Track-based lighting system

Abstract

A lighting system includes a power rail and a lighting panel. The lighting panel is mechanically supported by a set of at least two power rails and draws power from one or more power lines carried by the at least two power rails.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting systems, and in particular to track-based lighting systems. Background Art

[0002] Traditional suspended or suspended ceilings reduce the design freedom of an environment and make such an environment feel smaller. A suspended ceiling is a secondary ceiling that is suspended below the main ceiling. Typical suspended ceilings are constructed to form a closed system where the view of the main ceiling is blocked. Furthermore, closed system ceilings have been seen as outdated, and over the past few decades, people have come to appreciate the industrial look of building infrastructure.

[0003] This has led to a recent trend towards semi-open ceiling structures in which the suspended ceiling is replaced by a grid of elongated elements or tracks. This allows an individual to see at least a portion of the main ceiling. One area of ​​particular interest is replacing the suspended ceiling with a grid of power rails, each carrying one or more power lines. The grid of power rails can be used to power electrical devices, such as lights suspended from the main ceiling. This provides flexibility in the location and / or height of the lights.

[0004] There is a continuing desire to increase the flexibility in locating electrical installations in semi-open ceiling structures.

[0005] WO2014135556A2 discloses a lighting system, which includes a track having a first track and a second track extending equidistantly from each other. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to an example according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting system, the lighting system comprising: a plurality of power rails located in a first plane, each power rail being formed of a rigid material and carrying one or more power lines for carrying power; and

[0008] One or more lighting panels for emitting light, each lighting panel:

[0009] mechanically coupled to a respective power rail set to be structurally supported by the respective power rail set, the power rail set including at least two of the plurality of power rails; and

[0010] configured to draw power from one or more of the power lines,

[0011] wherein each power rail comprises a housing defining a cavity having an opening facing away from an upper surface of the power rail,

[0012] wherein the one or more power lines are carried within the cavity of the housing and are configured to house and power an electrical device,

[0013] Each power rail includes an electrical contact on the upper surface for facing the ceiling and mechanically and electrically coupling to the lighting panel; and

[0014] Each lighting panel is configured to rest on an upper surface of each power rail in a corresponding set of power rails, thereby mechanically coupling the lighting panel to the corresponding set of power rails.

[0015] The lighting system may have the following features: the lighting system comprises: a first group of one / two or more coupling elements, the first group of one / two or more coupling elements being configured to provide a mechanical coupling to a first power rail; and a second group of one / two or more coupling elements, the second group of one / two or more coupling elements being configured to provide a mechanical coupling to a second power rail.

[0016] In another narration, the invention may be described as a lighting system comprising: a plurality of power rails located in a first plane, each power rail formed of a rigid material and carrying one or more power lines for carrying power; and one or more lighting panels for emitting light, each lighting panel: mechanically coupled to a corresponding set of power rails to be structurally supported by the corresponding set of power rails, the power rail set including at least two of the plurality of power rails; and configured to draw power from one or more of the power lines carried by the corresponding set of power rails.

[0017] In another recitation, the invention may be described as a lighting system comprising a plurality of power rails located in a first plane, each power rail being formed of a rigid material and comprising a suspension device for being suspended from a ceiling (and the suspension device being provided, for example, on / at an upper surface or other surface portion of the power rail), wherein each power rail comprises a first cavity defined by an inner surface of a wall, the wall facing the cavity and supporting one or more power lines, the first cavity having an opening facing away from the suspension device (i.e. in a horizontal or downward direction when suspended from the ceiling) and being provided with The invention relates to a lighting system for accommodating and powering electrical devices (i.e., lighting devices, such as luminaires, lamps, spotlights, sensors, etc.), wherein the wall of each power rail comprises another surface facing away from the first cavity and comprising an electrical contact portion, the electrical contact portion being configured to electrically couple to a lighting panel, the other surface comprising another surface portion facing toward the suspension device (i.e., facing upwards when suspended from a ceiling), and wherein a first power rail and a second power rail of the plurality of power rails are configured to mechanically carry together the lighting panel (arranged on either side of the lighting panel) via their corresponding other surface portions.

[0018] The proposed solution utilizes power rails to provide structural support and electrical power supply for lighting panels. Specifically, each lighting panel is structurally supported by a power rail set and is configured to draw power from a power line carried by the power rail set.

[0019] The disclosed technology provides a highly flexible and safe mechanism for mounting lighting elements (in the form of lighting panels) within a plurality of power rails. In particular, the need to provide separate lamp holders or supports is avoided, and the lighting panels are always provided close to the power supply.

