WO2020136200A1 - Luminaire system with movable support - Google Patents
Luminaire system with movable support Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2020136200A1 WO2020136200A1 PCT/EP2019/087019 EP2019087019W WO2020136200A1 WO 2020136200 A1 WO2020136200 A1 WO 2020136200A1 EP 2019087019 W EP2019087019 W EP 2019087019W WO 2020136200 A1 WO2020136200 A1 WO 2020136200A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- support
- luminaire system
- contact
- peripheral edge
- luminaire
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- 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
- F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
- F21V17/02—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages with provision for adjustment
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- 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
- F21V14/00—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements
- F21V14/06—Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements by movement of refractors
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- 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
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/007—Array of lenses or refractors for a cluster of light sources, e.g. for arrangement of multiple light sources in one plane
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- 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
- F21W2131/10—Outdoor lighting
- F21W2131/103—Outdoor lighting of streets or roads
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- 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
- F21Y2105/00—Planar light sources
- F21Y2105/10—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
- F21Y2105/14—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements characterised by the overall shape of the two-dimensional array
- F21Y2105/16—Planar light sources comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements characterised by the overall shape of the two-dimensional array square or rectangular, e.g. for light panels
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- 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 relates to luminaire systems. Particular embodiments relate to a luminaire system with adjustable photometry.
- PCB printed circuit board
- the overall design depends notably on the desired lighting pattern on the surface to be illuminated, i.e. the desired shape of the light onto the illuminated surface.
- Such approach is costly, time consuming, and requires extensive stock keeping. It would therefore be advantageous to be able to design a luminaire system with a more adaptive approach for which the photometry can be modified on site and/or at the factory, depending on the application and the desired light distribution.
- the object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a luminaire system whose light distribution can be varied and which is more adaptable to each site to be illuminated and/or to a specific application. More in particular, embodiments of the invention aim to provide a luminaire system for which the photometry can be adjusted on site and/or at the factory.
- a luminaire system comprising a first support, a second support movable with respect to said first support, a moving means configured to move the second support relative to the first support, such that a position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed, and a spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support.
- the first support comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite said first surface, and a peripheral edge between the first surface and the second surface.
- the spring element comprises at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- a plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support and the second support.
- a common solution to adapt a luminaire system to a specific use or site is to mount optical elements specified for the corresponding use or site. Installing different optical elements depending on the site or desired use makes the installation task unnecessarily complicated. Moreover it adds the disadvantage of having to store several optical elements models for production and/or for maintenance. This problem is overcome by a luminaire system as defined above.
- the light emitted by the plurality of light sources arranged on one of the first support and the second support will be influenced in a certain manner by the one or more optical elements comprised on the other one of the first support and the second support, and associated with the plurality of light sources. Having the plurality of light sources and the one or more optical elements on different supports allows making independent the positioning of one with respect to the other. Indeed, the moving means will allow altering their relative positioning. In such a way, the emitted light and its distribution may be correlated to different relative positions of the one or more optical elements with respect to the positions of the plurality of light sources, and can be adapted more easily to different sites and/or applications without having to mount different optical components.
- embodiments of the invention allow a dynamic adaptation of the light distribution of the luminaire system based e.g. on changes occurring in its environment.
- light distribution it is meant the light envelope in space, formed by the light emitted by the plurality of light sources through the one or more optical elements, and which represents the emission directions and the intensity variations of the light through the one or more optical elements.
- a spring element comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support, space is saved inside the luminaire system, leading to a more compact arrangement of the different elements inside the luminaire system.
- This arrangement does not require that an abutment surface other than the peripheral edge of the first support be fixed in the luminaire system.
- Another advantage of arranging a spring element is that the restoring force said spring element exerts on the second support allows a dynamic/reversible change of the position of said second support with respect to the first support.
- the luminaire system is included in a luminaire head.
- the first support may be fixed in the luminaire system, preferably in said luminaire head. This arrangement allows heat dissipation of the first support via thermal contact with the luminaire head.
- the first support may move in the luminaire system independently from the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
- Preferred embodiments relate to a luminaire system of an outdoor luminaire.
- outdoor luminaire it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths or in pedestrian zones, for example, and which can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas, access roads to private building infrastructures, etc.
- the first support comprises said plurality of light sources mounted on the first surface
- the second support comprises said one or more optical elements
- the second support comprising said one or more optical elements moves relative to the first support.
- the one or more optical elements comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources.
- lens elements may be typically encountered in outdoor luminaire systems, although other types of optical elements may be additionally or alternatively present in such luminaires systems, such as reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like.
- a lens element may include any transmissive optical element that focuses or disperses light by means of refraction. It may also include any one of the following: a reflective portion, a backlight portion, a prismatic portion, a collimator portion, a diffusor portion.
- a lens element may have a lens portion with a concave or convex surface facing a light source, or more generally a lens portion with a flat or curved surface facing the light source, and optionally a collimator portion integrally formed with said lens portion, said collimator portion being configured for collimating light transmitted through said lens portion.
- a lens element may be provided with a reflective portion or surface or with a diffusive portion.
- the one or more optical elements could be a transparent or translucent cover having varying optical properties (e.g. variation of thickness, transparency, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, colour, colour temperature, etc.) along the movement direction of the second support.
- the one or more optical elements may further comprise one or more light shielding structures complying with different glare classifications, e.g. the G classification defined according to the CIE115:2010 standard and the G* classification defined according to the EN13201-2 standard.
- the light shielding structures may be configured for reducing a solid angle of light beams of the plurality of light sources by cutting off or reflecting light rays having a large incident angle, thereby reducing the light intensities at large angles and improving the G/G* classification of the luminaire system.
- the one or more optical elements may comprise on the one hand a lens plate comprising a plurality of lenses covering the plurality of light sources, and on the other hand one or more light shielding structures mounted on said lens plate. In such an embodiment, the lens plate and the one or more shielding structures form a second support which is movable relative to the first support.
- the light shielding structures may comprise a plurality of closed reflective barrier walls, each having an interior bottom edge disposed on said flat portion, an interior top edge at a height above said flat portion, and a reflective surface connecting the interior bottom edge and the interior top edge and surrounding one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses.
- the height may be at least 2mm, preferably at least 3mm.
- the interior bottom edge defines a first closed line and the interior top edge defines a second closed line.
- the first closed line and the second closed line comprising at least one curved portion over at least 15%, preferably over at least 20%, more preferably over at least 25%, of a perimeter of said first closed line and a perimeter of said second closed line, respectively.
- the reflective surface is configured for reducing a solid angle W of light beams emitted through the one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses.
- Exemplary embodiments of shielding structures are disclosed in patent application NL2023295 in the name of the applicant which is included herein by reference.
- the light shielding structures may comprise a plurality of reflective barriers, each comprising a base surface disposed on said flat portion, a top edge at a height above said base surface, and a first reflective sloping surface connecting the base surface and the top edge and facing one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses.
- the first reflective sloping surface may be configured for reflecting light rays emitted through one or more associated first lenses of said plurality of lenses having a first incident angle with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to the base surface between a first predetermined angle and 90°, with a first reflection angle with respect to said axis smaller than 60°.
- the first predetermined value may be a value below 90°.
- At least one reflective barrier of the plurality of reflective barriers further comprises a second reflective sloping surface opposite the first reflective sloping surface, configured for reflecting light rays emitted through one or more associated second lenses of said plurality of lenses adjacent to the one or more first lenses associated with the first reflective sloping surface, having a second incident angle with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to the base surface comprised between a second predetermined angle and 90°, with a second reflection angle with respect to said axis smaller than 60°.
- Exemplary embodiments of shielding structures are disclosed in patent application PCT/EP2019/074894 in the name of the applicant which is included herein by reference.
- the at least one contact portion of the spring element comprises at least two contact parts in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- a distance between said at least two contact parts is higher than 10% of a width of the first support, preferably higher than 20% of said width, more preferably higher than 30% of said width. This distance is defined when the spring element is at rest, i.e. not submitted by any force arising from the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
- the at least two contact parts in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support enable the spring element to exert a restoring force on the second support when said second support is moved relative to the first support. Since the value of the spring constant of the spring element is related to the distance between said at least two contact parts, the above-mentioned lower bounds on said distance are estimated in order to apply a reasonable force on the second support for moving it.
- the moving means is configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge of the second support.
- the spring element is arranged at said first side edge, or at a second side edge of the second support opposite to said first side edge.
- the peripheral edge of the first support comprises a first peripheral edge portion parallel to the first side edge of the second support, and a second peripheral edge portion opposite said first peripheral edge portion.
- the spring element may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion.
- the at least one contact portion of the spring element is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- the spring element is integrally formed with the second support.
- This configuration enables to save space inside the luminaire system, and confers sufficient resistance and rigidity to the spring element.
- the moving means comprises an actuation element configured to be rotatable around a first axis, and a conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element into a movement of the second support substantially parallel to the first support, such that said position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed.
- the movement of the second support substantially parallel to the first support includes a movement along an axis substantially parallel to the first support, but is not limited thereto. A movement of the second support along a curved line substantially parallel to the first support is also possible.
- the first axis is perpendicular to the first support.
- the actuation element comprises a rod extending through the second support, said rod having a first end with a rotatable head, and a second end.
- the conversion element comprises an eccentric connected to said second end of the rod and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- the first axis is parallel to the first support.
- the actuation element comprises a wheel.
- the conversion element comprises a threaded rod having a first end connected to said wheel, and a second end mating with a threaded bore fixed in the luminaire system.
- the second support is arranged to move in contact with the first support.
- the distance between the first support and the second support is zero and fixed, which allows for a better determination of the expected light distribution corresponding to different positions of the second support with respect to the first support.
- the second support is arranged to move at a fixed/predetermined distance from the first support.
- the first support may be provided with distance elements on which the second support is movably supported.
- a surface of the second support facing the first support, or a surface of the first support facing the second support may be provided with tracks or guides cooperating with the distance elements.
- Such tracks or guides may be formed integrally with the rest of the second support, or with the rest of the first support, respectively.
- the distance elements may be adjustable in order to adjust the distance between the first support and the second support.
- the distance elements may comprise a screw thread cooperating with a bore arranged in/on the first or second support.
- the luminaire system further comprises a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support with respect to the first support along a trajectory substantially parallel to the first support.
- the movement of the second support is more controlled along a trajectory substantially parallel to the first support, which results in a greater accuracy of the positioning of the optical elements respective to the light sources, or of the positioning of the light sources respective to the optical elements.
- the guiding means comprises a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide at opposite side edges of the second support.
- the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the first support, or one of the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the first support, and the other one of the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the second support.
- This arrangement facilitates the guiding of the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
- the second support comprises a third side edge adjacent to the first side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite and parallel to said third side edge.
- the first sliding guide is arranged at said third side edge and the second sliding guide is arranged at said fourth side edge.
- the moving means is arranged at the first side edge of the second support, and the spring element is arranged at said first side edge or at said second side edge opposite said first side edge, arranging the first and second sliding guides respectively at a third and at a fourth side edge of the second support enables a compact design of the different elements inside the luminaire system.
- the first sliding guide is connected to the second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- the second sliding guide is connected to the second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- the guiding means is integrally formed with the second support.
- This option enables to confer sufficient resistance to the guiding means, while saving space.
- the guiding means is integrally formed with the first support.
- a plurality of elongated slits is arranged in the second support, and the guiding means comprises guiding elements extending through said elongated slits and fixed to the first support and/or to a component of the luminaire system.
- This embodiment enables the guiding of the movement of the second support relative to the first support, while enabling the fixation of the first support inside the luminaire system in the case said guiding elements are fixed to the first support and to the luminaire system.
- the moving means comprises a first moving means and a second moving means, said first moving means being configured to move the second support relative to the first support along a first trajectory, and said second moving being configured to move, independently from the first moving means, the second support relative to the first support along a second trajectory.
- the first moving means comprises a first actuation element configured to be rotatable around a first axis, and a first conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the first actuation element into a movement of the second support along a first trajectory substantially parallel to the first support.
- the second moving means comprises a second actuation element configured to be rotatable around a second axis, and a second conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the second actuation element into a movement of the second support along a second trajectory substantially parallel to the first support.
- the second support may be moved relative to the first support along a combination of the first trajectory and of the second trajectory.
- the first and second trajectories respectively correspond to straight lines along two axes substantially parallel to the first support.
- the second trajectory is substantially perpendicular to the first trajectory.
- the luminaire system comprises a first spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support along said first trajectory, comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support, and a second spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support along said second trajectory, comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
- the first moving means is arranged at said first side edge
- the first spring element is arranged at said first or second side edge
- the second spring element is arranged at said third side edge
- the second moving means is arranged at said third or fourth side edge.
- the luminaire system further comprises a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support with respect to the first support along a combination of said first trajectory and said second trajectory.
- a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support with respect to the first support along a combination of said first trajectory and said second trajectory.
- a plurality of square or star/cross-shaped slits may be arranged in the second support, and the guiding means may comprise guiding elements extending through said square or star/cross-shaped slits and fixed to the first support and/or to a fixed component of the luminaire system.
- a square or star/cross shape of the slits enables a movement of the second support along a combination of the above-mentioned first and second trajectories.
- the second support may then be moved in a plane formed by said first and second trajectories, said plane being substantially parallel to the first support.
- the luminaire system further comprises a controlling means configured to control the moving means, such that the position of the second support with respect to the first support is controlled.
- moving the second support with the moving means is more precise for the positioning of the plurality of light sources or the positioning of the one or more optical elements. A greater precision of the movement will lead to a greater light distribution adaptability of the luminaire system.
- the controlling means is configured to control the moving means to position the second support in a plurality of positions with respect to the first support, resulting in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
- a sensor may be located on the moving means, or on the first support, or on the second support, so as to determine the position of the second support with respect to the first support.
- a feedback loop may allow a more precise positioning of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources, or vice versa, by controlling the moving means based on data continuously or regularly supplied by the sensor.
- marks may be present on the moving means, or on the first support, or on the second support, for indicating the positioning of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources, or vice versa.
- Said marks may e.g. correspond to numbers, letters, symbols, a scale.
- the luminaire system has a greater variety of light distributions and is more adaptable to different uses or sites.
- an optical element of the one or more optical elements has an internal dimension
- the controlling means is configured to control the moving means such that the second support is moved relative to the first support over a distance below 90% of the internal dimension of the optical element, preferably below 50% of the internal dimension of the optical element.
- the luminaire system comprises more optical elements than light sources, and the controlling means is configured to control the moving means such that the second support is moved relative to the first support in a such a way that a given light source is moving from one optical element to another optical element.
- the second support and the first support are arranged such that an optical element of the one or more optical elements extends over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources.
- the second support may comprise an optical plate integrating the one or more optical elements.
- the optical plate may be carried by a frame.
- the frame may carry multiple optical plates together integrating the plurality of optical elements.
- the frame may comprise a surrounding fixture and a plurality of crossing elements extending between edges of the surrounding fixture. When multiple optical plates are carried by the frame, the crossing elements may extend along adjacent edges of two adjacent lens plates.
- the second support may be the optical plate without a frame.
- the plurality of optical elements may be separately formed and the second support may comprise a frame carrying the plurality of optical elements.
