LIGHTING ARRANGEMENT WITH A ROTATABLE LIGHTING UNIT

Abstract

A lighting arrangement comprising a lighting unit, comprising a light source arranged to emit light, and a housing comprising a reflective inner surface and an opening extending in a plane, P. The opening is oppositely arranged the reflective inner surface, wherein the lighting unit is rotatably fastened to a first rotation axis, Ai, of the housing. The first rotation axis, Ai, is arranged adjacent the opening and parallel to the plane, P, and the lighting unit is rotatable around the first rotation axis, Ai, between a first position and a second position, through the opening. In the first position, the lighting unit is at least partially enclosed by the housing, wherein the lighting unit is arranged to illuminate the reflective inner surface for an output of the light through the opening, and in the second position, the lighting unit is arranged at least partially outside the housing.

Claims

1. A lighting arrangement, comprising at least one lighting unit, comprising at least one light emitting diode, LED, as a light source arranged to emit light, a housing, comprising a reflective inner surface, and an opening extending in a plane, P, wherein the opening is oppositely arranged the reflective inner surface, wherein the at least one lighting unit is rotatably fastened to at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, of the housing, wherein the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, is arranged adjacent the opening and parallel to the plane, P, and wherein the at least one lighting unit is rotatable around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, between a first position and a second position, through the opening, wherein in the first position, the at least one lighting unit is recessed in the housing, wherein the at least one lighting unit is arranged to illuminate the reflective inner surface for an output via reflection at the inner surface of the light through the opening, and in the second position, the at least one lighting unit is arranged at least partially outside the housing, wherein the lighting unit is rotatable inside the housing about the at least one first rotation axis A.sub.i, over an inner rotation angle >=90, such that when the lighting unit is in the first position, i) in projection along a normal to plane P the opening and the lighting unit do not overlap, and ii) the lighting unit emits light into the housing in a direction away from the opening.

2. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lighting unit further comprises at least one optical unit configured to direct the light, wherein the at least one optical unit comprises at least one of a lens element and a reflector element.

3. The lighting arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the at least one optical unit comprises an aperture, wherein the at least one optical unit is arranged to direct at least part of the light in a direction perpendicular to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, through the aperture, and wherein the at least one optical unit is rotatably fastened to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, at the periphery of the aperture.

4. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured for individual control of the at least one light source via at least one setting of the at least one light source.

5. The lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the control of the at least one light source via the at least one setting is based on an input from at least one of a sensor and a user.

6. The lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the control of the at least one light source via the at least one setting is based on the rotation of the at least one lighting unit around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, between the first position and the second position.

7. The lighting arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the at least one setting is at least one of color, intensity, beam direction and beam distribution of the light.

8. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first rotational mechanism fastened to the housing and the at least one lighting unit and adjacent to the opening, wherein the at least one first rotational mechanism is configured to rotate the at least one lighting unit around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i.

9. The lighting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the at least one first rotational mechanism comprises a motor configured to rotate the at least one lighting unit around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i.

10. The lighting arrangement according to claim 8, wherein at least one first rotational mechanism is configured to rotate the at least one lighting unit around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, between a plurality of predetermined positions, respectively, wherein the at least one lighting unit is securable at each predetermined position.

11. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a power track extending along the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, wherein the at least one lighting unit is rotatably fastened to the power track, wherein the power track is configured to supply electric power to the at least one lighting unit.

12. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising at least one hinge, wherein the at least one lighting unit is rotatably fastened to the at least one hinge, wherein the at least one hinge is configured to supply electric power to the at least one lighting unit.

13. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lighting unit comprises at least one second rotational mechanism configured to rotate the at least one lighting unit around at least one second rotation axis, B.sub.i wherein the at least one second rotation axis, B.sub.i, is arranged adjacent the opening, parallel to the plane, P, and perpendicular to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i.

14. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the lighting arrangement elongates in a first length direction, L.sub.1, parallel to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i.