[0020] Examples of suitable rigid materials for forming power rails capable of supporting lighting panels are well known in the art and include metal (such as steel), plastic or even wood.

[0021] Each power rail may include a structure defining a cavity having an opening, wherein one or more power lines are carried within the cavity of the structure. Specifically, an inner wall of the structure defines the cavity within the structure. One or more power lines may be supported on the inner wall of the structure.

[0022] In some examples, each power rail further includes one or more return wires that provide a return path for power; and each lighting panel is configured for electrical connection to the one or more return wires carried by the corresponding set of power rails.

[0023] Where relevant, the return wire may be carried within a cavity of the structure defining the power track.

[0024] Optionally, each lighting panel is configured to be electrically connected to at least one power line and at least one return line carried by a single power rail in a respective set of power rails.

[0025] In some examples, each lighting panel is configured to: electrically connect to a power line carried by one of the power rails in the corresponding power rail group; and electrically connect to a return line carried by another power rail in the corresponding power rail group.

[0026] Each lighting panel may include one or more coupling elements configured to mechanically couple the lighting panel to the corresponding track set and / or electrically couple the lighting panel to one or more power lines carried by the corresponding power track set. Thus, the lighting panel only needs to be connected to power lines carried by a single power track or to power lines carried by multiple power tracks.

[0027] Each of the at least one coupling element may be detachably connected to the remainder of the lighting panel. This provides a mechanism for more easily mounting the lighting panel to the power rail set. For example, this approach also allows existing lighting panels to be adapted for use with the proposed lighting system, as the detachable coupling elements may be used to adapt the existing lighting panel for connection to the power rail set.

[0028] In some examples, each power rail includes an upper surface for facing the ceiling and for mechanically coupling to the lighting panel.

[0029] Optionally, each lighting panel is configured to rest on an upper surface of each power rail in a corresponding set of power rails, thereby mechanically coupling the lighting panel to the corresponding set of power rails.

[0030] In this way, the power rail set effectively supports the underside or lower surface of the lighting panel (i.e. provides support from below). This provides a lighting system that is easy to install or assemble, for example, because it only requires positioning the lighting panel on the power rail set. This allows the lighting panel to be easily manipulated or repositioned around multiple power rails.

[0031] Optionally, each power rail carries at least one electrical contact positioned on an upper surface of the power rail, each electrical contact electrically connected to one of one or more power lines carried by the power rail; and each lighting panel is configured to be electrically connected to one or more of the electrical contacts carried by the corresponding set of power rails.

[0032] In some examples, each power rail includes a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface; and each lighting panel includes: at least one electrical connector, each electrical connector configured to electrically connect to at least one electrical contact carried by a single power rail in the corresponding power rail group; and (for each electrical connector): a movable support configured to structurally support the electrical connector; and a biasing element configured to urge the movable support to abut against the protrusion of the single power rail in the corresponding power rail group.

[0033] Each power rail may include: a first cavity carrying a first power line and having an opening facing a first direction; and a second cavity carrying a second power line and having an opening facing a second opposite direction. Each lighting panel may be configured to electrically connect to the first power line carried by one of the power rails in the corresponding power rail group.

[0034] The plurality of power rails may include at least 10 power rails.

[0035] Each lighting panel is preferably substantially planar or flat.

[0036] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of power rails includes a lower surface configured to face away from the ceiling and a lower surface electrical contact located at the lower surface and configured to provide power to one or more lighting fixtures or electrical devices coupled to the power rail.

[0037] The one or more power rails may be arranged in a first grid pattern or in a geometric pattern. A geometric pattern is a non-rectangular arrangement of the power rails, for example, such that the angle between at least two power rails is not 90°±5°, for example, the angle is in the region between 20° and 70°. This provides a more interesting geometry for the plurality of power rails and the entire lighting system.

[0038] The lighting system may further comprise one or more lighting tracks, each lighting track being formed of a rigid material and carrying one or more elongate light emitting elements.

[0039] In some examples, the one or more power rails and the one or more lighting rails are arranged in a second grid or geometric pattern.

[0040] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 A lighting system is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to an embodiment is provided;

[0044] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0045] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0046] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0047] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0048] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0049] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a lighting system according to another embodiment is provided;

[0050] Fig. 9 A first arrangement of a plurality of power rails is shown; and

[0051] Fig.10 A second arrangement of a plurality of power rails is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the device, system and method, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the device, system and method of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0054] The present invention provides a lighting system comprising power rails and a lighting panel. The lighting panel is mechanically supported by a set of at least two power rails and draws power from one or more power lines carried by the at least two power rails.

