WO2016122375A1

WO2016122375A1 - A modular lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2016122375A1
Application number: PCT/SE2016/050005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael GRAHM; Martin Robertsson; Magnus Sjöberg
Original assignee: Aura Light International Ab
Priority date: 2015-01-26
Filing date: 2016-01-08
Publication date: 2016-08-04
Also published as: SE538788C2; SE538788C3; SE1550074A1

Abstract

The present invention regards a modular lighting system comprising an modular lighting system comprising an elongated box-like support module (3) made integral in one piece comprising a lighting grid member (15), an interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) comprising a self-contained electrical supply means (37) and an electrical coupling member (35), which are electrically connected to each other and both being mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19). The electrical coupling member (35) is arranged for providing electrical contact with a light source (7) when the latter is fitted into the modular lighting system (1), wherein the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) comprises a suspension means (44, 46, 97) adapted to suspension mounting.

Description

A modular lighting system

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular lighting system according to the preamble of claim 1 .

The invention primarily regards electric light fittings and/or luminaire lights for ceilings and concerns manufacturers for producing such products.

BACKGROUND ART

US 2004/0184264 discloses a linear light system, which is designed to be suspended from a ceiling. Pre-wired sections of elongated modules are transported to the building site and assembled section-by-section. The system disclosed in US 2004/0184264 solves the problem how to provide more flexibility in common systems. The proposed solution is to provide three main components in the system, which components include an interchangeable light fixture body module, an interchangeably power module, and a support module.

Prior art luminaire light designs are heavy and difficult to handle. The systems are costly to manufacture and assembly before installation. They are regarded as bulky when dismounted, which make them less suitable for cost-effective transportation.

Furthermore, prior art designs require authorized electrical personal to remove and change electrical components of the system, e.g. transformers, drivers, switches, relays etc.

An object of the present invention is to provide a modular lighting system, that is easy to handle in installation and that simplifies handling in regard to

maintenance service.

A further object is to provide a modular lighting system being possible to manufacture in a cost-effective way. A yet further object is to minimize drawbacks of known techniques and increase efficiency in the manufacture of modular lighting systems in view of saving costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a modular lighting system as defined in the introduction, which system being characterized by the features of claim 1 .

In such way there is achieved an elongated box-like support module made in one piece. The manufacture of the lighting grid is performed so that the lighting grid is integrally made with the elongated box-like (preferably comprising two elongated side walls and a bottom section) support module. This will promote a rigid and firm modular lighting system (stiffened elongated box-like support module) which is easy to handle and cost-effective to manufacture. By making the lighting grid as an integral part of the elongated box-like support module, the elongated side walls and the bottom section are stiffened by the lighting grid. The module can thus be made with a few number of production steps.

Suitable, the grid is made of the same material as that of the other walls and sections of the elongated box-like support module.

By stiffening the elongated side walls and bottom section of the elongated boxlike support module by means of making the lighting grid integral with the elongated box-like support module, the side walls and bottom section (lower side) can be made with less weight still achieving a rigid and firm modular lighting system. This promotes for a simplified handling in installation work.

Preferably, the modular lighting system comprises a second end coupling fixture body, alternatively the second end coupling fixture body comprises a

suspension means adapted to suspension mounting.

Suitably, the modular lighting system comprises an elongated reflector means dismountable arranged to the elongated box-like support module. Preferably, the modular lighting system comprises an elongated light source compartment defined in length by the distance between a first light source holding element rigidly mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and a second light source holding element mounted to the second end coupling fixture body.

Suitably, the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body are dismountable arranged into the elongated box-like support module by sliding them (in longitudinal direction) into a respectively end position along interior guide (such as grooves or flanges) means (defining a first and second interface between the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the respective side wall) arranged to the side walls. The distance between the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body preferably defines the length of the elongated light source compartment.

Alternatively, the elongated reflector means is dismountable arranged on upper side of the elongated box-like support module between the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body. Base fundaments of respective end coupling fixture body serve as upper end covers, which together with the elongated reflector means form a common upper cover of the elongated box-like support module.

