FR3040466A1 - MODULAR LIGHTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular lighting device comprising a central control circuit (11) for sending commands via a data bus, a plurality of light segments (12-14) provided with light sources, at least one electrical circuit (CE12 - CE14 ), configured to adjust at least one electrical signal supplying light sources of the light segment according to at least one command received via the data bus from the control circuit, at least one male multipoint electrical connector (CM12-14). and at least one corresponding female multipoint connector (CF12 - CF14). A first point of contact of a male connector is electrically connected to a contact point of the electrical circuit and to a corresponding contact point of the female connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion a line (SDA) for transmitting control signals of the data bus.

Description

Modular lighting device

Technical area

The present disclosure relates to the field of electricity and electric lighting devices, and in particular, a modular lighting device.

State of the art

In the field of modular lighting devices, there is a general need for lighting devices that are easily customizable in their form. An example of a modular lighting device is the one presented on one or the other of the web pages: http://www.archiexpo.fr/prod/atelje-lyktan/product-58432-1416129.html http: //www.atelje-lyktan.se/faggio-bord

Such a modular lighting device has the general shape of a tree with a trunk and a plurality of branches, each of the branches having at least one light source and can be selectively ignited by means of a small switch positioned on the branch. question. The luminous intensity of each branch can be controlled separately, all the branches can be lit simultaneously by means of a central switch.

However, it is tedious for a user to have to turn on each branch one by one.

The different branches are furthermore constituted by light segments connected to each other and to the trunk by means of mechanical fasteners in the form of screwed or clipped connectors.

However, there appears to be a need to increase the possibilities of customizing a modular lighting device and to simplify its use.

The present disclosure relates to a modular lighting device that overcomes all or part of the disadvantages or shortcomings of the state of the art and / or makes improvements. summary

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a modular lighting device comprising: - a central control circuit configured to send commands via a data bus, - a plurality of light segments, each light segment comprising a set of light sources at least one electrical circuit configured to adjust at least one electrical signal supplying light sources of the light segment as a function of at least one command received via the data bus from the control circuit, at least one male multipoint electrical connector and at least one female multipoint electrical connector, a multipoint male electrical connector of a light segment being configured to be plugged into a female multipoint electrical connector of another light segment, a first point of contact of a male multipoint electrical connector being connected electrically at a point of contact of the electrical circuit and at a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a control signal transmission line of the data bus.

Such a modular lighting device is fully centrally programmable through commands sent from the central control circuit via a data bus.

The different light segments are addressable individually by command, a command for example to specify whether all or part of the light sources of the light segment must or not be turned on and thus electrically powered, and if so, to specify what should be the intensity of the electrical signal to be delivered to these light sources. This implementation by control bus makes it possible to obtain the desired lighting effect for each of the light segments.

In addition, the lighting device remains simple to assemble by using male and female electrical connectors provided for connecting the light segments to each other at the same time as for forming portions of a control signal transmission line. of the data bus.

Each connector serves both as an electrical connection element for the light segments to each other and as a mechanical fastener for the light segments to each other. Thus, in at least one embodiment, no additional electrical wiring or additional mechanical fastening element is necessary for the assembly of the light segments between them except the electrical connectors. This makes the assembly of the lighting device extremely easy.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, a second point of contact of a male multipoint electrical connector is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form the inside this light segment a portion of a power supply voltage transmission line of the electrical circuits. Thus the different light segments can be powered by the same power source, which allows centralized control of their ignition or extinction.

According to one embodiment, the modular lighting device comprises at least one electrical connection comprising at least three multipoint electrical connectors including at least one multipoint male electrical connector and at least one multipoint female electrical connector, a multipoint male electrical connector of a electrical connector being configured to be plugged into a female multipoint electrical connector of a light segment or other electrical connection, a first point of contact of a male connector of an electrical connector being electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female connector of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of the control data transmission line of the data bus and

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, a second point of contact of a male connector of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female connector of the same electrical connection, so as to form an electrical connection. Inside this electrical connection a portion of the transmission line of a supply voltage of the electrical circuits. The use of such connectors allows the realization of modular lighting device with multiple chains of light segments. It is thus possible to adapt the shape of the lighting device to a specific place or need.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, a male multipoint electrical connector of a light segment comprises a plug having a circular axis of symmetry and configured to allow a light segment to pivot about the circular axis of symmetry of the plug when this light segment is connected via this male multipoint electrical connector to another light segment without the electrical contacts established by means of said male multipoint electrical connector is interrupted. This makes it possible to orient the light sources in the desired direction and thus to obtain a lighting adapted to different needs.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, a male or female multipoint electrical connector of a light segment is a jack type connector. The Jack connector can be a 3 or 4-point connector. This type of connector makes it possible to simply connect the light segments to one another, to carry out multiple signal transmission lines inside these light segments and also to have a plug with a circular axis of symmetry.

