EP0952387A2 - Illumination system comprising low voltage lights and lamps - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has low voltage lights and lamps supplied with electrical energy from a common power supply stage, e.g. an accumulator (1). The lights and (5-10) lamps have light source power LEDs in combinable form. The LEDs are colour combinable and have an inner construction enabling the radiation of light of different wavelengths, e.g. with a multilayer construction with separate drives for the individual layers.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting system with low-voltage lights and lamps, which consist of a common energy supply part, e.g. a battery that is supplied with electrical energy, in particular for installation on boats or ships or caravans.

Low voltage lighting systems are known. In particular for mobile units, such as boats, caravans etc. The known low-voltage lighting systems mainly work with low-voltage incandescent lamps.

From the catalog "ELECTRONIC World", from Conrad ELECTRONIC, 1997, LED headlights are known, so-called cluster lamps, which according to the information in the catalog can be used as lighting, message, status and warning indicators. The LEDs of individual headlights can have the colors red, green or yellow. The individual LEDs of the known headlights are arranged in concentric circles at a distance from one another on a base plate.

From airport, road traffic and rail traffic technology, red and green-emitting signal lights with LED equipment are also known. Displays with weak white, red, green and blue LEDs are also known. The Hewlett Packard company showed such a display at the Intertraffic 98 exhibition in Amsterdam. LED lamps for emitting white light are also known, e.g. from U.S. Patent 5,301,090 and U.S. Patent 4,810,937. The well-known displays, lights and lamps are solutions for special purposes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a lighting system with low voltage lights and lamps, the opposite the systems consisting of known components can be configured particularly individually and can be used more advantageously.

The object is achieved in that the lights and lamps have power LEDs in combinable form as light sources. With regard to the color to be emitted by the light sources and the design of the lamps, a design of the system that is particularly adapted to the task can be achieved. This is exploited by the fact that there are power LEDs in a wide variety of colors, e.g. in red, green, blue and amber, but also in white or that these colors are adjustable. Due to the combinability or adjustability, any single or mixed color can be achieved. The individual LED represents the smallest combination unit. An LED base can be used to create a previously unattainable variety of lamps in terms of shape and radiation. The variety of shapes can be achieved particularly cheaply by a modular system. This applies to the emittable colors as well as the spatial arrangement of the LEDs.

In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the lamps or lights at least in groups, e.g. Interior lighting, instrument lighting, etc. and / or color-selectively adjustable in brightness. In addition to the choice of color, brightness can be selected at any time, which allows adaptation to the respective outdoor lighting conditions. In addition, individual preferences can be taken into account.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the lamps or luminaires have a protective device acting individually, in groups or as a whole, for example against overvoltage. This advantageously ensures that the LEDs and their circuits are not damaged, even if improperly connected, for example by the owners of boats or caravans or by electrical specialists who are not familiar with LED technology.

It is further provided that the lamps or luminaires have a short-circuit or contact interruption display device, which acts individually, in groups or as a whole, e.g. Broken wire or switch position display device. In this way, errors in the system can be quickly identified and specifically eliminated. Because of the long service life of LEDs, the failure probability in the systems according to the invention shifts from the light source failure to the line or contact failure.

The LEDs are advantageously mounted on modules that have individual LEDs or groups of LEDs. The building blocks can be arranged on a carrier, but can also have only one surrounding element. The LEDs, which have a relatively small radiation angle, advantageously have radiation optics. A radiation characteristic similar to that of the known filament lamp can thus be achieved.

The radiation optics works advantageously with mini prisms. In an embodiment known per se (US Pat. No. 5,083,192), the radiation axes of the LEDs are simply concentrated to one point. At this point the light is mixed and emitted. The prisms or a fresnel-like optic according to the invention can consist not only of glass, but also of pressed plastic or of injection-molded plastics. The material is e.g. Acrylic or epoxy. The integration of a prismatic radiator is possible, then there is a directional radiation, e.g. in the direction of the aisle.

The lamps according to the invention which can be formed are particularly advantageous for battery-powered systems, for example in boats, in caravans, but also for reading lights or workstation lights which can be individually adjusted to a specific color location. Luminaires of all types, which were originally equipped with conventional lamps, can advantageously be easily converted due to the combinability of the LED modules.

In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the power LEDs are arranged in strips on lamp modules. The strips can advantageously be straight or curved, so that there is the possibility of achieving all the desired radiation surfaces with a mixed arrangement of colors. The individual building blocks can have the shape of "Lego bricks" or "Fischer technology bricks".

