Tubular lighting device and lighting arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a tubular lighting device with a light-emitting section and an end section. The lighting device includes a light-generating arrangement in the light-emitting section, which enables the emission of light in the area of ​​the light-emitting section during operation. The end section is configured to supply the lighting device with electrical current for the operation of the light-generating arrangement. Furthermore, the lighting device includes a control arrangement located within the end section and housed within a body of the end section for controlling the light-generating arrangement. A lighting arrangement comprising such a tubular lighting device and at least one mounting device for it is also proposed.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting devices. Specifically, the invention relates to a lighting arrangement with a tubular lighting device. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Although the invention may be useful in many fields where achieving a lighting effect is desired, the invention and the underlying problem will be explained in more detail below using the example of a lighting device for achieving an aesthetic lighting effect, particularly in the interior of a building.

[0003] It is generally known that luminaires or luminous elements are used in the interior of a building not only to illuminate a space, but also to achieve an aesthetic effect and / or to vary the light distribution in different areas of the room. Conventional lighting fixtures have limitations regarding the flexibility of designing lighting effects, and their installation and power supply are typically less simple, flexible, elegant, and space-saving than would be desirable.

[0004] For example, US patent 2004 / 0246718 A1 describes a cable light fixture that has a control unit integrated with a connector within the fixture. It also describes how the control unit of this cable light fixture dims or flashes its lamps at predetermined time intervals.

[0005] Furthermore, US Patent 2020 / 0109828 A1 describes a flexible lighting arrangement with light sources mounted on a light-emitting circuit board. The light-emitting circuit board is coupled to a control circuit board, which includes a control device for controlling the light sources. At one end of the control circuit board, leads are attached for electrical coupling of the control circuit board to a power supply. The patent also describes mounting a wireless receiver on the control circuit board along with the control device. Additionally, a flexible, elongated enclosure made of a transparent or translucent material is described, the side walls of which are formed with recesses for the engagement of a fastening element with a C-shaped cross-section.

[0006] An encapsulated, flexible LED light strip for a bicycle, which has an internal control device, is further described in US 2013 / 0021811 A1.

[0007] This situation needs to be improved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the invention is based on the objective of providing an improved lighting arrangement with a tubular lighting device, wherein the lighting device can be arranged and mounted in a simple and versatile manner in the room and the simplest possible, space-saving attachment and supply of the lighting device should be enabled.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a lighting arrangement with the features of claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, a lighting arrangement is proposed comprising a tubular lighting device with a light-emitting section and an end section, as well as at least one fastening device for the tubular lighting device. The lighting device has a light-generating arrangement in the light-emitting section, which enables the emission of light in the area of ​​the light-emitting section during operation. The end section is configured to supply the lighting device with electrical current for the operation of the light-generating arrangement. Furthermore, the lighting device has a control arrangement located within the end section and received by a body of the end section for controlling the light-generating arrangement.The tubular lighting device is attached to the end section of the tubular lighting device by means of the fastening device, wherein a supply of electrical current for the tubular lighting device for its operation and / or with control signals is provided at the end section.

[0011] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to integrate the control arrangement into an end section of the tubular lighting device ("light tube"). Such integration of the control arrangement significantly simplifies the mounting of the tubular lighting device. In particular, when mounting the tubular lighting device, there is no need to consider a separately provided component for controlling the light-generating arrangement. Furthermore, the invention eliminates the need for a separate housing for such a control arrangement. The separate mounting of such a housing outside the lighting device, with its associated effort and space requirements, can also be avoided in this way.The proposed arrangement of the control unit according to the invention thus saves space, avoids a separate component outside the actual lighting device, and simplifies the mounting of the lighting device. Furthermore, the space-saving arrangement of the control unit allows for an elegant and space-saving supply of electrical power to the lighting device for its operation, for example, by means of wiring.

[0012] According to the invention, the end section is designed as a mounting section for the lighting device, enabling it to be attached at least by means of the end section. Thus, the end section can fulfill the functions of both mounting the lighting device and housing the control arrangement, thereby saving space.

[0013] According to the invention, the end section is designed to be received by the mounting device for the lighting device, and in a further development, in particular by a mounting part of the mounting device, for securing the lighting device, at least partially, or substantially completely along a longitudinal extent of the end section. In this way, for example, the end section with the control arrangement integrated therein can be aesthetically and practically concealed by the mounting device or the mounting part, such that the light-emitting section of the tubular lighting device, when installed, can emit light continuously along its visible extent and, in particular, largely uniformly. In this way, particularly aesthetic lighting effects can be achieved.

[0014] According to the invention, the end section is designed with an outer shape having a substantially circular cross-section, in particular a substantially cylindrical outer shape. Such a design of the outer shape of the end section can advantageously contribute to fastening the end section in various ways. Different types of fastening of the end section are possible without the control arrangement being an obstacle.

