Luminaire with a connection device

Abstract

A luminaire (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) comprising a housing with a first end surface (21), a second end surface (22), an at least partially circumferential surface (23) extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, a longitudinal direction (25) extending between the first end surface and the second end surface, and at least one connection device (3a, 3b; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b) for connecting the luminaire to a complementary connection device (3b, 3a; 3b, 3a; 3b, 3a) of another corresponding luminaire, the at least one connection device being arranged on either of the first end surface and the second end surface of the luminaire, the connection device comprising an electrical connection element (34) extending in an angle with respect to said longitudinal direction (25) of said luminaire, said angle being comprised in the interval (0; 90].

Claims

1. A luminaire comprising: a housing with a first end surface, a second end surface, an at least partially circumferential surface extending between said first end surface and said second end surface, a longitudinal direction extending between said first end surface and said second end surface, and at least one connection device for connecting said luminaire to a complementary connection device of another corresponding luminaire, said at least one connection device being arranged on either of said first end surface and said second end surface of said luminaire, said connection device comprising an electrical connection element extending in an angle with respect to said longitudinal direction of said luminaire, said angle being comprised in the interval (0; 90]; wherein said connection device further comprises a first surface, wherein said first surface extends in an angle with respect to said longitudinal direction of said luminaire, said angle being comprised in the interval 0<<90; wherein said connection device further comprises a second surface, said second surface being rounded, and wherein said first surface and said second surface meet in a tip point, the location of the tip point on the connection device satisfying the relation
y2y1*(1sin ), where y1 is the height of the luminaire and y2 is the shortest distance measured in a mounted condition of said luminaire between said tip point and a surface on which the luminaire is mounted.

2. A luminaire according to claim 1, wherein said electrical connection element is integrated in the first surface.

3. A luminaire according to claim 1, wherein said connection device further comprises an at least partially circumferential wall extending between said first surface and said second surface.

4. A luminaire according to claim 1, wherein said connection device further comprises an engagement element adapted for engagement with a complementary engagement element of another connection device.

5. A luminaire according to claim 1, comprising two connection devices at opposite end surfaces, wherein one connection device being of a male type and one connection device being of a female type.

6. A luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the first surface is curved.

7. A method for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two luminaires with each other, comprising the steps of: providing at least two luminaires according to claim 1, mounting a first luminaire in a first fixed position on a surface, and mechanically and electrically connecting a subsequent luminaire to said first luminaire, wherein the step of mechanically and electrically connecting said subsequent luminaire comprises the steps of: guiding a connection device of said subsequent luminaire into a position above a complementary connection device of said first luminaire, bringing said connection device of said subsequent luminaire into mechanical and electrical connection with said complementary connection device of said first luminaire by rotating said subsequent luminaire in such a way that said connection device of said subsequent luminaire is brought into physical and electrical contact with said complementary connection device of said first luminaire, and mounting said subsequent luminaire in a second fixed position on said surface.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said step of mounting a first luminaire in a first fixed position on a surface comprises: providing at least one mounting bracket, mounting a mounting bracket in said first fixed position on said surface, and mechanically connecting said first luminaire to said mounting bracket.

9. A method according to claim 7, wherein said step of mounting said subsequent luminaire in a second fixed position on said surface comprises: providing at least one mounting bracket, mounting a mounting bracket in said second fixed position on said surface, and mechanically connecting said second luminaire to said mounting bracket.

10. A method for mechanically and electrically disconnecting at least two luminaires with each other, comprising the steps of: providing at least two luminaires according to claim 1, each being mounted in a fixed position on a surface, bringing a connection device of a first luminaire out of mechanical and electrical connection with a complementary connection device of a subsequent luminaire by rotating said first luminaire in such a way that said connection device of said first luminaire is brought towards said surface in such a way that said connection device of said subsequent luminaire is brought out of physical and electrical contact with said complementary connection device of said first luminaire, demounting said first luminaire from said fixed position on said surface in which it is mounted, and removing said first luminaire from said surface and said subsequent luminaire.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein said first luminaire is mounted in said fixed position on said surface by means of mechanical connection with a mounting bracket, and wherein said step of demounting said first luminaire from said fixed position on said surface comprises mechanically disconnecting said first luminaire from said mounting bracket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a side view of a light line comprising four luminaires according to the first aspect of the invention mounted on a surface.

(4) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the light line of FIG. 1.

(5) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention comprising two connection devices according to the second aspect of the invention.

(6) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a connection device according to the second aspect of the invention in a male version.