With such a type connector, no additional electrical wiring or additional mechanical fastening element is required for the assembly of the light segments together.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, the data bus is a synchronous data bus, a third contact point of a male multipoint electrical connector of a light segment being electrically connected to a contact point of the circuit electrical and at a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a transmission line of a clock signal of the data bus.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, a third contact point of a said multi-point electrical connector male of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of the transmission line of a ground signal.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, an address is allocated to each electrical circuit and a command sent via the data bus specifies the address of the electrical circuit destination of this command.

According to one embodiment of the modular lighting device, the light sources of a light segment are of different colors, the electrical circuit being configured to adjust an electrical signal selectively supplying a group of light sources of the same color as a function of at least one command received via the data bus from the control circuit.

The various embodiments of the modular lighting device which are presented in this document are combinable with each other.

Description of figures

Various aspects and embodiments of the lighting device according to the present disclosure will now be further described with reference to the following drawings.

Fig. 1A shows a block diagram of a lighting device according to the present disclosure according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 1B shows a block diagram of a lighting device according to the present disclosure according to a second embodiment.

Figure 2 illustrates a method of electrical connection of the various electrical circuits of a lighting device according to the present disclosure.

Figs. 3A-3C show electrical circuit diagrams for implementing a lighting device according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows spatial distribution patterns of light sources of a light segment of a lighting device according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B show an electrical diagram of an electrical connector that can be used for producing a lighting device according to the present disclosure and a perspective view of such a connector.

Figs. 6A-6C illustrate a mechanical embodiment of a light segment of a lighting device according to the present disclosure.

Figures 7A-7F show various electrical components usable for the implementation of a lighting device according to the present disclosure.

Figs. 8A-8B illustrate examples of lighting devices made according to the present disclosure, with multiple chains of light segments.

Description of exemplary embodiments

Single-channel embodiment

Fig. 1A shows a block diagram of a lighting device according to the present disclosure according to a first embodiment. In this first embodiment (hereafter referred to as "single-chain mode"), the lighting device comprises a housing 19 a power supply source 18, a central control circuit 11, one or more light segments 12 14. In the example shown in Figure 1A, the lighting device comprises 3 light segments 12-14, but this first embodiment is applicable to any number of light segments. The lighting device is so-called modular, the number of light segments 12-14 can be chosen according to the intended lighting application.

The housing 19 can serve as a base, support bracket or foot of the lighting device, to facilitate assembly of the lighting device and / or stabilize the structure of the lighting device after connecting the different light segments 12-14 on the housing 19. This housing will also be called control box.

In one embodiment, the power source 18 is common to the control circuit and all light segments 12-14. It may be a power source 18 external to the lighting device (for example the electricity distribution network) or integrated in an element of the lighting device, for example in the control box of the device. lighting as shown in Figure 1A.

In this first embodiment ("single-chain mode"), the light segments 12-14 are physically connected to each other in a single chain, the first light segment 12 of this chain being directly connected (ie that is, without passing through another light segment) to the central control circuit 11. The light segment 12, forming the first link in the chain, is further connected to the next light segment 13 in the segment chain bright 12-14. At least one light segment 13, forming a link which is neither the first nor the last of the chain of the light segments 12-14, is connected directly to two other light segments 12 and 14 and connected via at least one other light segment 12 to the central control circuit 11. At least one light segment 14 (at the end of the chain) is connected via one or more light segments 12-14 to the central control circuit 11 and connected to only one other light segment 13.

The connection of a light segment to another light segment or to the central control circuit 11 is effected by means of electrical connectors. For this purpose, each light segment 12-14 comprises a male electrical connector (CM12, CM13, CM14) and a female electrical connector (CF12, CF13, CFM). The central control circuit 11 comprises or is connected to a male connector or, alternatively, female CF11. In at least one embodiment this connector is integrated and / or fixed to the housing 19.

The male connectors CM12, CM13, CM14 correspond to the female connectors CF12, CF13, CFM: a male connector of a light segment is configured to be plugged into a female connector of any of the other light segments 12-14 or in the CF11 female connector of the central control circuit 11. Symmetrically, a female connector of a light segment is configured to receive a male connector of any of the other light segments 12-14 or, as the case may be, the male electrical connector of the central control circuit 11. In one embodiment, the male connectors are all identical to each other, as are the female connectors.

The electrical connectors make it possible to electrically and mechanically connect the light segments 12-14 to each other and to the housing comprising the central control circuit 11: they make it possible both to establish an electrical connection between the different electrical circuits of the different light segments 12 -14 connected in a chain and at the same time to make the light segments 12-14 integral with each other and integral with the central control circuit 11. Thus, in at least one embodiment, no other mechanical fastening element - except these electrical connectors - is required for the assembly of the 12-14 light segment chain and the control box. By simply plugging electrical connectors, it is therefore possible to produce lighting devices of various shapes and sizes according to the choice of the number and shape of the light segments 12-14.

