Patent Grant
12044370
The present application is a national stage entry of PCT/EP2021/054586 filed Feb. 24, 2021, which claims priority to NL 2024980 filed Feb. 24, 2020, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to modular luminaire assemblies, in particular thin modular luminaire assemblies for tunnels.
Tunnel lighting solutions need to be designed from different perspectives. They need to be designed for tunnel users looking for a safe and comfortable environment, for tunnel maintenance companies looking for an efficient management, for tunnel installation companies looking for optimal installations with a quick, easy installation and commissioning, and finally for tunnel operators looking for a low total cost of ownership.
Tunnel luminaires must for instance meet stringent considerations in terms of mechanical design, light distributions and mountings. In terms of required light distribution, no two tunnels are identical. Each tunnel has its own criteria in terms of lighting, design and geometry, such that modularity of design is highly relevant for luminaire assemblies in that field.
The object of the invention is to provide a thin modular luminaire assembly, particularly suitable for tunnel applications.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire assembly, in particular for use in tunnels, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, said plurality of interconnectable modules comprising at least an electronic module and at least a first optical module. The first optical module comprises at least one printed circuit board comprising at least one corresponding LED array, and at least one corresponding optical plate. The electronic module comprises driver circuitry for driving the at least one LED array of the at least one printed circuit board. The first optical module comprises a tray containing the printed circuit board and the optical plate, and an at least partially light transmitting cover closing said tray, said tray having a bottom face and at least a first edge between said cover and said bottom face. The electronic module comprises a tray containing the driver circuitry and a cover closing said tray, said tray having a bottom face and at least a first edge between said cover and said bottom face. The tray of the first optical module comprises at least a first protrusion protruding outwardly out of the bottom face of said tray and integrating at the first edge a first electrical connector. The tray of the electronic module integrates at the first edge a second electrical connector, which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector to electrically interconnect the first optical module and the electronic module. At least one of the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector is configured to bridge over at least one of the first edge of the first optical module and the first edge of the electronic module.
By way of the first protrusion, the thickness of the tray of the optical module is reduced. The tray can indeed be made thin as it only needs to accommodate the printed circuit board and the LED array while the first protrusion provides room for the first electrical connector and the electronic module accommodates the driver circuitry. In this way, the tray of the first optical module is made thin, and easier thus to fix in tunnels with reduced height. Furthermore, a thinner tray implies a reduction of the amount of material used for the tray and energy used for its making leading to a more sustainable and cheap making process.
In addition, by coupling one electronic module and one or more optical modules the design can further be made totally modular to fit the design requirements of any tunnel, in particular in terms of geometry and/or light distribution and/or illuminance. In particular, tunnel lighting must always guarantee that the visual perceptions of drivers are maintained, both day and night, by avoiding sudden variations in lighting levels when entering and exiting a tunnel. This leads to the luminaires in different parts of a tunnel having a different required luminance: a first part of a tunnel being strongly lit over a distance equal to the safe stopping distance to see any possible obstacle inside the tunnel from outside the tunnel, a transition zone with a gradually reduced level of luminance towards the value chosen for the lighting of the interior zone of the tunnel, and an exit zone lit to prepare drivers for their return to external luminance. In that context using different assemblies with different luminance levels by using either one, two or three optical modules for a single electronic module allow the use of the same modules for the entire lighting of a tunnel. For instance assemblies with three modules may be used in zones of the tunnel where a high luminance is required, like the entrance and exit zones. Assemblies with two units may be used in a tunnel zone with an intermediate luminance, like a transition zone. Assemblies with one optical module may be used in tunnel zones with a basic illuminance, like the central interior zone of the tunnel.
Preferred embodiments relate to outdoor luminaire assemblies. By outdoor luminaire, it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, stadiums, airports, harbours, rail stations, 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.
Particular preferred embodiments relate to luminaire assemblies for tunnels, or bridges where the luminaire is supported, suspended with respect to a ceiling or an overhang.
