WO2016150564A2

WO2016150564A2 - Modular magnetic track lighting system

Info

Publication number: WO2016150564A2
Application number: PCT/EP2016/000490
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tye COBCROFT; Martin Nielsen
Original assignee: Hesalight A/S
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2016-03-21
Publication date: 2016-09-29
Also published as: WO2016150564A3

Abstract

The invention provides a modular magnetic track lighting system (10) comprising an elongate track (20) and a modular fixture (50, 100, 150) comprising a transformer (50), a light module (100), and a connecting member (150). The elongate track (20) is connectable to a source of mains electricity and adapted to provide the mains electricity to at least one point along the elongate track (20). The transformer (50) is attachable to at least one point along the elongate track (20) for receiving mains electricity therefrom; the transformer (50) is adapted to convert the mains electricity to a low voltage electricity, and the transformer (50) further comprises a first connector (62) for supplying the low voltage electricity. The light module (100) comprises a light source (104) and a second connector (108), the second connector (108) being adapted to receive the low voltage electricity, and the light module (100) is further configured for providing the low voltage electricity to the light source (104) from the second connector (108). The connecting member (150) comprises a third connector (160) and a fourth connector (160i), the third connector (160) being connectable to the first connector (62) and the fourth connector (160i) being connectable to the second connector (108). The connecting member (150) is further configured for providing the low voltage electricity to the fourth connector (160₁) from the third connector (160). The first and third connectors (62, 160) further comprise first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and the second and fourth connectors (108, 160₁) comprise second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168₁). Magnetic attraction between the first and third magnetic elements (66,168), and between the second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168₁), provides for keeping the connecting member (150) connected to the first and second connectors (62, 108) for suspending the light module (100) from the transformer (50). A method of assembling the modular magnetic track lighting system (10) is also provided.

Description

MODULAR MAGNETIC TRACK LIGHTING SYSTEM

The present invention concerns a modular magnetic track lighting system and method of use thereof which is more versatile and easy to modify.

Background of the invention

Track lighting systems generally comprise an elongate track supplied with electrical power, such as mains electricity or low voltage electricity, and one or more fixtures or lamps at- tachable to the elongate track for receiving the electrical power therefrom for the purpose of powering a light source in the fixture for providing lighting. The one or more fixtures may be freely placeable along the track to provide lighting where required. The fixtures may further allow for directing the light from the light source as needed. Track lighting systems may for example be used for general lighting of homes and offices, but may also advantageously be used for lighting of stores and shops where the light from the fixtures may be advantageously directed to highlight goods.

Examples of track lighting systems are inter alia disclosed in CN204187403U,

DE3806241A1 and US4719549A.

Track lighting systems are versatile due to the variability provided by moving the fixture along the track and directing the light from the fixture as desired. However, this variability does not extend to the fixtures themselves. Generally the number of different fixtures available for use with the track lighting system is limited. In fact, in many cases a track lighting system is sold or marketed with only a single type of fixture. It is thus difficult or impossible to fully adapt the track lighting system to the lighting requirements as all fixtures are the same with the same appearance and light output.

Even where different fixtures are available, the provision and stocking of these different fix- tures is expensive and not efficient for the producer of the track lighting system. It is also expensive for the user to obtain the different fixtures. Further, if the user wishes to modify his track lighting system by replacing old fixtures with new fixtures, he is faced with the problem of storing or selling the old fixtures. Furthermore, it may be difficult to attach the new fixtures to the track to provide the desired lighting. In many cases it is the end-user, for example a, resident or shop owner, who will have to attach the new fixtures to the track, and this may in some cases require tools or that the user has to work for extended periods in a strenuous position. This further decreases the feasibility of modifying the track lighting system by exchanging the fixtures. Accordingly, due to the non-existent or limited variability of the fixtures themselves, the full potential of track lighting systems has not yet been realized.

Object of the invention Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a track lighting system ameliorating at least one of the disadvantages with the known track lighting systems.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a track lighting system which is more versatile.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a track lighting system which is easy to modify.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a track lighting system having in- creased modularity and number of configurations while avoiding at least part of the disadvantages with known track lighting systems.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a track lighting system.

Summary of the invention

At least one of the above objects, or at least one of any of the further objects which will be evident from the below description, is according to the first aspect of the present invention achieved by the modular magnetic track lighting system according to claim 1.

Because of the magnetic elements in the first and third, and second and fourth connectors, the modular fixture can be modified quickly and without using tools. The modular fixture may for example be modified by selecting the light module from a number of different light modules having different appearances or having different light outputs, and by selecting the connecting member from a number of different connecting members having different lengths and construction. The versatility of the magnetic modular track lighting system is thus increased while still being easy to modify. This further allows the modular magnetic track lighting system to be modified to suit each light requirement and lighting environment in a cost effective way.

In the context of the present invention modular is to be understood as having the meaning that parts of the system can be exchanged for other parts. The elongate track may be straight and rigid or configured so as to be capable of bending. The elongate track may comprise an inverted U-shaped profile having an elongate cavity. The elongate track may be connectable to mains electricity, which mains electricity may be alternating current AC electricity of 100 to 400 Volts, such as 1 10 to 230 Volts, by comprising terminals at one end thereof.

The elongate track may comprise electrical conductors extending along the elongate track for carrying and conducting the mains electricity to at least on point along the elongate track. Preferably the electrical conductors are accessible at a plurality of points along the elongate track. In embodiments the electrical conductors are accessible continuously along the elongate track.