- the optical elements can be more easily replaced in case of maintenance. Also, the moving of the optical plate/optical elements may be more easily achieved.
- the second support is arranged such that an optical element of the one or more optical elements extends over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources.
- each light source of the plurality of light source has a light distribution patterned by a corresponding optical element, which provides a large range of flexibility with respect to the final lighting pattern emitted by the luminaire system.
- the first support may comprise an optical plate integrating the one or more optical elements.
- the optical plate may be carried by a frame.
- the frame may carry multiple optical plates together integrating the plurality of optical elements.
- the frame may comprise a surrounding fixture and a plurality of crossing elements extending between edges of the surrounding fixture. When multiple optical plates are carried by the frame, the crossing elements may extend along adjacent edges of two adjacent lens plates.
- the first support may be the optical plate without a frame.
- the plurality of optical elements may be separately formed and the first support may comprise a frame carrying the plurality of optical elements.
- a lens element of the plurality of lens elements has a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides thereof.
- the first surface is a convex or planar surface and the second surface is a concave or planar surface facing a light source of the plurality of light sources.
- the light source placed at the second surface side of the lens element has its emitted light being spread.
- the shape of the lens element and position of the lens element with respect to the light source will influence the distribution and intensity profile of the emitted light.
- the light sources are arranged in a two-dimensional array of at least two rows and at least two columns.
- the one or more optical elements may be arranged in a two-dimensional array of at least two rows and at least two columns.
- different light sources may be arranged on the first/second support.
- said light sources may have different colours or different colour temperatures.
- different optical elements may be arranged on the second/first support, respectively.
- said optical elements may have different shapes, or may comprise a transparent or translucent cover having different optical properties (e.g. differences of thickness, transparency, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, colour, colour temperature, etc.) along the movement direction of the second support.
- the luminaire system further comprises a light driver configured to drive the plurality of light sources.
- the light driver may be further configured to drive other components of the luminaire system, for example to drive the actuation means.
- the energy supplied to the light sources is controlled by the light driver.
- the optional addition of a light dimmer would allow obtaining a greater variety of light distributions by varying the light intensity of some or all of the plurality of light sources in addition to the positioning of the light sources respective to the optical elements, or vice versa.
- the plurality of light sources is a plurality of LEDs.
- the dimming level may be different from one light source to another.
- the luminaire system further comprises a sensing means.
- the sensing means may comprises any one or more of a presence sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient visibility sensor, a traffic sensor, a dust particle sensor, a sound sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an astroclock, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a ground condition measurement sensor such as a ground reflectivity sensor, a lighting pattern sensor, a speed detection sensor.
- the luminaire system further comprises a sensing means configured to acquire a measure for a position of the second support relative to the first support.
- the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the acquired measure.
- the sensing means can obtain the position of the second support relative to the first support and a specific desired light distribution corresponding to a specific position of the second support can be achieved by the movement of the second support with respect to the first support controlled by the controlling means.
- the luminaire system further comprises an environment sensing means configured to detect environmental data.
- the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the detected environmental data.
- the environment sensing means may be provided to another component of a luminaire, e.g. to a pole of the luminaire, or in a location near the luminaire.
- the environment sensing means can detect environmental data, e.g. luminosity, visibility, weather condition, sound, dynamic object (presence and/or speed), ground condition such as a ground reflectivity property, humidity, temperature, lighting pattern, time of the day, day of the year, of the surroundings of the luminaire system.
- the environment sensing means may already be provided to the luminaire system or may be added in a later phase of the luminaire system installation. Controlling the moving means in function of the detected environmental data may allow changing the light distribution, and thus the lighting pattern of the luminaire system in accordance with the detected environmental data in a more dynamic manner, e.g. compensating luminosity depending on weather or time of the day, changing to a lighting pattern more adapted for a passing cyclist.
- the luminaire system further comprises a pattern sensing means, e.g. a camera, configured to acquire a measure for a lighting pattern produced by the luminaire system.
- the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the acquired measure.
- the pattern sensing means may be provided to another component of a luminaire, e.g. to a pole of the luminaire, or in a location near the luminaire.
- the pattern sensing means can acquire a measure of a lighting pattern associated with a corresponding position of the plurality of optical elements. Then, controlling the moving means in function of the acquired measure will enable a more adapted lighting pattern to be achieved relative to the current environment of the luminaire system. Further, acquiring a measure of the surface area associated with the lighting pattern will enable the correlation between a position of the plurality of optical elements and the resulting lighting pattern.
- the controlling means may correct, and more in particular may regularly or continuously correct the position of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources based on sensed data, e.g. data from the pattern sensing means, data from the environment sensing means or data from a sensing means configured to acquire a measure for a position of the second support relative to the first support.
- sensed data e.g. data from the pattern sensing means, data from the environment sensing means or data from a sensing means configured to acquire a measure for a position of the second support relative to the first support.
- data from any sensing means of nearby luminaire systems may be taken into account when correcting the position. For example, if a luminaire is positioned between two other luminaires, the lighting patterns thereof may partially overlap.
- the data of the environment sensing means located on one luminaire may be used for controlling several neighbour luminaires.
- the lighting pattern measured by the central luminaire may also be used to correct the position of the one or more optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources of the other
- the controlling means is configured for controlling the moving means and the driver and optionally the dimmer to control the movement and/or the intensity, and/or the flashing pattern, and/or the light colour, and/or the light colour temperature respectively.
- the controlling means is configured to set a particular position of the second support relative to the first support in combination with a light intensity and/or a flashing pattern and/or a light colour and/or light colour temperature.
- “light colour data” can refer to data for controlling a colour (e.g. the amount of red or green or blue) and/or data for controlling a type of white light (e.g. the amount of“cold” white or the amount of“warm” white).
- the luminaire system may comprise a plurality of first light sources having a first colour and a plurality of second light sources having a second colour different from the first colour, said plurality of first and second light sources being arranged on one of the first support and the second support.
- the luminaire system may also comprise one or more optical elements arranged on the other one of the first and the second support and associated with the plurality of first and second light sources, said one or more optical elements being configured to mix light emitted from the plurality of first and second light sources.
- a light source among the plurality of first light sources and a light source among the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on the first support, under a common optical element among the one or more optical elements arranged on the second support.
- the controlling means is configured to set a first particular position of the second support relative to the first support corresponding to a first overall colour temperature and a first light distribution from the common optical element, and to set a second particular position of the second support relative to the first support corresponding to a second overall colour temperature and a second light distribution from the common optical element.
- the variation of said relative position enables to vary the overall colour temperature pattern or distribution of light through the common optical element together with the light distribution of said light.
- controlling means may be configured to independently control the light intensity of the plurality of first light sources according to a first control profile and the light intensity of the plurality of second light sources according to a second control profile, thereby increasing the flexibility in adjusting the overall colour temperature of light emitted through the common optical element.
- a lens element of the plurality of lens elements has an internal surface facing a light source of the plurality of light sources and an external surface.
- the internal surface and/or the external surface may comprise a first curved surface and a second curved surface, said first curved surface being connected to said second curved surface through a connecting surface or line comprising a saddle point or discontinuity.
- the second support is movably arranged relative to the first support to position the light source either in at least a first position facing the first curved surface or in at least a second position facing the second curved surface.
- the external surface comprises a first outwardly bulging surface, a second outwardly bulging surface, and an external connecting surface or line connecting said first and second outwardly bulging surfaces.
- the internal surface comprises a first outwardly bulging surface, a second outwardly bulging surface, and an internal connecting surface or line connecting said first and second outwardly bulging surfaces.
- the term “outwardly bulging surface” is used here to refer to a surface which bulges outwardly, away from an associated light source. An outwardly bulging external surface forms a protruding portion, whilst an outwardly bulging internal surface forms a cavity facing an associated light source.
- the lens element is given a“double bulged” shape allowing to generate distinct lighting patterns depending on the position of the light source with respect to the lens element. More in particular, the shape, the size and the location of the light beam may be different depending on the position of the light source with respect to the lens element. This will allow illuminating various types of sites, e.g. various types of roads or paths with the same luminaire head. Also, this will allow adjusting a lighting pattern in function of the height at which the luminaire system is located above the surface to be illuminated.
- each lens element has a circumferential edge in contact with the first/second support, and the internal connecting surface or line is at a distance of the first/second support, depending on which one of the first support and the second support comprises the lens elements.
- the first outwardly bulging surface and the first/second support delimit a first internal cavity
- the second outwardly bulging surface and the first/second support delimit a second internal cavity
- the internal connecting surface or line and the first/second support delimit a connecting passage between the first and second internal cavity.
- a connecting passage will allow a light source to pass from the first to the second cavity and vice versa.
- a first maximal width of the first internal cavity, and a second maximal width of the second internal cavity are bigger than a third minimal width of the connecting passage between the first and second internal cavity.
- the first and second maximal widths and the third minimal width extend in the same plane, preferably an upper plane of the first/second support, in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction.
- the first and second maximal widths may also be different.
- the widths are measured in a lower plane of the lens element, delimiting the open side of the cavities, and the maximal width corresponds to a maximal width in this plane. When the lens element is supported on the first support, this plane corresponds with a surface of the first support.
- the first curved surface is at a first maximal distance of the first/second support
- the second curved surface is at a second maximal distance of the first/second support
- the saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance of the first/second support, said third minimal distance being lower than said first and second maximal distances.
- the first and second maximal distances are different. Those characteristics may apply for the external and/or internal curved surfaces.
- the luminaire system is included in a luminaire head having a fixation end configured for being attached to a pole.
- the first maximal distance defined above is larger than the second maximal distance defined above, and the lens element is arranged such that the first internal and/or external curved surface is closer to the fixation end of the luminaire head than the second internal and/or external curved surface.
- the lens element further comprises at least one reflective element configured to reflect a portion of the light emitted by the light source, wherein preferably said at least one reflective element comprises a first reflective surface located at a first edge of the first curved surface and a second reflective surface located at a second edge of the first curved surface, wherein the second edge is an edge near the connecting surface or line and the fist edge is opposite the second edge, away from the connecting surface or line.
- the light source may be provided with a reflective element. By using one or more reflective elements, the light may be directed to the street side of the luminaire in a more optimal manner.
- the first and/or second curved surfaces may have a symmetry axis parallel to the moving direction.
- both first and second curved surfaces have a symmetry axis parallel to the moving direction of the lens element.
- Figures 1A-1B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system
- Figures 2A-2B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system
- Figures 3A-3C illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a spring element of a luminaire system
- Figures 4A-4B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system
- Figure 5 illustrates a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system
- Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system
- Figure 7A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a lens element
- Figure 7B shows a schematic top view of the lens element of Figure 7A.
- Figures 7C, 7D, 7E are schematic cross-sectional views of the lens element along lines 7C-7C, 7D-
- Figures 1A-1B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system.
- the luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B may be included in a luminaire head.
- the luminaire head may be connected in any manner known to the skilled person to a luminaire pole. Typical examples of such systems are street lights.
- the luminaire head may be connected to a wall or a surface, e.g. for illuminating buildings or tunnels.
- the luminaire system 1 comprises a first support 100, a second support 200, a moving means 300, and a spring element 400.
- the first support 100 (arranged underneath the second support in Figure 1A such that only small portions thereof are visible in Figure 1A) may be fixed in a luminaire head (not shown), and comprises a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite said first surface 101, and a peripheral edge 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102.
- the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100 comprises a first peripheral edge portion 111 parallel to the first side edge 210 of the second support 200, and a second peripheral edge portion 112 opposite said first peripheral edge portion 111.
- the peripheral edge 103 further comprises a third peripheral edge portion 113 perpendicular to said first peripheral edge portion 111, and a fourth peripheral edge portion 114 opposite and parallel to said third peripheral edge portion 113.
- a plurality of light sources 110 may be arranged on one of the first support 100 and the second support 200, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements 250 (not shown in Figures 1A-1B for the sake of clarity; see Figure 6) associated with the plurality of light sources 110 and arranged on the other one of the first support 100 and the second support 200.
- the first support 100 comprises a plurality of light sources 110 mounted on the first surface 101.
- the first support 100 may comprise a supporting substrate, e.g. a PCB, and a heat sink (not shown) onto which the supporting substrate may be mounted.
- a housing (not shown) may be arranged around the first support 100 and may comprise a planar surface onto which the first support 100 is provided.
- the plurality of light sources 110 comprises a plurality of LEDs. Further, each light source 110 may comprise a plurality of LEDs, more particularly a multi-chip of LEDs.
- the plurality of light sources 110 corresponds to 24 light sources 110 arranged in a two-dimensional array of six rows R and four columns C.
- the plurality of light sources 110 may be arranged without a determined pattern, or in an array with at least two rows R of light sources 110 and at least two columns C of light sources 110. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows R and columns C may vary from one embodiment to another.
- the LEDs may be disposed on the PCB and mounted on top of a planar surface of the heat sink made of a thermally conductive material, e.g. aluminium.
- the surface onto which the plurality of light sources 110 is mounted on may be made reflective or white to improve the light emission.
- the plurality of light sources 110 could also be light sources other than LEDs, e.g. halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent lamp.
- the second support 200 comprises one or more optical elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110.
- the one or more optical elements 250 correspond to 24 optical elements 250 arranged in a two-dimensional array of six rows R and four columns C associated with the plurality of light sources 110.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may be arranged without a determined pattern or in an array with at least two rows R of optical elements 250 and at least two columns C of optical elements 250. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows R and columns C may vary from one embodiment to another. In other embodiments, some of the plurality of light sources 110 may not be associated with an optical element 250.
- each optical element of the 24 optical elements 250 extends over one corresponding light source of the 24 light sources 110, and the optical elements 250 are similar in size and shape.
- at least one optical element 250 may not extend over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources 110.
- some or all of the optical elements 250 may be different from each other.
- the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100.
- the second support 200 may comprise a plurality of light sources 110 mounted on a first surface 101, and that the first support 100 may comprise one or more optical elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110.
- the first support 100 may be fixed and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100.
- the configuration of the first support 100 and of the second support 200 is interchangeable in the present invention.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200, as illustrated in Figure 6.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may be interconnected so as to form an optical plate 200’ comprising the one or more optical elements 250.
- the optical plate 200’ may be formed, e.g. by injection moulding, casting, transfer moulding or in another appropriate manner.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may be separately formed, e.g. by any one of the above mentioned techniques.
- the second support 200 may comprise an optical plate 200’ integrating the one or more optical elements 250.
- the optical plate 200’ may be carried by a frame (not shown).
- the frame may be a rectangular plate with a first surface facing the plurality of light sources 110 and a second surface opposite the first surface.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources 110, as illustrated in Figure 6. At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may have a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 located on opposite sides thereof (not visible in Figure 6; see Figures 4A-4B).
- the first surface 251 is a convex surface and the second surface 252 may be a concave surface, but may also be a planar surface, facing a light source of the plurality of light sources 110.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may additionally or alternatively comprise other elements than lens elements, such as, reflectors, backlight elements, collimators, diffusors, and the like.
- the one or more optical elements 250 may comprise a prismatic portion/backlight portion 250’.
- At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may be free form in the sense that it is not rotation symmetric.
- the lens elements have a symmetry axis along an internal dimension D of the lens elements.
- the lens element may have no symmetry plane/axis at all.
