Lighting system

Abstract

A lighting system having at least one lighting unit including a light segment for receiving at least one lamp, at least one connecting element that at least in sections is electrically conductive and at one end of the light segment is mechanically and electrically connected thereto, and at least one connector, which has at least one element circumferentially surrounding a connector middle axis and at least one electrical conductor mechanically connected to or formed by the circumferential element. The connecting element is mechanically connected to the circumferential element of the connector and thereby the at least one lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. The lighting system can be arranged in various positions around the connector middle axis and in every position the lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector. Several lighting units can be connected to a common connector.

Claims

1. A lighting system comprising: at least one lighting unit comprising a light segment which is configured for receiving at least one lamp or comprises at least one lamp, and at least two connecting elements that at least in sections are electrically conductive and are mechanically and electrically connected to ends of the light segment; and at least one connector, which has at least one element circumferentially surrounding a connector middle axis and at least one electrical conductor mechanically connected to or formed by the circumferential element; wherein respectively one of the connecting elements of the lighting unit is mechanically connected to the circumferential element of the connector and thereby the at least one lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector, wherein with the connector the lighting unit is arrangeable in various positions around the connector middle axis and in every position the lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector, wherein several lighting units are mechanically and electrically connected to a common connector, and wherein angles in which the respective several lighting units are fitted to the common connector are largely freely selectable over a continuous angular range of at least 330? or over several continuous angular ranges of in total at least 330? around the connector middle axis.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein several connectors are each mechanically and electrically connected to several lighting units.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting system has precisely two ends, and a connecting element is mechanically and electrically connected to the light segment at both ends.

4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the circumferentially surrounding element is a rotation-symmetrically circumferentially surrounding element.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein with the connector the lighting unit is arrangeable in any position around the connector middle axis over a continuous angular range of at least 340?, or over several continuous angular ranges of in total at least 340?.

6. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is pivotable relative to the light segment and/or relative to the connector about a pivoting axis which extends at an angle or in parallel to the connector middle axis and is at a distance from the connector middle axis, and/or is turnable about a rotation axis which runs at an angle to the connector middle axis and intersects the connector middle axis.

7. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein the maximum pivoting range is at least 90?.

8. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a multiple-piece body comprising several body sections circumferentially surrounding the connector middle axis wherein the body sections are arranged axially next to each other, and wherein some of the body sections are in contact with each other or are axially spaced with regard to each other.

9. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein each body section forms a rotation-symmetrically circumferential element of the connector.

10. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein several body sections are fitted together in an axial direction.

11. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein the connector has at least two axially spaced first body sections which circumferentially surround the connector middle axis and which have a first cross-section or diameter, and a second body section, connecting the body sections circumferentially surrounding the connector middle axis, with a second cross-section or diameter which is smaller than the first cross-section or diameter.

12. The lighting system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the first body sections is detachably connected, with the second body section and/or at least one of the first body sections being connected to the second body section in one piece or in a bonded manner.

13. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein the connecting element has an opening wherein the cross-section or diameter of the opening corresponds to the cross-section or diameter of the second body section.

14. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein the connector has at least one first body section which circumferentially surrounds the connector middle axis and has a first cross-section or diameter, and, at a radial distance therefrom, at least one second body section which circumferentially surrounds the connector middle axis and has a cross-section or diameter which is smaller than the first cross-section or diameter, wherein the first body section is mechanically connected to the second body section in one piece or in a bonded manner.

15. The lighting system according to claim 14, wherein an inner contour of the first body section and an outer contour of the second body section are circular, and wherein the first body section has an annular shape and the second body section has an annular or disk shape.

16. The lighting system according to claim 15, wherein the connecting element is in contact with the inner contour of the first body section and the outer contour of the second body section.

17. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is positively and/or non-positively connected to the circumferential element.

18. The lighting system according to claim 17, wherein the connecting element is configured to fit together with the circumferential element through a translational movement at an angle or in parallel to the connector middle axis and/or through a pivoting movement about an axis which is at an angle or parallel to the connector middle axis.

19. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is connected to the circumferential element in a bonded manner or the connecting element and the circumferential element are one unitary piece.

20. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one connector has a separate electrical input and/or output.

21. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the light segment and/or connecting element is at least in sections made of a flexible material.

22. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is mechanically connected with the light segment via a joint.

23. The lighting system according to claim 22, wherein in the area of the lighting unit there are joints, which allow a pivoting movement about an angle of 90?.

24. The lighting system according to claim 22, wherein the lighting unit has a profile in which LED strips extend and the lighting system is operated at low voltage.

25. The lighting system according to claim 22, wherein the joint or joints are arranged at the ends of the lighting unit between the light segments and the connecting elements.

