Track Lighting System

Abstract

The present invention provides a track lighting system including an elongated system track, a first connector element, and an LED luminaire configured to be connected to the elongated system track, wherein the elongated system track extends along an elongated axis, the first connector element is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the first connector element including a first luminaire connector and a first track connector, the LED luminaire includes a back panel that faces the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is connected to the elongated system track, and the first luminaire track disposed within or on the back panel of the LED luminaire, the first luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and is movable along the first luminaire track, and the first track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and is movable along the elongated system track.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a track lighting system including an elongated system track and a luminaire configured to be connected to the elongated system track. The present invention further relates to the luminaire. [Background technology]

[0002] It is well known that track lighting systems, in which track lighting devices such as luminaires are mounted on a track, offer great flexibility and adaptability because the number of track lighting devices and / or the positioning of the track lighting devices can be varied on the track. The track may also be known as a rail or a lighting rail. See, for example, EP 3 719 394 A1.

[0003] Track lighting systems are typically implemented in professional venues. Most of the lighting fixtures currently implemented in track lighting systems are point sources. A typical example of such a track lighting system is a retail environment with multiple spotlights on a lighting track. The spotlights are mechanically and electrically connected to the lighting track and can be moved to desired locations on the lighting track.

[0004] However, a current trend in the lighting business is to mount large-area lighting fixtures, such as light panels or elongated light bars, on the tracks of a track lighting system. Another trend is that track lighting systems are increasingly being implemented in domestic environments, such as in living rooms and / or kitchens.

[0005] As track lighting systems become more popular and widespread in the residential market, there is a clear need to find safer, more ergonomic solutions and improvements when connecting track lighting devices, particularly large area fixtures such as light panels, to the tracks of a track lighting system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved track lighting system that at least alleviates the above problems and disadvantages, and therefore the invention is defined in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a track lighting system comprising an elongated system track, a first connector element, and an LED luminaire configured to be connected to the elongated system track, wherein the elongated system track extends along an axis of elongation, the first connector element is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the first connector element comprising a first luminaire connector and a first track connector, the LED luminaire comprising a back panel that faces the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is connected to the elongated system track, and the first luminaire track disposed within or on the back panel of the LED luminaire, the first luminaire connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track, and the first track connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track. The track lighting system further includes a second connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the second connector element including a second luminaire connector and a second track connector, the second track connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track, the second luminaire connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track, or the LED luminaire includes a second luminaire track disposed within or on a back panel of the luminaire, and the second luminaire connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the second luminaire track and movable along the second luminaire track.

[0008] The track lighting system according to the present invention includes an elongated system track and an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) luminaire. Throughout this application, the phrase luminaire may refer to an LED luminaire. The elongated system track may alternatively be referred to as an elongated rail, an elongated guide rail, or an elongated rail track. The track may also be considered an electrical track suitable for a track lighting system.

[0009] An elongate system track is elongate (extends) along an elongate axis, which may alternatively be referred to as a length axis, and which may be straight and / or curved.

[0010] The LED luminaires are configured to be connected (electrically and mechanically) to the elongated system track. The LED luminaires are therefore track lighting luminaires. The LED luminaires may be positioned or moved to various locations on the elongated system track (and associated elongated axis). Such adaptability and versatility are common and known advantages of track lighting systems.

[0011] The present invention provides further advantages, particularly when dealing with large-area LED luminaires, in more ergonomic positioning of LED luminaires relative to the elongated system track of a track lighting system. The large-area LED luminaire may be, for example, a panel luminaire or a light guide plate. In one embodiment, the LED luminaire is an LED panel. In another example, the luminaire may be an elongated LED bar.

[0012] That is, an LED luminaire according to the present invention includes a back panel that faces the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is connected to said elongated system track, and a first luminaire track that is disposed within or on the back panel of the LED luminaire. Alternatively stated, the first luminaire track may be disposed on the back panel. Thus, the LED luminaire (configured to be mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track of a track lighting system) itself includes a first luminaire track.

[0013] The back panel may alternatively be referred to as the back surface or the back side of the LED lighting fixture.

[0014] The track lighting system further includes a first connector element including a first luminaire connector and a first track connector, the first luminaire connector mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the first luminaire track, and the first track connector mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the elongated system track.

[0015] Because the first connector element not only includes a first track connector for mechanically connecting an LED luminaire to the elongated system track and for moving the LED luminaire along the elongated system track, but also includes a first luminaire connector that is mechanically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track, the track lighting system according to the present invention allows for an additional degree of freedom for the LED luminaire relative to the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is mechanically (and electrically) connected to a position on the elongated system track. Thus, the position and / or orientation of the LED luminaire can be adjusted even when connected to the elongated system track without having to move the connection point connecting the LED luminaire to the elongated system track. In other words, the first luminaire track allows for movement of the LED luminaire along the first luminaire track even when the LED luminaire is mechanically fixed to a position on the elongated system track (by the first track connector of the first connector element).

[0016] Such embodiments may be advantageous in providing more robustness and control to LED luminaires in track lighting systems, particularly large area luminaires that require robust connection to elongated system tracks, but may also benefit from improved adaptability to said elongated system tracks.

