Suspensible system including attachment mechanism

By designing flexible suspension elements and concealed attachment mechanisms, the hanging light system achieves flexible angle adjustment, solving the problems of insufficient design flexibility and aesthetic impact in existing technologies, and providing a hanging light system that can adapt to various activities.

CN121532593APending Publication Date: 2026-02-13SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202480047401.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-18
Filing Date
2024-07-08
Publication Date
2026-02-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hanging light systems cannot adapt to different activities and needs, have limited angle variations, lack design flexibility, and their rigid structure affects aesthetic design.

Method used

Design a system that includes a suspendable lamp and a flexible suspension element, which allows for flexible adjustment of the suspension angle and rotation angle through an attachment mechanism hidden inside the housing. The system uses flexible wires or cables as suspension elements and combines the inner and outer housing structures with a slender slot to achieve angle changes.

Benefits of technology

It offers an aesthetically pleasing design while providing flexibility to adapt to different activities and needs, allowing for suspension and rotation over a wide range of angles, and the concealed attachment mechanism enhances the design's inconspicuousness.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a suspensible system (1) comprising (i) a suspensible lamp (100) and (ii) a suspension element (10). A suspensible lamp (100) includes a housing (110) and an attachment mechanism (120). The suspension element (10) comprises a first end (11) attached to the attachment mechanism (120) and a second end (12) attachable to the fastening surface (2). 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 the suspension axis. The suspension element (10) is flexible allowing the suspensible lamp (100) to orient itself with its center of gravity on the suspension axis. The housing (110) has a light exit window (111) with a surface normal, the housing (110) being able to receive the lighting device (3), and the housing (110) having an inner housing element (112) and an outer housing element (113). The outer housing element (113) has an elongated slot (1130) having a first end point (1131) and a second end point (1132), with the attachment mechanism (120) movably connected inside the elongated slot (1130) so as to be reversibly lockable in any position along the elongated slot (1130). The suspensible lamp (100) is arranged to suspend at a suspension angle defined between the suspension axis and a surface normal of the light exit window (111), where 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). 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), where the space (114) accommodates at least a portion of the attachment mechanism (120) and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device (3).
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspendable system comprising a suspendable lamp and a suspension element, a lighting system comprising two or more suspendable systems, an attachment mechanism for the suspendable system, and a method for adjusting the suspension angle and / or the rotation angle of such a suspendable system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Current suspended light points cannot adapt to various different activities and needs, such as dining, reading, parties, and highlighting wall decorations. This flexibility is currently only available for spotlights as stand-alone luminaires, for example on the floor or on a table. Various devices can be required in order to meet all different lighting needs in a space.

[0003] In public environments, various devices can be used to create a comfortable and functional atmosphere. For example, suspended spotlights are mainly used to set the correct lighting in department stores, offices, waiting rooms, homes, etc.

[0004] The above devices are usually installed to the ceiling using a rather rigid structure in order to be able to adjust the device in the correct direction. When it is desired to arrange the device at a distance from the ceiling, at least one solid arm is required. The arm is heavy, which can obstruct the consumer's aesthetic design requirements or limit the use to only dedicated applications. In addition to this, the directionality of the spotlight is usually limited due to the limited angle change of the suspension system.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a suspendable system with an aesthetically pleasing design, while providing flexibility for different activities and needs.

[0006] DE202018102694U1 discloses a pendant lamp comprising a cable suspension and a lamp body for light emission with a defined light emission direction.

[0007] CN205037203U discloses a pendant lamp comprising a suspension rod and a main body capable of accommodating at least one light-emitting component. The edge of the main body has an arc-shaped track, and the center of curvature of the arc-shaped track and the center of gravity of the main body are located on the same side of the arc-shaped track. The top end of the suspension rod is capable of being connected to the ceiling or building, the bottom end of the suspension rod has a brake pad, and the brake pad is capable of freely sliding in the arc-shaped track of the main body. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] In a first aspect, the invention provides a suspendable system comprising (i) a suspendable lamp and (ii) a suspension element, wherein the suspendable lamp comprises an attachment mechanism and a housing. The suspension element comprises a first end attached to the attachment mechanism and a second end attachable to a fastening surface. When the second end is attached to the fastening surface, the first end and the second end are separated from each other along a suspension axis. The suspension element is flexible, thereby allowing the suspendable lamp to orient itself with its center of gravity on the suspension axis.

[0010] The housing has a light exit window with a surface normal, wherein the housing is capable of housing a lighting device, wherein the housing has an inner housing element and an outer housing element. The outer housing element has an elongated slot with a first end point and a second end point, wherein the attachment mechanism is movably connected within the elongated slot, thereby being reversibly lockable at any position along the elongated slot.

[0011] The suspendable 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.

[0012] The inner housing element is positioned inside the outer housing element such that a space is created between the inner housing element and the outer housing element at least underneath the entire elongated slot, wherein the space houses at least a part of the attachment mechanism and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device.

