Luminaire kit

Abstract

A luminaire kit comprising a plurality of flexible linear light sources and a housing. Each flexible linear light source comprises one or more light-emitting elements and one or more first engagement elements. The one or more first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface of the flexible linear light source to a light-emitting surface. The housing comprises a plurality of second engagement elements, each configured to engage with a respective first engagement element of a flexible linear light source to thereby secure the flexible linear light source to the housing.

Description

[0001] Luminaire kit

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to the field of lighting, and in particular to luminaires.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Curved linear luminaires are used in a wide variety of applications. In some curved linear luminaires, a curved diffuser is cut from a flat sheet; this creates large amounts of waste, and each diffuser must be cut to provide the desired curvature for a particular luminaire.

[0006] An alternative is to use a flexible diffuser (e.g. made from silicone). This allows the same diffuser to be used for different curvatures; however, as wrinkles on the diffuser are generated corresponding to the curving of the linear luminaires, there is a limit to the width of a flexible diffuser that can be reliably secured to a luminaire when the wrinkles become too deep (e.g. a silicone diffuser that is wider than 30 mm is likely to fall off a luminaire with radius of curvature not more than 500 mm).

[0007] There is an ongoing desire to provide improved curved linear luminaires.

[0008] EP 3348897A1 discloses A lighting system includes: an elongated LED device, including a front light emission surface and a back surface opposite said front surface, a fixation element coupleable to a mounting structure.

[0009] DE 202012102874U1 discloses a light rail.

[0010] KR 20230000495U discloses a linear lighting fixture.

[0011] US 2020326057A1 discloses a locking channel has a series of inwardly extending locking tab members.

[0012] JP 2024083307A discloses a line lighting using an LED strip bar.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0015] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire kit comprising: a plurality of flexible linear light sources, wherein each flexible linear light source comprises: one or more light-emitting elements configured to emit light towards a light-emitting surface of the flexible linear light source; and one or more first engagement elements for engaging with the housing, wherein the one or more first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface of the flexible linear light source to the lightemitting surface; and a housing in a channel shape, comprising a receiving portion configured to receive the plurality of flexible linear light sources, the receiving portion comprising a plurality of second engagement elements, wherein each second engagement element is configured to engage with a respective first engagement element of one of the one or more flexible linear light sources to thereby secure the flexible linear light source to the housing.

[0016] This allows the same flexible linear light source to be used with a variety of housings having different curvatures and / or different widths. Larger width luminaires may be provided by stacking the flexible linear light sources to provide the desired width; this allows the provision of luminaires with widths much larger than is possible using a single flexible light source. As the one or more first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface to the light-emitting surface of each flexible light source, the one or more first engagement elements do not affect the light output by a luminaire containing the flexible light source(s).

[0017] In the context of this invention, the “width” is measured in a direction being laterally to the elongate direction of the housing and / or the flexible linear light sources, and the direction is in a plane being parallel to the light-emitting surface. The housing may be curved or bent in this plane.

[0018] In some examples, a width of each flexible linear light source is no more than 30 mm. In this way, a likelihood of the flexible linear light source becoming detached from the housing of a luminaire assembled from the luminaire kit is reduced.

[0019] In some examples, each flexible linear light source comprises a linear flexible encapsulant comprising a cavity extending along the length of the linear flexible encapsulant; and the one or more light-emitting elements are provided in the cavity.

[0020] In some examples, the linear flexible encapsulant of each flexible linear light source is formed from silicone.

[0021] In some examples, at least a first portion of the silicone is doped with a diffusing agent. In this way, diffuse light is output by the flexible linear light source.

[0022] In some examples, a second portion of the silicone is doped with a reflecting agent. This may increase a light output ratio of the flexible linear light source, by reflecting light towards the light-emitting surface of the flexible linear light source. In some examples, the plurality of second engagement elements are configured such that each flexible linear light source has a same non-zero curvature when secured to the housing.

