CEILING SYSTEM

Abstract

A ceiling system includes a supporting structure having a plurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive material. The main runners are arranged such that a first space is formed between at least one main runner and a first adjacent main runner and a second space is formed between the at least one main runner and a second adjacent main runner. An electric device is supported by the main runners and is arranged in the first or second space. A power source is arranged to apply an electric voltage between the main runners. The electric device includes connectors that are in electric contact with the main runners such that the electric device is powered by the applied electric voltage.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A ceiling system comprising: a supporting structure comprising a plurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive material and extending side by side, wherein at least one of the plurality of main runners has a first adjacent main runner arranged on a first side and a second adjacent main runner arranged on a second side such that a first space is formed between the at least one main runner and the first adjacent main runner and a second space is formed between the at least one main runner and the second adjacent main runner, an electric device supported by said at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there between; and a power source arranged to apply an electric voltage between the at least one main runner and the first and second adjacent main runner, respectively, wherein the electric device comprises connectors being in electric contact with said at least one main runner and the associated first or second adjacent main runner such that the electric device is powered by the applied electric voltage.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the supporting structure further comprises cross runners interconnecting the plurality of main runners extending side by side.

18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a set of carrier profiles overlying and supporting the main runners, wherein each carrier profile supports at least two main runners.

19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric voltage is a direct voltage.

20. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric voltage is less than or equal to 120 volts.

21. The system according to claim 16, wherein the power source is configured to supply a maximum power of 500 VA.

22. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a control unit configured to transmit a control signal indicative of a desired power level of the electric device.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the electric device comprises a first receiver unit configured to receive the control signal transmitted by the control unit and to set the power level of the electric device to the desired power level.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein the power source comprises a second receiver unit configured to receive the control signal transmitted by the control unit and to set the electric voltage applied between the at least one main runner and the first and second adjacent main runner, respectively, such that the desired power level is set at the electric device.

25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the electric device is further supported by at least one cross runner interconnecting the at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, and comprises a further connector being in electric contact with said at least one cross runner, and wherein the control signal is transmitted to the first receiver unit via the at least one cross runner and the further connector.

26. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a ceiling tile supported by said at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there between.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the electric device and the ceiling tile are integrated in a tile unit.

28. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric device is at least one of a light source, a loudspeaker, a sensor, a ventilation unit, a Wi-Fi access point, a display, a fan, an emergency light source, a camera and a power supply.

29. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a first further electric device supported by said at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there between.

30. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a further power source arranged to apply an electric voltage between a further one of the plurality of main runners and thereto associated first and second adjacent main runners, respectively, and a second further electric device supported by said further one main runner and an associated first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in a first or second associated, the second further electric device comprising connectors being in electric contact with said further one main runner and the associated first or second adjacent main runner such that the second further electric device is powered by the applied electric voltage of the further power source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] The aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a ceiling system.

[0067] FIG. 2 is a simplified view of the system in FIG. 1 additionally including carrier profiles.

[0068] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a layout of a ceiling system including a plurality of power sources and zones.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually depicting a ceiling system 100. The ceiling system 100 is in form of a suspended ceiling system 100. The ceiling system 100 comprises a supporting structure 102. The supporting structure 102 comprises a plurality of main runners 104a-c extending side by side. For reasons of simplicity there are three main runners 104a-c illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, two main runners 104d-e are shown in phantom to indicate that the ceiling system 100 may include any number of main runners 104a-e extending side by side. The ceiling system 100 may thus be used to form a suspended ceiling of an arbitrary size.

[0071] The main runners 104a-e are made of an electrically conductive material. The main runners 104a-e may for example be made of steel or aluminum.

[0072] The main runner 104b has a first adjacent main runner in form of main runner 104a arranged on a first side and a second adjacent main runner in the form of main runner 104c arranged on a second side thereof. By this arrangement a first space 106 is formed between the main runner 104b and the first adjacent main runner 104a. Correspondingly, a second space 108 is formed between the main runner 104b and the second adjacent main runner 104c.