[0013] The suspendable system according to the invention provides an unobtrusive design and at the same time it provides flexibility to adapt to different activities and needs, such as dining, reading or highlighting wall decoration. The design of the system allows the suspendable lamp to be suspended from a thin, flexible wire, while at the same time having the possibility to freely orient the lamp over a large range of angles. At least a part of the attachment mechanism and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device are hidden within the space inside the suspendable lamp, further increasing the unobtrusiveness of the design.

[0014] The term "suspendable" is understood in the context of the invention as being able to be suspended, i.e. hung so as to be free on all sides except for the support point. In other words, the suspendable system can be arranged on a support rail or support arm, or can be suspended from a fastening surface.

[0015] The fastening surface is understood as the surface from which the suspendable element is intended to be suspended, such as a ceiling, a shelf, etc. Once the suspendable device is attached to the suspension element, it is referred to as a "suspended system".

[0016] In the context of the invention, the "suspension element" is the element used to suspend the suspendable lamp. It connects the suspendable lamp to the fastening surface. The suspension element used in the suspendable system of the invention is flexible.

[0017] The suspension element can be a wire or cable having a diameter of less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.75 cm, more preferably less than 0.5 cm. In other words, the suspension element can be a thin wire, thus providing the advantage that it is hardly visible for a user. The length of the suspension element can vary depending on the intended application. In particular, the length of the suspension element can be from 20 cm to 30 m, preferably from 40 cm to 20 m, more preferably from 50 cm to 10 m.

[0018] The suspendable lamp can be electrically connected to the suspension element. The electrical connection can be provided by means of an electrical interface, such as a plug and socket, pin contacts or a USB port. Alternatively, the electrical connection can be realized wirelessly, for example by induction. If the suspendable lamp is only mechanically connected to the suspension element, the power supply to the suspendable lamp can be provided by an external power source, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. Preferably, the suspendable lamp is both mechanically and electrically connected to the suspension element.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the term "lighting device" can refer to a light emitting device, such as a spotlight. Alternatively, the term "device" can for example refer to a disinfection device, such as an emitter of disinfection light, infrared light and / or microwave radiation.

[0020] The lighting device can be one of a GU10 light source, a MR16 light source, and a LED light source integrated into the suspendable lamp. The housing is capable of accommodating the lighting device. Depending on the intended application, the housing can comprise a socket for accommodating a lighting device, for example a retrofit LED lighting device, or the housing can comprise a built-in light source. The integrated light source can be a light source such as a light emitting diode (LED) light source arranged to emit visible light having a dominant peak in the wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm. Alternatively or additionally, the suspendable device according to the present invention can be suitable for use with a light source arranged to emit UV light having a dominant peak in the wavelength range from 190 to 400 nm. Further, the device can comprise a source emitting IR radiation having a dominant peak in the wavelength range from 760 to 2500 nm.

[0021] The housing of the lamp of the present invention can be of any suitable shape and size. In particular, the housing can have a cylindrical, conical, cuboid, hexagonal, hemispherical, spherical, parabolic or organic shape, i.e. a shape that is generally curvilinear in appearance, similar to those shapes found in nature, for example plants, animals and rocks.

[0022] Preferably, the suspendable lamp can have a circular shape, especially on the part of the outer housing comprising the elongated slot. The circular shape can enable an easy movement of the attachment mechanism from one position to another. In this respect, sharp edges and sharp corners can be less suitable, however are still possible.

[0023] The housing can be manufactured from a material having a 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 can be manufactured from natural and / or recycled materials. Furthermore, a gas assisted molding material or a foam material can be used to further reduce the weight of the housing.

[0024] At least one of the attachment mechanism and the housing can be manufactured using 3D printing. Using 3D printing to manufacture the housing and / or the attachment mechanism allows for a freedom in the design of the suspendable lamp and a freedom in the choice of materials.

[0025] The light exit window of the suspendable lamp according to the present invention is the surface through which electromagnetic radiation is emitted. The electromagnetic radiation can be infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, and combinations thereof. The shape and size of the light exit window can vary depending on the shape and size of the housing and the chosen design of the lamp. The light exit window can be a physical component, such as a (flat or planar) optical element, but can also simply be an opening in the housing through which light can be emitted. The light exit window can be a planar light exit window. The light exit window has a surface normal, which is defined as the vector perpendicular to the tangent plane of the surface of the light exit window, preferably at the (geometric) center of the light exit window. The surface normal of the light exit window can be substantially the same as the (main) light emission direction (or in other words, the optical axis) of the suspendable lamp when in operation.