Suitably, the upper face of the base fundament (of the first end coupling fixture body) serves as a portion of the upper cover and the lower face of the base fundament serves as mounting substrate for mounting of the self-contained electrical supply means.

Preferably, in said end position lugs (e.g. six lugs) of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body are arranged for engagement in corresponding apertures of the side walls within the areas of said first and second interface.

In such way is provided that easy handling in installation is achieved without any need of tools. Suitably, the elongated reflector means is dismountable arranged to the elongated box-like support and is reachable from an upper section of the elongated box-like support module opposite the lighting grid of the bottom section. The elongated reflector means may be hold in place onto the elongated box-like support by means of gravity force and fitted into the elongated box-like support by means of corresponding guidance means (e.g. shoulders or flanges) of the latter for supporting the elongated reflector means.

Preferably, the suspension means is designed to be detachable coupled to a ceiling beam coupling system.

Suitably, the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body comprises foldable suspension members (i.e. sheet forming a hook) and/or the second end coupling fixture body comprises foldable suspension members (i.e. sheet forming a hook).

Alternatively, the suspension means is a face sheet member, which at its upper end opposite its lower end (joining the elongated box-like support end) is arranged with a hook member.

Preferably, the hook member is adapted to be able to engage a flange of a ceiling beam of a ceiling beam coupling system and a lower web of said ceiling beam is planar in level with the bottom section and/or the lighting grid.

Suitably, a first suspension means is made in one piece with the

interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and a second suspension means is made in one piece with the second end coupling fixture body.

Preferably, the respective suspension member is foldable arranged to the respective interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body. That is, the unfolded suspension means (face sheet) is planar with the base fundament. In such way is achieved a modular lighting system that can be transported in a minimal bulky package.

Suitably, the elongated light source compartment, defined in length by the distance between the first light source holding element and the second light source holding element body, is adapted to receive an elongated retrofit tubular LED-lamp or fluorescent tube.

Alternatively, the second light source holding element body comprises an aperture corresponding to an end protrusion of the LED-lamp.

Preferably, the electrical coupling member is adapted for a detachable snug-fit electrical contact with the light source. Suitably, the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body are adapted to be dismountable connected to a first and a second end of the body for making the elongated box-like support module rigidly structural. Alternatively, the first light source holding element is provided to a transverse face portion of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and faces the second light source holding element provided to a transverse face portion of the second end coupling fixture body. Thereby is achieved that the modular lighting system can be assembled without any tools, still the elongated box-like support module will be rigid due to said transverse face portions.

Suitably, the self-contained electrical supply means, such as a driver unit or other electrical units, and the electrical coupling member (electrical coupling for providing electrical contact between the light source and the self-contained electrical supply means) are rigidly fastened to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and being covered by the two elongated side walls of the elongated box-like support module. The self-contained electrical supply means is electrically connected to the electrical coupling member.

Preferably, the self-contained electrical supply means comprises a contact member adapted to be connectable to a contact element of a general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply for electrical transferring of current.

Suitably, the contact member comprises a plug member and the contact element comprises a socket member. Exposed pins of the plug member are not energized, wherein safe handling is provided.

In such way is provided a service friendly modular lightning system connectable to a primary alternating current (AC) power supply in a building.

There is achieved that an user (without specific authorization) safely can replace a defect driver unit by just unplugging the contact member from the contact element, remove the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body comprising the defect driver unit, mount a brand-new interchangeable first end coupling fixture body comprising a new driver unit into end position within the elongated box-like support module and plug in the contact member belonging to the new interchangeable first end coupling fixture body to the contact element.

In such way there is not required any authorized electrical personal to remove and change electrical components or driver electronics of the system.

Alternatively, the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body comprises a sheet material being bent in Z-shape forming a base fundament, a first and second flange end.

Preferably, the base fundament exhibits said lower face providing a support for permanently mounted sealed driver electronics and said upper face.

