A suspensible system comprising an attachment mechanism
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-27
Smart Images
Figure EP2024069216_23012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A SUSPENSIBLE SYSTEM COMPRISING AN ATTACHMENT MECHANISM
[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a suspensible system comprising a suspensible lamp and suspension element, a lighting system comprising two or more suspensible systems, an attachment mechanism for use in the suspensible system, and a method for adjusting the suspension angle and / or the rotation angle of such a suspensible system.
[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Current suspended light points do not accommodate for the variety of different activities and needs, like dining, reading, partying and highlighting wall decoration. This flexibility is currently only available for spots as standing luminaires on for example floor or desk. Various devices may be needed in order to cater to all different lighting needs in a space.
[0006] In public environments, various devices may be used to create a pleasant and functional atmosphere. For instance, suspended spotlights are mainly used to set a correct lighting in the department store, an office, a waiting room, a home or the like.
[0007] The devices mentioned above are normally mounted to a ceiling using a rather stiff construction to be able to adjust the device in the right direction. When it is desired to arrange the device at a distance from the ceiling, at least one robust arm is required. The arms are bulky, which might hamper the aesthetical design requirements of the customer or limit the usage to only dedicated applications. On top of that, the directionality of the spotlights often has limitations due to the limited angle variation of the suspension system.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a suspensible system having an aesthetically pleasing design, at the same time providing the flexibility to be used for different activities and needs.
[0009] DE202018102694U1 discloses a pendant lamp comprising a cable suspension and a lamp body for light emission with a defined direction of light emission.
[0010] CN205037203U discloses a pendant lamp including a suspension rod and a main body that can hold at least one luminescence component. The edge of the main body has an arc track, and the center of curvature of the arc track and the center of gravity of the main body are positioned at the same side of the arc track. The top of the suspension rod can be connected to a ceiling or building, the bottom of the suspension rod has a brake pad, and this brake pad can freely slide in the arc track of the main body.
[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.
[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a suspensible system comprising (i) a suspensible lamp and (ii) a suspension element, wherein the suspensible lamp comprises an attachment mechanism and a housing. The suspension element comprises a first end portion being attached to the attachment mechanism and a second end portion being attachable to a fastening surface. When the second end portion is attached to the fastening surface, the first end portion and the second end portion are separated from each other along a suspension axis. The suspension element is flexible, thereby allowing the suspensible lamp to orient itself with its center of gravity on the suspension axis.
[0014] The housing has a light exit window having a surface normal, wherein the housing is enabled to hold a lighting device, wherein the housing has an inner housing element and an outer housing element. The outer housing element has an elongated slot having a first end point and a second end point, wherein the attachment mechanism is movably connected inside the elongated slot, enabled to be reversibly locked in any position along the elongated slot.
[0015] The suspensible lamp is arranged to be suspended at a suspension angle defined between the suspension axis and the surface normal of the light exit window, wherein the suspension angle has a first value when the attachment mechanism is connected at the first end point, and a second value when the attachment mechanism is connected at the second end point.
[0016] The inner housing element is located inside the outer housing element such that a space is created between the inner housing element and the outer housing element below at least the entire elongated slot, wherein the space holds at least part of the attachment mechanism and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device.
[0017] The suspensible system according to the present invention offers an unobtrusive design and at the same time it offers the flexibility to accommodate different activities and needs, such as dining, reading, or highlighting wall decoration. The design of the system allows for the suspensible lamp to be suspended from a thin, flexible wire, while having the possibility to orient the lamp freely across a large range of angles. At least part of the attachment mechanism and the electrical interface for powering the lighting device are hidden inside a space inside suspensible lamp, adding further to the unobtrusiveness of the design.
[0018] By the term “suspensible” is in the context of the present invention understood as capable of being suspended, i.e. to hang so as to be free on all sides except at the point of support. In other words, the suspensible system may be arranged on a support rail or a support arm or may be suspended from a fastening surface.
[0019] The fastening surface is to be understood as a surface from which the suspensible element is intended to be suspended, e.g. a ceiling, a shelf, or the like. Once the suspensible device is attached to the suspension element, it is referred to as “suspended system”.
[0020] The “suspension element” in the context of the invention is the element used for suspending the suspensible lamp. It connects the suspensible lamp to the fastening surface. The suspension element used in the suspensible system of this invention is flexible.
[0021] The suspension element may be a wire or a cable having diameter being below 1 cm, preferably below 0.75 cm, more preferably below 0.5 cm. In other words, the suspension element may be a thin wire, thus providing the advantage of being virtually invisible to the user. The length of the suspension element may vary depending on the intended application. In particular, the length of the suspension element may be from 20 cm to 30 m, preferably from 40 cm to 20 m, more preferably from 50 cm to 10 m.
[0022] The suspensible lamp may be electrically connected to the suspension element. Electrical connection may be provided by means of an electrical interface, such as plug-and- socket, a pin contact, or a USB port. Alternatively, electrical connection may be achieved wirelessly, e.g. through induction. If the suspensible lamp is only mechanically connected to the suspension element, the electrical power supply to the suspensible lamp may be provided by an external power supply source, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Preferably, the suspensible lamp is both mechanically and electrically connected to the suspension element.