[0073] In the same way, corresponding spaces 110 are formed between main runners 104a and 104d and between main runners 104c and 104e respectively.

[0074] In the depicted ceiling system 100, the supporting structure 102 further includes cross runners 105. The cross runners 105 are optional and may or may not be present in the supporting structure 102. The depicted cross runners 105 are interconnecting the plurality of main runners 104a-e extending side by side, i.e. the cross runners 105 are attached to the respective main runners 104a-e. The length of the cross runners 105 is typically about the distance between two adjacent main runners. However, the cross runners may be arranged an oblique angle with respect to the main runners 104a-e. In this case the length of the cross runners 105 are typically adapted so as to interconnect adjacent main runners irrespective of the oblique angle. Some cross runners 105 are shown in phantom.

[0075] In the depicted ceiling system 100, two electrical devices 110, 112 are arranged in the first space 106 and the second space 108 respectively. The electric device 110 is supported by the main runners 104a, 104b, whereas the electric device 112 is supported by the main runners 104b, 104c. The electric devices 110, 112 are arranged adjacent to cross runners 105. As previously described, the cross runners 105 are optional. The cross runners 105 may or may not be used to support the electric devices 110, 112.

[0076] The depicted electric device 112 is a lighting arrangement including a plurality of light sources used to illuminate a room located below the suspended ceiling formed by the ceiling system 100.

[0077] The depicted electric device 110 is a lighting arrangement including a single light source used to illuminate a room located below the suspended ceiling formed by the system 100.

[0078] A power source 114 is connected to the main runners 104a-c in order to supply a voltage V between respective adjacent main runners. In the depicted ceiling system 100 main runner 104b is connected to a positive terminal of the power source 114, whereas main runners 104a, 104b are connected to a negative terminal of the power source 114. The depicted power source 114 provides a direct voltage V. In this way an electric voltage V is applied between the main runners 104a and 104b. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V is applied between the main runners 104b and 104c.

[0079] Other types of voltages V than a direct voltage may be used. For instance, an alternating voltage V may be used.

[0080] The electric devices 110, 112 are provided with connectors 116, 118. The connectors 116 of the electrical devices 110, 112 are in electrical contact with the main runner 104b. The connector 118 of electrical device 110 is in electrical contact with the main runner 104a. The connector 118 of electrical device 112 is in electrical contact with the main runner 104c. In this way, the electrical device 110 may be powered by the electric voltage V applied between the main runners 104a and 104b whereas the electrical device 112 may be powered by the electric voltage V applied between the main runners 104b and 104c.

[0081] In order to control a power level of the electric devices 110, 112, the electric voltage V applied between the main runners 104a-c may be controlled. In case of a direct voltage V, the voltage V may be increased or decreased in order to control a power level of the electric devices. The voltage V may further be modulated or chopped in order to control a power level of the electric devices 110, 112. As is known in the art, the voltage V of the power source 114 may be controlled in a number of ways.

[0082] By controlling the voltage V of the power source 114 applied between the main runners 104a-c all electric devices 110, 112 supported by the main runners 104a-c are typically controlled simultaneously in response to controlling the voltage V.

[0083] The electric devices 110, 112 may however be controlled individually utilizing different strategies. This will be described in greater detail below.

[0084] The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a ceiling tile 120 arranged in the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device 110. A single ceiling tile 120 is depicted for reasons of simplicity although any number of ceiling tiles 120 may be used with the ceiling system 100.

[0085] The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a tile unit 122 arranged in the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device 110. The tile unit 122 is formed of a ceiling tile 120a which is integrated with an electric device 110a. The electric device 110a is electrically connected to the main runners 104a, 104b by means of connectors 116a, 118a extending from the electric device 110a to the respective main runners 104a, 104b. A single tile unit 122 is depicted for reasons of simplicity although any number of tile units 122 may be used with the ceiling system 100.

