WO2008060214A1 - Pool lighting equipment - Google Patents

Pool lighting equipment Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008060214A1
WO2008060214A1 PCT/SE2007/000969 SE2007000969W WO2008060214A1 WO 2008060214 A1 WO2008060214 A1 WO 2008060214A1 SE 2007000969 W SE2007000969 W SE 2007000969W WO 2008060214 A1 WO2008060214 A1 WO 2008060214A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pool
cable
lighting equipment
light
conductors
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2007/000969
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hans Pettersson
Patrik Swanljung
Original Assignee
Kassetten Ab
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kassetten Ab filed Critical Kassetten Ab
Publication of WO2008060214A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008060214A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/14—Rails or bus-bars constructed so that the counterparts can be connected thereto at any point along their length
    • H01R25/147—Low voltage devices, i.e. safe to touch live conductors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/02—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator
    • F21S9/03—Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a battery or accumulator rechargeable by exposure to light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V31/00—Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V31/00—Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
    • F21V31/005—Sealing arrangements therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
    • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/03—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type
    • F21S8/033—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of surface-mounted type the surface being a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
    • F21W2131/40—Lighting for industrial, commercial, recreational or military use
    • F21W2131/401—Lighting for industrial, commercial, recreational or military use for swimming pools
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a pool lighting equipment, more precisely to an equipment lighting the surface and interior of a swimming pool.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • An equipment usable e.g. for lighting a pond is described in the UK patent application GB 2423 196 and consists of a two core electrical cable having two parts connected around it which when e.g. screwed together make two electrical terminals pierce the insulator sheath so as to connect an electrical light such as an LED to the cores. Also one of the parts is attachable to e.g. a wall. However such a system is, once mounted to e.g. pool wall, very inflexible with respect to changing positions of the LED: s or adding more LED: s.
  • Figure 1 shows a LED cassette mounted on a cable
  • Figure 2 shows a sideway cross-cut view through the LED cassette and the cable mounted on the side wall of the pool underneath the ledge;
  • Figure 3 shows a back partially transparent view of the layout of a LED cassette with three LEDs
  • FIG. 4 shows system components which facilitate cable connections.
  • the pool lighting system consists of a cable 1 which contains two electrical conductors 2 and 3 of a sufficient size to minimize resistive losses, typically 1,5 mm 2 copper wire for a pool with a 30 m perimeter.
  • the conductors are insulated from each other and the outside by one or several jackets 4 of a waterproof elastic material having the property of being able to be pierced by a conductive prong without allowing entry of water.
  • Such materials may include natural and synthetic rubbers and thermoplastics.
  • the flat cable 1 is typically attached to the wall of the pool 5 wall right under the ledge of the pool and around the entire perimeter of the pool, but it can be attached to any suitable surface or any side of the pool.
  • adhesives such as cyanacrylate, polyurethane and double face films, or mechanical attachments such as cable clamps and fasteners.
  • a light cassette 6 is constructed with a housing 7 made of suitable material such as a thermoplastic and with a recess that can house one or several LEDs 8, other desirable electric circuit components 9 and conductive prongs 10 and 11 used to electrically connect the cassette to the conductors 2 and 3 in the cable 1.
  • a DC system one of the conductors is connected to a positive pole and the other to a negative pole, for an AC system one carries the live phase and the other is neutral.
  • a typical embodiment for a 12 V system would be to connect in series three LEDs designed for a working voltage of around 3 V and drawing a current of 20 mA, followed by a 120 ohm resistor between the two conductive prongs, this arrangement serves to minimize energy loss in the circuit.
  • the LEDs 8 are positioned in the cassette to allow their light output to be projected parallel to the pool wall or surface 5 so that the light beams are amplified and light is scattered by reflections from pool surfaces. It may also be desirable to recess the LEDs in the cassette or provide a shade to avoid that the sharp beams shine directly into the eyes of swimmers or bystanders.
  • the prongs 10 and 11 are positioned to protrude from the side of the cassette, which is to sit against the cable 1, with the protrusions at a distance from each other that corresponds to the distance between the center of the conductors 2 and 3 in cable 1.
  • light cassettes 6 are reversibly or permanently connected to the cable 1.
  • Several methods known per se are available for attaching the light cassettes. Common to all is that when the cassettes are connected to the cable the prongs 10 and 11 pierce the jacket(s) 4 so that each prong connects electrically to a separate conductor 2 and 3 respectively.
  • the cassettes can be held in place by clamping action on the cable, or it may desirable to add some adhesive and/or sealant to the surface between the cassette and cable, this latter method also serves to ensure a waterproof seal around the prongs.
  • the user and/or installer of the system is free to determine where and at what frequency light cassettes 6 are placed along cable 1, as long as the total electrical capacity of the system is taken into consideration. The system also permits the addition of more light cassettes at a later time.
  • end caps 12 which serve to close and insulate the open ends of cable 1.
  • end caps 12 which serve to close and insulate the open ends of cable 1.
  • Other modular components may be a joint cassette 14 that connects two open ends of pool light cable 1, or a T-joint 15 for connecting three ends of pool light cable 1 where it is desired to run one light cable perpendicularly down into the pool, again these components use interconnected prongs to achieve electrical continuity between the cable ends.
  • Power can be provided by any low voltage source, for instance a battery fed by a photovoltaic module capturing solar energy, or a transformer fed by the electric grid.
  • a low voltage source for instance a battery fed by a photovoltaic module capturing solar energy, or a transformer fed by the electric grid.
  • the system can be equipped with a dusk-to-dawn switch and/or a programmable timer.
  • the system operates by feeding low voltage DC or AC current to the two conductors 2 and 3 in cable 1.
  • the current is distributed through this cable to the light cassettes 6 via prongs 10 and 11 and lights the LED(s) 8 in the cassettes.
  • the lighting system can be installed in an existing pool without emptying it.
  • It uses LEDs in a configuration that minimizes resistive losses for use in 12 V systems, such as those powered by solar or other renewable energy sources.
  • the LEDs are mounted in a manner that maximizes their light output by utilizing the reflective surfaces of the pool, such an arrangement being much more effective in using the limited light output of a LED than traditional mounts that project a beam out into the water.
  • the system uses modular cassettes that house the LEDs, permitting free configuration of the distance between light cassettes and their density, both at installation as well as anytime afterwards. Other types of cassettes are used for connections between cables, providing for easy installation.
  • the cassettes are mounted on a cable that acts both as carrier and mounting system as well as electrical conduit and which fits any size and shape of pool. Electrical continuity between the cassettes and the cable is achieved using prongs that pierce the cable in a manner that keeps the cable insulation sealed. While such an arrangement is not unknown it offers hitherto unrealized benefits for an electrical system that is assembled for pool applications with their hard-to-access and difficult aqueous environment. f. The small size and the smooth shape of the system permit installation under the ledge of the pool where it is out of the way, unobtrusive and minimally visible during daytime.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A lighting equipment for illuminating the surface and interior of a swimming pool uses flat electrical cable with a permeable insulation jacket attached to the pool wall above and adjacent to the pool surface, sealed light cassettes being connected to the cable.

