Lighting device and lighting system

Abstract

A lighting device comprises a main housing with at least one light source. A housing lock unit is releasably attached to the main housing and configured to enclose part of the main housing when attached to the main housing. A click-lock mechanism is arranged within the main housing and is configured to click-lock engage with a grid bar of the grid system. A locking unit is arranged within the main housing and is configured to be moved from an unlocking position to a locking position by the housing lock unit. When the housing lock unit is attached to the main housing and the locking unit is in the locking position, the locking unit keeps the click-lock mechanism in a securing position, thereby preventing the lighting device from disengage from the grid system.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80371

[0002] 1

[0003] LIGHTING DEVICE AND LIGHTING SYSTEM

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention generally relates to lighting devices. More specifically, the present invention is related to a lighting device configured to be attached to a grid system such as a grid ceiling system or a grid wall system. The invention further relates to a lighting system comprising the lighting device according to the invention.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The European Union (EU) aims to become climate-neutral and transition to a circular economy through initiatives like the Green Deal and Critical Raw Materials Act. For instance, upcoming regulation as formulated in Ecodesign, zero pollution policy, e.g. ban on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PF AS), and the e-waste directive will force manufacturers to rethink product designs in order to maintain their competitive advantage. It is therefore important to commit to sustainable reporting on scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and reducing hazardous material usage through innovation. This is relevant for many kinds of products, including lighting devices and luminaires.

[0008] An obvious route for reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing phase is to reduce the amount of material resources in the product and to choose light-weight materials. Innovating with careful application of materials in mind will contribute to less transport costs due to lower volume and weight, a lower embodied carbon luminaire, and a luminaire with a better recyclability, while offering more flexibility to the customer.

[0009] Further, luminaire differentiation through miniaturization and track systems for general lighting is an important trend in current lighting device development.

[0010] However, safety requirements for luminaires require use of high-end material like an aluminum housing when applied in a grid ceiling and use of flame retarders (like PF AS) in the plastic cups and optical foils for troffer design because it is positioned in the ceiling grid next to the open space above the ceiling.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 2024PF80371

[0012] 2

[0013] It is of interest to provide a lighting device that is capable of overcoming drawbacks of prior art devices.

[0014] This and other objects are achieved in a first aspect by providing a lighting device having the features of the appended independent claim. Preferred embodiments are defined in the appended dependent claims.

[0015] Hence, according to the present invention there is provided a lighting device configured to be attached to a grid system. The lighting device comprises a main housing comprising at least one light source. A housing lock unit is removably attached to the main housing and configured to enclose part of the main housing when attached to the main housing. A click-lock mechanism is arranged within the main housing and is configured to click-lock engage with a, typically T-shaped grid bar of the grid system, usually engaging the arm of the T-shaped grid bar. A locking unit is arranged within the main housing and is configured to be movable between an unlocking position and a locking position by the housing lock unit, or in other words the locking unit is configured to be movable by the housing lock unit from the unlocking position to the locking position or vice versa. When the housing lock unit is attached to the main housing and the locking unit is in the locking position, the locking unit keeps the click-lock mechanism in a securing position. An effect of the unit keeping the click-lock mechanism in the securing position is that the click-lock mechanism is prevented from being disengaged from the grid bar and thereby holds the lighting device firmly against the grid system.

[0016] A miniaturized lighting solution is thus advantageously provided in that it can be mounted on a grid system such as a grid ceiling, anywhere, independently of the high variety in grid system dimensions. Mounting can be done without the use of tools. The surface-mounted solution eliminates the need for a high flammability class housing. By the configuration of the lighting device such that it is attachable directly onto the grid system, a significant reduction in weight is obtained. This is in contrast to more elaborate prior art lighting devices that require, e.g., dedicated rail systems that add to the total amount of material needed. Furthermore, for applications wherein the lighting device is attached to a grid ceiling, the placing on such a grid provides a flexibility in terms of being mountable on any desired position in a space, such as an office space, where light is needed. The installation “click and lock” mechanism ensures rapid modification for a flexible office. Module is small compared to a full ceiling tile luminaire. Moreover, as a consequence of the lighting device is configured to be surface mounted, there is no requirement for any changes in existing ceiling tiles, which in turn reduces the requirements on flammability and electrical 2024PF80371

[0017] 3 requirements. Moreover, the inherent small formfactor of the lighting device ensures minimal use of material and more sustainable material use within, e.g., an office environment.