[0086] The maximum voltage V and maximum power supplied by the power source 114 may be limited in order to adhere to different safety regulations. Examples of relevant safety regulations include ELV, SELV, PELV, and FELV to give a few relevant examples. Examples of relevant maximum voltages include 120, 60 and 50 volts. However, any voltage may be used in practice. Examples of relevant maximum powers include 500 and 200 VA. However, any power may be used in practice.

[0087] The ceiling system 100 may also include additional entities for facilitating controlling of the power level of the electric devices 110, 110a, 112 and for controlling the power level of the electric devices 110, 110a, 112 individually or in groups including a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112.

[0088] The ceiling system 100 may include a control unit 124 configured to transmit a control signal S indicative of a desired power level of an electric device 110, 110a, 112 or indicative of a desired power level of a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112. The control unit 124 may be located at different locations in relation to the other entities or components of the ceiling system 100. The control unit 124 may be located in proximity to the power source 114. The control unit 124 may be located in the room in which the ceiling system 100 is used. The control unit 124 may be located in another room than the one in which the ceiling system 100 is used. The control unit 124 may be integrated in the power source 114. The control unit 124 may be or form part of an external control panel.

[0089] The control signal S may as exemplified in FIG. 1 be configured to be transmitted using a wire or may be transmitted wirelessly. The control signal may be transmitted using any suitable format.

[0090] The control signal S may instance adhere to the DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard which is a standardized digital protocol for light control. The control signal may be a 0-10 analog DC signal where 10 V typically corresponds to a light intensity or power level of 100% whereas 0 V corresponds to a light intensity or power level of 0%. The control signal S may be transmitted using a standardized 433 MHz wireless protocol. The control signal S may be transmitted using a Z-Wave protocol supporting two-way communication and mesh network architecture.

[0091] The depicted power source 114 of FIG. 1 comprises a receiver unit 128 or second receiver unit 128 configured to receive the control signal S transmitted by the control unit 124. The control signal S may thus be received at the power source 114 by the second receiver unit 128, whereby the power source 114 in response to receiving the control signal S may set the electric voltage applied between the main runner 104b and the first adjacent main runner 104a and second adjacent main runner 104c, respectively. In this way the desired power level is set at the electric devices 110, 110a, 112.

[0092] More specifically, by controlling the voltage between the main runners 104a and 104b the power level of the electric devices 110 and 110a may be set. Correspondingly, by controlling the voltage between the main runners 104b and 104c the power level of the electric device 112 may be set. In this way the power level of a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may be set simultaneously in response to a single control signal.

[0093] In order to control a single electric device 110, 110a, 112 different strategies may be employed as will be described in greater detail below.

[0094] The depicted electric device 110 comprises an optional receiver unit 126 or first receiver unit 126 configured to receive the control signal S transmitted by the control unit 124. The first receiver unit 126 is configured to set the power level of the electric device 110 to a desired power level in response to receiving the control signal S.

[0095] In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 1 the first receiver unit 126 is configured to receive the control signal in form of a wireless signal. Alternatively, or in addition the first receiver unit 126 may be configured to receive the control signal S through the connectors 116, 118. The control signal S may in this case be transmitted in the main runners 104a-e, using the main runners 104a-e as a signaling infrastructure. The voltage applied between respective adjacent main runners may for instance be modulated so as to carry the control signal S.

[0096] As an alternative to using the main runners 104a-e as a signaling infrastructure is to use the cross runners 105 as a signaling infrastructure for the control signal S. This optional principle is also schematically depicted in FIG. 1 where electric device 110 in addition to being supported by the main runners 104a, 104b is also supported by two cross runners 105. The cross runners are interconnecting the main runners 104a, 104b as depicted in FIG. 1. The electric device 110 is thus employed with an optional further connector 130 being in electric contact with one of the cross runners 105 supporting the electric device 110. By this arrangement, the control signal S may consequently be transmitted to the first receiver unit 126 via the cross runners 105 and the further connector 130.

