Abstract
Example embodiments relate to luminaire systems with leveraged displacements. One embodiment includes a luminaire system. The luminaire system includes a first support. The luminaire system also includes a second support movable with respect to the first support. Additionally, the luminaire system includes a moving means configured for moving the second support relative to the first support. The moving means includes a lever mounted in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis. The moving means is configured to convert a rotation of the lever around said rotation axis into a movement of the second support relative to the first support. A plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support and the second support.
Claims
1. A luminaire system comprising: a first support; a second support movable with respect to said first support; wherein the first support and the second support are provided within a compartment of the luminaire system; a moving means configured for moving the second support relative to the first support, such that a position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed; wherein the moving means comprises a lever mounted in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis, said lever comprising a movable end portion configured for being rotated by a user or an actuator around said rotation axis, said movable end portion being located at a distance from the rotation axis; wherein the lever extends through the compartment of the luminaire system such that the movable end portion can be moved from outside the compartment of the luminaire system; wherein the moving means is further configured to convert a rotation of the lever around said rotation axis into a movement of the second support relative to the first support; wherein a plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support and the second support; wherein the movable end portion is an elongate element extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis; wherein a leverage distance of the lever is at least five times larger than a maximum travel distance of the movement of the second support relative to the first support, said leverage distance being defined as the distance between an extremity of the movable end portion and the rotation axis of the lever.
2. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the first support comprises said plurality of light sources and the second support comprises said one or more optical elements associated with the plurality of light sources.
3. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein a leverage distance between the movable end portion of the lever and the rotation axis is at least ten times larger than a maximum travel distance of the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
4. The luminaire system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more positioning elements; and wherein the moving means is configured for cooperating with the one or more positioning elements to position the second support with respect to the first support in a plurality of predetermined positions.
5. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the second support with respect to the first support comprises a translational movement.
6. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the second support with respect to the first support comprises a vertical movement.
7. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the lever is coupled to the first or second support.
8. The luminaire system according to claim 7, wherein the lever comprises a rotatable shaft rotatably received in a recess of the first of second support.
9. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis of the lever is fixed with respect to the first support.
10. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis of the lever is substantially perpendicular to the movement plane of the second support with respect to the first support.
11. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the lever extends through a passage in a wall of the compartment, said passage being provided with a sealing means configured for sealing the passage such that water ingress is prevented.
12. The luminaire system according to claim 1, further comprising a guiding means configured for guiding the movement of the second support with respect to the first support; wherein the guiding means preferably comprises a plurality of elongated guiding holes located in the first or second support.
13. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the lever comprises an eccentric element cooperating with a guiding element of the first or second support, said eccentric element being centered around an eccentric axis parallel to the rotation axis of the lever.
14. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the movable end portion comprises a ferromagnetic material or a magnet; and wherein the lever and the luminaire system are configured such that the lever is rotatable by means of a magnet element or a ferromagnetic material outside the compartment of the luminaire system.
15. A luminaire system assembly comprising: a luminaire system according to claim 14; an actuating key comprising a magnet element or a ferromagnetic material, said actuating key being configured for rotating the lever around the rotation axis.
16. A method for actuating a moving means of a luminaire system assembly according to claim 15, the method comprising: positioning an actuating key at a first position outside a luminaire head of the luminaire system, such that the actuating key is being coupled electromagnetically to the movable end portion of the lever; moving the actuating key from the first position to a second position outside the compartment of the luminaire system, such that the movable end portion of the lever is rotated around the rotation axis; and optionally, removing the actuating key from the second position outside the compartment of the luminaire system, such that the magnet element or the ferromagnetic material of the actuating key is electromagnetically decoupled from the ferromagnetic material or the magnet element comprised in the movable end portion of the lever.
17. A luminaire system comprising: a first support; a second support movable with respect to said first support; one or more positioning elements; wherein the first support and the second support are provided within a compartment of the luminaire system; a moving means configured for moving the second support relative to the first support, such that a position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed; wherein the moving means comprises a lever mounted in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis, said lever comprising a movable end portion configured for being rotated by a user or an actuator around said rotation axis, said movable end portion being located at a distance from the rotation axis; wherein the lever extends through the compartment of the luminaire system such that the movable end portion can be moved from outside the compartment of the luminaire system; wherein the moving means is further configured to convert a rotation of the lever around said rotation axis into a movement of the second support relative to the first support; wherein a plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support, and is configured to emit light through one or more lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support and the second support; wherein the moving means is configured for cooperating with the one or more positioning elements to position the second support with respect to the first support in a plurality of predetermined positions, said predetermined positions corresponding with a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface resulting from a plurality of different light distributions, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas, respectively.