[0018] The locking unit may, in various embodiments, comprise a main portion and at least one tab portion. The tab portion is configured such that the locking unit is movable, via the tab portion, by the housing lock unit to the locking position.

[0019] Such a configuration prevents accidentally falling of the lighting device and prevents removal of the lighting device, without damaging the device, when the locking unit is in place. This ensures a maximum grid holding depending on the finger strength and not the strength of the click-lock mechanism.

[0020] In some embodiments, the main housing comprises at least one opening and the locking unit is configured such that at least one tab portion protrudes out of said opening. The housing lock unit is then configured such that when it is attached to the main housing, the housing lock unit contacts the tab portion protruding out of said opening and thereby moves the locking unit to the locking position.

[0021] Such a configuration with tab portions allows, when disengaging the lighting device, room to manually hold the main housing up and if needed (after long life) to help the device to dis engage from the grid system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the main housing comprises a threaded part of a circular periphery and the housing lock unit comprises a threaded part of a circular inside. In such embodiments, the housing lock unit is configured to contact the tab portion of the locking unit and move the locking unit when attached to the main housing. As an alternative to threaded parts, a bayonet fitting or a spring function may be utilized.

[0023] The click-lock mechanism may, in some embodiments, comprise resilient fingers with flanges that are configured to click-lock with the grid bar in the securing position. In such embodiments, the locking unit is arranged in relation to the flanges of the fingers such that the grid bar is pressed between the locking unit and the flanges in the securing position. For example, the locking unit may be arranged in relation to the fingers such that the fingers are prevented from moving in a direction that is lateral to a direction of extension of the fingers in the securing position.

[0024] In various embodiments, the locking unit is attached to the main housing via at least one resilient spring configured to provide tension between the locking unit and the main housing in the locking position. Yet an alternative configuration may include configuration of the click-lock mechanism itself having built-in spring resiliency. 2024PF80371

[0025] 4

[0026] The lighting device may have the feature that it comprises at least one further (second) light source having a light emission in a further main direction transverse or perpendicular to a plane P, i.e. different from main directions of the (first) light source along plane P. Thus the lighting device is enabled to provide an uplight (or indirect lighting) function and a downlight (or direct lighting) function offering a high flexibility in illumination from wall washing, spotlighting to even office compliant general illumination. Preferably, the light source and further light source are individually and independently controllable by a controller. The uplight function can further be enhanced by combining the lighting device with a reflecting flexible foil (such as expanded polystyrene (Isomo, Styropor, Depron), white paper, or cotton) that is fixated on crossings of the ceiling grid. The combination of direct and indirect lighting will deliver comfortable light distribution: A direct / indirect ratio between 30 / 70 and 70 / 30 is experienced as most comfortable.

[0027] The invention allows the design of a low embodied carbon, low weight lighting device, such as a luminaire, with materials that may allow for better separate ability and hence recyclability.

[0028] The invention further relates to a lighting system comprising a lighting device of the invention and a ceiling grid comprising grid bars. The grid bars have a T-shaped cross sectional profile, wherein the T-shape comprises a stem and an arm. The lighting device by its click-lock mechanism is attached to the arm of the grid bar.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention where:

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a lighting system comprising a lighting device attached to a grid system,

[0032] Fig. 2a schematically illustrates an exploded perspective view of a lighting device,

[0033] Fig. 2b schematically illustrates a perspective view of a lighting device, Fig. 3a schematically illustrates a bottom view of a lighting device, Figs. 3b and 3c schematically illustrate a respective cross-sectional view of the lighting device in figure 3a, and

[0034] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the lighting device in figure 3 a. 2024PF80371

[0035] 5

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] As illustrated in figure 1 and figures 2a-b, an embodiment of a LED strip filament 100 comprises a lighting device 100 configured to be attached to a grid system 10. As exemplified in a lighting system 1000 shown in figure 1, the grid system 10 may be in the form of a ceiling grid with grid bars 12, 14 capable of holding up ceiling tiles. Here the grid is a T-shaped profile with a (vertical) stem 12a and a horizontal arm 12b. The grid system 10 may alternatively be a grid system of a wall or other structure on which the lighting device 100 is to be attached.