15. The lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lighting unit elongates in a second length direction, L.sub.2, parallel to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiments of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 schematically shows an overview of a lighting arrangement according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,

[0034] FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, comprising a sensor and a control unit,

[0035] FIGS. 3a-c schematically show cross-sectional views of a lighting arrangement according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,

[0036] FIGS. 4a-b schematically show cross-sectional views of a lighting arrangement according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention, and

[0037] FIG. 5 schematically shows an overview of a lighting arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematically overview of a lighting arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. The lighting arrangement 100 comprises a housing 130 that comprises a reflective inner surface 140 and an opening 150. Thus, the reflective inner surface 140 may occupy only (a) portion(s) or the entirety of the interior of the housing 130. The reflective inner surface 140 can obtain its reflection property by comprising e.g. a reflective coating or a sheet material. Additionally, the type of reflection from the reflective inner surface 140 may be e.g. specular reflection and/or diffuse reflection. The reflection type may be obtained by properties of the reflective inner surface 140, e.g. that portions of its surface are regular and/or irregular. Furthermore, the opening 150 is extending in a plane, P, wherein the opening 150 is oppositely arranged the reflective inner surface 140. FIG. 1 discloses the housing 130 having the shape of a quarter cylinder with an elliptic cross section. However, it should be noted that the housing 130 may take on alternative shapes, e.g., a half cylinder, a sphere, a triangular prism, etc.

[0039] The lighting arrangement 100 further comprises at least one lighting unit 110 further comprising at least one light source 120. Hence, the lighting arrangement 100 may comprise a plurality of lighting units 110. Similarly, the lighting unit(s) 110 may comprise a plurality of light sources 120. Where a plurality of light sources 120 is present, the light sources 120 may be arranged directly adjacent to each other, or slightly spaced apart. Moreover, a plurality of light sources 120 may be arranged in a linear array. For example, the light source(s) 120 may preferably be or comprise light-emitting diodes, LED(s), but may alternatively be or comprise incandescent light source(s), fluorescent light source(s), etc. Where a plurality of lighting units 110 is present, the lighting units 110 may be arranged in a linear array. It may also be that the lighting arrangement 100 comprises a single lighting unit 110 and a single light source 120. In this case, the single lighting unit 110 and the single light source 120 may constitute a linear (light) array.

[0040] The lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) rotatably fastened to the first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i, of the housing 130. The first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i, is (are) arranged adjacent the opening 150, and parallel to the plane, P. The lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) rotatable around the first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i, between a first position and a second position, through the opening 150. Hence, the lighting unit(s) 110 may be rotated around the first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i, between various positions that are positioned between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) at least partially enclosed by, or recessed in or accommodated in a cavity 135 of the housing 130, wherein the lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) arranged to illuminate the reflective inner surface 140 for an output of the light through the opening 150. The reflective inner surface 140 may be completely illuminated or only partially. In the second position, the lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) arranged at least partially outside the housing 130. Consequentially, the lighting unit(s) 110 in the second position may illuminate the reflective inner surface 140 to some extent or not at all.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematically cross-sectional view of a lighting arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the part of a lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 2 has several features in common with the lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1, and it is hereby referred to FIG. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of some of the features and/or functions of the lighting arrangement 100. FIG. 2 discloses a plurality of first rotation axes, here exemplified as axis A.sub.1 and axis A.sub.2. The at least one lighting unit 110 comprises at least one optical unit 160, in the figure a reflector element (but which alternatively or additionally could comprise a refractive body, such as a lens element), configured to direct the light. The optical unit(s) 160 may direct the light via e.g., optical guidance of the light and collimation of the light.

[0042] The lighting arrangement 100 further comprises an aperture, wherein the optical unit(s) 160 is (are) arranged to direct part of the light in a direction perpendicular to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, directly, hence without being reflected by the reflector element, through the aperture. Furthermore, the optical unit(s) 160 is (are) rotatably fastened to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, at the periphery of the aperture. FIG. 2 discloses a plurality of first rotation axes, A.sub.1 and A.sub.2. Hence, the optical unit(s) 160 is (are) rotatably fastened to the first rotation axes, A.sub.1 and A.sub.2, respectively, along the light emission window of the lighting unit(s) 110.