[0015] According to the invention, the body of the end section is essentially solid.

[0016] According to the invention, the tubular lighting device is designed to be flexible. This makes it possible to create a variety of lighting effects using the lighting device.

[0017] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the end section can be clamped for fastening. For example, the end section can be clamped within the mounting part after it has been partially or substantially completely inserted. In particular, the mounting part can have clamping devices specifically designed for this purpose. This allows for simple and practical fixing of the lighting device.

[0019] In particular, in a further development, the end section can be connected to the light emission section, preferably essentially directly. In this way, the integration of the mounting, power supply and control, and light emission by the lighting device can be achieved in a particularly compact and space-saving manner.

[0020] According to a further additional embodiment, the end section is designed with an outer transverse dimension, in particular an outer diameter, which essentially corresponds to an outer transverse dimension, in particular an outer diameter, of the light-emitting section. This can contribute to the efficient manufacture of the lighting device, especially since, for example, the outer shape of the light-emitting section can be continued unchanged into the end section. For example, a circular outer contour of the tubular lighting device can be essentially the same in the light-emitting section and in the end section.

[0021] It should be noted that in other embodiments the light emission section of the lighting device can be designed with an outer shape that has a cross-section that deviates from a circular shape, for example an oval cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, for example with rounded corners, or another desired cross-section.

[0022] Although it may be preferred if the outer cross-sectional shape of the light emission section and the end section are the same, in some embodiments the outer cross-sectional shape of the end section may differ from that of the light emission section.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the control assembly is completely enclosed within the body of the end section. This allows the control assembly to be housed in a space-saving manner, while simultaneously enabling the end section to be designed, for example, with a unified outer contour and essentially without any parts of the control assembly protruding from the outer contour, which further simplifies mounting. Moreover, the control assembly is well protected in this way.

[0024] In this further development, the body of the end section is designed as a solid silicone body. The control arrangement is preferably integrated into the body in such a way that the body essentially completely surrounds the control arrangement.

[0025] In particular, in a further development, the light emission section and the end section are formed with a common silicone body. The light emission section and the end section, with the control arrangement housed therein, can be manufactured in a suitable manner, and the control arrangement can be suitably integrated into the silicone body, without requiring a step of attaching the end section to the light emission section.

[0026] In a further development, the light-generating arrangement is designed with a ribbon-shaped component within the interior of the light-emitting section. Light-generating devices, particularly LEDs, are arranged at intervals on this component. Furthermore, conductors can be provided on or attached to the ribbon-shaped component, by means of which the light-generating devices are interconnected with the control arrangement and / or with each other. Thus, light generation can be achieved efficiently along the light-emitting section. Using LEDs, this is accomplished effectively and energy-efficiently.

[0027] According to one embodiment, one or more conductors, in particular a cable, are led out of the end section, which is designed as one end of the tubular lighting device, at a front end distal to the light-emitting section, parallel to an axial direction, particularly in the region of a front end face of the end section and preferably centrally in the region of a longitudinal axis of the end section. The preferably insulated conductor(s) can be provided for supplying electrical current to the lighting device and / or for transmitting control signals to the control arrangement.

[0028] In a further development, the tubular lighting device is designed to be supplied with electrical energy via its end section, provided by a converter located outside the tubular lighting device. This allows the converter to be positioned at a distance from the tubular lighting device. As a result, the slim design and the simple, flexible, and versatile mounting of the lighting device are not compromised. Furthermore, if required, it is possible to supply several lighting devices with electrical energy via a single converter.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the control arrangement is designed to receive a control signal and to control the light-generating arrangement and / or a single light-generating device and / or several single light-generating devices of the light-generating arrangement and / or groups of these light-generating devices of the light-generating arrangement, for example an LED or LEDs, depending on the control signal.

[0030] The control arrangement can, in particular in further embodiments, be set up to process and / or evaluate and / or interpret the received control signal, for example by means of a computing device, such as a microprocessor.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the control arrangement is designed to control the lighting arrangement and / or the individual lighting device(s) of the lighting arrangement and / or the groups of these lighting devices, for example, using a DALI protocol, a DMX protocol, a ZigBee protocol, or a 0-10V protocol.

[0032] Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the control arrangement can be configured to dim the light-generating arrangement and / or the individual light-generating device(s) and / or the groups of these light-generating devices depending on the control signal. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the control arrangement can be configured to set or change the color and / or color temperature of the light emitted by the light-generating arrangement and / or the individual light-generating device(s) and / or the groups of these light-generating devices depending on the control signal.

