LIGHTING FIXTURE ASSEMBLY FOR INSTALLING A PLURALITY OF LIGHTING FIXTURES ON A LIGHTING MAST

Abstract

 The present invention relates to 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 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; and a plurality of fixture coupling pieces corresponding to the plurality of lighting fixtures.

Description

[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.

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.

Drawing