Preferably the transformer further converts the alternating current of the mains electricity to direct current DC. The transformer may be attachable to the elongate track using interference fit, magnets, bolts or screws, etc.

The transformer may receive mains electricity from the elongate track by being provided with terminals for contacting the electrical conductors extending along the elongate track.

The transformer may be adapted to convert mains electricity to a low voltage electricity by comprising coils and windings, or by comprising semiconductors. Preferably the low voltage electricity has a voltage of 9 to 30 Volts, such as 12-15 Volts. The transformer may further be provided with two, three or four first connectors for allowing two, three or four connecting members to be connected to the same transformer. In the context of the present invention, the light module comprises one or more lamps/light sources. The light source preferably comprises a LED-chip converting the low voltage electricity into light energy.

The light module may be configured for providing the low voltage electricity to the light source from the second connector by comprising electrical leads running from the second connector to the light source, in order to provide an electrical connection between the second connector and the light source;

The first and third magnetic elements, and the second and fourth magnetic elements, should be configured for providing sufficient magnetic attraction between the first and third, and second and fourth connectors, for suspending the light module from the transformer via the connecting member.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 2 provide two advantageous alternative embodiments of the connecting member. In the first mentioned alternative, the connecting member can be used in either direction, i.e. either the third or fourth connector can be connected to the first connector. This makes it simpler and faster to assemble the modular fixture, i.e. to assemble the connecting member with the transformer and the light module.

In the second mentioned alternative, the light module can, if desired, be connected directly to the transformer without using the connecting member. This allows for modifying the mod- ular fixture to be particularly unobtrusive, i.e. take up the least possible space.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 3 allow for connecting a plurality of light modules to a single connecting member. This may be useful when a high amount of light, i.e. a high level of lumens, is needed, however it is also advantageous because it makes the modular fixture, and thereby the modular magnetic track lighting system, more versatile due to the possibility of adding additional light modules, where and when needed, to the connecting member. The connecting member comprising two or more fourth connectors (connectors for connecting a connecting member to a light module), allows connection of a two or more light modules, whereby light can also be directed in different directions at the same time from a single modular fixture. The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 4 further specify the magnetic elements used in the modular magnetic track lighting system. For maximum magnetic attraction, both first and third, and second and fourth, magnetic elements should comprise permanent magnets of suitable polarity to provide the desired attraction. However, in many cases the magnetic attraction between a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic material is sufficient. In one advantageous embodiment the first and second magnetic elements comprise permanent magnets, while the third and fourth magnetic elements comprise ferromagnetic material if the connecting mem- ber is small or short, i.e. having a low weight, or the third magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet, in order to increase the magnetic attraction, and hence the strength of the connection, between the first and third connector if the connecting member is long or large, i.e. heavy. If for example the light module also is heavy, then both the third and fourth magnetic element preferably comprises permanent magnets.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 5 provide a simple connection that is easy to assemble and that also assists in positioning the magnetic elements adjacent each other for maximum magnetic attraction. A socket and protruding part further increase the rigidity of the connection between the first connector and the third connector and prevent that the magnetic attraction is lost by preventing the third connector from being displaced in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the socket due to the connecting member being loaded perpendicularly to the first connector. Where the socket is round and the protruding part is adapted, for example by having a round cross section, for allowing swiveling/rotation of the protruding part in relation to the receiving part when the socket has at least partly received the protruding part, then light from the light source in the light module may be directed in more directions. The second and fourth connectors may comprise the same receiving part with socket, and the same protruding part, as the first and third connectors above.

Thus, the embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 5 further allows for easy adjustment of the light module (or light modules), when the light module has been connected, thereby allowing light to be focussed where desired. Alternatively, the first and third connectors, and the second and fourth connectors, may be defined in other ways, for example using inter-engaging features such holes-pins, inter-engaging grooves and ridges, etc, or by merely comprising complementary surfaces, also plane surfaces, which can be brought together.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 6 are advantageous as coaxial connectors allow swivelling or turning of the first connector relative to the third connection without breaking the electrical contact be- tween the coaxial connectors/Further, coaxial connectors are easy to connect. A suitable coaxial connector may be a DC connector such as a cylindrical connector. Positioning the coaxial connectors so as to be connected when the first and third connectors are connected speeds up assembly of the modular fixture. Where the first and third connectors comprise a protruding part and a receiving part with a socket, then one of the protruding part and the receiving part may comprising the centrally placed male coaxial connector for conducting the low voltage electricity and the other one of the protruding part and the receiving part may comprise the centrally placed female coaxial connector for conducting the low voltage electricity, and the female and male coaxial con- nectors may be cbnnectable and be arranged relative the receiving part and the protruding part so as to be connected, for establishing electrical contact between the first connector and the third connector, when the socket has at least partly received the protruding part.

The second and fourth connectors may be configured in the same way, with coaxial con- nectors, as the first and third connectors as described above.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention, as defined in claim 7, are advantageous in that power can be transferred to the light module in a stable and reliable way, and at the same time allowing easy assembly of the track lighting system on-site, and at the same time providing a very stable connection between the components of the modular track light system. In a further embodiment and as specified in claim 8, the first and third magnetic elements may be ring shaped. In yet further

embodiments the second and fourth magnetic elements be ring shaped. In further embodiments each or some of the first and third magnetic elements or the second and fourth magnetic elements may alternatively be formed as a set of permanent magnets Or ferromagnetic elements arranged in a circle surrounding the respective central male or female coaxial connectors.

