System of modular height-adjustable lighting elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a module comprising a ceiling mount, a first electronic control unit, a suspension, preferably designed as a flat cable, with a first and a second end, wherein the suspension is attached to the module at its first end, and a drive unit, preferably a stepper motor, which can transmit movement to the suspension via a first pulley. The module also includes a trailer attached to the second end of the suspension, with a counterweight mounted on the suspension via pulleys between the trailer and the point where the suspension is attached to the module, and a distance sensor monitoring the distance between the module and the counterweight.The electronic control unit is connected to the drive unit and the distance sensor via a signal connection and is configured to generate essentially vertical movement patterns of the trailer via the drive unit. The movement pattern of the trailer is freely definable. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system comprising at least two of the modules, which are connected to each other via cables.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a module comprising a ceiling mount, a first electronic control unit, a suspension, preferably in the form of a flat cable, having a first and a second end, the suspension being attached to the module at its first end, and a drive unit, preferably a stepper motor, capable of transmitting movement to the suspension via a first pulley. Furthermore, the module comprises a trailer attached to the second end of the suspension, a counterweight attached to the suspension via pulleys between the trailer and the attachment of the suspension to the module, and a distance sensor monitoring the distance between the module and the counterweight.The electronic control unit is signal-connected to the drive unit and the distance sensor and is configured to generate essentially vertical movement patterns of the trailer via the drive unit. The trailer's movement pattern is freely definable. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system that comprises at least two of the modules that are connected to each other via cables.

[0002] The system's concept is based on bringing calming movement back to still environments. The underlying principle is the sense of well-being felt in nature through gentle changes, such as plants swaying in the wind, clouds drifting by, or the play of light and shadow – something that is particularly lacking in the interiors of urban homes and public spaces. The system is designed to enable calming background movement. The initial focus is on light objects, but it is not limited to them and can be expanded to include a wide variety of pendants, such as plants, clothing, or other objects.

[0003] DE 20 2016 101 262 U1 discloses a pendant luminaire, comprising - a ceiling connection housing, a support element to which at least one lighting unit is attached, two electrical supply lines which extend between the ceiling connection housing and the support element and are electrically connected to the at least one lighting unit in order to supply it with electrical energy during operation of the pendant luminaire, a winding device which is accommodated within the ceiling connection housing or is attached to the ceiling connection housing, wherein the two electrical supply lines can be wound up or unwound by means of the winding device, and at least one electromotive drive device which is connected to the winding device and which is designed to drive the winding or unwinding of the electrical supply lines in a controlled manner by means of the winding device, characterized in thatthat the pendant luminaire has at least one height adjustment sensor which is connected to the electrical supply lines and is electrically connected via these to the electromotive drive device and which is designed to generate user-induced height adjustment signals and to transmit them for further processing via the electrical supply lines to the electromotive drive device. DE 20 2021 105 074 U1 shows a luminaire, in particular a pendant luminaire, comprising a luminaire housing; an electric drive device; and a suspension device by means of which the luminaire housing can be suspended at a distance from the ceiling; characterized in that the distance of the luminaire housing from the ceiling can be changed by means of the electric drive device.

[0004] EP 4 137 739 A1 proposes a height-adjustable lighting device comprising: at least one lamp head, at least one ceiling housing, at least one height adjustment unit with at least one cable, and at least one control unit. The control unit is designed to control the height adjustment unit such that the lamp head can be placed into a first and a second usage state. In the first usage state, the lamp head is suspended by means of the at least one cable and forms a pendant lamp, and in the second usage state, the lamp head is recessed into the ceiling housing and forms a recessed ceiling lamp.

[0005] WO 2021 180 798 A1 proposes a height-adjustable pendant luminaire, comprising the following: a luminaire head, a ceiling fastening unit from which the luminaire head is suspended by means of cables, a height adjustment unit arranged in the ceiling fastening unit, a sensor arrangement arranged on the luminaire head with at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is configured as a near-field sensor designed to detect a user's hand in the vicinity of the sensor in order to detect gestures as contactless control commands, and a control unit that is in communicative connection with the sensor arrangement and the height adjustment unit. The control unit is configured, upon detection of a first gesture on the sensor arrangement, to issue a control command to change the position of the luminaire head in the vertical direction upwards or downwards.down to the height adjustment unit, and upon detection of a second gesture on the sensor arrangement, to send a control command to change the position of the light head in the vertical direction downwards or upwards to the height adjustment unit; wherein the height adjustment unit is configured to change the position of the light head in the vertical direction according to the control commands received from the control unit.