[0055] Embodiments are based on the recognition that it is possible to use an arrangement of power rails to structurally support and power lighting panels for illuminating an environment. This reduces the number of structural components required to provide lighting panels at a lower height (relative to the ceiling) than existing methods.

[0056] The proposed concept may be used in a wide variety of settings, but has particular use in office or clinical settings where it would be beneficial to increase the sense of space for individuals within the environment.

[0057] Figure 1 A portion of a lighting system 100 is shown. The lighting system comprises a plurality of power rails 111,112,113,114,115,116 and one or more lighting panels 121,122.

[0058] The power rail is formed of a rigid material and is configured to carry one or more power lines (not visible) that themselves carry power, i.e., power to power an electrical device such as a lighting panel. By way of example only, the power lines may be formed of a linear rigid sheet of conductive material (e.g., metal) that is configured to carry power for powering one or more lighting elements.

[0059] It will be reasonably well established that the power track may include a structure or housing having a cavity (not shown). The structure or housing is typically elongated or linear. The structure further defines an opening allowing access to the cavity, i.e., an opening leading to the cavity. The cavity carries one or more power lines therein, such that an external device can access the one or more power lines via the opening. Specifically, the one or more power lines may be carried within a linear cavity (not visible) of the power track.

[0060] Suitable examples of rigid materials for forming power rails are well known in the art and include steel, aluminium, plastic or even wood. Any power lines carried by any power rail may be insulated from the rest of the power rail (e.g. using insulating material such as plastic, rubber or the like).

[0061] In the proposed configuration, each power rail lies in the same first plane.

[0062] Each power line is formed linearly, ie, is linear. The power lines may be arranged in a rectilinear grid pattern or a rectilinear grid-like pattern as shown. Other suitable examples for the arrangement of power lines will be provided later in this disclosure.

[0063] Each lighting panel is configured to emit light from a light output surface (not visible).Typically, the lighting panels of the lighting system are configured to emit this light in a generally downward direction (eg, towards the floor or ground), but this is not required.

[0064] The lighting panel is a generally planar element that emits light and may include one or more light emitting elements (such as LEDs). Other elements of the lighting panel may include a diffuser and / or lens arrangement, a drive or power conversion circuit, and / or a control circuit. Other suitable elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0065] Each lighting panel 121, 122 is mechanically coupled to a power rail set 111, 112, 113. Each power rail set comprises at least two of the plurality of power rails. Different lighting panels may be connected to the same power rail set or to different power rail sets. Thus, each lighting panel is associated with a specific power rail set.

[0066] In this way, each lighting panel is mechanically supported by the associated set of power rails. In particular, each lighting panel is located between the sets of power rails and is mechanically supported by said power rails.

[0067] In the example shown, the first lighting panel 121 is mechanically coupled to the first power rail 111 and the second power rail 112. Optionally, the first lighting panel is mechanically coupled to the further power rails 114, 115, but this is not required. Similarly, the second lighting panel 122 is mechanically coupled to the second power rail 112 and the third power rail 113. Optionally, the second lighting panel is mechanically coupled to the further power rails 115, 116, but this is not required.

[0068] The set of power rails to which any lighting panel is mechanically coupled provides structural support for said lighting panel. In this way, each lighting panel is structurally supported by the set of power rails.

[0069] The lighting panels 121 , 122 are configured to be located in a plane parallel to the first plane, for example in the first plane itself or directly above or below the first plane.

[0070] Each lighting panel is also configured to draw power from one or more power lines carried by the power rail set to which it is mechanically coupled (ie from one or more power lines carried by any one of its associated power rail sets).

[0071] In some examples, each power rail 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 also includes one or more return wires that provide a return path for power; and each lighting panel is configured for electrical connection to one or more of the return wires carried by the corresponding set of power rails.

[0072] For example, the power line may provide a positive voltage or power for powering the lighting panel, wherein the return line provides a ground voltage (ie, a return path for power) for the lighting panel.

[0073] As another example, the power line and return line can effectively provide differential power, for example, the power line provides a positive voltage and the return line provides a negative voltage. Of course, if an AC signal is carried, the power line can become the return line and the return line can become the power line when the AC signal alternates.

[0074] In one example, each lighting panel 121, 122 is configured to be electrically connected to at least one power line and at least one return line, which are carried by a single power rail in the power rails of the corresponding power rail group. Therefore, a single power rail can provide power lines and return lines for the lighting panel.

[0075] In another example, each lighting panel is configured to be electrically connected to a power line carried by one of the power rails in the corresponding power rail set; and electrically connected to a return line carried by another of the power rails in the corresponding power rail set. Thus, two different power rails can carry the power line and the return line used by the lighting panel.

[0076] Examples of both of these approaches are provided later in this disclosure.