Suitably, the upper face forms a portion of an upper side of the elongated boxlike support module, wherein the reflector means is detachable mounted to the upper side of the elongated box-like support module and rests with its elongated (long) side edges onto the elongated box-like support module lower side (or lightning grid). Preferably, the first and second end coupling fixture body each comprises integrated suspension member for mounting of the elongated box-like support module to a respective beam of a grid-shaped cross-joint beam ceiling assembly. By making the suspension member and the first and second end coupling fixture body respectively in one piece, the dismounting and assembly of the modular lighting system can be simplified.

Suitably, the self-contained electrical supply means comprises a transformer device and/or driver apparatus.

By such arrangement a low voltage light source can be fed with current from a general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply. Suitably, the sheet structures of the first and second end coupling fixture bodies and elongated box-like support are made of the same sheet material and of the same design (made by same stamping/folding procedure).

Thereby there is achieved a cost-effective production of the modular lighting system.

Preferably, the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture bodies comprises a sheet material formed with ZED-profile. Suitably, the web of the ZED-profile forms a base fundament sheet comprising the self-contained electrical supply means and the profile further forms a first flange comprising the electrical coupling member facing the elongated light source compartment and forms a second flange constituting said suspension means. Preferably, the modular lighting system comprises a plurality of spare parts of interchangeable first end coupling fixture bodies each comprising said rigidly mounted self-contained electrical supply means, electrical coupling member and first light source holding element.

By such means is provided that cost-effective maintenance in service will be achieved for a LED-electric fitting modular lighting system using current from a general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply by easy replacing the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body to a brand-new (or somewhat used) interchangeable first end coupling fixture body. When the new

interchangeable first end coupling fixture body is positioned in said end position within the elongated box-like support module, the first light source holding element automatically will be positioned in a predetermined position for subsequently holding the light source to be mounted. This is provided by the fixed mounting of the first light source holding element onto the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and by that the latter is fixed to the end position in the elongated box-like support module and by that the fixed mounting of the second light source holding element (could be a slot cut in the sheet material) of the second end coupling fixture body and by that the latter is fixed to an end position in the elongated box-like support module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of examples with

references to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates in a perspective view a modular lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGs. 2a to 2d illustrate in cross-section maintenance service of a modular lighting system according to one aspect;

FIGs. 3a to 3b illustrate one aspect of the invention; FIG. 4 illustrates in cross sectional view a modular lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGs. 5a to 5c illustrate transportation mode of the modular lighting system according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIGs. 6a to 6b illustrate in cross-section replacement of a driver unit according to one further aspect;

FIGs. 7a to 7c illustrate yet three further aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates from above in perspective view an end portion of an elongated box-like support made integral with a lighting grid;

FIG. 9 illustrates in perspective view the box-like support shown in FIG. 8 with a docked interchangeable first end coupling fixture body fixedly mounted therein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram in steps producing the elongated box-like support comprising the integral lighting grid;

FIG. 1 1 illustrates a cross-section of an electric fitting according to one aspect; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of an electric fitting according to one further aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein for the sake of clarity and understanding of the invention some details of no importance are deleted from the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates in a perspective view a modular lighting system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention. The modular lighting system 1 comprises an electric fitting 3 adapted to be mounted to and suspended from a ceiling beam system 5. The electric fitting 3 is arranged for fitting of a tubular LED-lamp 7. The electric fitting 3 comprises a housing 9 made of sheet blank forming a bottom section 13 (lower side) having a grid 15 and two side-walls 17', 17". The grid 15 is made integrally in one piece with the bottom section 13 (lower side opposite an upper side 14) for stiffening the housing 9. A first end body 19 is arranged at a first end 20 of the electric fitting 3 and partly inserted between the two side-walls 17, 17". The first end body 19 comprises a base fundament 23 and a first 25 and second 27 flange end extending in opposite directions an being arranged offset relative each other. A second end body 21 is arranged at a second 22 end of the electric fitting 3 and partly inserted between the two side-wall 17', 17". The first 19 and second 21 end body comprises a ZED- shaped (bent) sheet material 28 (e.g. metal or plastic). A reflector 29 is dismountable arranged for forming a portion of the upper side 14 of the housing 9 between the end bodies 19, 21 . The base fundaments 23 of respective end body 19, 21 serve as upper end covers 31 , which together with the reflector 29 form a common upper cover UC of the housing 9. Flanges (or grooves) 33 are arranged inside the side walls 17', 17" at the first and second end 20, 22 of the housing 9 for engaging the respective first 19 and second 21 end body. An electrical contact 35 is rigidly mounted to the second flange end 27 of the first end body 19. Tongues (not shown) are provided to the first end body 19 for engagement with corresponding apertures (not shown) of the side-walls 17', 17" at the first end 20 for locking the first end body 19 in an end position. The end position is determined so that when the first end body 19 is locked in the end position, the electrical contact 35 will engage a contact of a contact surface of a mounted LED-lamp 7. The electrical contact 35 is adapted to provide contact with the LED-lamp after fitting. A capsulated LED driver transformer 37 is rigidly fastened onto the base fundament 23 of the first end body 19. The electrical contact 35 is coupled to the capsulated LED driver transformer 37 via