[0023] In some examples, each first engagement element comprises a recess in the surface of the respective flexible linear light source opposite to the light-emitting surface, and each second engagement element comprises a protrusion having complementary geometry to the recess of the respective first engagement element.

[0024] In some examples, each first engagement element comprises a protrusion extending from the surface of the respective flexible linear light source opposite to the lightemitting surface, and each second engagement element comprises a recess having complementary geometry to the protrusion of the respective first engagement element.

[0025] In some examples, a total width of the plurality of flexible linear light sources and a width of the receiving portion of the housing are configured to provide an interference fit between the plurality of flexible linear light sources and the receiving portion.

[0026] In this way, where the luminaire kit comprises a plurality of flexible linear light sources, a gap between adjacent flexible linear light sources is reduced in the assembled luminaire, improving a uniformity of light output from the luminaire.

[0027] There is also provided a luminaire assembled from any luminaire kit described above.

[0028] In some examples, the housing is curved in a plane.

[0029] In some examples, the housing comprises a plurality of housing segments, assembled to form a curve in a plane.

[0030] In some examples, the luminaire is adapted to be mounted on a surface which aligns with the plane. The surface may, for example, be a ceiling.

[0031] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a luminaire kit, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a luminaire assembled from the luminaire kit of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the luminaire of Figure 2;

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the luminaire of Figure 2; and

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a luminaire, according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0040] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0041] The invention provides a luminaire kit comprising a plurality of flexible linear light sources and a housing. Each flexible linear light source comprises one or more lightemitting elements and one or more first engagement elements. The one or more first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface of the flexible linear light source to a light-emitting surface. The housing comprises a plurality of second engagement elements, each configured to engage with a respective first engagement element of a flexible linear light source to thereby secure the flexible linear light source to the housing.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates a luminaire kit 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The luminaire kit comprises a plurality of flexible linear light sources 110 and a housing 120. In Figure 1, the luminaire kit comprises four flexible linear light sources; however, as the skilled person will readily appreciate, any number (more than one) of flexible linear light sources may be used, according to a desired width of luminaire.

[0043] Each flexible linear light source 110 comprises one or more light-emitting elements (not visible in Figure 1), configured to emit light towards a light-emitting surface of the flexible linear light source, and one or more first engagement elements 115 for engaging with the housing 120. The first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface of the flexible linear light source to the light-emitting surface. The structure of the flexible linear light sources is described in more detail below. Each flexible linear light source 110 may have a width W2 of no more than 30 mm (e.g. each flexible linear light source may have a width of 30 mm). It has been found that flexible linear light sources with widths greater than 30 mm are more likely to become detached from a housing to which they are attached.

[0044] The housing 120 comprises a receiving portion 121 configured to receive the plurality of flexible linear light sources 110. The receiving portion comprises a plurality of engagement elements 125, each configured to engage with a respective first engagement element 115 of one of the plurality of flexible linear light sources 110. The housing may, for example, be formed from extruded aluminium.

[0045] In Figure 1, each first engagement element 115 comprises a recess in the surface of the respective flexible linear light source 110 opposite to the light-emitting surface, and each second engagement element 125 comprises a protrusion having complementary geometry to the recess of the respective first engagement element. In other examples, each first engagement element 115 may comprise a protrusion extending from the surface of the respective flexible linear light source 110 opposite to the light-emitting surface, and each second engagement element 125 may comprise a recess having complementary geometry to the protrusion of the respective first engagement element.

[0046] In Figure 1, each first engagement element 115 consists of a single elongated recess extending along the length of the respective flexible linear light source 110, and each second engagement element 125 consists of a single elongated protrusion extending along the length of the housing 120. This allows each flexible linear light source to be attached to the housing by sliding the flexible linear light source along the respective elongated protrusion. In other examples, each flexible linear light source may comprise a plurality of first engagement elements (e.g. a plurality of recesses and / or protrusions) provided along the length of the respective flexible linear light source, and each second engagement element may have a complementary geometry and corresponding position to the first engagement element to which the second engagement element is configured to engage. For instance, a plurality of first engagement elements may be provided at regular intervals along the length of the respective flexible linear light source, and a plurality of second engagement elements may be provided at the same regular intervals along the length of the receiving portion 121 of the housing.