In general the magnets are arranged to surround the electrical connectors in a manner that allows relative rotation about a single axis between the base/transformer module and the light module or the connecting member,: or between the connecting member and the light module.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 9 further define a suitable connecting member. Thus the connecting member comprises a body, preferably in the form of an elongate member, such as a rod, having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends opposite to each other. Preferably the fourth connector is positioned at the end of the body that is opposite to the end at which the third connector is positioned, however, a fourth connector may alternatively or additionally be positioned elsewhere on the body, for example at the middle. Where the connecting member comprises a plurality of fourth connectors, then the fourth connectors may be arranged individually at different positions on the body, grouped together such as back to back for allowing a plurality of light modules to be connected to the connecting member back to back, or in a cluster, or according to a combination of the above three alternatives.

The embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 10 is advantageous as it allows the connecting member to be directed or angled in relation to the transformer and the first connector for directing the light from the light source of the light module as desired. The joint may comprise a separate hinge provided between the connector and the body, or alternatively the joint may be formed by providing a hole in the third connector and a corresponding hole in the body of the connecting member, the third connector and the body then being connected by providing an axle or pin extending through the holes. The connecting member may additionally or alternatively be provided with a joint for the fourth connector, as described above for the third connector. By the connecting member comprising a joint interposed between the body and the fourth connector adjustment of an angle between said body and said fourth connector to be adjusted, whereby the light module may be adjusted relative to the connecting member, and thus providing additional flexibility of directing the focus of the light emitted from the light modules. The embodiment of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 11 is advantageous as it ensures that the angle between the body and the third connector may be maintained after adjustment. The locking device may comprise a friction element, such as a rubber disc, or toothed wheel ensuring a high friction between the third connector and the body to thereby prevent change of the angle, when the locking device is in fastened or locked state. The locking device may further comprise a screw and nut allowing the third connector and body to be forced together to thereby increase friction to lock the joint. Furthermore, the locking device may comprise a spring loaded pin extending through holes in the body and the third connector, and free to rotate relative to one of the body and the third connector, but not to the other, a toothed wheel being attached to the pin in a rotation-fast manner where the pin is axially displaceable against the force of the spring for causing the toothed wheel to disengage a further toothed wheel attached to the one of the body and the third connector that the pin was free to rotate relative to. Disengagement of the toothed wheel, by axially displacing the pin, thus allows the angle to be adjusted, where after release of the pin causes the toothed wheels to engage for locking the joint and preventing the angle from being changed.

The locking device is selectively actuable in that it is configured for keeping the angle between the third connector and the body of the connecting member until acted upon to allow the angle to be changed.

Where the connecting member comprises a joint between the fourth connector and the body, then this joint may also be provided with a locking device as described above for the third connector.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 12 provide alternative ways of conducting the low voltage electricity from the third connector to the fourth connector. The connecting member may for example comprise two electrically conducting layers separated by an insulating layer in between. This is advantageous as it uses the connecting member itself to conduct the low voltage electricity. Where conductors are used, these conductors may be flexible.

In alternative embodiments, the electrical connection between the third connector and the fourth connector is provided by suitable electrical wires, for example being provided in a hollow/space/channel inside the body of the connecting member. The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 11 are advantageous because they allow further possible configurations and directions of light from the light source in the light module. The two body parts may each be elongate, i.e. the two body parts are preferably in the form of an elongate members, such as a rods, having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends opposite to each other. The joint may be formed at any distance from an end of the body along the longitudinal axis thereof, such as 1/3 from either end or preferably halfway between the ends. A locking device comprising similar constructional features as the locking device defined in claim 9 may also be provided to this joint.

The embodiments of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention as defined in claim 14 provide an alternative connecting member which is flexible and may thus approximate a conventional hanging lamp or pendant lamp. In a further embodiment the connecting member may be pliable in the sense that the connecting member is at least partly formed in a material or combination of materials, such that the shape of the connecting member may be changed by application of force by a user/person (by hand), and such that after a change in shape applied by the user/person, the changed shape is maintained.

At least one of the above objects, or at least one of any of the further objects which will be evident from the below description, is according to a second aspect of the present invention achieved by the method of assembling a modular magnetic track lighting system according to claim 15.

Due to the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements, the assembly, i.e. the connection of the first and the third connectors, and the second and fourth connectors, requires no tools and is performed simply and fast. Disassembly of the light module and connecting members from the transformer is equally fast, making it simpler and faster to modify the modular magnetic track lighting system.

