LIGHTING FIXTURE SYSTEM, IN PARTICULAR FOR LIGHTING SPORTS FIELDS, SAID SYSTEM BEING PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF LIGHTING FIXTURES

Abstract

 The invention relates to a lighting fixture system, in particular for lighting sports fields, said system being provided with a plurality of lighting fixtures. The present invention further relates to a method for configuring said lighting fixture system for obtaining a desired light beam for lighting (a part of) a sports field or other large areas or surfaces. The lighting fixture system comprises a plurality of lighting fixtures that are provided with LED modules, and which in operation produce an at least substantially wide light emission. The fixtures are fixed with a tubular mounting part that on the one hand is connected to a pole connecting piece and on the other hand to the fixtures. With the system according to the invention, it is possible to limit the light nuisance considerably or even reduce it completely to a negligible level.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting fixture system, in particular for lighting sports fields, said system being provided with a plurality of lighting fixtures.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for configuring said lighting fixture system for obtaining a desired light beam for lighting (a part of) a sports field or other large areas or surfaces.

[0003] Car parks, buildings, sports fields and other large areas are generally illuminated with a light beam that has been designed specifically for this light distribution. A light distribution of this kind is also called a light distribution. In order to obtain a desired light distribution that meets the requirements, a composite light beam is usually provided. Several composite fixtures with a specific light distribution are used in order to devise a lighting plan that meets current requirements in respect of illuminance and uniformity. For the purpose of said light beam, individual lighting fixtures may be connected together to a pole part or other tubular assembly and installed in a certain mutual orientation. The pole part or tubular assembly with the plurality of lighting fixtures is then fastened as a whole to or on a lighting pole and aligned if necessary. Two, three, four, six, eight, ten or more lighting fixtures are used per pole part, which are generally fixed on the pole part in two parallel rows. However, the lighting fixtures may also be mounted on the pole part in a ring shape. The latter is pre-eminently suitable for 360-degree light beams, whereas the former is more suitable for light beams of about 180 degrees or less.

[0004] The individual lighting fixtures now no longer comprise conventional light sources such as gas-discharge lamps, but are provided with light-emitting diode, LED, light sources. Each lighting fixture comprises an LED light source, which is generally built up from a plurality of LED elements in an at least substantially rectangular arrangement. This rectangular arrangement may result in a corresponding, (substantially) symmetrical light beam. The light beam as comprised in the lighting plan may be obtained by arranging several of these rectangular lighting fixtures in two directions.

[0005] An effective lighting plan is designed so that the composite light beam is directed as much as possible onto the area to be illuminated. That is, the sports field, car park, or whatever area is to be lighted, is illuminated and no light nuisance can arise, or light nuisance is limited as far as possible. Light nuisance may be defined, in the context of the invention, as light that shines or is directed onto spots where that is not desired. In the case of sports fields and the like, light nuisance may arise if light shines on parts outside the sports field. This may also affect the direct environment around the sports field. However, this light nuisance is not really experienced as being very troublesome. As a rule, light nuisance means nuisance from light for humans, animals or plants as a result of light pollution. This light pollution may be divided into three classes. Sky glow is the phenomenon whereby the air seems to glow because light is reflected on dust particles and water vapour in the air. Owing to this reflection, a kind of uplighting dome light is visible, and few if any stars can be seen. This phenomenon mainly occurs in large towns and districts with horticulture under glass. Then there is so-called light trespass. Light trespass means unwanted lighting. This is the lighting that goes beyond the area to be illuminated and thus causes nuisance to nearby residents and/or flora and fauna. In fact this too can be broken down into two components. On the one hand this is the unwanted lighting of for example a facade, and on the other hand direct view of the light source from a nearby position, resulting in a high-intensity point of light. Specific examples of light trespass are neighbours who experience nuisance from street lighting located nearby or at a distance, garden lighting, greenhouse lighting, sports field lighting and lighting of car parks or other large areas. Finally there is glare. Glare or dazzle occurs in particular in road traffic. It is excessively intense lighting that has a dazzling effect for humans and animals and greatly increases the likelihood of traffic accidents.