permanently sealed electrical cables 38. A first light socket 39' is rigidly mounted to the the second flange end 27 of the first end body 19 and a second light socket 39" is rigidly mounted to the second end body 21 to hold the LED- lamp 7 and to allow for its replacement. The space between the first 39' and second 39" light socket forms an elongated light source compartment 41. The length of the compartment 41 corresponds to the distance between the first 39' and second light socket 39" and essentially to the length of the LED-lamp 7. When the first and second end body 19, 21 are fixed in respective end position, the electric fitting 3 is ready to receive and hold the LED-lamp 7. The

capsulated LED driver transformer 37 comprises a contact member 45 adapted to be connectable to a contact element 47 of a general-purpose alternating- current electric power supply (not shown) for electrical transferring of current. The respective first flange 25 of the first and second end body 19, 21 is foldable. The first flange 25 can be pivoted to be in the same plane as the base fundament 23. This provides a transportation package not being bulky but rather suitable for compact storage and transport. The first and second flange 25, 27 comprises an end edge 43, which is formed with a hook 44 for mounting the electric fitting 3 to the ceiling beam system 5.

FIGs. 2a to 2d illustrate an example of how to change electronics of the electric fitting 3. FIG. 2a illustrates one aspect of the modular lighting system 1 according to the invention. An interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprises a self-contained electrical supply means 37 and an electrical coupling member 35, which are electrically connected to each other and both being rigidly mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19. The self-contained electrical supply means 37 comprises a contact member 45 adapted to be connectable to a contact element 47 of a general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply (not shown) for electrical transferring of current. In Fig. 2b is shown that in a first step the electric fitting 3 has been taken down from the ceiling beam by disengaging a hook 44 of the

interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 from a beam flange. In a next step the contact member 45 is disconnected from the contact element 47. In a yet further step a latch 50 is released by a finger of an user (not shown) so that the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 can be freely undocked from the housing 9 of the electric fitting 3 as can be seen in Fig. 2c. The user replaces the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 with a new interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19' comprising a brand-new self- contained electrical supply means 37', an electrical coupling member 35' and a new contact member 45'. The user mounts and pushes the new

interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19' until it finds its end position being determined so that the electrical contact 35' will contact a contact of a contact surface of a mounted LED-lamp or other light source when mounted. The end position is determined by a stop member 61 and the latch 50. The contact member 45' is plugged into the contact element 47 (see FIG. 2b) and the electric fitting 3 is hanged into place in the ceiling by hanging the hook 44' of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19' to the ceiling beam.