[0023] The term “lighting device” in the context of the present invention may refer to a light-emitting device, such as a spotlight. Alternatively, the term device may for example refer to a disinfecting device, such as an emitter of disinfecting light, infrared light and / or microwave irradiation. The lighting device may be one of a GU10 light source, a MR16 light source, and a LED light source integrated into the suspensible lamp. The housing is enabled to hold a lighting device. Depending on the intended application, the housing may comprise a socket for holding a lighting device, such as a retrofit LED lighting device, or the housing may comprise a built-in light source. An integrated light source may be a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) light source arranged to emit visible light having a dominant peak in a wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm. Alternatively, or additionally, the suspensible device according to the present invention may be suitable to be used with a light source arranged to emit UV light having a dominant peak in a wavelength range from 190 to 400 nm. Further, the device may comprise a source emitting IR radiation having a dominant peak in the wavelength range from 760 to 2500 nm.
[0024] The housing of the lamp of the present invention may be of any suitable shape and size. In particular, the housing may have cylindric, conical, cuboid, hexagonal, semi spherical, spherical, parabolic, or organic shapes, i.e. shapes, often being curvilinear in appearance, that are similar to those found in nature, such as plants, animals, and rocks.
[0025] Preferably, the suspensible lamp may have a rounded shape, especially on parts of the outer housing that comprise the elongated slot. A rounded shape may enable an easy movement of the attachment mechanism from one position to the other. Sharp edges and sharp corners may in that respect be less suitable, however still possible.
[0026] The housing may be manufactured of a material having relatively low density, such as a polymeric material, for example polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PCABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or polypropylene (PP) and mixtures thereof. The housing may be manufactured of a natural and / or recycled material. Further, a gas assist moulding material or foam material to reduce the weight of the housing even further may be used.
[0027] At least one of the attachment mechanism and the housing may be made using 3D printing. Making the housing and / or the attachment mechanism using 3D printing allows for freedom in the design of the suspensible lamp and for freedom in the choice of material.
[0028] The light exit window of the suspensible lamp according to the present invention is the surface through which electromagnetic radiation is emitted. The electromagnetic radiation may be infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, and combinations thereof. The light exit window may vary in shape and size depending on the shape and size of the housing as well as the chosen design of the lamp. The light exit window may be a physical component, such as a (flat or planar) optical element, but may also simply be an opening in the housing through with the light can be emitted. The light exit window may be a planar light exit window. The light exit window has a surface normal being defined as a vector perpendicular to the tangent plane of the surface of the light exit window, preferably at the (geometrical) center of the light exit window. The surface normal of the light exit window may be substantially the same as the (main) light emitting direction (or in other words the optical axis) of the suspensible lamp when in operation.
[0029] The suspensible lamp has a center of gravity, being defined as the average location of the weight of the suspensible lamp. When the suspensible system is suspended, the first end point and the second end point of the suspension element will draw up a suspension axis, being substantially vertical due to the gravitational forces. The suspended lamp attached to the first end portion of the flexible suspension element will align itself with its center of gravity on the suspension axis. The position of the center of gravity within the suspensible lamp may be influenced during the design of the lamp, for example by adding additional weight at one or more locations within the lamp. The position of the center of gravity may have an influence on the possible angle range in which the lamp can be oriented. A center of gravity close to the light exit window may result in a relatively small range of suspension angles. A center of gravity on the utmost opposite side of the lamp, farthest away from the light exit window may result in the largest range of suspension angles. However, the range of possible suspension ranges may not solely depend on the position of the center of gravity but may also depend on other factors such as on the position and size of the elongated slot.
[0030] The suspensible lamp may have a height, being a maximum distance from the light exit window to a point on the outer housing element measured along a height direction, wherein, in the height direction, the center of gravity G of the suspensible lamp may have a first height position Hl located at a distance from the light exit window that is larger than or equal to 0.4 times the height of the suspensible lamp, preferably larger than 0.5 times the height of the suspensible lamp, such as larger than 0.6 times the height of the suspensible lamp, such as larger than 0.75 times the height of the suspensible lamp. The height may typically be measured on an axis in an opposite direction of the surface normal of the light exit window. The height may also be measured in a suspended state of the suspensible lamp at a suspension angle of zero degrees (i.e. the light exit window facing downwards). In such a state the height of the suspensible lamp may be determined as the distance between the lowest point and the highest point of the suspensible lamp (i.e. the housing). The second end point may have a second height position H2. In addition to the absolute position of the center of gravity, the first height position of the center of gravity may be equal to or larger than the second height position H2. The second end point may be the end point of the elongated slot which is located closest to the light exit window.
[0031] The location of the center of gravity G in relation to the second end point is a main factor determining the maximum suspension angle amax of the suspensible lamp. The larger the first height position and the larger the difference with the second height position, the larger the maximum suspension angle that may be achieved by the suspensible system. To this end, the center of gravity G of the suspensible lamp may preferably not be located in proximity to the light exit window but may rather be located in a position in the middle or the back of the suspensible lamp.