[0047] The width W1 of the receiving portion 121 of the housing 120 will depend on the number of flexible linear light sources 110 that the housing is designed to hold (i.e. the number of flexible linear light sources in the luminaire kit 100) and on the width W2 of the flexible linear light sources. In some examples, the width W1 of the receiving portion of the housing may be slightly less than a total width (“W2 times N, W2*N”, wherein N is the number of the flexible linear light sources) of the one or more flexible linear light sources (i.e. when stacked side-by-side), in order to provide an interference fit between the flexible linear light source(s) and the housing. An interference fit reduces gaps between flexible linear light sources, improving a uniformity of the overall light-emitting surface of the assembled luminaire. In the meantime, such multiple flexible linear light sources configuration still allows relative movement or sliding between neighboring flexible linear light sources within the receiving portion 121 of the housing 120. The overall width of the housing 120 is distributed to the multiple individual widths of the flexible linear light sources 110, thus for curved housing 120, the stress in each individual curved (bent) flexible linear light source 110 is greatly reduced. This is not only beneficial to the structural stability of the luminaire, but also beneficial to its artistic appearance, because there may be less wrinkles on the light emitting surface of the flexible linear light sources. The length of the housing may be equal to (or approximately equal to) the length of each flexible linear light source.

[0048] Similarly, the spacing between second engagement elements 125 configured to engage with first engagement elements of different flexible linear light sources 110 may depend on the width of the flexible linear light sources. The spacing between adjacent second engagement elements may be such that each second engagement element aligns with a respective first engagement element when the plurality of flexible linear light sources are contained within the receiving portion.

[0049] In Figure 1, the housing 120 is a curved linear housing; that is, a linear housing that is curved in a plane, such that, when the luminaire kit 100 is assembled into a luminaire, the light-emitting surface of each flexible linear light source 110 lies in the plane in which the housing is curved. Each of the second engagement elements is configured such that each flexible linear light source has a same non-zero curvature when secured to the housing (in Figure 1, the curvature of each second engagement element is equal to the curvature of the housing). In examples in which a plurality of second engagement elements are provided for each flexible linear light source, the second engagement elements for a particular flexible linear light source may be provided along a curve having a desired curvature for the flexible linear light source.

[0050] In some examples, instead of consisting of a single, integrally formed piece as illustrated in Figure 1, the housing 120 may comprise a plurality of housing segments that may be arranged end-to-end to form a curve having a desired curvature in the plane when the luminaire kit 100 is assembled into a luminaire, and each flexible linear light source may be received in the receiving portion 121 of each housing segment (i.e. such that each flexible linear light source extends across the plurality of housing segments along the length of the curve).

[0051] As the skilled person will readily appreciate, the luminaire kit 100 may further comprise one or more other elements, such as a heatsink, driving circuitry, control circuitry, communication circuitry, and so on.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a luminaire 200 assembled from the luminaire kit 100. In the assembled luminaire, each flexible linear light source 110 is contained within the receiving portion of the housing 120 to form a curved linear luminaire.

[0053] In some examples, the luminaire 200 may be adapted to be mounted on a surface (e.g. a ceiling) which aligns with (i.e. is parallel to) the plane in which the luminaire is curved. For instance, the luminaire may further comprise one or more third engagement elements on an opposite side of the housing 120 to the light-emitting surface of the luminaire, for engaging with one or more mounting brackets for mounting to a suspension cable, pole, or directly on a surface.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the luminaire 200. Figure 3 more clearly illustrates the structure of each flexible linear light source 110.

[0055] Each flexible linear light source 110 has a light-emitting surface 111. The lightemitting surface of each flexible linear light source is a surface of the flexible linear light source that is exposed (i.e. through an opening in the housing) or visible (i.e. through an optically - transmissive portion of the housing) when the plurality of flexible linear light sources are secured to the housing 120, and through which light emitted by the one or more light-emitting elements 130 of the flexible linear light source is able to pass. As described above, the one or more first engagement elements 115 are provided on an opposite surface 112 to the lightemitting surface 111, so as not to affect the light output by the luminaire 200.