[0097] When controlling the power level of an individual electric device 110, such as electric device 110, comprising a first receiver unit 126 used in a system 100 including a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112. The voltage between respective adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104a and 104b and main runners 104b and 104c, is preferably kept constant and the power level of the electric device 110 being controlled is preferably controlled or adjusted internally in the electric device 110 being controlled. There are numerous of principles that may be employed to control a power level of an electric device as is known in the art.

[0098] The power source 114 may be configured to monitor an actual power consumption of the electric devices 110, 110a, 112 being powered by the power source 114. The actual power consumption may be compared with an expected power consumption which for instance may be estimated based on the control signal S and the number and type of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 being powered by the power source 114. The power source may be configured to reduce or cut the voltage V being applied between the respective adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104a and 104b and main runners 104b and 104c, in case the actual power consumption deviates from the expected power consumption. In this way, defect electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may be spared from further damages. Also the risk of fire emanating from e.g. a short circuit may be reduced.

[0099] In practice, some deviations from the expected power consumption may be tolerated by the power source 114 without reducing or cutting the voltage V being applied between the respective adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104a and 104b and main runners 104b and 104c. In this way variations of the power consumption may be allowed within a certain interval without affecting the overall operation of the system 100. For instance, predetermined positive offset of the expected power consumption may be tolerated without reducing or cutting the voltage V.

[0100] The power source 114 may be specifically configured to monitor short circuits in the system 100. The power source 114 may in response to a detected short circuit in the system 100 sound or transmit an alarm. A short circuit between main runners 104a and 104b and main runners 104b and 104c may typically be detected. A short circuit may originate from a wrongfully mounted cross runner 105 or from a defect cross runner 105 void of sufficient insulation in respect to the main runners 104a-e.

[0101] It is thus possible to during installation of the system 100 to avoid or reduce the risk of defect or wrongfully mounted cross runners 105, by first mounting the main runners 104a-e and thereafter apply the voltage V between the main runners 104a-e. During a subsequent mounting of cross runners 105 between the main runners 104a-e, the power supply 114 may monitor and transmit an alarm if a short circuit occurs.

[0102] Above, the ceiling system 100 has been described in a general manner for reasons of simplicity, the ceiling system 100 has mainly been described so as to include electric devices 110, 112, 110a in form of light sources. As is evident, the described ceiling system 100 may equally well be used with other electric devices such as loudspeakers, sensors, ventilation units, Wi-Fi access points, displays, fans, emergency light sources, cameras and power supplies to give a few relevant examples. In other words, other types of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may equally well be powered by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104a and 104b. Correspondingly, other types of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may equally well be powered by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104b and 104c. By powering a power supply by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104a and 104b or by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners 104b and 104c, a voltage different form the voltage V may be realized in the system. It is thus possible to power electric devices requiring different voltages simultaneously be the system 100. Further, if an adjustable power supply is powered by the voltage V, a plurality off different voltages different from the voltage V may be realized in the system 100.

[0103] Now referring to FIG. 2. Here the system 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a simplified manner. As previously described, the system 100 includes a plurality of main runners 104a-d. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the main runners 104a-d may be supported by a set of carrier profiles 132. The depicted carrier profiles 132 overlies and supports the main runners 104a-d. As is shown in FIG. 2, the carrier profiles 132 overlies and supports all five main runners 104a-d of FIG. 2. However, the carrier profiles 132 may overlie and support any number of main profiles 104a-d. Moreover, different carrier profiles 132 may overlie different number of main runners 104a-d.