[0033] For example, in certain configurations the control of the light-generating device(s), such as the LED(s), can be carried out using pulse width modulation (PWM), for example 48 volts - PWM, 24 volts - PWM or 12 volts - PWM.

[0034] In particular, the control arrangement can be configured to electronically dim the lighting arrangement and / or the individual lighting device(s) and / or their groups using microprocessor control.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control arrangement includes a printed circuit board, which is equipped in particular with electronic components.

[0036] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board (PCB) is surrounded on all sides by a material, in particular a silicone material, with which the end section is formed. Conductors for coupling the control arrangement to the light-generating arrangement and to an external source of electrical energy and / or control signals originating from the PCB are routed through this material. In this way, the PCB is mechanically held, supported, and protected by the material of the end section. The conductors are also mechanically fixed in this manner.

[0037] In one embodiment, the circuit board is completely enclosed in the end section.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the printed circuit board (PCB) is elongated, with one longitudinal dimension of the PCB oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the end section. The PCB can, for example, be rectangular. Furthermore, the PCB can have an aspect ratio of approximately 2 to 10, particularly between approximately 3 and 6, or between approximately 4 and 5. Components for forming the control arrangement can be mounted on such a PCB, and the PCB can be advantageously housed in the end section of a particularly slim and elongated tubular lighting device.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the printed circuit board is essentially arranged in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis and the diameter of the end section. In particular, this allows the cross-section of an end section, which may have a round outer shape, to be used effectively to accommodate the printed circuit board and thus the control arrangement.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the tube-shaped lighting device has a length of up to approximately 10 meters and is supplied with electrical energy along its entire length via the end section and controlled along its entire length by means of the control arrangement.

[0041] In particular, the longitudinal extent of the light emission section can be significantly greater than the longitudinal extent of the end section.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the end section is also elongated. This allows for reliable fastening using the end section, and also creates space to accommodate the control assembly within the end section.

[0043] In particular, the tubular lighting device is elongated.

[0044] The tubular lighting device can have a further end section spaced apart from the end section, which can serve for further fastening. Preferably, however, the control arrangement is housed only in the first-mentioned end section.

[0045] In one embodiment, the lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of tubular lighting devices and an external converter. In this configuration, some or all of the tubular lighting devices can be supplied with electrical energy by the external converter. Thus, only one converter is required to supply multiple lighting devices, allowing for a space-saving power supply.

[0046] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of tubular lighting devices, wherein some or all of the plurality of tubular lighting devices can be assigned to a control group and controlled jointly. This can simplify the control of the lighting devices and, in particular, their light-generating arrangements.

[0047] In one embodiment, the tubular lighting device is attached at least at its end section by means of the fastening device in the area of ​​a ceiling or a wall or a floor of a room, in particular an interior space in a building.

[0048] It should be noted that the above-described designs and further developments with regard to the lighting device are applicable analogously to the lighting arrangement, and vice versa.

[0049] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a tubular lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment, schematically; Fig. 2 a section of the tubular lighting device of the Fig. 1 comprising an end section of the same, in an enlarged perspective view; Fig. 3 a section of the tubular lighting device of the Fig. 1 comprising the end section thereof, wherein a body of the end section is shown cut away along a longitudinal median plane of the end section for clarification, in a perspective view; Fig. 4 a section of the tubular lighting device of the Fig. 1 in a frontal view of the end section thereof, wherein the body of the end section is analogous Fig. 3 Fig. 5A shows a cutaway view of the section of the tubular lighting device, as shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 2 shown; Fig. 5 Legs Sectional view AA of the section comprising the end section of the tubular lighting device, as shown in Fig. 5A specified; Fig. 6 a partial view of the tubular lighting device according to Fig. 1-5 as well as a fastening device for the lighting device in a longitudinal center section, in the area of ​​the end section, as these are used for the construction of a lighting arrangement; Fig. 7 a further illustration of the tubular lighting device and the fastening device in the arrangement of the Fig. 6 , to illustrate the fixing of the lighting device; Fig. 8 a top view of a lighting arrangement comprising the tubular lighting device of the Fig. 1-5 , which in Fig. 6, 7 shown mounting device, as well as an external converter, along with a schematic representation of wiring; and Fig. 9 a lighting arrangement according to a variant, with several tubular lighting devices according to Fig. 1-5 and a common converter, with the figure also illustrating a control group of tubular lighting devices.

[0051] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0052] In the figures, identical, functionally equivalent, or similarly acting elements, features, and components are each provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise specified. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0053] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a tubular lighting device 1, which in this example can also be referred to as a "silicone light tube", according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein a light emission section 3 and an end section 6 directly adjoining the light emission section 3 are shown. The tubular lighting device 1 can be attached to a second, remote from the end section 6 and in Fig. 1 The end, not shown, has a further end section.