[0006] The current state of the art is that height-adjustable lamps are already known, but they are not designed for automatically following movement patterns. Furthermore, they lack modularity, unlimited scalability, and various pendants and sensors.

[0007] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide a module and a system constructed from it that is arbitrarily scalable in the number of modules, can automatically execute a set movement pattern and is also variable in terms of sensor technology.

[0008] According to the invention, a module is provided which comprises a ceiling mount, a first electronic control unit, a suspension, which is preferably designed as a flat cable, having a first and a second end, wherein the suspension is fastened to the module at the first end, a drive unit, which is preferably a stepper motor, which can transmit movement to the suspension via a first deflection pulley, wherein the module further comprises a trailer which is fastened to the second end of the suspension, wherein between the trailer and the attachment of the suspension to the module, a counterweight is fastened to the suspension via a second deflection pulley. Furthermore, the module has a distance sensor which monitors the distance between the module and the counterweight.The electronic control unit is signal-connected to the drive unit and the distance sensor and is configured to control essentially vertical movement patterns of the trailer via the drive unit. The trailer's movement pattern is freely definable.

[0009] It can preferably be provided that the weight of the counterweight can be adjusted to the weight of the trailer or to the weight of objects attached or connected to the trailer. For this purpose, it can be provided, in particular, that the counterweight can be adjusted using uniform weight bodies, in particular weight plates.

[0010] The module has a ceiling mount that allows the module to be securely attached to the ceiling and provides the necessary stability for the structure. The ceiling mount can be constructed in one piece or from multiple parts, and its shape can be precisely adapted to the requirements. In another embodiment, installation on the ceiling can be achieved using two conductive rails mounted on the ceiling. The advantage is that the otherwise necessary manual cabling between the systems is no longer necessary. Each system is attached to or in both rails using an electrically conductive and form-fitting connection device, such as a screw, and is supplied with power via these. It can also be provided that the module can communicate with the other modules via the rails. Modules can therefore be moved freely along the rails and can therefore be arranged more easily and flexibly.

[0011] The module has an electronic control unit that can process the control signals for the module. When using multiple modules, it is also possible for one module, as the master module, to have an electronic control unit that receives the information for all modules. The other modules are then designed as slave modules, either without an electronic control unit, or the electronic control units located in the other modules receive control signals from the master module and process them accordingly. In this respect, the electronic control unit of the first module can control the other modules directly or indirectly. The master module can also be a separate module that does not contain a drive unit, trailer, or similar device itself and whose task is simply to enable connection to an app, light switch, or similar device and to control the actual modules based on this.

[0012] The module has a communication device that allows control commands from a user to be transmitted to the control unit. The signals are transmitted, for example, via Bluetooth, an app, or a wall switch with a dimmer. However, other transmission methods are also conceivable. In this respect, the communication device has means for wireless or wired communication or for receiving control commands from a user.

[0013] The electronic control unit itself controls the movement preferably by means of a programmable logic controller, such as a PLC controller.

[0014] The suspension, which is attached to the module at least at a first end, is preferably designed as a flat cable, but any type of cable can be used. If no transmission of signals from the trailer to the electronic control unit is necessary or intended, other suspensions such as ropes or wires can be used. The cable should be flexible and deformable - silicone cables with preferably particularly fine strands have proven useful for this. The advantage of a flat cable is that it keeps the trailer rotationally stable, as the cable neatly follows the curve of the wheel. If this is not important, other cables, such as round cables or similar, can also be considered. Another advantage is that the cable does not undergo permanent deformation. In another embodiment, additional cables can also be used as suspensions to relieve the load on the other cables.The suspension must have at least two cables to ensure power supply and data transfer. Since the communication can be modulated onto the supply voltage, no additional cable is required for communication. A wire or guide strand can also be provided in addition to the cable to further increase stability. If the suspension includes an electrical load, such as a light source, the preferred operating voltage is direct current with a voltage in the range of 12V to 36V, preferably 24V, which can be converted from a mains voltage of 120 or 240V AC by a voltage converter provided in the module or by a standard power supply in a component independent of the system, with this voltage then being passed on from module to module.In order to be able to use standard lamps (DC 12V) such as GU4 and to dim them without electronics in the trailer, the voltage on the line can be varied, for example in a range between 0V and 12V, in particular between 7V and 12V.