- the internal dimension D is defined as the dimension of the lens element on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 along a movement direction of the second support 200, as described in a later paragraph.
- Optical elements 250 such as lenses and collimators may possess an internal dimension D as defined above.
- the plurality of lens elements may have a maximum length different from a maximum width. Said length may be defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 seen in the movement direction of the second support 200, and said width may be defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 seen perpendicularly to the movement direction of the second support 200.
- the lens elements are in a transparent or translucent material. They may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- the light distribution adaptability of the luminaire system is made easier by the common movement of the plurality of light sources 110 or of the one or more optical elements 250 rather than on an individual basis.
- embodiments of the invention reduce the number of parts to be kept in stock for maintenance.
- changing the position of the plurality of light sources 110 or of the one or more optical elements 250 may be done to compensate for mounting or apparatus inaccuracies.
- the moving means 300 is configured to move the second support 200 relative to the first support 100, such that a position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed.
- the second support 200 is arranged to move in contact with the first support 100.
- the second support may be arranged to move at a fixed distance from the first support.
- the second support may be arranged to move at a variable distance from the first support.
- the moving means 300 comprises an actuation element 310 configured to be rotatable around a first axis Al, and a conversion element 320 configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element 310 into a movement of the second support 200 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that said position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed.
- the first axis Al is parallel to the first support 100.
- the actuation element 310 comprises a wheel 312.
- the conversion element 320 comprises a threaded rod 322 having a first end connected to said wheel 312, and a second end mating with a threaded bore 322’ fixed in the luminaire system 1. It should be clear for the skilled person that other configurations and arrangements of the actuation element 310 and the conversion element 320 may be possible, such as the one illustrated in Figures 2A-2B.
- the spring element 400 is configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200.
- the spring element 400 may comprise at least one connection portion 410 connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420 connected to said at least one connection portion 410 and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100, and in particular with the first peripheral edge portion 111 of the first support 100.
- the at least one contact portion 420 may be in contact with the second peripheral edge portion 112 of the first support 100.
- the at least one contact portion 420 of the spring element 400 may comprise at least two contact parts 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- connection portion 410 there is provided one connection portion 410.
- the connection portion 410 is arranged at a side edge 210 of the second support 200, preferably substantially symmetrically with respect to an axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210. In other embodiments, the connection portion 410 may be arranged at an opposite side edge 220 of the second support 200.
- one contact portion 420 connected to the connection portion 410.
- the contact portion 420 comprises two legs 421a, 421b terminated by two contact parts 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the two contact parts 422a, 422b of the contact portion 420 are located at opposite sides of the connection portion 410.
- the two legs 421a, 421b of the contact portion 420 are symmetric with respect to an axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210.
- the spring element 400 may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1B and Figures 2A-2B.
- the spring element 400 may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), so does the one more optical elements 250 illustrated in Figure 6 that may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200.
- the at least one connection portion 410 of the spring element 400 may be simply fixed to the second support 200.
- the spring element 400 corresponds to a semi-elliptic leaf spring element.
- connection portion 410 may be arranged at a distance from the center of the second support 200.
- contact portion 420 may be provided more than one contact portion 420 connected to the more than one connection portion 410.
- the contact portion 420 may comprise only one leg 421a, or may comprise more than two legs, for example three legs 421a, 421b, 421c terminated by three contact parts 422a, 422b, 422c in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Further, the legs of the contact portion 420 may be asymmetric with respect to the axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210.
- Figures 3A-3C illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a spring element of a luminaire system.
- a spring element 400 comprising two connection portions 410a, 410b connected to the second support 200.
- the first connection portion 410a is connected to a first contact portion 420a
- the second connection portion 410b is connected to a second contact portion 420b.
- the first contact portion 420a comprises one leg 421a terminated by one contact part 422a in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the second contact portion 420b comprises one leg 421b terminated by one contact part 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- both legs 421a, 421b are arched towards each other, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 3B both legs 421a, 421b are arched away from each other.
- the leg 421a may have a curved shape
- the leg 421b may have another curved shape oriented towards the leg 421a or away from the leg 421a.
- a spring element 400 comprising two connection portions 410a, 410b connected to the second support 200.
- the first connection portion 410a is connected to a first contact portion 420a
- the second connection portion 410b is connected to a second contact portion 420b.
- the first contact portion 420a comprises two legs 421a, 421b, each leg being terminated by one contact part 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the second contact portion 420b comprises two legs 421c, 421d, each leg being terminated by one contact part 422c, 422d in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the shape of the four legs 421a, 421b, 421c, 421d is represented as a straight line in Figure 3C, but in other embodiments this shape may be curved as in Figures 3A-3B, or there may be a combination of straight and curved lines, e.g. some legs being straight while other being curved. Further, in the embodiment of Figure 3C the legs 421a, 421b are symmetric with respect to the first connection portion 410a. Similarly, the legs 421c, 42 Id are symmetric with respect to the second connection portion 410b. In other embodiments, only one pair of legs may be symmetric, or none of them.
- a distance between said at least two contact parts 422a, 422b may be higher than 10% of a width W of the first support 100, preferably higher than 20% of said width W, more preferably higher than 30% of said width W. This distance is defined when the spring element is at rest, i.e. not submitted by any force arising from the movement of the second support 200 relative to the first support 100. During said movement, the distance between said at least two contact parts 422a, 422b will vary.
- the distance will increase during a movement of the second support 200 in a direction along the axis A1 from the first peripheral edge portion 111 to the second peripheral edge portion 112, whereas in the embodiments of Figures 3A-3B the distance d will decrease during said movement, until the two contact parts 422a, 422b will meet each other.
- the distance dl between the two contact parts 422a, 422b as well as the distance d2 between the two contact parts 422c, 422d will increase until the contact parts 422b and 422c will meet each other.
- the moving means 300 may be configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge 210 of the second support 200.
- the moving means 300 may be arranged substantially at the center of said first side edge 210, but may also be arranged at a distance from said center.
- the spring element 400 is also arranged at said first side edge 210. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other embodiments such as the one illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, the spring element 400 may be arranged at a second side edge 220 of the second support 200 opposite to said first side edge 210.
- the spring element 400 may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion 111, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion 112.
- the luminaire system 1 may further comprise a guiding means 500 configured to guide the movement of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- said trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line along an axis A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100 as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, but it may also correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the guiding means 500 may comprise a first sliding guide 510 and a second sliding guide 520 at opposite side edges of the second support 200.
- the second support 200 may comprise a third side edge 230, and a fourth side edge 240 opposite and parallel to said third side edge 230.
- the first sliding guide 510 may be arranged at said third side edge 230, and the second sliding guide 520 may be arranged at said fourth side edge 240. Moreover, the first sliding guide 510 may be connected to the second support 200, and may be in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Similarly, the second sliding guide 520 may be connected to the second support 200, and may be in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. In another embodiment, the sliding guides 510, 520 may be arranged on the first support 100. In the embodiment of Figure IB, the guiding means 500 comprises a pair of first sliding guides 510 arranged at said third side edge 230, and a pair of second sliding guides 520 arranged at said fourth side edge 240 opposite the third side edge 230.
- sliding guides 510, 520, or even the guiding means 500 as a whole may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures IB and 2B.
- the guiding means 500 may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), so does the one more optical elements 250 illustrated in Figure 6 that may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200.
- PMMA poly(methyl methacrylate)
- PC polycarbonate
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the sliding guides may be simply fixed to the second support 200.
- a plurality of elongated slits 530 may be arranged in the second support 200.
- the guiding means 500 may comprise guiding elements 540 extending through said elongated slits 530 and fixed to the first support 100.
- Said guiding elements 540 may comprise for example screws and the like fixed to the first support 100.
- Said guiding elements may also be used to fix the first support 100 to a luminaire head (not shown).
- Said guiding elements 540 may also act as mechanical stops in the movement of the second support 200, since the plurality of elongated slits 530 will abut against them at two edges along the trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- each guiding element 540 there are provided five guiding elements 540, each extending through one elongated slit 530. In other embodiments, more or less than five guiding elements 540 may be provided, but preferably at least two guiding elements 540. Similarly, at least two sliding guides 510, 520 may be preferably provided in other embodiments. It is worthwhile to mention that both types of guiding means, i.e. sliding guides and elongated slits/guiding elements may be provided simultaneously in one exemplary embodiment, provided that the compatibility between them is assured, thereby avoiding any risk of malfunctioning.
- Figures 2A-2B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system.
- the luminaire system 1 comprises a first support 100, a second support 200, a moving means 300, and a spring element 400.
- the characteristics, configurations, and arrangements of the first support 100, the second support 200, and the spring element 400 are the same as those described in Figures 1A-1B, and hence need not be repeated in the following.
- the moving means 300 is configured to move the second support 200 relative to the first support 100, along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that a position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed.
- the second support 200 is arranged to move in contact with the first support 100.
- the second support may be arranged to move at a fixed distance from the first support.
- the second support may be arranged to move at a variable distance from the first support.
- the moving means 300 comprises an actuation element 310 configured to be rotatable around a first axis Al, and a conversion element 320 configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element 310 into a movement of the second support 200 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that said position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed.
- the first axis Al is perpendicular to the first support 100.
- the actuation element 310 comprises a rod 311 extending through the second support 200, said rod 311 having a first end with a rotatable head 311’, and a second end.
- the conversion element 320 comprises an eccentric 321 connected to said second end of the rod 311 and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the moving means 300 may be configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge 210 of the second support 200.
- the moving means 300 may be arranged substantially at the center of said first side edge 210, but may also be arranged at a distance from said center.
- the spring element 400 is arranged at said second side edge 220 of the second support 200, opposite to said first side edge 210. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other embodiments such as the one illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the spring element 400 may be arranged at said first side edge 210 of the second support 200.
- the spring element 400 may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion 111, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion 112.
- the spring element 400 may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B.
- a moving means 300 comprising a first moving means 300’ as described in Figures 1A-1B or in Figures 2A-2B, and a second moving means 300”.
- the first moving means 300’ may comprise a first actuation element 310’ configured to be rotatable around a first axis (not shown), and a first conversion element 320’ configured to convert the rotational movement of the first actuation element 310’ into a movement of the second support 200 along a first trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the second moving means 300 may comprise a second actuation element 310” configured to be rotatable around a second axis (not shown), and a second conversion element 320” configured to convert the rotational movement of the second actuation element 310” into a movement of the second support 200 along a second trajectory A4 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the first moving means 300’ may be arranged at said second side edge 220, or at said first side edge 210 as illustrated in Figure 5, and the second moving means 300’’ may be arranged at said third side edge 230, or at said fourth side edge 240 as illustrated in Figure 5.
- the actuation element 310” of the second moving means 300 may comprise a rod extending through the second support 200, said rod having a first end with a rotatable head, and a second end, and the conversion element 320” of the second moving means 300” may comprise an eccentric connected to said second end of the rod and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100, as described above in connection with Figures 2A-2B.
- the actuation element 310” of the second moving means 300” may comprise a wheel
- the conversion element 320” of the second moving means 300” may comprise a threaded rod having a first end connected to said wheel, and a second end mating with a threaded bore fixed in the luminaire system 1, as described above in connection with Figures 1A-1B.
- the first moving means 300’ may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B
- the second moving means 300” may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, or vice versa
- both first and second moving means 300’, 300” may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B or to the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B.
- the second support 200 may be moved relative to the first support 100 along a combination of the first trajectory A2 and the second trajectory A4 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the first trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and in Figures 2A-2B
- the second trajectory A4 corresponds to a straight line as illustrated in Figure 5, both trajectories A2, A4 being substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the guiding means preferably comprises a plurality of slits (not shown) arranged in the second support 200.
- Said slits may correspond to square slits, or star/cross-shaped slits, instead of the elongated slits 530 illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and in Figures 2A-2B.
- a square or star/cross shape of the slits enables a movement of the second support 200 along a combination of the first and second trajectories A2, A4.
- the second support 200 may then be moved in a plane formed by said first and second trajectories A2 and A4, said plane being substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the guiding means 500’ may further comprise guiding elements (not shown) extending through said preferably square or star/cross-shaped slits and fixed to the first support 100.
- Said guiding elements may comprise for example screws and the like fixed to the first support 100. Said guiding elements may also act as mechanical stops in the movement of the second support 200, since the plurality of square or star/cross-shaped slits will abut against them at four edges along the combined trajectory substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the luminaire system 1 may comprise a first spring element 400’ configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200 along the first trajectory A2, and a second spring element 400” configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200 along the second trajectory A4.
- the first spring element 400’ comprises at least one connection portion 410’ connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420’ connected to said at least one connection portion 410’ and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the second spring element 400” comprises at least one connection portion 410” connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420” connected to said at least one connection portion 410” and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
- the resulting restoring force may be exerted along a combination of the first trajectory A2 and of the second trajectory A4.
- the first spring element 400’ may be arranged at said second side edge 220, and the second spring element 400” may be arranged at said third side edge 230, or vice versa.
- the first and second spring elements 400’, 400” may also be configured to act as a guiding means.
- the luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B or Figures 2A-2B may further comprise a controlling means (not shown) configured to control the moving means 300, such that the position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is controlled.
- the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means 300 to position the second support 200 in a plurality of positions resulting in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
- an optical element of the one or more optical elements 250 may have an internal dimension D as illustrated in Figure 6, and the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means 300 such that the second support 200 is moved relative to the first support 100 over a distance below 90% of the internal dimension D of the optical element, preferably below 50% of the internal dimension D of the optical element.
- Optical elements 250 such as lenses and collimators may possess an internal dimension D as defined above. Changing the light distribution may be done at the factory and/or during installation as well as during occasional or everyday usage of the luminaire system 1.
- the luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B or Figures 2A-2B may further comprise a light driver (not shown) configured to drive the plurality of light sources 110.
- the light driver may be provided in or on a luminaire head, or in or on a luminaire pole, and more generally anywhere in a luminaire comprising a luminaire head with a luminaire housing and optionally a luminaire pole.
- the light driver and the light dimmer may be integrated in a single driver component.
- the light driver may also be controlled by the controlling means, or by an independent controlling means.
- instructions to the controlling means may be given by a user or a remote device (not shown, may be located in another luminaire) via a wireless network, e.g. Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee, LORA (IoT), IR, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB.
- a wireless network e.g. Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee, LORA (IoT), IR
- a wired network e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB.
- a sensor may be located on the moving means 300, or on the first support 100, or on the second support 200, so as to determine the position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100.
- a feedback loop may allow a more precise positioning of the plurality of optical elements 250 respective to the plurality of light sources 110, or vice versa, by controlling the moving means 300 based on data continuously or regularly supplied by the sensor.
- the wheel 312 of the actuation element 310 may be rotated manually by a user, or may be rotated automatically by an actuator driver (not shown) driving the actuation element 310.
- the head 311’ of the actuation element 310 may be rotated manually by a user, or may be rotated automatically by an actuator driver (not shown) driving the actuation element 310.
- the light driver and the actuator driver may be controlled by a common controlling means, e.g. the controlling means, or by an independent controlling means.
- the light driver and the actuator driver may be integrated in a single driver component.
- the light driver and the actuator driver may correspond to the same driver.
