GB2611822A

GB2611822A - Light module and system

Info

Publication number: GB2611822A
Application number: GB2114857.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kirby Ian; Smith Robert
Original assignee: Led Snaps Ltd
Current assignee: Led Snaps Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-18
Filing date: 2021-10-18
Publication date: 2023-04-19
Also published as: GB202114857D0

Abstract

Light module 401, 402 comprising a housing having longitudinal body with a first end and a second end; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on an integrated circuit and mounted within the housing, a transformer for receiving mains electrical power and to supply the electrical power to the LEDs, a male connector 404 at the first end and comprising a first plurality of mains power connections and a first plurality of data connections, a female connector 403 at the second end comprising a second plurality of mains power connections and a second plurality of data connections, wherein the male or female connectors mate with those of adjacent modules to enable the housings to abut to form a seamless row of modules, and means for connecting a rigid bracket at both ends. The module may comprise a controller for receiving signals via the data connections and controlling the LEDs accordingly. The housing may comprise a diffuser or refractor. The control module may control the colours of the LEDs, the frequency at which they switch on and off matched to a music track or piece of gym equipment, or their brightness.

Description

Light Module and System

Field

Embodiments as set out in this patent application relate to light modules, for example as part of a lighting system.

Background

Light modules, for example including light-emitting diodes, are known. Such lighting modules maybe combined to generate a lighting system. Example applications of such io systems including lighting for a wide range of indoor settings, such as gyms. The interconnection of light modules to creating lighting system can cause difficulties, such as difficulty in cabling and the need for specialist installers.

Summary

is In a first aspect, this specification describes a light module, comprising: a housing having longitudinal body with a first end and a second end; a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged on an integrated circuit and mounted within the housing such that said light emitting diodes extend at least a portion of a length of the housing from the first end to the second end; a transformer configured to receive mains electrical power and to supply the electrical power to the plurality of light emitting diodes; a male connector, comprising a first plurality of mains power connections and a first plurality of data connections, the male connector provided at least partially within the longitudinal body at said first end; a female connector, comprising a second plurality of mains power connections and a second plurality of data connections, the female connector provided at least partially within the longitudinal body at said second end, wherein the male or female connector is configured to mate with a female or male connector respectively of an adjacent light module to enable the housing of the light module to abut a housing of the adjacent light module to form a seamless row of light modules; and a rigid bracket (or means for connecting a rigid bracket) at both ends of the longitudinal body.

The main power connections may comprise live, neural and earth terminals. The data connections may comprise a data terminal and a negative terminal.

The light module may further comprise a controller configured to receive signals via the data connections and to control the plurality of light emitting diodes in accordance with said received signals.

The housing may further comprise a diffuser or refractor for diffusing or refracting light output by said light emitting diodes.

The light module may further comprise: a first connector surround for securing said male connector within the longitudinal body at the first end of said housing; and a second connector surround for securing said female connector within the longitudinal body at the second end of said housing. The connector surrounds may enable two light modules to be coupled together such that the light modules abut one another to ro generate a plurality of end-to-end lighting modules.

In a second aspect, this specification provides a light system, comprising a plurality of light modules, each light module including any of the features described above with respect to the first aspect. Each light module of the plurality is connected to at least one other light module to form at least one row using coupled male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected. The light system further comprises: a control module, configured to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules using said connected data connections; and at least one rigid bracket configured to secure adjacent light modules. The light system may further comprise a cap mounted over an exposed connector at an end of at least one of said rows of light modules.

The light system may further comprise a plurality of rows of light modules, wherein the or control module is connected to a first end of each of said rows of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row.

The male and female connectors may be configured to allow the plurality of light modules to be connected to form at least one seamless row of light mod/des. In this way, a plurality of end-to-end lighting module may be included in the lighting system.

The said connectable may be arranged such that they are not visible externally to the at least one seamless row of light modules.

The control module may be configured to control a colour of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules. Alternatively, or in addition, the control module maybe configured to control a frequency at which at -3 -least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules switches on and off. The said frequency may be matched to a frequency of a music track and/or a frequency at which a piece of gym equipment is being operated.

The control module may be configured to control a brightness of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules.

In a third aspect, this specification provides a method comprising: connecting a plurality of light modules as described above with reference to the first aspect to form at jo least one row of light modules by coupling said male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected; connecting a control module to a first end of each row of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row; and securing some or all of the plurality of light modules to adjacent light modules using at least one rigid bracket. The method comprise mounting a cap to a second end of at least one of said rows of light modules. The method may further comprise the control module to control a colour and/or a brightness of the light emitting diodes.