Another embodiment of the invention provides that the power LEDs of the components are arranged in a triangular shape. This allows the formation of special color triples (e.g. red, green, blue) as the smallest assembly units. A double triplet shape, advantageously as a hexagon, is also possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the module design for the power LEDs in a square shape, in particular in a rectangular shape, is also possible. For example, an increased radiation of a special color, e.g. red, or another color, e.g. Amber, particularly cheap for interior lighting, but also a white LED can be included in the individual module. The smallest component is the single LED on a plug-in or adhesive base, so a particularly individual LED combination is possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that a reflective layer, for example an aluminum foil, is arranged under the power LEDs. This advantageously results in an albeit slight increase in the radiation effect due to the reflection of scattered radiation even for the normal parallel arrangement of the LEDs. The reflective layer is particularly important if the LEDs are mounted in an oblique arrangement or in a flat arrangement, ie not vertically on their carrier. The reflective layer is even indispensable here.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the LED modules are arranged on a flat, preferably one-piece, carrier. This results in a particularly space-saving arrangement for the LED modules, which can advantageously be used without a housing.

The LED carrier can also be designed in several pieces, in particular in multiple layers, preferably in two layers. The LED lamp can be formed on the carrier in the desired color combination. An energy distribution level can be formed between the individual layers. This must be matched to the respective combination of stripes, triangles, quadrilaterals, etc. as LED modules. Overall, there is a free configurability of the LED modules, this is especially for designer lights, but also for individual designs of the lamps formed, i.e. also for series products, e.g. Work place lights, important.

In an embodiment of the invention it is provided that the LED modules are designed to be insertable or pluggable, e.g. such as tongue and groove systems or as general elevation systems, e.g. in a round shape. In this way, a firm connection between the individual building blocks can advantageously be produced, with particular vibration resistance being achieved by gluing. Electrical connections can be integrated into the assembly connections, e.g. Wire spring sleeve connections.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the power LEDs have a surrounding element, for example a frame or a sheet metal clamp, the surrounding element forming a compact LED lamp from the individual parts of the LED arrangement. The lamp formed can thus be easily assembled and there is no fear of the LED lamp formed falling apart even when subjected to vibrations. Nevertheless, an individual design is possible.

The LEDs are advantageously connected individually or in groups to a, preferably electronic, dimmer which is preferably designed to be color-selective. This enables optimal adaptation to special lighting requirements, also in relation to workplace requirements, e.g. to reproduce the daylight intensity and the daylight path (blue / red). Together with an increase or decrease in the light intensity, the performance rhythm of a person can be taken into account. An adaptation to a light-dark transition or vice versa is also advantageously possible. This is important for ships, boats, etc.

It is provided that the dimmer is designed to work according to the PWM principle. This makes it possible to use inexpensive electronic components. At the same time, optimal adjustability is achieved in a wide range. It is also provided that the dimmer is advantageously designed as an electronic transformer. This allows the LEDs to be connected to different voltages, e.g. at 400 V, 220 V, or at voltages below 40 V, e.g. at 24 V or 12 V.

It will be advantageous, at least in some cases, for the dimmer to form a unit with the LED carriers. This results in a well-manageable lighting device for individual lamps or for lights. The dimmer can also be arranged spatially separate from the LED lamp, e.g. in the base of a standard lamp or centrally for a group of lamps.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that in the context of the system, signal (position) lanterns for boats or ships equipped with LEDs have undyed (non-filtering) cover glasses. This makes it possible to increase the efficiency compared to the known ship lanterns provided with colored, filtering glasses. The good efficiency of the LED technology is thereby increased even further in the application.

Furthermore, it is provided that the LEDs for boat or ship position lanterns are arranged in clusters which are designed to comply with the prescribed light intensity and radiation angle. This results in easy-to-use lamp units, especially in the form of small clusters, with the prescribed radiation values.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the clusters are formed, preferably as dense (LED to LED) clusters, and in particular are mountable overall, e.g. form pluggable assembly units cast in plastic. This enables simple assembly and replacement similar to that of a light bulb. The locking can be done simply by a spring on the back. However, a screw connection can also be provided.