[0043] The lighting arrangement 100 further comprises a control unit 170 configured for individual control of the light source(s) 120 via at least one setting of the light source(s) 120. The control unit 170 may be connected to the light arrangement 100 by wire or wirelessly. As the control unit 170 may control the light source(s) 120 independently, different light source(s) 120 may have different settings in regard to e.g. brightness and/or color. The control of the light source(s) 120 via the setting(s) is based on an input from at least one of a sensor 175 and/or a user. In the case where the control is based on an input from the sensor 175, the sensor 175 may be configured to e.g., detect movement. For example, if any movement (of a person) is detected, the sensor 175 may generate a sensor signal and send the generated signal to the control unit 170, whereas the control unit 170 may control the light source(s) 120 to e.g. increase the brightness and/or color. Furthermore, the control of the light source(s) 120 is based on the rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110 around the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, between the first position and the second position. For instance, the light source(s) 120 may have different settings in regard to if the lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) completely enclosed by (or accommodated in) the cavity 135 of the housing 130 or arranged completely outside the housing 130. The setting(s) may be at least one of color, color temperature, intensity, beam direction and beam distribution of the light. For example, the color may be adjusted to e.g., render a cool-white light output to imitate the sky, a pleasant ambiance color defined by a potential user or be based on a color derived from a light scene active in the space wherein the lighting arrangement 100 resides within.

[0044] It should be noted that the setting decisive factors, i.e., the setting being based on the rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110 and/or input from the sensor 175 and/or the user, may be manually and/or automatically performed. For example, the sensor 175 may automatically detect any movement within the space where the lighting arrangement 100 resides to enable e.g., changing the value of the luminosity, whereas the lighting unit(s) 110 may be manually rotated in terms of enabling e.g., a change of the color of the emitted light.

[0045] The lighting arrangement 100 disclosed in FIG. 2 comprises a plurality of lighting units 110 and is exemplified as having two lighting units 110. It should be noted that the lighting units 110 are arranged on opposite sides of the opening 150, rotatably fastened to at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i, of the housing 130, more specifically to axis A.sub.1 and axis A.sub.2 respectively. The opening 150 is extending in plane, P, wherein the opening 150 is oppositely arranged a part 140 of a curved portion 140 of the reflective inner surface 140. To enable the inner rotation angle of at least 90 degrees, the housing 130 has an inner height H.sub.i at the location of the first rotation axis A.sub.1 which is the same or larger than a maximum width W.sub.m of the optical unit 160 (or lighting unit) in a radial direction D.sub.r with respect to the first rotation axis A.sub.1. Preferably, the opening 150 of the housing 130 is bordered by a rim 155, essentially also lying in plane P and in plane with the opening 150, which rim 155 has a width W.sub.r>=W.sub.m in the radial direction D.sub.r with respect to the first rotation axis A.sub.1, at the location where the optical unit 160 is fastened to the first rotation axis A.sub.1. The disclosed embodiment enables a combination of indirect, diffuse light and directional light, such as down or accent light, at several positions along the housing 130.

[0046] FIGS. 3a-c are schematically cross-sectional views of a lighting arrangement 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the part of a lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIGS. 3a-c has several features in common with the lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1, and it is hereby referred to FIG. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of some of the features and/or functions of the lighting arrangement 100. The lighting arrangement 100 comprises at least one first rotational mechanism 180 fastened to the housing 130 and the lighting unit 110 and adjacent to the opening 150. The first rotational mechanism(s) 180 is (are) configured to rotate the lighting unit(s) 110 around the at least one first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i. FIGS. 3a-c discloses a single first rotation axis, A.sub.1. The first rotational mechanism(s) 180 may be a revolute joint e.g., a hinge, a pin, or the like.

[0047] The first rotational mechanism(s) 180 comprises a motor 190 configured to rotate the lighting unit(s) 110 around the first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i. The motor 190 enables a motorized rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110. However, it should be noted that the motor 190 may be any other type of actuator that enables a rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110. Additionally, the lighting unit(s) 110 may be motorically rotated by the motor 190 and/or manually rotated.

[0048] The first rotational mechanism(s) 180 is configured to rotate the lighting unit(s) 110 around the first rotation axis(es), A.sub.i, between a plurality of predetermined positions respectively. The lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) securable at each predetermined position. Hence, the first rotational mechanism(s) 180 may have mechanical resistance enabling the light unit(s) 110 to remain stable at each predetermined position. The rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110 may be performed in a continuous movement or in several steps.