[0026] A suspendable lamp has a center of gravity, which is defined as the average position of the weight of the suspendable lamp. When the suspendable system is suspended, the first and second end points of the suspension element will dictate a suspension axis, which is essentially vertical due to the force of gravity. A suspended lamp attached to the first end portion of the flexible suspension element will align itself with its center of gravity over the suspension axis. The position of the center of gravity within the suspendable lamp can be influenced during the design of the lamp, for example by adding additional weight at one or more positions within the lamp. The position of the center of gravity can have an influence on the possible angular range in which the lamp can be oriented. A center of gravity close to the light exit window can result in a relatively small suspension angular range. A center of gravity on the largest relative side of the lamp furthest away from the light exit window can result in a maximum suspension angular range. However, the range of possible suspension ranges can not only depend on the position of the center of gravity, but also on other factors such as the position and size of the elongated slot.

[0027] A suspendable lamp can have a height, which is the maximum distance from the light exit window to a point on the outer housing element measured in the height direction, wherein in the height direction, the center of gravity G of the suspendable lamp can have a first height position H1 located at a distance from the light exit window which is larger than or equal to 0.4 times the height of the suspendable lamp, preferably larger than 0.5 times the height of the suspendable lamp, such as larger than 0.6 times the height of the suspendable lamp, such as larger than 0.75 times the height of the suspendable lamp. The height can typically be measured on an axis in the opposite direction of the surface normal of the light exit window. The height can also be measured at a suspension angle of zero degrees (i.e. the light exit window is facing downwards) in the suspended state of the suspendable lamp. In this state, the height of the suspendable lamp can be determined as the distance between the lowest and highest points of the suspendable lamp (i.e. the housing).

[0028] The second end point can 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 can be equal to or larger than the second height position H2. The second end point can be the end point of the elongated slot located closest to the light exit window.

[0029] The position of the center of gravity G relative to the second end point is a major factor in determining the maximum suspension angle amax of the suspendable lamp. The larger the first height position and the larger the difference with the second height position, the larger the maximum suspension angle that can be achieved by the suspendable system. To this end, the center of gravity G of the suspendable lamp can preferably not be located near the light exit window, but can be located in a middle or rear position of the suspendable lamp.

[0030] An additional factor that can determine the maximum suspension angle amax is the width or diameter of the lamp, more specifically the position 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 the central height axis of the suspendable lamp measured perpendicular to the height direction.

[0031] The second end point can have a second height position H2 measured in the height direction and a distance D measured perpendicular to the height direction to the central height axis of the suspendable lamp. The suspendable lamp can have a maximum suspension angle a MAX and the height position of the center of gravity G can be calculated according to H1 > H2 + (D / tan(180° - a MAX ).

[0032] The housing of the suspendable lamp of the present invention comprises an inner housing element and an outer housing element. In other words, the housing of the lamp is double-walled with 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 can substantially have the same shape, the inner housing element being a smaller version of the outer housing element. The inner housing element can also have a different shape than the outer housing element. The outer housing element comprises an elongated slot, which will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The inner housing element is located inside the outer housing element, thereby creating a space between the two housing elements. This space can have different shapes and dimensions, but at least extends under the entire elongated slot. The attachment mechanism is at least partially located inside this space and is able to move from the first end point of the elongated slot to the second end point of the elongated slot, so this space also needs to extend at least under the entire elongated slot. However, this space can also extend beyond the elongated slot and can substantially cover the entire area between the outer housing element and the inner housing element. In this case, this space can also accommodate additional components of the lamp, such as for example additional weight influencing the center of gravity, or electrical components such as power supply, battery, sensors or communication modules.

[0034] This space also accommodates an electrical interface for powering the lighting device. The electrical interface can be a cable or wire connecting a socket for accommodating the lighting device or connecting the lighting device itself to the suspension element. However, it can also be an interface such as a plug and socket, pin contacts, a USB port, a metal contact plate, brush contacts or a wireless interface (for example by induction).

[0035] The inner housing element can be positioned off-center inside the outer housing element, so 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 can be reduced. The space can only be created where it is needed, namely under the elongated slot on one side of the housing. In this example, only one side of the housing can be double-walled with a space between the two. The opposite side of the housing can be single-walled so that the outer housing element and the inner housing element are in direct contact with each other without creating a space therebetween.

[0036] The outer housing element comprises an elongated slot. The elongated slot can also be described as an elongated hole, long slot, or elongated recess, slit or aperture in the outer housing element. The elongated slot has a width and a length, the length being greater than the width. The elongated slot extends from a first position on the surface of the outer housing element to a second position on the outer housing element. The elongated slot can be a straight slot to enable easy movement of the attachment mechanism within the slot, but it can also be curved, i.e. match the overall design of the suspendable lamp. For design purposes, the outer housing element can also comprise an additional elongated slot extending substantially parallel to the first elongated slot. By making the elongated slot a design choice for the surface of the outer housing element, this design choice can further contribute to an unobtrusive design.

