 1.0-3.0 Watt. The use of LEDs as light source has a number of advantages over conventional lamps used as canopy lighting in petrol stations. An advantage of a LED is that a LED can be dimmed. The generally applied HID lamps cannot normally be dimmed because the technology therefor is too expensive. These lamps are therefore either on at full power or turned off. Because a LED can be dimmed, a user has the choice of adjusting the light intensity of the light emitted by the LED as desired. This is advantageous for a number of reasons. A first reason is that energy can thus be saved. In addition, a LED has a considerably longer lifespan than conventional lamps, so that less frequent (preventive) replacement of the light sources is necessary. A result hereof is that costs are saved and work at height need be carried out less frequently. Placing different LEDs adjacently of each other moreover makes it possible to adjust the colour of the canopy lighting, wherein an optimal colour can be chosen for a different situation and/or company. The LEDs are more expensive to purchase than conventional lamps used for canopy lighting. Owing to lower energy and maintenance costs this additional purchase cost is recovered within a foreseeable period of time.

It is advantageous here for the maximum power of the light source of the canopy lighting to lie in the range of 50 to 200 Watt. The light intensity of the light beam of the canopy lighting is sufficient to light an area of about 20 to 40 m² from a height of about 3.5 to 5.5 metres. A HID lamp is also larger than a LED and therefore has a larger radiation pattern than a LED. Due to the larger radiation pattern it is more difficult to direct the light of the HID lamp. The light can be directed more efficiently by using LEDs, and colour can be used. A result hereof is that less power is required. Smaller light sources further result in a more sharply delimited light beam, this light beam in turn resulting in a more sharply illuminated surface area. In addition, the light colour of the light beam emitted by the canopy lighting can be made whiter (cooler) by using LEDs, whereby fewer lux are necessary to give the same impression of degree of illumination. A desired light intensity at a determined distance from the canopy lighting lies within the range of about 200 to 400 lux.

A further embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention has the feature that a surface of the light cover facing toward the light source is provided with a reflective layer. The light from the light source is in principle directed toward one radiating side by the light cover. The light efficiency of the canopy lighting increases because of the reflective layer: this is because a substantial part of the light received by the light cover is reflected in the direction of the radiating side.

An alternative to the light cover with reflective surface is a canopy lighting wherein the light source is embodied as a collection of LEDs disposed adjacently of each other, wherein each LED element is provided with a small' lens which immediately directs the light of the LED in a narrow beam.

Yet another preferred embodiment has the feature that the operating unit and the control unit are wirelessly connected. The operating unit and the control unit are preferably connected wirelessly by means of an infrared signal. The canopy lighting is provided for this purpose with an infrared receiver and the operating unit is provided with an infrared transmitter. The control unit is coupled here to the infrared receiver. A visually discernible light signal is preferably generated from the canopy lighting when the transmitted signal is received.

A user can thus configure a canopy lighting remotely by simply directing the infrared transmitter of the operating unit at the infrared receiver of the canopy lighting. An advantage hereof is that it is immediately visible to the user which canopy lighting is being configured. The infrared technique has an additional advantage here compared to the radiographic technique, wherein a specific frequency setting is necessary to address a specific canopy lighting among a number of canopy lights. Such an addressing by means of setting the transmitted signal is not necessary using infrared technique; merely directing the infrared transmitter at the specific canopy lighting is sufficient. A one-way protocol is preferably used to transmit the infrared signal.

It is advantageous here for properties of the light source to be regulated using the control unit, such as: high and low level light intensity, speed of increase and decrease in light intensity. Such properties have particularly at night a considerable influence on the atmosphere created by the canopy lighting and the sense of safety. It is of further importance that, when a car is for instance driven under a canopy of a petrol station, the light reaches a desired lighting level within an acceptable period of time. If this were to take place too quickly, a driver could be startled. If the light intensity were to increase too slowly, it is then possible that the driver would have to wait until the area, or at least the part where for instance the car is parked, is sufficiently illuminated.