[0049] In FIG. 3a, the lighting unit 110 is in the first position, illuminating the reflective inner surface 140 for an output of the light through the opening 150 of the housing 130. In this position, the outgoing light has the character of indirect, diffuse lighting. In this exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, the lighting unit 110 is fully enclosed by the housing 130. In FIG. 3b, the lighting unit 110 is in an intermediate position. In this position, the lighting unit 110 illuminates a smaller portion of the reflective inner surface 140 than in the first position, if any. In the intermediate position, the outgoing light has the character of downlight. In FIG. 3c, the lighting unit 110 is in the second position, illuminating a smaller portion of the reflective inner surface 140 than in the first position, if any. The second position of the lighting unit 110 may be partially outside or fully outside the housing 130. A shown in FIGS. 3a-c, the optical unit 160 comprises an aperture 165 with a size W.sub.o and shape, wherein the size W.sub.o of the opening 150 of the housing 130 matches with the size W.sub.m and shape of the aperture 165 of the optical unit 160, i.e. matches means that the opening 150 is just large enough to enable rotation of (the aperture 165) of the optical unit 160 through the opening 150 over the first rotation axis A.sub.1, i.e. W.sub.oW.sub.m, yet slightly larger.

[0050] FIGS. 4a-b are schematically cross-sectional view of a lighting arrangement 100 according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the part of a lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIGS. 4a-b has several features in common with the lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1, and it is hereby referred to FIG. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of some of the features and/or functions of the lighting arrangement 100. In FIG. 4a, the lighting arrangement 100 comprises a power track 200 extending along the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i. FIG. 4a discloses a single first rotation axis, A.sub.2. The lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) rotatably fastened to the power track 200, wherein the power track 200 is configured to supply electric power to the lighting unit(s) 110. It should be noted that the power track 200 may be arranged within or outside the housing 130.

[0051] In FIG. 4b, the lighting arrangement 100 comprises at least one hinge 210, wherein the lighting unit(s) 110 is (are) rotatably fastened to the hinge(s) 210. The hinge(s) 210 is (are) configured to supply electric power to the lighting unit(s) 110. The hinge(s) 210 may be electrically insulated from its surrounding and may function as (a) power providing electrode(s). It is worth noting that a portion of the hinge 210 in FIG. 4b is arranged on the interior of the housing 130. A portion of the hinge 210 may as well be arranged on the exterior of the housing 130.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematically overview of a lighting arrangement 100 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the part of a lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 5 has several features in common with the lighting arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1, and it is hereby referred to FIG. 1 and the associated text for an increased understanding of some of the features and/or functions of the lighting arrangement 100. The lighting arrangement 100 comprises at least one second rotational mechanism 220 configured to rotate the at least one lighting unit 110 around at least one second rotation axis, B.sub.i. The second rotation axis(es), B.sub.i, is (are) arranged adjacent the opening 150, parallel to the plane, P, and perpendicular to the at least one first rotation axis, A.sub.i. FIG. 5 discloses a single first rotation axis, A.sub.1, and a single second rotation axis, B.sub.1. The rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110 around the first rotation axis, A.sub.1, and around the second rotation axis, B.sub.1, may be performed independently of each other. In the exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, the lighting arrangement 100 further comprises at least one first rotational mechanism 180 comprising a motor 190, wherein the motor 190 is configured to rotate the lighting unit(s) 110 around the first rotation axis, A.sub.1. The motor 190 enables a motorized rotation of the lighting unit(s) 110 around the first rotation axis, A1. It should be noted that the lighting unit(s) 110 may e.g., be motorically and/or manually rotated by the motor 190 around the first rotation axis, A.sub.1, and manually rotated around the second rotation axis, A.sub.2.

[0053] In FIG. 5, the lighting arrangement 100 elongates in a first length direction, L.sub.1, parallel to the first rotation axis, A.sub.1. Furthermore, the lighting unit(s) 110 elongates in a second length direction, L.sub.2, parallel to the first rotation axis A.sub.1. The length directions, L.sub.1 and L.sub.2, may coincide.

[0054] It is worth bearing in mind that the lighting arrangement 100 may be comprised within a lighting system as modules (not disclosed) with a plurality of lighting arrangements 100. The lighting arrangements 100 may be mechanical and/or electrical connected to one or more neighboring modules to transfer power and/or data signals. Furthermore, the housing 130 in FIG. 5 may be part of a pendant (linear) luminaire (not disclosed) that e.g., hangs above a table or above an object presentation area. Alternately, the housing 130 may be integrated in e.g., a ceiling to give a pleasant and sleek impression.

[0055] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, one or more of the at least one lighting unit 110, the housing 130, the opening 150 etc., may have different shapes, dimensions and/or sizes than those depicted/described.