- the luminaire system 1 may further comprise a luminaire housing (not shown).
- the actuation element 310 may be arranged in said luminaire housing.
- the actuation element 310 may comprise a ferromagnetic material arranged such that the actuation element 310 can be moved by means of a magnet element (not shown) arranged outside the luminaire housing.
- said ferromagnetic material may be arranged in or on the wheel 312 of the actuation element 310, or may be fixed on said wheel 312 and may protrude outside said wheel 312 to create a lever arm.
- said ferromagnetic material may be arranged in or on the head 311’ of the actuation element 310, or may be fixed on said head 311’ and may protrude outside said head 311’ to create a lever arm. In this way, a user may rotate the head 311’ or the wheel 312 from outside the luminaire housing using the magnet element.
- the actuation element 310 may comprise a magnet element arranged such that the actuation element 310 can be moved by means of a ferromagnetic material arranged outside the luminaire housing.
- Figures 4A-4B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system.
- the plurality of light sources 110 in the illustrated embodiments LEDs 110, is mounted on a PCB and the plurality of lens elements 250 is integrated in a lens plate.
- the lens plate is in contact with the PCB.
- Each of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 facing the plurality of light sources 110 opposite of the first surface 251.
- the first surface 251 is a convex surface and the second surface 252 is a concave surface.
- Each lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a varying profile along an internal dimension D in the moving direction of the second support 200, i.e. along the trajectory A2.
- the profile variation may be a shape variation along the internal dimension D of the lens element 250, a thickness variation between the first surface 251 and the second surface 252, and/or a variation of transparency and/or diffusivity and/or reflectivity and/or refractivity.
- the trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line along an axis A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. In other embodiments, the trajectory A2 may correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- the luminaire system comprises a second support 200 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a first support 100 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110.
- the first support 100 may be fixed, and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- a lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a symmetry axis in the movement direction of the second support 200 along the trajectory A2.
- the lens element 250 has a profile varying in thickness seen in the movement direction of the second support 200.
- the varying profile presents an asymmetric shape with respect to a centre plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the second support 200. Moving the lens plate to position the plurality of lens elements 250 in a plurality of positions will result in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
- the luminaire system comprises a first support 100 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a second support 200 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110.
- the first support 100 may be fixed, and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100.
- a lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first profile part 250a and a second profile part 250b adjoined in a discontinuous manner.
- the first profile part 250a and the second profile part 250b are connected through a connecting surface or line 250c comprising a saddle point 253 or discontinuity.
- the first profile part 250a presents a shape and a thickness variation along its length.
- the second profile part 250b presents a bell shape and a constant thickness along its length. Moving the plurality of light sources 110 such that the plurality of light sources 110 corresponds to the first profile part 250a or the second profile part 250b may further modify the lighting pattern obtained from the luminaire system.
- the internal dimension D is defined as the added dimensions of the first and second profile part 250a, 250b on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 along the movement direction of the second support 200.
- the second support 200 is movably arranged relative to the first support 100 to position the light sources 110 either in a first position facing the first profile part 250a or in a second position facing the second profile part 250b.
- each lens element 250 has a circumferential edge in contact with the first support 100, and the connecting surface or line 250c is at a distance of the first support 100.
- the first profile part 250a is at a first maximal distance of the first support 100
- the second profile part 250b is at a second maximal distance of the first support 100
- the saddle point or discontinuity 253 is at a third distance of the first support 100, said third distance being lower than said first and second distance. More preferably, the first and second maximal distances are different.
- the luminaire system may be included in a luminaire head (not shown) having a fixation end configured for being attached to a pole (not shown).
- the first maximal distance defined above is larger than the second maximal distance defined above, and the lens element 250 is arranged such that the second profile part 250b is closer to the fixation end of the luminaire head than the first profile part 250a.
- Figures 7A-7E illustrate in more detail another embodiment of a“double bulged” lens element suitable for use in embodiments of the invention.
- the lens element 210 of Figures 7A-7E has an internal surface 210b facing a light source 110 and an external surface 210a.
- the internal surface 210b comprises a first curved surface 211b in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212b in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface.
- the first curved surface 211b is connected to the second curved surface 212b through an internal connecting surface or line 213b comprising a saddle point or discontinuity.
- the external surface 210a comprises a first curved surface 211a in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212 in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface.
- the first curved surface 211a is connected to the second curved surface 212a through an external connecting surface or line 213a comprising a saddle point or discontinuity.
- the second support 200 is movable relative to said first support 100 such that the light source 110 can be in at least a first position PI facing the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b or in at least a second position P2 facing the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b.
- the lens element 210 has a circumferential edge 218 in contact with the first support 100, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b is at a distance of the first support 100.
- the lens element 210 moves in contact with the first support 100, and the distance between the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support allows the light source to pass underneath the connecting surface or line 213b when the second support 200 is moved from a first position where the light source 110 faces the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b to a second position where the light source 110 faces the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b.
- the external connecting surface 213a comprises a“line” portion in a central part, and two“surface” portions on either side of the“line” portion.
- the external connecting surface 213b may be covered partially with a reflective coating, e.g. the hatched “surface” portions in the top view of Figure 7B may be provided with a reflective coating.
- the first outwardly bulging surface 211b and the first support 100 delimit a first internal cavity 215, the second outwardly bulging surface 212b and the first support 100 delimit a second internal cavity 216, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support 100 delimit a connecting passage 217 between the first and second internal cavity.
- Figure 7C shows a cross section along line 7C-7C in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the first internal cavity 215 has a first maximal width wl, said first maximal width extending in a direction perpendicular on the moving direction M and measured in an upper plane of the first support 100.
- Figure 7D shows a cross section along line 7D-7D in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the second internal cavity 216 has a second maximal width w2.
- Figure 7E shows a cross section along line 7E-7E in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the connecting passage 217 has a third minimal width w3.
- the first maximal width wl and the second maximal width w2 are preferably larger than the third width w3. Also, the first maximal width wl and the second maximal width w2 may be different.
- the first outwardly bulging surface 211b is at a first maximal distance dl of the first support 100
- the second outwardly bulging surface 212b is at a second maximal distance d2 of the first support 100
- the internal saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3 of the first support 100.
- the third minimal distance d3 may be lower than said first and second maximal distance dl, d2.
- the first and second maximal distance dl, d2 are different.
- the first outwardly bulging surface 211a is at a first maximal distance dl’ of the first support 100
- the second outwardly bulging surface 212a is at a second maximal distance d2’ of the first support 100
- the external saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3’ of the first support 100.
- the third minimal distance d3’ may be lower than the first and second maximal distance dl’, d2’.
- the first and second maximal distance dl’, d2’ are different.
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Abstract
A luminaire system (1) comprising: a first support (100) comprising a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite said first surface (101), and a peripheral edge (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102); a second support (200) movable with respect to said first support (100); a moving means (300) configured to move the second support (200) relative to the first support (100); a spring element (400) configured to exert a restoring force on the second support (200), comprising at least one connection portion (410) connected to the second support (200), and at least one contact portion (420) connected to said at least one connection portion (410) and in contact with the peripheral edge (103). A plurality of light sources (110) is arranged on one of the first and second supports (100, 200), and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements (250) associated with the plurality of light sources (110) and arranged on the other one of the first and second supports (100, 200).
Description
LUMINAIRE SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE SUPPORT
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to luminaire systems. Particular embodiments relate to a luminaire system with adjustable photometry.
BACKGROUND
Currently, in the luminaire production, it is necessary to design a specific printed circuit board (PCB) serving as a support for light sources together with a specific optical element type and shape for each luminaire application, e.g. pedestrian road, highway, one-way road, etc. The overall design depends notably on the desired lighting pattern on the surface to be illuminated, i.e. the desired shape of the light onto the illuminated surface. Such approach is costly, time consuming, and requires extensive stock keeping. It would therefore be advantageous to be able to design a luminaire system with a more adaptive approach for which the photometry can be modified on site and/or at the factory, depending on the application and the desired light distribution.
Several solutions exist for outdoor lighting equipment presenting optical elements adjustable on an individual basis or within relatively restricted boundaries. However, the flexibility of use of the luminaire systems remains limited and there is a need for a luminaire system which can be adapted to each site and desired usage.
SUMMARY
The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a luminaire system whose light distribution can be varied and which is more adaptable to each site to be illuminated and/or to a specific application. More in particular, embodiments of the invention aim to provide a luminaire system for which the photometry can be adjusted on site and/or at the factory.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire system. The luminaire system comprises a first support, a second support movable with respect to said first support, a moving means configured to move the second support relative to the first support, such that a position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed, and a spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support. The first support comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite said first surface, and a peripheral edge between the first surface
and the second surface. The spring element comprises at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support. A plurality of light sources is arranged on one of the first support and the second support, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements associated with the plurality of light sources and arranged on the other one of the first support and the second support.
A common solution to adapt a luminaire system to a specific use or site is to mount optical elements specified for the corresponding use or site. Installing different optical elements depending on the site or desired use makes the installation task unnecessarily complicated. Moreover it adds the disadvantage of having to store several optical elements models for production and/or for maintenance. This problem is overcome by a luminaire system as defined above.
The light emitted by the plurality of light sources arranged on one of the first support and the second support will be influenced in a certain manner by the one or more optical elements comprised on the other one of the first support and the second support, and associated with the plurality of light sources. Having the plurality of light sources and the one or more optical elements on different supports allows making independent the positioning of one with respect to the other. Indeed, the moving means will allow altering their relative positioning. In such a way, the emitted light and its distribution may be correlated to different relative positions of the one or more optical elements with respect to the positions of the plurality of light sources, and can be adapted more easily to different sites and/or applications without having to mount different optical components. More in particular, embodiments of the invention allow a dynamic adaptation of the light distribution of the luminaire system based e.g. on changes occurring in its environment. By light distribution, it is meant the light envelope in space, formed by the light emitted by the plurality of light sources through the one or more optical elements, and which represents the emission directions and the intensity variations of the light through the one or more optical elements.
Moreover, by arranging a spring element comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support, space is saved inside the luminaire system, leading to a more compact arrangement of the different elements inside the luminaire system. This arrangement does not require that an abutment surface other than the peripheral edge of the first support be fixed in the luminaire system. Another advantage of arranging a spring element is that the restoring force said spring element exerts on the second
support allows a dynamic/reversible change of the position of said second support with respect to the first support.
Preferably, the luminaire system is included in a luminaire head. The first support may be fixed in the luminaire system, preferably in said luminaire head. This arrangement allows heat dissipation of the first support via thermal contact with the luminaire head. Alternatively, the first support may move in the luminaire system independently from the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
Preferred embodiments relate to a luminaire system of an outdoor luminaire. By outdoor luminaire, it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths or in pedestrian zones, for example, and which can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas, access roads to private building infrastructures, etc.
According to a preferred embodiment, the first support comprises said plurality of light sources mounted on the first surface, and the second support comprises said one or more optical elements.
In this way, the second support comprising said one or more optical elements moves relative to the first support.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the one or more optical elements comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources.
Indeed, lens elements may be typically encountered in outdoor luminaire systems, although other types of optical elements may be additionally or alternatively present in such luminaires systems, such as reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like. In the context of the invention, a lens element may include any transmissive optical element that focuses or disperses light by means of refraction. It may also include any one of the following: a reflective portion, a backlight portion, a prismatic portion, a collimator portion, a diffusor portion. For example, a lens element may have a lens portion with a concave or convex surface facing a light source, or more generally a lens portion with a flat or curved surface facing the light source, and optionally a collimator portion integrally formed with said lens portion, said collimator portion being configured for collimating light transmitted through said lens portion. Also, a lens element may be provided with a reflective portion or surface or with a diffusive portion.
Alternatively, the one or more optical elements could be a transparent or translucent cover having varying optical properties (e.g. variation of thickness, transparency, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, colour, colour temperature, etc.) along the movement direction of the second support.
Additionally, the one or more optical elements may further comprise one or more light shielding structures complying with different glare classifications, e.g. the G classification defined according to the CIE115:2010 standard and the G* classification defined according to the EN13201-2 standard. The light shielding structures may be configured for reducing a solid angle of light beams of the plurality of light sources by cutting off or reflecting light rays having a large incident angle, thereby reducing the light intensities at large angles and improving the G/G* classification of the luminaire system. The one or more optical elements may comprise on the one hand a lens plate comprising a plurality of lenses covering the plurality of light sources, and on the other hand one or more light shielding structures mounted on said lens plate. In such an embodiment, the lens plate and the one or more shielding structures form a second support which is movable relative to the first support.
According to one embodiment, the light shielding structures may comprise a plurality of closed reflective barrier walls, each having an interior bottom edge disposed on said flat portion, an interior top edge at a height above said flat portion, and a reflective surface connecting the interior bottom edge and the interior top edge and surrounding one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses. The height may be at least 2mm, preferably at least 3mm. The interior bottom edge defines a first closed line and the interior top edge defines a second closed line. Preferably, the first closed line and the second closed line comprising at least one curved portion over at least 15%, preferably over at least 20%, more preferably over at least 25%, of a perimeter of said first closed line and a perimeter of said second closed line, respectively. The reflective surface is configured for reducing a solid angle W of light beams emitted through the one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses. Exemplary embodiments of shielding structures are disclosed in patent application NL2023295 in the name of the applicant which is included herein by reference.
According to another embodiment, the light shielding structures may comprise a plurality of reflective barriers, each comprising a base surface disposed on said flat portion, a top edge at a height above said base surface, and a first reflective sloping surface connecting the base surface and the top edge and facing one or more associated lenses of said plurality of lenses. The first reflective sloping surface may be configured for reflecting light rays emitted through one or more associated first lenses of said plurality of lenses having a first incident angle with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to the base surface between a first predetermined angle and 90°, with a
first reflection angle with respect to said axis smaller than 60°. The first predetermined value may be a value below 90°. In other words, when the first incident angle is between the first predetermined value and 90°, the first reflective sloping surface reflects the incident ray such that the reflected ray has a reflection angle with respect to said axis smaller than 60°. According to an embodiment, at least one reflective barrier of the plurality of reflective barriers further comprises a second reflective sloping surface opposite the first reflective sloping surface, configured for reflecting light rays emitted through one or more associated second lenses of said plurality of lenses adjacent to the one or more first lenses associated with the first reflective sloping surface, having a second incident angle with respect to an axis substantially perpendicular to the base surface comprised between a second predetermined angle and 90°, with a second reflection angle with respect to said axis smaller than 60°. Exemplary embodiments of shielding structures are disclosed in patent application PCT/EP2019/074894 in the name of the applicant which is included herein by reference.
According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one contact portion of the spring element comprises at least two contact parts in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support. Preferably, a distance between said at least two contact parts is higher than 10% of a width of the first support, preferably higher than 20% of said width, more preferably higher than 30% of said width. This distance is defined when the spring element is at rest, i.e. not submitted by any force arising from the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
In this manner, the at least two contact parts in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support enable the spring element to exert a restoring force on the second support when said second support is moved relative to the first support. Since the value of the spring constant of the spring element is related to the distance between said at least two contact parts, the above-mentioned lower bounds on said distance are estimated in order to apply a reasonable force on the second support for moving it.