[0054] End section 6 is designed as a fastening section for attaching the lighting device 1 by means of end section 6. The further, second, and in Fig. 1 The end section not shown can be designed as a fastening section to secure the other end of the tubular lighting device 1.

[0055] The tubular lighting device 1, see e.g. Fig. 1 , is elongated and has an outer shape which, in the example shown, has an essentially circular outer cross-section that remains essentially the same along the longitudinal extent of the light emission section 3 and the end section 6.

[0056] The final section 6, see e.g. Fig. 1 oder 2 , is also elongated, with the longitudinal extent of the light emission section 3 being significantly greater than the longitudinal extent L6 of the end section 6, see also Fig. 5B .

[0057] The tubular lighting device 1 is flexibly designed, thus enabling a Fig. 1 Fastening device 55 (not shown) for fastening the first end section 6, a further fastening device (not shown) for fastening the second end section (not shown), and, if desired, additional fastening devices provided and shown Fig. 1 Further fastening devices, not shown, for fixing the light-emitting section 3 at one or more intermediate positions enable the luminaire 1 to be arranged in a variety of, for example, three-dimensional shapes within a space, such as the interior of a building. The end sections of the luminaire 1, and in particular the end section 6, can be attached to the ceiling, wall, or floor of such a space.

[0058] A longitudinal axis 2 of the tubular lighting device 1 follows in Fig. 1 a longitudinal centerline of the lighting device 1 along the exemplary curved path of the lighting device 1. In Fig. 1 The longitudinal axis 2 is indicated by a dashed line. The longitudinal axis 2 also forms the longitudinal axis of both the light emission section 3 and the end section 6.

[0059] The lighting device 1 is designed such that it can emit light in the light emission section 3. Preferably, the lighting device 1 is configured such that, during operation, it emits light uniformly and continuously along essentially the entire longitudinal extent of the light emission section 3.

[0060] To generate the light that is to be emitted in the area of ​​the light emission section 3 during the operation of the lighting device 1, the lighting device 1 has a light-generating arrangement 21 in the light emission section 3. The light-generating arrangement 21 is designed with a ribbon-shaped component 22 on which LEDs 23 are arranged at different intervals as light-generating devices. The ribbon-shaped component 22 can serve as a carrier for the LEDs 23 and for conductor tracks or similar conductors by means of which the LEDs 23 are supplied with electrical current and / or are interconnected. The ribbon-shaped component 22 is arranged in an interior of the light emission section 3 and in Fig. 6 and 8 schematically represented. The ribbon-shaped and preferably flexible component 22 can also be referred to as "LED-PCB", where PCB stands for "printed circuit board".

[0061] A power supply for the lighting device 1, for the operation of the light-generating arrangement 21, is provided in the region of the first end section 6, with the end section 6 being configured for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, several insulated conductors 19, here by way of example four, which can be grouped together to form a cable 15 or run individually, are led out of the end section 6 parallel to an axial direction, i.e., along the longitudinal axis 2, at a front end 7 of the end section 6 distal to the light-emitting section 3, which also forms a first end of the tubular lighting device 1. The conductors 19 of the cable 15 thus exit the end section 6 at the distal end 7 in the region of the front end face of the end section 6, preferably centrally in the region of the longitudinal axis 2.The cable 15 with the conductors 19 serves to supply the lighting device 1 with electrical current and with control signals.

[0062] To control the light-generating arrangement 21, the lighting device 1 has a control arrangement 10 located within the end section 6 and received by a body 36 of the end section 6. The accommodation of the control arrangement 10 in the end section 6 will be described below with reference in particular to Fig. 2 bis 7 will be described in more detail.

[0063] The end section 6 has an outer shape whose cross-section is essentially circular and essentially constant along the longitudinal extent L6 of the end section 6. Thus, in the example shown, the end section 6 has an essentially cylindrical outer shape, in particular a circular cylindrical outer shape.

[0064] In particular, it shows Fig. 5A Furthermore, the end section 6 is designed with an outer diameter D6 which essentially corresponds to an outer diameter D3 of the light-emitting section 3.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer cross-sectional shape of the light emission section 3 and that of the end section 6 are therefore the same, although this may differ in other embodiments. It is also conceivable that the outer cross-sectional shape of the light emission section 3 deviates from a circular shape.

[0066] The body 36 of the end section 6 is designed as a solid silicone body that essentially completely surrounds the control arrangement 10. Thus, the control arrangement 10 is completely enclosed within the body 36 of the end section 6. It should be noted again that in Fig. 3 und 4 The final section 6 is cut along its longitudinal central axis for illustrative purposes only and thus in Fig. 3 und 4 The figure is shown only partially to illustrate the embedding of the control arrangement 10 in the body 36 of the end section 6. It is understood that the control arrangement 10 is completely enclosed by the body 36.