The first and third connectors, and the second and fourth connectors, respectively, must be brought into proximity, i.e. sufficiently close to each other, so that the strength of the magnetic attraction is sufficient to connect the connectors, either by merely holding the connectors together, or by additionally pulling the connectors together the last distance until the connectors physically contact each other. The method according to the second aspect of the invention may be applied to any of the embodiments of the modular magnetic track lighting system disclosed herein, including the embodiments provided by claims 1-14 and as described above. At least one of the above objects, or at least one of any of the further objects which will be evident from the below description, is according to a third aspect of the present invention achieved by the modular magnetic lighting system according to claim 16. Thus, a modular fixture for attachment of a light module to a wall or ceiling mounted base member is achieved. The modular magnetic lighting system comprises:

- a baseconnectable to a source of mains electricity;

- a modular fixture; and

- a transformer attachable to or integrated in said base member, and for receiving mains electricity therefrom, said transformer (50) being adapted to convert said mains electricity to a low voltage electricity,

wherein either said transformer or said base comprises a first connector for supplying low voltage electricity,

wherein the modular fixture comprises:

- a light module comprising a light source and a second connector, said second

connector being adapted to receive said low voltage electricity and said light module being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said light source from said second connector, and

- a connecting member comprising a third connector and a fourth connector, said third connector being connectable to said first connector and said fourth connector being connectable to said second connector, said connecting member further being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said fourth connector from said third connector,

and the first and third connectors comprises first and third magnetic elements, and said second and fourth connectors comprises second and fourth magnetic elements, and magnetic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements, and between said second and fourth magnetic elements, provides for keeping said connecting member connected to said first and second connectors for suspending the light module from said transformer or said base.

In further embodiments, the base is configured for attachment of a light module to a wall or ceiling. In yet further embodiment the transformer forms a part of the modular fixture, and is attachable to the base, and said first connector for supplying low voltage electricity is provided on the transformer. In these embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, the modular magnetic lighting system may further comprise the features of any one of the claims 2-14, except for the elongate track.

Alternatively, in the modular magnetic lighting system according to the third aspect of the invention the transformer is integrated in the base, and the first connector for supplying low voltage electricity is also provided on the base. In an embodiment thereof, the modular magnetic lighting system further comprises the features of any one of the claims 2-14, except for the elongate track.

Further, at least one of the above objects, or at least one of any of the further objects which will be evident from the below description, is according to a fourth aspect of the present invention achieved by the method of assembling a modular fixture according to claim 22.

The first and third connectors, and the second and fourth connectors, respectively, must be brought into proximity, i.e. sufficiently close to each other, so that the strength of the mag- netic attraction is sufficient to connect the connectors, either by merely holding the connectors together, or by additionally pulling the connectors together the last distance until the connectors physically contact each other.

The method according to the fourth aspect of the invention may be applied to any of the embodiments of the modular fixture disclosed herein, including the embodiments provided by claims 1-14 and as described above.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises attaching the transformer to the base member. List of figures

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments, and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the first embodiment of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig: 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the method of assembling the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows cross sections of various parts of the first embodiment of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows perspective views of alternative second embodiments of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows side views of different connecting members and light modules comprised by embodiments of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 7 shows perspective views of embodiments of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention, Fig. 8 shows different angular adjustments of the connecting member of one embodiment of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention, and

Fig. 9 shows a modular magnetic lighting system according to a fourth aspect of the invention with a modular fixture and a base member. In the below description, one or more superscript Roman numerals added to a reference number indicates that the element referred to has the same or similar function as the element designated the reference number without the superscript number, however, differing in structure.

Additionally, where useful for discussing two or more identical elements, a subscript Arabic numeral is used to designate such further identical elements.

When further embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures, the elements, which are new in relation to earlier shown embodiments, have new reference numbers, while elements previously shown are referenced as stated above. Elements, which are identical in the different embodiments, have been given the same reference numerals, and no further explanation of these elements will be given. Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the modular magnetic track lighting system 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The modular magnetic track lighting system 10 comprises, as its main components, an elongate track 20 and a modular fixture comprising a transformer 50, a light module 100, and a connecting member 150. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the elongate track 20 has an inverted U-shaped cross sectional profile defined by two elongate sidewalls 22 and an interconnecting wall (or bottom). The elongate track 20 is connectable to a source of mains electricity and comprises internal conductors (not shown) extending along the elongate track 20 within an elongate cavity 24 for providing the mains electricity to at least one point along the elongate track 20. The elongate track 20 further comprises an elongate inner recess 26 for use in attaching the transformer 50 to the elongate track 20. The inner recess 26 is preferably arranged in an internally facing side of the elongate sidewall 22 inside the elongate cavity 24. The elongate track 20 or at least parts thereof is configured for transferring an electric current to the transformer of the modular fixture.

By mains electricity is meant, electricity supplied via a conventional supply net in building structures. In Europe, generally the mains electricity is 230 Volts, in the US typically 1 10 Volts. In the context of this application 110 V and 230 V, e.g. the interval 100-250 Volts, is considered as high voltage, whereas low voltage (low electricity voltage) is under 60 Volt DC, SELV isolated, such as in the order of 9-30 V, such as 12-15 Volts, and typically 12V. The elongate track 20 is adapted to provide said mains electricity to at least one point along thereof. For this purpose the elongate track 20 further comprises a set of electrical conductors extending along the length of the elongate track 20. The elongate track 20 further is configured such that the set of electrical conductors are connectable to mains electricity. The transformer 50 comprises cooperating means for connecting to the electrical conductors in the elongate track. The electrical conductors may be provided within the elongate cavity 24. For example, the electrical conductors may be provided on and along an internally facing side of the elongate sidewall 22 inside the elongate cavity 24. One or more portions of the electrical conductors may be exposed such that the cooperating means for connecting to the electrical conductors on the transformer 50 may be electrically connected to the mains electricity at those exposed portions. Other portions may be electrically isolated/insulated. Thereby, electrical connection between the transformer 50 and the elongate track 20 is provided at discrete points along the elongate track 20. It will be appreciated that a similar result may be provided by dedicated electrical contacts provided along the elongate track 20 and connected via a suitable electrical wiring. In other embodiments, electrical conductors may be exposed/uninsulated along portions or the entire length of the elongate track 20, such that the transformer 50 may be in electrical contact with mains electricity at all points along the elongate track. The transformer 50 comprises first and second housing parts 52 and 54, whereof a portion 53' of at least the first housing part 52, forms a guide 53 that becomes at least partly inserted in the elongate cavity 24 when the transformer 50 is attached to the elongate track 20. As shown, the guide 53 also has a portions 53" extending from the second housing part 54. A retainment mechanism 56 is operable by a user of the modular magnetic track lighting system to selectively attach and detach the transformer 50 from the elongate track. In Fig. 1 only an actuating part of the retainment mechanism 56 is shown. By sliding the actuating part of the retainment mechanism 56 (not shown) parts of the retainment mechanism 56, such as one or more latches/tongues, are actuated into and out of engagement with cooperating parts in the elongate cavity 24, such as elongate inner recess 26.

