[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting fixture assembly for installing a plurality
of lighting fixtures on a lighting mast.
[0002] The present invention furthermore relates to a method for configuring such a lighting
fixture assembly for installation on a lighting mast.
[0003] Car parks, buildings, sports fields and other large areas are usually illuminated
by means of a light beam which is configured especially for the specific use from
several light beams from different lighting fixtures. By arranging the fixtures in
a certain orientation with respect to each other, the light source can be configured.
Depending on the position and shape of the object to be illuminated and also on the
position of the lighting mast and the lighting fixtures in the lighting mast, the
lighting fixtures are placed in a certain mutual orientation with respect to each
other and with respect to the object to be illuminated.
[0004] Nowadays, many conventional light sources are being replaced by LED light sources
(LED = Light-Emitting Diode). In order to achieve a light beam which is suitable for
the application and the location, various LED light sources are combined. One or more
high-power LED light sources are arranged in a fixture and a number of fixtures together
form the final desired light beam. In this case, the lighting fixtures are not secured
to the lighting mast separately, but by means of a lighting fixture assembly. Often,
such a lighting fixture assembly is designed for two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve
or even more lighting elements to be secured thereto in pairs, i.e. a number of rows
of two lighting elements secured on either side of the mounting part of the lighting
fixture assembly. An advantage of using such a mounting part instead of securing each
individual lighting fixture directly to the lighting mast is that the light beam can
already be configured beforehand in this way. Depending on the location and the application,
a configuration of two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve or even more lighting elements
may be chosen and each of the lighting elements is fixed in a predetermined orientation
and position on the mounting element corresponding to the desired light beam.
[0005] A number of setting freedoms are required in order to set the orientation and position
correctly. By setting the mutual angle between the axial directions of the two opposite
lighting fixtures, the beam can be made wider or narrower and, by means of the axial
rotation of the individual lighting fixtures, the beam can be made shorter or longer.
By allowing the mounting element to pivot with respect to the mast on a tilting point
or pivot point, it becomes possible to direct the beam at the object to be illuminated.
[0006] By securing at least all lighting fixtures to the mounting element beforehand, time
is saved which the engineer on the lighting mast needs. After all, on the mast only
the mounting element has to be aligned, the cumbersome configuration (in particular
if this has to be performed at a considerable height on a lighting mast) of the individual
lighting fixtures on the mounting part is no longer required.
[0007] In order to set the mutual angle between the axial directions of the two opposite
lighting fixtures, use is often made of a slot provided in the mounting part or mounting
element (for example according to a t-slot profile). Via this slot, it is then possible
to adjust the circumferential angle at which the lighting fixtures extend radially
from the mounting element.
[0008] In order to set the axial rotation of the individual lighting fixtures, i.e. the
circumferential angle or rotation of the axial direction of the lighting fixtures,
the lighting fixtures are secured to the mounting element using a bolt/nut connection.
As soon as the angle has been set correctly, the bolt is tightened and secured.
[0009] A drawback of the present mounting elements is the fact that setting the angle is
a labour-intensive operation which requires a significant amount of accuracy. First,
it has to be determined how the final light beam has to look and then this has to
be translated to an accurate setting of the orientation and position of the lighting
fixtures on the mounting element in accordance with the application. After all lighting
fixtures have been secured to the mounting element, the arrangement is fitted in situ
on the lighting mast by an engineer. However, often one or more lighting fixtures
move during transportation, storage and installation in situ, resulting in the light
beam configuration no longer being correct. Often, this is only detected after installation
has taken place and this means that the engineer still has to adjust the individual
lighting fixtures in situ, often on the lighting mast. This is a time-consuming and
consequently expensive operation. Above all, the engineer in situ has to be sufficiently
skilled to be able to carry out such a task.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture
assembly in which at least some of the abovementioned drawbacks from the prior art
have been solved. More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide an
improved lighting fixture assembly in which fitting and setting the lighting fixtures
on the mounting element can be performed in a simple and reliable manner.
[0011] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved method for installing
lighting fixtures on a lighting mast, more particularly a method which is simpler
and in which the risk of an incorrect setting or a variation in the latter is reduced.