18. A luminaire system comprising: a first support; a second support movable with respect to said first support; wherein the first support and the second support are provided within a compartment of the luminaire system; a moving means configured for moving the second support relative to the first support, such that a position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed; wherein the moving means comprises a lever mounted in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis, said lever comprising a movable end portion configured for being rotated by a user or an actuator around said rotation axis, said movable end portion being located at a distance from the rotation axis; wherein the lever extends through the compartment of the luminaire system such that the movable end portion can be moved from outside the compartment of the luminaire system; wherein the moving means is further configured to convert a rotation of the lever around said rotation axis into a movement of the second support relative to the first support; wherein a plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support, and is configured to emit light through one or more lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources and integrated in an optical plate comprised by the other one of the first support and the second support; wherein the movement of the second support with respect to the first support comprises a translational movement.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.
(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system assembly;
(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;
(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;
(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a moving means of a luminaire system;
(6) FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system;
(7) FIG. 6A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a lens element;
(8) FIG. 6B shows a schematic top view of the lens element of FIG. 6A;
(9) FIGS. 6C-6E are schematic cross-sectional views of the lens element along lines 6C-6C, 6D-6D, 6E-6E shown in FIG. 6B;
(10) FIGS. 7A-7B schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of a lever of a luminaire system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(11) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system assembly according to the present invention. The luminaire system assembly comprises a luminaire system 100 and an actuating key 40. The luminaire system 100 of FIG. 1 may be included in a housing of a luminaire head comprising a cover 50. The luminaire head may be connected in any manner known to the skilled person to a luminaire pole. Typical examples of such systems are street lights. In other embodiments, the luminaire head may be connected to a wall or another surface, e.g. for illuminating buildings or tunnels.
(12) As illustrated in FIG. 1, the luminaire system 100 comprises a first support 10, a second support 20, and a moving means 30. The first support 10 is preferably fixed to the housing of the luminaire head and comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface. A plurality of light sources (not shown) may be arranged on one of the first support 10 and the second support 20 and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements 21 associated with the plurality of light sources. The plurality of light sources may be arranged on the other one of the first support 10 and second support 20.
(13) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the first support 10 comprises the plurality of light sources mounted on the first surface. The first support 10 may comprise a supporting substrate 10a, e.g. a PCB, and a heat sink 10b onto which the supporting substrate may be mounted. The housing may be arranged around the first support 10 and may comprise a planar surface onto which the first support 10 is provided. The plurality of light sources may comprise a plurality of LEDs. Further, each light source of the plurality of light sources may comprise a plurality of LEDs, more particularly a multi-chip of LEDs; said light sources may be similar or may have different colours or different colour temperatures. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the plurality of light sources corresponds to a plurality of light sources arranged in a two-dimensional array, for example an array of six rows by four columns. In other embodiments, the plurality of light sources may be arranged without a determined pattern, or in an array with at least two rows of light sources and at least two columns of light sources. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows and columns may vary from one embodiment to another. The LEDs may be disposed on the PCB and mounted on top of a planar surface of the heat sink made of a thermally conductive material, e.g. aluminium. The surface onto which the plurality of light sources is mounted may be made reflective or white to improve the light emission. The plurality of light sources could also be lights other than LEDs, e.g. halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent lamp.
(14) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the second support 20 comprises one or more optical elements 21 associated with the plurality of light sources; said optical elements 21 may be similar or may have different shapes, or comprise a transparent or translucent cover having different optical properties (e.g. differences of thickness, transparency, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, colour, colour temperature, etc.) along the movement direction of the second support 20. The one or more optical elements 21 correspond to a plurality of optical elements 21 arranged in a two-dimensional array associated with the plurality or light sources, for example an array of six rows by four columns. In other embodiments, the one or more optical elements 21 may be arranged without a determined pattern or in an array with at least two rows of optical elements 21 and at least two columns of optical elements 21. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows and columns may vary from one embodiment to another. In other embodiments, some of the plurality of light sources may not be associated with an optical element 21. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each optical element 21 of the plurality of optical elements extends over one corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources; the optical elements 21 are similar in size and shape. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one optical element 21 may not extend over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources. In another exemplary embodiment, some or all of the optical elements 21 may be different from each other. In a further exemplary embodiment, there may be more optical elements 21 than light sources. In yet other embodiments there may be provided a plurality of LEDs below each or some of the optical elements 21.