According to a preferred embodiment, the moving means is configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge of the second support. Preferably, the spring element is arranged at said first side edge, or at a second side edge of the second support opposite to said first side edge.
Both options enable to obtain a compact arrangement of the different elements inside the luminaire system.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral edge of the first support comprises a first peripheral edge portion parallel to the first side edge of the second support, and a second peripheral edge portion opposite said first peripheral edge portion. The spring element may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion.
In both of the above-mentioned options, the at least one contact portion of the spring element is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element is integrally formed with the second support.
This configuration enables to save space inside the luminaire system, and confers sufficient resistance and rigidity to the spring element.
According to a preferred embodiment, the moving means comprises an actuation element configured to be rotatable around a first axis, and a conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element into a movement of the second support substantially parallel to the first support, such that said position of the second support with respect to the first support is changed.
The movement of the second support substantially parallel to the first support includes a movement along an axis substantially parallel to the first support, but is not limited thereto. A movement of the second support along a curved line substantially parallel to the first support is also possible.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the first axis is perpendicular to the first support. The actuation element comprises a rod extending through the second support, said rod having a first end with a rotatable head, and a second end. The conversion element comprises an eccentric connected to said second end of the rod and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the first axis is parallel to the first support. The actuation element comprises a wheel. The conversion element comprises a threaded rod having a first end connected to said wheel, and a second end mating with a threaded bore fixed in the luminaire system.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second support is arranged to move in contact with the first support.
In this way, the distance between the first support and the second support is zero and fixed, which allows for a better determination of the expected light distribution corresponding to different positions of the second support with respect to the first support. In another embodiment, the second support is arranged to move at a fixed/predetermined distance from the first support. To that end, the first support may be provided with distance elements on which the second support is movably supported. Optionally, a surface of the second support facing the first support, or a surface of the first support facing the second support, may be provided with tracks or guides cooperating with the distance elements. Such tracks or guides may be formed integrally with the rest of the second support, or with the rest of the first support, respectively. Optionally, the distance elements may be adjustable in order to adjust the distance between the first support and the second support. For example, the distance elements may comprise a screw thread cooperating with a bore arranged in/on the first or second support.
According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support with respect to the first support along a trajectory substantially parallel to the first support.
In this manner, the movement of the second support is more controlled along a trajectory substantially parallel to the first support, which results in a greater accuracy of the positioning of the optical elements respective to the light sources, or of the positioning of the light sources respective to the optical elements.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the guiding means comprises a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide at opposite side edges of the second support. Alternatively, the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the first support, or one of the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the first support, and the other one of the first and second sliding guides may be arranged on the second support.
This arrangement facilitates the guiding of the movement of the second support relative to the first support.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second support comprises a third side edge adjacent to the first side edge, and a fourth side edge opposite and parallel to said third side edge. Preferably, the first sliding guide is arranged at said third side edge and the second sliding guide is arranged at said fourth side edge.
Indeed, since the moving means is arranged at the first side edge of the second support, and the spring element is arranged at said first side edge or at said second side edge opposite said first side edge, arranging the first and second sliding guides respectively at a third and at a fourth side edge of the second support enables a compact design of the different elements inside the luminaire system.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sliding guide is connected to the second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support. The second sliding guide is connected to the second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support. Preferably, the guiding means is integrally formed with the second support.
This option enables to confer sufficient resistance to the guiding means, while saving space.
In another embodiment, the guiding means is integrally formed with the first support.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of elongated slits is arranged in the second support, and the guiding means comprises guiding elements extending through said elongated slits and fixed to the first support and/or to a component of the luminaire system.
This embodiment enables the guiding of the movement of the second support relative to the first support, while enabling the fixation of the first support inside the luminaire system in the case said guiding elements are fixed to the first support and to the luminaire system.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the moving means comprises a first moving means and a second moving means, said first moving means being configured to move the second support relative to the first support along a first trajectory, and said second moving being configured to move, independently from the first moving means, the second support relative to the first support along a second trajectory. The first moving means comprises a first actuation element configured to be rotatable around a first axis, and a first conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the first actuation element into a movement of the second support along a first trajectory substantially parallel to the first support. The second moving means comprises a second actuation element configured to be rotatable around a second axis, and a second conversion element configured to convert the rotational movement of the second actuation element into a movement of the second support along a second trajectory substantially parallel to the first support.
In this way, the second support may be moved relative to the first support along a combination of the first trajectory and of the second trajectory. Preferably, the first and second trajectories respectively correspond to straight lines along two axes substantially parallel to the first support.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the second trajectory is substantially perpendicular to the first trajectory.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system comprises a first spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support along said first trajectory, comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support, and a second spring element configured to exert a restoring force on the second support along said second trajectory, comprising at least one connection portion connected to the second support, and at least one contact portion connected to said at least one connection portion and in contact with the peripheral edge of the first support.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the first moving means is arranged at said first side edge, the first spring element is arranged at said first or second side edge, the second spring element is arranged at said third side edge, and the second moving means is arranged at said third or fourth side edge.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support with respect to the first support along a combination of said first trajectory and said second trajectory. For example, a plurality of square or star/cross-shaped slits may be arranged in the second support, and the guiding means may comprise guiding elements extending through said square or star/cross-shaped slits and fixed to the first support and/or to a fixed component of the luminaire system.
A square or star/cross shape of the slits enables a movement of the second support along a combination of the above-mentioned first and second trajectories. For example, the second support may then be moved in a plane formed by said first and second trajectories, said plane being substantially parallel to the first support.
According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a controlling means configured to control the moving means, such that the position of the second support with respect to the first support is controlled.
In this manner, moving the second support with the moving means is more precise for the positioning of the plurality of light sources or the positioning of the one or more optical elements. A greater precision of the movement will lead to a greater light distribution adaptability of the luminaire system.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the controlling means is configured to control the moving means to position the second support in a plurality of positions with respect to the first support, resulting in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas. A sensor may be located on the moving means, or on the first support, or on the second support, so as to determine the position of the second support with respect to the first support. In addition, a feedback loop may allow a more precise positioning of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources, or vice versa, by controlling the moving means based on data continuously or regularly supplied by the sensor. Alternatively or additionally, marks may be present on the moving means, or on the first support, or on the second support, for indicating the positioning of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources, or vice versa. Said marks may e.g. correspond to numbers, letters, symbols, a scale.
In this way, the luminaire system has a greater variety of light distributions and is more adaptable to different uses or sites.
According to a preferred embodiment, an optical element of the one or more optical elements has an internal dimension, and the controlling means is configured to control the moving means such that the second support is moved relative to the first support over a distance below 90% of the internal dimension of the optical element, preferably below 50% of the internal dimension of the optical element.
In this manner, changes in the light distribution are achieved by changes in the profile or optical properties of an optical element in the direction of movement. Movements would only need to be limited such that the light emitted by the light sources is distributed in an adequate manner by the corresponding optical elements. The mentioned adequate manner can correspond to a movement whose distance is below 90%, preferably below 50%, of the internal dimension of the optical element such that the light sources can be kept in correspondence with their respective optical elements. Optical elements such as lenses and collimators may possess an internal dimension as defined above. In another embodiment, the luminaire system comprises more optical elements than
light sources, and the controlling means is configured to control the moving means such that the second support is moved relative to the first support in a such a way that a given light source is moving from one optical element to another optical element.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second support and the first support are arranged such that an optical element of the one or more optical elements extends over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources.
According to an embodiment wherein the second support comprises said one or more optical elements, optionally in combination with any one of the embodiments described above, the second support may comprise an optical plate integrating the one or more optical elements. Optionally, the optical plate may be carried by a frame. Also, the frame may carry multiple optical plates together integrating the plurality of optical elements. According to another exemplary embodiment, the frame may comprise a surrounding fixture and a plurality of crossing elements extending between edges of the surrounding fixture. When multiple optical plates are carried by the frame, the crossing elements may extend along adjacent edges of two adjacent lens plates. In another embodiment, the second support may be the optical plate without a frame. For example, when the optical plate is sufficiently rigid, it may be used without a frame. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of optical elements may be separately formed and the second support may comprise a frame carrying the plurality of optical elements.
In this manner, the optical elements can be more easily replaced in case of maintenance. Also, the moving of the optical plate/optical elements may be more easily achieved.
According to a preferred embodiment, the second support is arranged such that an optical element of the one or more optical elements extends over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources.
In this way, each light source of the plurality of light source has a light distribution patterned by a corresponding optical element, which provides a large range of flexibility with respect to the final lighting pattern emitted by the luminaire system.
According to another embodiment wherein the first support comprises said one or more optical elements, optionally in combination with any one of the embodiments described above, the first support may comprise an optical plate integrating the one or more optical elements. Optionally, the optical plate may be carried by a frame. Also, the frame may carry multiple optical plates together
integrating the plurality of optical elements. According to another exemplary embodiment, the frame may comprise a surrounding fixture and a plurality of crossing elements extending between edges of the surrounding fixture. When multiple optical plates are carried by the frame, the crossing elements may extend along adjacent edges of two adjacent lens plates. In another embodiment, the first support may be the optical plate without a frame. For example, when the optical plate is sufficiently rigid, it may be used without a frame. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of optical elements may be separately formed and the first support may comprise a frame carrying the plurality of optical elements.
According to an embodiment wherein the one or more optical elements comprise a plurality of lens elements, optionally in combination with any one of the embodiments described above, a lens element of the plurality of lens elements has a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides thereof. The first surface is a convex or planar surface and the second surface is a concave or planar surface facing a light source of the plurality of light sources.
In this manner, the light source placed at the second surface side of the lens element has its emitted light being spread. The shape of the lens element and position of the lens element with respect to the light source will influence the distribution and intensity profile of the emitted light.
According to a preferred embodiment, the light sources are arranged in a two-dimensional array of at least two rows and at least two columns.
In this way, the mounting and connecting of the plurality of light sources on the first support or on the second support is simplified. Similarly, the one or more optical elements may be arranged in a two-dimensional array of at least two rows and at least two columns. Further, different light sources may be arranged on the first/second support. For example, said light sources may have different colours or different colour temperatures. Further, different optical elements may be arranged on the second/first support, respectively. For example, said optical elements may have different shapes, or may comprise a transparent or translucent cover having different optical properties (e.g. differences of thickness, transparency, diffusivity, reflectivity, refractivity, colour, colour temperature, etc.) along the movement direction of the second support.
According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a light driver configured to drive the plurality of light sources. In some embodiments, the light driver may be further configured to drive other components of the luminaire system, for example to drive the actuation means.
In this manner, the energy supplied to the light sources is controlled by the light driver. The optional addition of a light dimmer would allow obtaining a greater variety of light distributions by varying the light intensity of some or all of the plurality of light sources in addition to the positioning of the light sources respective to the optical elements, or vice versa. Preferably, the plurality of light sources is a plurality of LEDs. Moreover, the dimming level may be different from one light source to another.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a sensing means. The sensing means may comprises any one or more of a presence sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient visibility sensor, a traffic sensor, a dust particle sensor, a sound sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an astroclock, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a ground condition measurement sensor such as a ground reflectivity sensor, a lighting pattern sensor, a speed detection sensor.
According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a sensing means configured to acquire a measure for a position of the second support relative to the first support. The controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the acquired measure.
In this manner, the sensing means can obtain the position of the second support relative to the first support and a specific desired light distribution corresponding to a specific position of the second support can be achieved by the movement of the second support with respect to the first support controlled by the controlling means.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises an environment sensing means configured to detect environmental data. The controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the detected environmental data. In another embodiment, the environment sensing means may be provided to another component of a luminaire, e.g. to a pole of the luminaire, or in a location near the luminaire.
In this way, the environment sensing means can detect environmental data, e.g. luminosity, visibility, weather condition, sound, dynamic object (presence and/or speed), ground condition such as a ground reflectivity property, humidity, temperature, lighting pattern, time of the day, day of the year, of the surroundings of the luminaire system. The environment sensing means may already be provided to the luminaire system or may be added in a later phase of the luminaire
system installation. Controlling the moving means in function of the detected environmental data may allow changing the light distribution, and thus the lighting pattern of the luminaire system in accordance with the detected environmental data in a more dynamic manner, e.g. compensating luminosity depending on weather or time of the day, changing to a lighting pattern more adapted for a passing cyclist.
According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire system further comprises a pattern sensing means, e.g. a camera, configured to acquire a measure for a lighting pattern produced by the luminaire system. The controlling means may be configured to control the moving means in function of the acquired measure. In another embodiment, the pattern sensing means may be provided to another component of a luminaire, e.g. to a pole of the luminaire, or in a location near the luminaire.
In this manner, the pattern sensing means can acquire a measure of a lighting pattern associated with a corresponding position of the plurality of optical elements. Then, controlling the moving means in function of the acquired measure will enable a more adapted lighting pattern to be achieved relative to the current environment of the luminaire system. Further, acquiring a measure of the surface area associated with the lighting pattern will enable the correlation between a position of the plurality of optical elements and the resulting lighting pattern.
In an embodiment with a feedback loop, the controlling means may correct, and more in particular may regularly or continuously correct the position of the plurality of optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources based on sensed data, e.g. data from the pattern sensing means, data from the environment sensing means or data from a sensing means configured to acquire a measure for a position of the second support relative to the first support. It is noted that also data from any sensing means of nearby luminaire systems may be taken into account when correcting the position. For example, if a luminaire is positioned between two other luminaires, the lighting patterns thereof may partially overlap. Further, the data of the environment sensing means located on one luminaire may be used for controlling several neighbour luminaires. The lighting pattern measured by the central luminaire may also be used to correct the position of the one or more optical elements respective to the plurality of light sources of the other two luminaires.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the controlling means is configured for controlling the moving means and the driver and optionally the dimmer to control the movement and/or the intensity, and/or the flashing pattern, and/or the light colour, and/or the light colour temperature respectively. Preferably, the controlling means is configured to set a particular position of the
second support relative to the first support in combination with a light intensity and/or a flashing pattern and/or a light colour and/or light colour temperature. In the context of the present application“light colour data” can refer to data for controlling a colour (e.g. the amount of red or green or blue) and/or data for controlling a type of white light (e.g. the amount of“cold” white or the amount of“warm” white).
According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system may comprise a plurality of first light sources having a first colour and a plurality of second light sources having a second colour different from the first colour, said plurality of first and second light sources being arranged on one of the first support and the second support. The luminaire system may also comprise one or more optical elements arranged on the other one of the first and the second support and associated with the plurality of first and second light sources, said one or more optical elements being configured to mix light emitted from the plurality of first and second light sources. For example, a light source among the plurality of first light sources and a light source among the plurality of second light sources may be arranged on the first support, under a common optical element among the one or more optical elements arranged on the second support. The controlling means is configured to set a first particular position of the second support relative to the first support corresponding to a first overall colour temperature and a first light distribution from the common optical element, and to set a second particular position of the second support relative to the first support corresponding to a second overall colour temperature and a second light distribution from the common optical element.
In this way, the variation of said relative position enables to vary the overall colour temperature pattern or distribution of light through the common optical element together with the light distribution of said light.
