Slide model design for changeable shape led panel light

Abstract

A lighting device includes a primary lighting module with one or more light sources and one or more secondary lighting modules each with one or more light sources. Each secondary lighting module is mechanically and electrically connected to the primary lighting module. At least one of the secondary lighting modules is movable with respect to the primary lighting module. The shape of the lighting device can be varied between different configurations.

Claims

1. A lighting device comprising: a primary lighting module with one or more light sources; and at least one secondary lighting module with one or more light sources, wherein the at least one secondary lighting module is mechanically and electrically connected to the primary lighting module via a connecting module such that the at least one secondary lighting module is slidably movable and rotatably movable with respect to the primary lighting module, wherein the connecting module comprises: a slide track; and a sliding element slidingly received by the slide track, the sliding element comprising: a first portion; and a second portion rotatable relative to the first portion.

2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the sliding element and the slide track both comprise stoppers adapted to interact with each other in order to limit the range of relative movement between the primary lighting module and the at least one secondary lighting module.

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the connecting module comprises a locking element for locking the sliding element with respect to the slide track.

4. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the sliding element and the second portion of the sliding element comprise corresponding latching elements for securing the relative rotational position between the first portion of the sliding element and the second portion of the sliding element.

5. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the connecting module further comprises an electrical connector for providing an electrical connection between both ends of the connecting module, thereby providing an electrical connection between the sliding element and the slide track.

6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the electrical connector comprises a cable having at least one length varying section allowing longitudinal extension and retraction of the cable.

7. The lighting device of claim 6, wherein the length varying section comprises at least one of a helical cable portion and a retractable cable unit.

8. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the electrical connector comprises one or more fasteners for fastening the electrical connector to at least one of the sliding element and the slide track.

9. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary lighting module is movable between a collapsed state of the lighting device and an expanded state of the lighting device, wherein the primary lighting module and the at least one secondary lighting module are shaped such that the primary lighting module and the at least one secondary lighting module abut each other in the collapsed state of the lighting device without any gaps therebetween.

10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein: the second portion of the sliding element is attached to one of either the primary lighting module or the at least one secondary lighting module; and the slide track is attached to the other of either the primary lighting module or the at least one secondary lighting module.

11. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the at least one secondary lighting module is slidably movable with respect to the primary lighting module such that: in a first position of the first portion of the sliding element relative to the slide track, the second portion of the sliding element is prevented from rotating relative to the first portion of the sliding element; and in a different second position of the first portion of the sliding element relative to the slide track, the second portion of the sliding element is permitted to rotate relative to the first portion of the sliding element.

12. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the sliding element and the second portion of the sliding element are joined by a hinge portion which permits rotation of the second portion relative to the first portion.

13. The lighting device of claim 12, wherein: in a first state of the connecting module, the hinge portion is at least partially positioned within the slide track such that the second portion of the sliding element is prevented from rotating relative to the first portion of the sliding element; and in a different second state of the connecting module, the hinge portion is at least partially positioned outside of the slide track such that the second portion of the sliding element is permitted to rotate relative to the first portion of the sliding element.

14. The lighting device of claim 1, further comprising a first driver hosted by the primary lighting module and configured to drive at least the one or more light sources of the primary lighting module.

15. The lighting device of claim 14, wherein: the first driver is configured to drive the one or more light sources of the primary lighting module; and the lighting device further comprises a second driver hosted by the at least one secondary lighting module and configured to drive the one or more light sources of the at least one secondary lighting module.

16. A lighting device comprising: a first lighting module comprising a first light source; a second lighting module comprising a second light source; and a connecting module connecting the second lighting module to the first lighting module such that the second lighting module is slidably movable and rotatably movable with respect to the first lighting module, wherein the connecting module comprises: a slide track; and a sliding element slidingly received by the slide track; wherein electrical connection between the first lighting module and the second lighting module is provided by a cable at least partially situated within the connecting module and adapted to compensate for translational movement and rotational movement of the second light module relative to the first lighting module.

17. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the connecting module permits rotation of the second lighting module in a manner which adjusts at least one of a convergence and a divergence of an output of the lighting device.

18. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the sliding element includes a hinge portion which permits rotation of the second lighting module relative to the first lighting module in a manner which adjusts at least one of a convergence and a divergence of an output of the lighting device.

19. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein: the slide track is fixedly provided at the first lighting module; and the sliding element is fixedly provided at the second lighting module.

20. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein: the slide track is fixedly provided at the second lighting module; and the sliding element is fixedly provided at the first lighting module.

21. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the lighting device comprises a plurality of second lighting modules, wherein the plurality of second lighting modules are at least one of slidably movable and rotatably movable with respect to the first lighting module in an individual or independent manner.

22. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the lighting device comprises a plurality of second lighting modules, wherein the plurality of second lighting modules are at least one of slidably movable and rotatably movable with respect to the first lighting module in a synchronized or simultaneous manner.

23. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein the first lighting module hosts an electronic driver configured to drive both the first light source and the second light source.

24. The lighting device of claim 16, wherein: the first lighting module hosts a first electronic driver configured to drive the first light source; and the second lighting module hosts a second electronic driver configured to drive the second light source.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in the following, having regard to the drawings. It is shown in:

(2) FIG. 1 a schematic view from below of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the present invention in a first configuration;

(3) FIG. 2 a schematic view from above of the embodiment of a lighting device shown in FIG. 1 in the first configuration;

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b schematic perspective views of the embodiment shown in the previous drawings in a second configuration;

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b schematic perspective views of the embodiment shown in the previous drawings in a third configuration;

(6) FIG. 5 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting module according to the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 a schematic exploded view of the embodiment of a connecting module shown in FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 a partially transparent schematic perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of a connecting module shown in the previous drawings;

(9) FIGS. 8a and 8b a perspective view of another detail of the embodiment of a connecting module shown in the previous drawings; and

(10) FIG. 9 a partially transparent schematic top view of the embodiment of a connecting module shown in the previous drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or similar elements or elements having the same effect may be indicated by the same reference number in multiple drawings. Repeating the description of such elements may be omitted in order to prevent redundant descriptions.

(12) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a lighting device, for example a ceiling lamp, having a variable shape according to the present invention in a collapsed state, i.e. in a first configuration.

(13) The lighting device comprises a primary lighting module 1 and eight secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b. Four secondary lighting modules 2a have a square shape and four secondary lighting modules 2b have a rectangular shape. The view of FIG. 1 shows the light emitting side of the lighting modules 1, 2a, 2b, i.e., the lower side of the lighting device when it is attached to a ceiling.

(14) Each lighting module 1, 2a, 2b is essentially a light panel, i.e. it comprises multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs, not shown) that may be provided on a PCB (not shown) in a housing. The LEDs may be covered by a diffusing cover 3 in order to achieve smooth illumination.

(15) FIG. 2 shows the lighting device of FIG. 1 as seen from the opposite (non-light emitting) side, i.e. the upper side of the lighting device when it is attached to a ceiling.

(16) Each secondary lighting module 2a, 2b is mechanically and electrically connected to the primary lighting module 1 by means of a connecting module 4, which will be explained in detail with regard to FIGS. 5 to 9. Each connecting module 4 comprises a slide track 5 that is attached to the primary lighting module 1 and a sliding element 6 that is attached to one of the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b.

(17) The connecting modules 4 allow a translational and rotational movement of the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b with respect to the primary lighting module 1. Thus a variety of configurations of the lighting device may be obtained and can be chosen by a user.

(18) A first configuration where the lighting device is essentially flat, i.e., the primary lighting module 1 and the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b are essentially coplanar, has been explained with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. A second configuration is shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Here, the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b are translationally moved away from the primary lighting module 1 by extending the connecting modules 4 and are rotated upwards (assuming the direction of light emission of the primary lighting module 1 to be downwards) by rotating a second portion 8 of the sliding element 6 with respect to a first portion 7 of the same sliding element 6. In this second configuration, the light emission of the lighting device is more divergent than in the first configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(19) A third configuration is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. Here, the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b are translationally moved away from the primary lighting module 1 by extending the connecting modules 4 and are rotated downwards (assuming the direction of light emission of the primary lighting module 1 to be downwards) by rotating a second portion 8 of the sliding element 6 with respect to a first portion 7 of the same sliding element 6. In this third configuration, the light emission of the lighting device is more convergent than in the first configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(20) The connecting module 4 will now be explained in detail with regard to FIGS. 5 to 9. Each connecting module 4 comprises a slide track 5 that can be attached to the primary lighting module 1 by eyelets 9 fixed on or unitary with the outside of the slide track housing. For example, screws through the eyelets 9 may be used for attaching the slide track 5 to the primary lighting module 1. Each connecting module 4 further comprises a sliding element 6 that provides screw holes 10 (preferably threaded) for attaching the sliding element to one of the secondary lighting modules 2a, 2b using screws. The secondary lighting module 2a, 2b may be provided with an angular attachment element through which the screw can extend into the screw holes 10.