[0067] The control arrangement 10 is designed as a control unit with a printed circuit board 28. In particular, the printed circuit board 28 is equipped with electronic components 31. The components 31 are interconnected on the printed circuit board 28 to form the control arrangement 10, for example, by means of conductor tracks not shown in detail in the figures. For the sake of clarity, not all electronic components 31 are labeled with reference numerals in the figures. The control arrangement 10 can therefore also be referred to as a control PCB, where PCB stands for "printed circuit board".

[0068] The printed circuit board 28 with the components 31 mounted on it is completely enclosed by the silicone body 36 and thus within the end section 6. The printed circuit board 28, along with the components 31, is surrounded on all sides by the silicone material from which the body 36 is formed. The printed circuit board 28 is therefore mechanically integrated into the end section 6.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the control arrangement 10, with the circuit board 28 of the ribbon-shaped component 22, with the LEDs 23 spaced apart from each other mounted on it inside the light emission section 3, and a [unclear] Fig. 8 and 9 The external converter 78 shown, for example a converter from 230 volts mains voltage to 48 volts output voltage for operating the lighting device 1, is connected between the lighting device 1 and the external converter 78. The external converter 78 is arranged outside the tubular lighting device 1 and can be connected to a lighting device 1 as shown in Fig. 8 , or several lighting devices 1 together, as in Fig. 9 , take care of.

[0070] To couple the control arrangement 10, and in this case the circuit formed on the printed circuit board 28 with the aid of the electronic components 31, on the one hand with the light generation arrangement 21, and on the other hand to couple the control arrangement 10 with the converter 78 as an external source of electrical energy and with an external source of control signals, see for example Fig. 6 and 8 - Conductors 45 and 46 extending from the circuit board 28 towards the ribbon-shaped component 22, and from the opposite end of the circuit board 28 towards the distal end 7 of the end section 6 conductors 19a-19d, passing through the silicone material of the body 36.

[0071] Thus, the circuit board 28 with the components 31 located on it and also the conductors 19a-d, 45, 46 are mechanically held and protected against external influence.

[0072] The circuit board 28 with the electronic components 31 and the conductors 45, 46, 19a-d can, for example, be cast into the silicone material that forms the body 36 during the manufacture of the end section 6.

[0073] The circuit board 28 is rectangular and elongated, with a longitudinal extension L28 of the circuit board 28 arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis of the end section 6, which coincides with the longitudinal axis 2 of the lighting device 1. The circuit board 28 is thus designed as an elongated flat plate on which the electronic components 31 are arranged.

[0074] For example, the ratio L28 / B28 of the longitudinal extent L28 of the printed circuit board 28 to a transverse extent or width B28 of the printed circuit board 28 can be between approximately 2 and approximately 10, in particular between approximately 3 and approximately 6. In the example shown, the aspect ratio L28 / B28 is between 4 and 5. A printed circuit board 28 with such an elongated shape can be inserted into the end section 6 in a space-saving manner.

[0075] The circuit board 28 is arranged within the end section 6 such that it essentially follows a plane defined by a longitudinal axis of the end section 6 that coincides with the longitudinal axis 2 of the lighting device 1 and by a diameter of the end section 6, which is cylindrical with respect to its outer shape. In this way, the available space within the end section 6 is advantageously utilized for accommodating the circuit board 28.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the lighting device 1 along its longitudinal axis 2 can be up to approximately 10 meters, with the control arrangement 10 enabling the control of a light-generating arrangement 21 in a light-emitting section 3, which occupies most of the up to 10-meter-long lighting device 1. The control of the arrangement 21 is thus effected for the entire length of the lighting device 1 via the control arrangement 10 in the end section 6.

[0077] The silicone body 36 can be part of a single, unified silicone body common to both the light emission section 3 and the end section 6, thus eliminating the need to attach end section 6 and light emission section 3 to each other in a separate step. The silicone body could therefore be produced in a single molding step for sections 3 and 6, for example.

[0078] The control arrangement 10 receives control signals during operation, which are provided externally for controlling the lighting device 1. The control signals can be provided via wired connections, as shown in Fig. 8-9 The control signals can be transmitted via conductors 19c-d, or wirelessly in some variants. They can be based on protocols such as DALI, DMX, ZigBee, or 0-10V. For wireless transmission of the control signals, the ZigBee protocol can be used, eliminating the need for conductors 19c-d. For wired transmission via conductors 19c-d, the DALI protocol can be used in one example.

[0079] With the aid of the control arrangement 10, the light-generating arrangement 21 and / or its individual LEDs 23 and / or groups of these LEDs 23 are controlled depending on and according to the control signals. In particular, the light output by the LEDs 23 or by their groups, which can be defined within the entirety of the LEDs 23 of the light-generating arrangement 21 of the lighting device 1, is controlled.

