CORE TROFFER SNAP IN AND GROUNDING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention provides a troffer-based lighting arrangement (100) comprising end plates (1100) and a lighting unit (1200) configured between said end plates (1100), wherein the lighting unit (1200) comprises a grounding point (1207) and head ends, wherein the end plates (1100) are associated with the respective head ends via connectors (1300), wherein the lighting unit (1200) and end plates (1100) are in physical contact with each other for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit (1200) and the end plates (1100), and which connectors (1300) comprise head end locking tabs and end plate locking slots (1103), wherein the locking tabs reside in the respective locking slots (1103).

Claims

1. A troffer-based lighting arrangement comprising end plates and a lighting unit configured between said end plates, wherein the lighting unit comprises a grounding point and head ends, wherein the end plates are associated with the respective head ends via connectors, wherein the lighting unit and end plates are in physical contact with each other for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates, and which connectors comprise head end locking tabs and end plate locking slots, wherein the locking tabs reside in the respective locking slots, the troffer-based lighting arrangement further comprising a troffer, wherein the troffer comprises side elements and said end plates defining a trough-like space for engaging at least part of said lighting unit, and wherein the lighting unit and said end plates are configured in interference fit for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates.

2. The troffer-based lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the end plates comprise protruding elements that protrude from the end plates and which are configured in interference fit with the lighting unit for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates.

3. The troffer-based lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit comprises a housing comprising cutouts, wherein the end plates comprise catching tabs, wherein the troffer-based lighting arrangement further comprises connectors which connectors provide grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates, and which connectors comprise said catching tabs and cutouts configured in physical contact.

4. The troffer-based lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each head end has a respective reflective face, said head ends facing each other with their reflective faces.

5. The troffer-based lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the side elements comprise light reflective faces.

6. A troffer comprising side elements and end plates defining a trough-like space for engaging at least part of a lighting unit, wherein the end plates comprise end plate locking slots for engaging locking tabs comprised by said lighting unit, wherein the end plates comprise protruding elements that protrude from the end plates and which are configured for an interference fit with the lighting unit for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates.

7. The troffer according to claim 6, wherein the end plates further comprise catching tabs for providing together with cutouts in a housing of said lighting unit a physical contact configuration for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates.

8. The troffer according to claim 6, wherein the side elements and the end plates form a fully circumferential wall around the trough-like space.

9. A lighting unit comprising a grounding point and head ends, wherein the head ends comprise head end locking tabs for protruding locking slots of a troffer, which troffer comprises end plates, and which troffer is configured to engage at least part of said lighting unit, the lighting unit further comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises cutouts for providing together with catching tabs of said troffer a physical contact configuration for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit and the end plates.

10. A kit of parts comprising one or more of said troffers according to claim 6 and one or more lighting units, wherein at least one troffer and at least one lighting unit are configured to provide the troffer-based lighting arrangement.

11. A lighting system comprising the troffer-based lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lighting unit is in functional connection with an electrical power system, and wherein the end plates, the lighting unit, and the head ends of the lighting unit are in grounding continuity with said grounding point.

12. A method of assembling a troffer-based lighting arrangement, the method comprising providing the troffer according to 6 and the lighting unit, moving the lighting unit into the trough-like space until the locking tabs reside in the respective locking slots, wherein the end plates comprise protruding elements that protrude from the end plates, and wherein the method further comprises moving the lighting unit into the trough-like space until the lighting unit is in an interference fit with protruding elements.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0047] FIGS. 1a-1d schematically depict some aspects of the troffer-based lighting arrangement;

[0048] FIGS. 2a-2c schematically depict some aspects of the protruding element (lance);

[0049] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically depict some aspects of a connector including a catch tab; and

[0050] FIGS. 4a-4h schematically depict some further aspects of the troffer-based lighting arrangement.

[0051] The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1a schematically depicts two end plates 1100. There is a space in between, which can be a trough-like space, which is further herein indicated with reference 131. Possible bridging elements or side elements are not depicted in this schematic drawing. To associate the end plates and a lighting unit, connectors are provided connecting the end plates and lighting unit with each other. To this end the lighting unit and/or end plates may include locking tabs and corresponding locking slots. In FIG. 1a the end plates 1100 include locking slots 1103. By way of example, both end plates 1100 include two locking slots 1103. For instance, the locking slots may be rectangular having a height H11 and a width W12. The locking slots may be recessions or through openings. Herein, in general through openings are depicted. The end plates have a height H1 and a width W1. The distance between the end plates is indicated with reference L1. FIG. 1a is a perspective (side) view.