[0006] Sports fields, car parks and other large areas are, in the case of LED-based fixtures, generally illuminated with composite lighting fixtures. These comprise a set of generally two, three, four, six, eight or ten lighting fixtures, which can be fixed to a lighting pole by means of a mounting element and a pole connecting piece. Large areas of this kind are usually illuminated by several of these composite lighting fixtures. A tennis court is often illuminated by means of two or four of these composite lighting fixtures whereas a football field generally comprises six to eight composite lighting fixtures.

[0007] Each of the composite lighting fixtures is configured in relation to the application. That means that the individual lighting fixtures of the system are installed individually in a first and second degree of freedom. The aim of the installation is to direct as much as possible of the finally assembled light beam onto the area to be illuminated, giving a more or less uniform illuminance on the area in accordance with the applicable standards.

[0008] In the known composite lighting fixtures, however, a part of the composite light beam will be outside the region to be illuminated. This is undesirable for several reasons. Thus, there is a decrease in efficiency of the composite lighting fixture. Light is wasted because it partly arrives on a spot where it is not wanted. Moreover, it contributes to light pollution. This may result in certain light nuisance guidelines being exceeded.

[0009] A disadvantage of the known composite lighting fixtures is that with a wide light distribution, the light nuisance or light pollution is relatively high, and individual light source directions differ markedly from each other. Thus, a wide light distribution is necessary in order to provide light distribution that is as uniform as possible in the case of a limited number of fixtures from a limited number of lighting poles, at least satisfying the applicable standards.

[0010] One aim of the present invention is consequently to supply a lighting fixture system wherein a wide, or specific or application-oriented light distribution is achieved, and the light nuisance or light pollution is less than the currently known lighting fixture systems.

[0011] In a first aspect of the invention, this aim is achieved with a lighting fixture system for lighting large areas or surfaces such as sports fields with a predetermined composite light beam, wherein the system comprises:

• a plurality of lighting fixtures, each provided with a plurality of light-emitting diode, LED, modules, which are installed as the light source in the fixture and in operation possess an at least substantially wide light exiting surface;
• a pole connecting piece, which is configured for fixing the system to a lighting pole;
• a tubular mounting part that is connected to the pole connecting piece and is configured for fixing the plurality of lighting fixtures in the longitudinal direction at least substantially perpendicular to the tubular mounting part, wherein the orientation of each of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least two degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, wherein a rotation is established with the first degree of freedom, which is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture, and an angulation angle is established with the second degree of freedom, which is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is located parallel to the lighting pole.

[0012] In the context of the invention, the term rectangular or wide light-exit surface should not be interpreted as being limiting. "Rectangular" or "wide" means that the light source or fixture is designed in such a way that there is a light-exit surface that is significantly greater in one direction (width or horizontal) than in the other direction (height/length or vertical). This may thus relate to a rectangular shape, but may also be a rectangle with rounded corners, or may be oval. The exit surface is asymmetric, at least near the fixture. In particular the length (height) to width ratio is at least 1:2, but more preferably it is 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 or even wider.

[0013] The present invention is based at least partly on the realization that lighting fixture systems always consist of a multiple of individual lighting fixtures that may be mounted individually in at least two degrees of freedom, but wherein mounting in these degrees of freedom results in a relatively high level of light nuisance for the majority of the lighting plans and applications used. The light nuisance is greatest, and the highest level of nuisance is encountered, for that part of the emitted light that shines well outside the sports field or the area or to be illuminated. The inventor realized that this light generally relates to light that shines from the exit window of the lighting fixture to above the horizon and may be regarded as trespass light.

[0014] To avoid this trespass light, known composite lighting fixtures may be provided with a screening hood. This hood may be fixed to the lighting fixture, and extends in the plane on the upper side of the exit window of the lighting fixture. A part of the trespass light is caught or screened with this hood.

[0015] However, in many applications such as sports fields and the like, the lighting plan will require the lighting fixtures of the system to be installed in such a way that not only the individual lighting fixtures are installed in one degree of freedom, wherein the lighting fixtures rotate about their longitudinal axis, but also about the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part that connects each individual lighting fixture to the final lighting pole.