[0077] In the example shown, the one or more lighting panels 121, 122 include two lighting panels. However, the skilled person will recognize that the lighting system may include any number of lighting panels, such as a single lighting panel or more than two lighting panels (e.g., 3, 4, 8, 16, 32 or more lighting panels). The maximum number of lighting panels will only be limited by the available space defined by the plurality of power rails used to position the lighting panels.

[0078] In the example shown, the plurality of power rails 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 comprises at least three and no more than six power rails. However, the greater the number of power rails, the greater the flexibility and choice of installation locations. Therefore, in a preferred example, the plurality of power rails comprises at least 10 power rails, such as at least 20 power rails. Of course, any number of power rails may be used, such as only 2 power rails, more than 2 power rails, etc.

[0079] The lighting system 100 effectively provides an open ceiling grid structure comprising at least two (linear) power rails 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 located in one plane. The power rails provide power and structural support for one or more lighting panels 121, 122 positioned between the rails.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of power rails 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 define a plurality of sections or cells bounded by the power rails. A lighting panel may be positioned within any of the sections or cells.

[0081] All linear elements of the lighting system need not be power rails. For example, elements 114, 115 and 116 may instead comprise linear lighting rails, rather than power rails. The lighting rails are formed of a rigid material and carry one or more elongate light emitting elements.

[0082] The use of power rails enables the placement of lighting panels at specific locations, while also facilitating flexible placement of other electronic components or power drawing components (such as pendant lights, spotlights, sensors, etc.).

[0083] It has been recognised that existing lighting systems having power rails may need to be modified in order to use the power rails as both a support and power supplier for the lighting panels.

[0084] The present disclosure suggests a number of possible modifications or configurations of power rails and / or lighting panels that may achieve this functionality.

[0085] Figure 2 An example of a suitable lighting system 200 is shown, which also includes a plurality of power rails 210, 220 (two of which are shown) and one or more lighting panels 230 (one of which is shown). Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a lighting system is provided.

[0086] As previously explained, the power rails 210, 220 will typically comprise a structure or housing 250, 260 having a cavity carrying one or more power lines 251, 261 and optionally return lines 252, 262. The structure also defines an opening allowing access to the cavity, ie an opening leading to the cavity.

[0087] In the example shown, each power rail 210, 220 includes a C-shaped housing 250, 260 that encloses (within a cavity 255, 265) a power line 251, 261 and a return line 252, 262. This matches a conventional power rail configuration. An opening 256, 266 to the cavity 255, 265 faces in a downward direction. In some embodiments, the C-shaped housing 250, 260 may be replaced, for example, by a U-shaped housing.

[0088] The lighting panel 230 is mechanically coupled to the power rails 210 , 220 and is thereby structurally supported by the power rails 210 , 220 .

[0089] In a specific example, the lighting panel 230 may include at least one coupling element 2371, 2372 (here two coupling elements) for mechanically coupling the lighting panel 230 to the power rails 210, 220. In this way, the coupling element or elements are configured to mechanically couple the rest of the lighting panel to the corresponding rail set.

[0090] The lighting panel 230 can be conceptually divided into a main body 2375 and two or more coupling elements 2371, 2372. The main body 2375 carries / includes the light emitting elements and / or other components, such as a diffuser and / or lens arrangement, a drive circuit or a power conversion circuit and / or a control circuit. The shape of the main body 2375 is substantially planar.

[0091] Specifically, the lighting panel 230 may include a first coupling element 2371 and a second coupling element 2372 positioned on either side of a body 2375 of the lighting panel.

[0092] In the illustrated example, each power rail 210, 220 includes an upper surface 211, 221 for facing the ceiling and mechanically coupled to the lighting panel. Accordingly, the lighting panel 230 is configured to be mechanically coupled (eg, rest on) the upper surface 211, 221 of the power rail.

[0093] Thus, the underside or lower surface 231 of the lighting panel can rest on (and thus be mechanically coupled to) the upper surfaces 211, 222 of the power rails 210, 220. This approach means that the lighting panel can simply be placed on top of the power rails 210, 220 and immediately supported.

[0094] In particular, the coupling elements 2371 , 2372 of the lighting panel 230 provide a surface of the lighting panel that rests or mechanically couples to an upper surface of the power rails 210 , 220 , thereby structurally supporting the lighting panel on the power rails.

[0095] In the example shown, the upper surface 211 , 221 of each power rail, on which the lighting panel rests, is positioned at the uppermost portion of the housing 250 , 260 of that power rail 210 , 220 .