[0017] The large area luminaire, e.g. an LED luminaire according to the present invention, for example comprises a planar light exit window opposite the back panel, the planar light exit window having a light exit window surface area which may be at least four times, preferably at least eight times, larger than the surface area of ​​the elongated system track that it covers when the LED luminaire is connected to said elongated system track.

[0018] Thus, in one embodiment, the LED lighting fixture may include a planar light exit window opposite the back panel, and the LED lighting fixture may include a light source configured to transmit light to the surroundings through the planar light exit window.

[0019] The lighting fixture may further include at least one further light exit window, which may be arranged on the back panel and / or on a side panel perpendicular or transverse to the back panel, and the light source may be configured to transmit light to the surroundings through said at least one further light exit window.

[0020] In alternative examples, the LED lighting fixture may include the first track connector and / or the second track connector, and thus, in such examples, the first track connector and / or the second track connector may be an integral (albeit movable) part of the LED lighting fixture.

[0021] As described above, the track lighting system may include a second connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the second connector element including a second luminaire connector and a second track connector, the second luminaire connector mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track, and the second track connector mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track. Such an embodiment may be advantageous because the presence of the second connector element may provide a more robust connection between the LED luminaire and the elongated system track while still allowing an additional degree of freedom for adjusting the LED luminaire relative to the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is mechanically and electrically connected to a position on the elongated system track, i.e., allowing the position and / or orientation of the LED luminaire to be adjusted when connected to the elongated system track. Alternatively, the phrase "mechanically connected" may be expressed as "configured to mechanically connect."

[0022] In one example, the track lighting system may include a second luminaire track disposed within or on a back panel of the LED luminaire, and the first connector element may be mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and / or the second luminaire track when engaged with the first luminaire track and / or the second luminaire track, respectively, and may be movable along the first luminaire track and / or the second luminaire track, respectively.

[0023] As described above, the track lighting system may include a second connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the second connector element including a second luminaire connector and a second track connector, the LED luminaire including a second luminaire track disposed in or on a back panel of the luminaire, the second luminaire connector mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the second luminaire track, and the second track connector mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the elongated system track. Such an embodiment may be advantageous because the second connector element and the second luminaire track may provide a more robust connection between the LED luminaire and the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is mechanically connected to a position on the elongated system track while still allowing additional freedom for the LED luminaire to be adapted relative to the elongated system track. Alternatively, the expression "mechanically connected" may be expressed as "configured to mechanically connect."

[0024] In a related embodiment, the first and second lighting fixture tracks may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the back panel. In a further related embodiment, the first and second lighting fixture tracks may be arranged side-by-side on the back panel of the lighting fixtures.

[0025] In related embodiments, the first and second lighting fixture tracks may intersect each other on the back panel. In related embodiments, the first and second lighting fixture tracks may extend at least partially along a circular, curved, or elliptical path. In related embodiments, the first and second lighting fixture tracks may extend along a linear path.

[0026] A first luminaire track may extend, for example, between a first point and a second point on a back panel. The points may be understood as locations on the back panel or locations projected onto the back panel. The first point and the second point may define a first line on the back panel. The first line may follow a path that is straight, curved, circular, elliptical, square, etc.

[0027] The second lighting fixture track may extend, for example, between a third point and a fourth point on the back panel. The third point and the fourth point may define a second line on the back panel. The second line may follow a path that is straight, curved, circular, oval, square, etc.

[0028] The first connector element and the second connector element may be identical, e.g., have the same dimensions. The first connector element and the second connector element may be interchangeable.

[0029] In one embodiment, a track lighting system according to the present invention is provided, wherein the first luminaire track is disposed transversely to the elongated axis of the elongated system track and / or the second luminaire track is disposed transversely to the elongated axis of the elongated system track. In a further embodiment, the first luminaire track is disposed perpendicular to the elongated axis of the elongated system track and / or the second luminaire track is disposed perpendicular to the elongated axis of the elongated system track.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first track connector and / or the second track connector may be click-fitted into the elongate system track.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first track connector includes a first track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector in a position on the elongated system track, and / or the first luminaire connector includes a first luminaire connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector in a position on the first luminaire track.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second track connector includes a second track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the second track connector in a position on the elongated system track, and / or the second luminaire connector includes a second luminaire connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the second track connector in a position on the second luminaire track.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first lighting fixture track and / or the second lighting fixture track may be recessed in the back panel.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first lighting fixture track includes a first slit embedded in the back panel of the lighting fixture, and the first lighting fixture connector is mechanically confined to the first slit of the first lighting fixture track, and / or the second lighting fixture track includes a second slit embedded in the back panel of the lighting fixture, and the second lighting fixture connector is mechanically confined to the second slit of the second lighting fixture track.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first lighting fixture track and / or the second lighting fixture track may include a rail, groove, or electrically conductive track. For example, the first connector element and / or the second connector element may engage the rail so as to move along the first lighting fixture track and / or the second lighting fixture track. In some embodiments, the first lighting fixture track may include an anode and the second lighting fixture track may include a cathode. In some embodiments, the back panel may have a polygonal shape.