The light segments 12-14 may be of any shape. In one embodiment, these light segments 12-14 are segments of cylindrical shape, for example of circular section. The electrical connectors are in this embodiment placed at the ends of the cylinder to facilitate the connection of the light segments 12-14 between them. These light segments 12-14 can also be spherical, parallelepipedic, curvilinear, curved, spiral, etc.

Each light segment 12-14 further comprises a plurality of light sources and at least one electrical circuit CE12 to CE14, electrically connected to the central control circuit 11 through a data bus. Each of the electrical circuits CE12 to CE14 is configured to set an electrical signal supplying one or more light sources as a function of at least one command received via the data bus from the central control circuit 11.

The data bus

The data bus is a data bus for the transmission of control from a central control circuit 11 to a plurality of electrical circuits CE 12-14 connected to this data bus. In one embodiment, a command transmitted via the data bus is transmitted in "broadcast" mode: only a destination electrical circuit, identified in the command by an address, is concerned by this command, even if all the electrical circuits receive this ordered. The data bus may be a synchronous data bus, requiring the transmission of a clock signal for the synchronization of the different electrical circuits connected to this data bus when sending commands.

The data bus may be a unidirectional or bidirectional data bus, the commands for controlling the light sources of the light segments 12-14 being transmitted from the central control circuit 11 to the different electrical circuits of the light segments 12-14.

A command, which is sent by the central control circuit 11 via the data bus control signal transmission line to the different electrical circuits of the light segments 12-14 when they are connected to each other, specifies the intensity of the electrical signal to be delivered to one or more light sources connected to the electrical circuit to which this command is addressed.

In one embodiment, the data bus is a serial data bus, for example the 12C bus, also called TWI bus (Two Wire Interface). This is a bidirectional synchronous serial bus. The realization of this data bus requires 3 power lines: a control signal transmission line SDA, a clock signal transmission line SCL and a mass transmission line SMM. A fourth line SAL transmission of a power supply signal electrical circuits may further be provided to share a same power source between the various electrical circuits connected via the data bus. In this embodiment, 3 to 4 points of contact are required at the electrical connectors.

In another embodiment, a "One Wire" bus is used. In this case, 2 to 3 power lines are used: a control signal transmission line SDA, a mass transmission line SMM, and possibly a transmission line SAL of a power supply signal. In this embodiment, 2 to 3 points of contact are required at the electrical connectors.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mode of electrical connection of the control circuit 11 to the electrical circuits CE12-CE14 in the case of a data bus 12C. The 3 power lines are shown in FIG. 2: the control signal transmission line SDA, the clock signal transmission line SCL and an electrical mass transmission line SMM.

The central control circuit 11

The central control circuit 11 is configured to send commands to the electrical circuits CE12-CE14 of the different light segments 12-14 to control the ignition and the light intensity of the light sources of the light segments 12-14.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a central control circuit 11. This central control circuit 11 comprises a microcontroller MC11. The microcontroller MC11 can be any microcontroller, for example 8 to 32 bits, having an interface with a serial data bus (for example the data bus 12C) and a control interface for determining the commands to send via the serial data bus. According to the diagram of FIG. 3A, the microcontroller MC11 has a connector for the control transmission line SDA and a connector for the SDL signal transmission line, these lines being connected with the electrical connector CF11 of the control box. 19. The control interface is for example a wireless interface, compliant with the Wifi protocol, by means of which communication can be established with a remote control software application of the lighting device. Thus, a user can send user commands via a Wi-Fi connection to the microcontroller MC11, which is then responsible for sending, to the light segments of the lighting device and via the data bus, the commands respectively concerning each of these light segments. .

The central control circuit 11 comprises, for example, a microcontroller card, for example the Arduino® Uno or Yun card, equipped with a microcontroller available under the reference Atmel ATmega328p.

Electrical circuits CE12 to CE14

Each of the electrical circuits CE12 to CE14 is configured to receive via the data bus a command from the control circuit 11 and to adjust the intensity of one or more electrical signals supplying one or more light sources according to a command. received via the data bus from the control circuit 11. This command is sent on the SDA line for transmitting control signals of the data bus. The intensity of the electrical signal supplying the light sources is thus a function of the command received.

As explained above, the electrical circuit CE12 is addressed by the control circuit in broadcast mode and modifies the rectangular electrical signals only on receipt of a command comprising the address assigned to the electrical circuit CE12.

FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of an electrical circuit CE12 of a light segment. This electrical circuit CE12 includes a microcontroller, for example the microcontroller available under the reference Atmel Atmega328p or Attiny841-SSU. The microcontroller can be any microcontroller, for example from 8 to 32 bits having an interface for connection to a serial data bus (for example the data bus 12C) and an output for the generation of data. a signal for modulating the intensity of an electric current supplying light sources.

According to what is illustrated in FIG. 3B, an electric circuit CE12 can be made from such a microcontroller. This circuit is for example configured to output a signal modulating the intensity of the electric current supplying all or part of the light sources of the light segment, as a function of at least one command received via the data bus: this signal of modulation is in this case a pulse width modulated rectangular signal (PWM) supplying the base of a bipolar transistor TR, TG, TB, TW, the emitter of which is connected to the transmission line SMM of the electric mass. The amplitude of the voltage signal VR, VG, VB, VW delivered on the collector of this transistor is a function of the pulse width of the rectangular signal. The electrical circuit CE12 is supplied by a reference voltage VREF2, originating from the supply voltage delivered by the transmission line SAL of a supply voltage, after any level adaptation by means of a voltage adapter. This reference voltage VREF2 is adapted to the chosen electrical circuit, for example equal to 5 volts.

The light sources are powered by an electric current whose intensity (measured in Ampere (s)) depends on the potential difference between a supply voltage VREF1 from the supply voltage transmission line SAL of the electrical circuit CE12 (after possible level adjustment by means of a voltage adapter) and voltage VR, VG, VB or VW respectively. The PWM control signal coupled to the bipolar transistor thus behaves like a switch: by modulating the pulse width of the PWM signal, the intensity of the electric current supplying the LEDS will be modulated and thus adjusted to the desired value.

In one embodiment, the electrical circuit CE12 has contact points SCK, MISO, MOSI, TX, RX for the programming and / or configuration of the electrical circuit CE12, for example for the recording in the electrical circuit CE12 of a address allocated to this electrical circuit CE12 and / or for resetting the electrical circuit CE12.

Light sources

The light sources of a light segment are positioned at the surface of the light segment, for example placed on this surface or embedded in this surface, so as to allow light diffusion around the light segment, in at least one direction. When the light segment has a cylindrical shape, the light sources can be positioned at the surface of the light segment randomly or on any trajectory, for example on a rectilinear trajectory such as an edge of the cylinder, on a circular path, helical , spiral, etc., depending on the desired lighting effect. The light sources may be more or less spaced from each other depending on the desired lighting effect. The luminous intensity of the different light sources of the different light segments is adjustable by means of the commands transmitted via the data bus. The intensity adjustment is performed for example for a group of light sources of a segment.

Light sources are for example point light sources, such as LEDs (Light-Emitting Diode). It is also possible to use sets of liquid crystals arranged on the light segment so as to form bars or light areas. These light sources can be monochrome or of different colors. For the rest of the description, it is the embodiment with LED which is described.

These LEDs can be white LEDs (White, W) and / or colored, for example, primary colors, red (Red, R), green (Green, G) or blue (Blue, B) to allow the diffusion of colored light, adjustable color.

In one embodiment, LEDs of different colors (white, red, green and / or blue) are positioned side by side at the surface of the light segment so as to obtain, by adjusting the light intensity of each LED. , lighting of color and / or variable light intensity. The color of light scattered by a light segment will be a function of both the number of LEDs per color (white, red, green and / or blue), their spatial distribution at the surface of the light segment and the intensity light of each of these LEDs, that is to say the intensity of the electric current that supplies these LEDs.

For example, to obtain a purple light, the number of red LEDs will be identical to the number of blue LEDs, the red and blue LEDs will be regularly alternated on the surface of the light segment and the luminous intensities of the red and blue LEDs will be chosen identical. , while the intensity of the electric current supplying the green or white LEDs will be zero.

In one embodiment, when the light segment comprises LEDs of at least two colors, the light segment (or respectively each portion of the light segment) will comprise an identical number of LEDs for each color and these LEDs will be distributed at the level of the light segment. surface of the light segment (respectively of the light segment portion) according to a periodic pattern, so that the color of the light diffused by this light segment (respectively by portion of light segment) is solely a function of the light intensities of the different LEDs . Thus, by adjusting for each color present in a light segment (respectively a portion of light segment), the intensity of the electric current supplying the LEDs of this color, it is possible to adjust the color diffused by this light segment (respectively of this color). portion of light segment). The setting of a voltage level and only one determining the intensity of the electric current supplying all the LEDs of this color is therefore sufficient in this embodiment: it is therefore possible to provide a single electrical circuit specific to the LEDs of this color to adjust the light intensity. intensity of the electric current as a function of a command received via the data bus control transmission line from the central control circuit 11.