Additionally, the controlling means may be configured to independently control the light intensity of the plurality of first light sources according to a first control profile and the light intensity of the plurality of second light sources according to a second control profile, thereby increasing the flexibility in adjusting the overall colour temperature of light emitted through the common optical element.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a lens element of the plurality of lens elements has an internal surface facing a light source of the plurality of light sources and an external surface. The internal surface and/or the external surface may comprise a first curved surface and a second curved surface, said first curved surface being connected to said second curved surface through a
connecting surface or line comprising a saddle point or discontinuity. The second support is movably arranged relative to the first support to position the light source either in at least a first position facing the first curved surface or in at least a second position facing the second curved surface. When the external surface is implemented as described, preferably the external surface comprises a first outwardly bulging surface, a second outwardly bulging surface, and an external connecting surface or line connecting said first and second outwardly bulging surfaces. However, it is also possible to have a continuous outer surface and to implement only the internal surface as described. When the internal surface is implemented as described, preferably the internal surface comprises a first outwardly bulging surface, a second outwardly bulging surface, and an internal connecting surface or line connecting said first and second outwardly bulging surfaces. The term “outwardly bulging surface” is used here to refer to a surface which bulges outwardly, away from an associated light source. An outwardly bulging external surface forms a protruding portion, whilst an outwardly bulging internal surface forms a cavity facing an associated light source.
By providing such curved surfaces, the lens element is given a“double bulged” shape allowing to generate distinct lighting patterns depending on the position of the light source with respect to the lens element. More in particular, the shape, the size and the location of the light beam may be different depending on the position of the light source with respect to the lens element. This will allow illuminating various types of sites, e.g. various types of roads or paths with the same luminaire head. Also, this will allow adjusting a lighting pattern in function of the height at which the luminaire system is located above the surface to be illuminated.
Preferably, each lens element has a circumferential edge in contact with the first/second support, and the internal connecting surface or line is at a distance of the first/second support, depending on which one of the first support and the second support comprises the lens elements.
Preferably, the first outwardly bulging surface and the first/second support delimit a first internal cavity, the second outwardly bulging surface and the first/second support delimit a second internal cavity, and the internal connecting surface or line and the first/second support delimit a connecting passage between the first and second internal cavity. Such a connecting passage will allow a light source to pass from the first to the second cavity and vice versa. Preferably, a first maximal width of the first internal cavity, and a second maximal width of the second internal cavity are bigger than a third minimal width of the connecting passage between the first and second internal cavity. The first and second maximal widths and the third minimal width extend in the same plane, preferably an upper plane of the first/second support, in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. The first and second maximal widths may also be different. The widths are measured in a
lower plane of the lens element, delimiting the open side of the cavities, and the maximal width corresponds to a maximal width in this plane. When the lens element is supported on the first support, this plane corresponds with a surface of the first support.
Preferably, the first curved surface is at a first maximal distance of the first/second support, the second curved surface is at a second maximal distance of the first/second support, and the saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance of the first/second support, said third minimal distance being lower than said first and second maximal distances. More preferably, the first and second maximal distances are different. Those characteristics may apply for the external and/or internal curved surfaces.
In an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire system is included in a luminaire head having a fixation end configured for being attached to a pole. The first maximal distance defined above is larger than the second maximal distance defined above, and the lens element is arranged such that the first internal and/or external curved surface is closer to the fixation end of the luminaire head than the second internal and/or external curved surface.
In an exemplary embodiment, the lens element further comprises at least one reflective element configured to reflect a portion of the light emitted by the light source, wherein preferably said at least one reflective element comprises a first reflective surface located at a first edge of the first curved surface and a second reflective surface located at a second edge of the first curved surface, wherein the second edge is an edge near the connecting surface or line and the fist edge is opposite the second edge, away from the connecting surface or line. Alternatively or additionally, the light source may be provided with a reflective element. By using one or more reflective elements, the light may be directed to the street side of the luminaire in a more optimal manner.
The first and/or second curved surfaces may have a symmetry axis parallel to the moving direction. In an exemplary embodiment, both first and second curved surfaces have a symmetry axis parallel to the moving direction of the lens element. However, it is also possible to design the first curved surfaces with a symmetry axis whilst giving the second curved surfaces an asymmetric design or vice versa, or to design both the first and the second curved surfaces in an asymmetric manner. This will allow to obtain a symmetrical light beam in a first position of the light source relative to the lens element, and to obtain an asymmetrical light beam in a second position of the light source relative to the lens element.
In the examples above a lens element comprises two adjacent curved surfaces bulging outwardly, but the skilled person understands that the same principles can be extended to embodiments with three or more adjacent curved surfaces bulging outwardly. Also, it is possible to provide a lens element with an array of bulged surfaces, e.g. an array of n x m bulged surfaces with n >=1 and m >=1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.
Figures 1A-1B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;
Figures 2A-2B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;
Figures 3A-3C illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a spring element of a luminaire system; Figures 4A-4B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system;
Figure 5 illustrates a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system; and Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system;
Figure 7A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a lens element;
Figure 7B shows a schematic top view of the lens element of Figure 7A; and
Figures 7C, 7D, 7E are schematic cross-sectional views of the lens element along lines 7C-7C, 7D-
7D, 7E-7E shown in Figure 7B.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figures 1A-1B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system.
The luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B may be included in a luminaire head. The luminaire head may be connected in any manner known to the skilled person to a luminaire pole. Typical
examples of such systems are street lights. In other embodiments, the luminaire head may be connected to a wall or a surface, e.g. for illuminating buildings or tunnels.
As illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the luminaire system 1 comprises a first support 100, a second support 200, a moving means 300, and a spring element 400. The first support 100 (arranged underneath the second support in Figure 1A such that only small portions thereof are visible in Figure 1A) may be fixed in a luminaire head (not shown), and comprises a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite said first surface 101, and a peripheral edge 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100 comprises a first peripheral edge portion 111 parallel to the first side edge 210 of the second support 200, and a second peripheral edge portion 112 opposite said first peripheral edge portion 111. The peripheral edge 103 further comprises a third peripheral edge portion 113 perpendicular to said first peripheral edge portion 111, and a fourth peripheral edge portion 114 opposite and parallel to said third peripheral edge portion 113. A plurality of light sources 110 may be arranged on one of the first support 100 and the second support 200, and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements 250 (not shown in Figures 1A-1B for the sake of clarity; see Figure 6) associated with the plurality of light sources 110 and arranged on the other one of the first support 100 and the second support 200.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 A- IB, the first support 100 comprises a plurality of light sources 110 mounted on the first surface 101. The first support 100 may comprise a supporting substrate, e.g. a PCB, and a heat sink (not shown) onto which the supporting substrate may be mounted. A housing (not shown) may be arranged around the first support 100 and may comprise a planar surface onto which the first support 100 is provided. The plurality of light sources 110 comprises a plurality of LEDs. Further, each light source 110 may comprise a plurality of LEDs, more particularly a multi-chip of LEDs. In the embodiment of Figures 1 A-1B, the plurality of light sources 110 corresponds to 24 light sources 110 arranged in a two-dimensional array of six rows R and four columns C. In other embodiments, the plurality of light sources 110 may be arranged without a determined pattern, or in an array with at least two rows R of light sources 110 and at least two columns C of light sources 110. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows R and columns C may vary from one embodiment to another. The LEDs may be disposed on the PCB and mounted on top of a planar surface of the heat sink made of a thermally conductive material, e.g. aluminium. The surface onto which the plurality of light sources 110 is mounted on may be made reflective or white to improve the light emission. The plurality of light sources 110 could also be light sources other than LEDs, e.g. halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent lamp.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A-1B and Figure 6, the second support 200 comprises one or more optical elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. The one or more optical elements 250 correspond to 24 optical elements 250 arranged in a two-dimensional array of six rows R and four columns C associated with the plurality of light sources 110. In other embodiments, the one or more optical elements 250 may be arranged without a determined pattern or in an array with at least two rows R of optical elements 250 and at least two columns C of optical elements 250. It should be clear for the skilled person that the number of rows R and columns C may vary from one embodiment to another. In other embodiments, some of the plurality of light sources 110 may not be associated with an optical element 250. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B and Figure 6, each optical element of the 24 optical elements 250 extends over one corresponding light source of the 24 light sources 110, and the optical elements 250 are similar in size and shape. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one optical element 250 may not extend over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources 110. In another exemplary embodiment, some or all of the optical elements 250 may be different from each other. In a further exemplary embodiment, there are more optical elements 250 than light sources 110. In yet other embodiments there may be provided a plurality of LEDs below each or some of the optical element 250.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other exemplary embodiments the second support 200 may comprise a plurality of light sources 110 mounted on a first surface 101, and that the first support 100 may comprise one or more optical elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. In these embodiments, the first support 100 may be fixed and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100. Hence, the configuration of the first support 100 and of the second support 200 is interchangeable in the present invention.
The one or more optical elements 250 may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200, as illustrated in Figure 6. In other words, the one or more optical elements 250 may be interconnected so as to form an optical plate 200’ comprising the one or more optical elements 250. The optical plate 200’ may be formed, e.g. by injection moulding, casting, transfer moulding or in another appropriate manner. Alternatively, the one or more optical elements 250 may be separately formed, e.g. by any one of the above mentioned techniques. The second support 200 may comprise an optical plate 200’ integrating the one or more optical elements 250. The optical plate 200’ may be carried by a frame (not shown). The frame may be a rectangular plate with a first surface facing the plurality of light sources 110 and a second surface opposite the first surface.
The one or more optical elements 250 may comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources 110, as illustrated in Figure 6. At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may have a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 located on opposite sides thereof (not visible in Figure 6; see Figures 4A-4B). The first surface 251 is a convex surface and the second surface 252 may be a concave surface, but may also be a planar surface, facing a light source of the plurality of light sources 110. Further, it should be clear for the skilled person that the one or more optical elements 250 may additionally or alternatively comprise other elements than lens elements, such as, reflectors, backlight elements, collimators, diffusors, and the like. As illustrated in Figure 6, the one or more optical elements 250 may comprise a prismatic portion/backlight portion 250’. At least one lens element of the plurality of lens elements may be free form in the sense that it is not rotation symmetric. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the lens elements have a symmetry axis along an internal dimension D of the lens elements. In another embodiment, the lens element may have no symmetry plane/axis at all. The internal dimension D is defined as the dimension of the lens element on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 along a movement direction of the second support 200, as described in a later paragraph. Optical elements 250 such as lenses and collimators may possess an internal dimension D as defined above. The plurality of lens elements may have a maximum length different from a maximum width. Said length may be defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 seen in the movement direction of the second support 200, and said width may be defined as an internal dimension on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 seen perpendicularly to the movement direction of the second support 200. The lens elements are in a transparent or translucent material. They may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The light distribution adaptability of the luminaire system is made easier by the common movement of the plurality of light sources 110 or of the one or more optical elements 250 rather than on an individual basis. At the same time, embodiments of the invention reduce the number of parts to be kept in stock for maintenance. In other embodiments, changing the position of the plurality of light sources 110 or of the one or more optical elements 250 may be done to compensate for mounting or apparatus inaccuracies.
As illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the moving means 300 is configured to move the second support 200 relative to the first support 100, such that a position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the second support 200 is arranged to move in contact with the first support 100. In other embodiments, the second support
may be arranged to move at a fixed distance from the first support. In yet other embodiments, the second support may be arranged to move at a variable distance from the first support. The moving means 300 comprises an actuation element 310 configured to be rotatable around a first axis Al, and a conversion element 320 configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element 310 into a movement of the second support 200 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that said position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the first axis Al is parallel to the first support 100. The actuation element 310 comprises a wheel 312. The conversion element 320 comprises a threaded rod 322 having a first end connected to said wheel 312, and a second end mating with a threaded bore 322’ fixed in the luminaire system 1. It should be clear for the skilled person that other configurations and arrangements of the actuation element 310 and the conversion element 320 may be possible, such as the one illustrated in Figures 2A-2B.
As illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the spring element 400 is configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200. The spring element 400 may comprise at least one connection portion 410 connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420 connected to said at least one connection portion 410 and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100, and in particular with the first peripheral edge portion 111 of the first support 100. In other embodiments, the at least one contact portion 420 may be in contact with the second peripheral edge portion 112 of the first support 100. The at least one contact portion 420 of the spring element 400 may comprise at least two contact parts 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, there is provided one connection portion 410. The connection portion 410 is arranged at a side edge 210 of the second support 200, preferably substantially symmetrically with respect to an axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210. In other embodiments, the connection portion 410 may be arranged at an opposite side edge 220 of the second support 200. Further, there is provided one contact portion 420 connected to the connection portion 410. The contact portion 420 comprises two legs 421a, 421b terminated by two contact parts 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. The two contact parts 422a, 422b of the contact portion 420 are located at opposite sides of the connection portion 410. Preferably, the two legs 421a, 421b of the contact portion 420 are symmetric with respect to an axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210. Moreover, the spring element 400 may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1B and Figures 2A-2B. In this case, the spring element 400 may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), so does the one more optical elements 250 illustrated in Figure 6 that may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200. In other embodiments, the at least one connection portion 410 of the spring element 400 may be simply fixed to the second support 200. Hence, in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B the spring element 400 corresponds to a semi-elliptic leaf spring element. In other embodiments, there may be provided more than one connection portion 410. The connection portion 410 may be arranged at a distance from the center of the second support 200. Accordingly, there may be provided more than one contact portion 420 connected to the more than one connection portion 410. The contact portion 420 may comprise only one leg 421a, or may comprise more than two legs, for example three legs 421a, 421b, 421c terminated by three contact parts 422a, 422b, 422c in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Further, the legs of the contact portion 420 may be asymmetric with respect to the axis passing through the middle of the side edge 210.
Figures 3A-3C illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a spring element of a luminaire system. In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 3A-3B, there is provided a spring element 400 comprising two connection portions 410a, 410b connected to the second support 200. The first connection portion 410a is connected to a first contact portion 420a, and the second connection portion 410b is connected to a second contact portion 420b. The first contact portion 420a comprises one leg 421a terminated by one contact part 422a in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Similarly, the second contact portion 420b comprises one leg 421b terminated by one contact part 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. In the embodiment of Figure 3A, both legs 421a, 421b are arched towards each other, whereas in the embodiment of Figure 3B both legs 421a, 421b are arched away from each other. In other embodiments, the leg 421a may have a curved shape, and the leg 421b may have another curved shape oriented towards the leg 421a or away from the leg 421a.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3C, there is provided a spring element 400 comprising two connection portions 410a, 410b connected to the second support 200. The first connection portion 410a is connected to a first contact portion 420a, and the second connection portion 410b is connected to a second contact portion 420b. The first contact portion 420a comprises two legs 421a, 421b, each leg being terminated by one contact part 422a, 422b in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Similarly, the second contact portion 420b comprises two legs 421c, 421d, each leg being terminated by one contact part 422c, 422d in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. The shape of the four legs 421a, 421b, 421c, 421d is represented as a straight line in Figure 3C, but in other embodiments this shape may be curved as in Figures 3A-3B, or there may be a combination of straight and curved lines, e.g. some legs being straight
while other being curved. Further, in the embodiment of Figure 3C the legs 421a, 421b are symmetric with respect to the first connection portion 410a. Similarly, the legs 421c, 42 Id are symmetric with respect to the second connection portion 410b. In other embodiments, only one pair of legs may be symmetric, or none of them.