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, said object is achieved by
a lighting fixture assembly for mounting on a lighting mast, in which the lighting
fixture assembly comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures, which are each provided
with a plurality of LED light sources (LED = Light-Emitting Diode) and are adjustable
with respect to each other in a mutual orientation over at least two axes in order
to produce a specific light beam, the lighting fixture assembly comprising:
- a housing part, comprising at least one control unit for electronically actuating
a plurality of LED light sources in the plurality of lighting fixtures, and further
comprising a mast coupling piece which is adapted to secure the housing part to the
lighting mast, in which the housing part is adapted to pivot the plurality of lighting
fixtures over a pivot point in order to align the light beam;
- a mounting part, comprising at least one at least partly cylindrical tube part which
is connected to the housing part and is adapted to secure the plurality of lighting
fixtures so as to be adjustable over the at least two axes;
- a plurality of fixture coupling pieces corresponding to the plurality of lighting
fixtures, which are each adapted for coupling one of the lighting fixtures to the
mounting part, characterized in that each fixture coupling piece is provided with
connecting means on a first and second side for connecting it to the tube part on
the first side and to the lighting fixture on the second side, respectively, in which
the tube part is adapted to connect at a fixed predetermined position on the periphery
of the tube part to the connecting means of the first side of the fixture coupling
piece for determining the adjustment of the first adjustable axis, and in which the
second side of the fixture coupling piece is adapted to connect at a fixed predetermined
position on the periphery of the second side to the lighting fixture for determining
the adjustment of the second adjustable axis.
[0013] The lighting fixture assembly is adapted to secure a plurality of lighting fixtures
to. In particular, these are, depending on the application, pairs of two lighting
fixtures, such as two, four, six, eight, ten, twelve, etc. lighting fixtures. These
are preferably arranged in such a manner that the lighting fixtures are secured at
right angles to a central axis of the mounting part, in particular the tube part,
two per row, in opposite configuration. In order words, the mounting part preferably
consists of a single tube profile. This may either be a closed tube or a part of a
tube profile which has been cut, for example in the longitudinal direction. The tube
part is at least partly cylindrical, which means that at least a part of the periphery
of the tube part is round. The cross section of the tube part is, for example, semi-circular
or is partly provided with a round area on two sides. These round areas preferably
form at least 180 degrees of the tube part, or two individual parts of approximately
80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 degrees. However, the mounting part may also comprise a frame
of tube profiles, for example a rectangular, square or a U-shaped profile, in which
the lighting fixtures are secured at right angles to the vertical profile parts.
[0014] Due to the fact that the profile parts are completely round or partly round, it is
possible, depending on the position on the periphery of the profile, to determine
an angle at which the lighting fixture can be adjusted either inwards or outwards
(open or closed, or wider or narrower light beam). The position, being the axial and
circumferential position on the tube profile of the two lighting fixtures secured
on either side of the tube profile, optionally determines how wide the light beam
shines or illuminates. On the other hand, the height or length of the light beam is
determined by the degree to which the lighting fixtures have to be turned with respect
to the tube profile. In other words, the longitudinal rotation angle of the lighting
fixtures.
[0015] The inventor has come to the conclusion that there are only a few commonly used light
beam configurations, because the position of the lighting mast with respect to the
object to be illuminated, as well as the height thereof and the type of object to
be illuminated in practice only result in a few concrete configurations. Often, for
example, the same lighting masts are used for sports fields, such as tennis courts,
which are often of the same height and are situated in the same position with respect
to the courts to be illuminated. Thus, there is no need to adjust the lighting fixtures
over continuously adjustable angles. There are only a few discrete positions or angles
at which the lighting fixtures are set in practice. By determining beforehand in which
configuration the angles have to be set for the respective applications, it is possible
to determine that there are, for example, only four different axial and circumferential
positions in which the lighting fixtures are secured on the tube profile, and only
four different longitudinal rotation angles of the lighting fixtures. According to
the invention, a tube profile is provided, as well as a fixture coupling piece which
corresponds thereto. That is to say that the respective tube profile is provided with
predrilled through-bores at those positions which correspond to the configuration
of the light beam. The fixture coupling pieces are designed in such a manner that
they can be positioned between the lighting fixtures and the tube profile, in which
case the longitudinal rotation angle of the lighting fixtures is not freely adjustable,
but is determined by the shape of fixture coupling pieces. Given the correct fixture
coupling pieces, corresponding to the light beam configuration, the lighting fixtures
can then only be secured to the tube profile in a correct manner. Because they are
no longer freely adjustable, it is no longer possible for the setting to change during
storage, transportation or installation in situ. The only prerequisites for a quick
configuration are the selection of the correct tube profile (cylindrical coupling
piece) and the correct fixture coupling pieces. The configuration can therefore be
effected beforehand and in a speedy manner, while there is no risk of the positions/angles
of the lighting fixtures changing.