[0036] In some embodiments, if the first and second luminaire tracks do not intersect, the first and / or second luminaire tracks may be spaced a distance D from each other. The distance may be equal to at least one-quarter of the shortest side of the back panel. The distance is preferably, for example, 0.6 times the width of the luminaire, the width being defined by the back panel (or the width of the planar light exit window opposite the back panel, if present). Thus, the first luminaire track may include an anode, and the second luminaire track may include a cathode.

[0037] In one embodiment, the track lighting system may include a third connector element, the third connector element including a third luminaire connector and a third track connector, the third luminaire connector being mechanically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track, and the third track connector being mechanically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track.

[0038] In one embodiment, the track lighting system includes a third connector element, the LED luminaire includes a third luminaire track disposed in or on the back panel, the third connector element includes a third luminaire connector and a third track connector, the third luminaire connector is mechanically connected to the third luminaire track and may be movable along the third luminaire track, and the third track connector is configured to connect the luminaire to the elongated system track and may be movable along the elongated system track.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first connector element and / or the second connector element may include a respective controllable hinge configured to hinge the first luminaire connector and the first track connector relative to one another, and / or the respective controllable hinge may be configured to hinge the second luminaire connector and the second track connector relative to one another.

[0040] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved track lighting system that alleviates at least the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. Accordingly, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a track lighting system including an elongated system track, a first connector element, and an LED luminaire configured to be connected to the elongated system track, wherein the elongated system track extends along an elongated axis, the first connector element is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire to the elongated system track, the first connector element including a first luminaire connector and a first track connector, the LED luminaire including a panel that at least partially faces the elongated system track when the LED luminaire is connected to the elongated system track, and the first luminaire track disposed within or on the panel of the LED luminaire, the first luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the first luminaire track, and the first track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the elongated system track, and the panel is at least partially curved in three dimensions.

[0041] In one embodiment thereof, the first lighting fixture track extends at least partially along a curved path on the panel, in one embodiment thereof, the curved path including a first linear path section and a second linear path section, wherein a centerline of the first linear path section is perpendicular to a centerline of the second linear path section.

[0042] In one embodiment, the track lighting system includes (i) a ring-shaped first luminaire track or (ii) a first luminaire track and a second luminaire track intersect each other, and the LED luminaires are rotatable on axis A, which extends perpendicular to a rear side of the LED luminaires and is preferably rotatable through at least 360 degrees.

[0043] In one aspect, the present invention further provides an improved lighting fixture assembly (or kit of parts), the lighting fixture assembly including a track lighting system including an elongated system track, a first connector element, and an LED lighting fixture configured to be connected to the elongated system track, the elongated system track extending along an elongated axis, the first connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED lighting fixture to the elongated system track, the first connector element including a first lighting fixture connector and a first track connector, the LED lighting fixture including a back panel facing the elongated system track when the LED lighting fixture is connected to the elongated system track, and a first lighting fixture track disposed within or on the back panel of the LED lighting fixture, the first lighting fixture connector mechanically and electrically connected to the first lighting fixture track and movable along the first lighting fixture track, the first track connector the connector is mechanically and electrically connected to an elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track; the track lighting system includes a second connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire with the elongated system track; the second connector element includes a second luminaire connector and a second track connector, the second track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track; the second luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and movable along the first luminaire track; or the LED luminaire includes a second luminaire track disposed in or on a back panel of the luminaire, and the second luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected.

[0044] In one aspect, the present invention further provides an improved LED lighting fixture adapted to be connected to an elongated system track extending along an elongated axis, the LED lighting fixture including a first connector element, a second connector element, a first lighting fixture track, and a back panel, the first connector element being configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED lighting fixture to the elongated system track, the first connector element including a first lighting fixture connector and a first track connector, the back panel facing the elongated system track when the LED lighting fixture is connected to the elongated system track, the first lighting fixture track being disposed within or on the back panel of the LED lighting fixture, the first lighting fixture connector being mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the first lighting fixture track, and the first track connector being configured to connect the elongated system track to the first lighting fixture. a first connector element configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED lighting fixture to the elongated system track, the second connector element including a second lighting fixture connector and a second track connector, the second track connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track and movable along the elongated system track, the second lighting fixture connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the first lighting fixture track and movable along the first lighting fixture track; or the LED lighting fixture further includes a second lighting fixture track disposed in or on a back panel of the lighting fixture, the second lighting fixture connector being mechanically and electrically connected to the second lighting fixture track and movable along the second lighting fixture track. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] The invention will now be further described by means of schematic, non-limiting figures. [Figure 1] 1A and 1B illustrate a schematic representation of one embodiment of a track lighting system according to the present invention. [Figure 2]2A and 2B illustrate a schematic representation of one embodiment of a track lighting system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B illustrate a schematic representation of one embodiment of a track lighting system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a plurality of luminaires suitable for a track lighting system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B illustrate a schematic representation of one embodiment of a track lighting system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of a track lighting system 10 according to the present invention, with Figure 1A being a side view and Figure 1B being a corresponding top view.