A distance between said at least two contact parts 422a, 422b may be higher than 10% of a width W of the first support 100, preferably higher than 20% of said width W, more preferably higher than 30% of said width W. This distance is defined when the spring element is at rest, i.e. not submitted by any force arising from the movement of the second support 200 relative to the first support 100. During said movement, the distance between said at least two contact parts 422a, 422b will vary. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the distance will increase during a movement of the second support 200 in a direction along the axis A1 from the first peripheral edge portion 111 to the second peripheral edge portion 112, whereas in the embodiments of Figures 3A-3B the distance d will decrease during said movement, until the two contact parts 422a, 422b will meet each other. In the particular embodiment of Figure 3C, the distance dl between the two contact parts 422a, 422b as well as the distance d2 between the two contact parts 422c, 422d will increase until the contact parts 422b and 422c will meet each other.
The moving means 300 may be configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge 210 of the second support 200. The moving means 300 may be arranged substantially at the center of said first side edge 210, but may also be arranged at a distance from said center. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the spring element 400 is also arranged at said first side edge 210. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other embodiments such as the one illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, the spring element 400 may be arranged at a second side edge 220 of the second support 200 opposite to said first side edge 210. The spring element 400 may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion 111, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion 112.
As illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the luminaire system 1 may further comprise a guiding means 500 configured to guide the movement of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. Preferably, said trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line along an axis A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100 as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, but it may also correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 100. The guiding means 500 may comprise a first sliding guide 510 and a second sliding guide 520 at opposite side edges of the second support 200. Further, the second support 200 may comprise a third side edge 230, and a fourth side edge 240 opposite and parallel to said third side edge 230. The first sliding guide 510 may be arranged at said third side edge 230, and the
second sliding guide 520 may be arranged at said fourth side edge 240. Moreover, the first sliding guide 510 may be connected to the second support 200, and may be in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. Similarly, the second sliding guide 520 may be connected to the second support 200, and may be in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. In another embodiment, the sliding guides 510, 520 may be arranged on the first support 100. In the embodiment of Figure IB, the guiding means 500 comprises a pair of first sliding guides 510 arranged at said third side edge 230, and a pair of second sliding guides 520 arranged at said fourth side edge 240 opposite the third side edge 230. These two pairs of sliding guides 510, 520, or even the guiding means 500 as a whole, may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as illustrated in the embodiments of Figures IB and 2B. In this case, the guiding means 500 may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), so does the one more optical elements 250 illustrated in Figure 6 that may be part of an integrally formed optical plate 200’ comprised in the second support 200. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other embodiments the sliding guides may be simply fixed to the second support 200.
As also illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B and Figure 6, a plurality of elongated slits 530 may be arranged in the second support 200. The guiding means 500 may comprise guiding elements 540 extending through said elongated slits 530 and fixed to the first support 100. Said guiding elements 540 may comprise for example screws and the like fixed to the first support 100. Said guiding elements may also be used to fix the first support 100 to a luminaire head (not shown). Said guiding elements 540 may also act as mechanical stops in the movement of the second support 200, since the plurality of elongated slits 530 will abut against them at two edges along the trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. In the embodiments of Figures 1A-1B, there are provided five guiding elements 540, each extending through one elongated slit 530. In other embodiments, more or less than five guiding elements 540 may be provided, but preferably at least two guiding elements 540. Similarly, at least two sliding guides 510, 520 may be preferably provided in other embodiments. It is worthwhile to mention that both types of guiding means, i.e. sliding guides and elongated slits/guiding elements may be provided simultaneously in one exemplary embodiment, provided that the compatibility between them is assured, thereby avoiding any risk of malfunctioning.
Figures 2A-2B respectively illustrate a perspective view and a more detailed perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire system.
As illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, the luminaire system 1 comprises a first support 100, a second support 200, a moving means 300, and a spring element 400. The characteristics, configurations, and arrangements of the first support 100, the second support 200, and the spring element 400 are the same as those described in Figures 1A-1B, and hence need not be repeated in the following.
The differences between the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B and the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B lie in the characteristics, configurations, and arrangements of the moving means 300. As illustrated in Figures 2A-2B, the moving means 300 is configured to move the second support 200 relative to the first support 100, along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that a position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, the second support 200 is arranged to move in contact with the first support 100. In other embodiments, the second support may be arranged to move at a fixed distance from the first support. In yet other embodiments, the second support may be arranged to move at a variable distance from the first support. The moving means 300 comprises an actuation element 310 configured to be rotatable around a first axis Al, and a conversion element 320 configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element 310 into a movement of the second support 200 substantially parallel to the first support 100, such that said position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is changed. In the embodiment of Figure 2B, the first axis Al is perpendicular to the first support 100. The actuation element 310 comprises a rod 311 extending through the second support 200, said rod 311 having a first end with a rotatable head 311’, and a second end. The conversion element 320 comprises an eccentric 321 connected to said second end of the rod 311 and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100.
The moving means 300 may be configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge 210 of the second support 200. The moving means 300 may be arranged substantially at the center of said first side edge 210, but may also be arranged at a distance from said center. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, the spring element 400 is arranged at said second side edge 220 of the second support 200, opposite to said first side edge 210. It should be clear for the skilled person that in other embodiments such as the one illustrated in Figures 1A-1B, the spring element 400 may be arranged at said first side edge 210 of the second support 200. The spring element 400 may be in contact with said first peripheral edge portion 111, or may be in contact with said second peripheral edge portion 112. Moreover, the spring element 400 may be integrally formed with the second support 200, as in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B.
In other embodiments than those illustrated in Figures 1A-1B or in Figures 2A-2B, such as the embodiment of Figure 5, there may be provided a moving means 300 comprising a first moving means 300’ as described in Figures 1A-1B or in Figures 2A-2B, and a second moving means 300”. The first moving means 300’ may comprise a first actuation element 310’ configured to be rotatable around a first axis (not shown), and a first conversion element 320’ configured to convert the rotational movement of the first actuation element 310’ into a movement of the second support 200 along a first trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. The second moving means 300” may comprise a second actuation element 310” configured to be rotatable around a second axis (not shown), and a second conversion element 320” configured to convert the rotational movement of the second actuation element 310” into a movement of the second support 200 along a second trajectory A4 substantially parallel to the first support 100. The first moving means 300’ may be arranged at said second side edge 220, or at said first side edge 210 as illustrated in Figure 5, and the second moving means 300’’ may be arranged at said third side edge 230, or at said fourth side edge 240 as illustrated in Figure 5. As for the first moving means 300’, the actuation element 310” of the second moving means 300” may comprise a rod extending through the second support 200, said rod having a first end with a rotatable head, and a second end, and the conversion element 320” of the second moving means 300” may comprise an eccentric connected to said second end of the rod and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100, as described above in connection with Figures 2A-2B. Alternatively, the actuation element 310” of the second moving means 300” may comprise a wheel, and the conversion element 320” of the second moving means 300” may comprise a threaded rod having a first end connected to said wheel, and a second end mating with a threaded bore fixed in the luminaire system 1, as described above in connection with Figures 1A-1B. The first moving means 300’ may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, and the second moving means 300” may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, or vice versa, or both first and second moving means 300’, 300” may correspond to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B or to the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B. Hence, in these embodiments, such as the embodiment of Figure 5, the second support 200 may be moved relative to the first support 100 along a combination of the first trajectory A2 and the second trajectory A4 substantially parallel to the first support 100. Preferably, the first trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line as illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and in Figures 2A-2B, and the second trajectory A4 corresponds to a straight line as illustrated in Figure 5, both trajectories A2, A4 being substantially parallel to the first support 100. Alternatively, one of these trajectories, or both of them, may also correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 100.
In these embodiments, the guiding means preferably comprises a plurality of slits (not shown) arranged in the second support 200. Said slits may correspond to square slits, or star/cross-shaped slits, instead of the elongated slits 530 illustrated in Figures 1A-1B and in Figures 2A-2B. A square or star/cross shape of the slits enables a movement of the second support 200 along a combination of the first and second trajectories A2, A4. For example, the second support 200 may then be moved in a plane formed by said first and second trajectories A2 and A4, said plane being substantially parallel to the first support 100. The guiding means 500’ may further comprise guiding elements (not shown) extending through said preferably square or star/cross-shaped slits and fixed to the first support 100. Said guiding elements may comprise for example screws and the like fixed to the first support 100. Said guiding elements may also act as mechanical stops in the movement of the second support 200, since the plurality of square or star/cross-shaped slits will abut against them at four edges along the combined trajectory substantially parallel to the first support 100.
As illustrated in Figure 5, the luminaire system 1 may comprise a first spring element 400’ configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200 along the first trajectory A2, and a second spring element 400” configured to exert a restoring force on the second support 200 along the second trajectory A4. The first spring element 400’ comprises at least one connection portion 410’ connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420’ connected to said at least one connection portion 410’ and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. The second spring element 400” comprises at least one connection portion 410” connected to the second support 200, and at least one contact portion 420” connected to said at least one connection portion 410” and in contact with the peripheral edge 103 of the first support 100. The resulting restoring force may be exerted along a combination of the first trajectory A2 and of the second trajectory A4. The first spring element 400’ may be arranged at said second side edge 220, and the second spring element 400” may be arranged at said third side edge 230, or vice versa. The first and second spring elements 400’, 400” may also be configured to act as a guiding means.
The luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B or Figures 2A-2B may further comprise a controlling means (not shown) configured to control the moving means 300, such that the position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 is controlled. Preferably, the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means 300 to position the second support 200 in a plurality of positions resulting in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas. Further, an optical element of the one or more optical elements 250 may have an internal dimension D as illustrated in Figure 6, and the controlling means may be configured to control the moving means 300 such that
the second support 200 is moved relative to the first support 100 over a distance below 90% of the internal dimension D of the optical element, preferably below 50% of the internal dimension D of the optical element. Optical elements 250 such as lenses and collimators may possess an internal dimension D as defined above. Changing the light distribution may be done at the factory and/or during installation as well as during occasional or everyday usage of the luminaire system 1.
The luminaire system 1 of Figures 1A-1B or Figures 2A-2B may further comprise a light driver (not shown) configured to drive the plurality of light sources 110. The light driver may be provided in or on a luminaire head, or in or on a luminaire pole, and more generally anywhere in a luminaire comprising a luminaire head with a luminaire housing and optionally a luminaire pole. As an option, there may be a light dimmer configured to control the light driver to drive one or more of the plurality of light sources 110 at a dimmed intensity. The light driver and the light dimmer may be integrated in a single driver component. The light driver may also be controlled by the controlling means, or by an independent controlling means. If the same controlling means is used for controlling the light driver and the moving means 300, instructions to the controlling means, for example the position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100 and/or the dimming profile of the light sources 110 and/or a light colour and/or a light pattern and/or a flashing pattern and/or a light colour temperature, may be given by a user or a remote device (not shown, may be located in another luminaire) via a wireless network, e.g. Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee, LORA (IoT), IR, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB. A sensor (not shown) may be located on the moving means 300, or on the first support 100, or on the second support 200, so as to determine the position of the second support 200 with respect to the first support 100. A feedback loop may allow a more precise positioning of the plurality of optical elements 250 respective to the plurality of light sources 110, or vice versa, by controlling the moving means 300 based on data continuously or regularly supplied by the sensor. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, the wheel 312 of the actuation element 310 may be rotated manually by a user, or may be rotated automatically by an actuator driver (not shown) driving the actuation element 310. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, the head 311’ of the actuation element 310 may be rotated manually by a user, or may be rotated automatically by an actuator driver (not shown) driving the actuation element 310.
The light driver and the actuator driver may be controlled by a common controlling means, e.g. the controlling means, or by an independent controlling means. Optionally, the light driver and the actuator driver may be integrated in a single driver component. In some embodiments, the light driver and the actuator driver may correspond to the same driver. The luminaire system 1 may further comprise a luminaire housing (not shown). The actuation element 310 may be arranged in
said luminaire housing. The actuation element 310 may comprise a ferromagnetic material arranged such that the actuation element 310 can be moved by means of a magnet element (not shown) arranged outside the luminaire housing. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1B, said ferromagnetic material may be arranged in or on the wheel 312 of the actuation element 310, or may be fixed on said wheel 312 and may protrude outside said wheel 312 to create a lever arm. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2B, said ferromagnetic material may be arranged in or on the head 311’ of the actuation element 310, or may be fixed on said head 311’ and may protrude outside said head 311’ to create a lever arm. In this way, a user may rotate the head 311’ or the wheel 312 from outside the luminaire housing using the magnet element. Alternatively, the actuation element 310 may comprise a magnet element arranged such that the actuation element 310 can be moved by means of a ferromagnetic material arranged outside the luminaire housing.
Figures 4A-4B illustrate cross-sectional views of other exemplary embodiments of lens elements of a luminaire system.
In the exemplary embodiments of Figures 4A-4B, the plurality of light sources 110, in the illustrated embodiments LEDs 110, is mounted on a PCB and the plurality of lens elements 250 is integrated in a lens plate. The lens plate is in contact with the PCB. Each of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first surface 251 and a second surface 252 facing the plurality of light sources 110 opposite of the first surface 251. The first surface 251 is a convex surface and the second surface 252 is a concave surface. Each lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a varying profile along an internal dimension D in the moving direction of the second support 200, i.e. along the trajectory A2. The profile variation may be a shape variation along the internal dimension D of the lens element 250, a thickness variation between the first surface 251 and the second surface 252, and/or a variation of transparency and/or diffusivity and/or reflectivity and/or refractivity. In the embodiments of Figures 4A-4B, the trajectory A2 corresponds to a straight line along an axis A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. In other embodiments, the trajectory A2 may correspond to a curved line substantially parallel to the first support 100.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4A, the luminaire system comprises a second support 200 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a first support 100 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. The first support 100 may be fixed, and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. A lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a symmetry axis in the movement direction of the second support 200 along the trajectory A2. The lens element 250 has a profile varying in thickness seen in the movement direction of the
second support 200. The varying profile presents an asymmetric shape with respect to a centre plane perpendicular to the movement direction of the second support 200. Moving the lens plate to position the plurality of lens elements 250 in a plurality of positions will result in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 4B, the luminaire system comprises a first support 100 comprising a plurality of light sources 110, and a second support 200 comprising a plurality of lens elements 250 associated with the plurality of light sources 110. The first support 100 may be fixed, and the second support 200 is movable with respect to the first support 100 along a trajectory A2 substantially parallel to the first support 100. A lens element of the plurality of lens elements 250 has a first profile part 250a and a second profile part 250b adjoined in a discontinuous manner. In other words, the first profile part 250a and the second profile part 250b are connected through a connecting surface or line 250c comprising a saddle point 253 or discontinuity. The first profile part 250a presents a shape and a thickness variation along its length. The second profile part 250b presents a bell shape and a constant thickness along its length. Moving the plurality of light sources 110 such that the plurality of light sources 110 corresponds to the first profile part 250a or the second profile part 250b may further modify the lighting pattern obtained from the luminaire system. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 4B, the internal dimension D is defined as the added dimensions of the first and second profile part 250a, 250b on a side facing the plurality of light sources 110 along the movement direction of the second support 200. The second support 200 is movably arranged relative to the first support 100 to position the light sources 110 either in a first position facing the first profile part 250a or in a second position facing the second profile part 250b. Preferably, each lens element 250 has a circumferential edge in contact with the first support 100, and the connecting surface or line 250c is at a distance of the first support 100. Preferably, the first profile part 250a is at a first maximal distance of the first support 100, the second profile part 250b is at a second maximal distance of the first support 100, and the saddle point or discontinuity 253 is at a third distance of the first support 100, said third distance being lower than said first and second distance. More preferably, the first and second maximal distances are different.