Brief Description of Drawings

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light system in accordance with an example embodiment; *-') or FIG. 2 is a cross section of light system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 3 is a cross section of a pair of lighting modules in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a pair of lighting modules in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 5 shows an end of a light module in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an end of a light module in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 7 shows a cross section of an end of a light module comprising a connector in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of a pair of lighting modules in accordance with an example embodiment; -4 -FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method or algorithm in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a light system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 11 is a plan view of light system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a pair of light modules, in accordance with an example embodiment; and FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling the light system, in accordance with an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in the specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

In the description and drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, in accordance with an example embodiment. The light system 100 comprises a plurality of light modules 101, 102, 103. Any number of light modules may be included in the light system 100. Each light module of the plurality is connected to at least one or other light module to form at least one row. The plurality of light modules 101, 102, 103 are connected using coupled male and female connectors. The male and female connectors may be arranged such that connecting light modules abut to one another to form a compact and/or continuous row of light modules (thereby providing an end-toend lighting module). The male and female connectors are configured such that mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected. The mains connections may comprise a live, neutral and earth connections. The data connections may comprise a data and negative connections.

In accordance with the example embodiment, the light system 100 further comprises a control module 104. The control module 104 is configured to provide data signals to the -5 -plurality of light modules 101-103 using said connected data connections. The data signals may comprise a wired data protocol including information to control characteristics of the light emitting diodes, such as frequency, colour and/or brightness; however, the skilled person will be aware of alternative implementations. A cap 105 is mounted over an exposed connector at an end of at least one of said rows of light modules. The cap seals the electrical connections of the end connector of the row of light modules from the external environment to provide safety and reduce exposure to the connections. The cap may be configured to block any light from the plurality of light emitting diodes leaking out the end of the light module. The control module 104 jo and the plurality of light modules are supplied with power by a power source 106. The power source 106 may comprise an alternating current supply, such as mains power from the national grid.

FIG. 2 is a cross section of light system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. The light system zoo comprises a plurality of light modules 201, 202, 203 (which may be the same as the light modules 101-103 described above). Each light module of the plurality is connected to at least one other light module to form at least one row using coupled male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected. The light system 200 also includes a cap 204 (which may be the same as the cap 105) mounted over an exposed connector at an end of at least one of said rows of light modules.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a pair of lighting modules, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, in accordance with an example embodiment. The pair of light modules 300 may be two of the light modules of the system loo or zoo described above.

Each light module of the plurality comprises a housing 3ma, 301b having a longitudinal body with a first end and a second end. A plurality of light emitting diodes 3o2a, 3o2b are arranged on an integrated circuit 306a, 306b. The plurality of light emitting diodes 302a, 3o2b are mounted within the housing 3ma, 3mb such that said light emitting diodes 3o2a, 3o2b extend at least a portion of a length of the housing from the first end to the second end. The light module further comprises a transformer 303a, 30313 configured to receive mains electrical power and to supply electrical power to the integrated circuit 306a, 306b comprising the plurality of light emitting diodes 302a, -6 - 302b. Providing a transformer within each light module enables AC power to be provided to multiple connected light modules, thereby enabling long chains of light modules to be provided with electrical power.

Each light module of the plurality is connected to at least one other light module to form at least one row using at least one coupled male and female connector 304a, 304b. The male and female connectors are configured such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected.

A light module of the present embodiment may further comprise a controller 305a, 3o5b configured to receive signals via the data connections and to control the plurality of light emitting diodes 3o2a, 302b in accordance with said received signals.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a pair of lighting modules, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, in accordance with an example embodiment.

A first light module 401 comprising a female connector 403 is configured to connect to a second light module 402 comprising a male connector 404.

The female connector 403 in this embodiment is arranged substantially inside the body of the first light module 401, and the male connector 404 is arranged at least partially outside the body of the second light module 402. In other embodiments, the female connector 403 may be arranged at least partially outside the body of a light module. The male connector 404 may also be arranged inside the body of a light module in other embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows an end of a light module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 500, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The light module 500 comprises a connector 501 that is arranged at least partially outside the housing 502 of the light module. The housing 502 may comprise a diffuser or refractor 503 for diffusing or refracting light output by the plurality of light emitting diodes. The diffuser or refractor 503 may be configured to allow at least some of the light emitted from the light emitting diodes to pass through. -7 -

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an end of a light module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The light module 600 comprises a connector 601, a housing 602, a diffuser or refractor 603 and a connector housing 604. The connector housing 604 is configured to receive the connector 601. The housing 602 is configured to receive the connector housing 604 and the diffuser or refractor 603. The components listed above may be assembled to form an end of a light module 500. The connector housing 604 provides a convenient way for male and female connectors to be joined with the longitudinal housing, thereby enabling multiple light modules to be easily connected to provide an end-end lighting module.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of an end of a light module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 700, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The light module 700 comprises a connector 701 arranged at least partially inside the housing 702. The connector 701 is configured to fit into a connector housing 704, which is configured to fit into the housing 702. A diffuser or refractor 703 is also configured to fit onto the housing 702. The connector 701 may comprise a plurality of connections (five are shown in FIG. 7 by way of example -more of fewer connections could be provided in alternative embodiments). As discussed above, the connections may include mains power connections and data connections. The mains power connections may comprise live, neural and earth terminals. The data connections may comprise a data terminal and a negative terminal.

FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of a pair of lighting modules, indicated generally by the reference numeral 800, in accordance with an example embodiment.

A first light module of the pair comprises a first connector housing 802 for securing the male connector 803 within the longitudinal body at the first end of a housing 801. A second light module of the pair comprises a second connector housing 812 for securing said female connector 813 within the longitudinal body at the second end of a housing 811. The connection arrangements of the light modules enables light modules to be connected together without requiring specialist installers to do so. Moreover, there are no exposed cables that need to be organised (e.g. concealed). -8 -

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method or algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 900, for assembling a light system in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method 900 comprises connecting (5901) a plurality of light modules to form at least one row of light modules by coupling male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected. Then, connecting (5902) a control module to a first end of each row of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row. Then, securing (5903) some or all of the plurality of light modules to adjacent light modules using at least one rigid bracket. Finally, mounting (5904) a cap to a second end of at least one of said rows of light modules.

FIG. lo is a block diagram of a light system, indicated generally by the reference numeral woo, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The light system 1000 comprises a plurality of rows of light modules 1001, 1002, 1003, wherein each row comprises a plurality of light modules, each connected to at least one other light module of the plurality, as discussed in detail above. A control module 1004 is configured to provide data signals to the plurality of rows of light modules using the data connections described above. Said data signals may comprise a wired communication protocol that includes address and packet information. The packet information that may be used to control the plurality of light emitting diodes of each of or the plurality of light modules. A power source 1005 (e.g. an AC power source) provides electrical power to the control module and (via the control module) to the plurality of rows of light modules. The modular nature of the light system woo allows for easy installation (e.g. without requiring specialist installers) and without the inconvenience of exposed cabling. The light system woo is simple, convenient and cheap to install and user and provides flexibility, during installation and use, and also allows for simple reconfiguration, if desired.

The various control modules described above may be configured to control a colour of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of 35 light modules being controlled by said control module. The control module may be configured to control the colour to match a mood or a stage of an activity. For example, -9 -during a spin class or some other high energy physical exercise class, at peak activity the control module may set the colour of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules to be an intense colour, such as red. in other embodiments, during a less intense durations in a spin class or some other physical exercise class, such as a cool down period, the colour may be set to a more soothing colour, such as a light blue.

Similarly, the control module described above may be configured to control a frequency at which light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules switches /o on and off. in one embodiment, the control module may be configured to match the frequency to a music track, which may be played during an activity. Alternatively, the frequency may be matched to a frequency at which a piece of gym equipment is being operated. This may enhance the experience of a participant of an exercise class, for example.

Further, a control module may be configured to control a brightness of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules. in an example embodiment, the brightness of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules may be changed from a relatively high brightness to a relatively low brightness according to a mood or stage of a given activity. For example, a yoga class may require a relatively low brightness. Alternatively, the brightness of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules may be changed from a relatively low brightness to a relatively high brightness. For example, a spinning class may require a relatively high or brightness.

The control module may combine a number of the control features outlined above, such as controlling a frequency of switching light modules on and off, and also adjusting the brightness and/or colour of light emitting diode output during the on periods.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of light system, indicated generally by the reference numeral noo, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The light system noo comprises a plurality of rows of a plurality of light modules 1102, 1103, 1104. Each light module of a plurality is connected to at least one other light module of the row to form a plurality of rows using coupled male and female -10 -connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected. A control module um is connected to a first end of each of said rows of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row (of course, multiple control modules could be provided in alternative embodiments, for example one control module per row). The male and female connectors may be configured to allow the plurality of light modules to be connected to form at least one seamless row of light modules. The plurality of light modules may be configured such that when the light modules are connected to form at /.0 least one seamless row of light modules, the connectors are not visible externally to the at least one seamless row of light modules.

The control module 1101 is configured to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules using said connected data connections. At least one rigid bracket 1105 may be configured to secure adjacent light modules. The rigid bracket may be secured internally and/or externally to the adjacent light modules (e.g. using screws or similar connection arrangements). A cap no6 may be mounted over an exposed connector at an end of at least one of said rows of light modules.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a pair of light modules, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1200, in accordance with an example embodiment.