FIG. 3a illustrates from below a detachable modular lighting system as part of a ceiling beam system 5 according to one aspect of the invention. Four electric fittings 3 (and two electric fittings illustrated with dashed lines) are mounted to the ceiling beams. FIG. 3b illustrates an interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 and an elongated box-like support module 3. The elongated box-like support module 3 is cost-effective manufactured by forming a U-profile of sheet blank material and making it integral with a grid 15 for simplifying the manufacture and to enhancing the strength of the elongated box-like support module 3. The fulfilled docking of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 into the first end 20 of the elongated box-like support module 3 implies that the elongated box-like support module 3 further will be stabilized and strengthened. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprises a sheet material 28 being bent in Z-shape forming a base fundament 23 and a first 25 and second 27 flange end. The base fundament 23 exhibits a back side providing a support surface for a permanently mounted sealed driver 37 and further exhibits an upper side 16, which will form a portion of an upper side 14 of the elongated box-like support module 3. A reflector is 29 is detachable mounted to the upper side 14 and rests with its short edges 30 (its opposite ends, just one seen in a direction along the longitudinal axis X) onto the upper side 16 of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19. By using the base fundament 23 as a part of the upper side 14 material and weight can be saved. FIG. 4 illustrates in cross sectional view a modular lighting system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention. The electric fitting 3' is a multi-lamp lighting comprising a first and second end body 19", 21 ". A combined driver and contact/holder unit 70 is rigidly mounted and sealed to the respectively first and second end body 19', 21 '.

FIG. 5a illustrates an interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprising sealed electronics (self-contained electrical supply means 37, electrical coupling member 35, contact member 45) rigidly mounted thereon and prepared to be coupled to a general-purpose alternating-current electric power supply. FIG. 5b illustrates the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 in a flat state (unfolded) before folding up the first flange 25 comprising the suspension means 46. FIG. 5c shows an example of flat packages suitable for transport, each package comprising the housing 9, first and second end body 19, 21 and reflector 29. The first flanges 25 are unfolded. The first flange 25 is joined to the base fundament (sheet face of same material as the first flange) via flexible joint or hinge 42 (see FIG. 5b).

FIGs. 6a to 6b illustrate in cross-section the replacement of a driver unit according to one further aspect. FIG. 6a shows demounting of the electric fitting 3. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 in this embodiment comprises a U-shaped sheet material 28' and a compact driver 37. In FIG. 6b is shown removal of the reflector 29 by just lifting it from the housing 9 without any tools. Thereafter the LED-lamp 7 easily can be changed from above. If there is a need for changing the driver 37, the first end body 19 just being undocked in a direction W and replaced by a new first end body comprising a new driver.

FIG. 7a shows a further aspect of the present invention. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 in this embodiment comprises an L-shaped sheet material 28" to be locked in end position. The grid 15 has a prolongation in the longitudinal direction extending between flanges 27' of the respective end body 19 (only one is shown). The fixture body 19 is tilted and released from housing 9 over tilting point T. A suspension means 46' is formed of the sheet material 28" for insertion into a ceiling aperture. FIG. 7b shows yet a further aspect of the present invention. In this case the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprises a plane sheet material 28"' onto which a sealed combined driver and contact/lamp-holder unit 70' is permanently mounted. A brand-new interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprising a new permanently mounted unit 70' is docked into the housing 9. FIG. 7c shows a further aspect wherein the a driver and contact unit is mounted on a substrate comprising a foldable web.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first end 20 of an elongated box-like support 3 made integral with a lighting grid 15, both made integral in metal sheet in one piece. The elongated box-like support 3 is folded as U-profile with guide flanges 90 for guiding the docking and for fixedly holding of an interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 (see FIG. 9). The lighting grid 15 is produced by metal stamping of the blank metal sheet material into a lower side 13 to put out apertures 91 and form lamella segments 92 each exhibiting a semi-circular opening 93, partly through which a tubular LED-lamp may extend. Thereafter bending/folding of said lamella segments 92 is performed so that they extend orthogonally relatively to the plane of the lower side 13. Bending/folding is performed simultaneously for forming the side walls 17', 17" merging with the lower side 13. Thereby is achieved a cost-effective method for producing a modular lighting system by stamping and bending/folding of a sheet material in a single stage procedure. At the same time there is achieved a rigid elongated box-like support 3 comprising the integral lighting grid 15. Each guide flange 90 comprises three locking slots 94 having guidance lugs 96 arranged to receive and guide corresponding flexible locking tongues 95 of a base fundament 23 (see FIG. 9) of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 for locking the latter into an end position in the elongated box-like support 3. The guide flanges 90 and the guidance lugs 96 and locking slots 94 are preferably also folded and stamped in the same stamping procedure. By this means no screws or other fastening members have to be used for assembly of the electric fitting (modular lighting system). Just a set of the guidance lugs 96 and locking slots 94 and locking tongues 95 has to be used for assembly. And can be operated manually without tools. The number of slots and tongues may vary. In one preferred embodiment there are six locking tongues 95 (three at each side meeting respective guide flange locking slots 94) of respective end coupling fixture body 19, 21 .