[0016] The inventor realized that the rotation setting about the longitudinal axis (b) of the lighting fixtures has little influence on light pollution, but that especially the setting of the tilt angle has a large influence on light pollution. The tilt angle is defined by the angle between the longitudinal axis (b) of the lighting fixture (this is at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the tubular mounting part), and an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part. The tilt of the lighting fixture may also be defined as the rotation of the lighting fixture about the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part. The light pollution resulting from the tilt is particularly difficult to prevent or reduce. Currently known solutions for preventing or limiting this light pollution that is mainly light trespass are inadequate or only partly adequate. This is also due to the fact that a wide light distribution is necessary because firstly the number of fixtures per pole is often limited. Now, more fixtures would increase the dimensions of the system considerably, and therefore also the weight, which may cause problems for the lighting poles used. Secondly, the number of lighting poles is often limited. The combination of the two means that said wide light distribution is necessary to provide a uniform light distribution that can meet the currently applicable standards.

[0017] To prevent or reduce light pollution, the lighting fixture may be provided with a screening hood. However, known screening hoods only screen off part of the trespass light. In addition, there are limitations to the use of these screening hoods. The height of the light source relative to the horizon is in fact decisive for the length of the screening hood. However, when the fixture is rotated over the tubular part, this height increases, and therefore the required length of screening hood also increases. At some moment the screening hood becomes too long, and this no longer leads to a feasible product.

[0018] The inventor realized that this is a consequence of the fact that the lighting fixture is not parallel to the horizon. Because of this, the rectangular light source is not parallel to the horizon. Therefore the screening hood will only partly screen the trespass light, which is below the horizon.

[0019] The lighting fixture system according to the invention provides lighting fixtures that can be fixed to the tubular mounting part in such a way that the tilt angle remains zero or at least substantially zero. The lighting fixture is therefore kept parallel to the horizon, so that trespass light is minimized. As a result, there is only a minimal need to use a screening hood, or this need is such that this only needs to be of limited dimensions.

[0020] Because setting the lighting fixture via just the rotation axis does not give sufficient freedom to obtain a desired composite light beam, the system is further configured to set the lighting fixtures via an angulation angle. This angulation angle is determined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is parallel to the lighting pole. In other words, with the angulation angle the lighting fixture can be turned or can be opened and closed respectively, from and to the tubular mounting part, wherein however the lighting fixture is held in the plane of the horizon (hz) and consequently rotated. This plane of the horizon may also be defined as the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lighting pole. In other words, the plane wherein the lighting pole meets the normal to this plane of the horizon (hz). Now, the lighting pole is vertical relative to the horizon. Consequently it has at least two degrees of freedom, both of which are preferably adjustable by a single coupling between the lighting fixture and the tubular mounting part. These two degrees of freedom allow the lighting fixture to rotate on the one hand in a plane of the horizon about its longitudinal axis and on the other hand to rotate about an axis that forms the normal from this plane of the horizon. In particular the system will then also be provided with a coupling of this kind between the lighting fixture and the tubular mounting part, so that at the location of the coupling the fixture can on the one hand rotate about the longitudinal axis of the fixture and on the other hand about the normal of the plane of the horizon. Consequently the normal of the plane of the horizon intersects the coupling.

[0021] In one example, by increasing the length of the tubular mounting part relative to known tubular mounting parts, the mutual distance or gap between the individual lighting fixtures becomes greater. As a result there is space for further setting of the angulation angle. In one example, the gap between the lighting fixtures on the tubular mounting part is not identical or deviates. For certain applications such as sports field lighting or car park lighting and the associated lighting plan, there may be a need for larger or smaller mutually deviating orientation of the individual lighting fixtures. If for example a large area must be lit, and/or at a large angle, the mutual orientation of the different lighting fixtures will differ markedly. Thus, the front pair and/or the rear pair of lighting fixtures may comprise larger angulation angle settings than the middle pairs. The distance between the middle pairs and the front and/or rear pair is in this case preferably greater, so as to be able to achieve this larger angulation angle setting.

[0022] An additional advantage of setting the lighting fixtures via the angulation angle is that complex configurations of the screening hood are then superfluous. Trespass light can be prevented without the need to tailor screening hoods to the individual setting and orientation of each lighting fixture.