The luminaire system may be included in a luminaire head (not shown) having a fixation end configured for being attached to a pole (not shown). The first maximal distance defined above is larger than the second maximal distance defined above, and the lens element 250 is arranged such that the second profile part 250b is closer to the fixation end of the luminaire head than the first profile part 250a.
Figures 7A-7E illustrate in more detail another embodiment of a“double bulged” lens element suitable for use in embodiments of the invention. The lens element 210 of Figures 7A-7E has an internal surface 210b facing a light source 110 and an external surface 210a. The internal surface 210b comprises a first curved surface 211b in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212b in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface. The first curved surface 211b is connected to the second curved surface 212b through an internal connecting surface or line 213b comprising a saddle point or discontinuity. The external surface 210a comprises a first curved surface 211a in the form of a first outwardly bulging surface and a second curved surface 212 in the form of a second outwardly bulging surface. The first curved surface 211a is connected to the second curved surface 212a through an external connecting surface or line 213a comprising a saddle point or discontinuity. The second support 200 is movable relative to said first support 100 such that the light source 110 can be in at least a first position PI facing the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b or in at least a second position P2 facing the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b. The lens element 210 has a circumferential edge 218 in contact with the first support 100, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b is at a distance of the first support 100. In other words the lens element 210 moves in contact with the first support 100, and the distance between the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support allows the light source to pass underneath the connecting surface or line 213b when the second support 200 is moved from a first position where the light source 110 faces the first curved surfaces 211a, 211b to a second position where the light source 110 faces the second curved surfaces 212a, 212b. As is best visible in Figure 7B, the external connecting surface 213a comprises a“line” portion in a central part, and two“surface” portions on either side of the“line” portion. Optionally, the external connecting surface 213b may be covered partially with a reflective coating, e.g. the hatched “surface” portions in the top view of Figure 7B may be provided with a reflective coating.
The first outwardly bulging surface 211b and the first support 100 delimit a first internal cavity 215, the second outwardly bulging surface 212b and the first support 100 delimit a second internal cavity 216, and the internal connecting surface or line 213b and the first support 100 delimit a connecting passage 217 between the first and second internal cavity. Figure 7C shows a cross section along line 7C-7C in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the first internal cavity 215 has a first maximal width wl, said first maximal width extending in a direction perpendicular on the moving direction M and measured in an upper plane of the first support 100. Similarly, Figure 7D shows a cross section along line 7D-7D in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the second internal cavity 216 has a second maximal width w2. Figure 7E shows a cross section along line 7E-7E in Figure 7B, and illustrates that the connecting passage 217 has a third minimal width w3. The first maximal width wl and the second maximal width w2 are preferably larger than the third width w3. Also, the first
maximal width wl and the second maximal width w2 may be different. The first outwardly bulging surface 211b is at a first maximal distance dl of the first support 100, the second outwardly bulging surface 212b is at a second maximal distance d2 of the first support 100, and the internal saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3 of the first support 100. The third minimal distance d3 may be lower than said first and second maximal distance dl, d2. Preferably, the first and second maximal distance dl, d2 are different. Similarly, the first outwardly bulging surface 211a is at a first maximal distance dl’ of the first support 100, the second outwardly bulging surface 212a is at a second maximal distance d2’ of the first support 100, and the external saddle point or discontinuity is at a third minimal distance d3’ of the first support 100. The third minimal distance d3’ may be lower than the first and second maximal distance dl’, d2’. Preferably, the first and second maximal distance dl’, d2’ are different.
Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A luminaire system (1) comprising:
a first support (100) comprising a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite said first surface (101), and a peripheral edge (103) between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102);
a second support (200) movable with respect to said first support (100);
a moving means (300) configured to move the second support (200) relative to the first support (100), such that a position of the second support (200) with respect to the first support (100) is changed;
a spring element (400) configured to exert a restoring force on the second support (200), comprising at least one connection portion (410) connected to the second support (200), and at least one contact portion (420) connected to said at least one connection portion (410) and in contact with the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100);
wherein a plurality of light sources (110) is arranged on one of the first support (100) and the second support (200), and is configured to emit light through one or more optical elements (250) associated with the plurality of light sources (110) and arranged on the other one of the first support (100) and the second support (200).
2. The luminaire system according to claim 1, wherein the first support (100) comprises said plurality of light sources (110) mounted on the first surface (101); and
wherein the second support (200) comprises said one or more optical elements (250).
3. The luminaire system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more optical elements (250) comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of light sources (110).
4. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one contact portion (420) of the spring element (400) comprises at least two contact parts (422a, 422b) in contact with the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100).
5. The luminaire system according to claim 4, wherein a distance between said at least two contact parts (422a, 422b) is higher than 10% of a width (W) of the first support (100), preferably higher than 20% of said width (W), more preferably higher than 30% of said width (W).
6. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the moving means (300) is configured to exert a moving force on a first side edge (210) of the second support (200); and wherein the spring element (400) is arranged at said first side edge (210) or at a second side edge (220) of the second support (200), opposite said first side edge (210).
7. The luminaire system according to claim 6, wherein the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100) comprises a first peripheral edge portion (111) parallel to the first side edge (210) of the second support (200), and a second peripheral edge portion (112) opposite said first peripheral edge portion (111); and
wherein the spring element (400) is in contact with said first peripheral edge portion (111) or with said second peripheral edge portion (112).
8. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the spring element (400) is integrally formed with the second support (200).
9. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the moving means (300) comprises:
an actuation element (310) configured to be rotatable around a first axis (Al); and a conversion element (320) configured to convert the rotational movement of the actuation element (310) into a movement of the second support (200) substantially parallel to the first support (100), such that said position of the second support (200) with respect to the first support (100) is changed.
10. The luminaire system according to claim 9, wherein the first axis (Al) is perpendicular to the first support (100).
11. The luminaire system according to claim 10, wherein the actuation element (310) comprises a rod (311) extending through the second support (200), said rod (311) having a first end with a rotatable head (31 ), and a second end; and
wherein the conversion element (320) comprises an eccentric (321) connected to said second end of the rod (311) and in contact with the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100).
12. The luminaire system according to claim 9, wherein the first axis (Al) is parallel to the first support (100).
13. The luminaire system according to claim 12, wherein the actuation element (310) comprises a wheel (312); and
wherein the conversion element (320) comprises a threaded rod (322) having a first end connected to said wheel (312), and a second end mating with a threaded bore (322’) fixed in the luminaire system (1).
14. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second support (200) is arranged to move in contact with the first support (100).
15. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: a guiding means (500) configured to guide the movement of the second support (200) with respect to the first support (100) along a trajectory (A2) substantially parallel to the first support (100).
16. The luminaire system according to claim 15, wherein the guiding means (500) comprises a first sliding guide (510) and a second sliding guide (520) at opposite side edges of the first or second support (200).
17. The luminaire system according to claims 6 and 16, wherein the first or second support comprises a third side edge, a fourth side edge opposite and parallel to said third side edge; and
wherein the first sliding guide (510) is arranged at said third side edge and the second sliding guide (520) is arranged at said fourth side edge.
18. The luminaire system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first sliding guide (510) is connected to the first or second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the second or first support; and
wherein the second sliding guide (520) is connected to the first or second support and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the second or first support.
19. The luminaire system according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein the guiding means (500) is integrally formed with the first or second support.
20. The luminaire system according to any one of claims 15-19, wherein a plurality of elongated slits (530) is arranged in the second support (200); and
wherein the guiding means (500) comprises guiding elements (540) extending through said elongated slits (530) and fixed to the first support (100) and/or to a component of the luminaire system (1).
21. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the moving means (300) comprises a first moving means (300’) and a second moving means (300”); wherein the first moving means (300’) comprises:
a first actuation element (310’) configured to be rotatable around a first axis; and a first conversion element (320’) configured to convert the rotational movement of the first actuation element (310’) into a movement of the second support (200) along a first trajectory (A2) substantially parallel to the first support (100); and
wherein the second moving means (300”) comprises a second actuation element (310”) configured to be rotatable around a second axis; and
a second conversion element (320”) configured to convert the rotational movement of the second actuation element (310”) into a movement of the second support (200) along a second trajectory (A4) substantially parallel to the first support (100).
22. The luminaire system according to claim 21, wherein the second trajectory (A4) is substantially perpendicular to the first trajectory (A2).
23. The luminaire system according to claim 21 or 22, comprising:
a first spring element (400’) configured to exert a restoring force on the second support (200) along said first trajectory (A2), comprising at least one connection portion (410’) connected to the second support (200), and at least one contact portion (420’) connected to said at least one connection portion (410’) and in contact with the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100); and
a second spring element (400”) configured to exert a restoring force on the second support (200) along said second trajectory (A4), comprising at least one connection portion (410”) connected to the second support (200), and at least one contact portion (420”) connected to said at least one connection portion (410”) and in contact with the peripheral edge (103) of the first support (100).
24. The luminaire system according to any one of claims 21-23, wherein the first moving means (300’) is arranged at said first side edge (210);
wherein the first spring element (400’) is arranged at said first or second side edge (210,
220);
wherein the second spring element (400”) is arranged at said third or fourth side edge (230, 240); and
wherein the second moving means (300”) is arranged at said fourth side edge (240).
25. The luminaire system according to any one of claims 21-24, further comprising a guiding means configured to guide the movement of the second support (200) with respect to the first support (100) along a combination of said first trajectory (A2) and said second trajectory (A4).
26. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: a controlling means configured to control the moving means (300), such that the position of the second support (200) with respect to the first support (100) is controlled.
27. The luminaire system according to claim 26, wherein the controlling means is configured to control the moving means (300) to position the second support (200) in a plurality of positions with respect to the first support (100), resulting in a plurality of lighting patterns on a surface, said plurality of lighting patterns having a plurality of different illuminated surface areas.
28. The luminaire system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein an optical element of the one or more optical elements (250) has an internal dimension (D); and
wherein the controlling means is configured to control the moving means (300) such that the second support (200) is moved relative to the first support (100) over a distance below 90% of the internal dimension (D) of the optical element, preferably below 50% of the internal dimension (D) of the optical element.
29. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the second support (200) and the first support (100) are arranged such that an optical element of the one or more optical elements (250) extends over a corresponding light source of the plurality of light sources (110).
30. The luminaire system according to claim 1 or 2, optionally in combination with any one of the previous claims, wherein the first support (100) or the second support (200) comprises an optical plate (200’) integrating the one or more optical elements (250).
31. The luminaire system according to claim 3, optionally in combination with any one of the previous claims, wherein a lens element of the plurality of lens elements has a first surface (251) and a second surface (252) located on opposite sides thereof, wherein the first surface (251) is a convex or planar surface and the second surface (252) is a concave or planar surface facing a light source of the plurality of light sources (110).
32. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the light sources (110) are arranged in a two-dimensional array of at least two rows (R) and at least two columns (C).
33. The luminaire system according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising: a light driver configured to drive the plurality of light sources (110).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19829639.4A EP3903027A1 (en) | 2018-12-24 | 2019-12-24 | Luminaire system with movable support |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL2022293A NL2022293B1 (en) | 2018-12-24 | 2018-12-24 | Luminaire system with movable support |
NL2022293 | 2018-12-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2020136200A1 true WO2020136200A1 (en) | 2020-07-02 |
Family
ID=66286859
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2019/087019 WO2020136200A1 (en) | 2018-12-24 | 2019-12-24 | Luminaire system with movable support |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3903027A1 (en) |
NL (1) | NL2022293B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020136200A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
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WO2022023441A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-02-03 | Schreder S.A. | Method for assembling optical modules of a luminaire and optical assembly |
NL2026155B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-03-29 | Schreder Sa | Heat staking optical assembly |
NL2026154B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-03-29 | Schreder Sa | Method for assembling optical modules of a luminaire and optical assembly |
WO2023118506A1 (en) | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-29 | Schreder S.A. | Computer-implemented method for designing an optical unit for a luminaire, and associated production method |
WO2023175118A2 (en) | 2022-03-16 | 2023-09-21 | Schreder S.A. | Functional head system and method for securing the same |
WO2023217913A2 (en) | 2022-05-10 | 2023-11-16 | Schreder S.A. | Warning light system and light-shaping module |
WO2024003045A1 (en) | 2022-06-27 | 2024-01-04 | Schreder S.A. | Light assembly comprising a side emitting light element |
WO2024013397A1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2024-01-18 | Schreder S.A. | Modular luminaire head |
WO2024056888A1 (en) | 2022-09-15 | 2024-03-21 | Schreder S.A. | Control unit for a light system |
WO2024110350A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 | 2024-05-30 | Schreder S.A. | Luminaire head assembly |
WO2024141474A1 (en) | 2022-12-27 | 2024-07-04 | Schreder Illuminação Sa | System and method for controlling one or more luminaires |
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US20180087748A1 (en) * | 2016-09-26 | 2018-03-29 | Glint Photonics, Inc. | Adjustable-beam luminaires |
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Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2022023441A1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-02-03 | Schreder S.A. | Method for assembling optical modules of a luminaire and optical assembly |
NL2026155B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-03-29 | Schreder Sa | Heat staking optical assembly |
NL2026154B1 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-03-29 | Schreder Sa | Method for assembling optical modules of a luminaire and optical assembly |
WO2023118506A1 (en) | 2021-12-22 | 2023-06-29 | Schreder S.A. | Computer-implemented method for designing an optical unit for a luminaire, and associated production method |
WO2023175118A2 (en) | 2022-03-16 | 2023-09-21 | Schreder S.A. | Functional head system and method for securing the same |
WO2023217913A2 (en) | 2022-05-10 | 2023-11-16 | Schreder S.A. | Warning light system and light-shaping module |
WO2024003045A1 (en) | 2022-06-27 | 2024-01-04 | Schreder S.A. | Light assembly comprising a side emitting light element |
NL2032294B1 (en) | 2022-06-27 | 2024-01-12 | Schreder Sa | Light assembly comprising a side emitting light element |
WO2024013397A1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2024-01-18 | Schreder S.A. | Modular luminaire head |
NL2032515B1 (en) | 2022-07-15 | 2024-01-25 | Schreder Sa | Modular luminaire head |
WO2024056888A1 (en) | 2022-09-15 | 2024-03-21 | Schreder S.A. | Control unit for a light system |
NL2033037B1 (en) | 2022-09-15 | 2024-03-22 | Schreder Sa | Control unit for a light system |
WO2024110350A1 (en) | 2022-11-24 | 2024-05-30 | Schreder S.A. | Luminaire head assembly |
WO2024141474A1 (en) | 2022-12-27 | 2024-07-04 | Schreder Illuminação Sa | System and method for controlling one or more luminaires |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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NL2022293B1 (en) | 2020-07-21 |
EP3903027A1 (en) | 2021-11-03 |
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