The transformer 50 and the elongate track 20 may further be configured such that the transformer 50 is slideably positional along the elongate track 20.

In other embodiment (not shown), the elongate track may have other shapes than an inverted U-shape, e.g. an l-shaped track. Also in this case, the transformer 50 and the elongate track may be configured such that the transformer is slideably positional along the elongate track 20.

Turning to fig. 2, it can be seen that a power conversion unit 58 in the transformer 50 con- verts the mains electricity supplied by the elongate track 20 into low voltage electricity and supplies this low voltage electricity to a first female coaxial connector 60, arranged within said second housing part 54. The second housing part 54 further houses a first connector, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 62, the first connector 62 comprising a first socket 64 aligned with the first female coaxial connector 60 located centrally at the bottom of the first socket 64. A first magnetic element 66 (shown in fig. 4A) is further placed at the bottom of the first socket 64. First electric leads 68 then conduct low electricity voltage from the power conversion unit 58 to the first female coaxial connector 60.

Referring to fig. 2 and fig. 4B, it can be seen that the light module 100 comprises a light module housing 102, a light source 104, and a retainment ring 106 for holding the light source 104 in the light module housing 102. The light module 100 further comprises a second connector 108 attached to the light module housing 102, the second connector comprising a second socket 1 10 and a second female coaxial connector 1 12 (shown in fig. 4B), the second socket 1 10 and second female coaxial connector 1 12 being arranged in the same manner as the first socket 64 and first female coaxial connector 60 of the first connector 62 on the transformer 50. A second magnetic element 1 14 is placed at the bottom of socket 1 10. Second electric leads 1 16 then conduct low electricity voltage from the second female coaxial connector 1 12 to the light source 104, which light source 104 comprises a LED (Light-emitting-diode) chip 1 18 and a reflector 120.

Referring once more to fig. 2 and the connecting member 150, it can be seen that the connecting member 150 comprises an elongate body 152 formed of two electrically conducting layers, first and second electrically conducting layers 154, 156 with an electrically insulating layer 158 in between. At the opposite ends of the elongate connecting member 150, identical third and fourth connectors 160, 160i are attachable . In Fig. 2, it can be seen that third and fourth connectors 160 and 160i may be identical. Therefore, here only the third connector 160 is described in detail.

The third connector 160 is made up of two handles, first handle 162 and second handle 164 connected to a protruding connection part 166. A third magnetic element 168 in the shape of a ring is to be at least partly received in an annular groove in the protruding connection part 166, and a first male coaxial connector 170 is positioned centrally on the protruding connection part 166 within the third magnetic element 168, i.e. inside or through the hole of the ring shaped magnetic element. The third connector 160 is attached to the elongate body 152 of the connecting member 150 by a pin 172 running through the handles 162, 164 of the third connector 154 and through a square or rectangular hole 174 at the end of the elongate body 52. The pin 172 is, due to its corresponding partially square or rectangular cross section, prevented from rotating relative to the elongate body 152.

A lock mechanism comprises first and second toothed wheels 176 and 178, one of which is attached in a rotation-fast manner to the pin 172, e.g. by the pin 174 extending through a square or rectangular hole, matching the square or rectangular cross section of the pin 174, and the other being attached in a rotation-fast manner to the second handle 164 (e.g. by a set of studs on the toothed wheel cooperating with indentations in a facing surface of the second handle 164), interacting with each other so as to prevent rotation of the third connector 160 relative to the elongate body 152, when the pin 172 is in a first position. The pin 172 is biased into this first position by a spring 180 and is selectively axially displaceable from the first position into a second position, in which the first and second toothed wheels 176 and 178 do not engage, thereby allowing rotation of the third connector 160 relative to the elongated body 152, by pressing a button 182 attached to the pin 172. The first male coaxial connector 170 is electrically connected to the handles 162 and 164 to conduct each pole of the low voltage electricity to a corresponding one of the two electrically conducting layers 154 and 156.

As mentioned above, the third and fourth connectors 160, 160i are preferably identical, however it will be understood that fourth connector 160i is configured to be attached with the second connector 108 on the light module.

Referring to Fig. 3, a perspective view of a first embodiment of the method of assembling the modular magnetic track lighting system 10 according to the second aspect of the pre- sent invention is shown.