[0032] An additional factor which may determine the maximum suspension angle amax is the width or diameter of the lamp, more specifically the location of the second end point determined by the height position of the second end point measured in the height direction and the distance D of the second end point to a central height axis of the suspensible lamp, measured perpendicular to the height direction.
[0033] The second end point may have a second height position H2 measured in the height direction and a distance D to a central height axis of the suspensible lamp, measured perpendicular to the height direction. The suspensible lamp may have a maximum suspension angle UMAX, and the height position of the center of gravity G may be calculated according to Hi > H2.+ (D / tan (180° - UMAX)).
[0034] The housing of the suspensible lamp of this invention comprises an inner housing element and an outer housing element. In other words, the housing of the lamp is double walled having an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer housing element is located on the outer, exterior side of the lamp and the inner housing element is located inside the outer housing element. The outer housing element and the inner housing element may essentially have the same shape, the inner housing element being a smaller version of the outer housing element. The inner housing element may also have different shape than the outer housing element. The outer housing element comprises the elongated slot, which will be described in more detail below.
[0035] The inner housing element is located inside the outer housing element, thereby creating a space between the two housing elements. The space may have different shapes and sizes but extends at least below the entire elongated slot. The attachment mechanism is at least partly located inside the space and can be moved from the first end point of the elongated slot to the second end point of the elongated slot, thus it is required that also the space extends at least below the entire elongated slot. However, the space may also extend beyond the elongated slot and may essentially cover the whole area in between the outer and inner housing elements. In that case, the space may also hold additional components of the lamp, such as for example additional weight to influence the center of gravity or electrical components such as a power supply, battery, sensors, or communication modules.
[0036] The space also holds an electrical interface for powering the lighting device. The electrical interface may be a cable or wire connecting the socket for holding the lighting device, or the lighting device itself to the suspension element. However it may also be an interface such as a plug-and-socket, a pin contact, a USB port, metal contact plates, an electric brush contact or a wireless interface, e.g. through induction.
[0037] The inner housing element may be positioned off-center inside the outer housing element such that the space is created asymmetrically on one side of the housing. Positioning the inner housing element asymmetrically inside the outer housing provides the advantage that the overall size of the lamp may be reduced. The space may be created only where it is required, namely below the elongated slot on one side of the housing. In such an example only one side of the housing may be double walled with a space in between. The opposite side of the housing may be single walled, such that the outer housing element and the inner housing element directly contact each other without creating a space in between.
[0038] The outer housing element comprises an elongated slot. The elongated slot can also be described as elongated hole, long slot, or elongated groove, slit or aperture in the outer housing element. The elongated slot has a width and a length, the length being larger than the width. The elongated slot runs from a first position on the surface of the outer housing element to a second position on the outer housing element. The elongated slot may be a straight slot to enable easy movement of the attachment mechanism within the slot, but it may also be curved i.e., to match the overall design of the suspensible lamp. For design purposes, the outer housing element may further comprise additional elongated slots, extending substantially in parallel to the first elongated slot. This design choice may further contribute to the unobtrusive design, by making the elongated slot a design choice for the surface of the outer housing element.
[0039] The elongated slot may have different lengths and different positions on the outer housing element as will be explained in more detail below. Preferably, the length of the elongated slot may extend along a plane in with the vector of the surface normal of the light emitting window and the outer housing element. In other words, when the suspended lamp has a suspension angle of 0°, the length of the elongated slot may be positioned substantially vertical, in parallel with the surface normal and the suspension axis.
[0040] The attachment mechanism or mechanism is movably connected inside the elongated slot. The mechanism can be reversibly locked in any position along the elongated slot. Meaning that the mechanism can be moved between the first end point and the second end point and that it can be fastened or fixed at any position inside the elongated slot. Subsequently the mechanism can be loosened or released to be repositioned within the elongated slot. At least part of the attachment mechanism is located inside the space, such that the sight of a bulky and unattractive attachment mechanism can be avoided. The attachment mechanism has an orientation which may be defined as perpendicular to the surface angle of the outer housing element at the current position of the attachment mechanism.
[0041] When the suspensible lamp is attached to the suspension element, a suspension angle is defined between the surface normal of the light exit window and the suspension axis of the suspension element. The suspension angle has a first value when the attachment mechanism is in the first position, and a second value when the attachment mechanism is in the second position. In other words, the value of the suspension angle changes when the attachment mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position. After moving the attachment mechanism inside the elongated slot, the suspended lamp will reposition itself to align its center of gravity with the suspension axis, thereby changing the suspension angle. The system of the present invention thus offers the advantage of providing an attractive alternative for a suspended device that may be directed in different directions by moving the attachment mechanism, yet without the bulky and stiff construction of a solid suspension element. The suspended lamp may be directed in different directions by tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp.
[0042] The suspension angle may be varied in a range of 0° to at least 130°.