(7) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a connection device according to the second aspect of the invention in a female version.

(8) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of two luminaires according to the first embodiment of the invention comprising a connection device according to the second aspect of the invention in a male version and a female version, respectively, just before being connected with each other.

(9) FIG. 7 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention comprising two connection devices according to the invention.

(10) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a luminaire according to the invention illustrating different dimensions of the luminaire and comprising a connection device comprising a chamfered second surface.

(11) FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of the steps of a method according to the third aspect of the invention for connecting luminaires with each other.

(12) FIG. 10 shows a schematic illustration of the steps of a method according to the fourth aspect of the invention for disconnecting luminaires from each other.

(13) FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention comprising a male type connection device according to the invention.

(14) FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention comprising a female type connection device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) FIGS. 1 and 2 show an array of luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention. Such an array shall herein be denoted light line 1. The luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are mounted on a surface 4 with their rear side 24 towards and their rear surface 26 abutting the surface 4, here being a ceiling (cf. also FIG. 3).

(16) It is noted, however, that the surface 4 may in principle be any feasible type of surface on which it is desired to mount an light line 1, Examples of such surfaces are for instance a ceiling, a wall, a trunking line, a floor or the like.

(17) It is furthermore noted that the luminaire 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may comprise at least one bracket 6 (cf. FIG. 7) for mounting the luminaire on the surface 4.

(18) As is shown on FIG. 1, each luminaire 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d of the light line 1 further comprises two connection devices 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b; 3a, 3b, respectively, for interconnecting the luminaires or for connecting one of the outer luminaires of the light line to a source of electrical energy (not shown). Preferably, one of the connection devices 3a; 3a; 3a is of a female type while the other connection device 3b; 3b; 3b is of a male type.

(19) As is shown on FIG. 1, the luminaire 2b in the middle of the light line 1 is temporarily positioned in an angle with respect to the surface 4 and its connection device 3b on the one side is disconnected from the connection device 3a of the luminaire 2a adjacent thereto. This particular situation occurs when a user mounts or removes a luminaire, i.e. here the luminaire 2b, in or from the light line 1. The luminaire 2b and the luminaire 2c adjacent thereto and opposite the luminaire 2a are mechanically and electrically connected by means of the respective connection devices 3a and 3b.

(20) The luminaire and/or the connection device according to the invention may be moulded, preferably in a plastic material. Furthermore, the luminaire and/or the connection device may be one integral device.

(21) The luminaire according to the invention is an elongated luminaire that may have any feasible configuration such as linear, curved, U-shaped, S-shaped, ring-shaped etc. Also, the luminaire according to the invention may have any feasible cross sectional shape. Likewise the light line 1 may have any feasible overall configuration such as linear, curved, U-shaped, S-shaped, ring-shaped etc.

(22) Turning now to FIG. 3 a luminaire 2b according to the invention is shown in further detail. The luminaire comprises a housing which comprises a first end surface 21, a second end surface 22, and an at least partially circumferential surface 23 extending between the first end surface 21 and the second end surface 22. The housing further comprises a longitudinal direction 25 extending between the first end surface 21 and the second end surface 22. Preferably, but not necessarily, the longitudinal direction 25 furthermore extends perpendicular to the first end surface 21 and the second end surface 22. The at least partially circumferential surface 23 further comprises a front side 23 and a rear side 24, the rear side 24 comprising a rear surface 26.

(23) Along with the possible configurations mentioned above, another configuration of the luminaire is that the longitudinal direction 25 need not necessarily be linear in its extension, but may be flexible in its extension to create any desired shape of the luminaire such as e.g. curved or angled.

(24) The front side 23 and/or rear side 24 of the luminaire may be transparent or diffuse to allow light from a light source (not shown) arranged within said luminaire pass through.

(25) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the rear surface 26 is adapted for abutment with and/or connection with a surface 4 on which it is intended to mount the luminaire 2b. Furthermore, in case of a luminaire with a circular or oval cross section the rear surface 26 may be a line adapted for abutment against a surface 4 on which the luminaire is mounted.

(26) In embodiments such as the one shown in FIG. 7 where the luminaire comprises a mounting bracket 6, the rear surface 26 is adapted for facing a surface 4 on which it is intended to mount the luminaire 2b.

(27) The luminaire 2b further comprises two connection devices 3a, 3b, one on each end surface 21, 22, for connecting the luminaire 2b to another corresponding luminaire or for connecting it to a source of electrical energy (not shown). One of the connection devices 3a is of a female type while the other connection device 3b is of a male type.