[0023] Another additional advantage of setting the lighting fixtures via the angulation angle is that this limits the wind-affected area. Because the wind blows at least substantially in a plane parallel to the horizon, setting the lighting fixtures via the tilt angle will lead to an increase of the wind-affected area and therefore also of the force acting on the pole. Therefore with existing fixture systems it may be necessary to erect an alternative, stronger pole. However, by employing the angulation angle instead of the tilt angle, the wind-affected area remains the same. As a result, the force on the pole remains limited, with the consequence that the pole does not have to be replaced, so that the fixture system according to the invention is suitable as a retrofit solution for example for conventional metal halide fixtures.

[0024] With a lighting fixture system according to the invention, the light nuisance can be reduced considerably or even prevented completely. An additional advantage is that this makes it easier to satisfy present and future guidelines, such as are stipulated for example by the Dutch Foundation for Illumination Engineering (Nederlandse Stichting Voor Verlichtingskunde, NSVV).

[0025] In one example, the tubular mounting part is configured for fixing the plurality of lighting fixtures in several pairs of two fixtures, wherein the two fixtures of each pair are fixed on opposite sides of the tubular mounting part.

[0026] There are various types of lighting fixture systems. These differ from one another in the structure of the system. A lighting pole, especially a lighting pole of a sports field, is characterized in that it consists of a vertical or substantially vertical single pole. A lighting fixture system can be fixed to the end of this pole by means of pole connecting piece. These lighting fixture systems are of various forms with differing structure. Conventional poles generally have rotational symmetry. That is, the mounting part, by which the fixtures are fixed to the pole connecting piece, extends in all directions over the plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. The mounting part may extend over an identical length in various directions, said mounting part being completely rotationally symmetric relative to the pole. The length may also differ partly per direction, said mounting part being substantially rotationally symmetric.

[0027] According to one example, however, the mounting part is rotationally asymmetric and extends in a single direction. The mounting part ensures that all fixtures are located on one side of the pole, and the fixtures are not mounted on several sides around the pole, as in known lighting fixture systems. The advantage of a mounting part according to this example is that a more effective lighting plan can be formed with this. With rotationally symmetric mounting of the fixtures around the pole, at least some fixtures will be included in the light beam of another fixture. This gives rise to deforming/distortion of the light beam. The composite light beam is consequently also distorted. This makes design of the lighting plan more difficult. Because the mounting part according to the example is tubular and is configured for mounting the fixtures in pairs of two on either side or opposite sides of the tube, this is prevented completely or at least largely. In one example the tubular mounting part extends substantially along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole. More preferably, this angle between the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part and the longitudinal axis of the pole is adjustable. The extent to which this angle is adjustable ensures that the mounting part can be mounted substantially parallel to the horizon with an adjustable deviation or offset of + or - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 40, 45, 50, or at most 60 degrees. This offset can also be called the pre-tilt.

[0028] With a mounting part of this kind, all fixtures are in principle directed identically and thus emit light beams that are parallel to each other. Generally this is not satisfactory for obtaining the composite light beam as designed in the lighting plan. For that, light beams from the fixtures should be mutually adjustable in direction relative to each other. Because the fixtures are fixable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part, it is usual to aim the individual fixtures by rotating them about their own longitudinal axis (angle α). For effective aiming of the fixture, it is not sufficient for the fixture to be adjustable in only one direction. Because the mounting part is tubular, it is most obvious to choose the tilt angle (angle β) as the second setting angle. This angle is formed by rotation of the tubular mounting part about the longitudinal direction. However, this angle has the greatest influence on the light nuisance because it ensures that a part of the light beam from a fixture mounted in this way exits above the horizon. By mounting, adjusting or providing the fixtures, the tubular mounting part, or a fastening element fitted between them, the fixtures can be set via an angulation angle γ. This angulation angle is defined as an angle that is determined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is parallel to the lighting pole.

[0029] In one example the tubular mounting part is formed by a single elongated straight tube. A mounting part like this is not only of simple design, and therefore simple and cheap to manufacture, but in addition also very robustly minimizes clearance between the various components.

[0030] In one example the tubular mounting part is at least substantially round. A round mounting part is strong and therefore, with relatively little material, can be sufficiently rigid and strong for fixing the fixtures.

[0031] In one example, at least one part of the tube of the tubular mounting part is removed in the longitudinal direction and is substantially horseshoe-shaped.

[0032] In one example the tubular mounting part is hollow.

[0033] In one example the tubular mounting part contains a free end and an end by which the tubular mounting part can be fixed with the pole connecting piece.