[0016] In an example, the tube part for each fixture coupling piece is provided on the periphery
with at least one bore for securing the connecting means of the first side of the
fixture coupling piece to the tube part, and in which the position of the at least
one bore determines a first circumferential position of the fixture coupling piece
on the periphery of the tube part for the adjustment of the first adjustable axle
for tilting the respective lighting fixture.
[0017] According to the invention, it may on the one hand involve a universal tube part
which comprises bores in different configurations which are in different positions
and correspond to the different configurations of the radial orientation of the lighting
fixtures. In other words, the rotation of the lighting fixtures about the longitudinal
axis or the axial axis of the tube part. On the other hand, it may involve different
tube parts, with each tube part being adapted for a specific configuration of the
lighting fixtures, or in other words setting of the rotation of the lighting fixtures
about the longitudinal axis or the axial axis of the tube part. This angle determines
the degree of tilting of the lighting fixtures and is referred to as the beta angle.
[0018] In an example, the connecting means of the second side of each fixture coupling piece
are provided with at least two bores for securing to the lighting fixture, and in
which the positions of the at least two bores determine an adjustment of the second
adjustable axis for rotating the, respective lighting fixture.
[0019] On the one hand, it may involve fixture coupling pieces which are provided with securing
means, for example a bolt/nut combination, which only make it possible to adjust and
connect the mutual axial rotation of the fixture coupling piece and the lighting fixture
in one and the same position. By means thereof, the axial orientation of the lighting
fixtures is adjusted, which is to say the rotation of the lighting fixtures about
their own longitudinal axis. This is also referred to as the alpha angle (α).
[0020] In an example, the connecting means of each fixture coupling piece are provided,
on the first side, with a hollow area, the shape of which is complementary with the
cylindrical wall of the tube part.
[0021] Due to the fact that the fixture coupling pieces are provided, on the side of the
tube part, with a hollow area which is complementary with the cylindrical, round wall
of the tube part, this side of the fixture coupling pieces fits onto the tube part
perfectly and follows the radius. Irrespective of the position on the periphery of
the tube part, this provides a good connection. The fixture coupling pieces are therefore
universal on the first side towards the tube part and the configuration of the beta
angle (β) is therefore determined by the tube part and in particular by the positions
of the bores or other securing means on the periphery of the tube part for securing
the fixture coupling pieces.
[0022] In an example, the connecting means of each fixture coupling piece are provided,
on the second side, with a flange part, and in which the flange part comprises at
least two bores for securing the fixture coupling piece to the lighting fixture at
fixed points.
[0023] The fixtures are preferably universal. On one side, these are provided with securing
means, such as bores, for the purpose of a bolt/nut. The alpha angle, i.e. the degree
of rotation of the lighting fixtures about their own longitudinal axis, is determined
by the positions of the bores in the flange part on the second side of the fixture
coupling pieces. This flange may either be provided with a number of bores which corresponds
to a single configuration or rotation, or may comprise several groups of bores for
several configurations or rotation settings.
[0024] In an example, each fixture coupling piece is drilled in the longitudinal direction
for passing through cables from the lighting fixture to the tube part, for the purpose
of electronically actuating a plurality of LED light sources.
[0025] Preferably, the electrical cables of the LED light sources in the lighting fixture
are passed through the fixture coupling piece. This means that the cables are completely
protected, as a result of which they are less susceptible to wear.
[0026] In a further example, each fixture coupling piece is adapted, on the first side,
to accommodate a cable gland for passing cables through.
[0027] In yet a further example, the cable gland is provided with a pressure-compensation
valve which is adapted to prevent moisture from entering and to allow air through.