[0047] 1A-1B includes an elongated system track 1 and an LED luminaire 2, whereby the LED luminaire 2 is connected to the elongated system track 1. The elongated system track 1 is attached to, mounted on, or recessed into a mounting surface 9, which may be, for example, a ceiling or a wall. The elongated system track 1 extends along an elongated axis 3, which is here shown as straight, but may alternatively be curved.

[0048] The LED luminaires 2 are electrically and mechanically connected to the elongated system track 1. Such a connection may be common to track lighting systems. Alternatively, the luminaires may be only mechanically connected to the elongated system track. Here, the LED luminaires 2 are LED panels. Alternatively, the luminaires may be, for example, elongated LED bars or light guide plates.

[0049] The LED luminaire 2 includes a back panel 4 that faces the elongated system track 1 when the LED luminaire 2 is connected to the elongated system track 1. The back panel 4 may be part of the housing of the LED luminaire 2. The LED luminaire 2 may optionally include a planar light exit window opposite the back panel. The back panel may optionally include at least one further light exit window.

[0050] 1A and 1B, in accordance with the present invention, an LED luminaire 2 includes a first luminaire track 5 disposed on a back panel 4. The first luminaire track 5 follows a linear path. The first luminaire track 5 extends between a first point 51 on the back panel 4 and a second point 52 on the back panel 4. Here, by way of non-limiting example, the first luminaire track 5 extends in a straight line between the first point 51 and the second point 52, although it may alternatively be curved.

[0051] In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, the first luminaire track 5 is positioned laterally relative to the elongated system track 1 when the LED luminaire 2 is connected to said elongated system track 1, and more specifically, is positioned perpendicular to the elongated system track 1. This allows the LED luminaire 2 to be mechanically connected to the elongated system track 1 at a position on the elongated system track 1 while the LED luminaire 2 can be adjusted laterally and especially vertically relative to the elongated axis 3 of the elongated system track.

[0052] 1A-1B, the track lighting system 10 further includes a first connector element 6. The first connector element 6 includes a first luminaire connector 61 and a first track connector 62.

[0053] The first track connector 62 is mechanically and electrically connected to the elongated system track 1. The first track connector 62 is movable along the elongated system track 1 (e.g., to position an LED luminaire 2 at a location along the elongated system track 1). Such adaptability and versatility is a common and known advantage of track lighting systems. The first track connector 62 may, for example, be click-fit into the elongated system track 1.

[0054] 1A and 1B, the first luminaire connector 61 is mechanically connected to the first luminaire track 5. The first luminaire connector 61 is also movable along the first luminaire track 5. Thus, the LED luminaire 2 has its own track. More specifically, the first luminaire track 5 includes a first slit embedded in the back panel of the luminaire 2, and the first luminaire connector 61 is mechanically constrained to the first slit of the first luminaire track 5. Alternatively, the first luminaire track may be disposed on the back panel, such as a rail, ridge, or groove on the back panel.

[0055] Similarly, optionally, the first luminaire connector may be electrically connected to the luminaire via an electrical connection in the slit. Still alternatively, the first luminaire track may be a rail and the first luminaire connector may be configured to engage the rail to form a mechanical connection, allowing the luminaire and the first luminaire connector to move relative to each other along the rail.

[0056] Thus, the first connector element 6 mechanically and electrically connects the LED luminaire 2 to the elongated system track 1, for example by restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to the back panel 4 or perpendicular to the elongated system track 1, but the LED luminaire 2 is still movable in a direction(s) defined along the first luminaire track 5 because movement of the first luminaire connector 61 is movable along the first luminaire track 5.

[0057] Therefore, the present invention offers further advantages in more ergonomic positioning of LED luminaires 2 relative to the elongated system track 1 of track lighting system 10, especially when dealing with large area LED luminaires such as LED panels 2. LED luminaires 2 are fixed to the elongated system track 1 in one position, but can still be adjusted to move relative to said elongated system track 1 due to the first luminaire track 5 and the first luminaire connector 61 being movable within the first luminaire track 5.

[0058] In one example, still referring to Figures 1A and 1B, although optional and not explicitly depicted, the first track connector 62 includes a first track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector 62 in a position on the elongated system track 1, and / or the first luminaire connector 61 includes a first luminaire connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector 61 in a position on the first luminaire track 5.

[0059] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of a track lighting system 20 according to the present invention, with Figure 2A being a side view and Figure 2B being a corresponding top view.

[0060] The track lighting system 20 shown in Figures 2A-2B may be similar to the track lighting system 10 shown in Figures 1A-1B, except for the first lighting fixture track (path) disposed on the back panel and the number of connector elements that engage with said first lighting fixture track.

[0061] 2A-2B includes an elongated system track 21 and an LED luminaire 22, whereby the LED luminaire 22 is connected to the elongated system track 21. The elongated system track 21 is mounted to a mounting surface 29. The elongated system track 21 extends along an elongated axis 23. Here, the elongated axis 23 is straight, but may alternatively be curved.