(28) It is noted that the luminaire according to the invention may comprise any other number of connection devices that two, e.g. one or three, thereby allowing for other configurations of a light line. Also, a connection device may in principle be arranged on the at least partially circumferential surface 23 of the luminaire.

(29) An embodiment of a connection device according to the invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 showing a connection device 3b is of a male type, FIG. 5 showing a connection device 3a of a female type and FIG. 6.

(30) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 the connection device 3a, 3b comprises, irrespective of being of female or male type: a first surface 32, a second surface 31, an at least partially circumferential wall 33 extending between the first surface 32 and the second surface 31, an electrical connection element 34, an engagement means 35, and an abutment surface 36.

(31) It is noted that a connection device 3a, 3a, 3a of the female type according to the invention comprises an opening in the first surface 32 adapted for receiving the first surface 32 of a connection device 3b, 3b, 3b of the male type according to the invention.

(32) It is noted that with the exception of the first surface 32 all of the elements 31 to 36 of the connection device 3a, 3b are in principle optional and may in different embodiments be present or not independently of one another. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the first surface 32 and the second surface 31 may be merged and the electrical connection element 34 may be arranged perpendicular to the first surface 32.

(33) Furthermore, the connection device 3a, 3b comprises a height h. The height h of the connection device 3a, 3b is defined as the largest distance between the first surface 32 and the second surface 31 of the connection device 3a, 3b.

(34) The first surface 32 of the connection device 3a, 3b extends in an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire 2b.

(35) The angle may be expressed as being the angle between the direction in which the first surface 32 extends and a longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire.

(36) Alternatively the same angle may be expressed as being the angle between the direction in which the first surface 32 extends and a direction extending perpendicular to the direction of the height h of the connection device.

(37) The angle is comprised in the interval 0<<90. In principle the angle may alternatively be comprised in any other interval being a sub-interval of the interval 0<<90. For example, the angle may alternatively be comprised in the interval 10<<80, in the interval 20<<70 or in the interval 30<<60.

(38) The first surface 32 of the connection device 3a, 3b may be circumferential as shown in FIG. 5, or it may comprise two segments as shown in FIG. 4. The first surface 32 may furthermore be substantially planar as shown in FIG. 5, or it may be curved as shown in FIG. 4.

(39) In the embodiment shown on FIGS. 4 to 6 the second surface 31 of the connection device 3a, 3b extends in parallel with the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire. The second surface 31 must, however, not necessarily be parallel with the longitudinal direction 25, but may in other embodiments be curved or chamfered.

(40) The at least partially circumferential wall 33 of the connection device 3a, 3b extends between the first surface 32 and the second surface 31 connecting the first surface 32 and the second surface 31 along at least a part of their periphery. The at least partially circumferential wall 33 may be comprised of two opposite side walls as shown in FIG. 4, or it may be substantially peripheral as shown in FIG. 5. Also, a wide number of other configurations of the at least partially circumferential wall 33, such as for instance one or more wall segments or a grid-like structure, are feasible.

(41) The electrical connection element 34 of the connection device 3a, 3b generally extends in an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire 2b, which angle is comprised in the interval (0; 90]. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 the angle in which the electrical connection element 34 extends with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 is 90. Alternatively the angle in which the electrical connection element 34 extends with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire 2b may be comprised in the interval [2; 80] or in the interval [2; 70].

(42) In terms of the height h of the connection device 3a, 3b, the electrical connection element 34 may also be described as extending in an angle with respect to the height h, said angle being comprised in the interval [0; 90). In these terms and as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 the angle in which the electrical connection element 34 extends with respect to the height h is 0.

(43) The electrical connection element 34 of the male type connection device 3b (FIG. 4) is of a male type, while the electrical connection element 34 of the female type connection device 3a (FIG. 5) is of a female type. The electrical connection element 34 comprises at least one electrically conductive material, which is preferably surrounded by at least one non-conductive material. The total number of different conductive materials surrounded by non-conductive materials may vary, typically from 2 towards a maximum of 12. As known in the field of luminaire design, the connection element 34 is designed in such a way that when higher voltages are applied, the conductive material cannot be touched by bare hands.