In a preferred embodiment, the ratio between the height of the first protrusion and the height of the tray of the optical module is between 0.5 and 1.5. In this way the height of the tray of the optical module can be used to accommodate the printed circuit board while the first protrusion provides room for the first electrical connector. The ratio between the height of the tray and the height of the first protrusion is further related to the reduction of the material and energy expenditure.
In a preferred embodiment, the first edge of the first optical module integrates a first mechanical connector interface and the first edge of the electronic module integrates a second mechanical connector interface configured to cooperate with the first mechanical connector interface to mechanically interconnect the first optical module and the electronic module.
In this way the modules are simultaneously electrically and mechanically connectable, which improves the ease of assembly, as well as the strength of the assembly since the electrical connector may thus contribute to the mechanical rigidity of the assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connectors and the mechanical connector interfaces of the first optical module and of the electronic module are configured such that electrical and mechanical contact between the first optical module and the electronic module is realised simultaneously.
In this way, the installation and maintenance are facilitated, since both types of connections may be realised in one step.
Preferably, the first protrusion has a width measured parallel to the first edge of the tray of the first optical module, which is smaller than one third of a width of the tray of the first optical module measured parallel to the first edge thereof, preferably smaller than one fourth of the width of the first optical module. Preferably, the width of the first protrusion is larger than 5% of the width of the tray of the first optical module.
In a preferred embodiment, the first edge of the first optical module has a stepped profile such that the surface of bottom face of the tray is substantially smaller than the surface of the cover and the first mechanical connector interface comprises at least one abutment portion arranged on the stepped profile and configured for abutting against the second mechanical interface.
By way of the stepped profile, the cover is easily positioned and correctly sealed, while more space is created for the mechanical connector interface. Indeed because the first edge of the optical module has a stepped profile, a channel is created between adjacent edges of modules where the mechanical connector interface can be accommodated. In that manner, the best use is made of the available space for a compact and thin design with a limited amount of material. The stepped profile may have a single step profile comprising straight side walls and a flange on which the cover is abutted. Alternatively the stepped profile may have at least two steps with at least two side walls and two flanges. In this way, the first mechanical connector interface may be easily fixed on the side of the tray using usual fixing means, and the first mechanical connector interface may be a separate element.
Preferably, the surface of the bottom face of the tray of the first optical module (which is typically the upper surface in the mounted position) is between 60 and 95% of the surface of the cover of the first optical module.
Preferably, the or each abutment portion has a width measured parallel to the first edge of the tray of the first optical module, which is smaller than one fourth of a width of the tray of the first optical module measured parallel to the first edge thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one abutment portion extends on a plane perpendicular to the cover plane. In this way, the mounting is provided in a channel between adjacent edges of modules. Indeed because the first edge of the optical module has a stepped profile, a channel between adjacent edges of modules is created where fixing means can be accommodated. In that manner, the best use is made of the available space for a compact design. Preferably, the at least one abutment portion levels with an outer rim of the stepped profile. In this way, when joining an optical module to an electronic module, a physical contact is made simultaneously in two areas: the outer rim of the stepped profile of the tray representing the peripheral edge of the optical module is abutted to the edge of the electronic module and, at the same the abutment portion of the optical module is abutted to the mechanical connector interface of the electronic module. In this manner adjacent modules can be joined edge to edge leading to a compact design.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one abutment portion comprises two abutment portions arranged on either side of the first electrical connector, preferably in a symmetrical manner.
In this manner, modules are electrically connected in their middle part and mechanically connected on either side of the electrical connection, reinforcing the rigidity of the assembly.
Preferably, at least one abutment portion of the first mechanical connector interface is interconnected to the second mechanical connector interface using a bolt and a nut. Alternatively other means for fixing may be envisaged. In this way, a mechanical connection is realised easily.
In a preferred embodiment the tray of the first optical module has a passage extending from the first edge to a second edge opposite said first edge, said passage integrating the first protrusion. The passage serves as a cable guide to the electrical connectors and simplifies the manufacturing of the optical module. Preferably the passage houses a second protrusion protruding outwardly out of the bottom face of said tray and integrating at the second edge of said tray a third electrical connector for interconnection with the respective electrical connector of a further adjacent module. In this manner the compactness of a thin module due to the first and the second protrusions is further combined with the modularity of the design. Alternatively the first and the second protrusion may be joined to form a single protrusion extending from the first electrical connector to the third electrical connector. The first and the second protrusion will then form the passage protruding out of the bottom face.