[0034] In one example the tubular mounting part is configured to be fixed at one end with the pole connecting piece so that the tubular mounting part extends in one direction at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole.

[0035] In one example the tubular mounting part or the pole connecting piece is configured for setting an angle between the tubular mounting part and the pole connecting piece.

[0036] In one example the orientation of at least one of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least three degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, wherein with the third degree of freedom, a tilt angle is set that is defined by the angle between the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture and the transverse axis of the tubular mounting part.

[0037] In one example each of the plurality of lighting fixtures further comprises a fixture connecting piece for fastening the lighting fixture to the tubular mounting part, wherein the fixture connecting piece is configured for adjusting the lighting fixture over the at least two degrees of freedom.

[0038] One advantage of using the connecting pieces is that the assembly process is greatly simplified and improved thereby. On the one hand the degrees of freedom now only need to be adjusted at one point, and on the other hand by using a certain, discrete number of specifically designed connecting pieces, a defined light beam can be configured very accurately.

[0039] The system according to the invention is especially suitable for retrofit applications for already existing lighting poles, on which for example conventional metal halide fixtures have been mounted until now. In this kind of retrofit application, the positions of the lighting poles are already fixed. It has been seen in practice that many such configurations coincide. Thus, variations in configurations are finite. In one example, the fixture connecting pieces may be designed in such that way that for every configuration there is an individual fixture connecting piece, wherein both the first and the second degree of freedom is fixed and coincides with the configuration in question. It is also possible to make one of the two or more degrees of freedom discretely or continuously adjustable, and make one or more other degrees of freedom not adjustable. This not only makes assembly simple, it also ensures that the likelihood of deviations in the configuring, or displacement after configuration (for example as a result of transport or during installation) is reduced, or even prevented completely.

[0040] In another example each of the lighting fixtures is further provided with a screening hood, which is mounted parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture, for at least partly screening the light from the lighting fixture.

[0041] In a further example the screening hood is rectangular, or the screening hood is trapezium-shaped.

[0042] In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for setting a lighting fixture system for obtaining a predetermined composite light beam for lighting large areas or surfaces such as sports fields, the lighting fixture system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures, each provided with a plurality of light-emitting diode, LED, modules, which are installed as the light source in the fixture and in operation produce an at least substantially symmetrical, wide light emission; as well as a pole connecting piece, which is configured for fixing the system to a lighting pole, a tubular mounting part that is connected to the pole connecting piece and is configured for fixing the plurality of lighting fixtures in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the tubular mounting part, wherein the orientation of each of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least two degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, the method comprising the steps of:

• with the first degree of freedom, setting a rotation of the lighting fixture by rotating the lighting fixture about the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture;
• with the second degree of freedom, setting an angulation angle that is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is located parallel to the lighting pole.

[0043] In a further example, each of the lighting fixtures is set with respect to the mounting part over at least two degrees of freedom in such a way that the composite light beam does not cause any light nuisance above the horizon.

[0044] The invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of figures. These show:

Fig. 1, a side view of a lighting fixture system according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2, in perspective, a lighting fixture system according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 3, a top view of a lighting fixture system according to one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 4, a front view of a lighting fixture system according to one aspect of the invention.

[0045] For better understanding of the invention, in the following description of the figures, equivalent components will be indicated with identical reference numbers.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows an example of a lighting fixture system 10 according to one aspect of the invention. In this example it consists of 2 rows of 4 lighting fixtures or light sources 11. These light sources are individual fixtures that are provided with light-emitting diode, LED, modules 12, which are mounted as a rectangular or more generally wide light source in the fixture 11. In the context of the invention, rectangular should not be interpreted as being limiting. "Rectangular" means that the light source or fixture 11 is designed in such a way that there is a light-emitting surface, which is much larger in one direction than in the other direction. It may thus refer to a rectangular shape, but also a rectangle with rounded corners, or it may be oval. In particular, the length to width ratio is at least 1:2, but more preferably it is 1:3, 1:4 or even wider, such as preferably 1:5.