[0037] As will be explained in more detail below, the elongated slot can have different lengths and different positions on the outer housing element. Preferably, the length of the elongated slot can extend along a plane together with the vector of the light emission window and the surface normal of the outer housing element. In other words, when the suspended lamp has a suspension angle of 0°, the length of the elongated slot can be positioned substantially perpendicular, parallel to the surface normal and the suspension axis.

[0038] 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. This means that the mechanism can be moved between a first end point and a second end point, and it can be fastened or fixed in any position inside the elongated slot. Subsequently, the mechanism can be unfastened or released to be repositioned inside the elongated slot. At least part of the attachment mechanism is located inside the space so that it can be avoided to see the bulky and unattractive attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism has an orientation which can be defined as the surface angle perpendicular to the surface of the outer housing element at the current position of the attachment mechanism.

[0039] When the suspendable 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. When the attachment mechanism is in the first position, the suspension angle has a first value, and when the attachment mechanism is in the second position, the suspension angle has a second value. 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. Thus, the system of the invention provides the advantage of providing an attractive alternative for a suspended device which can be directed in different directions by moving the attachment mechanism without the bulky and rigid construction of a solid suspension element. By tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp, the suspended lamp can be directed in different directions.

[0040] The suspension angle can vary in the range of 0° to at least 130°.

[0041] When the suspension angle is 0°, the surface normal and the center of gravity can be aligned on the suspension axis. The first value of the suspension angle can be substantially 0°, i.e. the suspended lamp is arranged such that the light exit window points downwards. The term "downwards" means parallel to the direction of the gravitational acceleration, and the term "upwards" is the direction opposite to the direction of the gravitational acceleration.

[0042] The second value of the suspension angle can be at least 90°, preferably at least 130°. In other words, when the attachment mechanism has been moved from the first position to the second position, the suspended lamp is tilted from a position in which the light exit window points downwards to a position in which the light exit window points in a direction that is tilted at least 90°, preferably at least 130°, with respect to the downwards direction.

[0043] The attachment mechanism can be a single component that is arranged such that both translation of the suspendable lamp by moving the attachment mechanism inside the elongated slot and rotation of the suspendable lamp around the suspension axis to change the rotation angle can be achieved. Thus, the attachment mechanism can achieve both translation and rotation of the suspendable lamp integrated into a single attachment mechanism. Preferably, the rotation angle can vary over 360°.

[0044] It can be desirable to additionally rotate the lamp around its axis to aim the light in different directions within the space. However, it is not desirable to increase the size of the attachment mechanism to enable an additional rotational movement of the lamp using a second mechanism. Thus, the suspendable lamp of the present invention comprises an attachment mechanism that allows moving the attachment mechanism within the elongated slot and reversibly locking the attachment mechanism within the elongated slot, and that allows using the same attachment mechanism to rotate the lamp. In other words, both rotation and translation of the lamp occur at the same connection or articulation point, integrated into one single mechanism. Thus not through two separate mechanisms, which are typically bulky and typically have other limitations with respect to tilt and rotation angles.

[0045] As mentioned above, when the attachment mechanism is in the first position, the suspended lamp can be arranged such that the light exit window points downwards. This arrangement of the light emitting device can be desirable when the light emitting device is arranged above a table, and when the user needs the table to be sufficiently illuminated, for example when dining. At a later occasion, for example once the dining is finished, the user can want to redirect the suspended lamp such that another point in the room, for example a painting, is illuminated instead. To achieve this, the user simply moves the attachment mechanism to the second position, thereby tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp such that the light exit window points towards the wall or the like.

[0046] The suspendable lamp can comprise a sensor configured to obtain information indicative of at least one of the rotation angle and the suspension angle.

[0047] Adding a sensor to the suspendable system enables obtaining information about the current orientation of the lamp. This information can for example be used to control the light emission or to suggest possible light settings to the user for different activities. For example, when the sensor detects that the lamp is pointing downwards, assuming that the user needs sufficient lighting for e.g. dining, a functional white light setting can be enabled or suggested.

[0048] As will be apparent from the above, the present invention provides a suspendable system in which the suspendable lamp has a sleek design that fits most environments and which can be easily re-oriented using the attachment mechanism.

[0049] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a lighting system comprising two or more suspendable systems, wherein the lighting system further comprises a controller configured to control the two or more suspendable systems.

[0050] It can be desirable to combine two or more suspendable systems into a lighting system with a minimalist design, e.g. a collection of spotlights or a chandelier. Different suspendable systems can be individually oriented, e.g. so that a color or brightness pattern can be created on a wall.

[0051] The controller is configured to control the two or more suspendable systems. In particular, the controller can be configured to control the lighting emission of the lighting devices. “Controller” means here essentially any unit, device, apparatus, etc. that can be connected to the lighting devices and that is configured or arranged to control the lighting devices.

[0052] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an attachment mechanism for a suspendable system, the attachment mechanism 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 clamping clip, and a connection area configured to be connected to a suspension element.