[0096] To provide electrical power to the lighting panel 230, each power rail 210, 220 may include at least one electrical contact 212, 213, 222, 223 on its upper surface 211, 221. This differs from conventional power rails, in which electrical connections can typically only be made within a cavity 255, 265 defined by the housing 250, 260 of the power rail. Each electrical contact is coupled to a power line 251, 261 or a return line 252, 262 carried by the power rail. For example, each electrical contact may be coupled to a return line / power line 251, 252, 261, 262 carried in the cavity 255, 265 of the power rail 210, 220 through a via or interconnect 253, 263.

[0097] Accordingly, the lighting panel 230 is configured to be electrically connected to one or more electrical contacts 212, 213, 222, 223 on the upper surfaces 211, 221 of the power rails 210, 220. In particular, the lighting panel may include (or be coupled to) at least one electrical connector 235, 236, each of which is configured to couple to or connect to an electrical contact of the rail on which the lighting panel rests.

[0098] Each electrical connector 235, 236 may be formed in one or more of the coupling elements 2371, 2372 of the lighting panel 230. In this manner, the coupling elements may be configured to electrically couple the lighting panel to one or more power lines carried by a corresponding track set.

[0099] Preferably, and as illustrated, the lighting panel 230 is configured for electrical connection to a power line 251 carried by one power rail 210 of its associated power rail set and to a return line 262 carried by another power rail 220 of its associated power rail set. The electrical connection is performed via the electrical contacts 235, 236 of the rails and the electrical connectors 235, 236.

[0100] In this manner, the lighting panel 230 has connectors 235, 236 positioned on both sides thereof. Thus, each of a pair of power rails only needs to provide a single polarity (power polarity) at each of the two sides of the lighting panel to provide the required electrical connection for the lighting panel 230 to power the lighting panel.

[0101] An alternative approach is provided later in this disclosure in which the lighting panels are connected to power and return lines carried by the same power rails.

[0102] In the example shown, each power rail 210, 220 includes a protrusion 219, 229. The protrusion 219, 229 extends upward from an upper surface 211, 221 of its respective power rail 210, 220. The protrusion 219, 229 may be integrally formed with the housing 250, 260 of the corresponding power rail.

[0103] The lighting panel 230, and in particular each coupling element 235, 236 of the lighting panel 230, may include one or more supports 2381, 2382, each of which is configured to structurally support one or more of the electrical connectors 235, 236. For example, a first support 2381 may support the first electrical connector 235, and a second support 2382 may support the second electrical connector 236. Each support 2381, 2382 is configured to abut against a protrusion 219, 229 of a power rail when the lighting panel 230 is positioned to be supported by the power rail sets 210, 220. For example, the first support 2381 may abut against the protrusion 219 of the first power rail 210, and the second support 2382 may abut against the protrusion 229 of the second power rail 220.

[0104] For each support 2381, 2382, when abutting against the corresponding protrusion 219, 229, each electrical connector 235, 236 carried by the support 2381, 2382 is spatially aligned with the electrical contact 212, 222 of the power rail including the corresponding protrusion so as to electrically connect the electrical connector with the electrical contact.

[0105] Thereby, the positions of the electrical connectors 235, 236 (of the lighting panel 230) relative to the supports 2381, 2382 and the positions of the electrical contacts 212, 222 (of the power rail 210) relative to the protrusions 219, 229 are configured to correspond geometrically / spatially to each other.

[0106] To account for slight differences in the distance between the power rails 210, 220 (e.g., due to installation tolerances, installation limitations, etc.), the lighting panel 230 (and specifically the coupling elements 2371, 2372) may include (for each support) a biasing element 2391, 2392 configured to push or bias the supports 2381, 2382 against the protrusions 219, 229 of a single power rail in the corresponding power rail group. Suitable examples of biasing elements include springs or hydraulic systems. Thus, each support 238 may be a movable support.

[0107] This approach facilitates automatic spatial alignment between each pair of electrical contacts (of the power rail) and the corresponding electrical connector (of the lighting panel).

[0108] Using a biasing element in this way can also increase the ease of installing the lighting panel into multiple power rails. For example, the biasing element can be configured so that during installation, an individual can press down the support 238 to insert / install the lighting panel between two power rails.

[0109] Of course, in some embodiments, the biasing elements 2391, 2392 may be released.

[0110] An alternative way to solve or overcome the problem of spatially aligning electrical contacts (located on the power rails) and electrical connectors is to increase the size of the electrical contacts 212, 213, 222, 223 and / or electrical connectors 235, 236. This may provide increased tolerance for the position of the lighting panel 230 relative to the power rails.