(15) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the second support 20 is movable with respect to the first support 10. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other exemplary embodiments the second support 20 may comprise a plurality of light sources mounted on a first surface, and that the first support 10 may comprise one or more optical elements 21 associated with the plurality of light sources. Hence, the configuration of the first support 10 and of the second support 20 is interchangeable in the present invention.
(16) The one or more optical elements 21 may be part of an integrally formed optical plate comprised in the second support 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In other words, the one or more optical elements 21 may be interconnected so as to form an optical plate comprising the one or more optical elements 21. The optical plate may be formed, e.g. by injection moulding, casting, transfer moulding, or in another appropriate manner. Alternatively, the one or more optical elements 21 may be separately formed, e.g. by any one of the above mentioned techniques. The second support 20 may comprise a frame (not shown) and an optical plate integrating the one or more optical elements 21. The optical plate may be carried by the frame, or may be free-standing instead of being carried by the frame. The frame may be a rectangular plate with a first surface facing the plurality of light sources and a second surface opposite the first surface. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of optical elements may be separately formed and the second support may comprise a frame carrying the plurality of optical elements.
(17) The one or more optical elements 21 may comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources, as illustrated in FIG. 1. At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may have a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides thereof. The first surface is a convex surface and the second surface may be a concave surface, but may also be a planar surface, facing at least one light source of the plurality of light sources. Further, it should be clear for the skilled person that the one or more optical elements 21 may additionally or alternatively comprise other elements than lens elements, e.g. reflector, backlight element, collimator, diffusor, light shielding structure and the like.
(18) At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may be free form in the sense that it is not rotation symmetric. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lens elements have a symmetry axis along an internal dimension of the lens elements. In another embodiment, the lens element may have no symmetry plane/axis at all. The internal dimension is defined as the dimension of the lens element on a side facing the plurality of light sources along a movement direction of the second support 20, as described in a later paragraph. The plurality of lens elements may have a maximum length different from a maximum width. Said length is defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources as seen in the movement direction of the second support 20, and said width is defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources as seen perpendicularly to the movement direction of the second support 20. The lens elements are in a transparent or translucent material. They may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Further embodiments of lens elements are described with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, and FIGS. 6A-6E
(19) The light distribution adaptability of the luminaire system 100 is made easier by the common movement of the plurality of light sources or of the one or more optical elements 21 rather than on an individual basis. At the same time, exemplary embodiments of the invention reduce the number of parts to be kept in stock for maintenance. In other embodiments, changing the position of the plurality of light sources or of the one or more optical elements 21 may be done to compensate for mounting or apparatus inaccuracies.
(20) The movement of the plurality of light sources or of the one or more optical elements 21 is achieved thanks to the moving means 30. The moving means 30 comprises a lever 31 mounted in a rotatable manner around a rotation axis RA. The lever 31 may be coupled to one of the first support 10 or the second support 20. In FIG. 1, the lever 31 is configured for rotating around a rotation axis perpendicular to the first support 10. The rotation axis RA of the lever 31 may be fixed with respect to the first support 10. To achieve that, the lever 31 may comprise a rotatable shaft coupled to the first support 10 or to any other portion of the luminaire system 100 fixed with respect to the first support 10.
(21) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the rotatable shaft of the lever 31 extends through the second support 20 and is rotatably received in a recess or hole of the first support 10. In another exemplary embodiment, the rotation axis RA of the rotatable element 31 may be fixed with respect to the second support 20 instead of the first support 10. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the rotation axis may be parallel to the first support 10, or may be arranged at any predetermined angle with respect to the first support 10. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the lever 31 may be removable and may comprise a coupling portion configured for being coupled to a corresponding coupling member fixed with respect to the first or second support 10, 20.
(22) As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lever 31 is coupled to the first support 10 and is located substantially at a lateral side of the first and second support 20. The lever 31 comprises a movable end portion 31a configured for being rotated by a user or an actuator. The movable end portion 31a may be an elongate element extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA to be more easily manipulated by the user. By rotating the movable end portion 31a, the user can actuate the moving means 30, thereby inducing the movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10. In another exemplary embodiment, the lever 31 has a cylindrical portion centred around the rotation axis RA and the movable end portion 31a is located in periphery of the cylindrical portion. In still another exemplary embodiment, the lever 31 has at least two elongate elements centred on the rotation axis RA and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis RA.