Figure 3C illustrates how the light sources (LEDs in this case) are electrically connected in parallel. In an alternative embodiment, the LEDs can be wired in series. For each LED color R, G, B, W, a voltage level specific to that color is generated. Thus a continuous voltage level VR (respectively VG, VB, VW) is generated for the red LEDs LR1 to LR3 (respectively green LG1 to LG3, blue LB1 to LB3, or white LW1 to LW3). The intensity of the electric current supplying the red LEDs LR1 to LR3 (respectively green LG1 to LG3, blue LB1 to LB3, or white LW1 to LW3) is thus a function of the potential difference between this voltage level VR (respectively VG, VB , VW) and the reference voltage VREF1, corresponding to the supply voltage delivered by the transmission line SAL of a supply voltage, after possible level adaptation by means of a voltage adapter. This reference voltage VREF1 is for example equal to 12 volts or adapted to the chosen LEDs.

Each of the voltage levels VR, VG, VB, VW is delivered by an electrical circuit CE12-14 as described with reference to Figure 3B.

Figure 4 illustrates different examples of spatial distribution of LEDs. In the distribution 501, the LEDs are grouped in groups of 4, a group comprising 4 LEDs (R, G, B, A) juxtaposed to form a light circle, all the groups being identical to each other and the groups being regularly spaced apart. on a line corresponding to an edge of the light segment. In the distribution 502, the LEDs are grouped in groups of 4, a group comprising 4 LEDS (R, G, B, W) juxtaposed to form a light circle, all the groups being identical to each other and the groups being regularly spaced apart. on a line corresponding to an edge of the light segment. In the distribution 503, the LEDs are grouped in groups of 4, a group comprising on the one hand 3 LEDs (R, G, B) juxtaposed to form a light circle and on the other hand a white LED forming another light circle, all the groups being identical to each other and the different light circles being evenly spaced on a line corresponding to an edge of the light segment.

Depending on the distribution of the LEDs at the surface of a light segment, it may be desirable to control the LEDs of a light segment in a global manner for all the LEDs of a given color (R, G, B , W, A) of a light segment, ie by portion of light segment, for example if it is desired that only some LEDs of a given color of a light segment can be lit while others are off, or that it is desired that portions be lit with a light color (for example blue) different from that used for another portion. For control by light segment portion, an electrical circuit will be provided by light segment portion so that the electric circuit delivers the electrical signal or signals necessary to obtain a light of the desired color for this portion.

Electrical connectors

Male and female electrical connectors are multi-point electrical connectors, that is, connectors with multiple electrical contact points. The number of contact points is at least 2: a first contact point is used for the formation of a data bus control signal transmission line and a second contact point is used for the transmission of data a supply voltage of the electrical circuits.

More specifically, a first contact point of a male electrical connector of a light segment is electrically connected to a point of contact of the electrical circuit of this light segment and to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector of the same segment. light, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a SDA line for transmitting control signals of the data bus. The electrical circuit CE12 - CE14 which is part of this light segment is connected to this control signal transmission line SDA.

In addition, when the data bus is a synchronous bus requiring the transmission of a clock signal, a second point of contact of a male electrical connector of a light segment is electrically connected to a contact point of the electrical circuit. of this light segment and a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a line SCL transmission of the clock signal of the bus of data. The electrical circuit CE12 - CE14 which forms part of this light segment is connected to this line SCL of transmission of the clock signal.

Moreover, a third contact point of a male electrical connector of a light segment is electrically connected to a point of contact of the electrical circuit of this light segment and to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector of the same segment. light, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a line SAL transmission of a power supply signal of the electrical circuits of the light segments 12-14.

Finally, to have an electric mass common to the various electrical segments, a fourth point of contact of a male electrical connector of a light segment is electrically connected to a contact point of the electrical circuit of this light segment and to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a transmission line SMM of the electrical mass. The electrical circuit CE12 - CE14 which is part of this light segment is thus connected to this electrical ground.

Thus by connecting the light segments 12-14 to each other via the male and female connectors, the different portions of the transmission lines (control, clock signal, power supply or ground) will be connected together. to the others and the different electrical circuits of the different light segments will be connected to each other via the data bus, without any other electrical connections being necessary.

In one embodiment, the electrical connectors are monofiche connectors having a circular axis of rotation or axis of symmetry so that each light segment which is connected to another light segment by means of such an electrical connector is rotatable around it the axis of this electrical connector, without the electrical connection being interrupted by this rotation. It is thus possible to rotate this light segment around this axis so for example that the light sources illuminate in the desired direction, and while the lighting device is in operation to test the various effects of lighting obtained according to the angle of rotation. In addition, if some light sources are of different colors, it is possible to cause the light sources of a first color to illuminate in one direction while the light sources of another color illuminate in another direction.