[0053] 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, such 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.

[0054] The interface of the first outer thread and the second inner thread has a lower friction than the interface of the first inner thread and the body of the bolt. The clamping clip can be pressed and released, such that the first nut can be turned around the bolt when the clamping clip is pressed, and the second nut can be turned around the first nut when the clamping clip is released.

[0055] The attachment mechanism of the present invention provides the advantage that it has a small form factor, increasing the design's unobtrusiveness. It can be manufactured from different materials and the size can be scaled. The mechanism is also capable of implementing translation and rotation in the same location, around the same connection point, integrated into the same mechanism. Known mechanisms that provide translation and rotation are large and bulky, providing two separate mechanisms located in close proximity but not integrated.

[0056] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for adjusting a hanging angle and / or a rotation angle of a suspendable system according to the present invention, the suspendable system comprising an attachment mechanism for use in the suspendable system, the attachment mechanism 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 clamping clip, and a connection area configured to be connected to a hanging element.

[0057] 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, such 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.

[0058] The interface of the first outer thread and the second inner thread has a lower friction than the interface of the first inner thread and the body of the bolt. The clamping clip can be pressed and released, such that the first nut can be turned around the bolt when the clamping clip is pressed, and the second nut can be turned around the first nut when the clamping clip is released. The method comprises: a) adjusting the hanging angle comprises the steps of al) pressing the clamping clip on the second nut to clamp the first nut; a2) turning the second nut clamping the first nut in the opposite direction 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 clamping the first nut in the opposite direction to tighten the first nut on the bolt; a5) releasing the clamping clip; b) adjusting the rotation angle comprises the steps of bl) rotating the second nut relative to the first nut while the clamping clip is released.

[0059] The suspendable system of the present invention can be easily tilted and / or turned, and can be oriented in a wide range of hanging angles and / or rotation angles simply by operating the clamping clip. No external tools such as a screwdriver are needed to adjust the suspendable light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0060] Embodiments of the present application will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the illustrative drawings, in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: Figures la to lc Different aspects of the system with different hanging angles of the hanging are schematically depicted; Figure 2a and Figure 2b A perspective view of an example of a hangable lamp according to the present application is shown; Figure 3a and Figure 3b A cross-sectional view of an example of a hangable lamp is shown; Figure 4 a to Figure 4 d schematically depict different examples of an elongated slot according to the present application; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an attachment mechanism is shown; and Figure 6 A first nut is shown.

[0061] All drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show the parts that are necessary for the elucidation of the embodiments of the present application, wherein other parts can be omitted or suggested only. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The present application will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown. The present application may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present application set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present application are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like or similar reference numerals refer to like or similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0063] Figure la and Figure lb A hangable system 1 is shown, comprising a hangable lamp 100 and a hanging element 10, the hangable lamp comprising a housing 110 and an attachment mechanism 120.

[0064] The suspension element 10 comprises a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first end 11 and the second end 12 are separated from each other along the suspension axis A when the suspendable system is suspended. The attachment mechanism of the suspended lamp 100 is mechanically connected to the first end 11 of the suspension element 10. The mechanical connection means a direct contact between the suspended lamp 1 and the suspension element 10, in addition, the suspended lamp can be electrically connected to the suspension element 10. The second end 12 is attachable to the fastening surface 2. The suspension element 10 is flexible, for example it can be a wire or a cable. Thus, the suspendable lamp 100 will always orient itself such that its center of gravity is on the suspension axis, i.e. for each possible suspension angle, the center of gravity G will be oriented on the suspension axis, as Figure lb shown.

[0065] The housing 110 of the suspendable lamp 100 has a light exit window 111 through which light generated by the lighting device 3 can be emitted. The light exit window 111 has a surface normal which is perpendicular to the surface of the light exit window 111. The shape and size of the light exit window 111 can vary depending on the shape and size of the housing 110 and the chosen design of the lamp 100. The light exit window 111 can be a physical component such as a (flat) optical element, but can also simply be an opening in the housing 110 through which light can be emitted. The surface normal of the light exit window 111 can be substantially the same as the light emission direction of the suspendable lamp 100 when in operation.

[0066] The housing can accommodate the lighting device 3, for example, it can provide a connection interface for a GU10 light source or a MR16 light source. However, other types of light sources can also be suitable for the suspendable lamp. The suspendable lamp can also comprise an integrated or built-in light source, for example a LED light source.

[0067] 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 a double wall with an inner wall and an outer wall which can at least partially be separated by the space 114 between the two walls.