[0028] Preferably, the fixture coupling piece comprises an axial through-bore which is adapted
to accommodate a cable gland. Preferably, this cable gland is provided with a pressure-compensation
valve. Due to the temperature development of the LEDs, the temperature in the lighting
fixture can quickly rise and cool down again. These temperature variations result
in pressure differences and these may have an adverse effect on the closure of the
lighting fixture. If, for example, the temperature in the lighting fixture drops quickly,
the pressure also decreases, possibly resulting in an underpressure. This underpressure
may suck moisture or condensation into the lighting fixture. This can be prevented
by the pressure-compensation valve, which allows outside air to flow into the lighting
fixture. However, this pressure-compensation valve is impenetrable to moisture, as
a result of which air is allowed to pass, but moisture is not.
[0029] In an example, the tube part comprises at least two configurations of bores, the
configurations differing with respect to each other in axial and/or circumferential
position of the bore in the cylindrical coupling piece.
[0030] In the one example, the different discrete adjustment of the axial and/or circumferential
position of the lighting fixtures with respect to the cylindrical tube part is determined
by selecting the correct cylindrical tube part. That is to say that there are several
cylindrical tube parts which are different with respect to each other regarding axial
and/or circumferential position of the bores. On the other hand, the different configurations
may also be provided in one and the same cylindrical tube part by providing the tube
part with several bores for the purpose of different configurations. These configurations
are preferably, provided with a label or indication to indicate which is the respective
configuration. In contrast to a prior-art cylindrical tube part, the cylindrical coupling
piece according to the present embodiment is provided with a number of bores in which
each bore corresponds to a specific configuration of the light beam.
[0031] In an example, the cylindrical tube part is made of an axially cut elongated semi-cylindrical
tube profile.
[0032] The cylindrical tube part is preferably made of a cylindrical tube profile which
is cut in the longitudinal direction. The position at which the cylindrical tube profile
is cut does not have to be exactly in the centre, but may, viewed in cross section,
also be a segment which is larger or smaller than half the circle. The larger the
segment, the larger the range of the angle which can be adjusted. However, if the
necessary configurations of the light beam only require an angle of the lighting fixtures
which varies between, for example, 180 and 120 degrees, then it suffices to provide
an approximately semi-cylindrical tube profile, so that the lighting fixtures can
be adjusted in an opposite orientation of 180 degrees with respect to each other.
[0033] In an example, the fixture coupling pieces comprise at least two configurations of
pin-hole joints, for adjusting the lighting fixtures in at least two predetermined
longitudinal rotation angles.
[0034] Preferably, the fixture coupling pieces are disc-shaped so that one side thereof
can be secured to the tube profile, this may be effected either by providing the fixture
coupling piece with a surface on that side which follows the contours of the tube
profile or by the fact that an intermediate piece may be placed thereon which corresponds
to the surface of the tube profile, and the other side engages with the lighting fixture.
By providing this coupling piece with a pin-hole joint or another toothing on one
of the sides of the disc-shaped fixture coupling piece, the position of the pin-hole
joint determines the longitudinal rotation angle of the lighting fixtures. In this
way, it is possible to determine, by positioning the pin or the hole, whether the
lighting fixtures are rotated, for example, at an angle of 0 degrees, 15 degrees,
30 degrees, etc. Preferably, the fixture coupling piece is provided with several configuration
options. For example, with a pen joint and several holes, which holes correspond to
the number of discrete configuration options of the light beam. This is an alternative
to providing different fixture coupling pieces, which each represent a single specific
light beam configuration. The use of a fixture coupling piece with a number of penhole
combination options has the advantage that only one fixture coupling piece has to
be provided which can be used for all configurations of light beams, and the use of
different fixture coupling pieces has the advantage that, if the correct fixture coupling
piece has been chosen, no error or displacement can occur when positioning the lighting
fixtures because these can only be fitted in one position.
[0035] In an example, the cylindrical tube part and/or the fixture coupling pieces are made
of plastic, metal, stainless steel or aluminium.
[0036] The cylindrical tube part and the fixture coupling pieces are preferably made of
aluminium. Such parts can be manufactured in a relatively simple manner, for example,
by extrusion. On the other hand, such profiles can easily be obtained as a standard
profile, in particular if they are cylindrical profiles. In this case, aluminium is
lightweight, simple to finish (providing the bores) and weather-resistant, even under
very extreme weather conditions (moisture, temperature, etc.).