(23) The moving means 30 may comprise conversion portions. The cooperation of the conversion portions may ensure the conversion of a rotational movement of the lever 31 into a movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10. Depending on the design of the conversion portions, the skilled person will understand that various movements, e.g. translation, rotation, elevation, curved trajectory, trajectory with acute angles, of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 may be implemented by converting the rotational movement of the lever 31. An exemplary embodiment of a conversion portion comprising an eccentric element is described in reference to FIG. 4.
(24) In another exemplary embodiment, there may be a first and a second moving means comprising conversion portions, said first moving means being configured to move the second support 20 relative to the first support 10 along a first trajectory, and said second moving being configured to move, independently from the first moving means, the second support 20 relative to the first support 10 along a second trajectory different from the first trajectory.
(25) The second support 20 may be configured to move in contact with the upper surface of the first support 10. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the second support 20 is kept in contact with the first support using a plurality of fixation means 70. The plurality of fixation means 70 extends through a plurality of elongated guiding holes 60 located in the second support 20. There are three visible elongated guiding holes 60 in FIG. 1, two elongated guiding holes 60 each located substantially at a corner of the rectangular-shaped second support 20, and one elongated guiding hole 60 located substantially at the centre of the second support 20. The plurality of elongated guiding holes 60 extends in a direction of movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10, a translational movement in FIG. 1, and form guiding means to control the trajectory of the second support 20 movement.
(26) In another exemplary embodiment, the second support 20 is mounted at a fixed distance from the first support 10, e.g. a PCB. To that end, the first support 10 may be provided with distance elements on which the second support 20 is movably supported. Optionally, a surface of the second support 20 facing the first support 10 may be provided with tracks or guides cooperating with the distance elements. Such tracks or guides may be formed integrally with the rest of the second support 10. Optionally, the distance elements may be adjustable in order to adjust the distance between the first support 10 and the second support 10. For example, the distance elements may comprise a screw thread cooperating with a bore arranged in/on the first support 10.
(27) In yet another exemplary embodiment, the movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 may include a displacement being simultaneously or alternately along two or more perpendicular axes and the guiding means may comprise a plurality of guiding members configured for guiding the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 along the two or more perpendicular axes.
(28) To actuate remotely the moving means 30, the movable end portion 31a may comprise a ferromagnetic material 32 or a magnet element. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the luminaire system 100 is included in a housing of a luminaire head comprising a cover 50 and the lever 31 extends upwardly to an inner surface of the cover 50. The movable end portion 31a of the lever 31 in close proximity with the inner surface of the cover 50 is provided with the ferromagnetic material 32. Placing the actuating key 40 comprising a magnet element in close proximity with an outer surface of the cover 50 opposite the position of the ferromagnetic material 32 allows remote electromagnetic coupling of the ferromagnetic material 32 with the magnet element. Displacing the actuating key 40 while keeping the electromagnetic coupling enables to actuate the moving means 30 without opening the luminaire system housing 50. Removing the actuating key 40 such that it is electromagnetically decoupled with the movable end portion 31a stops the movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10. It is to be noted that the actuating key 40 may be used for other purpose than actuating the lever 31 of the luminaire system 100, e.g. unlocking a locking mechanism of a cabinet door, changing the orientation of a luminaire head via a magnetic moving means, changing the orientation of the light engine comprising the light sources within the luminaire head via a magnetic moving means actuating other components of a luminaire system 100, and the like.
(29) Additionally, the actuating key 40 may comprise one or more magnet elements organized following a complex arrangement and configured for cooperating with a corresponding complex arrangement of the ferromagnetic material provided to the lever 31. In this way, only the user in possession of the actuating key 40 may rotate the lever 31. Alternatively, the movable end portion 31a may comprise a magnet element configured to be coupled with a ferromagnetic material located outside the luminaire head housing. In still another exemplary embodiment the moving means 30 comprises a rotating actuator located inside the housing, preferably a stepper motor, to rotate the lever 31. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the movable end portion 31a may be coupled to a bi-metal actuator.