[0111] Both the electrical contacts 212, 213, 221, 223 on the power rails 210, 220 and the electrical connectors 235, 236 on the panel 230 may be elongated or linear. However, in an alternative example, only the electrical contacts 212, 213, 221, 223 on the power rails are elongated (i.e., extending in the direction of their power rails), while the connectors on the lighting panel 230 may be shaped in the manner of "point" connectors (e.g., conventional solder joints for making electrical contacts).

[0112] It has been previously explained how the lighting panel may comprise at least one coupling element 2371, 2372, for example at least two coupling elements. These coupling elements provide a mechanical coupling and / or an electrical coupling between the lighting panel and a power rail to which the lighting panel is coupled.

[0113] In the example shown, the at least one coupling element comprises two coupling elements. However, the skilled person will appreciate that each lighting panel may comprise any number of coupling elements, for example, a single coupling element or more than two coupling elements (e.g., 3, 4, 8, 16, 32 or more coupling elements). In particular, there may be a first group of one / two or more coupling elements (for providing a mechanical coupling to a first power rail) and a second group of one / two or more coupling elements (for providing a mechanical coupling to a second power rail).

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, at least one (e.g., each) coupling element 2371, 2372 is removably connected or coupled to the body 2375 of the lighting panel 230. The removable coupling can be achieved, for example, using a clamping, screw-based, or similar coupling system. Where appropriate, the electrical connection between the body 2375 of the lighting panel and any electrical connectors carried by the coupling elements 2371, 2372 can be achieved using established means.

[0115] In an alternative example, each coupling element 2371 , 2372 may be fixedly coupled to the body 2375 of the lighting panel 230 .

[0116] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of another lighting system 300 is provided, which is previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 2 Variations of lighting system 200 are described.

[0117] The lighting system also includes a plurality of power rails 310, 320 (two of which are shown) and one or more lighting panels 330 (one of which is shown).

[0118] The power rails 310, 320 differ from the previous embodiment of the lighting system 200 in that the upper surface 311, 321 (on which the lighting panel rests) is located on the side of the housing 350 of each power rail, rather than on the top of the housing. To accommodate such an upper surface, the housing 350, 360 of each power rail includes one or more lateral protrusions 3591, 3592, 3691, 3692.

[0119] The electrical contacts 312 , 322 are positioned on lateral protrusions of the housings 350 , 360 of the corresponding power rails 310 , 320 .

[0120] Although present, the power / return wires carried by each power rail and the electrical interconnections between the electrical contacts and the power or return wires are not shown for clarity of illustration.

[0121] Other elements of the lighting system 300 are functionally similar / identical to elements of the previously described embodiment of the lighting system 200 and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0122] Of course, the projections may be omitted, as their function is effectively replaced by the side walls 356, 366 of the housing. Thus, the biasing element may be configured to urge the support against the side walls 356, 366 of the housing.

[0123] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of another lighting system 400 is shown, which is previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 Variations of lighting system 300 are described.

[0124] The lighting system 400 also includes a plurality of power rails 410, 420 (two shown) and one or more lighting panels 430 (one shown).

[0125] The power rails 410, 420 differ from the previously described lighting system 300 in that the housing 450, 460 (and lateral protrusions 4591, 4592, 4691, 4692) of each power rail 410, 420 further includes one or more additional lateral protrusions 459B1, 459B2, 469B1, 469B2. The additional lateral protrusions provide additional support for the lighting panel 430. Specifically, the lighting panel 430 is configured to be positioned between the lateral protrusion 459A and the additional lateral protrusion 459B of each power rail in the power rail group.

[0126] Other elements of the lighting system 400 are similar / identical in function to elements of the previously described embodiment of the lighting system 300 and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0127] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of another lighting system 500 is shown, which is previously described with reference to FIG. Figure 5 Variations of lighting system 400 are described.

[0128] The lighting system 500 also includes a plurality of power rails 510, 520 (two of which are shown) and one or more lighting panels 530 (one of which is shown).

[0129] The power rails 510, 520 differ from the previously described lighting system 400 in that one of the additional lateral protrusions of each power rail is omitted. Hence, only a single additional lateral protrusion 459B, 459B is provided. Thus, an asymmetric power rail is provided.

[0130] This embodiment still provides good structural support for the lighting panel 530 while making it easier to install the lighting panel 530 between the power rails 510, 520. The other elements of the lighting system 500 are functionally similar / identical to the elements of the previously described embodiment of the lighting system 300 and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0131] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view is provided of a portion of another lighting system 600. The lighting system 600 also includes a plurality of power rails 610, 620 (two of which are shown) and one or more lighting panels 630 (one of which is shown).