[0038] The lighting device 10 comprises a main housing 102 comprising at least one light source 120. An optical element 124 such as a lens, diffuser etc. may be attached to the main housing 102 as illustrated. A housing lock unit 104 is removably attached to the main housing 102 and configured to enclose part of the main housing 102 when attached to the main housing 102. A click-lock mechanism 106 is arranged within the main housing 102 and is configured to click-lock engage with the arm 12b of the grid bar 12, 14 of the grid system 10. A locking unit 108 is arranged within the main housing 102 and is configured to be moved from an unlocking position 152 to a locking position 153 or vice versa by the housing lock unit 104. When the housing lock unit 104 is attached to the main housing 102 and the locking unit is in the locking position 153 the locking unit 108 keeps the click-lock mechanism 106 in a securing position.

[0039] An effect of the unit 108 keeping the click-lock mechanism 106 in the securing position is that the click-lock mechanism 106 is prevented from being disengaged from the grid bar 12, 14 and thereby holds the lighting device 100 firmly against the grid system 10.

[0040] When the locking unit 108 is moved from the locking position 153 to the unlocking position 152 as a consequence of the housing lock unit 104 being detached, e.g. by being unscrewed, from the main housing 102, the click-lock mechanism 106 is released from the securing position. When released from the securing position, the click-lock mechanism 106 is allowed to disengage from the grid bar 12, 14 and thereby release the lighting device 100 from the firm attachment against the grid system 10.

[0041] Electric power may be provided to the lighting device, for example by means of low voltage wiring via holes in any of the components.

[0042] The locking position 153 is illustrated in figure lb, whereas figure la illustrates the lighting device 100 in a disengaged position 152 where the locking unit 108 2024PF80371

[0043] 6 does not prevent the click-lock mechanism 106 from being disengaged from the grid bar 12, 14.

[0044] The locking unit 108 may, as illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, comprise a main portion 1081 and at least one tab portion 1082. The tab portion 1082 is configured such that the locking unit 108 is movable, via the tab portion 1082, by the housing lock unit 104 to the locking position 153.

[0045] In some embodiments, as illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, the main housing 102 comprises at least one opening 1021 and the locking unit 108 is configured such that at least one tab portion 1082 protrudes out of said opening 1021. The housing lock unit 104 is then configured such that when it is attached to the main housing 102, the housing lock unit 104 contacts the tab portion 1082 protruding out of said opening 1021 and thereby moves the locking unit 108 to the locking position 153.

[0046] In some embodiments, as illustrated in figures 2a and 2b as well as in figures 3a-c, the main housing 102 comprises a threaded part of a circular periphery 1022 and the housing lock unit 104 comprises a threaded part of a circular inside 1042. In such embodiments, the housing lock unit 104 is configured to contact the tab portion 1082 of the locking unit 108 and move the locking unit 108 when attached to the main housing 102. As an alternative to threaded parts, a bayonet fitting or a spring function may be utilized.

[0047] The click-lock mechanism 106 may, in some embodiments as illustrated in figures 2a and 2b as well as in figures 3a-c, comprise resilient fingers 1061 with flanges 1062 that are configured to click-lock with the grid bar 12, 14 in the securing position. In such embodiments, the locking unit 108 is arranged in relation to the flanges 1062 of the fingers

[0048] 1061 such that the grid bar 12, 14 is pressed between the locking unit 108 and the flanges

[0049] 1062 in the securing position. For example, the locking unit 108 may be arranged in relation to the fingers 1061 such that the fingers 1061 are prevented from moving in a direction that is lateral to a direction of extension of the fingers 1061 in the securing position.