Description

POOL LIGHTING EQUIPMENT
The present invention refers to a pool lighting equipment, more precisely to an equipment lighting the surface and interior of a swimming pool.
Background of the invention
Traditional lighting systems for swimming pools use incandescent reflector bulbs that are embedded in the walls of the pool. Such lighting systems usually consume several hundreds of watts of electric power, much of which is lost as heat in the bulbs and in the large transformers which are required to convert household power into the low voltage necessary for safety in a pool environment. More recently reflectors using light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been introduced. While these LED reflectors are much more energy efficient, they are primarily used for decorative purposes as their output is not sufficient to outline the pool since the light is projected out perpendicularly from the pool wall, where it is dispersed in water having low reflectance. It is difficult and expensive to install embedded incandescent and LED reflectors since it can only be done in an empty pool and the openings for the lights require thorough sealing.
An equipment usable e.g. for lighting a pond is described in the UK patent application GB 2423 196 and consists of a two core electrical cable having two parts connected around it which when e.g. screwed together make two electrical terminals pierce the insulator sheath so as to connect an electrical light such as an LED to the cores. Also one of the parts is attachable to e.g. a wall. However such a system is, once mounted to e.g. pool wall, very inflexible with respect to changing positions of the LED: s or adding more LED: s.
There are also waterproof pool lights that can be placed on the bottom of the pool or surface mounted on pool walls, however, these are less common due to concerns that protruding parts can hurt swimmers and because such lights are less appealing estetically, especially during daytime. Recently floating lights that use an LED powered by photovoltaic cells have been introduced, again their use is mainly decorative as their output is low and they do not assure an illumination that effectively outlines the pool.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages listed above and to provide a pool lighting equipment which is efficient, is easy to install and has a low power consumption.
The invention will now be described in detail, reference being made to the enclosed drawing in which:
Figure 1 shows a LED cassette mounted on a cable; Figure 2 shows a sideway cross-cut view through the LED cassette and the cable mounted on the side wall of the pool underneath the ledge;
Figure 3 shows a back partially transparent view of the layout of a LED cassette with three LEDs and
Figure 4 shows system components which facilitate cable connections.
Description of a preferred embodiment
The pool lighting system consists of a cable 1 which contains two electrical conductors 2 and 3 of a sufficient size to minimize resistive losses, typically 1,5 mm2 copper wire for a pool with a 30 m perimeter. The conductors are insulated from each other and the outside by one or several jackets 4 of a waterproof elastic material having the property of being able to be pierced by a conductive prong without allowing entry of water. Such materials may include natural and synthetic rubbers and thermoplastics. The flat cable 1 is typically attached to the wall of the pool 5 wall right under the ledge of the pool and around the entire perimeter of the pool, but it can be attached to any suitable surface or any side of the pool. Among methods of attachment are the use of adhesives such as cyanacrylate, polyurethane and double face films, or mechanical attachments such as cable clamps and fasteners.
A light cassette 6 is constructed with a housing 7 made of suitable material such as a thermoplastic and with a recess that can house one or several LEDs 8, other desirable electric circuit components 9 and conductive prongs 10 and 11 used to electrically connect the cassette to the conductors 2 and 3 in the cable 1. hi a DC system one of the conductors is connected to a positive pole and the other to a negative pole, for an AC system one carries the live phase and the other is neutral. A typical embodiment for a 12 V system would be to connect in series three LEDs designed for a working voltage of around 3 V and drawing a current of 20 mA, followed by a 120 ohm resistor between the two conductive prongs, this arrangement serves to minimize energy loss in the circuit. The LEDs 8 are positioned in the cassette to allow their light output to be projected parallel to the pool wall or surface 5 so that the light beams are amplified and light is scattered by reflections from pool surfaces. It may also be desirable to recess the LEDs in the cassette or provide a shade to avoid that the sharp beams shine directly into the eyes of swimmers or bystanders. The prongs 10 and 11 are positioned to protrude from the side of the cassette, which is to sit against the cable 1, with the protrusions at a distance from each other that corresponds to the distance between the center of the conductors 2 and 3 in cable 1.