FIG. 9 illustrates in perspective view an end portion of the box-like support 3 shown in FIG. 8. An interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 is docked into and fixedly mounted to the first end 20. A suspension means comprises a first flange 25 of the body 19 and is formed as a (with two 90 degrees corners) folded hook member 97 in one folding step.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of producing the elongated box-like support 3 comprising the integral lighting grid 15 according to one aspect of the present invention. Step 101 marks the starting of the procedure. A sheet metal is formed by means of metal stamping in performing Step 102 for producing the apertures 91 and forming the lamella segments 92 at the same time as the locking slots 94 are put out for arranging of guidance lugs 96 in the respective locking slots 94. The method requires a stamping press and die corresponding to the design to be achieved. A steel punch forces the die into the blank sheet material with high pressure cutting out the material to be removed. In Step 103 a folding procedure is performed for folding the lamella segments 92 to extend

orthogonally from the lower side 13 and in Step 104 the sheet metal is folded forming side walls 17', 17" and also forming the guide flanges 90, wherein the side walls 17', 17" merging with the lower side 13 and extend orthogonally therefrom. In Step 105 the elongated box-like support 3 is painted. In Step 106 the method is stopped and the elongated box-like support 3 is finished. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 and the second end coupling fixture body 21 also comprise sheet material subjected to metal stamp performance and bent to identical shapes. An aperture corresponding to a holder projection of a LED-lamp may be provided in the second flange of the second end coupling fixture body 21 .

After the procedure of stamping and folding the bodies 19, 21 , mounting of the self-contained electrical supply means 37, the electrical coupling member 35, and the second light source holding element is performed onto the second end coupling fixture body 21. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 and the second end coupling fixture body 21 can thereby be produced cost- effective in the same stamping/folding procedure. The self-contained electrical supply means 37 may be permanently riveted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19.

FIG. 1 1 illustrates a cross-section of an electric fitting according to one aspect. A box module 3 encompasses a grid 15 (integrally made with the box module). A reflector 29 is positioned onto the bottom 13 of the box module 3.

FIG. 12 illustrates a modular lighting system comprising an elongated box-like support module 3 made integral in one piece comprising a lighting grid member 15. An interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprising a self- contained electrical supply means (could be a LED-driver) 37 and an electrical coupling member 35, which are electrically connected to each other and both being rigidly mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 is demountable docked into the box module 3. The motion of docking is performed in the direction of arrow D. In an end position (not shown) is the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 locked in the box module 3. The electrical coupling member 35 is arranged for providing electrical contact with a light source 7 when the latter is fitted into the modular lighting system 1 . The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body 19 comprises a foldable suspension means 44 adapted to suspension mounting. A second end 22 of the box module 3 is also arranged with a foldable suspension means 100.

The present invention is of course not in any way restricted to the preferred embodiments described above, but many possibilities to modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments, thereof should be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the basic idea of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The elongated box-like support module is made integral in one piece comprising a lighting grid member. The lighting grid member may be fasten to the elongated box-like support module by means of adhesive, rivets, bolts, welding, folding or clamping or combinations thereof or other suitable fastening means. The elongated box-like support module extends along a central axis. The elongated light source compartment and the light source (when fitted) and the elongated reflector means extend in a direction parallel with the central axis. The direction of motion of undocking and docking of the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (and thereby the motion of the thereto provided electrical contact) from and into the elongated box-like support module is preferably parallel with the central axis. The interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and the second end coupling fixture body each comprises a suspension means adapted to suspension mounting, which may comprise a beam assembly system from which the elongated box-like support module suspends with other elongated box-like support modules of the same design. The beam assembly system may consist of interlinked beams in a cross-joint application forming a gridiron pattern. Each elongated box-like support module may be positioned in-between two beams and suspended therefrom by means of the suspension means of the