[0043] When the suspension angle is 0°, the surface normal and the center of gravity may align on the suspension axis. The first value of the suspension angle may be substantially 0°, i.e. the suspended lamp is arranged such that the light exit window is pointing downwards. The term “downwards” implies the direction being parallel to the direction of gravitational acceleration, and the term “upwards” is the direction being opposite to the direction of gravitational acceleration.
[0044] The second value of the suspension angle may be at least 90°, preferably at least 130°. In other words, when the attachment mechanism has been moved from the first to the second position, the suspended lamp is tilted from the position where the light exit window is pointing downwards to the position where the light exit window is pointing in a direction inclined by at least 90°, preferably at least 130° in relation to the downward direction.
[0045] The attachment mechanism may be a single component arranged to enable both a translation of the suspensible lamp by moving the attachment mechanism inside the elongated slot, and a rotation of the suspensible lamp around the suspension axis to vary a rotation angle. The attachment mechanism may thus enable both translation and rotation of the suspensible lamp integrated into a single attachment mechanism. Preferably, the rotation angle may be varied 360°.
[0046] It may be desired to additionally rotate the lamp around its axis to aim light into different directions within a space. It is however not desired to increase the size of the attachment mechanism to enable the additional rotational movement of the lamp using a second mechanism. Therefore, the suspensible lamp of this invention comprises an attachment mechanism that allows to move and reversibly lock the attachment mechanism within the elongated slot, and to rotate the lamp using the same attachment mechanism. In other words, both rotation and translation of the lamp take place at the same connection point or hinge point, integrated into one single mechanism. Thus not by two separate mechanisms that are typically bulky and often have other limitations regarding the tilting and rotation angles.
[0047] As mentioned above, when the attachment mechanism is in a first position, the suspended lamp may be arranged such that the light exit window is pointing downwards. Such an arrangement of the light-emitting device may be desirable when the light-emitting device is arranged over a table, and when the user needs the table to be sufficiently illuminated, e.g. when having a meal. At a later occasion, e.g. once the meal is finished, the user might want to redirect the suspended lamp such that another point in the room, e.g. a painting, is illuminated instead. In order to achieve this, the user simply moves the attachment mechanism to a second position, thus tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp, such that the light exit window is pointing towards a wall or the like.
[0048] The suspensible lamp may comprise a sensor configured to obtain information indicative of at least one of the rotation angle and the suspension angle.
[0049] Adding a sensor to the suspensible system enables obtaining information on the current orientation of the lamp. This information may for example be used for controlling the light emission or for suggesting possible light settings to a user for different activities. For example, when the sensor detects that the lamp is pointing downwards, a functional white light setting may be enabled or suggested, assuming that the user needs sufficient illumination for e.g. having a meal.
[0050] As evident from the above, the present invention provides a suspensible system, wherein the suspensible lamp has a neat design which fits into most of the environments, and that is easily redirectable using the attachment mechanism.
[0051] In a second aspect, the invention provides a lighting system comprising two or more suspensible systems, wherein the lighting system further comprises a controller configured to control the two or more suspensible systems.
[0052] It may be desired to combine two or more suspensible systems into a lighting system having a minimalistic design, for example a collection of spots or a chandelier. The different suspensible systems may be individually directed, e.g. such that a color or luminance pattern may be created on a wall.
[0053] The controller is configured to control the two or more suspensible systems. In particular, the controller may be configured to control the lighting emission of the lighting devices. By “controller”, it is here meant substantially any unit, arrangement, device, or the like, which may be connected to the lighting devices and is configured or arranged to control the lighting devices.
[0054] In a third aspect, the invention provides an attachment mechanism for use in the suspensible system comprising a bolt having a head and a body, a first nut having a first inner thread and a first outer thread, and a second nut having a second inner thread, a gripping clip, and a connection area configured to be connected to the suspension element.
[0055] The first nut is arranged to be located outside the elongated slot, wherein the head of the bolt is arranged to be located inside the space so that the body of the bolt extends through the elongated slot into the first inner thread. The second inner thread encloses the first outer thread.
[0056] An interface of the first outer thread and the second inner thread has a lower friction than an interface of the first inner thread and the body of the bolt. The gripping clip is enabled to be pressed and released such that when the gripping clip is pressed the first nut can be turned around the bolt and when the gripping clip is released the second nut can be turned around the first nut.
[0057] The attachment mechanism of this invention provides the advantage that it has a small form factor adding to the unobtrusiveness of the design. It can be manufactured from different materials and is scalable in size. The mechanism further enables translation and rotation integrated into the same mechanism, at the same location, around the same connection point. Known mechanisms offering translation and rotation are large and bulky, offering two separate mechanisms located in proximity but not integrated.
[0058] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for adjusting the suspension angle and / or the rotation angle of the suspensible system according to the invention comprising an attachment mechanism for use in the suspensible system comprising a bolt having a head and a body, a first nut having a first inner thread and a first outer thread, and a second nut having a second inner thread, a gripping clip, and a connection area configured to be connected to a suspension element.
[0059] The first nut is arranged to be located outside the elongated slot, wherein the head of the bolt is arranged to be located inside the space so that the body of the bolt extends through the elongated slot into the first inner thread. The second inner thread encloses the first outer thread.