[0047] The LED modules 11 are constructed in such a way that on activation thereof, they possess a wide light-exit surface. The LED modules that are used herein are preferably LED modules that are able to give high power and produce a good light output. They are lamps of the floodlight type. Preferably the lamps are controllable and dimmable and can be connected to 400VAC supplies. The supply 15 is mounted in the central part of the system between a mounting bracket 16 and the tubular mounting part 14. The system 10 is preferably capable of and configured for being used as a retrofit fixture system for the widely used 2kW metal halide fixtures. Preferably the system 10 may comprise control electronics, which for example are comprised in the housing of the supply 15, which is a component of pole connecting piece 13, which also includes the mounting bracket 16. This mounting bracket 16 is used for fixing the system 10 to the lighting pole (not shown). This may be either on the upper side of the lighting pole or on the side of the lighting pole, on what may be defined as a reference plane.

[0048] In the case when the system 10 comprises control electronics, the latter are configured for wired or wireless control, so that activation and preferably intensity levels can be set and applied remotely. The control electronics are preferably provided with temperature sensors, which for example measure the ambient temperature and if a preset threshold value is exceeded, can deactivate the LED modules or put them back to a lower level of light intensity. Preferably each light source 11 itself may also be provided with a temperature sensor, which determines whether a threshold value has been exceeded, and in this case switches off or dims this single light source 11. Overheating and degradation or malfunction of the LED modules is thus prevented at all times.

[0049] Light fixture systems 10 of this kind, as shown in Fig. 1, are widely used for lighting car parks, buildings, large areas and for various sports fields such as tennis courts and football fields. A definite lighting plan will have to be designed, depending on this application and the dimensions and shape of the area to be illuminated. Several fixtures will generally be required to implement the lighting plan. Not every fixture will be fixed to an individual lighting pole, but generally a single lighting pole comprises a group of 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or more individual rectangular lighting fixtures or light sources 11. A widely used configuration for such a system 10 is to use 6 or 8 light sources. These light sources 11 are fixed to a tubular mounting part 14. This is preferably a single elongated tube that is completely round, or from which a part of the tube in the longitudinal direction has been removed, and is thus horseshoe-shaped. The tube is preferably hollow and the inside is accessible. This has the advantage that the fixing of the light sources 11 on the tubular mounting part 14 is simpler and a bolt, nut or other form of fixing can easily be used. Preferably the system 10 comprises connecting pieces. These are not shown in the figures but can be included between the tubular mounting part 14 and the light sources 11. These connecting pieces ensure that adjusting the light sources in the degrees of freedom is not only simpler, because only a single element is used for setting several degrees of freedom, but also the error sensitivity in setting is reduced at least almost to zero. Now, these connecting pieces do not give continuous setting freedom, but make the setting of the orientation discrete in one or more degrees of freedom. That is, the angle setting(s) are limited to just a certain number, or even to just one.

[0050] Use of the connecting pieces has the further advantage that these can be configured beforehand. That is, an individual connecting piece can be designed for each angle setting. This can then be labelled, which greatly simplifies and standardizes the assembly process, and limits the chance of deviations or errors.

[0051] The connecting pieces make it possible, by means of a single element, to set the light sources over one, two, three or even more than three degrees of freedom. These degrees of freedom are necessary to allow an effective lighting plan to be implemented. Now, several (in the example shown in the figures, in particular 8) light sources should be mounted individually or in pairs in order to guide the exiting, substantially wide symmetrical light beam properly in a so-called principal direction h. Conventionally the light sources are mounted in two degrees of freedom. The first degree of freedom is determined by the rotation of the light source 11 or lighting fixture about its own longitudinal axis. This is also stated as the angle of rotation or angle α. By this means, the principal direction of the light beam can be set to be directed closer to or farther from the lighting pole. In other words, the light source is then directed downwards, or further forwards, away from the lighting pole. For a shorter lighting pole, and a greater distance of the area to be lit from the lighting pole, this angle will have to be greater.

[0052] The light beam must also be coordinated in width. That is, the light sources 11 must also be adjustable over another degree of freedom. This second degree of freedom or rotation setting angle makes this possible.

[0053] Because the light sources 11 must also be adjusted in width, or in other words must remain open, conventional fixture systems 10 may also be further adjusted over a second degree of freedom. This degree of freedom is defined by a beta, β, angle. This degree of freedom is perpendicular to the first degree of freedom alpha. This is determined by setting the light source over this angle β or by setting the tilt angle, which is defined by the angle between the longitudinal axis of the light source and the transverse axis of the tubular mounting part. Thus, whereas the angle alpha defines the rotation of the light source about its longitudinal axis, the angle beta defines the rotation of the light source about the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part.