26. The lighting system according to claim 22, wherein the joint, is formed in that the lighting unit is entirely made of flexible material and is thus fully bendable.

27. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element is connected to the light segment.

28. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connectors convey electricity and the lighting unit or lighting units convey electricity.

29. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connectors have several body sections circumferentially surrounding the middle axis which are axially spaced with regard to each other and are configured to come into contact with the lighting unit or the lighting units and are suitable for conveying electricity.

30. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connectors have one or more elements which circumferentially surround the middle axis and into which the connecting elements of the lighting unit can be inserted or about which clamp-like connecting elements of the lighting unit can be clamped.

31. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein for fastening the lighting unit or lighting units to the connector, connecting elements are arranged at the ends of the lighting unit which engage between axially spaced elements on the connector circumferentially surrounding the middle axis.

32. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein for fastening the lighting unit or lighting units to the connector, a clamp-like connecting element is arranged on the ends of the lighting element which clamps around an element of the connector circumferentially surrounding the middle axis.

33. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element has contacts with which electricity is transmitted from the connector.

34. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the circumferentially surrounding elements on the connector in or around which the connecting element engages has an undercut, and wherein the connecting element engages in the undercut.

35. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element has a ring configured to be pushed over the central axis of the connector.

36. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the connectors have a fastening option which is suitable for supporting the lighting system and supplying it with power.

37. A lighting system comprising: at least one lighting unit comprising a light segment which is configured for receiving at least one lamp or comprises at least one lamp, and at least two connecting elements that at least in sections are electrically conductive and are mechanically and electrically connected to ends of the light segment; and at least one connector, which has at least one element circumferentially surrounding a connector middle axis and at least one electrical conductor mechanically connected to or formed by the circumferential element; wherein respectively one of the connecting elements of the lighting unit is mechanically connected to the circumferential element of the connector and thereby the at least one lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector, wherein with the connector the lighting unit is arrangeable in various positions around the connector middle axis and in every position the lighting unit is mechanically and electrically connected to the connector, wherein several connectors are mechanically and electrically connected to a common lighting unit, and wherein angles in which the lighting unit is fitted to the respective connectors are largely freely selectable over a continuous angular range of at least 330? or over several continuous angular ranges of in total at least 330? around the connector middle axis.

Description

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

(1) Special connectors 3 provide fastening possibilities for mounting on a wall or ceiling. Additionally or alternatively connectors 4 are also conceivable which provided the possibility of feeding power into the system.

(2) The connectors can also provide fastenings for further lighting units outside the body or body section circumferentially surrounding the middle axis.

(3) Connectors can be connected with other connectors so that more lighting units can be attached.

(4) Connectors can also be illuminated (include a lamp).

(5) Tracks, also known as lighting units, according to the present invention are, in particular:

(6) Elements which are suitable for structurally connecting connectors and conveying current. Preferably they are illuminated (e.g. aluminium profiles 2b with inserted LED strips).

Further Embodiments

(7) The lighting units can also be flat and connect three or more connectors. The corners then form the ends with which the connectors are connected.

(8) Some or all of the lighting units can also be unlit, i.e. have no lamps.

(9) The lighting units are also suitable for only being connected at one nodal point.

(10) Joints, in particular hinges or rotating joints, according to the present invention are, in particular:

(11) Elements which allow a movement at an angle of 90? to the body or body section circumferentially surrounding the middle axis (definition of nodal point).

(12) Conceivable is a classic hinge at the end of the lighting units between a lighting segment (e.g. LED strip in aluminium profile) and connecting element (FIG. 1).

(13) Conceivable is a rubber element at one end of the lighting unit between a lighting segment and connecting element (FIG. 2 no. 2c). As an example, a pivoting axis x.sub.1 and a rotation axis x.sub.2 about which each lighting segment 2a can be pivoted or turned have been included in the drawing. The pivoting axis x.sub.1 is entered in the plane of the drawing, so here extends in a plane perpendicular to the connector middle axis 1a. An alternative or additional pivoting axis x.sub.1 can however also extend in parallel to the connector middle axis 1a and thus at right angles to the two axes x.sub.1 and x.sub.2 entered in FIG. 2.

(14) It is conceivable that parts of or the entire lighting unit is made of a flexible material (thin wood, spring steel, alucobond) and thus the lighting unit or a section thereof is itself the joint (FIG. 7, no. 2).

(15) It is conceivable that the connection between the nodal point and lighting units simultaneously forms the joint (e.g. the body or body section of the nodal point circumferentially surrounding the middle axis is formed by a round wire which is the axis for the joints at the same time).

(16) In the following, embodiment are described and explained using the examples of embodiment set out in the figures.