Preferably, the passage has a width measured parallel to the first edge of the tray of the first optical module, which is smaller than one third of a width of the tray of the first optical module measured parallel to the first edge thereof, preferably smaller than one fourth of the width of the first optical module. Preferably, the width of the passage is larger than 5% of the width of the tray of the first optical module.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a luminaire assembly, in particular for use in tunnels, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, said plurality of interconnectable modules comprising at least an electronic module and at least a first optical module. The first optical module comprises at least one printed circuit board comprising at least one corresponding LED array and at least one corresponding optical plate. The electronic module comprises driver circuitry for driving the at least one LED array of the at least one printed circuit board. The first optical module comprises a tray containing the printed circuit board and the optical plate, and an at least partially light transmitting cover closing said tray, said tray having a bottom face and a first edge between said cover and said bottom face. The electronic module comprises a tray containing the driver circuitry and a cover closing said tray, said tray having a bottom face and a first edge between said cover and said bottom face. The first edge of the first optical module integrates a first mechanical connector interface and said first edge of the electronic module integrates a second mechanical connector interface, which is configured to cooperate with the first mechanical connector interface to mechanically interconnect the first optical module and the electronic module. The first edge of the first optical module has a stepped profile such that the surface of bottom face of the tray is substantially smaller than the surface of the cover and the first mechanical connector interface comprises at least one abutment portion arranged on the stepped profile and configured for abutting against the second mechanical connector interface.
In this way, the cover is easily positioned and correctly sealed on the stepped profile, while more space is created for the mechanical connector interface. Indeed because the first edge of the optical module has a stepped profile, a channel is created between adjacent edges of modules where fixing means can be accommodated. In that manner, the best use is made of the available space for a compact design with a limited amount of material.
In addition, by coupling one electronic module and one or more optical modules the design can further be made totally modular to fit the design requirements of any tunnel, in particular in terms of geometry and/or light distribution and/or illuminance. In particular, tunnel lighting must always guarantee that the visual perceptions of drivers are maintained, both day and night, by avoiding sudden variations in lighting levels when entering and exiting a tunnel. This leads to the luminaires in different parts of a tunnel having a different required luminance: a first part of a tunnel being strongly lit over a distance equal to the safe stopping distance to see any possible obstacle inside the tunnel from outside the tunnel, a transition zone with a gradually reduced level of luminance towards the value chosen for the lighting of the interior zone of the tunnel, and an exit zone lit to prepare drivers for their return to external luminance. In that context using different assemblies with different luminance levels by using either one, two or three optical modules for a single electronic module allow the use of the same modules for the entire lighting of a tunnel. For instance assemblies with three modules may be used in zones of the tunnel where a high luminance is required, like the entrance and exit zones. Assemblies with two units may be used in a tunnel zone with an intermediate luminance, like a transition zone. Assemblies with one optical module may be used in tunnel zones with a basic illuminance, like the central interior zone of the tunnel.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one abutment portion extends on a plane perpendicular to the cover plane. In this way, the mounting is provided in a channel between adjacent edges of modules, making the best use of the available space for a compact design. Preferably, the at least one abutment portion levels with an outer rim of the stepped profile. In this way, when joining an optical module to an electronic module, a physical contact is made simultaneously in two areas: the outer rim of the stepped profile of the tray representing the peripheral edge of the optical module is abutted to the edge of the electronic module and, at the same the abutment portion of the optical module is abutted to the mechanical connector interface of the electronic module. In this manner adjacent modules can be joined edge to edge leading to a compact design.
Preferably, at least one abutment portion of the first mechanical connector interface is interconnected to the second mechanical connector interface using a bolt and a nut. Alternatively other means for fixing may be envisaged. In this way, a mechanical connection is realised easily.
In a preferred embodiment, the first edge of the first optical module integrates a first electrical connector and the first edge of the electronic module houses a second electrical connector, which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector to electrically interconnect the first optical module and the electronic module.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tray of the first optical module comprises at least a first protrusion protruding outwardly out of the bottom face of said tray and integrating at the first edge the first electrical connector.