[0062] The LED luminaire 22 is electrically and mechanically connected to the elongated system track 21. Such a connection may be common to track lighting systems. Here, the LED luminaire 22 is an LED panel. Alternatively, the luminaire may be, for example, an elongated LED bar or a light guide plate. The LED luminaire 22 includes a back panel 24 that faces the elongated system track 21 when the LED luminaire 22 is connected to the elongated system track 21. The LED luminaire 22 may optionally include a planar light exit window opposite the back panel.

[0063] 2A and 2B, in accordance with the present invention, the LED luminaire 22 includes a first luminaire track 25 disposed on the back panel 24. The first luminaire track 25 extends in a circular path on the back panel (i.e., between a first point on the back panel 24 and a second point 52 on the back panel 24 (the first point and second point overlap)). Here, by way of non-limiting example, the first luminaire track 25 is a circle.

[0064] 2A-2B, the track lighting system 20 further includes a first connector element 26 and a second connector element 27. The first connector element 26 includes a first luminaire connector 261 and a first track connector 262. The second connector element 27 includes a second luminaire connector 271 and a second track connector 272. The first connector element 26 and the second connector element 27 have the same configuration, e.g., their respective dimensions. Alternatively, the luminaire may include the first connector element and the second connector element, i.e., as an integral part thereof.

[0065] The first track connector 262 and the second track connector 272 are mechanically (and electrically) connected to the elongated system track 21. The first track connector 262 and the second track connector 272 are movable along the elongated system track 21 (e.g., to position the LED luminaire 22 at a position along the elongated system track 21), so that the first track connector 262 and the second track connector 272 may, for example, click-fit into the elongated system track 21.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the first track connector may include an anode connection and the second track connector may include a cathode connection, both of which may allow electrical connection to the elongate system tracks.

[0067] 2A and 2B , the first luminaire connector 261 and the second luminaire connector 271 are mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track 25. The first luminaire connector 261 and the second luminaire connector 271 are also movable along the first luminaire track 25. Thus, the LED luminaire 22 has its own track. More specifically, the first luminaire track 25 includes a first slit embedded in the back panel of the luminaire 22, and the first luminaire connector 261 and the second luminaire connector 271 are mechanically constrained to the first slit in the first luminaire track 25. Alternatively, the slit may be, for example, a groove or a rail.

[0068] Thus, the first connector element 26 and the second connector element 27 mechanically robustly connect the LED luminaire 22 to the elongated system track 21, for example, by restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to the back panel 24 or perpendicular to the elongated system track 21, but the LED luminaire 22 is still movable in a direction(s) defined along the first luminaire track 25, i.e., a circular path, as movement of the first luminaire connector 261 and the second luminaire connector 271 is movable along the first luminaire track 25. Thus, the LED luminaire 22 can rotate relative to the elongated system track 21 when the first track connector 262 and the second track connector 272 are connected to the elongated system track 21.

[0069] Therefore, the present invention offers further advantages in more ergonomically positioning LED luminaires 22 relative to the elongated system track 21 of track lighting system 20, especially when dealing with large area LED luminaires such as LED panels 22. LED luminaires 22 are fixed to elongated system track 21 in one position, but can still be adjusted for movement relative to said elongated system track 21 due to first luminaire track 25 and first luminaire connector 261 and second luminaire connector 271 being movable within first luminaire track 25.

[0070] Figures 3A and 3B show, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic representation of one embodiment of a track lighting system 30 according to the present invention, where Figure 3A is a side view and Figure 3B is a corresponding top view.

[0071] The track lighting system 30 shown in Figures 3A-3B may be similar to the track lighting system 20 shown in Figures 2A-2B, except for the (number and routing of) lighting fixture track(s) disposed on the back panel and the number of connector elements that engage with the lighting fixture track(s).

[0072] 3A-3B includes an elongated system track 31 and an LED luminaire 32. The LED luminaire 32 is thereby connected to the elongated system track 31. The elongated system track 31 is mounted to a mounting surface 39. The elongated system track 31 extends along an elongated axis 33. Here, the elongated axis 33 is straight, but may alternatively be curved.

[0073] The LED luminaire 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to the elongated system track 31. Such a connection may be common to track lighting systems. Here, the LED luminaire 32 is a square LED tile. Alternatively, the luminaire may be, for example, an elongated LED bar, an LED panel, or a light guide plate. The LED luminaire 32 includes a back panel 34 that faces the elongated system track 31 when the LED luminaire 32 is connected to the elongated system track 31. The LED luminaire 32 may optionally include a flat light exit window on the side opposite the back panel.

[0074] 3A and 3B, in accordance with the present invention, LED lighting fixture 32 includes a first lighting fixture track 35 disposed on back panel 34. First lighting fixture track 35 extends in a straight line on back panel 34 (i.e., between a first point 351 on back panel 34 and a second point 352 on back panel 34).

[0075] The LED lighting fixture 32 further includes a second lighting fixture track 45 disposed on the back panel 34. The second lighting fixture track 45 extends in a straight line on the back panel 34 (i.e., between a third point 451 on the back panel 34 and a fourth point 452 on the back panel 34).