A further embodiment of the invention is provided in such a way that the clusters, preferably with their feed lines, form watertight, in particular cast, units. This results in a corrosion-resistant design of the LED blocks. It is particularly advantageous if the supply lines, which can form a unit with the encapsulated blocks, are so long that their connection to the power supply network of the boat, caravan or ship takes place in a water-protected room, i.e. not directly on the position lamp or similar

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the clusters for large position lamps, work lights etc. are connected to a medium voltage (110 V to 400 V) power supply unit, in particular via a power supply unit. This advantageously results in the possibility of connecting LED lamps to existing on-board networks of higher voltage.

It is provided that position lights or the like. are equipped with constant current regulation or at least with current monitoring. So compliance is mandatory Radiation performance of the position lights guaranteed.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the system is designed as a multi-circuit system, one circuit e.g. which includes separately adjustable interior lighting, a circle e.g. the separately adjustable instrument lighting and a circle e.g. the constantly shining position lanterns. This is a version of the system that is particularly suitable for yachts.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that in particular the interior lighting has power LEDs with the color amber (ivory). This configuration is particularly suitable for yachting purposes, since it allows the popular petroleum lamp light to be reproduced.

It is also provided that the top light or other highly visible lights can be switched to a flashing or flashing mode with red light. This will make it easier to find an average, especially at night.

In a special embodiment of the invention it is provided that the low-voltage lighting system has dimmable and / or combinable LEDs with respect to the emitted colors, as well as LEDs emitting with constant brightness, in particular in one color (e.g. red, green or also white) emitting LEDs. Thus, a boat or possibly a ship can advantageously be equipped with LED lights, lamps and position lights, despite different requirements for the respective attachment locations.

It is further provided that the system has dimmable and / or combinable LEDs in relation to the emitted colors and lamps that do not work with electroluminescence, such as light bulbs, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps, etc. So at locations where LEDs are not beneficial would be, other lamps are used or remain with a retrofit. Mixing systems of this type will generally result from retrofitting, since for reasons of cost, older yachts or caravans are often only retrofitted with LED technology at special points, for example in the cabin. In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the system according to the invention has a low voltage part and a normal voltage part (110 V to 400 V). The advantages of both low and medium voltage can be used depending on the location.

It is further provided that the system according to the invention has a normal voltage part (network) up to the LED lamps, a voltage adjustment device and low voltage parts limited to the LED supply. This version is particularly suitable for larger ships. Then the wiring system installation can remain unchanged. Nevertheless, the advantages of LEDs can be used.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to drawings, from which, as well as from the subclaims, further details, which are also essential to the invention, can be seen.

FIG 1

ein Niederspannungs-Beleuchtungssystem am Beispiel einer Segelyachtbeleuchtung,

FIG 2

einen Reihenbaustein,

FIG 3

einen Reihenbaustein zum Aufschieben der Abstrahloptimierungsdeckplatte,

FIG 4

einen Reihenbaustein mit einzelabstrahloptimierten LEDs,

FIG 5

einen Flächenbaustein, z.B. für eine "Leuchttapete",

FIG 6

einen Flächenbaustein für sechs LEDs mit Reflektorfläche,

FIG 7

das Schema eines LED-Baustein-Stecksystems,

FIG 8

eine Einzel-Steck-LED zur Lampenbildung und

FIG 9

das Schema eines einfachen LED-Systems mit einem Dimmer und einem elektronischen Transformator.

In detail show:

FIG. 1

a low-voltage lighting system using the example of sailing yacht lighting,

FIG 2

a row module,

FIG 3

a row module for pushing on the radiation optimization cover plate,

FIG 4

a row module with individually optimized LEDs,

FIG 5

a surface module, for example for a "light wallpaper",

FIG 6

a surface module for six LEDs with reflector surface,

FIG 7

the schematic of an LED module plug-in system,

FIG 8

a single plug-in LED for lamp formation and

FIG. 9

the diagram of a simple LED system with a dimmer and an electronic transformer.

In FIG 1, 1 denotes the on-board battery, 2 a main switch, 3 and 4 individual parts of a distributor. Small LEDs 5 indicate any consumers that are switched on. The distributor can also have switches, protection and display devices (wire breaks, contact breaks). Due to the low power consumption of the LED lamps, the use of a clock is recommended for monitoring. Such monitoring components are known from automation technology, e.g. from mining.