[0037] In an example, the cylindrical coupling piece is provided with a configuration indication,
to designate the specific light beam and the corresponding installation position of
the lighting fixtures on the cylindrical coupling piece.
[0038] In the embodiment in which the cylindrical coupling piece is adapted for several
configurations of light beams, in other words comprises several bores, the coupling
piece is preferably provided with an indication. This may be, for example, a letter
or number by means of which it is easy, and above all clear, for the individual assembling
the fixture (an assembly worker or engineer), to fit the lighting fixtures in accordance
with the assembly instructions.
[0039] In an example, the fixture coupling pieces are provided with a configuration indication,
to designate the specific light beam and the corresponding longitudinal rotation angle
of the lighting fixtures.
[0040] Analogous to providing the indication on the cylindrical coupling piece, the fixture
coupling pieces may also be provided with such an indication, thus rendering fitting
easy.
[0041] In a second aspect, a method is provided for installing a plurality of lighting fixtures
on a lighting mast, in which all lighting fixtures are provided with a plurality of
LED light sources (LED = Light-Emitting Diode) and are adjustable with respect to
each other in a mutual orientation over at least two axes for providing a specific
light beam, the method comprising the following steps:
- providing a housing part, comprising at least one control unit for electronically
actuating the plurality of LED light sources in the plurality of lighting fixtures,
and further comprising a mast coupling piece which is adapted to secure the housing
part to the lighting mast, in which the housing part is adapted to pivot the plurality
of lighting fixtures over a pivot point in order to align the light beam;
- providing the plurality of lighting fixtures;
- selecting and providing a mounting part, comprising at least one at least partly cylindrical
tube part which is connectable to the housing part and is adapted to secure the plurality
of lighting fixtures so as to be adjustable over the at least two axes;
- selecting and providing a plurality of fixture coupling pieces corresponding to the
plurality of lighting fixtures, which are each adapted for coupling one of the lighting
fixtures to the mounting part, characterized in that each fixture coupling piece is
provided with connecting means on a first and second side for connecting it to the
tube part on the first side and to the lighting fixture on the second side, respectively,
in which the tube part is adapted to connect at a fixed predetermined position on
the periphery of the tube part to the connecting means of the first side of the fixture
coupling piece for determining the adjustment of the first adjustable axis, and in
which the second side of the fixture coupling piece is adapted to connect at a fixed
predetermined position on the periphery of the second side to the lighting fixture
for determining the adjustment of the second adjustable axis.
[0042] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing, in
which:
Figs. 1a-g show an embodiment of the mounting element according to an aspect of the
invention.
[0043] For a better understanding of the invention, similar parts which are illustrated
in the various figures are denoted by identical reference numerals in the following
description of the figures.
[0044] In Figs. 1a to 1g, a mounting element is shown in various views and from various
perspectives according to one of the aspects of the invention. This mounting element
is adapted for installing various lighting fixtures on a lighting mast. This may be,
for example, a lighting mast of a sports field, for example a tennis court or hockey
pitch. Depending on the type of lighting mast (for example a lighting mast for a sports
field), the type of sport, the position with respect to the field or pitch and any
other properties, the plurality of lighting fixtures provide a light image or a light
beam. This is achieved by orienting the various fixtures in a certain direction with
respect to each other. To this end, the orientation of the various lighting fixtures,
i.e. individual light beam direction, is therefore adjustable in various freedoms
of movement.
[0045] Adjusting the individual direction of each lighting fixture with respect to the field
or object to be illuminated and actually therefore with respect to the fixed lighting
mast, takes place according to the prior art in a continuous manner. This means that
first the position of the lighting mast, how the object to be illuminated is oriented
with respect thereto and has been shaped, etc. etc. is determined beforehand. Once
these properties are known, the desired light beam therefor is calculated. Subsequently,
calculations are performed to determine how this light beam may be produced by means
of several lighting fixtures. After all, in many cases, the light beam cannot be produced
by one single lighting fixture. Once it is known how each individual lighting fixture
has to be aligned or oriented, all lighting fixtures are secured to a mounting element
in a corresponding manner. This is an expensive and time-consuming operation. After
all, the individual who configures the mounting element has to be able to translate
the technical calculations for the light beam into an actual manual adjustment of
the lighting fixtures on the mounting element. For this reason, mounting elements
comprise all kinds of continuous adjustment options in order to allow various freedoms
of movement of the lighting fixtures. Therefore, each movement direction then has
to be accurately adjusted, checked and fixed for every lighting fixture.