(44) In the embodiment shown on FIGS. 4 to 6, the male type electrical connection element comprises three cylindrical pins, each with a central cavity having walls made of, or covered by an electrically conductive material, whereas the female type electrical connection element comprises a sheath with three pins of an electrically conductive material, the pins fitting the cavities of the male type electrical connection element

(45) The electrical connection element 34 as shown on the figures, particularly FIGS. 4 and 5, is to be construed as one possible embodiment amongst a wide variety of possible embodiments. In principle the electrical connection element 34 may be any feasible type of connection element providing an electrical connection. Possible types include, but are not limited to, pin and plug connectors, planar terminals forming an electrical connection when brought into abutment with each other and spring biased connectors, e.g. of the pogo-pin type.

(46) Preferably, however, electrical connection elements of a type following the norm IEC 60320 specifying non-locking electrical power couplers for the connection of power supply cords to electrical appliances up to 250 V are employed as the electrical connection element 34.

(47) In an alternative embodiment the electrical connection element 34 may be integrated in the first surface 32 of the connection devicee.g. as shown on FIGS. 11 and 12.

(48) Furthermore, the connection device according to the invention may be adapted to transfer communication signals, which signals could be part of different communication protocols (e.g. DALI, DMX).

(49) The engagement element 35 of the connection device 3a, 3b shown on FIGS. 4 and 5 comprises a protrusion (FIG. 4) and a corresponding recess (FIG. 5), thus forming a snap-locking engagement element 35 providing for locking the connection devices 3a, 3b in a snap-locking manner when brought into mutual engagement. In principle, however, any other feasible type of engagement element 35 may be employed. Possible types include, but are not limited to, engagement elements of the pin and hole type and of the friction-locking type.

(50) In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the engagement element 35 may be integrated in the first surface 32 of the connection device.

(51) The abutment surface 36 of the connection device 3a, 3b is adapted for mutual abutment when the connection devices 3a, 3b are in full engagement with each other. The abutment surface 36 serves as a stop indicating to a user when full engagement is achieved. Such an indication is especially advantageous in embodiments in which the engagement element 35 is omitted.

(52) Turning now to FIG. 8 an alternative embodiment of a connection device 3a of a luminaire 2b according to the invention is shown. The connection device 3a shown in FIG. 8 differs from the above embodiment in one aspect which will be described in the following.

(53) In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, the second surface 31 of the connection device 3a is chamfered or rounded in such a way that the first surface 32 and the second surface 31 meet in a tip point 37. The location of the tip point 37 on the connection device 3a satisfies the relation
y.sub.2y.sub.1*(1sin ),

(54) where y.sub.1 is the height of the luminaire and y.sub.2 is the shortest distance measured in a mounted condition of said luminaire between the tip point 37 and a surface 4 on which the luminaire is mounted.

(55) Such a rounded or chamfered second surface 31 makes it possible to mount the connecting device 3a on the luminaire 2b in such a way that at least an edge of the connecting device 3a is flush with the rear surface 26, while still maintaining the advantages described above.

(56) The distance y.sub.2 may as mentioned be described as the shortest distance measured in a mounted condition of said luminaire between the end point 37 and a surface 4 on which the luminaire is mounted. This applies whether the luminaire comprises a mounting bracket 6 or not. Alternatively, in embodiments where the luminaire does not comprise a mounting bracket 6, the distance y.sub.2 may be seen as the shortest distance between a plane in which a rear surface 26 of said luminaire extends and the end point 37. Alternatively, in embodiments where the luminaire comprises a mounting bracket 6, the distance y.sub.2 may be described as the sum of shortest distance between a plane in which a rear surface 26 of said luminaire extends and the end point 37 and the largest thickness of the mounting bracket 6.

(57) FIG. 8 also serves to illustrate the relationship between different dimensions of a luminaire according to the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates the following dimensions extending in parallel with the longitudinal direction of a luminaire according to the invention:

(58) the length of the housing of the luminaire 2b, x.sub.1,

(59) the length of the connection device 3a, x.sub.2,

(60) the length of the connection device 3b, x.sub.2+x.sub.3, and

(61) the total length of the luminaire 2b, x.sub.4,

(62) Expressed by means of the angle and the two dimensions y.sub.1 and y.sub.2 as described above, the following relations apply:
x.sub.2=y.sub.1*cos ,
x.sub.2+x.sub.3=y.sub.1*cos +y.sub.2*tan
x.sub.4=x.sub.1+2*x.sub.2+x.sub.3=x.sub.1+2*(y.sub.1*cos )+y.sub.2*tan

(63) Furthermore, expressed by means of the angle and the height of the luminaire y.sub.1 as described above, the following relation applies to the minimum length, l.sub.m, of the luminaire:
l.sub.m=y.sub.1*(tan +1/(2*cos )(1/(2*sin *cos ))+cos +1/tan )

(64) for 0<<90 degrees and 0<y.sub.1.