In a preferred embodiment, the electrical connectors and the mechanical connector interfaces of the first optical module and of the electronic module are configured such that electrical and mechanical contact between the first optical module and the electronic module is realised simultaneously.
In this way, the installation and maintenance are facilitated, since both types of connections may be realised in one step.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one abutment portion comprises two abutment portions arranged on either side of the first electrical connector.
In this manner, modules are electrically connected in their middle part and mechanically connected on either side of the electrical connection, reinforcing the rigidity of the assembly.
In a preferred embodiment, the tray of the first optical module further integrates at a second edge opposite the first edge a third electrical connector for interconnection with the respective electrical connector of a further adjacent module. In this manner the design is rendered modular.
In a preferred embodiment of the first and second aspect, the first optical module comprises at least two printed circuit boards, each comprising a LED array, and at least two corresponding optical plates configured for generating a non-rotation symmetrical light beam, and wherein the first optical module is configured such that the at least two printed circuit boards and/or the at least two corresponding optical plates are mountable in at least two different positions in the first optical module. In this way, the light distribution can be adapted, creating more flexibility for the use of the luminaire assembly Indeed by using at least two printed circuit boards and at least two optical plates in the same optical module, various combinations for the positioning of the printed circuit boards in the optical module and for the positioning of the optical plates relative to the printed circuit boards can be envisaged. For instance half of the printed circuit boards or half of the optical plates may in a different position than the other half of the printed circuit boards and/or optical plates. For instance in tunnels, symmetrical lighting distribution or asymmetrical counter beam light distribution are desired depending on circumstances. In symmetrical lighting, the light is symmetrically distributed providing a uniform luminance throughout the tunnel but low contrast. In asymmetrical counter beam lighting, the light is asymmetrically distributed with the strongest part of the beam directed toward or respectively away from the approaching driver, providing respectively a negative or positive contrast between an object and the pavement having thus a different luminance. For instance, if all optical plates and printed circuit boards are in the same positions, given their inherent non-rotation symmetrical properties, the optical module will have a counter beam type of lighting and may be used in tunnel zones with a high illuminance, like the entrance and exit zones of the tunnel. For instance if half of the optical plates and/or printed circuit boards are in a different position, the optical module will have a symmetric type of lighting and may be used in tunnel zones requiring a basic or intermediate illuminance, like the transition zone and the central interior zone of the tunnel.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a luminaire assembly, in particular for use in tunnels, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, said plurality of interconnectable modules comprising at least an electronic module and at least a first optical module. The first optical module comprises at least two printed circuit boards, each comprising a LED array, and at least two corresponding optical plates configured for generating a non-rotation symmetrical light beam. The electronic module comprises driver circuitry for driving the LED arrays of the at least two printed circuit boards. The first optical module comprises a tray containing the at least two printed circuit boards and at least two corresponding optical plates, and an at least partially light transmitting cover closing said tray. The electronic module comprises a tray containing the driver circuitry and a cover closing said tray. The first optical module is configured such that the at least two printed circuit boards and/or the at least two corresponding optical plates are mountable in at least two different positions in the first optical module.
In this way, the light distribution can be adapted, creating more flexibility for the use of the luminaire assembly. Indeed by using at least two printed circuit boards and at least two optical plates in the same optical module, various combinations for the positioning of the printed circuit boards in the optical module and for the positioning of the optical plates relative to the printed circuit boards can be envisaged. For instance half of the printed circuit boards or half of the optical plates may be in a different position than the other half of the printed circuit boards and/or optical plates. For instance in tunnels, symmetrical lighting distribution or asymmetrical counter beam light distribution are desired depending on circumstances. In symmetrical lighting, the light is symmetrically distributed providing a uniform luminance throughout the tunnel but low contrast. In asymmetrical counter beam lighting, the light is asymmetrically distributed with the strongest part of the beam directed toward or respectively away from the approaching driver, providing respectively a negative or positive contrast between an object and the pavement having thus a different luminance. For instance, if all optical plates and printed circuit boards are in the same positions, given their inherent non-rotation symmetrical properties, the optical module will have a counter beam type of lighting and may be used in tunnel zones with a high illuminance, like the entrance and exit zones of the tunnel. For instance if half of the optical plates and/or printed circuit boards are in a different position, the optical module will have a symmetric type of lighting and may be used in tunnel zones requiring a basic or intermediate illuminance, like the transition zone and the central interior zone of the tunnel.