[0080] The control arrangement 10 is designed to process the received control signal, for example, by means of a computing device such as a microprocessor. The control signal can be evaluated or interpreted by the control arrangement 10. This microprocessor-based evaluation or processing can, for example, include the use of a DALI protocol, a DMX protocol, or a ZigBee protocol.

[0081] Alternatively, the use of a 0-10V protocol is conceivable, whereby a microprocessor-based evaluation is not required when using this protocol.

[0082] The control arrangement 10 allows the light-generating arrangement 21, either as a whole with all LEDs 23 arranged on the ribbon component 22, and / or individual LEDs 23 and / or groups thereof, to be dimmed depending on the control signal. In the case of the DALI, DMX, or ZigBee protocol, dimming is carried out electronically by the control arrangement 10 using a microprocessor provided on the circuit board 28 as the processing unit. If dimming is based on the 0-10V protocol, it can be performed without the use of a microprocessor.

[0083] In addition to, or alternatively to, the dimming described above, the control arrangement 10 can be configured to set or change the color and / or color temperature of a light emitted by the light-generating arrangement 21 and / or the individual LEDs 23 and / or groups thereof, depending on the received control signal. In this variant, the control arrangement 10 is thus configured to evaluate or interpret an RGB control signal and / or a tunable white control signal, and to control the light-generating arrangement 21 and / or its LEDs 23 individually or in groups accordingly.

[0084] The light-generating devices 23 are controlled, for example, by means of pulse width modulation (PWM), such as 48 volts PWM, 24 volts PWM, or 12 volts PWM. For example, the conductors 45 and 46 can be used to control the light-generating devices 23. Fig. 8 The control is carried out using 48V-PWM, while the converter 78 provides an operating voltage of 48 volts via conductors 19a,b.

[0085] Fig. 8 Figure 1 also illustrates a lighting arrangement 100, which includes the tubular lighting device 1 and a fastening device 55. The fastening device 55 has a mounting part 64, a cover part 65, two clamping elements 66 and two clamping elements 67, as well as a mechanism 68 for each of the clamping elements 66 for actuating it.

[0086] The tubular lighting device 1 is attached at its end section 6 by means of the fastening device 55, for example to a wall, ceiling or floor of a room. A further fastening device, not shown in detail, can be used to attach the second end section – if present – ​​of the lighting device 1, which is also not shown.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the control assembly 10 is housed in a space-saving manner. The end section 6 with its circular cylindrical outer contour can be conveniently attached, while the control assembly 10 is simultaneously concealed by the mounting device 55, in particular by the mounting part 64 and the cover part 65. The control assembly 10 is thus aesthetically "hidden" without requiring a separate housing for it or complicating the attachment of the tubular lighting device 1. At the same time, light is preferably emitted uniformly and continuously over the visible portion of the lighting device 1, which corresponds to the light emission section 3, during operation.

[0088] The lighting device 1 is supplied with electrical energy via the elongated end section 6. For this purpose, the [unclear text] is [unclear text]. Fig. 8 The external converter 78 shown, already mentioned, is provided. In addition, control signals are supplied to the lighting device 1 via the end section 6. Fig. 8 The diagram schematically shows the coupling of the lighting device 1 via the converter 78 to the power grid (conductors L, N) and to control lines (conductors DA).

[0089] The mounting part 64 has an opening 69 in which the end section 6 can be received to a considerable extent along its longitudinal extent L6 and clamped to the mounting part 64 for fixation. The shape of the opening preferably corresponds to the outer shape of the end section 6 described above and is, for example, circular. A clamping device comprising the two clamping elements 67, designed as clamping screws, is provided for clamping the end section 6 in the opening 69. On the rear side of the fastening device 55, see Fig. 6-7 , the end section 6 may protrude slightly from the mounting part 64, whereby this part is not visible to the observer after assembly is complete and is turned away from the visible side of the fastening device 55.

[0090] To attach the lighting device 1, the end section 6 is inserted into the opening 69 of the mounting part 64 such that the cable 15 exits the mounting part 64 on the rear side of the mounting device 55, which is not visible when installed. After positioning the end section 6 in the opening 69, the end section 6 is clamped in the mounting part 64 by means of the clamping elements 67 and thus fixed to the mounting part 64.