[0046] The device according to the invention provides for this process to be made simpler,
quicker and more reliable. The inventors have concluded that the various possible
configurations of light beams can be provided by means of only a limited, discrete
number of predetermined adjustment options of two degrees of freedom of each lighting
fixture. To this end, the mounting element according to the invention comprises a
housing part. This is the part comprising the control unit for electronically actuating
LED light sources (LED = Light-Emitting Diode) in the plurality of lighting fixtures,
and furthermore comprising a mast coupling piece which is adapted to install the housing
part on the lighting mast. The housing part is furthermore adapted to tilt the plurality
of lighting fixtures over a pivot point in order to align the light beam. To this
end, the device preferably comprises a visor 34. In addition to the tilting movement,
the housing part is preferably also able to move in a second direction, in which it
rotates over the longitudinal axis of the lighting mast.
[0047] In the various figures, and thus also in Figs. 1 b. 1 c and 1 g and in particular
in Fig. 1g, it can be seen that a cylindrical coupling piece 2, in this case a semi-cylindrical
c-shaped tube part, can pivot with respect to the mast and the angle can be adjusted
by means of adjusting means 4. The shape and properties of the light beam are determined
by the positions of the lighting fixtures with respect to this c-shaped tube part
2 and the light beam can subsequently be directed at the object to be illuminated
(a sports field) and, if correctly aligned, be fixed using the adjusting means 4.
[0048] As mentioned above, the cylindrical or semi-cylindrical c-shaped tube part 2 is connected
to the housing part and adapted to secure the plurality of lighting fixtures to in
an adjustable manner. This is understood to mean that the position of the lighting
fixtures on the periphery of the c-shaped tube part 2 sets a first freedom of movement
and the rotation of the lighting fixtures with respect to their longitudinal axis
sets the second freedom of movement. It is a characterizing feature of the invention
that both these freedoms of movement are limited with regard to options. Preferably,
the first freedom of movement of the position of the freedom of movement lighting
fixtures on the periphery of the c-shaped tube part 2 is limited to such an extent
that there is only a single securing position for each lighting fixture. This results
from the fact that the C-shaped tube part 2 is provided with bores, the number of
which corresponds to the number of lighting fixtures and which are positioned according
to a predetermined configuration. After all, it has been found that only a few positions
are used in practice. For example, in the case of a type of lighting device comprising
eight individual lighting fixtures, for example, only two kinds of light beam configurations
are used for tennis court lighting. That is to say that a continuous, unlimited adjustment
option for the position of the lighting fixtures on the periphery of the tubular part
is superfluous and that only two positions per lighting fixture are sufficient for
the device. In an example, the invention therefore provides a mounting element in
which the tubular part for each lighting fixture is only provided with a limited number
of securing positions in the periphery of this tubular part, preferably 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7 or 8 adjustment options. Alternatively, the invention also provides a configuration
of the mounting element by making different configurations of tubular parts available,
in which each tubular part only allows a single configuration and thus only one securing
position on the periphery of the tubular part per lighting fixture. In that case,
only the tubular part which corresponds to the configuration of the light beam has
to be selected when installing or configuring the mounting element. The tubular part
or tube part is thus adapted to adjust one of the degrees of freedom of the lighting
fixtures in a simple, robust and reliable manner, namely the position of the lighting
fixtures on the radial periphery of the external surface of the tube part 2. In the
configuration from the example in the figures, it can be seen that there are eight
lighting fixtures which are secured to the tube part 2 via eight fixture coupling
pieces 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. These are secured in pairs on opposite sides
of the tube part in preferably corresponding orientations which mirror each other.
Thus, viewed from the side of the housing part in the direction of the mast, the first
set of two lighting fixtures is secured, for example, at 0 and 180 degrees on the
periphery of the tube part on this tube part, whereas the next group of two lighting
fixtures is secured at 45 and 135 degrees, the third group at 15 and 165 degrees and
the fourth group likewise at 45 and 135 degrees.
[0049] The two degrees of freedom are denoted by the freedoms about the two axes X and Y
which are shown in Fig. 1 c. The first degree of freedom is a rotating movement beta
(β) about the longitudinal axis Y of the connecting element. The second degree of
freedom is a rotating movement alpha (α) about the longitudinal axis X of the lighting
fixture.