[0053] FIG. 1b schematically depicts a lighting unit 1200, seen from e.g. below. The lighting unit 1200 has a length L2 and a width W2. The length L2 will be essentially equal to the length L1 of the distance between the end plates L1, such as to provide an interference fit when the lighting unit 1200 is configured between the end plates 1100. Note that the end plates and head ends, indicated with reference 1203, of the lighting unit 1200 essentially have parts that have corresponding shapes. Hence, L1 and L2 may vary respectively over the end plates 1100 and head ends 1220 but vary over at least part correspondingly to provide an interference fit over at least part. Hence, in an engaged state, at least part of the respective end plates will have physical contact with at least part of the respective head ends 1220. The lighting unit 1200 may have a width W2, which may e.g. be smaller than the width W1 of the end plates. The head ends 1220 of the lighting unit 1200 may comprise corresponding connector elements. Here, locking tabs 1203 are depicted. As the end plates have by way of example two locking slots 1103, the head ends 1220 may also have two locking tabs 1203. The locking tabs 1203 may have a width W22. By way of example, a plug is schematically depicted, which will be in functional connection with a light source (not depicted; may be at the back side of the lighting unit 1200), and which can e.g. be plugged in a socket of the mains (see e.g. FIG. 4d).

[0054] FIG. 1c schematically depicts in top view part of the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100 in top view, with the lighting unit 1200 and the end plates 1100 (here only one depicted) in the engaged state. The locking tabs 1203 reside in the locking slots 1103. Here, again the locking slots 1103 are schematically depicted as through openings (in the end plate 1100). Reference 1230 refers to a housing, which may be comprised by the lighting unit 1200, and which may house one or more light sources (not depicted).

[0055] The locking tabs 1203 reside in the respective locking slots 1103. The dimensions of the locking tabs 1203 and locking slots 1103 may be such that the locking tabs 1203 and locking slots 1103 fit to each other. The fit between the locking tabs and locking slots may be a clearance fit, or a transition fit, or an interference fit.

[0056] A clearance fit may allow movement of the one item fitted in the other item. For instance, a clearance fit for a shaft allowing rotation or sliding freely within a hole. A transition fit may be used when it is desirable that one item may exactly fit in the other item. For instance, a shaft being held precisely. Like with a clearance fit, the fit may not be so tightly that it cannot be disassembled. Another term for the transition fit is a location fit. As indicated above, with an interference fit one item is securely held in another item, and such fit may only be realized with some force. For instance, it may be desirable that a shaft is securely held within the hole. Hence, the dimensions of the locking slot 1103 may essentially identical to the dimensions of the locking tab. For instance, the width W12 of the locking slot may essentially be the same as the width W22 of the locking tab 1203. Likewise, this may apply to their heights.

[0057] Especially, the lighting unit 1200 and end plates 1100 are in physical contact with each other for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit 1200 and the end plates 1100. Hence, the clearance W31 may be zero for one or more parts of the end plates 1100 and the lighting unit 1200.

[0058] FIG. 1d schematically depicts the head end 1220 of the lighting unit 1200. Here, the head end 1220 comprises a lighting unit retainer, which is configured to retain the lighting unit in the troffer 130. To this end, the locking tabs 1203 are provided.

[0059] FIG. 2a schematically depicts an embodiment wherein the end plate 1100 comprises one or more protruding elements 1110 that protrude from the end plate 1100. The protruding elements may also be indicated as grounding tabs. Here, some elements are configured perpendicular to the end plate 1100, and some are configured under a non -perpendicular angle. The former might allow a clearance fit or location fit of the lighting unit. The latter may only allow an interference fit. Especially, one or more protruding elements 1110 are provided that only allow an interference fit of the lighting unit. The protruding elements 1110 may also be indicated as lances or grounding tabs. Would both types of protruding elements be available, there may be a (projected) height differencein a planar viewbetween the end parts of the protrusions, indicated with d1. FIG. 2a schematically depicts a perspective view and a side view. In the side view, two protrusions are depicted (which are in reality thus one behind the other; see left view).

[0060] In FIG. 2b, also a side view, the lighting unit 1200 and the endplate 1100 are configured in the engaged state. The distance between the protrusion 1110 and the lighting unit 1200, such as the housing 1230 is indicated with d2. As there will be an interference fit, at one or more location d2=0 mm, and the protrusion 1110 and lighting unit are in physical contact. At such location(s) also d1=0 mm. In FIG. 2b d1 and d2 are only for the sake of drawing depicted as non-zero. In reality, at one or more locations d1=0 mm, d2=0 mm, and W31=0 mm. by way of example, of one such location a cross-sectional view is show in FIG. 2c, with d2=0 mm. The interference fit of the end plate 1100 with the lighting unit 1200 is especially used for providing grounding continuity between the lighting unit 1200 and the end plates 1100.