[0060] An interface of the first outer thread and the second inner thread has a lower friction than an interface of the first inner thread and the body of the bolt. The gripping clip is enabled to be pressed and released such that when the gripping clip is pressed the first nut can be turned around the bolt and when the gripping clip is released the second nut can be turned around the first nut. The method comprising: a) adjusting the suspension angle comprises the steps of al) pressing the gripping clip on the second nut to grip the first nut; a2) turning the second nut gripping the first nut to loosen the first nut from the bolt; a3) moving the attachment mechanism to a position inside the elongated slot; a4) turning the second nut gripping the first nut in the opposite direction to fasten the first nut on the bolt; a5) releasing the gripping clip; b) adjusting the rotation angle comprises the step of bl) rotating the second nut relative to the first nut while the gripping clip is released.
[0061] The suspensible system of this invention can be tilted and / or turned easily and can be oriented at a wide range of suspension angles and / or rotation angles simply by operating the gripping clip. No external tools such as screwdrivers are needed to adjust the suspensible lamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:
[0063] Figs, la to 1c schematically depict different aspects of the suspended system having different suspension angles;
[0064] Figs. 2a and 2b show perspective views of an example of a suspensible lamp according to the invention;
[0065] Figs. 3a and 3b show cross sectional views of the example of the suspensible lamp;
[0066] Figs. 4a to 4d schematically depict different examples of elongated slots according to the invention;
[0067] Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the attachment mechanism; and
[0068] Fig. 6 shows the first nut.
[0069] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate embodiments of the present invention, wherein other parts may be omitted or merely suggested.
[0070] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components having a same or similar function, unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0072] Fig. la and fig. lb show a suspensible system 1 comprising a suspensible lamp 100 and a suspension element 10. The suspensible lamp comprises a housing 110 and an attachment mechanism 120.
[0073] The suspension element 10 comprises a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 12. When the suspensible system is suspended, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are separated from each other along a suspension axis A. The attachment mechanism of the suspended lamp 100 is mechanically connected to the first end portion 11 of the suspension element 10. Mechanical connection implies a direct contact between the suspended lamp 1 and the suspension element 10. Further, the suspended lamp may be electrically connected to the suspension element 10. The second end portion 12 is attachable to a fastening surface 2. The suspension element 10 is flexible, for example it may be a wire or a cable. The suspensible lamp 100 will therefore always orient itself such that its center of gravity is on the suspension axis, i.e. the center of gravity G will be oriented on the suspension axis for every possible suspension angle, as shown in fig. lb.
[0074] The housing 110 of the suspensible lamp 100 has a light exit window 111 through which light generated by the lighting device 3 may be emitted. The light exit window 111 has a surface normal perpendicular to the surface of the light exit window 111. The light exit window 111 may vary in shape and size depending on the shape and size of the housing 110 as well as the chosen design of the lamp 100. The light exit window 111 may be a physical component, such as a (flat) optical element, but may also simply be an opening in the housing 110 through with the light can be emitted. The surface normal of the light exit window 111 may essentially be the same as the light emitting direction of the suspensible lamp 100 when in operation.
[0075] The housing is enabled to hold a lighting device 3, for example it may provide connection interface for a GU10 light source or an MR16 light source. However also other types of light sources may be suitable for use in the suspensible lamp. The suspensible lamp may also comprise an integrated or built-in light source, such as a LED light source.
[0076] The housing 110 has an inner housing element 112 and an outer housing element 113, wherein the inner housing element 112 is located inside the outer housing element 113 such that a space 114 is created between the inner housing element 112 and the outer housing element 113. In other words, the housing 110 is double walled having an inner wall and an outer wall, which may at least be partly separated by the space 114 in between the two walls.
[0077] The outer housing element 113 has an elongated slot 1130 having a first end point 1131 and a second end point 1132. Thus, the elongated slot 1130 runs from a first point on the outer housing element 113 to a second point on the outer housing element 113. The space 114 is located at least below the entire elongated slot 1130, holding at least part of the attachment mechanism 120 and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device 3. The attachment mechanism 120 is movably connected inside the elongated slot 1130, enabled to be reversibly locked at any position along the elongated slot 1130. In other words, the attachment mechanism 120 can move freely within the elongated slot 1130 and the space 114 below, designed to be repositioned and fixed at any location within the elongated slot 1130.
[0078] When the suspensible system 1 is suspended from a fastening surface 2, a suspension angle is defined between the surface normal of the light exit window 111 and the suspension axis of the suspension element 10. The suspension angle when the attachment mechanism 120 is connected at the first end point 1131, as shown in Fig. la, and a second value when the attachment mechanism is connected at the second end point (1132), depicted in Fig. 2. In other words, the value of the suspension angle changes when the attachment mechanism 120 is moved from a first position to a second position. In addition, the suspended lamp 100 may be rotated around the suspension axis at a rotation angle, which may preferably be 360°. The suspensible system 1 of the present invention thus offers the advantage of providing a suspended lamp 100 that may be directed in different directions by moving the attachment mechanism 120 inside the elongated slot 1130 between the first position and at least one second position. The suspended lamp 100 may be directed in different directions by tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp 100.