[0050] However, in order to be able to adjust a light beam in a satisfactory manner, the
lighting fixtures have to be adjusted in a second degree of freedom. This is provided
by the device by means of a plurality of fixture coupling pieces which correspond
to the plurality of lighting fixtures and are made as disc-shaped coupling pieces
and are adapted to secure each of the plurality of lighting fixtures to by means of
the cylindrical coupling piece in an adjustable manner. On a first side, the fixture
coupling pieces are formed in such a way that they are complementary with the tube
profile and, on a second side, they are provided with a pin-hole joint which is complementary
with the lighting fixtures, with the position of the pin-hole joint determining the
longitudinal rotation angle of the lighting fixtures. By means of these coupling pieces,
the lighting fixtures are secured at the location of the bore in the tube part and
the rotation of the lighting fixtures about their longitudinal axis is adjusted. This
adjustment is non-continuous, as is customary with known mounting elements, but this
adjustment is discrete and preferably only comprises a single adjustment position,
but in another example comprises several, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, for the
purpose of different light beam configurations. However, as has already been mentioned,
the preferred embodiment is such that several coupling pieces may be provided, each
of which comprises a distinguishing mark so that it is clear to which light beam configuration
it belongs. Then, all that is required when installing the lighting fixtures on the
mounting element is to select the correct coupling pieces. This not only makes installation
easy and reliable, since no specific knowledge is required to make the transition
from a calculated light beam to a rotation angle of the longitudinal direction of
each lighting fixture on the tube part, but only a selection has to be made from various
individual coupling pieces according to the desired configuration, or one of the discrete
adjustment options which are labelled on a coupling piece which corresponds to the
configuration of the light beam.
[0051] Preferably, the fixture coupling piece is hollow, making it possible to pass the
cables from/to the respective lighting fixture through and protect them from external
influences. The cables may then be housed completely inside the housing parts (lighting
fixtures, coupling pieces, tube part and housing).
[0052] The fixture coupling piece is preferably made from a single part and preferably of
metal which is corrosion-resistant. However, it may also consist of two or more accommodating
parts, in which one part is adapted to be secured to the surface of the tube part
and is thus shaped in accordance with the diameter of that tube part. The second part
of the other side of the fixture coupling piece is adapted to be secured to a fixture.
The rotation of the fixture in the longitudinal direction thereof, i.e. in an axial
or radial direction, is preferably limited to a single position. To this end, the
fixture coupling piece comprises an opening or indentation which corresponds with
an opening or indentation on the side of the fixture. This is for example a pin-hole
joint. This pin-hole joint or other axial direction limitation may also be arranged
on the side of the tube part, with the tube part comprising an opening or indentation.
[0053] Fig. 1b shows that the tubular part 2 is hollow and thus the lighting fixtures can
easily be secured to the coupling pieces on the inside of the tube part by means of
securing means, such as one or more bolts or nuts or screws.
[0054] It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the described embodiments,
aspects and examples and the examples shown in the figures only describe and illustrate
one of the many forms in which the invention may be used. Thus, the invention is not
limited to such examples and the scope of protection of the invention is expressly
determined by the attached claims.
1. Lighting fixture assembly for mounting on a lighting mast, in which the lighting fixture
assembly comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures, which are each provided with
a plurality of LED light sources (LED = Light-Emitting Diode) and are adjustable with
respect to each other in a mutual orientation over at least two axes in order to produce
a specific light beam, the lighting fixture assembly comprising:
- a housing part, comprising at least one control unit for electronically actuating
the plurality of LED light sources in the plurality of lighting fixtures, and further
comprising a mast coupling piece which is arranged to secure the housing part to the
lighting mast, in which the housing part is arranged to pivot the plurality of lighting
fixtures over a pivot point in order to align the light beam;
- a mounting part, comprising at least one at least partly cylindrical tube part which
is connected to the housing part and is arranged to secure the plurality of lighting
fixtures so as to be adjustable over the at least two axes;
- a plurality of fixture coupling pieces corresponding to the plurality of lighting
fixtures, which are each arranged for coupling one of the lighting fixtures to the
mounting part, characterized in that each fixture coupling piece is provided with connecting means on a first and second
side for connecting it to the tube part on the first side and to the lighting fixture
on the second side, respectively, in which the tube part is arranged to connect at
a fixed predetermined position on the periphery of the tube part to the connecting
means of the first side of the fixture coupling piece for determining the adjustment
of the first adjustable axis, and in which the second side of the fixture coupling
piece is arranged to connect at a fixed predetermined position on the periphery of
the second side to the lighting fixture for determining the adjustment of the second
adjustable axis.