(30) The distance between the extremity of the movable end portion 31a and the rotation axis RA of the lever 31 is defined as a leverage distance LD. The ratio of the leverage distance LD with the maximum travelling distance of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 is defined as a leverage ratio. The leverage ratio may be at least equal to two, preferably at least equal to five, more preferably at least equal to ten. The larger the leverage ratio, the more accurate will be the positioning of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10. In FIG. 1, the leverage distance LD is approximately ten times the maximum travelling distance of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10.
(31) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the luminaire system 100 comprises a first support 10, a second support 20, and a moving means 30. The first support 10 is preferably fixed to the housing of the luminaire head. A plurality of light sources may be arranged on one of the first support 10 and the second support 20, on the first support 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 2, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements 21 associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support 10 and second support 20, on the second support 20 in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
(32) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the moving means 30 comprises a rotatable portion 32 extending through an opening of the second support 20, said rotatable portion 32 being coupled to the first support 10. The moving means 30 is provided substantially at the centre of the first and second supports 10, 20.
(33) The moving means 30 comprises a lever 31. The lever 31 of FIG. 2 is connected to an end of the rotatable portion 32, is facing the second support 20, and is shaped as a disk substantially coaxial with the rotatable portion 32.
(34) In an exemplary embodiment, and as can be seen in FIGS. 7A-7B, the lever 31 may extend through a passage 91 in the wall 92 of a compartment 90 of the luminaire head, e.g. the lighting compartment. The lever 31 may extend through the compartment such that it can be actuated by a user or an actuator from within the housing of the luminaire head or from outside the housing of the luminaire head. Additionally, the passage 91 in the wall 92 of the compartment 90 may be provided with a sealing means 93 configured for sealing the passage 91 such that water ingress is prevented during rotation of the lever 31. In doing so, the movement of the second support 20 relative to the first support 10 may be achieved while preserving the water tightness, e.g. rated at IP66, of the compartment, thereby protecting electrical circuits contained in the compartment. According to various embodiments, the lever 31 may extend through the wall 90 of the compartment of the luminaire head partially or totally. When extending partially, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, only part of the lever 31 may extend through the wall 92 such that a movable end portion 31a of the lever 31 is accessible by the user from outside the compartment 90. When extending totally, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the entirety of the lever 31 is outside the compartment 90 and the passage 91 may surround the rotation axis RA of the lever 31. For example, the rotatable portion 32 may extend through the housing when mounted, and the lever 31 may be actuated by a user from outside the housing.
(35) The lever 31 comprises a movable end portion 31a. The movable end portion 31a may be a slit in the top surface of the lever 31 configured for cooperating with a flathead screwdriver. Preferably, the leverage ratio of the lever 31 is such that the travelling distance of the second support 20, comprising the one or more optical elements 21, with respect to the first support 10 is less than the corresponding travelling distance of the movable end portion 31a of the lever. In this way, the light distribution can be more easily adjustable by the increased precision of the second support 20 movement with respect to the first support 10 given by the advantageous leverage ratio.
(36) The second support 20 may comprise a plurality of lens elements 21, an array of two rows by two columns in FIG. 2, corresponding to the plurality of light sources. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second support 20 may be provided with arc-shaped spring elements 22 extending substantially parallel to lateral sides of the second support 20. The spring elements 22 may be connected to the second support 20 via the central portion of their arc and have their free ends in contact with the top surface of the first support 10. The spring elements 22 may be configured such that they apply a pushing force away from the top surface of the first support 10 to maintain a predetermined distance between the plurality of lens elements 21 and the plurality of corresponding light sources arranged on the first support 10. The spring elements 22 may be integral with the second support 20. In another exemplary embodiment, the spring element 22 may be one or more coils arranged between the first and second supports 10, 20.
(37) The rotatable portion 32 of the moving means may comprise one or more positioning elements 80. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the rotatable portion 32 is provided with a ring-like element arranged against the top surface of the second support 20. The ring-like element has a plurality of notches 80 in a radial pattern, said plurality of notches forming the plurality of positioning element 80. The plurality of notches 80 may have increasing depths in a clockwise direction. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of notches 80 may have increasing depths in an anti-clockwise direction.
(38) Alternatively, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise one or more protuberances cooperating with at least one corresponding depression or protuberance. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise a continuous ramp element, a spiral-shaped element centred around the rotation axis of the rotatable portion 32, a linear or circular channel, and the like. In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise one or more magnet elements and/or ferromagnetic materials such as to electromagnetically retain the moving means in the plurality of predetermined positions.