[0079] As shown in Fig. la, the first value of the suspension angle is 0° in the depicted example. The suspension axis and the surface normal point in the same direction. Thus, the suspensible lamp 100 is in a position wherein the light exit window 111 is pointing downwards such that the light emitted by the light source 3 is directed downwards.
[0080] As shown in Fig. lb, the second value of the suspension angle is approximately 100° in this example. The second value may also be a value of at least 130°, depending on the specific implementation. However, the suspension angle range may essentially be chosen to vary between any two values. Factors in the design of the suspensible lamp 100 that influence the suspension angle range include the position and length of the elongated slot 1130 and the location of the center of gravity.
[0081] Fig. 1c shows aspects with respect to the location of the center of gravity G. The location of the center of gravity G is a main factor determining the maximum suspension angle amax of the suspensible lamp 100. Additional factors may be the location of the second end point 1132 and the width or diameter of the suspensible lamp 100, i.e. the height position H2 of the second end point 1132 measured in the height direction and the distance D of the second end point 1132 to a central height axis of the suspensible lamp 100, measured perpendicular to the height direction. The first height position Hl of the center of gravity G may be equal to or larger than the second height position H2. The second end point 1132 may be the end point of the elongated slot 1130 which is located closest to the light exit window 111.
[0082] A minimum first height position Hl of the center of gravity may be calculated taking the above-described aspects into account. The minimum height position of the center of gravity may thus be calculated according to Hi > H2.+ (D / tan (180° - UMAX)).
[0083] In the example depicted in Fig. 1c, the first height position Hl of the center of gravity G is at approximately 0.4 times the height H of the suspensible lamp 100. Depending on the design of the suspensible lamp 100, a height position larger than 0.5 times, 0.6 times, or 0.75 times the height of the suspensible lamp 100 may be required to achieve the desired maximum suspension angles.
[0084] Figs. 2a and 2b show an example design of a suspensible lamp 100 according to the invention. In this example, the housing 100 has an elongated conical shape with a rounded top, wherein the light exit window 111 forms the base of the cone. The elongated slot 1130 may run from the top of the cone to the light exit window 111. Thus, when the attachment mechanism 120 is located at the first end point 1131 at the top of the cone, the suspension angle may be substantially 0°. When the attachment mechanism 120 is located at the second end point 1132 at the base of the cone, the suspension angle may be approximately 130°. The outer housing element 113 may further comprise additional elongated grooves or other design elements which further contribute to unobtrusive design by hiding the actual elongated slot 1130 used for tilting the suspensible lamp 100.
[0085] Fig. 3a and 3b show cross sectional views of the above-described example design of the suspensible lamp 100. The inner housing element 112 may be positioned off- center inside the outer housing element 113, as shown in this example. The space 114 may thus be created asymmetrically only on one side of the housing 110, while at the other side of the housing 110 the inner housing element 112 and the outer housing element 113 may form one housing element with essentially no space in between. The space 114 holds at least part of the attachment mechanism 120 and allows the attachment mechanism 120 to move freely from the first end point 1131 to the second end point 1132.
[0086] The attachment mechanism 120 may have an orientation perpendicular to the surface angle of the outer housing element 113 at the current position of the attachment mechanism 120. In other words, the direction of the attachment mechanism 120 relative to the housing 110 may change depending on the design of the housing 110 and the position of the attachment mechanism on the surface of the housing 110. Figs. 4a to 4d schematically depict different examples of elongated slots 1130 according to the invention. In these examples, the housing 110 has a semispherical shape, wherein the light exit window 111 is the diameter of the sphere. However, the housing 100 can basically be of any shape as already described above and the shape chosen for the depicted examples does not limit the different configurations of the elongated slot 1130 to this specific shape.
[0087] Fig. 4a shows an elongated slot 1130 wherein the first end point 1131 may be located in proximity to the light exit window, and the second end point 1132 may be located in proximity to the light exit window 111 on the opposite side of the housing 110. Thus in other words, the elongated slot 1130 may span the whole housing from one side to the other side. In such cases, the elongated slot may preferably cross a point on the top 115 the housing 110, the top 115 being the point having a maximum distance from the light exit window 111. Fig. 4b shows a perspective view on the exterior of the housing 110 and the elongated slot 1130 running across the top 115 of the housing 110. An elongated slot 1130 spanning the housing 1 10 from one side to the opposite side may provide the advantage that the suspensible lamp 100 may be tilted in one direction and in the opposite direction. A shorter elongated slot 1130, such as shown in Fig. 4c means that the suspensible lamp 100 may only be tilted in one direction and may require turning to achieve the same freedom of orientation. The elongated slot 1130 of the example in Fig. 4c starts at the top 115, having its second end point 1132 again close to the light exit window 111. The elongated slot 1130 may preferably cross the top 115 of the housing 110 to enable suspension angles of 0°, such that the suspensible lamp 100 is enable to face and illuminate in a downward direction. If a suspension angle of 0° is not desired or required, the elongated slot 1130 may also be shorter as shown in the example of Fig. 4d. The suspensible lamp of this invention thus offers the freedom to design a suspensible lamp may be oriented in a range required for its specific application or purpose. Manufacturing one or more of the housing 100 or the attachment mechanism 120 using 3D printing may enable easy adaptation of different design choices into the production of the suspensible lamp 100.