After installation of the cable 1 on the pool wall, light cassettes 6 are reversibly or permanently connected to the cable 1. Several methods known per se are available for attaching the light cassettes. Common to all is that when the cassettes are connected to the cable the prongs 10 and 11 pierce the jacket(s) 4 so that each prong connects electrically to a separate conductor 2 and 3 respectively. The cassettes can be held in place by clamping action on the cable, or it may desirable to add some adhesive and/or sealant to the surface between the cassette and cable, this latter method also serves to ensure a waterproof seal around the prongs. The user and/or installer of the system is free to determine where and at what frequency light cassettes 6 are placed along cable 1, as long as the total electrical capacity of the system is taken into consideration. The system also permits the addition of more light cassettes at a later time.
It may be useful to add some other components to the system, for instance end caps 12 (fig 4), which serve to close and insulate the open ends of cable 1. Often it is also an advantage to use a more flexible cable with a smaller diameter to connect the pool light cable 1 to the power source, in that case a power source cassette 13 with prongs and that connects/clamps onto cable 1 in the same manner as the light cassettes may be useful. Other modular components may be a joint cassette 14 that connects two open ends of pool light cable 1, or a T-joint 15 for connecting three ends of pool light cable 1 where it is desired to run one light cable perpendicularly down into the pool, again these components use interconnected prongs to achieve electrical continuity between the cable ends.
Power can be provided by any low voltage source, for instance a battery fed by a photovoltaic module capturing solar energy, or a transformer fed by the electric grid. For energy management the system can be equipped with a dusk-to-dawn switch and/or a programmable timer.
The system operates by feeding low voltage DC or AC current to the two conductors 2 and 3 in cable 1. The current is distributed through this cable to the light cassettes 6 via prongs 10 and 11 and lights the LED(s) 8 in the cassettes.
Thus the current innovation offers the following advantages over the prior art: a. The lighting system can be installed in an existing pool without emptying it. b. It uses LEDs in a configuration that minimizes resistive losses for use in 12 V systems, such as those powered by solar or other renewable energy sources. c. The LEDs are mounted in a manner that maximizes their light output by utilizing the reflective surfaces of the pool, such an arrangement being much more effective in using the limited light output of a LED than traditional mounts that project a beam out into the water. d. The system uses modular cassettes that house the LEDs, permitting free configuration of the distance between light cassettes and their density, both at installation as well as anytime afterwards. Other types of cassettes are used for connections between cables, providing for easy installation. e. The cassettes are mounted on a cable that acts both as carrier and mounting system as well as electrical conduit and which fits any size and shape of pool. Electrical continuity between the cassettes and the cable is achieved using prongs that pierce the cable in a manner that keeps the cable insulation sealed. While such an arrangement is not unknown it offers hitherto unrealized benefits for an electrical system that is assembled for pool applications with their hard-to-access and difficult aqueous environment. f. The small size and the smooth shape of the system permit installation under the ledge of the pool where it is out of the way, unobtrusive and minimally visible during daytime.
It is obvious that there are several possible embodiments of this pool lighting system. It is equally obvious that the applications of this lighting system is not limited to pools and can be used where similar circumstances are applicable.