2. Lighting fixture assembly according to Claim 1, in which the tube part for each fixture
coupling piece is provided on the periphery with at least one bore for securing the
connecting means of the first side of the fixture coupling piece to the tube part,
and in which the position of the at least one bore determines a first circumferential
position of the fixture coupling piece on the periphery of the tube part for the adjustment
of the first adjustable axle for tilting the respective lighting fixture.
3. Lighting fixture assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the connecting means
of the second side of each fixture coupling piece are provided with at least two bores
for securing to the lighting fixture, and in which the positions of the at least two
bores determine an adjustment of the second adjustable axis for rotating the respective
lighting fixture.
4. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting
means of each fixture coupling piece are provided, on the first side, with a hollow
area, the shape of which is complementary with the cylindrical wall of the tube part.
5. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the connecting
means of each fixture coupling piece are provided, on the second side, with a flange
part, and in which the flange part comprises at least two bores for securing the fixture
coupling piece to the lighting fixture at fixed points.
6. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each
fixture coupling piece is drilled in the longitudinal direction for passing through
cables from the lighting fixture to the tube part, for the purpose of electronically
actuating a plurality of LED light sources.
7. Lighting fixture assembly according to Claim 6, in which each fixture coupling piece
is arranged, on the first side, to accommodate a cable gland for passing cables through.
8. Lighting fixture assembly according to Claim 7, in which the cable gland is provided
with a pressure-compensation valve which is arranged to prevent moisture from entering
and to allow air through.
9. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tube
part is made of an axially cut elongated semi-cylindrical tube profile.
10. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tube
part and/or the fixture coupling pieces are made of one from the group comprising
plastic, metal, stainless steel and aluminium.
11. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which the tube
part comprises several bores in accordance with different predetermined discrete positions
of the fixture coupling piece on the periphery of the tube part, and in which the
tube part is furthermore provided with configuration indications to denote the specific
configuration of the light beam for each position of the fixture coupling piece.
12. Lighting fixture assembly according to one of the preceding claims, in which each
fixture coupling piece comprises several bores on the second side in accordance with
different predetermined discrete rotation settings of the lighting fixture, and in
which the fixture coupling piece is furthermore provided with configuration indications
to denote the specific configuration of the light beam for each position of the lighting
fixture.
13. Method for installing a plurality of lighting fixtures on a lighting mast, in which
all lighting fixtures are provided with a plurality of LED light sources (LED = Light-Emitting
Diode) and are adjustable with respect to each other in a mutual orientation over
at least two axes for providing a specific light beam, the method comprising the following
steps:
- providing a housing part, comprising at least one control unit for electronically
actuating the plurality of LED light sources in the plurality of lighting fixtures,
and further comprising a mast coupling piece which is arranged to secure the housing
part to the lighting mast, in which the housing part is arranged to pivot the plurality
of lighting fixtures over a pivot point in order to align the light beam;
- providing the plurality of lighting fixtures;
- selecting and providing a mounting part, comprising at least one at least partly
cylindrical tube part which is connectable to the housing part and is arranged to
secure the plurality of lighting fixtures so as to be adjustable over the at least
two axes;
- selecting and providing a plurality of fixture coupling pieces corresponding to
the plurality of lighting fixtures, which are each arranged for coupling one of the
lighting fixtures to the mounting part, characterized in that each fixture coupling piece is provided with connecting means on a first and second
side for connecting it to the tube part on the first side and to the lighting fixture
on the second side, respectively, in which the tube part is arranged to connect at
a fixed predetermined position on the periphery of the tube part to the connecting
means of the first side of the fixture coupling piece for determining the adjustment
of the first adjustable axis, and in which the second side of the fixture coupling
piece is arranged to connect at a fixed predetermined position on the periphery of
the second side to the lighting fixture for determining the adjustment of the second
adjustable axis.