(65) FIGS. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a luminaire 2b according to the invention. In this embodiment the first surface 32 of the connection device 3a, 3b is provided as or coincides with an inclined surface part of the respective end surface 21, 22 of the luminaire 2b. As in the other embodiments, the first surface 32 of the connection device 3a, 3b extends in the angle with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire 2b. Likewise, as in the other embodiments, the electrical connection element 34 of the connection device 3a, 3b generally extends in the angle with respect to the longitudinal direction 25 of the luminaire 2b. When two luminaires according to this third embodiment of the invention are connected with each other, the first surfaces 32 of the respective connection devices 3a, 3b abut each other and the non-inclined surface parts of the respective end surface 21, 22 (on FIGS. 11 and 12 adjacent the at least partially circumferential surface 23 of the luminaire) likewise abut each other. In other words the non-inclined surface part of the end surface 21 or 22 together with the first surface 32 form a surface of the connection element 3a or 3b being adapted for abutting a similar surface of a corresponding connection device. Hence, in the case shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 the height h of the connection device 3a, 3b equals the height y1 of the luminaire.

(66) With reference now to FIG. 9 a method for mechanically and electrically connecting at least two luminaires according to the invention with each other will be described to illustrate the increased simplicity of the process provided by the present invention. The method is described in relation to luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each comprising one mounting bracket 6. It is noted, however, that the method applies to luminaires without mounting brackets too, in which case the steps related to the mounting brackets should simply be omitted.

(67) When connecting at least two luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention with each other, a user will perform the following steps both for luminaires with and without mounting brackets: providing at least two luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention, at step 102 mounting a first luminaire 2a in a first fixed position on a surface 4, and mechanically and electrically connecting a subsequent luminaire 2b to the first luminaire 2a, by performing the steps of: at step 104 guiding a connection device 3a; 3b of the subsequent luminaire into a position above a complementary connection device 3b; 3a of the first luminaire, at step 105 bringing the connection device 3a; 3b of the subsequent luminaire into mechanical and electrical connection with the complementary connection device 3b; 3a of the first luminaire by rotating the subsequent luminaire 2b in such a way that the connection device 3a; 3b of the subsequent luminaire is brought into physical and electrical contact with the complementary connection device 3b; 3a of the first luminaire, and at step 106 mounting the subsequent luminaire 2b in a second fixed position on the surface.

(68) For a luminaire comprising a mounting bracket 6 the user will furthermore as illustrated at 103 on FIG. 9 perform the following steps when connecting at least two luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention with each other: providing at least one mounting bracket 6, at step 101 mounting a mounting bracket in the first fixed position and/or in the second fixed position on the surface, and at step 102 and/or as a part of step 105 mechanically connecting the first luminaire 2a and/or the second luminaire 2b to the mounting bracket.

(69) Finally, with reference now to FIG. 10 a method for mechanically and electrically disconnecting at least two luminaires according to the invention from each other will be described to illustrate the increased simplicity of the process provided by the present invention. The method is described in relation to luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d each comprising one mounting bracket 6. It is noted, however, that the method applies to luminaires without mounting brackets too, in which case the steps related to the mounting brackets should simply be omitted.

(70) When disconnecting at least two luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention from each other, a user will perform the following steps both for luminaires with and without mounting brackets: at step 201 providing at least two luminaires 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d according to the invention, each being mounted in a fixed position on a surface 4, at step 202 bringing a connection device 3a; 3b of a first luminaire 2a out of mechanical and electrical connection with a complementary connection device 3b; 3a of a subsequent luminaire 2b by rotating the first luminaire 2a in such a way that the connection device 3a; 3b of the first luminaire 2a is brought towards the surface in such a way that the connection device 3a; 3b of the subsequent luminaire is brought out of physical and electrical contact with the complementary connection device 3b; 3a of the first luminaire, at step 203 demounting the first luminaire 2a from the fixed position on the surface in which it is mounted, and at step 204 removing the first luminaire 2a from the surface and the subsequent luminaire 2b.

(71) In case the first luminaire 2a and/or the subsequent luminaire 2b is mounted in the fixed position on the surface 4 by means of mechanical connection with at least one mounting bracket 6 the user will furthermore as a part of the step 203 of demounting the first luminaire 2a from the fixed position on the surface, mechanically disconnect the first luminaire 2a from the at least one mounting bracket 6.

(72) The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no element is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. 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. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.