A light system 1200 comprises a plurality of light modules, including a first light module 1201 and a second light module 1202 (other light modules, not shown in FIG. -5 1 o 2, may also be provided). Each light module of the plurality is configured to connect to at least one other light module to form at least one row using coupled male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row arc electrically connected. The light system 1200 further comprises at least one rigid bracket 1203 configured to secure the adjacent first light module 1201 and second light module 1202. The rigid bracket may be configured to be secured to the first and second light modules 1201, 1202 using machine screws 1204a, 12o4b. However, in other embodiments the rigid bracket 1203 may be configured to be secured to the first and second light modules 1201, 1202 with other means. The bracket 1203 and machine screws 1204a, 12041) may be used in an implementation of the step S9o3 of the assembly method 900 described above.

FIG. 13 is flow chart illustrating a method or algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1300, for controlling a light system, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The method 1300 comprises steps for using the control module to control a colour, a frequency and/or a brightness of the light emitting diodes. Initially, in step 1301 a control module determines a desired output. The control module may be configured to determine a desired output via an input such as a sensory input, a user input and/or a io digital input. For example, a digital input may comprise a music track. According to a user input, the control module may determine the desired output to match the frequency of light emitting diodes to the music track. Alternatively, the user input may comprise a type of activity or mood. According to the user input, the control module may determine the desired output to match a mood or stage of an activity. For example, during a spin class, at peak activity the control module may set the colour of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules to be an intense colour, such as red. In other embodiments, during a less intense durations in a spin class, such as a cool down period, the colour may be set to a more soothing colour, such as a light blue.

In step 1302, the control module provides control signals according to the determined desired output in step 1301.

It will be appreciated that the above described example embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present specification.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described -12 -example embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes various examples, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

-13 -Claims 1. A light module, comprising: a housing having longitudinal body with a first end and a second end; a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged on an integrated circuit and mounted within the housing such that said light emitting diodes extend at least a portion of a length of the housing from the first end to the second end; a transformer configured to receive mains electrical power and to supply the electrical power to the plurality of light emitting diodes; a male connector, comprising a first plurality of mains power connections and a first plurality of data connections, the male connector provided at least partially within the longitudinal body at said first end; a female connector, comprising a second plurality of mains power connections and a second plurality of data connections, the female connector provided at least partially within the longitudinal body at said second end, wherein the male or female connector is configured to mate with a female or male connector respectively of an adjacent light module to enable the housing of the light module to abut a housing of the adjacent light module to form a seamless row of light modules; and a means for connecting a rigid bracket at both ends of the longitudinal body.
2. A light module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said mains power connections comprise live, neural and earth terminals.
3. A light module as claimed in claim tor claim 2, wherein said data connections comprise a data terminal and a negative terminal.
4. A light module as claimed in any one of claims ito 3, further comprising a controller configured to receive signals via the data connections and to control the plurality of light emitting diodes in accordance with said received signals.
5. A light module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing further comprises a diffuser or refractor for diffusing or refracting light output by said light emitting diodes.
6. A light module as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: -14 -a first connector surround for securing said male connector within the longitudinal body at the first end of said housing; and a second connector surround for securing said female connector within the longitudinal body at the second end of said housing.
7. A light system, comprising: a plurality of light modules as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each light module of the plurality is connected to at least one other light module to form at least one row using coupled male and female connectors such that /0 the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected; a control module, configured to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules using said connected data connections; and at least one rigid bracket configured to secure adjacent light modules.
8. A light system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a plurality of rows of light modules, wherein the control module is connected to a first end of each of said rows of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row.
9. A light system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the male and female connectors are configured to allow the plurality of light modules to be connected to form at least one seamless row of light modules. orto.
A light system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the connectors are not visible externally to the at least one seamless row of light modules.
A light system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to to, wherein the control module is configured to control a colour of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules.
12. A light system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to ii, wherein the control module is configured to control a frequency at which at least one of the plurality of light 35 emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules switches on and off -15 -
13. A light system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frequency is matched to a frequency of a music track.
14. A light system as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the frequency is 5 matched to a frequency at which a piece of gym equipment is being operated.
15. A light system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the control module is configured to control a brightness of at least one of the plurality of light emitting diodes of at least one of the plurality of light modules.
16. A light system as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15, further comprising a cap mounted over an exposed connector at an end of at least one of said rows of light modules.
17. A method comprising: connecting a plurality of light modules as claimed in any one of claims ito 6 to form at least one row of light modules by coupling said male and female connectors such that the mains connections of each of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected and the data connections of the plurality of light modules of each row are electrically connected; connecting a control module to a first end of each row of light modules to provide data signals to the plurality of light modules of the respective row; and securing some or all of the plurality of light modules to adjacent light modules using at least one rigid bracket. or
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising mounting a cap to a second end of at least one of said rows of light modules.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising using the control module to control a colour and/or a brightness of the light emitting diodes.