Claims

We claim:
1. A lighting equipment for illuminating the surface and interior of a swimming pool, comprising a flat cable (1) provided with a permeable insulation jacket (4) and at least two electrical conductors (2,3), said cable having one of its flat surfaces attached to the pool wall (5) along at least part of the pool perimeter above and adjacent to the pool surface, the equipment further comprising sealed light cassettes (6), attachable to the surface facing said attached surface of the cable and housing at least one light source (8), and being provided with protruding conductive prongs (10, 11) sealingly piercing said insulation jacket so as to electrically connect said light source to said conductors, a voltage supply being connected to the conductors.
2. Lighting equipment according to claim 1 wherein the light source is positioned to maximize the output and even light scattering using the reflective properties of the pool walls and other surfaces.
3. Lighting equipment according to claim 1 wherein said voltage supply is a solar system
4. Lighting equipment according to claim 1 wherein said cable extends along the foil length of the pool wall perimeter.
PCT/SE2007/000969 2006-11-13 2007-11-01 Pool lighting equipment WO2008060214A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0602407-9 2006-11-13
SE0602407 2006-11-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008060214A1 true WO2008060214A1 (en) 2008-05-22

Family

ID=39401931

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2007/000969 WO2008060214A1 (en) 2006-11-13 2007-11-01 Pool lighting equipment

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008060214A1 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6660935B2 (en) * 2001-05-25 2003-12-09 Gelcore Llc LED extrusion light engine and connector therefor
GB2423196A (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-16 Steven Orton Lighting unit with insulation piercing terminals

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6660935B2 (en) * 2001-05-25 2003-12-09 Gelcore Llc LED extrusion light engine and connector therefor
GB2423196A (en) * 2005-02-11 2006-08-16 Steven Orton Lighting unit with insulation piercing terminals

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