[0015] A stepper motor is preferably provided as the drive unit. The module's stepper motor transmits movement to the suspension via a first deflection pulley. The suspension is not wound up, but merely rotated back and forth via the deflection pulleys. An industry-standard idler wheel can be used for the deflection pulley. In an alternative embodiment, a gear wheel can be used. The idler wheel preferably has a cross-grooved texture. The advantage of the present invention with an idler wheel lies in increased friction and ensures twist protection of the cable; the ratio of friction to guidance is balanced. Cross-shaped grooving ensures even unwinding of the cable, as the cable unwinds continuously and simultaneously symmetrically to the center of the idler wheel. This effect is not achieved with straight or diagonal grooving.The stepper motor is preferably arranged in the module; in an alternative embodiment, it can also be arranged in the trailer.

[0016] The pendant is attached to the suspension at the second end via a connector and is preferably designed as a light source. However, any type of pendant is suitable; non-limiting examples include plant baskets, coat hangers, or lenses. Preferably, the module uses the connector to recognize which pendant is attached and thus which type of data transfer is required. The connector is preferably designed as a bayonet lock, as this simplifies the replacement of modules. Additional safety mechanisms that comply with the regulations of DGUV 17 BGV C1 can also be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the pendant can also be additionally weighted to ensure smooth movement, which cannot always be guaranteed with very light pendants. The preferred minimum weight is ≥ 250 g.

[0017] The connector can be provided with contacts for signal and / or voltage transmission between the object connected to the trailer and the module. Various connectors can be provided for the connections, ensuring increased installation safety, so that no specialist is required for installation.

[0018] Signal transmission between the objects connected to the trailer and the module can preferably take place via a live wire of the suspension, for example and preferably by means of pulse length modulation, pulse width modulation, or in particular pulse width modulation. Preferably, a serial communication interface, such as RS-485, RS-422, or RS-232, can be provided.

[0019] The module features a distance sensor that monitors the distance to the counterweight. This has proven particularly advantageous because the travel path can be clearly determined even when the trailer is manually adjusted, making the system less prone to errors. This is particularly advantageous compared to distance determination via a stepper motor. In another embodiment, a sensor can also be installed in the trailer that can detect various environmental parameters. With an additional distance sensor, the module could react to changes in the environment. The trailer can also have an additional electronic control unit, which gives the trailers more functionality and makes them independently replaceable, and simplifies maintenance.

[0020] The module features a counterweight attached to the suspension via a second pulley. The counterweight is preferably twice as heavy as the trailer to enable load-free movement, thus creating virtually no torque for the motor. It also provides the advantage of smooth movement and reliable distance measurement in combination with the distance sensor. This also ensures that the element and counterweight remain stationary when switched off, but can be easily adjusted in height by hand. In another embodiment, the counterweight can also be designed as a second trailer.

[0021] The movement of the pendant can be freely configured. In a further embodiment, the movement is controlled via a logic controller. The movement can be carried out continuously or at least temporarily stopped. During movement, the pendant experiences twice the travel distance compared to the counterweight. If the counterweight is designed as an additional pendant, other travel paths are also possible. In a further embodiment, the speed of the movement can be linked to other properties of the pendant. For example, with a light source as a pendant, the speed of the movement and the brightness can be linked. The preferred movement speed for standardized ceiling heights between 2.20 and 3 m is 0.02 m / s ± 0.005 m / s. For higher rooms, the room size factor is multiplied by the speed value. Double the room height = double the speed.All controllable parameters of the system can be set individually or depending on other parameters.

[0022] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system comprising at least two of the modules that can be connected to one another. The module has a signaling coupling means. The signaling coupling means can enable wired and / or wireless communication between the modules (10).

[0023] In the system, it can be provided that the electronic control unit of a first module controls the movement patterns of all other modules directly or indirectly.

[0024] The control commands between the modules can be transmitted using a proprietary or non-proprietary protocol. Examples of non-proprietary protocols include DMX, TCP / IP, KNX, or EIB.