[0088] Fig. 5 shows a cross section of an attachment mechanism 120 for use in the suspensible system 1 according to the invention. The attachment mechanism 120 described offers an integrated mechanism for translation and rotation. An object which is suspended using the attachment mechanism 120 may be tilted and turned by one single mechanism, around the same connection point, without the need for external tools to adjust the orientation.
[0089] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP The atachment mechanism 120 comprises multiple parts. It comprises a bolt 1210 having a head 1211 and a body 1212. It further comprises a first nut 1220 having a first inner thread 1221 and a first outer thread 1222. In other words, the first nut 1220 is a nut having two threads, one on the inside and one on the outside. Additionally, the first nut 1220 may also have a plurality of teeth 1223 on the outer thread 1222. The outer thread 1222 may alternatively be described as a screw thread with vertical cutting lines for receiving the gripping clip 1232 when pressed. Additionally, the surface of the first nut 1220 facing the housing 110 may have a friction increasing surface structure. The first nut 1220 is depicted in Fig. 6.
[0090] The mechanism also comprises a second nut 1230, which may alternatively be described as a second ring, an outer ring or an outer nut. The second nut comprises a second inner thread 1231, a gripping clip 1232, and a connection area 1233 configured to be connected to a suspension element 10.
[0091] The first nut 1220 and the second nut 1230 are arranged to be located outside the elongated slot 1130. The head 1211 of the bolt 1210 is arranged to be located inside the space 114 so that the body 1212 extends through the elongated slot 1130 to the exterior of the space 114 and into the first inner thread 1221. By tightening the first nut 1220 on the bolt 1210, the position of the attachment mechanism 120 inside elongated slot 1130 may be fixed.
[0092] The second nut 1230 is enclosing the first nut 1220. More specifically, the second inner thread 1231 is enclosing the first outer thread 1222.
[0093] The atachment mechanism 120 operates based on the principle of friction. An interface of the first outer thread 1222 and the second inner thread 1231 has a lower friction than an interface of the first inner thread 1221 and the body 1212. In other words, once the first nut 1220 has been tightened on the bolt 1210, the second nut 1230 can be operated to rotate the second nut 1230 around the first nut 1220. The friction between the first nut 1220 and the housing 110 ensures a stable tilt position and enables the rotation.
[0094] The gripping clip 1232 is enabled to be pressed and released such that when the gripping clip 1232 is pressed the first nut 1220 can be turned around the bolt 1210 and when the gripping clip 1232 is released the second nut 1230 can be turned around the first nut. Pressing the gripping clip 1232 enables interaction with the plurality of teeth 1223 on the outer thread 1222 of the first nut 1220. When the gripping clip 1232 is pressed, it grips the first nut 1220 and increases the friction between the first nut 1220 and the second nut 1230 so that the first nut 1220 can be loosened from the bolt 1210. The tilt position can be adjusted by moving the attachment mechanism 120 within the elongated slot 1130. Once the desired tilt position has been reached, the first nut 1220 may be tightened again and the gripping clip 1232 may be released. The attachment mechanism thus enables easy tilting and turning. The attachment mechanism may be manufactured using 3D printing, but it may also be manufactured from metal to minimize its size. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
[0095] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. A suspensible system (1) comprising (i) a suspensible lamp (100) and (ii) a suspension element (10), wherein the suspensible lamp (100) comprises a housing (110) and an attachment mechanism (120), wherein the suspension element (10) comprises a first end portion (11) being attached to the attachment mechanism (120) and a second end portion (12) being attachable to a fastening surface (2), wherein, when the second end portion (12) is attached to the fastening surface (2), the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) are separated from each other along a suspension axis, wherein the suspension element (10) is flexible, thereby allowing the suspensible lamp (100) to orient itself with its center of gravity on the suspension axis, wherein the housing (110) has a light exit window (111) having a surface normal N, wherein the housing (110) is enabled to hold a lighting device (3), wherein the housing (110) has an inner housing element (112) and an outer housing element (113), wherein the outer housing element (113) has an elongated slot (1130) having a first end point (1131) and a second end point (1132), wherein the attachment mechanism (120) is movably connected inside the elongated slot (1130), enabled to be reversibly locked in any position along the elongated slot (1130), wherein the suspensible lamp (100) is arranged to be suspended at a suspension angle defined between the suspension axis and the surface normal of the light exit window (111), wherein the suspension angle has a first value when the attachment mechanism (120) is connected at the first end point (1131), and a second value when the attachment mechanism is connected at the second end point (1132), wherein the inner housing element (112) is located inside the outer housing element (113) such that a space (114) is created between the inner housing element (112) and the outer housing element (113) below the elongated slot (1130), wherein the space (114) holds at least part of the attachment mechanism (120) and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device (3),wherein, in a height direction opposite to the surface normal N of the light exit window (111): the suspensible lamp (100) has a height H, the height H being a maximum distance from the light exit window (111) to a point on an opposite side of the outer housing element (113), the suspensible lamp (100) has a center of gravity G located at a distance Hi from the light exit window (111), and the second end point (1132) of the elongated slot (1130) is located at a distance H2 from the light exit window (111), and wherein Hi / H > 0.4, and H1 / H2 > 1.