[0050] In various embodiments, as illustrated in figure 4, the locking unit 108 is attached to the main housing 102 via at least one resilient spring 110 configured to provide tension between the locking unit 108 and the main housing 102 in the locking position 153. More specifically, during attachment of the housing lock unit 104, the tab portion 1082 is forced in the z direction resulting in a tensioning of the spring 110. During removal of the housing lock unit 104, the tab portion 1082 is assisted by the spring tension to move in the -z direction and thereby releasing pressure by the locking unit 108 on the flanges 1062. 2024PF80371

[0051] 7

[0052] As further shown in figure 4, the lighting device 100 comprises light sources 120 and further light sources 121. The light sources 120 provide in main directions 122a along a plane P grazing, indirect light (also referred to as uplight) along or over a surface onto which the lighting device 100 is (to be) mounted, such as a ceiling or a wall, and the further light sources 121 provide direct light (also referred to as downlight) in a further main direction 122b transverse, such as perpendicular, to plane P.

Claims

2024PF803718CLAIMS:

1. A lighting device (100) configured to be attached to a grid system (10), the lighting device (100) comprising: a main housing (102) comprising at least one light source (120), a housing lock unit (104) removably attached to the main housing (102) and configured to enclose part of the main housing (102) when attached to the main housing (102), a click-lock mechanism (106), arranged within the main housing (102), configured to click-lock engage with a grid bar (12, 14) of the grid system (10), a locking unit (108), arranged within the main housing (102), movable between an unlocking position (152) and a locking position (153) by the housing lock unit (104), wherein when the housing lock unit (104) is attached to the main housing (102) and the locking unit (108) is in the locking position (153) the locking unit (108) keeps the click-lock mechanism (106) in a securing position.

2. The lighting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: the locking unit (108) comprises a main portion (1081) and at least one tab portion (1082), said tab portion (1082) being configured such that the locking unit (108) is movable, via the tab portion (1082), by the housing lock unit (104) to the locking position (153).

3. The lighting device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the main housing (102) comprises at least one opening (1021), the locking unit (108) is configured such that at least one tab portion (1082) protrudes out of said opening (1021), and the housing lock unit (104) is configured such that when it is attached to the main housing (102), the housing lock unit (104) contacts the tab portion (1082) protruding out of said opening (1021) and thereby moves the locking unit (108) to the locking position (153).2024PF8037194. The lighting device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the main housing (102) comprises a threaded part of a circular periphery (1022), the housing lock unit (104) comprises a threaded part of a circular inside (1042), and wherein the housing lock unit (104) is configured to contact the tab portion (1082) of the locking unit (108) and move the locking unit (108) when attached to the main housing (102)5. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the click-lock mechanism (106) comprises resilient fingers (1061) with flanges (1062) that are configured to click-lock with the grid bar (12, 14) in the securing position and wherein the locking unit (108) is arranged in relation to the flanges (1062) of the fingers (1061) such that the grid bar (12, 14) is pressed between the locking unit (108) and the flanges (1062) in the securing position.

6. The lighting device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the locking unit (108) is arranged in relation to the fingers (1061) such that the fingers (1061) are prevented from moving in a direction that is lateral to a direction of extension of the fingers (1061) in the securing position.

7. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the locking unit (108) is attached to the main housing (102) via at least one resilient spring (110) configured to provide tension between the locking unit (108) and the main housing (102) in the locking position (153).

8. The lighting device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 comprising a further light source (121) having a light emission in a further main direction (122b) transverse to a plane P of light emission in main directions (122a) in plane P of the (first) light source (120).

9. A lighting system (1000) comprising a lighting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and a ceiling grid (10) comprising grid bars (12,14),2024PF8037110 wherein the grid bars (12,14) have a T-shaped cross sectional profile, the T- shape comprising a stem (12a) and an arm (12b), wherein the lighting device (100) by its click-lock mechanism (106) is attached to the arm (12b) of the grid bar (12,14).

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