[0056] Each flexible linear light source 110 comprises a linear flexible encapsulant 113 comprising a cavity 114 extending along the length of the linear flexible encapsulant. The one or more light-emitting elements 130 are provided in the cavity. In Figure 1, the one or more light-emitting elements 130 are provided on a bottom of the cavity (i.e. on a surface of the cavity parallel to and furthest from the light-emitting surface 111); in other examples, the one or more light-emitting elements may be provided on a side wall of the cavity (i.e. a surface of the cavity having a non-zero angle with respect to the light-emitting surface), as described in more detail below. The linear flexible encapsulant 113 may be formed from any suitable flexible material, such as a flexible polymer (e.g. a flexible thermal set polymer or a flexible thermal plastic). In some examples, the linear flexible encapsulant may be formed from silicone. In some examples, at least a first portion of the silicone (i.e. at least a portion of the linear flexible encapsulant between the light-emitting surface 111 and the cavity 114) may be doped with a diffusing agent, in order to provide diffuse light. In some examples, a second portion of the silicone (e.g. a portion of the linear flexible encapsulant adjacent to one or both of the side walls of the cavity and / or between the cavity and the one or more first engagement elements 115) may be doped with a reflecting agent; this allows light emitted by the one or more lightemitting elements in a direction other than towards the light-emitting surface to be reflected back into the cavity, until the light exits the flexible linear light source through the lightemitting surface. A linear flexible encapsulant with a first portion of silicone doped with a diffusing agent and a second portion of silicone doped with a reflecting agent may be formed using a dual-color injection / extruding process.

[0057] Figure 3 also illustrates the structure of the housing 120. The housing may further comprise a housing portion 122 for containing a driver. In Figure 3, the housing portion is provided on an opposing side of the surface on which the second engagement elements 125 are provided, so that the housing portion is behind the flexible linear light sources.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the luminaire 200. Figure 4 shows the overall light-emitting surface of the luminaire 200, formed by the light-emitting surfaces 111 of the flexible linear light sources 110.

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a luminaire 500, according to another embodiment of the invention. The luminaire 500 is similar to the luminaire 200 illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, comprising flexible linear light sources 510 and a housing 520. The housing 520 is identical to the housing 120 of the luminaire 200. The flexible linear light sources 510 are similar to the flexible linear light sources 110, but the one or more lightemitting elements 530 are provided on a side wall of the cavity 514 in the linear flexible encapsulant (i.e. on a surface of the cavity having a non-zero angle with respect to the lightemitting surface), rather than on the bottom of the cavity).

[0060] Providing the one or more light-emitting elements 530 on a side wall of the cavity 514 may allow a greater degree of curvature of the flexible linear light source. For instance, the one or more light-emitting elements may comprise a plurality of LEDs mounted on a flexible printed circuit board. A flexible printed circuit board is able to bend more out-of- plane than in-plane, so the flexible linear light source will be able to bend more if the flexible printed circuit board is provided on a side wall of the cavity. However, in some applications, the degree of curvature that can be achieved by a flexible printed circuit board provided on the bottom of the cavity may be sufficient.

[0061] In examples in which the one or more light-emitting elements are provided on a side wall of the cavity, a higher proportion of light emitted by the one or more light-emitting elements will be emitted in directions other than towards the light-emitting surface of the flexible linear light source. The linear flexible encapsulant may be configured to improve a light output ratio of the luminaire, by re-directing light emitted in directions other than towards the light-emitting surface, so that the re-directed light exits the flexible linear light source at the light-emitting surface.