In Fig. 3A the transformer 50, the light module 100 and the connecting member 150 are shown as separate components, i.e. they have not been assembled yet. The transformer 50 may be attached to the elongate track 20, which elongate track 20 is not shown in Fig. 3, either before or after the steps of assembling the transformer 50 with the light module 100 using the connecting member 150 shown in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3A is indicated how the fourth connector 160i is first connected with the second connector 108 of the light module 100. Due to the presence of the fourth 1681 and second magnetic elements 1 14 in the second connector 108 and the fourth connector I6O1, respec- tively, the fourth and second connectors I6O1 and 108 are pulled together and held together strongly without the use of any tools, once they have been brought into sufficiently close proximity of each other by the user. As the fourth and second connectors 6O1 and 108 are pulled together, the second male coaxial connector 170i and the second female coaxial connector 1 12 interconnect for being able to conduct low voltage electricity from the connecting member 150 to the light module 100.

Fig. 3B shows the fourth and second connectors I6O1 and 108 being connected and the light module 100 now being connected to the connecting member 150. The process of connecting the connecting member 150 and the transformer 50 then proceeds in the same way, and the end result is shown in fig. 3C.

The first male and female coaxial connectors 170 and 60 are preferably selected/shaped so as to allow rotation of one of the connectors in relation to the other while connected. In this case the third connector 160 may be rotated or swivelled relative to the first connector 62 for directing the connecting member 150, and thereby the light module 100 as desired. Further, as the fourth connector I6O1 can be rotated or pivoted relative to the elongated body 152 of the connecting member 150, see fig. 2, the direction of light from the light module 100 can be further varied. Although the connecting member 150 is in fig. 3 first connected to the light module 100, it may of course instead be connected first to the transformer 50.

As the third and fourth connectors 160 and I6O1 are identical, either one may be connected to the light module 100 and the transformer 50.

Due to the magnetic elements in the first to fourth connectors 62, 12, 160 and I 6O1, the modular fixture can be assembled by connecting the light module 100 with the connecting member 150 and the transformer 50, without tools and in a simple fast way. Further, the light module 100 or the connecting member 150 are easily detached from the transformer 50 and each other making it simple and fast to modify the modular fixture and thereby the modular magnetic track lighting system 10. In particular this allows for providing and using a large number of different light modules 100 and connecting member 150, examples of which will be seen in fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows perspective views of alternative second embodiments 10' of the modular magnetic track lighting system according to the first aspect of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in figs. 5A and 5B the modular fixture comprises a modified connecting member 150' having two, joined together back-to-back, fourth connectors referenced the reference number 160'. This allows for attaching, by the same mechanism as described before, two light modules 100' and 100Ί, back to back, forming a double light module. The light modules 100' and 100Ί shown in fig. 5 differ from the light module 100 shown before by having modified housing 102' having first and second opposite slots 122 and 124 for allowing the connecting member 150' to emerge between the light modules 100' and 100Ί also when the modified fourth connector 160' is pivoted in relation to the elongate body 152 of the connecting member 150'.

Fig. 5B shows the light modules 100' and 100Ί after being connected to the connecting member 150'. A further variant of a connecting member is shown in fig. 5C, which shows a connecting member 150" also having two fourth connectors 160i (only one of which is visible), however here placed at different positions along longer elongate body 152' of the connecting member 150". As demonstrated by fig. 3 and 5, the modular fixture, i.e. the transformer 50, the light module 100 and the connecting member 150, is easy to assemble for modularly modifying the modular fixture, to thereby modify the modular magnetic track lighting system 10 as needed for each application. Further variants of connecting members and light modules are shown in fig. 6. The connecting member 150 previously shown in figs. 1-4 may for example be exchanged by a longer version 150"', a jointed version 105^IV having a joint 190, a flexible version 150^v comprising non-pivotable third and fourth connectors 160" and 160'Ί joined by a power cord 152". Further variants include short version 150^VI comprising non-pivotable third and fourth connectors 160" and 160'Ί joined by a shorter elongate body 152'" having a joint 190' allowing the third and fourth connectors 160" and 160'Ί to be placed back-to-back. Furthermore, fig. 6 shows various light modules. In addition to the light modules 100 and 100' shown before, larger versions 100" and 100'", with higher light output, are shown, as well as a further, conical variant, in two sizes/power outputs 100^I and 100 .

The different connecting members shown in fig. 6 are also shown in fig. 7 when connected to the light module 100. Fig. 7 also shows a modified transformer 50' having a second first connector 62' for allowing two connecting members 150 to be connected to the single transformer 150.

In fig. 7 the connecting member 150^VI has been adjusted so that the third and fourth con- nectors 160" and 160'Ί are placed back-to-back, whereby the light from the light module 100 is directed perpendicular to the transformer 50' and the elongate track 20.

As shown by fig. 8, different angular adjustments of the connecting member 150 can be made to direct the light of the light module 100 and to position the light module 00 as de- sired.

Fig: 9 shows modular magnetic lighting system 9 according to the third aspect of the invention j the modular magnetic lighting system 9 comprising a base member 19 for attachment of a modular fixture 50, 100, 150 to a wall or a ceiling. The base member 19 is configured to be mounted to a wall or a ceiling. The base member 19 may have a transformer 50 integrated therein, or a transformer 50 may be attached thereto. In either case the transformer 50 is configured for receiving mains electricity from the base member 19 and for converting the mains electricity to a low voltage electricity. In the first case, where the transformer 50 is integrated in the base member 19, the base member 19 further comprises a first connector 62 for supplying low voltage electricity, as shown.