The electrical connectors are, for example, connectors of the audio jack type, with 3 or 4 contact points, of the Jack TRS or Jack TRRS type. These electrical connectors have the advantage of having a plug (or tip) with a circular axis of symmetry (or axis of rotation) allowing a light segment to rotate around the circular axis of symmetry of the card when this segment This light is connected via this multipoint electrical connector to another light segment without the electrical contacts established by the multipoint electrical connector being interrupted.

With such an electrical connector, the contact points are positioned one behind the other.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a male 4-point jack type electrical connector with its associated electrical diagram. The order of allocation of the contact points to the different signals to be transmitted via the connector is chosen so that, when plugging a male electrical connector into a female electrical connector, there can be no short -circuit or parasitic voltages in the lighting device.

In one embodiment, the power source 18 of the lighting device is integrated into or directly connected to the same physical element (control box) of the lighting device as the central control circuit 11 and a multipoint electrical connector. (male or female CF11) is connected to this power source and to the central control circuit 11. In particular, a first portion of the control signal transmission line SDA is formed between the central control circuit 11 and the associated CF11 male / female multipoint electrical connector. Similarly, a first portion of the clock signal transmission line SCL is formed between the central control circuit 11 and the associated CF11 male / female multipoint electrical connector. Finally, a first portion of the transmission line SAL of the supply voltage (and respectively of the electrical mass) is established between the power source and the associated CF11 multi-point electrical / electrical connector, the central control circuit 11 being connected to this first portion of line. The order of allocation of the contact points is for example a function of the option chosen for the location of the power supply source and / or the type (male or female) of electrical connector provided at the central control circuit. 11.

When the electrical connector provided at the central control circuit 11 is a female electrical connector, the point of contact with which the electrical contact is made last (that is to say, the one at the bottom of the female electrical connector) when a male electrical connector of a light segment is plugged into this female electrical connector is allocated to the transmission of the power supply signal. In this case, it is the point of contact closest to the terminal end (or tip) of a male electrical connector that is allocated to the transmission of the power supply signal. For the other two contact points, one is used for the data bus clock line and the other for the data bus control signal line, without the order of the data bus. the allocation chosen for these two points of contact is important. However, the order of allocation of these two points of contact should be the same for all male and female electrical connectors so that the electrical contact points correspond and that any light segment can be plugged into any what other bright segment. Conversely, when the electrical connector provided at the central control circuit 11 is a male electrical connector, the point of contact with which the electrical contact is made last (that is to say the one farthest from the terminal end of the male electrical connector) when a female electrical connector of a light segment is connected to this male electrical connector is allocated to the transmission of the power supply signal. In this case, it is the closest point of contact to the terminal end of a female electrical connector that is allocated to the transmission of the power supply signal. For the other two points of contact, one is used for the data bus clock line and the other for the data bus control line. Here too, the allocation order for these two chosen contact points does not matter. However, the order of allocation of these two points of contact should be the same for all male and female electrical connectors so that the electrical contact points correspond and that any light segment can be plugged into any what other bright segment.

In the example of FIG. 5B, the order of allocation of the contact points is as follows: the point of contact closest to the terminal end of the connector is used for the connection with the transmission line SAL of electrical circuit supply signal, - the next point of contact is used for connection with the SCL data bus clock line, - the next point of contact is used for the connection with the SDA line for transmitting control signals of the data bus, - the next point of contact is used for the connection with the power transmission line SMM.

As explained above, the two contact points used for connection with the data bus clock signal line SCL and the data bus control signal transmission SDA can be inverted.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view which illustrates a mechanical embodiment of a light segment. This luminous segment is composed of the following elements: • a jack type electrical connector 201, • a jack type male electrical connector 210, • a female sleeve 202, for example made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to receive a male male connector. another light segment; • a male sleeve 209, for example PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to be housed in a female sleeve of another light segment; • an empty chamber 203 or 208 made of PVC, which can be used to house electrical wires, • an LED bar 204, • a heat sink 205, to evacuate the heat generated by the LEDs or electrical circuits, • a hood 205 light diffuser for better diffusion of the light produced by the LEDs, • a receptacle tube 207 for example aluminum, forming a housing for containing and holding together the aforementioned elements.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of this same light segment after assembly and FIG. 6C a sectional view of this light segment after assembly. The elements that are found in these different figures 6A to 6C have the same references in all these figures.

Multi-channel embodiment

Fig. 1B shows a block diagram of a lighting device according to the present disclosure according to a second embodiment. In this second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "multi-chain mode") as in the single-chain mode, the lighting device 10A comprises a housing 19 comprising a power source 18 and a central control circuit. 11, one or more light segments 12-13 and 15-16. These elements have been described in the case of the first embodiment and this description also applies to the second multi-chain embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the lighting device 10B also comprises one or more electrical connections 21. Although the diagram of FIG. 1B represents only one of these electrical connections, the principle of embodiment and operation of a lighting device which will be described generalizes to any number of electrical connections. Unlike a light illuminating segment, an electrical connection does not include a light source or an electrical circuit for setting an electrical signal supplying such light sources.