interchangeable first end coupling fixture body and of the second end coupling fixture body. The elongated reflector means may rest with its long edges onto the bottom face of the elongated box-like support module and/or with its outer ends onto the upper face of the first and second end coupling fixture bodies. The elongated box-like support module is preferably extending in a longitudinal direction which is orthogonal to the prolongation of the beams. The sheet material can be of a variety of materials and thicknesses depending upon specific design requirements and from specific tolerances and applications. The stamping can be performed in a so called single stage. According to one aspect of the invention the single stage method is highly suitable for producing the elongated box-like support module made integral in one piece comprising the lighting grid member. This implies cost-effective production. Of course, also complex designs according to further aspects can be produced by multiple operations. The self-contained electrical supply means and the electrical coupling member may be rigidly mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body. The self-contained electrical supply means may be a LED-driver or other electrical means such as a fluorescent lamp driver or other electrical connection means for supplying current to a light source.

Claims

1 . A modular lighting system comprising:

-an elongated box-like support module (3) made integral in one piece comprising a lighting grid member (15);

-an interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) comprising a self- contained electrical supply means (37) and an electrical coupling member (35), which are electrically connected to each other and both being mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19);

-the electrical coupling member (35) is arranged for providing electrical contact with a light source (7) when the latter is fitted into the modular lighting system (1 ); wherein

-the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) comprises a suspension means (44, 46, 97) adapted to suspension mounting.

2. The modular lighting system according to claim 1 , wherein the first (19) and second end coupling fixture body (21 ) each comprises integrated suspension member (44) for mounting of the elongated box-like support module (3) to a respective beam of a grid-shaped cross-joint beam ceiling assembly (5).

3. The modular lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the self- contained electrical supply means (37) comprises a permanently mounted transformer device and/or driver apparatus.

4. The modular lighting system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) comprises foldable suspension members (25).

5. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first (19) and second end coupling fixture body (21 ) and elongated box-like support module (3) are made structural by means of sheet material.

6. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) and the second end coupling fixture body (21 ) comprises sheet material (28) formed with ZED-form.

7. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) and the second end coupling fixture body (21 ) are adapted to be dismountable connected to a first (20) and a second (22) end of the body (19) for making the elongated box-like support module (3) rigidly structural.

8. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated box-like support module (3) comprises at least two guide flanges (90) presenting locking means (94, 96) adapted to receive and lock corresponding locking members (95) of the respective fixture body (19, 21 ) for locking the latter into an end position.

9. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated box-like support module (3) and the respective fixture body (19, 21 ) are made in sheet metal of 0, 5 to 3, 0 mm, preferably 1 , 0 to 2, 0 mm.

10. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated reflector means (29) is dismountable arranged to the elongated box-like support module (3) and supported by a lower side (13) of the elongated box-like support module (3).

1 1 . The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated reflector means (29) is kept in place by gravity force or fixed by fastening means.

12. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular lighting system (1 ) comprises a plurality of spare parts of interchangeable first end coupling fixture bodies (19, 19') each comprising said rigidly mounted self-contained electrical supply means (37), electrical coupling member (35) and first light source holding element (39').

13. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular lighting system (1 ) comprises a second end coupling fixture body (21 ), alternatively the second end coupling fixture body (21 ) comprises a suspension means (44, 46, 97) adapted to suspension mounting.

14. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular lighting system (1 ) comprises an elongated reflector means (29) dismountable arranged to the elongated box-like support module (3).

15. The modular lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the modular lighting system comprises an elongated light source compartment (41 ) defined in length by the distance between a first light source holding element (39') rigidly mounted to the interchangeable first end coupling fixture body (19) and a second light source holding element (39") mounted to the second end coupling fixture body (21 ).