[0068] The outer housing element 113 has an elongated slot 1130 with a first end point 1131 and a second end point 1132. Thus, the elongated slot 1130 extends from a first point on the outer housing element 113 to a second point on the outer housing element 113. A space 114 is located at least underneath the entire elongated slot 1130, accommodating at least a portion of the attachment mechanism 120 and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device 3, the attachment mechanism 120 being movably connected inside the elongated slot 1130 such that it can be reversibly locked at any position along the elongated slot 1130. In other words, the attachment mechanism 120 can be freely moved within the elongated slot 1130 and the space 114 underneath, designed to be repositioned and fixed at any position within the elongated slot 1130.

[0069] When the suspendable system 1 is suspended from the 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. When the attachment mechanism 120 is connected at the first end point 1131 (as shown in Figure la the suspension angle has a first value, and when the attachment mechanism is connected at the second end point (1132) (as shown in Fig. 2) a second value. In other words, when the attachment mechanism 120 is moved from the first position to the second position, the value of the suspension angle changes. Furthermore, the suspended lamp 100 can be rotated around the suspension axis with a rotation angle, which can preferably be 360°. Thus, the suspendable system 1 of the present invention provides the advantage of providing a suspended lamp 100 that can 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. By tilting and / or rotating the suspended lamp 100, the suspended lamp 100 can be directed in different directions.

[0070] As shown in Figure la the first value of the suspension angle is 0° in the depicted example. The suspension axis and the surface normal are pointing in the same direction. Thus, the suspendable lamp 100 is in a position where the light exit window 111 is pointing downwards, such that the light emitted by the light source 3 is directed downwards.

[0071] As shown in Figure lb the second value of the suspension angle is about 100° in this example. The second value can also be a value of at least 130°, depending on the specific implementation. However, the suspension angle range can be chosen to vary between essentially any two values. Factors in the design of the suspendable lamp 100 that influence the suspension angle range include the position and length of the elongated slot 1130 and the position of the center of gravity.

[0072] Figure lcThe location of the center of gravity G is shown. The location of the center of gravity G is the primary factor determining the maximum suspension angle αmax of the suspendable lamp 100. Additional factors may include the location of the second endpoint 1132 and the width or diameter of the suspendable lamp 100, i.e., the height position H2 of the second endpoint 1132 measured in the height direction and the distance D from the second endpoint 1132, measured perpendicular to the height direction, to the central height axis of the suspendable lamp 100. The first height position H1 of the center of gravity G may be equal to or greater than the second height position H2. The second endpoint 1132 may be the endpoint of the elongated slot 1130 located closest to the light exit window 111.

[0073] Considering the above aspects, the minimum first height position of the center of gravity, H1, can be calculated. Therefore, according to H1≥H2+(D / tan(180°-α), we can calculate the minimum first height position of the center of gravity, H1. MAX )) Calculate the minimum height position of the center of gravity.

[0074] exist Figure lc In the illustrated example, the initial height position H1 of the center of gravity G is approximately 0.4 times the height H of the suspendable lamp 100. Depending on the design of the suspendable lamp 100, a height position greater than 0.5, 0.6, or 0.75 times the height of the suspendable lamp 100 may be required to achieve the desired maximum suspension angle.

[0075] Figure 2a and Figure 2b An example design of a hangable lamp 100 according to the invention is shown. In this example, the housing 100 has an elongated conical shape with a rounded top, wherein a light-emitting window 111 forms the base of the cone. An elongated slot 1130 extends from the top of the cone to the light-emitting 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 can be substantially 0°. When the attachment mechanism 120 is located at the second end point 1132 at the bottom of the cone, the suspension angle can be approximately 130°. The housing element 113 may also include additional elongated recesses or other design elements that further contribute to an inconspicuous design by concealing the actual elongated slot 1130 for tilting the hangable lamp 100.

[0076] Figure 3a and Figure 3bA cross-sectional view of the above example design of the suspendable lamp 100 is shown. As shown in this example, the inner housing element 112 can be positioned off-center inside the outer housing element 113. Thus, a space 114 can be created asymmetrically on one side of the housing 110 only, while on the other side of the housing 110, the inner housing element 112 and the outer housing element 113 can form one housing element with essentially no space between them. The space 114 accommodates at least a portion of the attachment mechanism 120 and allows the attachment mechanism 120 to move freely from a first end point 1131 to a second end point 1132.

[0077] The attachment mechanism 120 can have an orientation of a surface angle perpendicular to the outer housing element 113 at the current position of the attachment mechanism 120. In other words, the direction of the attachment mechanism 120 with respect to the housing 110 can change depending on the design of the housing 110 and the position of the attachment mechanism on the surface of the housing 110.

[0078] Figure 4 a to Figure 4 d schematically depicts different examples of the elongated slot 1130 according to the present invention. In these examples, the housing 110 has a semi-spherical shape, with the light exit window 111 being the diameter of the sphere. However, the housing 100 can essentially 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.