In addition, by coupling one electronic module and one or more optical modules the design can further be made totally modular to fit the design requirements of any tunnel, in particular in terms of geometry and/or light distribution and/or illuminance. In particular, tunnel lighting must always guarantee that the visual perceptions of drivers are maintained, both day and night, by avoiding sudden variations in lighting levels when entering and exiting a tunnel. This leads to the luminaires in different parts of a tunnel having a different required luminance: a first part of a tunnel being strongly lit over a distance equal to the safe stopping distance to see any possible obstacle inside the tunnel from outside the tunnel, a transition zone with a gradually reduced level of luminance towards the value chosen for the lighting of the interior zone of the tunnel, and an exit zone lit to prepare drivers for their return to external luminance. In that context using different assemblies with different luminance levels by using either one, two or three optical modules for a single electronic module allow the use of the same modules for the entire lighting of a tunnel. For instance assemblies with three modules may be used in zones of the tunnel where a high luminance is required, like the entrance and exit zones. Assemblies with two units may be used in a tunnel zone with an intermediate luminance, like a transition zone. Assemblies with one optical module may be used in tunnel zones with a basic illuminance, like the central interior zone of the tunnel.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the at least two printed circuit boards and the at least two corresponding optical plates are shaped and dimensioned such that each a printed circuit board and/or an optical plate thereof can be rotated over 90° from a first position into a second position. In particular, there is room in the tray and/or fixing means in the tray and on the printed circuit boards, allowing to rotate an optical plate alone or a printed circuit board alone or both a printed circuit board and an optical plate. In this way, multiple light distribution patterns are achieved using the same subparts, creating modularity and versatility. In particular, tunnel lighting must always guarantee that the visual perceptions of drivers are maintained, both day and night, by avoiding sudden variations in lighting levels when entering and exiting a tunnel. This leads to the luminaires in different parts of a tunnel having a different required luminance: a first part of a tunnel being strongly lit over a distance equal to the safe stopping distance to see any possible obstacle inside the tunnel from outside the tunnel, a transition zone with a gradually reduced level of luminance towards the value chosen for the lighting of the interior zone of the tunnel, and an exit zone lit to prepare drivers for their return to external luminance. In that context offering different light distributions with different luminance levels for the same luminaire model allow the use of this model for the entire lighting of a tunnel.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the optical plate is a lens plate having a lens array corresponding with the LED array of the corresponding printed circuit board. In this way, the light distribution of a complete array may be changed easily.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the optical plate has a length and a width, wherein the ratio between the length and the width is between 0.8 and 1.2. In this manner, the optical plate has a rather square shape, facilitating its rotation over 90 degrees relative to the printed circuit board, inside the tray. For example, the optical plate may be a lens plate with a lens array having the same number of columns and rows as the LED array.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the LED array comprises at least nine LEDs and at least three rows. More preferably, the LED array comprises at least sixteen LEDs and at least four rows. Alternatively the array may comprise LEDs arranged in a single row. In this manner, the shape of the luminaire may be varied to accommodate longer modules, with extruded trays rather than moulded trays.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the at least two circuit boards and/or the at least two optical plates are mountable in a first position for counter beam lighting in a tunnel and in a second position for symmetric lighting in a tunnel. In this manner, the light distribution can be adapted to the position of the luminaire in its environment. Alternatively, the circuit boards are mountable in a mix of positions inside the same optical module for combining counter beam lighting and symmetric lighting.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the tray of the first optical module has a first edge comprising a first electrical connector, and the tray of the electronic module has an edge comprising a second electrical connector which is configured to cooperate with the first electrical connector. The tray of the first optical module has a passage extending from the first electrical connector at the first edge to a second edge opposite said first edge, wherein the at least two printed circuit boards are arranged adjacent said passage. Wires for connecting the printed circuit boards and the first electrical connector may be arranged in that passage. In this way, a compact design of the tray is realised, as in particular the wiring inside the module is optimized. Preferably the passage is a central passage, and the at least two printed circuit boards are arranged on either side of said passage.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the tray of the first optical module has a bottom face and the passage protrudes outwardly out of the bottom face. In this way the design of the luminaire assembly is rendered compact and the modules thin.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the passage is provided at the second edge with a further electrical connector for connection to a further module.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, a further module which is selected from a sensor module, a signaling module and an optical module is provided, said further module having an electrical connector which is configured to be connected to a further electrical connector of the first optical module. In this way, additional functionalities are provided and integrated in the compact design of the luminaire assembly.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, the first optical module comprises four printed circuit boards each comprising a LED array and four corresponding optical plates.