[0132] Each power rail 610, 620 includes a first cavity 615, 625 configured to face in a first direction (e.g., toward the ceiling) and a second cavity 616, 626 configured to face away from a second opposite direction (e.g., away from the ceiling). In this way, the opening to the first cavity 615, 625 and the opening to the second cavity 616, 626 are configured to face in opposite directions (e.g., upward and downward).

[0133] The cross-section of each power rail 610, 620 is substantially H-shaped.

[0134] The lighting panel 630 is configured to be mechanically coupled to the first cavity 615, 625 of each power rail. Specifically, the lighting panel is configured for mechanical coupling to the boundaries of the first cavity, for example using hooks or other geometrical mating structures.

[0135] Electrical contacts 612, 613, 622, 623 for the power and return lines are present in the first cavity of each power line.The lighting panel comprises connectors 631, 632 for connecting to the electrical contacts 612 of the power lines and 623 of the return lines to power the lighting panel.

[0136] The second cavity 616, 626 may also include or carry electrical contacts 618, 619, 628, 629 for power and return lines.

[0137] In this way, each power rail effectively embodies a (conventional) pair of power rails positioned back-to-back. Specifically, the electrical contacts in the first cavity serve as the power and return lines of the first conceptual power rail, and the electrical contacts in the second cavity serve as the power and return lines of the second conceptual power rail.

[0138] In particular, the proposed method can efficiently provide both upward facing and downward facing power rails. This provides additional advantages. The upward facing power rail can enable easy connection of the power rail to a power source (e.g. positioned in a ceiling) and mechanically and electrically coupling to a lighting panel. The downward facing power rail can be used in a conventional manner for the placement and powering of lamps, spotlights or sensors.

[0139] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a lighting system 700 that is a variation of the previously described lighting system 600. The lighting system 700 also comprises a plurality of power rails 710, 720 (two of which are shown) and one or more lighting panels 730 (one of which is shown).

[0140] In this variation, the first cavity and the second cavity are configured to face away from each other in a direction parallel to the ceiling (i.e., horizontally). In this way, the openings to the first cavities 715, 725 and the openings to the second cavities 716, 726 are configured to face in opposite directions (e.g., left and right).

[0141] The cross section of each power rail 710, 720 remains substantially H-shaped.

[0142] In this approach, there is effectively a left-facing power rail and a right-facing power rail. This appearance is similar to that of Figure 4 The embodiment 400 described differs in that there is no downward facing cavity carrying the power / return wires. Instead, there are two side facing cavities, each carrying a power / return wire.

[0143] The lighting panel 730 rests within the respective cavities 715, 726 of the two power rails 710, 720, with the cavities facing each other, and is electrically connected to at least one power line and at least one return line carried in each cavity. In the example shown, the lighting panel is connected to the power line carried by one power line 710 and the return line carried by the other power line 720.

[0144] The use of one or more biasing elements 739 to bias the corresponding one or more movable supports 738 (which carry the electrical connectors of the lighting panel) is particularly useful in this embodiment to enable the lighting panel to be inserted between the power rails.

[0145] In particular, the lighting panel 730 can be formed by a body 7375 and two or more coupling elements 7371, 7372. One or more of the coupling elements 7371, 7372 can include a movable support 738 and a biasing element 739.

[0146] In the previously described embodiments, the lighting panel is coupled to the power line on one power rail and the return line on another power rail. However, this is not required. Instead, the light panel and the power rail may be configured such that the lighting panel can be connected to the power line and the return line on a single power rail.

[0147] Figure 8 An exemplary configuration is shown in which a single power rail 810 provides electrical contacts 813 and 812 for return and power lines respectively which are electrically connected to respective connectors 832, 833 of a lighting panel 830. Thus, a single connection arrangement can provide both power and return lines via the same single power rail.

[0148] It will be appreciated that the other side of the lighting panel (not shown) does not need to be electrically connected to any power / return wires on the other power rail (even if available).

[0149] The remaining structure of the power rail 810 is similar to that of Figure 3 However, the skilled person will appreciate that Figure 8 The connection arrangements described in may be used in any other embodiments.

[0150] Fig. 9 An arrangement 900 of a plurality of power rails 910 is shown.

[0151] In this arrangement 900, the power rails are arranged in a rectilinear grid or grid-like form. The power rails thus define a plurality of closed or bounded sections. Each section may be filled or occupied by a lighting panel. In other words, one or more lighting panels may be positioned within each closed section / bounded section defined by the plurality of power rails 910.

[0152] Fig.10 Another arrangement 1000 of a plurality of power rails 1010 is shown. In this arrangement, the power rails are arranged in a predetermined non-linear pattern. The exemplary pattern is merely an example that demonstrates how the power rails need not be arranged only parallel to each other and / or only perpendicular to each other (i.e., linearly).