An electrical connector comprises N electrical connectors, including at least one male electrical connector and a female electrical connector, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The function of an electrical connector is to electrically connect N segments to each other.

Figure 1B shows an electrical connector with 3 electrical connectors, including 2 female electrical connectors CF211 and CF212, and a male electrical connector CM21.

The male connector (s) CM21 of the electrical connections correspond to the female connectors CF12 - CF13 or CF15 - CF16 of the CF211 and CF212 segments or electrical connections: a male connector CM21 of an electrical connection is configured to be plugged into a female connector CF12 - CF13 or CF15 - CF16 of a light segment 12-14 or 15-16 or in the female connector CF11 of the central control circuit 11 or in the female connector of another electrical connection. Symmetrically, a female connector of an electrical connector is configured to receive a CM12 - CM13 or CM15 - CM16 female male connector of a 12-14 or 15-16 light segment or, if applicable, the male electrical connector of the circuit. central control 11. In one embodiment, the male connectors are all identical to each other, as are the female connectors, whether they are electrical connections or light segments.

In the multi-chain embodiment, the electrical connectors make it possible to electrically and mechanically connect the light segments and electrical connections to each other and to the housing comprising the central control circuit 11: they make it possible both to establish an electrical connection between the various electrical circuits of the different light segments connected in a chain and at the same time to make the light segments and electrical connections integral with each other and integral with the central control circuit 11. Thus, no other mechanical fastening element - apart from these electrical connectors is necessary for the assembly of the light segment chain 12-13 and 15-16 and the control box. By simply plugging electrical connectors, it is therefore possible to produce lighting devices of various shapes and sizes depending on the number and shape of the light segments 12-13 and 15-16 or the connectors.

The electrical connectors 12-14 may be of any shape. In one embodiment, these electrical connectors 12-14 are segments of cylindrical shape, for example of circular section. The electrical connectors are in this embodiment placed at the ends of the cylinder to facilitate the connection of electrical connections 12-14 between them. These electrical connections 12-14 can also be of spherical, parallelepipedic, curvilinear, curved, spiral, T-shaped, L-shaped, Y-shaped, etc. FIGS. 7A to 7F illustrate various possible forms for the electrical connections, with a number N of electrical connectors varying from 2 to 4. Thus is shown: in FIG. 7A, an electrical connection with 3 connectors, including 2 female connectors at 180 ° and 1 male connector; - In Figure 7B, an electrical connector with 4 connectors, including 3 female connectors at 90 ° and 1 male connector; - In Figure 7C, a 45 ° electrical connector bent to 2 connectors, including 1 female and 1 male; - In Figure 7D, a 180 ° electrical connector bent to 2 connectors, including 1 female and 1 male; - In Figure 7E, a 90 ° electrical connector bent to 2 connectors, including 1 female and 1 male; in Figure 7F, an electrical connector with 3 connectors, including 2 female connectors at approximately 45 ° and 1 male connector.

When the number N of electrical connectors of an electrical connection is equal to or greater than 3, this electrical connection allows the creation of a lighting device with several branches or several chains, each chain or branch comprising one or more light segments. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1B, the lighting device comprises a first branch with two segments 12-13, a second branch with a light segment 15, and a third branch with a light segment 16.

As with the light segments, the electrical male and female connectors of the electrical connectors are multipoint electrical connectors, ie connectors with multiple electrical contact points. The number of contact points is at least 2: a first contact point is used for the formation of a data bus control signal transmission line and a second contact point is used for the transmission of data a supply voltage of the electrical circuits.

More specifically, a first point of contact of a male electrical connector (respectively female) of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector (s) (respectively male) of the same electrical connection, so that forming within this electrical connection a portion of an SDA line for transmitting control signals of the data bus.

In addition, when the data bus is a synchronous bus requiring the transmission of a clock signal, a second point of contact of a male electrical connector (respectively female) of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a point of contact. corresponding contact of the female electrical connector (s) (respectively male) of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of a line SCL for transmitting the clock signal of the data bus.

Furthermore, a third point of contact of a male electrical connector (respectively female) of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector (s) (respectively male) of the same electrical connection, so that forming inside this electrical connection a portion of a transmission line SAL of a power supply signal of the electrical circuits of the light segments 12-14.

Finally, to have an electric mass common to the various electrical segments, a fourth point of contact of a male electrical connector (respectively female) of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female electrical connector or connectors. (respectively male) of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of a line SMM transmission of a signal of electrical ground.