[0025] The modules can be freely arranged within the system, and the number of modules is scalable as required. The modules intelligently detect their position within the system. Connecting the modules within the system wirelessly via a cable-free connection represents another option, providing further design flexibility. The modules can also be housed in a housing. At least one of the modules in the system can also connect to various wired and wireless external communication interfaces, such as home automation bus systems, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth (BLE). Character description Fig. 1 shows a module in three different views. Fig. 2 shows individual parts of the module in detailed view. Fig. 3 shows scalability (left) and movement (right) of the system. Fig. 4 shows the flexibility of the system layout. Fig. 5 shows the system with different versions of the trailers. Fig. 6 shows the connection and bayonet lock of the trailer for suspension. Fig. 7 shows the sensors in the lamp.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows the module 10 in various views. On the left, the complete module 10 is shown, in the middle, the module 10 with the suspension 80 and the first end 81 and second end 82 of the suspension is shown in detail, and on the right, the individual parts of the module 10 are shown. The ceiling housing 70 of the module 10 contains an electronic control unit 30, the stepper motor 40, the distance sensor 50, and the first deflection pulley 60. The counterweight 150 is attached to the suspension 80 in a housing 140, above which is the second deflection pulley 110 with ball bearing 120 and the casing 130. The pendant is arranged at the second end of the suspension 82, which here has a core housing 160 with a lamp holder 170, which is arranged with the weight 180 in the lamp housing 190, which has a lamp 200.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows detailed views of the pulley 60, the core housing 160, the ceiling mount 20 and the ceiling housing 70.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows the system 90 consisting of several modules 10. On the left, systems with 3, 5, and 12 modules are shown. On the right, the movement of the trailer and counterweight 150 through various positions is modeled.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows examples of the arrangement of modules 10 in system 90, which are possible in various orientations.

[0030] Fig. Figure 5 shows system 90, with 10 different pendants attached to the modules. At the top left is a light fixture 200, at the top right are plant baskets 201, at the bottom right are clothes hangers 202, and at the bottom left is a decorative element 203.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 shows the connector attached to the second end of the suspension 80 and attaching the trailer to the suspension by means of a bayonet lock.

[0032] Fig.7 shows an embodiment in which the illuminant 220 contains further sensors, here a sensor 220 and has LEDs 210. List of reference symbols 10 Module 20 ceiling mount 30 electronic control unit 40 stepper motor 50 distance sensor 60 First pulley 70 Housing ceiling station 80 Suspension 81 First end of the suspension 82 Second end of the suspension 90 system 110 Second pulley 120 ball bearings 130 Formwork pulley 140 Housing Counterweight 150 counterweight 160 core casings 170 lamp holder 180 weight 190 lamp housing 200 lamps 201 Plant basket 202 Clothes hanger 203 Decorative element 210 LED 220 Sensor QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2016 101 262 U1

[0003] DE 20 2021 105 074 U1

[0003] EP 4 137 739 A1

[0004] WO 2021 180 798 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Module (10), comprising: - a ceiling mount (20) - a first electronic control unit (30) - a suspension (80), which is preferably designed as a flat cable, with a first and a second end, wherein the suspension is attached to the module (10) with the first end (81) - a drive unit (40), which is preferably a stepper motor, which can transmit movement to the suspension (80) via a first deflection roller (60), characterized by that the module (10) further comprises: - a trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) attached to the second end (82) of the suspension (80), wherein between the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) and the attachment of the suspension (80) to the module (10), a counterweight (150) is attached to the suspension (80) via a second pulley (110), - a distance sensor (50) which monitors the distance between the module (10) and the counterweight (150), and wherein the electronic control unit (30) is signal-connected to the drive unit (40) and the distance sensor (50) and is designed to generate substantially vertical movement patterns of the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) via the drive unit (40). [2] Module (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the control unit (50) has a communication device by means of which control commands can be transmitted from a user to the control unit. [3] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the movement is controlled via the control unit (50) by means of a logic control. [4] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) can be interchangeably attached to the suspension (80) via preferably a bayonet lock. [5] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) has a sensor (220) and / or an electronic control unit, wherein the sensor (220) and the control unit of the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) are signal-connected to the control unit (30) of the module (10). [6] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the trailer (200, 201, 202, 203) is weighted, preferably by means of an interchangeable weight. [7] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the suspension (80) is designed as a deformable flat cable, preferably as a silicone cable. [8] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the suspension has at least one wire strand. [9] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pendant is designed as a lighting device (200). [10] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the trailer is designed as a plant basket (201) which is suitable for holding plants. [11] Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the trailer is designed as a clothes hanger (202). [12] System (90) comprising at least two modules (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modules (10) have a signaling and / or voltage coupling means by means of which the modules can be connected to one another in terms of signaling and / or their supply voltage. [13] System (90) according to claim 10, characterized bythat signal coupling means enable wired and / or wireless communication between the modules (10). [14] System (90) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized by that the electronic control unit of a first module directly or indirectly controls the movement patterns of all other modules. [15] System (90) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized by that the control commands are transmitted between the modules (10) by means of a proprietary or non-proprietary protocol.

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