(17) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that the lighting unit has a profile in which LED strips extend and the lighting system is operated at low voltage.

(18) Accordingly, an advantageous embodiment of the invention is a low-voltage lamp with LED profiles. In the low-voltage range there is no danger to the user to that the required precautionary measures are not as great, as a result of which the design work is more straightforward. An obvious outcome of this is illumination by LED strips. A further obvious consequence is the use of a profile which is not only suitable for structurally connecting connectors, but also for receiving a light scattering profile and provides space for LEDs and also additional space for parallel power supply.

(19) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that the hinge or the hinges is/are arranged at the ends of the lighting unit, between the lighting segment(s) and the connecting elements (plug or clamping elements).

(20) The described hinges or joints (FIG. 1 no. 2c) are located just before the ends of the lighting units between the segment, that can generally be illuminated (FIG. 1 no. 2b) and the connecting elements (FIG. 1 no 2d) to the nodal point (plug/clamp/etc.). The joints can be traditional hinges or also be made of elastic material.

(21) This embodiment moves the joint points close to the nodal point which is of advantage for the geometry of structures built of the lighting system. From a mechanical and design point of view it would be ideal if the lighting units could meet at one point. Through moving the joints to the nodal point this is almost achieved. (The forces of rods are dissipated without a moment if the rods meet at one point). A further advantage lies in the spatial separation of the different functions: fastening element, joint, lighting segment. This spatial separation simplifies technical development.

(22) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that for fastening the lighting unit(s) to the nodal point connecting elements (plugs) are arranged on the ends of the lighting unit which engage between elements on the nodal point which are axially spaced and circumferentially surround the middle axis.

(23) Accordingly a plug-type connection is described (FIG. 3) which clearly defines the position of the plug axially with regard to the nodal point but radially permits any angle. Between two or more radial elements (FIG. 3 no. 1d), such as, for example, disks or plates, the connecting element (plug) (FIG. 3, no. 2e) is attached to the end of the lighting units. In contrast to other plugs, this does not engage in one or more holes, but in one or more radial lighting units.

(24) According to another embodiment it is envisaged that, for fastening the lighting unit or lighting units at the nodal point, a clamp-like connecting element is arranged at the ends of the lighting unit which engages around an element of the connector circumferentially surrounding the middle axis.

(25) A plug-type connection is accordingly described (FIG. 4) which has the inverse geometry, which is described in claim 9. A type of clamp (FIG. 4, no. 2f) grips one or more radial elements (FIG. 4, no. 1e) on the nodal point. Whereas in claim 9 the male component (plug) is on the lighting unit and the female component (socket) is on the nodal point, in claim 10 the female component (socket) is on the lighting unit and the male component (plug) on the nodal point. This results in the same advantages as in claim 9.

(26) According to another embodiment it is envisaged that the connecting element (plug or clamp or clamp-like connecting element) has contacts with which power is transmitted from the nodal point.

(27) Accordingly it is described that the electrical and structural connection are combined in the plug or clamp component. This simplifies the configuration of the lighting system as fewer interfaces have to be connected.

(28) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that at the nodal point at least one of the circumferential elements has an undercut into which the plug or around which the clamp (clamp-like connecting element) engages, wherein the plug/the clamp latches in the undercut(s).

(29) Accordingly the connecting element at the end of the lighting units can snap into the nodal point. The nodal point has one or more radial elements which can be designed like a plate, a sleeve or a disk for instance. These elements have an undercut (FIG. 5, no. 1f), i.e. in outer area they have a circumferential brim, edge, bulge etc. The connecting element on the lighting unit is pushed from outside between or over one more radial elements and can engaged on the brim, edge etc. Expediently this connection is reversible. To undo the connection a button has to be pressed, for example, or a mechanical or magnetic force has to be overcome (FIG. 5 no. 2g).

(30) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that the connecting element has a ring which is suitable for pushing over the middle axis of the connector and, in particular, is firmly connected to the remainder of the connecting element.

(31) The connection element at the end of the lighting unit thus exclusively or additionally comprises a ring (FIG. 6, no. 2h). This ring can be fastened on the nodal point by being pushed over an axial (cylindrical) element (FIG. 6, no. 1g) on the nodal point, or in that an axial (cylindrical) element which forms part of the connector is pushed through the ring. The ring is so thin that several of these rings fit over the axial element. The most stable fastening to an axis can be achieved through encompassing of the axis. Orientation with regard to the axis is assured if a rod ends in an eye which encompasses the axis. In order to fasten several lighting units it is necessary for the ring to be flat and the axis long. (Length of the axis/thickness of the rings=number of rings that can be accommodated).

