An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp. The LED lamps have first and second mechanical connectors at opposite ends of the lamp body, and the snap-fit connectors are configured to secure the lamps to an overhead lighting fixture or other support structure as an incident of the lamp ends moving relative to the mounting connectors in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. The snap-fit connectors are also configured to form a network connection with an internal modular network connector associated with the lamp with the lamp mounted in its operative state on a support. In another form, a clipping mechanism is provided for mounting linear networkable LED lamps to an overhead grid ceiling system.
F21V 23/00 - Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
F21V 29/70 - Cooling arrangements characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
F21K 9/20 - Light sources comprising attachment means
F21S 4/28 - Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports rigid, e.g. LED bars
An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps have internal modular network connectors and control components so that they can receive control data and power signals over a single network cable according to a standardized power and data network communications architecture such as Ethernet. The system includes connector assemblies designed to securely mount the networkable linear LED lamps to conventional tube lamp lighting fixtures or to another support housing and to provide integrated power and data connectivity to internal components of the lamps. In one form, the disclosed system includes a network enabled snap-fit connector assembly mounted to a lighting fixture and configured to provide Ethernet power and data connectivity to the lamp. The LED lamps have first and second mechanical connectors at opposite ends of the lamp body, and the snap-fit connectors are configured to secure the lamps to an overhead lighting fixture or other support structure as an incident of the lamp ends moving relative to the mounting connectors in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position. The snap-fit connectors are also configured to form a network connection with an internal modular network connector associated with the lamp with the lamp mounted in its operative state on a support. In another form, a clipping mechanism is provided for mounting linear networkable LED lamps to an overhead grid ceiling system.
F21K 9/272 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes - Details of end parts, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within end parts
H01R 24/60 - Contacts spaced along planar side wall transverse to longitudinal axis of engagement
F21K 9/278 - Arrangement or mounting of circuit elements integrated in the light source
F21S 4/28 - Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports rigid, e.g. LED bars
H05B 47/18 - Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission
F21V 15/015 - Devices for covering joints between adjacent lighting devices; End coverings
H01R 13/73 - Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall
H04B 3/44 - Arrangements for feeding power to a repeater along the transmission line
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
The invention relates to LED lighting and provides an improved connector for securing LED tube lamps to an overhead lighting fixture. Conventional connector systems create safety issues because they lack ground protection for the lamp. According to the invention, first and second connectors parts at opposite ends of the lamp engage corresponding connector parts mounted to the light fixture so that first and second surfaces of corresponding connector parts form a secure mechanical engagement as the lamp is moved in a path that is transverse to its length into an engaged position. The first connector part has power and ground pins and the corresponding connector part has power and ground terminals for connecting with a power supply and providing a grounding path for the lamp. The power and ground pins engage the power and ground terminals as the connector parts are placed into the engaged position.
F21K 9/272 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes - Details of end parts, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within end parts
F21K 9/275 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes - Details of bases or housings, i.e. the parts between the light-generating element and the end caps; Arrangement of components within bases or housings
F21S 8/04 - Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or like overhead structure
F21V 19/00 - Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
F21V 23/06 - Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices
An elongate tubular lighting assembly having a body with a length between spaced first and second ends. The tubular lighting assembly has a source of illumination and first and second connectors respectively at the first and second body ends. The first connector has cooperating first and second parts having first and second surfaces. The first and second connector parts are configured so that the first and second surfaces are placed in confronting relationship to prevent separation of the first and second connector parts with the body in an operative state as an incident of the first connector part moving relative to the second connector part from a position fully separated from the second connector part in a substantially straight path that is transverse to the length of the body into an engaged position.
F21S 2/00 - Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups or , e.g. of modular construction
F21K 9/272 - Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes - Details of end parts, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within end parts
F21S 4/28 - Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports rigid, e.g. LED bars
F21V 19/00 - Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
F21V 21/002 - Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips making direct electrical contact, e.g. by piercing
patents