6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 denote the position lights with their colors, white for the rear light, white for the anchor light, white for the so-called steamer light, which may be switched on, and 9 and 10 for the green and red of the bow light. The parts of the bow lantern or, if two separate lanterns are used on the bow or one side of the yacht, are designed without filters according to the invention, since the LED clusters are designed to emit red or green light. The clusters are advantageously designed as beam spreading clusters in order to maintain the required beam angles.

Dimmers 11 are provided for the interior lighting and the instrument lighting 12 and 13 respectively. The individual lamps of the interior lighting can of course also be equipped with separate dimmers, e.g. form a unit with the LED block on a common base plate. The circuit layout shown is only an example; other circuits representing a larger distribution can also be formed.

The light intensity regulators that may be necessary for the position lamps are advantageously integrated into the position lamps and are preferably also molded. Overall, there is a lighting system (including the Position lanterns) for boats, which has a further advantage compared to conventional systems and has a significantly lower energy consumption. In this way, the second battery (engine-start battery) that has been customary up to now can usually be omitted. Even with frequent night driving or longer laydowns, i.e. when the rechargeable battery cannot be recharged, the only rechargeable battery will hardly be discharged. Dispensing with the second battery and the charging switch connected to it is a considerable cost saving for yachts.

In the case of the lights of the interior lighting, the modular combination system formed can advantageously be used to retrofit the lights already present in the boat. The boat owner is therefore not forced to purchase and install new lights when LED lighting technology is introduced. This is a considerable advantage if the great individuality of the lights in boats and caravans, which also applies to this retrofit, applies.

FIGS. 2 to 6 show preferred individual LED barn stone shapes.

In Figure 2, 15 LEDs, e.g. in a parallel row arrangement, arranged on a snap-on profile 16. Above the LEDs 15, a diffusing screen 17 is optionally arranged. This is advantageously connected to the outside walls of the luminaire in a dust-preventing manner.

In FIG. 3, 18 denotes the LEDs of a row module for insertion into a profile 20. For insertion, the LEDs 18 are arranged on a flat carrier 19. The LEDs 18 are optionally covered by a common radiation profile 45, which can advantageously merge laterally into a cover housing 46. This advantageously results in a distributed, radiating, splash-proof light bar, which can replace, for example, the gas discharge tubes previously used, for example in boats and caravans.

In FIG. 4, 21 designates the LEDs with a pressed radiation profile 22. The LEDs 21 are arranged on a carrier plate 23, which can optionally be formed elastically. The lamp with the LEDs 21 can easily be adapted to any space and configuration requirements, e.g. be adapted for designer lamps, workplace lamps etc.

In FIG 5, 24 denotes the LEDs, e.g. a triplet, on a reflector surface 25, e.g. an aluminum foil. To optimize the radiation, a triangular prism 26 is provided in the middle, which brings the advantageously flat LEDs 24 to radiation approximately in the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface.

In FIG. 6, a block element corresponding to the principle of FIG. 8 is shown in double design, the LEDs 27 being arranged on a reflecting surface 28 in such a way that they radiate into a radiation prism 29. This advantageously results in a doubled light output compared to FIG. 8 without having to deviate from the flat design of the surface modules.

In FIG. 7, the LEDs 30, which can normally be emitted in different colors, but can also be emitted in one color, are arranged on modules 31. The building blocks 31 have projections 33, e.g. in a cone shape, with integrated contact pins 34. Bolt 32 or similar can penetrate corresponding holes in the module and result in an overall stable configuration of the LED plug-in system. Strength can be increased by strapping or edging the connector system.

8 shows a single LED plug-in module. Single LED modules of this type result in a completely freely configurable LED lamp system which can take into account the individual requirements of the user particularly cheaply (retrofitting).

In the case of the single LED plug-in system, the LED 35 is arranged on a foot 36 which has a plug contact 39 and, if appropriate, 37 to the side. The LED modules 36 are arranged on a base plate 38, which can consist of cutable, flexible plastic. Any configuration of the LED lamp formed for retrofitting any LED lights is particularly advantageously possible.

In FIG. 9, 40 denotes LEDs of a row module 41, however, e.g. a rectangular or square module with many LEDs can also be formed. It is also possible to combine individual modules in any configuration. The LEDs are supplied with electrical energy via a plug and distributor 42 and the feed line 43 from the dimmer 44, which may be designed as an electronic transformer. How to switch the individual LEDs can be seen from the above-mentioned brochure from Conrad-ELECTRONIC, which shows on page 662 both the well-known LED headlights and a circuit as well as a circuit board for 230 V. The electrical details of the LED lamps formed are thus known to the person skilled in the art, just like PWM dimmers.