(21) The sliding element 6 comprises a first portion 7 and a second portion 8 which are connected to each other with a hinge. The hinge is formed by a first hinge portion on the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6 and a second hinge portion on the second portion 8 of the sliding element 6, wherein the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion a rotationally coupled by an axis. The axis may comprise two separate screws 11 as shown in the drawings or it may comprise a single screw or other axis.

(22) The first hinge portion is shown in detail in FIG. 8b. The first hinge portion may comprise two essentially parallel first hinge walls 12 leaving therebetween a space with an inner width W1 for receiving the second hinge portion. Openings 13 may be provided in the hinge walls for receiving the axis, in particular the two screws 11 forming the axis. The openings 13 may be tapered at the outer side of the hinge walls 12 for accommodating the heads of the screws 11.

(23) The second hinge portion is shown in detail in FIG. 8a. The second hinge portion may comprise two essentially parallel second hinge walls 14 leaving therebetween an open space. Alternatively, the space between the hinge wall may be filled, i.e., the second hinge portion may be constructed solidly. The outer width W2 of the second hinge portion corresponds essentially to (or is slightly smaller than) the inner width W1 of the first hinge portion. Openings 15 may be provided in the hinge walls for receiving the axis, in particular the two screws 11 forming the axis. The openings 15 may be threaded (not shown) to accommodate the thread of the screws 11 and, thus, keep the screws 11 in place.

(24) Latching ribs 16 may be formed on the outside of the second hinge portion (e.g. on the outside of each second hinge wall 14) surrounding the opening 15, each latching rib 16 extending radially from the opening 15. Corresponding latching grooves 17 may be formed on the inside of each first hinge wall 12 of the first hinge portion surrounding the opening 13, each latching groove 17 extending radially from the opening 13.

(25) The latching ribs 16 and latching grooves 17 interact with each other in order to keep the hinge in a desired rotational position.

(26) While the embodiment shown in the drawings has protrusions (latching ribs 16) on the second hinge portion and indentations (latching grooves 17) on the first hinge portion, this may also be vice versa. Also, other forms of protrusions and indentations may be used for obtaining the latching mechanism.

(27) The sliding element 6 is slidingly received by the slide track 5 and can longitudinally move therein. In particular, the hinge, as described above, is designed and dimensioned such that it may also be received in the slide track 5. In order to be able to rotate the second portion 8 of the sliding element 6 (and thus the secondary lighting module 2a, 2b attached to it) with respect to the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6 (and thus the primary lighting module 1), the sliding element 6 must be moved along the slide track 5 so far that the second portion 8 and the hinge are located outside the slide track 5.

(28) In order to prevent the sliding element 6 from fully leaving the slide track 5, a stopper protrusion 18 is provided at the innermost end 7 of the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6. The slide track 5 may be provided with a guiding track 19 for receiving and guiding the stopper protrusion 18 inside the slide track 5. The outermost end 5 of the slide track 5 may be provided with a cover 20 that prevents the stopper protrusion 18 from leaving the slide track 5. The cover 20 may be attached to the slide track 5 by means of screws 21. This stopper mechanism is shown in detail in the partially transparent view of FIG. 7. Instead of a separate cover, a protrusion in the guiding track 19 may prevent the stopper protrusion 18 from leaving the slide track 5.

(29) A locking screw 22 may be provided in a threaded screw hole 23 in the housing. The locking screw 23 may be screwed against the sliding element 6 to prevent the sliding element 6 from moving along the slide track 5 in order to keep the sliding element 6 in a desired translational position with respect to the slide track 5.

(30) The connecting module 4 also provides an electrical connection between the primary lighting module 1 and the respective secondary lighting module 2a, 2b. For this purpose, the connecting module 4 further comprises a cable 24, preferably including at least two conductive wires (for supply voltage and ground connection). One end of the cable 24 may be connected or connectable to the primary lighting module 1, the other end of the cable 24 may be connected or connectable to the secondary lighting module 2a, 2b.