[0091] The mounting part 64 is also attached to another element, in particular, in the example shown, to a plate-shaped component 85, such as a suspended ceiling or a drywall partition built in front of a solid wall, by means of clamps. For this purpose, an opening can be formed in the plate-shaped component 85 into which the fastening device 55 and the end section 6 contained therein are inserted section by section. The cable 15 is led out on a non-visible side of the plate-shaped component 85, on which side of the plate-shaped component 85 the converter 78 may also be located. Each of the clamping elements 66 has a surface 71, while the mounting part 64 itself, or the cover part 65, has a projection 70.By moving the clamping elements 66 by means of the respective associated mechanism 68, the surfaces 71 can be moved relative to the projection 70 and thus adjusted or set in their position. For this purpose, the mechanism 68 can each have a screw element 72, by turning which the clamping element 66 can be adjusted along the screw element 72.

[0092] Thus, the mounting part 64 can be fixed to the plate-shaped component 85 for fastening using the movable clamping elements 66. In this way, the lighting device 1 is fixed to the wall or ceiling, or alternatively to a floor, in the area of ​​the end section 6.

[0093] Furthermore, the lighting device 1 can also be fixed to the second end mentioned above in a manner not shown in detail, which can also be done by clamping or in another way.

[0094] Furthermore, it should be mentioned that fastening by means of clamps through or abutting the surfaces 71 is not necessarily required, but instead it may be provided that the mounting part 64 is screwed to the further element, such as the wall, the floor or the ceiling, for example to the plate-shaped component 85, for fastening the lighting device 1 to the end section 6, for example by means of screws.

[0095] After the end section 6 has been fixed therein by clamping, and after the fastening to the plate-shaped component 85 as described above, the mounting part 64 is attractively covered by the cover part 65.

[0096] The end section 6 thus serves both to attach the light device 1 and to house the control arrangement 10 in the case of the tube-shaped light device 1.

[0097] Integrating the control assembly 10 or the PCB 28 within the silicone tube 1 simplifies the use of various mounting options at the end section 6. In particular, a separate housing for the control assembly 10 or PCB 28 is no longer required, which would then need to be mounted outside the luminaire (e.g., in or in front of, behind, or on top of a drywall partition, etc.). Furthermore, when mounting the luminaire 1, no consideration needs to be given to a separate component, such as such a housing containing the control assembly 10, located outside the luminaire body.

[0098] In this way, the wiring 15 can be routed elegantly and in a space-saving manner through, for example, a narrow tube, without the need to accommodate a PCB 28 in (or in front of) it. The end piece 6 of the light tube 1, which contains the control arrangement 10, and thus the populated PCB 28, is completely or at least partially enclosed by the fastening device 55 for the tube 1, so that the transparent tube 1, when installed, emits light continuously along its visible length in the light emission section 3 and in a largely uniform manner.

[0099] The control arrangement 10 of the lighting device 1 is electrically coupled to the converter 78 and to the light-generating arrangement 21, as described above. The control arrangement 10 is thus arranged along an electrical current path between the converter 78 and the light-generating arrangement 21. The external converter 78 can, for example, be arranged behind the plate-shaped element, such as the suspended ceiling.

[0100] It should also be mentioned that the control arrangement 10 may, if required but not necessarily, be equipped with further functions beyond the control of the LEDs 23 or the light generation arrangement 21 described above.

[0101] As already mentioned, the lighting arrangement 100 can comprise a plurality of the tubular lighting devices 1, which can be supplied together by the external converter 78. Such a light-generating arrangement 100' is shown schematically. Fig. 9 The lighting devices 1 can be controlled individually, or, see below. Fig. 9 It is provided that some or all of the tubular lighting devices 1 are assigned to a control group SG, such that the lighting devices 1 assigned to the control group SG can be controlled jointly. In such a control group SG, two or more tubular lighting devices 1, as described above, each with a light-generating arrangement 21 with a plurality of LEDs 23, can thus be combined for joint control analogous to what is described above for the lighting device 1.

[0102] Although the invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited to these, but can be modified in many different ways. Reference symbol list

[0103] 1 Tubular lighting device 2 Longitudinal axis (lighting device) 3 Light emission section 6 End section 7 Distal end (end section) 10 Control arrangement 15 Cable 19 Conductor 19a-d Conductor 21 Light generation arrangement 22 Ribbon component 23 LED 28 Printed circuit board 31 Electronic component 36 Body (end section) 45 Conductor 46 Conductor 55 Fastening device 64 Mounting part 65 Cover part 66 Clamping element 67 Clamping element 68 Mechanism 69 Opening 70 Projection 71 Area 72 Screw element 78 Converter 85 Plate-shaped component 100 Lighting arrangement 100' Lighting arrangement D6 Outer diameter (end section) L6 Longitudinal extent (end section) D3 Outer diameter (light emission section) L28 Longitudinal extent (printed circuit board) B28 Cross-section (circuit board) SG control group