(39) The ring-like element may be fixed with respect to the second support 20. The rotatable portion 32 may be provided with a bayonet 85 extending perpendicularly with respect to the rotation axis of the rotatable portion 32 and fixed to the rotatable portion 32. The bayonet 85 may be configured for cooperating with the plurality of positioning element 80.
(40) Rotating the lever 31 using the movable end portion 31a allows changing the bayonet 85 position from a first notch of the plurality of notches 80 to a second notch of the plurality of notches 80. Additionally or alternately, any other positioning element may be used. Due to the spring elements 22, the second support 20 may be pushed away from the first support. The bayonet 85 cooperating with the plurality of notches 80 stops the second support 20 from being pushed past a predetermined distance from the first support 10. By changing from the first notch to the second notch, said first and second notches having different depths, the predetermined distance is changed. Thus, the plurality of notches 80 may correspond to a plurality of distances between the plurality of optical elements 21 and the corresponding plurality of light sources. In this way, the second support 20 may be positioned relative to the first support 10 at known positions/distances that are correlated to different light distributions. It has the advantage that predetermined light distributions can be achieved reliably, which in turn saves time during the setting of the luminaire system 10. The one or more positioning elements 80 allows precise and stable positioning of the moving means.
(41) Additionally, marks may be associated to the one or more positioning elements 80 as a visual aid to the operator to determine the position of the moving means. Examples of marks may be letters, numbers, symbols, a scale. The marks may be provided to the first support 10, the second support 20, and/or the lever arm.
(42) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the luminaire system 100 comprises a first support 10, a second support 20, and a moving means 30. The first support 10 is preferably fixed to the housing of the luminaire head. A plurality of light sources may be arranged on one of the first support 10 and the second support 20, on the first support 10 in the embodiment of FIG. 3, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements 21 associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support 10 and second support 20, on the second support 20 in the embodiment of FIG. 3.
(43) The second support 20 may comprise a plurality of optical elements 21 and may be mounted at a distance from the first support 10. A plurality of spring elements (not shown) arranged between the first and second supports 10, 20 may maintain the second support 20 substantially parallel to the first support 10 at a predetermined distance. The luminaire system 100 may comprises guiding means 60, a sliding guide 60 in FIG. 3. A lateral side of the second support 20 may be arranged along the sliding guide 60 such that its movement is guided. The movement of the second support 20 is further controlled along a trajectory substantially parallel to the first support 10, which results in a greater accuracy of the positioning of the optical elements 21 respective to the light sources. In another exemplary embodiment, the guiding means 60 may comprise a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide at opposite side edges of the first or second support. This arrangement may facilitate further the guiding of the movement of the second support 20 relative to the first support 10. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the guiding means 60 may be integrally formed with the first 10 or second support 20.
(44) The moving means 30 comprises a lever 31. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lever 31 is provided to a lateral side of the first 10 and second supports 20 opposite the sliding guide 60. The lever comprises a connecting portion coupled to the first and second supports 10, 20 via a first and second shafts 35a, 35b, respectively, said first and second shafts 35a, 35b extending substantially parallel to the first and second supports 10, 20. The lever 31 is configured for rotating around a first rotation axis RA1 with respect to the first support 10, and for rotating around a second rotation axis RA2 with respect to the second support 20.
(45) The lever 31 comprises a movable end portion 31a extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the connecting portion. Preferably the movable end portion 31a is at a distance from the first rotation axis RA1 in order for leverage to be created when the first support 10 is fixed relative to the housing of the luminaire head. Actuating the moving means 30 by rotating the lever 31 induces a translational movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 along the guiding direction of the sliding guide 60. Since the lever 31 has a rotational movement and the second support has a translational movement, the first shaft 35a, second shaft 35b, and/or movable end portion may be mounted on a slider configured for sliding along the main direction of the lever 31 to convert the remaining movement of the lever 31.
(46) FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a moving means of a luminaire system according to the present invention. The luminaire system 100 comprises a first support 10, a second support 20, and a moving means 30.
(47) The moving means 30 comprises a lever 31. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lever 31 comprises a rotatable shaft 37 coupled to the first support 10 and is located substantially at a lateral side of the first and second supports 10, 20. The conversion mechanism of the moving means 30 may comprise conversion portions 33, 35, in the FIG. 4 an eccentric element 34 comprised by the first conversion portion 33 cooperating with a guiding element 36 comprised by the second conversion portion 35.