Yet another embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention has the feature that the canopy lighting comprises a motion detector for detecting radiation from objects, this detector being connected to the control. It is advantageous here for the motion detector to detect radiation in an area illuminated by the light beam coming from the light source. By providing the canopy lighting with a motion sensor the light level can be increased when this is actually necessary, for instance when a car is driven onto a fuelling platform. Radiation from objects is understood here to mean for instance infrared radiation. An advantage hereof is that it is possible to leave the lighting on for a predetermined time period following detection, or last detection, of an object. A result hereof is that the canopy lighting operates at high power as little as possible, whereby the lifespan of the light sources is increased and energy consumption reduced. It is further recommended that the motion detector is a passive infrared sensor. A passive infrared sensor is a generally known sensor and the operation thereof is known. The sensor is further known to be reliable and to function well.

A further embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention has the feature that the canopy lighting comprises a delimiter for delimiting a detection range of the detector. In preference the detection range substantially corresponds to the surface illuminated by the light beam coming from the light source. The detection range is defined here as the range within which the motion detector detects possible objects. It is therefore desirable that the canopy lighting for a fuelling location comes on only when a vehicle is actually present. The canopy lighting is in this way prevented from coming on unnecessarily when a vehicle appears at another fuelling location .

Yet another embodiment of the invention comprises a heat sensor for measuring the temperature of the light source. It is favourable here for the canopy lighting to comprise a memory unit for storing temperature data based on the measurements of the heat sensor during the period of use of a light source. The memory unit preferably stores every half-hour what the maximum temperature and what the average temperature have been.

On the basis of such stored temperature data it is possible to deduce whether the lighting is approaching its maximum lifespan. Preventive replacement of the light sources is thus possible. The memory unit can moreover optionally store data relating to the power consumed by the canopy lighting. It is thus easily possible to establish what the energy consumption of the canopy lighting has been and whether this has for instance resulted in savings .

The memory unit can be read in usual ways, for instance by infrared technique. The canopy lighting is provided for this purpose with an infrared transmitter connected electronically to the memory unit. The infrared signal with data from the memory unit can be received by an infrared receiver integrated for instance into the operating unit.

The invention thus provides a simple system with which a canopy lighting can be configured, while the lifespan and the consumption of the canopy lighting can moreover be monitored in simple manner.

A further embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention comprises a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the canopy lighting and ambient air. A part of the electrical energy consumed by the canopy lighting is released as heat. The lighting can relinquish (excess) heat to the surrounding area in relatively simple manner by providing the canopy lighting with a heat exchanger. An advantage hereof is that there is a decreased risk of damage caused by overheating inside the canopy lighting.

Yet another embodiment of the canopy lighting according to the invention comprises a housing which encloses the fitting on the side of the light cover remote from the fitting. It is favourable here for the housing to comprise a transparent window on the radiating side of the canopy lighting. A canopy lighting is generally exposed to the outside air. Sand or water can here be thrown against the canopy lighting by the wind. The outside influences on the lighting are considerably reduced by the housing. A result hereof is that the chance of failure or malfunction decreases considerably. The window can further be manufactured from hardened glass so that this window can withstand the high temperatures caused by the light source. It is noted that it is possible to fill a space between the window and the side of the light cover facing toward the light source with an inert gas such as nitrogen. An advantage hereof is that the formation of condensation on the inner side of the window is prevented, or at least reduced.

It is advantageous here for the canopy lighting to comprise a suspension means. The canopy lighting can preferably be coupled to a suspension bracket. The suspension bracket shown in the figures makes it is possible to hang the canopy lighting in two steps. An advantage hereof is that it is relatively easy to attach such a canopy lighting to an underside of a canopy, as is described with reference to Fig. 3.

Following the foregoing elucidation of main points of the present invention, an embodiment of the invention will be described hereinbelow in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the same or similar parts, aspects and components are designated with the same reference numerals, and wherein the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited in any way to any of the shown or described embodiments, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of canopy lighting according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a side view of canopy lighting according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows canopy lighting with a suspension means and a suspension bracket; and

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a light source.

The Figures will be separately further elucidated hereinbelow .