[0062] For instance, in Figure 5, a first portion 513a of the linear flexible encapsulant, between the light-emitting surface 511 and the cavity 514, is formed from a transmissive material (e.g. silicone doped with a diffusing agent), while a second portion 513b, adjacent to the side walls and bottom of the cavity, is formed from a reflective material (e.g. silicone doped with a reflecting agent). In this way, light emitted by the one or more light-emitting elements towards the light-emitting surface passes through the linear flexible encapsulant and exits the flexible linear light source at the light-emitting surface, while light emitted in other directions is reflected at a side wall or bottom of the cavity until the light is directed towards the lightemitting surface. The first and second portions of the linear flexible encapsulant may be provided using a dual color injection / extrusion technique.

[0063] To further improve the light output ratio of the luminaire, the cavity of each flexible linear light source may be shaped to re-directed light towards the light-emitting surface. For example, in Figure 5, a side wall of the cavity 514 opposite the side wall on which the one or more light-emitting elements 530 are provided is curved such that light incident on the curved side wall is reflected towards the light-emitting surface 511.

[0064] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0065] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0066] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0067] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A luminaire kit (100) comprising: a plurality of flexible linear light sources (110, 510), wherein each flexible linear light source (110, 510) comprises: one or more light-emitting elements (130, 530) configured to emit light towards a light-emitting surface (111, 511) of the flexible linear light source; and one or more first engagement elements (115, 515) for engaging with the housing, wherein the one or more first engagement elements are provided on an opposite surface (112, 512) of the flexible linear light source to the light-emitting surface; and a housing (120, 520) in a channel shape, comprising a receiving portion (121) configured to receive the plurality of flexible linear light sources, the receiving portion comprising a plurality of second engagement elements (125, 525), wherein each second engagement element is configured to engage with a respective first engagement element of one of the plurality of flexible linear light sources to thereby secure the flexible linear light source to the housing.

2. The luminaire kit (100) of claim 1, wherein a width of each flexible linear light source (110, 510) is no more than 30 mm.

3. The luminaire kit (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein: each flexible linear light source comprises a linear flexible encapsulant (113, 513a, 513b) comprising a cavity (114, 514) extending along the length of the linear flexible encapsulant; and the one or more light-emitting elements (130, 530) are provided in the cavity.

4. The luminaire kit (100) of claim 3, wherein the linear flexible encapsulant (113, 513a, 513b) of each flexible linear light source is formed from silicone.

5. The luminaire kit (100) of claim 4, wherein at least a first portion (513a) of the silicone is doped with a diffusing agent.

6. The luminaire kit of claim 5, wherein a second portion (513b) of the silicone is doped with a reflecting agent.

7. The luminaire kit (100) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of second engagement elements (125, 525) are configured such that each flexible linear light source (110, 510) has a same non-zero curvature when secured to the housing (120, 520).

8. The luminaire kit (100) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each first engagement element (115, 515) comprises a recess in the surface of the respective flexible linear light source (110, 510) opposite to the light-emitting surface, and each second engagement element (125, 525) comprises a protrusion having complementary geometry to the recess of the respective first engagement element.

9. The luminaire kit (100) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein each first engagement element (115, 515) comprises a protrusion extending from the surface of the respective flexible linear light source (110, 510) opposite to the light-emitting surface, and each second engagement element (125, 525) comprises a recess having complementary geometry to the protrusion of the respective first engagement element.

10. The luminaire kit (100) of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein a total width of the plurality of flexible linear light sources and a width (Wl) of the receiving portion (121) of the housing (120, 520) are configured to provide an interference fit between the plurality of flexible linear light sources and the receiving portion.

11. A luminaire (200, 500) assembled from the luminaire kit of any of claims 1 to 10.

12. The luminaire (200, 500) of claim 11, wherein the housing (120, 520) is curved in a plane.

13. The luminaire (200, 500) of claim 11, wherein the housing (120, 520) comprises a plurality of housing segments, assembled to form a curve in a plane.

14. The luminaire (200, 500) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the luminaire is adapted to be mounted on a surface which aligns with the plane.

15. The luminaire (200, 500) of claim 14, wherein the surface is a ceiling.

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