2. The suspensible system according to claim 1, wherein the inner housing element (112) is positioned off-center inside the outer housing element (113) such that the space (114) is created asymmetrically on one side of the housing (110).
3. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment mechanism (120) is a single component arranged to enable both a translation of the suspensible lamp (100) by moving the attachment mechanism (120) inside the elongated slot (1130), and a rotation of the suspensible lamp (100) around the suspension axis to vary a rotation angle.
4. The suspensible system according to claim 3, wherein the rotation angle can be varied 360°.
5. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension angle can be varied in a range of 0° to at least 130°.
6. The suspensible system according to claim 5, wherein the surface normal of the light exit window (111) and the center of gravity of the suspensible lamp (100) align on the suspension axis when the suspension angle is 0°.
7. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension element (10) is a cable or a wire.
8. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer housing element (113) has a rounded shape.
9. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the attachment mechanism (120) and the housing (110) is made using 3D printing.
10. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lighting device (3) is a GU10 light source, a MR16 light source, or a LED light source integrated into the suspensible lamp (100).
11. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end point (1132) has a second height position EE measured in the height direction and a distance D to a central height axis of the suspensible lamp (100), measured perpendicular to the height direction, wherein the suspensible lamp (100) has a maximum suspension angle UMAX, and wherein Hi > H2.+ (D / tan (180° - UMAX)).
12. The suspensible system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspensible lamp (100) comprises a sensor configured to obtain information indicative of at least one of the rotation angle and the suspension angle.
13. A lighting system (1000) comprising two or more suspensible systems (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the lighting system (1000) further comprises a controller (50) configured to control the two or more suspensible systems (1).
14. An attachment mechanism (120) for use in the suspensible system (1) according to any one of claims 1-12 comprising a bolt (1210) having a head (1211) and a body (1212), a first nut (1220) having a first inner thread (1221) and a first outer thread (1222), and a second nut (1230) having a second inner thread (1231), a gripping clip (1232), and a connection area (1233) configured to be connected to the suspension element (10), wherein the first nut (1220) is arranged to be located outside the elongated slot (1130), wherein the head (1211) of the bolt (1210) is arranged to be located inside the space (114) so that the body (1212) of the bolt (1210) extends through the elongated slot (1130) into the first inner thread (1221),wherein the second inner thread (1231) is enclosing the first outer thread(1222), wherein an interface of the first outer thread (1222) and the second inner thread (1231) has a lower friction than an interface of the first inner thread (1221) and the body (1212) of the bolt (1210), and wherein the gripping clip (1232) is enabled to be pressed and released such that when the gripping clip (1232) is pressed the first nut (1220) can be turned around the bolt (1210) and when the gripping clip (1232) is released the second nut (1230) can be turned around the first nut (1220).
15. A method for adjusting the suspension angle and / or the rotation angle of the suspensible system (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a bolt (1210) having a head (1211) and a body (1212), a first nut (1220) having a first inner thread (1221) and a first outer thread (1222), and a second nut (1230) having a second inner thread (1231), a gripping clip (1232), and a connection area (1233) configured to be connected to the suspension element (10), wherein the first nut (1220) is located outside the elongated slot (1130) , wherein the head (1211) of the bolt (1210) is located inside the space (114) so that the body (1212) of the bolt (1210) extends through the elongated slot (1130) into the first inner thread (1221), wherein the second inner thread (1231) encloses the first outer thread (1222), wherein an interface of the first outer thread (1222) and the second inner thread (1231) has a lower friction than an interface of the first inner thread (1221) and the body (1212) of the bolt (1210), wherein the gripping clip (1232) is enabled to be pressed and released such that when the gripping clip (1232) is pressed the first nut (1220) can be turned around the bolt (1210) and when the gripping clip (1232) is released the second nut (1230) can be turned around the first nut (1220), and wherein: a) adjusting the suspension angle comprises the steps of al) pressing the gripping clip (1232) on the second nut (1230) to grip the first nut (1220); a2) turning the second nut (1230) gripping the first nut (1220) to loosen the first nut (1220) from the bolt (1210);a3) moving the attachment mechanism (120) to a position inside the elongated slot (1130); a4) turning the second nut (1230) gripping the first nut (1220) in the opposite direction to fasten the first nut (1220) on the bolt (1210); a5) releasing the gripping clip (1232); b) adjusting the rotation angle comprises the step of bl) rotating the second nut (1230) relative to the first nut (1220) while the gripping clip (1232) is released.