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a canopy lighting 1. Canopy lighting 1 is provided with a housing 2 for protection against outside influences. Canopy lighting 1 is further provided with a transparent window 3. During use this window 3 is generally directed toward an area under a canopy. Canopy lighting 1 is provided with a light source 4 which in this embodiment comprises a number of LEDs, preferably 75-100 LEDs, each with a power of 1.5 Watt. Arranged around light source 4 is a rectangular light cover 5 which partially encloses light source 4. Light cover 5 is provided on a side facing toward light source 4 with a reflective layer. The reflective layer has the purpose of directing light emitted by light source 4. Canopy lighting 1 is further provided with a motion sensor and a delimiter (not shown separately) which are shown here as a unit 6.

Figure 2 is a side view of canopy lighting 1. Housing 2 of the lighting is clearly visible. Provided on a top side of canopy lighting 1 in the Figure is a heat exchanger 7 for exchange of heat between canopy lighting 1 and the surrounding area. In this Figure the canopy lighting will emit light on one side L.

Fig. 3A and 3B show the steps of hanging canopy lighting 1 on an underside 9 of a canopy. A suspension means 11 of canopy lighting 1 is hung on one side from a suspension bracket. Canopy lighting 1 can then hang freely so that the installer can finish other jobs, such as connecting wiring 12. When the other jobs have been completed, the other side of suspension means 11 can be suspended from suspension bracket 10 and the two are mutually connected using a fixing means 13, as indicated with arrow 8. Canopy lighting 1 is now firmly connected to the underside 9 of the canopy.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of light source 4. The Figure shows clearly how light source 4 is assembled from a number of LEDs 14. The LEDs can have random colours, and the differently coloured LEDs 14 can in turn be arranged in a random pattern.

The number of LEDs 14 depends on the conditions of use and the wishes of a user.

The canopy lighting can for instance be used for lighting factory premises or sports halls. It is further possible for a number of canopy lights to be connected to each other such that one co-acting whole is created.

Claims

1. Canopy lighting suitable for lighting an area under a canopy from above, comprising:

5 - a fitting; and

- a light source supported by the fitting, wherein the fitting comprises:

- a connection for connecting the light source to an electricity network;

10 - a holder for the light source; and

- a light cover which at least partially screens the light source so that light coming from the light source is directed in a light beam toward one radiating side of the canopy lighting, characterized by

15 - a control unit connected to the canopy lighting for controlling the light intensity of the light source;

- and an operating unit connected to the control unit for operating the control, which operating unit can be operated remotely of the canopy lighting.

20 2. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is of the LED type, and preferably comprises a number of LEDs positioned adjacently of each other.

3. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 2, wherein the maximum power of the light source of the canopy lighting lies

25 in the range of 50 to 200 Watt.

4. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the light intensity of the light beam is sufficient to light an area of about 20 to 40 m² from a height of about 3.5 to 5.5 metres.

30 5. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a surface of the light cover facing toward the light source is provided with a reflective layer.

6. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the operating unit and the control unit are

35- wirelessly connected.

7. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 6, wherein the operating unit and the control unit are connected wirelessly by means of an infrared signal.

8. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein properties of the light source are regulated using the control unit, such as: high and low level light intensity, speed of increase and decrease in light intensity.

9. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a motion detector for detecting radiation from objects, this detector being connected to the control .

10. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 9, wherein the motion detector detects radiation in an area illuminated by the light beam coming from the light source.

11. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the motion detector is a passive infrared sensor.

12. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the claims 9 to 11, further comprising a delimiter for delimiting a detection range of the detector.

13. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 12, wherein the detection range substantially corresponds to the surface illuminated by the light beam coming from the light source.

14. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a heat sensor for measuring the temperature of the light source.

15. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a memory unit for storing temperature data based on the measurements of the heat sensor during the period of use of a light source.

16. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a heat exchanger for heat exchange between the canopy lighting and ambient air.

17. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising a housing which encloses the canopy lighting on the side of the light cover remote from the light source .

18. Canopy lighting as claimed in claim 17, wherein the housing comprises a transparent window on the radiating side of the canopy lighting.

19. Canopy lighting as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the canopy lighting comprises a suspension means .

20. Assembly of a canopy lighting as claimed in claim 18 and a suspension bracket, wherein the canopy lighting can be coupled to the suspension bracket.