Claims

1. Lighting arrangement (100; 100') comprising a flexibly configured, tubular lighting device (1) with a light output portion (3) and an end portion (6); wherein the lighting device (1) has a light-generating arrangement (21) in the light output portion (3), which enables light to be output in the region of the light output portion (3) when in operation; wherein the end portion (6) is designed to supply the lighting device (1) with electrical current for operation of the light-generating arrangement (21); wherein the lighting device (1) further comprises a control arrangement (10), arranged inside the end portion (6) and accommodated by a body (36) of the end portion (6), for driving the light-generating arrangement (21); and wherein the end portion (6) is configured with an outer shape of substantially circular cross-section; characterised in that the lighting arrangement (100; 100') further comprises at least one fastening means (55) for the tubular lighting device (1), the body (36) of the end portion (6) is of substantially solid construction, the end portion (6) is configured as a fastening portion of the lighting device (1) for fastening the latter at least by way of the end portion (6), to fasten the lighting device (1), and the end portion (6) is designed to be accommodated at least in part or substantially completely along a longitudinal extent (L6) of the end portion (6) by the fastening means (55) for the lighting device (1); wherein the tubular lighting device (1) is fastened at the end portion (6) by way of the fastening means (55) and supply of the tubular lighting device (1) with electrical current for operation thereof and / or with control signals is provided at the end portion (6).

2. Lighting arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that, to fasten the lighting device (1), the end portion (6) is designed to be accommodated at least in part or substantially completely along a longitudinal extent (L6) of the end portion (6) by a mounting part (64) of the fastening means (55).

3. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the end portion (6) is configured with a substantially cylindrical outer shape and / or in that the end portion (6) is configured with an outer transverse dimension (D6), in particular an outer diameter (D6), which corresponds substantially to an outer transverse dimension (D3), in particular an outer diameter (D3), of the light output portion (3).

4. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control arrangement (10) is accommodated completely in the body (36) of the end portion (6).

5. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the body (36) of the end portion (6) is configured as a solid silicone body (36) and / or the control arrangement (10) is preferably integrated into the body (36) in such a way that the body (36) substantially completely surrounds the control arrangement (10).

6. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the light output portion (3) and the end portion (6) are configured with a common silicone body.

7. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the light-generating arrangement (21) is configured with a component (22) in tape form in an interior of the light output portion (3), wherein light-generating means (23), in particular LEDs (23), are provided spaced from one another on this component (22).

8. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tubular lighting device (1) is designed to be supplied with electrical energy via the end portion (6), said electrical energy being made available by a converter (78) provided outside the tubular lighting device (1).

9. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control arrangement (10) is designed to receive a control signal and to drive the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or an individual light-generating means (23) or a plurality of individual light-generating means (23) of the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or groups of the light-generating means (23) of the light-generating arrangement (21), for example an LED (23) or LEDs (23), as a function of the control signal.

10. Lighting arrangement according to claim 9, characterised in that the control arrangement (10) is designed to dim the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or the one or more individual light-generating means (23) of the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or the groups of these light-generating means (23) as a function of the control signal and / or in that the control arrangement (10) is designed to adjust or modify a colour and / or a colour temperature of a light output by the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or the one or more individual light-generating means (23) of the light-generating arrangement (21) and / or the groups of these light-generating means (23) as a function of the control signal.

11. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control arrangement (10) has a printed circuit board (28) populated in particular with electronic components (31).

12. Lighting arrangement according to claim 11, characterised in that the printed circuit board (28) is surrounded on all sides thereof by a material with which the end portion (6) is constructed, wherein conductors (19a-d, 45, 46) for coupling the control arrangement (10) to the light-generating arrangement (21) and to an external source of electrical energy and / or of control signals are guided from the printed circuit board (28) through the material.

13. Lighting arrangement according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the printed circuit board (28) is of elongate configuration and a longitudinal extent (L28) of the printed circuit board (28) is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis (2) of the end portion (6), wherein the printed circuit board (28) is further configured, for example, with an aspect ratio of the longitudinal extent (L28) to the transverse extent (B28) of the printed circuit board (28) of between around 2 and around 10, in particular such an aspect ratio of between around 3 and around 6.

14. Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the printed circuit board (28) is arranged substantially following a plane formed by a longitudinal axis (2) and a diameter (D6) of the end portion (6).

15. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tubular lighting device (1) has a length of up to around ten metres and is supplied with electrical energy over its entire length via the end portion (6) and is driven over its entire length by way of the control arrangement (10).

16. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lighting arrangement (100') comprises a plurality of the tubular lighting devices (1) and furthermore an external converter (78), wherein some or all of the plurality of tubular lighting devices (1) can be supplied with electrical energy by the external converter (78).

17. Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lighting arrangement (100') comprises a plurality of the tubular lighting devices (1), wherein some or all of the plurality of tubular lighting devices (1) can be assigned to one control group (SG) and jointly driven.

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