[0076] Here, by way of non-limiting example, the first luminaire track 35 and the second luminaire track 45 are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the back panel, i.e., a square plane of symmetry passing through its center. Furthermore, here the first luminaire track 35 and the second luminaire track 45 are arranged side-by-side on the back panel of the LED luminaire 32. This allows for a more robust connection with the elongated system track 31 and a more even distribution of the load.

[0077] 3A and 3B, the first and second luminaire tracks 35, 45 are arranged transversely, or more specifically perpendicularly, to the elongated axis 33 of the elongated system track 31. This is not required. Alternatively, the first and second luminaire tracks may intersect on the back panel, or may be at least partially circular or elliptical.

[0078] 3A-3B, the track lighting system 30 further includes a first connector element 36 and a second connector element 37. The first connector element 36 includes a first luminaire connector 361 and a first track connector 362. The second connector element 37 includes a second luminaire connector 371 and a second track connector 372. The first connector element 36 and the second connector element 37 are identical in configuration, e.g., their respective dimensions.

[0079] The first track connector 362 and the second track connector 372 are mechanically (and electrically) connected to the elongated system track 31. The first track connector 362 and the second track connector 372 are movable along the elongated system track 31 (e.g., to position the LED luminaire 32 at a position along the elongated system track 31), so that the first track connector 362 and the second track connector 372 may, for example, click-fit into the elongated system track 31.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the first track connector may include an anode connection and the second track connector may include a cathode connection, both of which may allow electrical connection to the elongate system tracks.

[0081] 3A and 3B, the first luminaire connector 361 is mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the first luminaire track 35. The second luminaire connector 371 is mechanically connected to and movable along the second luminaire track 45. Thus, the LED luminaire 22 itself has two tracks, which may alternatively be considered as slits, grooves, or rails.

[0082] Thus, while the first connector element 36 and the second connector element 37 together mechanically robustly connect the LED luminaire 32 to the elongated system track 31, movement of the first luminaire connector 361 and the second luminaire connector 371 along the first luminaire track 35 and the second luminaire track 45, respectively, allows the LED luminaire 32 to still move in one or more directions different from the elongated axis 33 of the elongated system track 31. That is, while the LED luminaire 32 is connected to a position on the elongated system track 31, the LED luminaire 32 can be adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the elongated axis 33 of the elongated system track 31. Therefore, the present invention offers further advantages in more ergonomically positioning the LED luminaire 32 relative to the elongated system track 31 of the track lighting system 30.

[0083] In one example, still referring to Figures 3A and 3B, although optional and not explicitly depicted, the first track connector 362 includes a first track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector 362 in a position on the elongated system track 31, and the second track connector 372 includes a second track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the second track connector 372 in a position on the elongated system track 31.

[0084] The track lighting systems 10, 20, 30 shown in Figures 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 3A-3B, respectively, are not limiting. Other embodiments may be envisioned as well. Figure 4 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic top view of an elongated system track 90 to which five different LED luminaires 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 according to the present invention are mechanically and optionally electrically connected. The connections are established either by a first connector element, or a first and a second connector element, or a first, a second, and a third connector element.

[0085] For example, the first exemplary LED luminaire 91 includes a back panel 914 that faces the elongated system track 90 (when the first exemplary luminaire 91 is connected to the elongated system track 90). The back panel 914 may include, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape. The luminaire also includes a first luminaire track 915 disposed on the back panel 914. The first luminaire track 915 extends between a first point on the back panel 914 and a second point on the back panel. More specifically, the first luminaire track 915 is curved and follows a path that is half a circle. Alternatively, the path may be an ellipse. The LED luminaire 91 also includes a first connector element 916, although the first connector element 916 may be a separate device that is assembled together with the LED luminaire 91 in the track lighting system. The first connector element 916 includes a first luminaire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to and be movable along the first luminaire track 915. The first connector element 916 includes a first track connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90.

[0086] For example, the second exemplary LED lighting fixture 92 includes a back panel 924 that faces the elongated system track 90 (when the second exemplary lighting fixture 92 is connected to the elongated system track 90). The back panel 924 may include, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape. The LED lighting fixture 92 also includes a first lighting fixture track 925 disposed on the back panel 924. The first lighting fixture track 925 extends between a first point on the back panel 924 and a second point on the back panel 924. The LED lighting fixture 92 also includes a second lighting fixture track 928 disposed on the back panel 924. The second lighting fixture track 928 extends between a third point on the back panel 924 and a fourth point on the back panel 924. More specifically, the first lighting fixture track 925 is linear and follows a linear path, and the second lighting fixture track 928 is linear and follows a linear path. The first luminaire track 925 and the second luminaire track 928 intersect at their centers, thereby forming a cross with respect to each other. The second exemplary LED luminaire 92 also includes a first connector element 926, although the first connector element 926 may be a separate device assembled with the LED luminaire 92 in the track lighting system. The first connector element 926 includes a first luminaire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to and be movable along the first luminaire track 925 and / or the second luminaire track 928. The first connector element 926 includes a first track connector configured to mechanically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90.