(48) The first conversion portion in FIG. 4 comprises a cylindrical element centred around the rotation axis RA of the rotatable shaft 37. Another cylindrical element placed off-centred and on top of the centred cylindrical element forms the eccentric element 34. The eccentric element 34 is centred around an eccentric axis EA.
(49) The second support 20 is provided with an undercut in order to accommodate the centred cylindrical element of the rotatable shaft 37. An opening extends through the second support 20 and connects to the undercut. The opening extends in a direction perpendicular to the lateral side of the second support 20 and forms the guiding element 36. When mounted, the eccentric element 34 extends through the guiding element 36. The lateral dimension of the guiding element 36 perpendicular to the main direction has a similar dimension as the diameter of the eccentric element 34. The guiding element 36 has an open side on the lateral side of the second support 20.
(50) The eccentric element 34 extends through the guiding element 36 when the second support 20 is mounted on the first support 10. Rotating the lever 31 from a first position to a second position of the plurality of predetermined positions will cause the translation of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10 along a direction substantially parallel to the lateral side of the first and second supports 10, 20, and the translation of the eccentric element 34 along the main direction of the guiding element 36. Indeed, since the guiding element 36 extends substantially perpendicularly to said lateral side, the rotational movement of the eccentric element 34 with respect to the rotation axis RA of the rotatable shaft 37 is decomposed in two translational movements: a translational movement of the eccentric element 34 with respect to the second support 20, a translational movement of the second support 20 with respect to the first support 10.
(51) The eccentric element 34 may be placed in a plurality of predetermined positions thanks to one or more positioning elements 80. In the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 4, the one or more positioning elements 80 comprises a plurality of depressions in the surface of the first support 10, said plurality of depressions located at regular intervals and forming a circle centred around the rotation axis RA of the rotatable shaft 37. A protrusion extending outwardly from the rotatable shaft 37 is provided with a protuberance 85 facing the surface of the first support 10 such that it can cooperate with the one or more positioning elements 80 to position the eccentric element 34 in the plurality of predetermined positions. Additionally, marks may be added to the one or more positioning elements 80 as a visual aid to the operator to determine the position of the moving means 30. Examples of marks may be letters, numbers, a scale.
(52) Alternatively, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise one or more protuberances cooperating with at least one corresponding depression or protuberance. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise a continuous ramp element, a spiral-shaped element centred around the rotation axis RA of the rotatable shaft 37, a linear or circular channel, and the like. In still yet another exemplary embodiment, the one or more positioning elements 80 may comprise one or more magnet elements and/or ferromagnetic materials such as to electromagnetically retain the moving means 30 in the plurality of predetermined positions. The one or more magnet elements and/or ferromagnetic materials may be configured to cooperate with a corresponding positioning member of the rotatable shaft 37 comprising a magnet element and/or a ferromagnetic material.
(53) FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system.
(54) In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5B, the plurality of light sources 110, in the illustrated embodiments LEDs 110, is mounted on a PCB and the plurality of lens elements 250 is integrated in a lens plate. The lens plate is in contact with the PCB. Each of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 facing the plurality of light sources 110 opposite of the first surface 251. The first surface 251 is a convex surface and the second surface 252 is a concave surface. Each lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a varying profile along an internal dimension D in the moving direction of the second support 20, i.e. along the trajectory A. The profile variation may be a shape variation along the internal dimension D of the lens element 250, a thickness variation between the first surface 251 and the second surface 252, and/or a variation of transparency and/or diffusivity and/or reflectivity and/or refractivity. In the embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5B, the trajectory A corresponds to a straight line along an axis A substantially parallel to the first support 10. In other embodiments, the trajectory A may correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 10.