In a preferred embodiment of any of the aspects of the invention, for each optical module, the tray is provided with an additional protrusion, provided with a plug for transmitting additional data between the modules. Preferably, the additional protrusion is similar to the first protrusion creating two passages that may be arranged in parallel, one passage for the electrical channel accommodating at its end the electrical connector and one passage for the data channel accommodating at its end a data connector. Alternatively, the two protrusions may form only one passage which is broader and may accommodate at its end both the electrical connector and a data connector.
In exemplary embodiments with a tray having a stepped profile, the stepped profile may comprise exactly one step. However in other embodiments, the stepped profile may comprise two or more steps.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tray of the first optical module made of an aluminium material, e.g. by injection moulding and/or extrusion. In such embodiments, usually a step profile with two or more steps is preferred.
In another exemplary embodiment, the tray of the first optical module is made of stainless steel, e.g. by folding sheet metal. In such embodiments, a stepped profile with a single step may be beneficial.
The features of the different aspects and embodiments described above may be combined in any possible way.
This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing currently preferred embodiments of the invention. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings
Preferred embodiments relate to outdoor luminaire assemblies. By outdoor luminaire, it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, campuses, parks, stadiums, airports, harbours, rail stations, 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. Particular preferred embodiments relate to luminaire assemblies for tunnels, or bridges where the luminaire is supported, suspended with respect to a ceiling.
Also the required light distribution may be different in different parts of a tunnel. For example, some parts may require only a lighting of the road whilst other parts may require lighting of the walls. By suitably choosing the number, orientation and type of LED arrays and optical modules, this can be easily achieved.
The electronic module 100 is enabled to drive all the optical modules connected to it. In particular the electronic module 100 may comprise a driver for half of the LED arrays 215 of every optical module and another driver for the other half of the LED arrays 215 of every optical module in order to control the two sets of printed circuit boards independently.
It is here further noted that, in
In addition
Alternatively to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the edges of the optical module 200 have a stepped profile with multiple steps. The surface of the bottom face 231 of the tray 230 is like in the first embodiment substantially smaller than the surface of the cover 240. In addition in the second embodiment, the first edge 201 of the optical module also integrates a mechanical connector interface 260, 270 configured to cooperate with a mechanical connector interface 160, 170 on the electronic module.
The protrusion 235 is integrated with a mechanical connector interface comprising two sub interfaces 260 and 270 with respective abutment portions 261 and 271 on either side of the electrical connector 250 in a symmetrical way. The abutment portions 261 and 271 may be configured for abutting against the mechanical connector interfaces 160 and 170 of the electronic module 100. Both abutment portions 261, 271 extend on a plane perpendicular to the cover plane and level with an outer rim of the stepped profile such that the modules 100 and 200 may be joined edge to edge by fixing the abutment portions of each module together. In this way the electrical connection and the mechanical connection of two adjacent modules may happen simultaneously, simplifying the mounting, and/or the maintenance. Preferably, the abutment portions 261, 271 each have a width wa measured parallel to the first edge of the tray 230 of the optical module 200, which is smaller than one fourth of a width w of the tray 230 measured parallel to the first edge thereof. The abutment portions 261 and 271 may further be used to fix the luminaire assembly mechanically to a ceiling or overhang, via additional fixing mechanisms not represented. Optionally the additional fixing mechanism may allow the first optical module to be slightly tilted in order to orient the emitted light. For example, the fixing mechanism may allow the first optical module to be either mounted horizontally or at an angle with a horizontal plane depending on the desired orientation of the emitted light beam. The abutment portions 261, 271 are further each connected on either side to the first edge 201 by two wing portions respectively 262, 263 and 272, 273. Elements 261-263 form the sub interface 260, which is integrated with the protrusion 235 and may further provide means 265 for connecting the module 200 to a ceiling or overhang as a failsafe measure via a hook or a chain. Elements 271-273 form the sub interface 270, which is integrated with the protrusion 235 and may further provide means 275 for connecting the module 200 to a ceiling or overhang as a failsafe measure via a hook or a chain.