[0054] To limit the light nuisance, conventional fixture systems may be provided with a standard screening hood, which is fitted above the light sources. The disadvantage of these screening hoods is that they only limit the light nuisance partially. Now, because the screening hood is no longer parallel to the horizon, the light beam will partly be screened, and partly it still allows the light that comes above the horizon to pass through. The fact that it is only partly possible for it to be screened correctly is associated in particular with the setting of the beta angle or tilt angle.

[0055] However, the lighting fixture system 10 according to the invention is configured for keeping this beta angle or tilt angle to a minimum and preferably even completely zero. However, to allow the composite light beam to be kept open and give it sufficient width, the system 10 provides light sources that are adjustable over a degree of freedom gamma, γ. This angle is also called the angulation angle and is defined as an angle that is determined by rotation of the lighting fixture 11 about an imaginary rotation axis that is parallel to the lighting pole. In other words, with the angulation angle γ, the lighting fixture may be rotated or kept open and be closed from and to the tubular mounting part respectively, wherein the lighting fixture is, however, held in the plane of the horizon (hz) and is consequently rotated. This plane of the horizon may also be defined as the plane that is defined because the normal of that plane of the horizon hz is formed by, or preferably is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lighting pole. Now, the lighting pole is vertical relative to the horizon. The system 10 according to the invention consequently has at least two degrees of freedom, both of which are preferably adjustable via a single coupling between the lighting fixture and the tubular mounting part. These two degrees of freedom allow the lighting fixture on the one hand to rotate in a plane of the horizon about its longitudinal axis and on the other hand to rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to this plane of the horizon. The fixture or the light source is thus always held (substantially) in the plane of the horizon and light nuisance can be prevented or can easily be counteracted if a screening hood is used.

[0056] The tubular mounting part 14 connects the fixtures 11 to the lighting pole via the pole connecting piece 13. The mounting part 14 is consequently a bank of lights or bank of lamps with several fixtures 11. Each fixture has several light sources. The light sources in one fixture emit in identical or parallel directions from the same plane. The fixtures are adjustable individually in one, two or three degrees of freedom (α, β, γ) by fixing to the bank of lamps or mounting part 11. In addition, the angle between the longitudinal axis "a" of the tubular mounting part 11 and the lighting pole, or the angle between the longitudinal axis "a" and the horizon hz, is adjustable by an offset. If there is no offset or pre-tilt, this longitudinal axis "a" of the tubular mounting part 11 is identical to the horizon hz. By setting the offset or pre-tilt, this angle is plus or minus a number of degrees, for example in the range between 0 and 50 degrees, but preferably between 0 and 45 degrees, 0 and 40 degrees, 0 and 35 degrees, 0 and 25 degrees, 0 and 15 degrees or between 0 and 10 degrees. More particularly, this offset is at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 35 or 45 degrees plus or minus relative to the horizon hz.

[0057] The system 10 is shown from another perspective in Fig. 2. It can clearly be seen that 8 light sources or lighting fixtures 11 are fixed to the system 10 by coupling with a tubular central mounting part 14. This mounting part can also be rotated relative to the transverse axis of the lighting pole. In this example, as shown in Fig. 2, the tubular mounting part 14 is directed upwards at a small angle, which among other things ensures that the whole composite light beam is moved farther away from the lighting pole. In order to align the system and the composite light beam generated by the system 10, the system may also preferably be provided with a guide element or sight, which is fitted for example on top of the central mounting part 14. The installer may in this case align the whole system to a reference point in the field or the area to be illuminated.

[0058] In Fig. 3, the system 10 is shown once again, but in top view. The tubular mounting part 14 forms the central part of the system 10 and the light sources 11 can be set open or closed by the setting of angle γ forwards or backwards. The connecting pieces 20 with which the light sources 11 are fixed to the tubular mounting part 14 are clearly visible in this figure. The tubular mounting part 14 can be set and aligned by means of holder 19. Preferably this is not only in an angle between the longitudinal axis of the lighting pole and the longitudinal axis of the tubular mounting part 14, but also in rotation about the longitudinal axis of the lighting pole. This may, however, also be done by setting the mounting bracket 16 is some other way and fixing it to the lighting pole in some other way.