[0061] FIGS. 3a-3c schematically depict some aspects of a connector 1300 including a catch tab 1133. The catch tab may e.g. be obtained by partly stamping a part of a metal end plate. For instance, by stamping two edges of a triangle, or three edges of a rectangular part, from a plate, such as the head end or end plate, a part is provided that may be bent away from the plate. By bending the catching tab into a cutout and additional connection between the end plates and lighting unit (head ends) may be provided. This is schematically shown in FIG. 3a, here by way of example for the end plate 1100. FIG. 3b shows a corresponding plate with a cutout, here by way of example the head end 1220 of the lighting unit, with cutout 1233. FIG. 3c schematically depicts an embodiment with the catching tab and cutout in the engaged state. Hence, in embodiments of the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100, e.g. the end plate 1100 comprises a catching tab 1133 and the head end 1220 may comprise a cutout 1233 configured in physical contact. Hence, the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100 may further comprise connectors 1300 comprising said catching tabs 1133 and cutouts configured in an engaged configuration. These connectors 1300 may further provide grounding continuity between the lighting unit 1200 and the end plates 1100.

[0062] FIGS. 4a-4d schematically depict some further aspects of the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100. FIG. 4a schematically depicts an embodiment of the lighting unit 1200, with locking tabs 1203. The lighting unit 1200 comprises a housing 1230 and grounding point 1207. Here, the grounding via e.g. the mains (see reference G for grounding) may reach the accessible parts of lighting unit 1200. The grounding point may provide grounding continuity to the housing (of the lighting unit), the head ends (of the lighting unit) and the end plates (of the troffer). The grounding point 1207 can be a a screw attached to luminaire housing, or a screw attached to the luminaire electrical access attachment plate. Reference 1210 indicate a light source, such as a solid state light source. By way of example, the lighting unit 1200 comprises a plurality of light sources. FIG. 4b schematically depicts a troffer 130 including the end plates 1100 and side elements 1400, which may include reflective surfaces 1410. The side elements 1400 and end plates 1100 define a trough-like space 131 for engaging at least part of said lighting unit (see FIG. 4c). FIG. 4c schematically depicted the lighting unit 1200 and the troffer 130 in an engaged state. The lighting unit 1200 is in physical contact with the end plates 1100. In this top view, the protruding elements are not depicted. The length L2 of the lighting unit 1200 will be essentially the same as the distance L1 between the end plates 1100 (for providing an interference fit). Here, in thisby way of example schematically depictedrectangular embodiment also the width W2 of the lighting unit 1200 may be essentially the same as the width W1 between the end plates 1100 of the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100. The light reflective surfaces 410 may be used for reflection of light of the light sources for providing beam shaped light (of the troffer -based lighting arrangement 100). As indicated above, the interference fit between the end plate 1100 and the lighting unit 1200 leads to scratching of the paint and creates thereby a permanent interference between the parts which insures continuity. FIG. 4d schematically depicts a kit of parts 2000 comprising one or more of said troffers (130) as defined herein and one or more lighting units 1200 as defined herein, wherein at least one troffer 130 and at least one lighting unit 1200 are configured to provide the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100 as defined herein.

[0063] FIG. 4e schematically depicts an embodiment of a lighting system 3000 comprising the troffer-based lighting arrangement 100. The lighting unit 1200 is in functional connection with an electrical power system 3010. With such system 3000 the end plates 1100, the lighting unit 1200, and the head ends 1220 of the lighting unit 1200 each comprise a reflective face 1205 facing towards each other, and said head ends 1220 are in grounding continuity with said grounding point 1207. The grounding point 1207 is in grounding continuity with the earth E. Reference S indicates a socket.

[0064] FIG. 4f shows an example how the lighting unit 1200 and end plates 1100 are engaged. FIG. 4g also shows such example, but now from the other side. The grounding point 1207 is also visible. This grounding point may be physically attached to a back plate, indicated with reference 107. The back plate, as indicate above, may essentially consist of metal (with a coating). FIG. 4h schematically depicts a detail of the embodiment of FIG. 4g, though this may also be used for other embodiments. FIG. 4h shows this part in another perspective than the part is shown in FIG. 4g. The protruding element(s) or lance(s) 1110 touch(es) the lighting unit 1200. Here the protruding element(s) touch the back plate 107. There may be a metal-metal contact, indicated with reference C, as the protruding element(s) appl(y)(ies) a force to the lighting unit 1200. Also a catch tab 1133 from the end plate 1100 residing in a cutout 1233 of the lighting unit 1200 is schematically displayed. This catch tab 1133 may provide an additional safety. Also this catch tab is especially in physical contact with the lighting unit. Here, the catch tab 1233 touches the back pate 107. There may also be a further metal-metal contact C in this way. Also here, scratching of the paint may create a permanent interference between the parts which insures continuity.

[0065] Hence, the physical contact between the lighting unit and end plate(s) for providing grounding continuity may amongst others be achieved with one or more of the protruding element(s) and the catch tab(s). The protruding element(s) are especially configured such, that there is a metal-metal (physical) contact between the lighting unit and end plates. Likewise, the catching tab and cutout are especially configured such, that there is a metal-metal (physical) contact between the lighting unit and end plates.

[0066] The term substantially herein, such as in substantially all light or in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term substantially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0067] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0068] The devices herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0069] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0070] The invention further applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0071] The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0072] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.