[0079] Figure 4 a shows the elongated slot 1130, where the first end point 1131 can be located near the light exit window, and the second end point 1132 can be located near the light exit window 111 on the opposite side of the housing 110. Thus, in other words, the elongated slot 1130 can span the entire housing from one side to the other. In such a case, the elongated slot can preferably pass through a point on the top 115 of the housing 110, which is the point having the largest distance from the light exit window 111. Figure 4 b shows a perspective view of the housing 110 exterior and the elongated slot 1130 extending through the top 115 of the housing 110. The elongated slot 1130 spanning the housing 110 from one side to the opposite side can provide the advantage that the suspendable lamp 100 can be tilted in one direction and in the opposite direction. A shorter elongated slot 1130, for example Figure 4 c shows, means that the suspendable lamp 100 can be tilted in only one direction, and can need to be turned to achieve the same degree of freedom of orientation. Figure 4The elongated slot 1130 of the example in c starts at the top 115, with its second end point 1132 again close to the light exit window 111. The elongated slot 1130 can preferably pass through the top 115 of the housing 110 to achieve a hanging angle of 0°, so that the hangable lamp 100 can face and illuminate in a downward direction. If a hanging angle of 0° is not desired or required, the elongated slot 1130 can also be shorter, like Figure 4 d is shown in the example. Thus, the hangable lamp of the invention provides the freedom to design the hangable lamp, which can be oriented within the range required for its specific application or purpose. The use of 3D printing to manufacture one or more of the housing 100 or the attachment mechanism 120 can enable easy adaptation of different design choices to the production of the hangable lamp 100.

[0080] Figure 5 A cross section of an attachment mechanism 120 for a hangable system 1 according to the invention is shown. The described attachment mechanism 120 provides an integrated mechanism for translation and rotation. An object hung using the attachment mechanism 120 can be tilted and turned around the same connection point by one single mechanism, without the need for external tools to adjust the orientation.

[0081] The attachment mechanism 120 comprises a number of components. It comprises a bolt 1210 with a head 1211 and a body 1212. It further comprises a first nut 1220 with a first inner thread 1221 and a first outer thread 1222. In other words, the first nut 1220 is a nut with two threads, one on the inside and one on the outside. In addition, the first nut 1220 can also have a number of teeth 1223 on the outer thread 1222. The outer thread 1222 can alternatively be described as a thread with a perpendicular cut line for accommodating a clamping clip 1232 when pressed. In addition, the surface of the first nut 1220 facing the housing 110 can have a friction increasing surface structure. The first nut 1220 is depicted in Figure 6 .

[0082] The mechanism further comprises a second nut 1230, which can alternatively be described as a second ring, outer ring or outer nut. The second nut comprises a second inner thread 1231, a clamping clip 1232 and a connection area 1233 configured to connect to a hanging element 10.

[0083] 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 outside 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 the elongated slot 1130 can be fixed.

[0084] The second nut 1230 encloses the first nut 1220. More specifically, the second internal thread 1231 encloses the first external thread 1222.

[0085] The attachment mechanism 120 operates on the principle of friction. The interface of the first external thread 1222 and the second internal thread 1231 has a lower friction than the interface of the first internal 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 rotation.

[0086] The clamping clip 1232 can be pressed and released so that the first nut 1220 can turn around the bolt 1210 when the clamping clip 1232 is pressed and the second nut 1230 can turn around the first nut when the clamping clip 1232 is released. Pressing the clamping clip 1232 enables interaction with the plurality of teeth 1223 on the external thread 1222 of the first nut 1220. When the clamping clip 1232 is pressed, it clamps 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 can be tightened again and the clamping clip 1232 can be released. Thus, the attachment mechanism enables easy tilting and turning. The attachment mechanism can be manufactured using 3D printing, but it can also be manufactured from metal to minimize its size.

[0087] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the application, 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. The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claims. The use of the article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The application can 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 can 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.

[0088] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments can be combined and more than two embodiments can also be combined.

Claims

1. A suspendable system (1) comprising (i) a suspendable lamp (100) and (ii) a suspension element (10), wherein, The hangable lamp (100) includes a housing (110) and an attachment mechanism (120). The suspension element (10) includes a first end (11) attached to the attachment mechanism (120) and a second end (12) attachable to a fastening surface (2), wherein when the second end (12) is attached to the fastening surface (2), the first end (11) and the second end (12) are separated from each other along the suspension axis, and the suspension element (10) is flexible, thereby allowing the suspendable lamp (100) to orient itself so that its center of gravity is on the suspension axis. The housing (110) has a light-emitting window (111) with a surface normal N, which enables the housing (110) to accommodate a lighting device (3), and the housing (110) has an inner housing element (112) and an outer housing element (113). The outer housing element (113) has an elongated slot (1130) having a first end point (1131) and a second end point (1132). The attachment mechanism (120) is movably connected inside the elongated slot (1130) to reversibly lock at any position along the elongated slot (1130). The suspendable 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). Specifically, when the attachment mechanism (120) is connected to the first end point (1131), the suspension angle has a first value, and when the attachment mechanism is connected to the second end point (1132), the suspension angle has a second value. The inner housing element (112) is located inside the outer housing element (113), such that a space (114) is created below the elongated slot (1130) between the inner housing element (112) and the outer housing element (113), wherein the space (114) accommodates at least a portion of the attachment mechanism (120) and an electrical interface for powering the lighting device (3). In the height direction opposite to the surface normal N of the light exit window (111): - The hangable lamp (100) has a height H, which is the maximum distance from the light exit window (111) to points on opposite sides of the housing element (113). - The hangable lamp (100) has a center of gravity G located at a distance H1 from the light emission 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 Where H1 ⁄ H≥0.4, H1 ⁄ H2≥1.