[0059] Finally, Fig. 4 shows the system 10 again, in a front view. Once again, the mounting bracket 16 is clearly visible as a component of the pole connecting piece 13. It is also clear how the third degree of freedom of the tilt angle β can be set as the angle between the longitudinal axis (b) of the light source and the transverse axis of the tubular mounting part or an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis (a) of the tubular mounting part 14. However, this setting of the system 10 to a tilt angle is optional. As an illustration, 11' indicates how the light source 11 would be oriented if it were to be set via this tilt angle.

[0060] It should be clear that the above description is intended for explanation of the action of one embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the extent of protection of the invention. Starting from the description, a person skilled in the art will be able to devise and apply various embodiments that fall within the inventive concept and scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Lighting fixture system for lighting large areas or surfaces such as sports fields with a predetermined composite light beam, said system comprising:

- a plurality of lighting fixtures, each provided with a plurality of light-emitting diode, LED, modules, which are installed as the light source in the fixture and in operation possess an at least substantially wide light exiting surface;

- a pole connecting piece, which is configured for fixing the system to a lighting pole;

- a tubular mounting part, which is connected to the pole connecting piece and is configured for fixing the plurality of lighting fixtures in the longitudinal direction at least substantially perpendicular to the tubular mounting part, wherein the orientation of each of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least two degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, wherein a rotation is established with the first degree of freedom, which is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture, and an angulation angle is established with the second degree of freedom, which is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is located parallel to the lighting pole.

2. Lighting fixture system according to Claim 1, wherein the tubular mounting part is configured for fixing the plurality of lighting fixtures in several pairs of two fixtures, wherein the two fixtures of each pair are fixed on opposite sides of the tubular mounting part.

3. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part is formed by a single elongated straight tube.

4. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part is at least substantially round.

5. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one part of the tube of the tubular mounting part is removed in the longitudinal direction and it is substantially horseshoe-shaped.

6. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part is hollow.

7. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part comprises a free end and an end with which the tubular mounting part can be fixed to the pole connecting piece.

8. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part is configured for being fixed at one end with the pole connecting piece so that the tubular mounting part extends in one direction, at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pole.

9. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular mounting part or the pole connecting piece is configured for setting an angle between the tubular mounting part and the pole connecting piece.

10. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the orientation of at least one of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least three degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, wherein, with the third degree of freedom, a tilt angle is set, which is defined by the angle between the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture and the transverse axis of the tubular mounting part.

11. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of lighting fixtures further comprises a fixture connecting piece for fastening the lighting fixture to the tubular mounting part, wherein the fixture connecting piece is configured for setting the lighting fixture over the at least two degrees of freedom.

12. Lighting fixture system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lighting fixtures is further provided with a screening hood which is fixed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lighting fixture for at least partly screening the light from the lighting fixture, and wherein the screening hood is preferably rectangular or trapezium-shaped.

13. Method for setting a lighting fixture system for obtaining a predetermined composite light beam for lighting large areas or surfaces such as sports fields, said lighting fixture system comprising a plurality of lighting fixtures, each provided with a plurality of light-emitting diode, LED, modules, which are mounted as a light source in the fixture, and in operation possess an at least substantially wide light exiting surface, as well as a pole connecting piece, which is configured for fixing the system to a lighting pole, a tubular mounting part which is connected to the pole connecting piece and is configured for fixing the plurality of rectangular lighting fixtures in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the tubular mounting part, wherein the orientation of each of the lighting fixtures with respect to the mounting part is adjustable over at least two degrees of freedom in accordance with the predetermined composite light beam, said method comprising the steps of:

- with the first degree of freedom, setting a rotation of the lighting fixture by rotating the lighting fixture about the longitudinal axis of the lighting fixture;

- with the second degree of freedom, setting an angulation angle which is defined by rotation of the lighting fixture about an imaginary rotation axis that is located parallel to the lighting pole.

14. Method according to Claim 13, wherein each of the lighting fixtures is set with respect to the mounting part over at least two degrees of freedom in such a way that the composite light beam does not cause any light nuisance above the horizon.

Drawing