[0153] Thus, the power rails do not have to be arranged in a rectilinear grid, but can also support other angles (eg 30° or 60°).By doing so, the power rails themselves can form a decorative pattern.

[0154] By offering a (limited) number of different lighting panel shapes, a wide variety of decorative illuminated ceiling patterns can be achieved while still keeping large parts of the ceiling open, while the power rails further enable flexible arrangement of chandeliers, spotlights, sensor devices etc.

[0155] It will be appreciated that the lighting panels may be suitably shaped or configured to fit within the spaces between power rails in a non-grid arrangement.

[0156] It is not necessary that the light output surface of the lighting panel completely fills the enclosed section of multiple power tracks. Instead, the light output surface can only partially fill this unit, while the entire lighting panel continues to receive power and continues to be mechanically supported by at least two tracks around the unit.

[0157] As explained before, one or more power rails may be replaced by a lighting rail, in particular a linear lighting rail.The lighting rail is formed of a rigid material and carries one or more elongated light emitting elements.

[0158] thus, Fig. 9 The example arrangements 900, 1000 depicted in FIG. 10 may likewise represent example arrangements of one or more power rails and one or more lighting rails.

[0159] Variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0160] 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.

[0161] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the description, it is noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or the description, it is noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0162] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lighting system, comprising: a plurality of power rails located in a first plane, each power rail being formed of a rigid material and carrying one or more power lines for carrying electrical power; as well as One or more lighting panels for emitting light, each lighting panel: mechanically coupled to a respective power rail set to be structurally supported by the respective power rail set, the power rail set including at least two of the plurality of power rails; and configured to draw power from one or more of the power lines, wherein each power rail comprises a housing defining a cavity having an opening facing away from an upper surface of the power rail, wherein the one or more power lines are carried within the cavity of the housing and are configured to house and power an electrical device, Each power rail includes an electrical contact on the upper surface for facing the ceiling and mechanically and electrically coupling to the lighting panel; and Each lighting panel is configured to rest on an upper surface of each power rail in a corresponding set of power rails, thereby mechanically coupling the lighting panel to the corresponding set of power rails.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, comprising: a first set of one / two or more coupling elements configured to provide a mechanical coupling to a first power rail; and a second set of one / two or more coupling elements configured to provide a mechanical coupling to a second power rail.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each power rail also includes one or more return wires that provide a return path for the power; and Each lighting panel is configured for electrical connection to one or more of the return lines carried by a corresponding set of power rails.

4. The lighting system according to claim 3, wherein: Each lighting panel is configured to be electrically connected to at least one return line and at least one power line carried by a single power rail in a corresponding power rail set.

5. The lighting system according to claim 3, wherein: Each lighting panel is configured as: electrically connected to a power line carried by one of the power rails of the corresponding set of power rails; and Electrically connected to a return line carried by another power rail in the corresponding power rail set.

6. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Each lighting panel includes one or more coupling elements configured to: mechanically couple the lighting panel to a corresponding track set; and / or electrically coupling the lighting panel to one or more power lines carried by a corresponding set of power rails.

7. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein: For each lighting panel, at least one coupling element is detachably connected to the remainder of the lighting panel.

8. The lighting system according to claims 1-7, wherein: each power rail carries at least one electrical contact positioned on an upper surface of the power rail, each electrical contact being electrically connected to one of the one or more power lines carried by the power rail; as well as Each lighting panel is configured for electrical connection to one or more electrical contacts carried by a corresponding set of power rails.

9. The lighting system according to claim 8, wherein: Each power rail includes a protrusion extending upwardly from the upper surface; and Each lighting panel includes: at least one electrical connector, each electrical connector being configured to electrically connect to at least one electrical contact carried by a single power rail of a corresponding power rail set; and For each electrical connector: a movable support configured to structurally support the electrical connector; and a biasing element configured to urge the movable support against a protrusion of a single power rail in a corresponding power rail set.

10. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: Each power rail consists of: a first cavity carrying a first electric power line and having an opening facing a first direction; and a second cavity carrying a second electric field line and having an opening facing in an opposite second direction, Wherein each lighting panel is configured to be electrically connected to the first power line carried by one of the power rails in the corresponding power rail group.

11. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The plurality of power rails includes at least 10 power rails.

12. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The one or more power rails are arranged in a first grid pattern or a first geometric pattern.

13. The lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising one or more lighting tracks, each lighting track being formed of a rigid material and carrying one or more elongate light emitting elements.

14. The lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The one or more power rails and the one or more lighting rails are arranged in the form of a second grid pattern or a second geometric pattern.

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