2. The suspendable 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 asymmetrically created on one side of the housing (110).

3. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The attachment mechanism (120) is a single component arranged such that it is possible to translate the hangable lamp (100) by moving the attachment mechanism (120) inside the elongated slot (1130) and to rotate the hangable lamp (100) about the suspension axis to change the angle of rotation.

4. The suspendable system according to claim 3, wherein, The rotation angle can change 360°.

5. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The suspension angle can vary from 0° to at least 130°.

6. The suspendable system of claim 5, wherein, When the suspension angle is 0°, the surface normal of the light outlet window (111) and the center of gravity of the hangable lamp (100) are aligned on the suspension axis.

7. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The suspension element (10) is a cable or wire.

8. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer casing element (113) has a circular shape.

9. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the attachment mechanism (120) and the housing (110) is manufactured using 3D printing.

10. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lighting device (3) is a GU10 light source, an MR16 light source, or an LED light source integrated into the pendant lamp (100).

11. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second endpoint (1132) has a second height position H2 measured in the height direction and a distance D perpendicular to the height direction to the center height axis of the hangable lamp (100), wherein the hangable lamp (100) has a maximum suspension angle α. MAX And where, H1≥H2 +(D / tan(180°-α) MAX )).

12. The suspendable system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hangable light (100) includes a sensor configured to obtain information indicating at least one of the rotation angle and the suspension angle.

13. A lighting system (1000) comprising two or more hangable systems (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The lighting system (1000) also includes a controller (50) configured to control the two or more suspended systems (1).

14. An attachment mechanism (120) for a suspendable 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 internal thread (1221) and a first external thread (1222), a second nut (1230) having a second internal thread (1231), a clamping clip (1232), and a connection region (1233) configured to be connected to the suspension element (10). in, The first nut (1220) is arranged outside the elongated slot (1130), wherein the head (1211) of the bolt (1210) is arranged inside the space (114) such that the body (1212) of the bolt (1210) extends through the elongated slot (1130) into the first internal thread (1221). The second internal thread (1231) surrounds the first external thread (1222). The interface between the first external thread (1222) and the second internal thread (1231) has lower friction than the interface between the first internal thread (1221) and the body (1212) of the bolt (1210). The clamp (1232) can be pressed and released such that when the clamp (1232) is pressed, the first nut (1220) can rotate around the bolt (1210), and when the clamp (1232) is released, the second nut (1230) can rotate around the first nut (1220).

15. A method for adjusting the suspension angle and / or rotation angle of a suspendable system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The attachment mechanism includes a bolt (1210) having a head (1211) and a body (1212), a first nut (1220) having a first internal thread (1221) and a first external thread (1222), a second nut (1230) having a second internal thread (1231), a clamping clip (1232), and a connection area (1233) configured to be connected to the suspension element (10). The first nut (1220) is located outside the elongated slot (1130), and the head (1211) of the bolt (1210) is located inside the space (114), such that the body (1212) of the bolt (1210) extends through the elongated slot (1130) into the first internal thread (1221). The second internal thread (1231) surrounds the first external thread (1222). The interface between the first external thread (1222) and the second internal thread (1231) has lower friction than the interface between the first internal thread (1221) and the body (1212) of the bolt (1210). The clamping clip (1232) is pressable and releaseable such that when the clamping clip (1232) is pressed, the first nut (1220) can rotate around the bolt (1210), and when the clamping clip (1232) is released, the second nut (1230) can rotate around the first nut (1220), wherein: a) Adjusting the suspension angle includes the following steps a1) Press the clamping clip (1232) onto the second nut (1230) to clamp the first nut (1220); a2) Rotate the second nut (1230) that is clamping the first nut (1220) to loosen the first nut (1220) from the bolt (1210); a3) Move the attachment mechanism (120) to a position inside the elongated slot (1130); a4) Rotate the second nut (1230) that clamps the first nut (1220) in the opposite direction to fasten the first nut (1220) to the bolt (1210); a5) Release the clamping clip (1232); b) Adjusting the rotation angle includes the following steps b1) While releasing the clamp (1232), rotate the second nut (1230) relative to the first nut (1220).

Citation Information

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