Thus by assembling the light segments 12-13 and 15-16 to each other or to light segments via the male and female connectors the different portions of the lines SDA, SCL, SAL, SMM signal transmission (control signal, signal of clock, supply signal or electrical ground) are connected to each other and the various electrical circuits of the light segments are all connected to the control circuit via the data bus without any other electrical connections or mechanical fasteners. are necessary.

In each of the embodiments, whether single-channel mode or multi-channel mode, a terminal segment (light or not) is connected by an electrical connector to the last light segment of each chain. This terminal segment comprises a single electrical connector for the electrical and mechanical connection to the last light segment of each chain. The electrical connectors used for a terminal segment are thus identical to those of the light segments. A terminal segment serves as an end cap for the electrical termination of the various SCL, SDA, SMM, SAL power lines passing through the light segments of the relevant light segment chain: the different electrical components (resistors, capacitors) used to implement this electrical termination are integrated into the terminal segment. Such a terminal segment can also serve as a counterweight to ensure the balance of the lighting device.

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate examples of lighting devices made according to the present disclosure, with multiple chains of light segments.

The lighting device of Figure 8A is in the form of a radio antenna. It is realized using a base integrating the central control circuit 11, a tubular electrical connection (non-luminous) forming the vertical rod, a tee fitting from which two light branches are formed, four electrical connections bent at 180 ° and 4 °. rectilinear light segments and two end caps at the end of the two light branches.

The lighting device of Figure 8B is in the form of a cross. It is realized using a base integrating the central control circuit 11, a tubular electrical connection (non-luminous) forming the vertical rod, a Y-connection from which are formed two first light branches (one directed downwards, the other directed upwards), a cross connection from which are formed three light branches from the branch directed upwards, 4 rectilinear light segments, 3 end caps at the end of the three aforementioned branches, and an end cap serving as a counterweight to the downwardly directed end of the limb.

Although described through a certain number of exemplary embodiments, the lighting device can be made according to different variants and / or improvements which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, it being understood that these different variants and / or improvements are included in the scope of the following claims.

Claims (8)

claims A modular lighting device comprising - a central control circuit (11) configured to send commands via a data bus, - a plurality of light segments (12-14), each light segment comprising - a set of light sources at least one electrical circuit (CE12 - CE14) configured to adjust at least one electrical signal supplying light sources of the light segment as a function of at least one command received via the data bus from the control circuit; at least one male multipoint electrical connector (CM12 - 14) and - at least one female multipoint electrical connector (CF12 - CF14), a multipoint male electrical connector of a light segment being configured to be plugged into a female multipoint electrical connector. another light segment, a first point of contact of a male multipoint electrical connector being electrically connected to a contact point of the electronic circuit; electrical and at a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a line (SDA) of control signal transmission of the data bus. Modular lighting device according to claim 1, in which a second point of contact of a male multipoint electrical connector is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form a light source. inside this light segment a portion of a line (SAL) for supply voltage transmission of the electrical circuits. 3. Modular lighting device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising at least one electrical connector comprising at least three multipoint electrical connectors including at least one male multipoint electrical connector and at least one multipoint female electrical connector, a multipoint male electrical connector of an electrical connector being configured to be plugged into a female multipoint electrical connector of a light segment or other electrical connection, a first point of contact of a male connector of an electrical connector being electrically connected to a contact point corresponding to the female connector of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of the data bus control signal transmission line (SDA) and a second contact point of a male connector an electrical connection being electrically connected to a corresponding contact point laying of the female connector of the same electrical connection, so as to form inside this electrical connection a portion of the line (SAL) transmission of a power supply voltage of the electrical circuits. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a male multipoint electrical connector of a light segment comprises a plug having a circular axis of symmetry and configured to allow a light segment to rotate around the circular axis of symmetry of the plug when this light segment is connected via this male multipoint electrical connector to another light segment without the electrical contacts established by means of said male multipoint electrical connector are interrupted. 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data bus is a synchronous data bus, a third point of contact of a male multipoint electrical connector of a light segment being electrically connected to a point contacting the electrical circuit and at a corresponding point of contact of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same light segment, so as to form inside this light segment a portion of a line (SCL) for transmitting a clock signal of the data bus. 6. Device according to claim 5, wherein a third contact point of a said male multipoint electrical connector of an electrical connection is electrically connected to a corresponding contact point of the female multipoint electrical connector of the same electrical connection, so that forming inside this electrical connection a portion of the line (SCL) for transmitting a clock signal of the data bus. 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an address is allocated to each electrical circuit and a command sent via the data bus specifies the address of the electrical circuit destination of this command. 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light sources of a light segment are of different colors, the electrical circuit being configured to adjust an electrical signal selectively supplying a group of light sources of the same color. function of at least one command received via the data bus from the control circuit.