Claims (37)

Lighting system with low-voltage lights and lamps, which are supplied with electrical energy from a common energy supply part, for example a rechargeable battery, in particular for installation on boats or ships, or for caravans, characterized in that the lights and lamps act as light sources -LEDs in combinable form. Lighting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power LEDs can be combined in color. Lighting system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the power LEDs have an internal structure which enables the emission of light of different wavelengths (red, green, blue, white, amber), for example by a multilayer structure with separate control of the individual Locations. Lighting system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the power LEDs are arranged on combinable components. Illumination system according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the lamps or lights are designed to be adjustable in brightness at least in groups, for example interior lighting, instrument lighting etc. and / or color-selective. Lighting system according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the lamps or luminaires have a protective device which acts individually, in groups or as a whole, for example against overvoltage. Lighting system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the lamps or lights have a single, group or total acting short-circuit or contact interruption display device, for example wire break or switch position display device. Lighting system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the power LEDs on the components are arranged in strips, also in curved strips. Lighting system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the power LEDs are arranged on the building blocks in triangular or hexagonal shape. Lighting system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the power LEDs are arranged in a square shape. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reflective layer, for example an aluminum foil, is arranged under the power LEDs. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power LED modules are arranged on a flat, in particular one-piece, carrier. Lighting system according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the carrier for the LED modules is constructed in several pieces. Lighting system according to claim 12, characterized in that the power LEDs via modules or are arranged directly on a multi-layer, preferably two-layer, carrier. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power LED modules can be mounted on support elements, for example according to the tongue and groove system or according to general survey / recess systems. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power LEDs have a surrounding element, for example a frame or a sheet metal clamp, which joins the individual components of the LED arrangement. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one, preferably electronic, dimmer. Lighting system according to claim 17, characterized in that the dimmer is designed to be color-selective. Lighting system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the dimmer is designed to work according to the PWM principle. Lighting system according to claim 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that the dimmer is designed as an electronic transformer. Lighting system according to claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the dimmer is designed to form a unit with the LED carrier. Lighting system according to claim 17, 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the dimmer is arranged spatially separate from the LEDs. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual LEDs or groups of LEDs or the like. have a radiation distribution optics. Lighting system according to claim 23, characterized in that the radiation distribution optics are molded onto the power LEDs and has, for example, a rib structure, for example in the manner of an inverted Fresnel lens. Lighting system according to claim 23, characterized in that each LED lamp formed has a radiation mixing optics which is common to all LEDs and which may be designed as a dust-preventing cover disk. Lighting system, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that lamps equipped with LEDs for boat or ship position lanterns have undyed (non-filtering) cover glasses, for example with a cylindrical lens effect. Lighting system according to claim 26, characterized in that the LEDs for boat or ship position lanterns are arranged in clusters which are designed to comply with the prescribed light intensity and angle of radiation for these lanterns. Lighting system according to claim 27, characterized in that the clusters are preferably designed as dense (LED to LED) clusters and in particular form assembly units, preferably plug-in assembly units, for example in the form of molded or pressed blocks or cartridges. Lighting system according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the clusters, preferably with their feed lines, form watertight, in particular cast, handling units. Lighting system according to claim 27, 28 or 29, characterized in that the clusters for large position lamps, work lights etc. are connected to a medium voltage (110 V to 400 V) power supply unit, in particular via a power supply unit. Lighting system according to one or more of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that position lamps or the like. constant current controlled or at least current monitored. Lighting system, in particular according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system is designed as a multi-circuit system, with a circle, for example, comprising separately adjustable interior lighting, a circle, for example, separately adjustable instrument lighting, and a circle, for example, permanently illuminated position lamps. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it, in particular as a top light, has power LEDs in the color red, which are designed as flashing or flashing lamps. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has both dimmable and / or adjustable LEDs with respect to the emitted colors as well as LEDs emitting with constant brightness, in particular LEDs emitting in a special color (eg green, red) . Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has both dimmable and / or adjustable and / or adjustable LEDs in relation to the emitted colors and lamps which do not work with electroluminescence, such as light bulbs, halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps etc. Lighting system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a low voltage part and a normal voltage part (110 V to 400 V). Lighting system according to claim 32, characterized in that it has a normal voltage part (network) up to the LED lights or position lamps, voltage adjustment devices and low voltage parts limited to the LED supply.

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