In the latter case, where the transformer 50 is attachable to the base member 19, the transformer 50 comprises a first connector 62 for supplying low voltage electricity, as described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention. The transformer further comprises suitable means for connecting the transformer to the base member.

In either case, the modular fixture 50, 100, 150 further comprises a light module 100 comprising a light source 104 and a second connector 108, said second connector 108 being adapted to receive said low voltage electricity, and said light module 100 being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said light source 104 from said second connector 108. In either case, the modular fixture 50, 100, 150 further comprises a connecting member 150 comprising a third connector 160 and a fourth connector 160i, said third connector 160 being connectable to said first connector 62 and said fourth connector 160i being connectable to said second connector 108, said connecting member 150 further being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said fourth connector 160i from said third connector 160.

The first and third connectors 62, 160 comprises first and third magnetic elements 66, 168, and said second and fourth connectors 108, 160i comprises second and fourth magnetic elements 1 14, 168i, and wherein magnetic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements 66, 168, and between said second and fourth magnetic elements 1 14, 168i, provides for keeping said connecting member 150 connected to said first and second connectors 62, 108 for suspending said light module 100 from said transformer 50 or a said base 19. In the first case the, where the transformer 50 is integrated in the base member 19, the modular fixture 100, 150, only comprises one or more light modules, and one or more a connecting members 150.

In the latter case, where the transformer 50 is attachable to the base member 19, the transformer 50 forms part the modular fixture (50, 100, 150).

In other words; in the modular magnetic lighting system 9 according to the third aspect of the invention, the base member 19 or the transformer 50 comprises means similar to those described in connection with the first aspect of the invention, for connecting to a light module 100 and/or a connecting member 150. Thus, the modular fixture 50, 100, 150 of the modular magnetic lighting system 9 according to the third aspect, may comprise any of the features of any one of the claims 2-14. The elongate track 20 described above in connection with the first aspect of the invention, and in connection with the description relating to Figs. 1-8, can be seen as an example of a base 19. However, it is clear that the modular fixture 50, 100, 150 may be utilized also with other types of bases 19.

List of parts

9. Modular magnetic lighting system

10. Modular magnetic track lighting system

19. Base

20. Elongate track

22. Elongate sidewall

24. Elongate cavity

26. Elongate inner recess

50. Transformer

52. First housing part

53. 53' Guide

54. Second housing part

56. Retainment mechanism

58. Power conversion unit

60. First female coaxial connector

62. First connector

64. First socket

66. First magnetic element

68. First electrical leads

100. Light module

102. Light module housing

104. Light source

106. Retainment ring

108. Second connector

110. Second socket

112. Second female connector

114. Second magnetic element

116. Second electric leads

118. LED-chip

120. Reflector

122. First slot

124. Second slot

150. Connecting member

52. Elongate body

154. First electrically conducting layer 156. Second electrically conducting layer

158. Insulating layer

160. Third connector

162. First handle

164. Second handle

166. Protruding connection part

168. third magnetic element

170. First male coaxial connector

172. Pin

174. Square hole

176. First toothed wheel

178. Second toothed wheel

180. Spring

182. Button

190. Joint

Claims

1. A modular magnetic track lighting system (10) comprising:

an elongate track (20) connectable to a source of mains electricity and adapted to provide said mains electricity to at least one point along said elongate track (20), and

a modular fixture (50, 100, 150) comprising:

a transformer (50) attachable to at least one point along said elongate track (20) for receiving mains electricity therefrom, said transformer (50) being adapted to convert said mains electricity to a low voltage electricity, said transformer (50) further comprising a first connector (62) for supplying low voltage electricity,

a light module (100) comprising a light source (104) and a second connector (108), said second connector (108) being adapted to receive said low voltage electricity and said light module (100) being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said light source (104) from said second connector (108), and

a connecting member (150) comprising a third connector (160) and a fourth connector (160 ), said third connector (160) being connectable to said first connector (62) and said fourth connector (160i) being connectable to said second connector (108), said connecting member (150) further being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said fourth connector (160i) from said third connector (160), wherein said first and third connectors (62, 160) comprises first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and said se- cond and fourth connectors (108, 160i) comprises second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i), and wherein magnetic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and between said second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i), provides for keeping said connecting member (150) connected to said first and second connectors (62, 108) for suspending said light module (100) from said transformer (50).

2. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to claim 1 , said first and second connectors (62, 108) being identical and said third and fourth connectors (160, 160i) being identical, or alternatively, said first connector (62) being identical to said fourth con- nector (160i), and said second connector (108) being identical to said third connector (160).

3. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any preceding claim, said connecting member (150¹, 150") comprising a plurality of said fourth connectors (160i).

4. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any preceding claim, a first one of said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) comprising a permanent magnet and a second one of said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) comprising a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material capable of being magnetically attracted to said first one of said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and a first one of said second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168i) comprising a permanent magnet and a second one of said second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168i) comprising a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material capable of being magnetically attracted to said first one of said second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168i).

5. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any preceding claim, one of said first and third connectors (62, 160) comprising a protruding connection part (166), and the other one of said first and third connectors (62, 160) comprising a receiving part defining a socket (64) for at least partly receiving said protruding part (166), said socket (64)

preferably being round and said protruding part (166) preferably being adapted for allowing swiveling of said protruding part (166) in relation to said receiving part when said socket (64) has at least partly received said protruding part (166).

6. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any preceding claim, one of said first connector and said third connector (62, 160) comprising a centrally placed male coaxial connector (170) for conducting said low voltage electricity and the other one of said first connector (62) and said third connector (160) comprising a centrally placed female coaxial connector (60) for conducting said low voltage electricity, said female and male coaxial connectors (60, 170) being connectable and being arranged in said first and third connectors (62, 160) so as to be connected for establishing electrical contact between said first connector (62) and said third connector (160) when said first connector (62) has been con- nected to said third connector (160).

7. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to claim 6, wherein said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) surround said centrally placed male coaxial connector (170), respectively, and wherein said second and fourth magnetic elements (114, 168i) surround said centrally placed female coaxial connector (60), respectively.

8. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to claim 7, wherein said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) are ring shaped, and said second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i) are ring shaped.

9. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any preceding claim, said connecting member (150) comprising a body (152) and said third connector (160) being positioned at one end of the body.

10. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to claim 9, said connecting member (150) further comprising a joint interposed between said body (152) and said third connector (160) for allowing an angle between said body (152) and said third connector (160) to be adjusted.

1 1 . The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to claim 10, said connecting member (150) further comprising a selectively actuable locking device (172, 174, 176, 178,

180, 182) configured for selectively locking said joint for substantially preventing said angle between said body (152) and said third connector (160) from being adjusted.

12. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according any preceding claim, said connecting member (150) comprising first and second electrically conductive layers (154,

156) or conductors connected to said third and fourth connectors (160, 160i) for conducting said low voltage electricity from said third connector (160) to said fourth connector (160i).

13. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any of the claims 7-9, said body (152) comprising two body parts joined by a joint (190) for allowing the angle between said body parts to be adjusted.

14. The modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any of the claims 7-1 1 , said body (152") being flexible, for example by comprising an electrical cable.

15. A method of assembling a modular magnetic track lighting system (10) comprising the steps of:

providing a modular magnetic track lighting system (10) according to any of the preceding claims,

attaching said transformer (50) to said elongate track (20), connecting said first connector (62) to said third connector (160) by bringing said first and third connectors (62, 160) into proximity of each other for allowing said magnetic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) to connect said first connector (62) to said third connector (160), and

connecting said second connector (108) to said fourth connector (160i) by bringing said second and fourth connectors (108, 160i) into proximity of each other for allowing said magnetic attraction between said second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i) to connect said second connector (108) to said fourth connector (160i).

16. A modular magnetic lighting system (9) comprising

- a base (19, 20) connectable to a source of mains electricity;

- a modular fixture (50, 100, 150); and

- a transformer (50) attachable to or integrated in said base member (19, 20) for

receiving mains electricity therefrom, said transformer (50) being adapted to convert said mains electricity to a low voltage electricity,

wherein either said transformer (50) or said base (19, 20) comprises a first connector (62) for supplying low voltage electricity,

the modular fixture (50, 100, 150) comprising:

- a light module (100) comprising a light source (104) and a second connector (108), said second connector (108) being adapted to receive said low voltage electricity and said light module (100) being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said light source (104) from said second connector (108), and

- a connecting member (150) comprising a third connector (160) and a fourth

connector (160i), said third connector (160) being connectable to said first connector (62) and said fourth connector (160i) being connectable to said second connector (108), said connecting member (150) further being configured for providing said low voltage electricity to said fourth connector (160i) from said third connector (160), wherein said first and third connectors (62, 160) comprises first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and said second and fourth connectors (108, 160i) comprises second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i), and wherein magnetic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168), and between said second and fourth magnetic elements (1 14, 168i), provides for keeping said connecting member (150) connected to said first and second connectors (62, 108) for suspending said light module (100) from said transformer (50) or said base.

17. A modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to claim 16, wherein the base (19, 20) is configured for attachment of a light module to a wall or ceiling.

18. The modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said transformer (50) forms a part of the modular fixture (50, 100, 150), and is attachable to said base (19, 20), and where said first connector (62) for supplying low voltage electricity is provided on said transformer.

19. The modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to any one of the claims 16-18, further comprising the features of any one of the claims 2-14, except for the elongate track

(20).

20. The modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said transformer (50) is integrated in said base (19, 20), and said first connector (62) for supplying low voltage electricity is provided on said base (19, 20).

21. The modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to claim 20, further comprising the features of any one of the claims 2-14, except for the elongate track (20).

22. A method of assembling a modular magnetic lighting system (9) comprising the steps of:

providing a modular magnetic lighting system (9) according to any one of the claims 16-21

connecting said first connector (62) to said third connector (160) by bringing said first and third connectors (62, 160) into proximity of each other for allowing said mag- netic attraction between said first and third magnetic elements (66, 168) to connect said first connector (62) to said third connector (160), and

connecting said second connector (108) to said fourth connector (160i) by bringing said second and fourth connectors (108, 160i) into proximity of each other for allowing said magnetic attraction between said second and fourth magnetic elements (1 4, 168i) to connect said second connector (108) to said fourth connector (160i).

23. A method according to claim 18 further comprising attaching said transformer (50) to said base member (19, 20).