(32) For fastening the ring is either placed over an axis or the axis is inserted into the rings. To prevent the rings sliding off the axis the axis can be reversibly provided with end caps (FIG. 6, no. 1h) which are larger than the inner diameter of the rings.

(33) Advantageously, these rings can also be present in addition to the plugs/clamps described in claims 9 and 10. During assembly by the user, the clamps/plugs would then be fastened to the connectors and the rings then applied around a cylindrical, axial body. A securing element is then applied, if necessary, which prevents the ring from sliding out.

(34) This method of connecting the nodal point and lighting units would have the advantage that the plug/clamp defines the axial stop, while the ring optimally aligns the light units to the axis and the plug/clamp prevents sliding out.

(35) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that the hinge is formed in that the lighting element comprises a flexible material 2i throughout, which is particularly suitable for being fully bent.

(36) Through the use of flexible materials, such as, for example, spring steel, thin plywood, plastic material or alucobont, the flexibility can result in joints (FIG. 7. no. 2). It is conceivable that the material extends between the connectors like a bow (bow and arrow). The simple design would be advantageous.

(37) According to a further embodiment it is envisaged that the connector(s) have fastening options which are suitable for supporting the lighting system and providing it with power.

(38) The user is provided with the greatest number of design possibilities if connection to ceilings or walls takes place. The stability of this lighting system structure is also best when it is connected to connectors. Rationally, the power is also supplied through such connections.

(39) These connections can be brought about via a wire or cable or a rod which ends in a flange etc.

(40) FIG. 11 shows a lighting system 5 in which the lighting units 2 each have a lighting segment 2a, for example in the form of profiles, which at the end visible in the figure are connected in one piece to a connecting element 2d in which an opening 7 in the form of a bored hole is provided. Via this bored hole 7 in the connecting element 2d several lighting elements 2 of the shown type can be placed in the axial direction on a two-part connection 1 and thereby fitted together. According to the example of embodiment in FIG. 11 the connector 1 has several body sections 6a, 6b and 6c, wherein the body sections 6a and 6b have a relatively large diameter and the stud-shaped body section 6c has a relatively small diameter. The body sections 6b and 6c are connected to each other in one piece and the body section 6a, after being connected together with several lighting units 2, can be mounted on body section 6c, e.g. screwed on, in order to fix the lighting units 2 on the connector 1 and to supply power/voltage via connector 1.

(41) FIG. 12 shows an example of embodiment in which the lighting units 2 each are designed in one piece with a circumferential element 6d or 6e of a connector 1. The connector 1 is formed in several pieces, i.e. it has several circumferential elements of body sections 6d and 6e. Each of the two shown body sections 6d and 6e has a recess (socket) on the upper side and on the lower side a projection (plug) that is complementary thereto, so that in the assembled state an electrical connection is present. In this example of embodiment the connector 1, or at least one part (body section) thereof, is connected in one piece with the relevant lighting unit 2. Although this is only shown for one end of the lighting unit, it can preferably also be provided on the other end(s) (not visible here) of the lighting unit 2.

(42) FIG. 13 finally shows yet another example of embodiment in which the connector also has several (here, for example, two) circumferential elements or body sections 6f and 6g, which in this case lie in each other or in a common plane and are arranged concentrically with regard to each other (at a constant spacing with regard to each other). The inner, in this case disk-like, body section 6f has a smaller cross-section than the outer ring-like body section 6g. The body sections 6g and 6f are connected to each other via two webs which are diametrically opposite each other. With the connector the lighting unit 2 can be arranged at any position around the connector middle axis 1a in the angular range from one web to the other web around the connector middle axis 1a. Each of the two continuous angular ranges is around 175? for example.

(43) The example of embodiment in FIG. 13 is also characterised by the special shape of the connecting element 2d of the lighting unit 2. The connecting element 2d is formed in such a way that the lighting element 2 can be connected to the connector through a pivoting movement about the axis x.sub.3, wherein the pivoting movement takes place in a plane through which the connector middle axis 1a also extends or which runs parallel to the connector middle axis 1a. The lighting unit 2 is then held in the combined state in which there is a mechanical and electrical connection to the connector through gravity and/or an optional clamping force.

(44) For the electrical connection in the case of the example of embodiment in FIG. 13 the curved sections of the connecting element 2d, which here are part of a joint, can convey or conduct electricity. Also electrically conductive are the body sections 6g and 6f, at least in the area of the inner contour of the body section 6g and the outer contour of body section 6f.

(45) Finally it can also be seen in FIG. 13 that the body section 6f is here formed, as an example, as a plate with a bulge-shaped edge, wherein on the upper side and/or lower side the plate can have an electrical input and/or output 8 via which electricity can be supplied or external consumers provided with current/voltage.