Similarly the profile of the second edge 202 on the opposite side of the tray facing the additional optical module 200″ is stepped between the outer flange for abutting against the cover 240 and the bottom surface 231 of the tray. The protrusion 237 is integrated with a mechanical connector interface comprising two sub interfaces 280 and 290 with respective abutment portions 281 and 291 on either side of the electrical connector 255. The abutment portions 281 and 291 are configured for abutting against the respective mechanical connector interfaces 260 and 270 of the additional optical module 200′. Both abutment portions 281, 291 extend on a plane perpendicular to the cover plane and level with an outer rim of the stepped profile such that the modules 200 and 200′ may be joined edge to edge by fixing the abutment portions of each module together using a screw and a bolt. The abutment portions 281 and 291 may further be used to fix the luminaire assembly mechanically to a ceiling or overhang, via additional fixing mechanisms not represented. The abutment portions 281, 291 are each connected on either side to the second edge 201 by two wing portions respectively 282, 283 and 292, 293. Elements 281-283 form the sub interface 280, which is integrated with the protrusion 237 and further provides means 285 for connecting the module 200 to a ceiling or overhang as a failsafe measure via a hook or a chain. Elements 291-293 form the sub interface 290, which is integrated with the protrusion 237 and may further provide means 295 for connecting the module 200 to a ceiling or overhang as a failsafe measure via a hook or a chain.
Preferably, the protrusion 235 and/or 237 has a width wp measured parallel to the first edge 201 of the tray of the optical module 200, which is smaller than one third of a width w of the tray of the optical module 200, preferably smaller than one fourth of the width w of the optical module 200. Preferably, the width wp of the protrusion is larger than 5% of the width w of the tray of the optical module 200.
As illustrated in
The circuit boards are mounted along the longitudinal direction between the edge 201 and the opposite edge 202 to form a alignment of LEDs. The boards 210, 211 contain only a single row of LEDs, such that the corresponding optical plates 220, 221 also comprise a single row of lenses, configured for generating a non-rotation symmetrical light beam. The rows of lenses can be rotated by 180 degrees with respect to their respective circuit boards.
Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is 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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024980 | Feb 2020 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/054586 | 2/24/2021 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2021/170669 | 9/2/2021 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7125137 | Kitajima | Oct 2006 | B2 |
| 7976188 | Peng | Jul 2011 | B2 |
| 8550680 | Kim | Oct 2013 | B2 |
| 8573805 | Leung | Nov 2013 | B2 |
| 9544973 | Dahlen | Jan 2017 | B2 |
| 9857070 | Zhou | Jan 2018 | B1 |
| 10018343 | Wasserman | Jul 2018 | B2 |
| 10386058 | Cattoni | Aug 2019 | B1 |
| 10842895 | Espina | Nov 2020 | B1 |
| 11300254 | Zheng | Apr 2022 | B2 |
| 11333325 | Burmeister | May 2022 | B2 |
| 20130322082 | Hollander | Dec 2013 | A1 |
| 20200400297 | Hou | Dec 2020 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2014079140 | May 2014 | WO |
| WO-2014079140 | May 2014 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| PCT International Search Report and Written Opinion, Application No. PCT/EP2021/054586, mailed May 27, 2021, 20 pages. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230099312 A1 | Mar 2023 | US |