[0087] For example, the third exemplary LED lighting fixture 93 includes a back panel 934 that faces the elongated system track 90 (when the third exemplary lighting fixture 93 is connected to the elongated system track 90). The back panel 934 may have, but is not limited to, a square shape. The LED lighting fixture 93 also includes a first lighting fixture track 935 disposed on the back panel 934. The first lighting fixture track 935 extends between a first point on the back panel 934 and a second point on the back panel 934. The lighting fixture 93 also includes a second lighting fixture track 938 disposed on the back panel 934. The second lighting fixture track 938 extends between a third point on the back panel 934 and a fourth point on the back panel 934. More specifically, the first lighting fixture track 935 is straight and follows a linear path, and the second lighting fixture track 938 is straight and follows a linear path. The first luminaire track 935 and the second luminaire track 938 are arranged side by side on the back panel 934 of the luminaire 93. As a result, the first luminaire track 935 and the second luminaire track 938 are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry of the square-shaped back panel 934. The third exemplary LED luminaire 93 also includes a first connector element 936 and a second connector element 937, although the first connector element 936 and the second connector element 937 may be separate devices assembled together with the LED luminaire 93 in a track lighting system. The first connector element 936 includes a first luminaire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the first luminaire track 935 and to be movable along the first luminaire track 935. The second connector element 937 includes a second luminaire connector configured to mechanically connect to the second luminaire track 938 and to be movable along the second luminaire track 938. The first connector element 936 includes a first track connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90 .The second connector element 938 includes a second track connector configured to mechanically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90 .

[0088] For example, the fourth exemplary lighting fixture 94 includes a back panel 944 that faces the elongated system track 90 (when the fourth exemplary LED lighting fixture 94 is connected to the elongated system track 90). The back panel 944 may have, but is not limited to, a square shape. The lighting fixture 94 also includes a first lighting fixture track 945 disposed on the back panel 944. The first lighting fixture track 945 extends between a first point on the back panel 944 and a second point on the back panel 944. The LED lighting fixture 94 also includes a second lighting fixture track 948 disposed on the back panel 944. The second lighting fixture track 948 extends between a third point on the back panel 944 and a fourth point on the back panel 944. The lighting fixture 94 also includes a third lighting fixture track 949 disposed on the back panel 944. The third lighting fixture track 949 extends between a fifth point on the back panel 944 and a sixth point on the back panel 944. More specifically, the first lighting fixture track 945 is linear and follows a linear path, the second lighting fixture track 948 is linear and follows a linear path, and the third lighting fixture track 949 is linear and follows a linear path. The first lighting fixture track 945, the second lighting fixture track 948, and the third lighting fixture track 949 are parallel to one another and arranged side-by-side on the back panel 944. This fourth exemplary LED lighting fixture 94 also includes a first connector element 946, a second connector element 947, and a third connector element 943. However, the first connector element 946, the second connector element 947, and the third connector element 943 may alternatively be separate devices assembled together with the LED lighting fixture 94 in the track lighting system. The first connector element 946 includes a first luminaire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to, and be movable along, the first luminaire track 945. The second connector element 947 includes a second luminaire connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to, and be movable along, the second luminaire track 948.The third connector element 943 includes a third luminaire connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to and be movable along the third luminaire track 949. The first connector element 946 includes a first track connector configured to mechanically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90. ​​The second connector element 948 includes a second track connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90. ​​The third connector element 949 includes a third track connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90. ​​Alternatively, the first luminaire track, the second luminaire track, and the third luminaire track may intersect on the back panel.

[0089] For example, the fifth exemplary LED lighting fixture 95 includes a back panel 954 that faces the elongated system track 90 (when the fifth exemplary LED lighting fixture 95 is connected to the elongated system track 90). The back panel 954 may have, but is not limited to, a square shape. The lighting fixture 95 also includes a first lighting fixture track 955 disposed on the back panel 954. The first lighting fixture track 955 extends between a first point on the back panel 954 and a second point on the back panel 954. The lighting fixture 95 also includes a second lighting fixture track 958 disposed on the back panel 954. The second lighting fixture track 958 extends between a third point on the back panel 954 and a fourth point on the back panel 954. More specifically, the first lighting fixture track 955 is curved and follows a partially circular path, and the second lighting fixture track 958 is curved and follows a partially circular path. The first luminaire track 955 and the second luminaire track 958 are arranged side by side on the back panel 954 of the LED luminaire 95. As a result, the first luminaire track 955 and the second luminaire track 958 are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the back panel 954, for example, a plane of symmetry passing through a diagonal of the square-shaped back panel 954. The fifth exemplary LED luminaire 95 is also configured to connect to an elongated system track using a first connector element 956 and a second connector element 957. The first connector element 956 includes a first luminaire connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to the first luminaire track 955 and to be movable along the first luminaire track 955. The second connector element 957 includes a second luminaire connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to the second luminaire track 958 and to be movable along the second luminaire track 958. The first connector element 956 includes a first track connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90 .The second connector element 958 comprises a second track connector configured to mechanically and optionally electrically connect to and be movable along the elongated system track 90 .