[0104] In case the carrier profiles 132 are made of an electrically conducive material, the carrier profiles 132 are preferably electrically insulated with respect to the main runners 104a-d in order to prevent short circuit between adjacent main runners 104a-d of different polarities. In practice, the carrier profiles 132 may in certain cases be electrically insulted with respect to main runners 104a-d having a certain polarity. The electrical insulation between the carrier profiles 132 and the main runners 104a-d may for instance be achieved by providing a sheet of an insulating material between the carrier profiles 132 and the main runners 104a-d at locations where the carrier profiles 132 and the main runners 104a-d overlap. By utilizing carrier profiles 132 overlying and supporting the main runners 104a-d the number of suspension points or attachment points to for instance a structural ceiling may be significantly reduced.

[0105] Now referring to FIG. 3, here is conceptually depicted a ceiling system 100 being similar to the ceiling system depicted in FIG. 1. The description of the ceiling system 100 of FIG. 1 is equally applicable to the ceiling system 100 depicted in FIG. 3, why only relevant differences between the respective ceiling systems 100 will be described below in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0106] The ceiling system 100 of FIG. 3 comprises a further power source 114′ apart from a single power source 114 as described and depicted in conjunction with FIG. 1. More specifically, the ceiling system 100 of FIG. 3 is employed with two power sources, namely the power sources 114 and 114′. Similarly, to what has been described in conjunction with FIG. 1 above, the power source 114 is arranged to apply an electric voltage V between respective adjacent main runners 104a-c. More specifically, an electric voltage V is applied between the main runners 104a and 104b by power source 114. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V is applied between the main runners 104b and 104c by power source 114.

[0107] In the same fashion, the further power source 114′ is arranged to apply an electric voltage V′ between respective adjacent main runners 104a′-c′. More specifically, an electric voltage V′ is applied between the main runners 104a′ and 104b′ by power source 114′. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V′ is applied between the main runners 104b′ and 104c′ by power source 114′.

[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the polarity of the respective power sources 114, 114′ are reversed, which brings about that each and every main runner 104a-c, 104a′-c′ will have an opposite polarity compared to its adjacent main runners 104a-c, 104a′-c′. In other words, an electric voltage V, V′ will be applied between each and every pair of adjacent main runners 104a-c, 104a′-c′ forming the spaces 106, 108, 109, 106′, 108′. This is further indicated by the + and − signs provided in FIG. 3.

[0109] Alternatively, the polarity of the respective power sources 114, 114′ may not be reversed, i.e. the polarities may be equal for the power sources 114, 114′. In this case the main runners 104a and 104c′ forming the space 109 will have the same polarity in practice bringing about that no voltage is applied between the main runners 104a and 104c′. The space 109 may however advantageously be used for receiving conventional ceiling tiles 120.

[0110] In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 3, an electric device 112′ is supported by the main runner 104b′ and 104c′ and consequently arranged in the space 106′. Like the electric device 110, described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1, the electric device 112′ is provided with connectors 116′, 118′. The connector 116′ of the electrical device 112′ is in electrical contact with the main runner 104c′. The connector 118′ of electrical device 112′ is in electrical contact with the main runner 104c′. In this way, the electrical device 112′ may be powered by the electric voltage V′ applied by the power source 114′ between the main runners 104b′ and 104c′.

[0111] The electrical device 112′ may be controlled as described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. How the electrical device 112′ may be controlled will consequently not be described in order to avoid undue repetition.

[0112] Power source 114′ may be arranged to power further electric devices arranged in the spaces 106′ and 108′.

[0113] The system 100 may include further power sources apart from one or two power sources as described above. If further power sources are introduced, further main runners are also introduced correspondingly. In other words, a power source and the main runners connected thereto may be said to form a zone or a module capable of powering a plurality of electric devices. Such zones or modules may for instance be arranged side bay side as depicted in FIG. 3 or may be arranged one after another along a common direction. In the latter case, the main runners of the respective modules may extend along a common direction and may coincide along common geometric lines. The main runners of the respective modules are may then typically discontinued so as to be electrically separated although extending along a common line or lines.

[0114] Respective modules or zones of a ceiling system may extend side by side and/or one after another.

[0115] Additionally, even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art.

[0116] Thus, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.