(55) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5A, the luminaire system comprises a second support 20 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a first support 10 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. The first support 10 may be fixed, and the second support 20 is movable with respect to the first support 10 along a trajectory A substantially parallel to the first support 10. A lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a symmetry axis in the movement direction of the second support 20 along the trajectory A. The lens element 250 has a profile varying in thickness seen in the movement direction of the second support 20. The varying profile presents an asymmetric shape with respect to a centre plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the second support 20. Moving the lens plate to position the plurality of lens elements 250 in a plurality of positions will result in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
(56) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5B, the luminaire system comprises a first support 10 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a second support 20 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. The first support 10 may be fixed, and the second support 20 is movable with respect to the first support 10 along a trajectory A substantially parallel to the first support 10. A lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first profile part 250a and a second profile part 250b adjoined in a discontinuous manner. In other words, the first profile part 250a and the second profile part 250b are connected through a connecting surface or line 250c comprising a saddle point 253 or discontinuity. The first profile part 250a presents a shape and a thickness variation along its length. The second profile part 250b presents a bell shape and a constant thickness along its length. Moving the plurality of light sources 110 such that the plurality of light sources 110 corresponds to the first profile part 250a or the second profile part 250b may further modify the lighting pattern obtained from the luminaire system. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5B, the internal dimension D is defined as the added dimensions of the first and second profile part 250a, 250b on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 along the movement direction of the second support 20. The second support 20 is movably arranged relative to the first support 10 to position the light sources 110 either in a first position facing the first profile part 250a or in a second position facing the second profile part 250b. Preferably, each lens element 250 has a circumferential edge in contact with the first support 100, and the connecting surface or line 250c is at a distance of the first support 10. Preferably, the first profile part 250a is at a first maximal distance of the first support 10, the second profile part 250b is at a second maximal distance of the first support 10, and the saddle point or discontinuity 253 is at a third distance of the first support 10, said third distance being lower than said first and second distance. More preferably, the first and second maximal distances are different.
(57) FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate in more detail another embodiment of a “double bulged” lens element suitable for use in embodiments of the invention. The lens element 210 of FIGS. 6A-6E has an internal surface 210b facing a light source 110 and an external surface 210a. The internal surface 210b comprises a first curved surface 211b in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212b in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface. The first curved surface 211b is connected to the second curved surface 212b through an internal connecting surface or line 213b comprising a saddle point or discontinuity. The external surface 210a comprises a first curved surface 211a in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212 in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface. The first curved surface 211a is connected to the second curved surface 212a through an external connecting surface or line 213a comprising a saddle point or discontinuity. The second support 20 is movable relative to said first support 10 such that the light source 110 can be in at least a first position P1 facing the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b or in at least a second position P2 facing the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b. The lens element 210 has a circumferential edge 218 in contact with the first support 10, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b is at a distance of the first support 10. In other words the lens element 210 moves in contact with the first support 10, and the distance between the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support allows the light source to pass underneath the connecting surface or line 213b when the second support 20 is moved from a first position where the light source 110 faces the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b to a second position where the light source 110 faces the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b. As is best visible in FIG. 6B, the external connecting surface 213a comprises a “line” portion in a central part, and two “surface” portions on either side of the “line” portion. Optionally, the external connecting surface 213b may be covered partially with a reflective coating, e.g. the hatched “surface” portions in the top view of FIG. 6B may be provided with a reflective coating.
(58) The first outwardly bulging surface 211b and the first support 10 delimit a first internal cavity 215, the second outwardly bulging surface 212b and the first support 10 delimit a second internal cavity 216, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support 10 delimit a connecting passage 217 between the first and second internal cavity. FIG. 6C shows a cross section along line 6C-6C in FIG. 6B, and illustrates that the first internal cavity 215 has a first maximal width w1, said first maximal width extending in a direction perpendicular on the moving direction M and measured in an upper plane of the first support 10. Similarly, FIG. 6D shows a cross section along line 6D-6D in FIG. 6B, and illustrates that the second internal cavity 216 has a second maximal width w2. FIG. 6E shows a cross section along line 6E-6E in FIG. 6B, and illustrates that the connecting passage 217 has a third minimal width w3. The first maximal width w1 and the second maximal width w2 are preferably larger than the third width w3. Also, the first maximal width w1 and the second maximal width w2 may be different. The first outwardly bulging surface 211b is at a first maximal distance d1 of the first support 10, the second outwardly bulging surface 212b is at a second maximal distance d2 of the first support 10, and the internal saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3 of the first support 10. The third minimal distance d3 may be lower than said first and second maximal distance d1, d2. Preferably, the first and second maximal distance d1, d2 are different. Similarly, the first outwardly bulging surface 211a is at a first maximal distance d1′ of the first support 10, the second outwardly bulging surface 212a is at a second maximal distance d2′ of the first support 10, and the external saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3′ of the first support 10. The third minimal distance d3′ may be lower than the first and second maximal distance d1′, d2′. Preferably, the first and second maximal distance d1′, d2′ are different.
(59) Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.