(31) The ends of the cable 24 may be fixedly connected to the primary lighting module 1 and secondary lighting module 2a, 2b, respectively. Alternatively, the end of the cable may be provided with plugs that may be connected to corresponding terminals on the primary lighting module 1 and the secondary lighting module 2a, 2b, respectively. It may also be considered that one end of the cable 24 may be fixedly connected to one of the primary lighting module 1 and the secondary lighting module 2a, 2b, and the other end of the cable 24 may be fixedly connected to the other of the primary lighting module 1 and the secondary lighting module 2a, 2b.

(32) The cable 24 is preferably guided inside the connecting module 4. The cable 24 may be fixed to the connecting module 4, in particular to specific portions of the connecting module 4, using one or more fasteners 25a, 25b, 25c. The embodiment shown in the drawings uses three fasteners 25a, 25b, 25c, but any other number of fasteners may also be used. Each fastener 25a, 25b, 25c comprises a body fixedly attached to the cable, for example molded onto the cable 24, glued to the cable 24, or otherwise attached thereto. A groove 26 is provided in the body, running circumferentially around the cable 24 at least partially.

(33) The fasteners 25a, 25b, 25c may be inserted in corresponding openings 27 in a wall of any of the components of the connecting module 4. The size and shape of the openings corresponds essentially to the size and shape of the groove 26, such that the groove 26 fits snugly into the opening while the portions of the body outside of the groove 26 abut the wall 27 in a flange-like manner, thus holding the fastener 25a, 25b, 25c in place.

(34) In the embodiment shown in the drawings, a first fastener 25a is attached to the innermost wall 28 of the slide track 5, which is provided as a separate piece, in order to simplify assembly. A second fastener 25b is attached to an inner wall 31 of the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6. A third fastener 25c is attached to a wall (not shown) of the second portion 8 of the sliding element 6, in particular to the innermost wall of the second portion 8 between the second hinge walls 14.

(35) Moving the pieces of the connecting module 4 with respect to each other requires the cable 24 to be adaptable to different lengths. The cable 24 may comprise two length varying sections. A first length varying section is provided as a helical cable portion 29. The helical cable portion 29 may be positioned between two of the fasteners 25a, 25b, 25c, for example between the first fastener 25a and the second fastener 25b. In this configuration, the helical cable portion 29 is adapted to compensate for translational movement of the sliding element 6 with respect to the slide track 5. The innermost end 7 of the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6 may be open to accommodate the helical cable portion 29 at least partially inside the first portion 7.

(36) A second length varying section is provided as a retractable cable unit 30. The retractable cable unit 30 may be positioned between two of the fasteners 25a, 25b, 25c, for example between the second fastener 25b and the third fastener 25c. In this configuration, the retractable cable unit 30 is adapted to compensate for rotational movement of the second portion 8 of the sliding element 6 with respect to the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6. The retractable cable unit may be positioned inside the first portion 7 of the sliding element 6.

(37) The outermost end of the cable may leave the second portion 8 of the sliding element 6 through a hole in the second portion 8.

(38) The present invention also considers the use of a connecting module as disclosed herein for purposes other than connecting two lighting modules. A connecting module according to the present invention may also be used to connect other devices mechanically and electrically, while allowing for a flexible positioning of the devices with respect to each other.

(39) Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the embodiments explained above, it is not limited to these embodiments. Other variations may be derived by the skilled person without leaving the scope of the attached claims.

(40) Generally, a or an may be understood as singular or plural, in particular with the meaning at least one, one or more, etc., unless this is explicitly excluded, for example by the term exactly one, etc.

(41) In addition, numerical values may include the exact value as well as a usual tolerance interval, unless this is explicitly excluded.

(42) Features shown in the embodiments, in particular in different embodiments, may be combined or substituted without leaving the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(43) 1 Primary lighting module 2a Secondary lighting modules 2b Secondary lighting modules 3 Diffusing cover 4 Connecting module 5 Slide track 5 Outermost end of slide track 6 Sliding element 7 First portion of sliding element 7 Innermost end of first portion 8 Second portion of sliding element 9 Eyelets 10 Screw holes 11 Screws 12 First hinge walls 13 Openings in first hinge walls 14 Second hinge walls 15 Openings in second hinge walls 16 Latching ribs 17 Latching groves 18 Stopper protrusion 19 Guiding track 20 Cover 21 Screws 22 Locking screw 23 Screw hole 24 Cable 25a Fastener 25b Fastener 25c Fastener 26 Groove 27 Opening 28 Innermost wall of slide track 29 Helical cable portion 30 Retractable cable unit 31 Inner wall W1 Inner width of space between first hinge walls W2 Outer width of second hinge portion