[0090] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of a track lighting system 500 according to the present invention. Figure 5A is a side view. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the corresponding device in various orientations relative to the elongated system track, referenced as (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), or alternatively, expressed as options or modes relative to the elongated system track.

[0091] 5A and 5B, a track lighting system 500 includes an elongated system track 590, a first connector element 511, and an LED luminaire 510 configured to connect to the elongated system track 590. The elongated system track extends along an elongated axis.

[0092] A first connector element 511 mechanically and electrically connects the LED luminaire 510 with the elongated system track 590. The first connector element 511 includes a first luminaire connector and a first track connector. The first connector element may be similar to the first connector element described with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0093] The LED luminaire 510 includes a panel 512 that at least partially faces the elongated system track 590 when the LED luminaire 510 is connected to said elongated system track 590. The panel 512 may be part of the housing of the luminaire. Alternatively, the panel 512 may be the luminaire surface or the luminaire envelope.

[0094] The LED lighting fixture 510 further includes a first lighting fixture track 513 disposed in or on a panel 513 of the LED lighting fixture 510. The first lighting fixture connector is mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along the first lighting fixture track 513. The first track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to and movable along an elongated system track 590.

[0095] Here, the panel (or: luminaire surface) is at least partially curved in three dimensions. The LED luminaire may for example be an LED spot with a curved shape.

[0096] Here, a first luminaire track 513 extends at least partially along a curved path on the panel 512 (or: luminaire surface).

[0097] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 5A, the curved path includes a first straight path section 513′ and a second straight path section 513″. A centerline 5131 of the first straight path section 513′ is perpendicular to a centerline 5132 of the second straight path section.

Claims

1. 1. A track lighting system including an elongated system track, a first connector element, and an LED luminaire configured to be connected to the elongated system track, The elongate system track extends along an elongate axis; the first connector element is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire with the elongated system track, the first connector element including a first luminaire connector and a first track connector; the LED lighting fixture includes a back panel that faces the elongated system track when the LED lighting fixture is connected to the elongated system track, and a first lighting fixture track disposed within or on the back panel of the LED lighting fixture; the first luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and is movable along the first luminaire track; the first track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the elongate system track and is movable along the elongate system track; the track lighting system includes a second connector element; the second connector element is configured to mechanically and electrically connect the LED luminaire with the elongated system track, the second connector element including a second luminaire connector and a second track connector; the second track connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the elongate system track and is movable along the elongate system track; the second luminaire connector is mechanically and electrically connected to the first luminaire track and is movable along the first luminaire track; or a second lighting fixture connector connected to the LED lighting fixture track and movable along the second lighting fixture track; a second lighting fixture connector connected to the LED lighting fixture track and movable along the second lighting fixture track; a second lighting fixture connector connected to the LED lighting fixture track and movable along the second lighting fixture track;

2. The track lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first luminaire track and the second luminaire track are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the back panel.

3. 3. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first luminaire track and the second luminaire track are arranged side by side on the back panel of the luminaires.

4. 4. The track lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the first luminaire track and / or the second luminaire track are recessed in the back panel.

5. The track lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second luminaire tracks intersect each other on the back panel.

6. 6. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first luminaire track and the second luminaire track extend at least partially along a circular, curved or elliptical path.

7. 7. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first luminaire track and the second luminaire track extend along linear paths.

8. 8. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first track connector and / or the second track connector are click-fit into the elongated system track.

9. the first track connector includes a first track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first track connector in a fixed position on the elongate system track; and / or 9. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first luminaire connector includes a first luminaire connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the first luminaire connector in a fixed position on the first luminaire track.

10. the second track connector includes a second track connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the second track connector in a fixed position on the elongate system track; and / or 10. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the second luminaire connector includes a second luminaire connector locking mechanism that reversibly locks the second luminaire connector in a fixed position on the second luminaire track.

11. 11. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the LED luminaire is an LED panel.

12. the first lighting fixture track includes a first slit recessed in the back panel of the lighting fixture, the first lighting fixture connector being mechanically constrained to the first slit in the first lighting fixture track; and / or 12. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the second lighting fixture track includes a second slit recessed in the back panel of the lighting fixture, and the second lighting fixture connector is mechanically constrained to the second slit of the second lighting fixture track.

13. the track lighting system includes a third connector element; the third connector element includes a third luminaire connector and a third track connector; the third luminaire connector is mechanically connected to the first luminaire track and is movable along the first luminaire track; 13. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the third track connector is mechanically connected to the elongated system track and is movable along the elongated system track.

14. 14. The track lighting system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first connector element and / or the second connector element comprise respective controllable hinges, the respective controllable hinges being configured to hinge-couple the first luminaire connector and the first track connector to one another, and / or the respective controllable hinges being configured to hinge-couple the second luminaire connector and the second track connector to one another.

15. 10. The track lighting system of claim 1, wherein the track lighting system (i) comprises a ring-shaped first lighting fixture track or (ii) the first lighting fixture track and the second lighting fixture track intersect each other, and the LED lighting fixtures are rotatable on axis A, the axis A extending perpendicular to the back panel of the LED lighting fixtures.

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