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Title:
ILLUMINATION SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/025230
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an illumination system (100) comprising at least one illumination device (1) comprising a casing (2) wherein at least one light source (3) suitable for illuminating is housed, at least a power receptor (10) and at least an electronic board (9) adapted to receive, elaborate and transmit data. Moreover, said illumination system (100) also comprises at least one command interface (80A, 80B) adapted to communicate with said electronic board (9) of said at least one illumination device (1).

Inventors:
CARLET PIETRO VALERIO (IT)
DEPLANO GIANNI (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/054779
Publication Date:
February 08, 2018
Filing Date:
August 04, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
LYM S R L (IT)
International Classes:
F21S2/00; F21S8/06; F21V21/096; F21V21/15; F21V21/34; F21V23/04; F21Y115/15
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015153812A12015-10-08
Foreign References:
US20150224941A12015-08-13
JP2011204145A2011-10-13
EP0493297A21992-07-01
US20160018092A12016-01-21
DE9102685U11991-05-23
US20150354788A12015-12-10
CN104633577A2015-05-20
DE20004356U12000-05-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CERCENA', Alice et al. (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Illumination system (1 00) comprising at least one illumination device (1 ) comprising:

- a casing (2) wherein at least one light source (3) suitable for illuminating is housed,

- at least a power receptor (10);

- at least an electronic board (9) adapted to receive, elaborate and transmit data,

said illumination system (100) also comprising at least one command interface (80A, 80B) adapted to communicate with said electronic board (9) of said at least one illumination device (1 ).

2. Illumination system (100) according to claim 1 wherein said at least one illumination device (1 ) is equipped with driving means (5), formed by at least a pair of powered rolling elements (5A), powered by said at least one power receptor (10), controlled by said at least one electronic board (9) and managed by said command interface (80A, 80B).

3. Illumination system (100) according to claim 2 wherein said pair of powered rolling elements (5A) are arranged such that their rotation centers lie along a same axis or along axes lying parallel to each other.

4. Illumination system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said illumination device (1 ) further comprises at least one battery (6).

5. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said illumination device (1 ) further comprises at least one magnet (4) housed inside said casing (2).

6. Illumination system (100) according to claim 5, comprising a support structure (50) formed by at least a support panel (51 ) defining a support surface and incorporating at least one ferromagnetic element (54).

7. Illumination system (1 00) according to claim 6, wherein said support panel (51 ) comprises at least a first cardboard layer (52), a first structural plaster layer (53), said ferromagnetic element (54) comprising a flat foil, a second structural plaster layer (55) and a second cardboard layer (56).

8. Illumination system (1 00) according to claim 6, wherein said support panel (51 ) comprises at least a first plasterboard layer (58B) and said ferromagnetic element (54) comprising a flat foil, and a second plasterboard layer (58B).

9. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said support panel (51 ) includes a mixture incorporating a plurality of ferromagnetic elements (54).

10. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising at least one powering station (59) comprising a plurality of powering contacts (59A) adapted to cooperate with said at least one power receptor (10) arranged on said at least one illumination device (1 ).

11. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising at least one powering station (57) arranged in said support panel (51 ) and comprised of at least one power inductor (57C) adapted to cooperate with said at least one power receptor (1 0) of said illumination device (1 ) and an electronic board (57B) operatively connected to said power inductor (57C).

12. Illumination system (1 00) according to claim 1 1 , wherein there is a ferrite layer between said power inductor (57C) and said ferromagnetic element (54) of said panel (51 ).

13. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the position of said at least one magnet (4) is adjustable by means of fixing and adjusting means (1 1 ) so as to adjust the intensity of the magnetic force of said at least one magnet (4) on the outside of said casing (2).

14. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 6 to 1 3, wherein said illumination device (1 ) comprises a plurality of magnetic sensors (12) adapted to detect the presence of ferromagnetic material on said support surface and a magnet attraction force sensor (13) adapted to detect that the intensity of said magnet (4) is suitable for interacting with said support structure (50).

15. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, wherein said support structure (50) further comprises at least one connecting member (60) provided with a shaped surface made of ferromagnetic material, adapted to be arranged so as to allow the passage of said at least one illumination device (1 ) between mutually inclined support surfaces.

16. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 15, further comprising at least a levitation base (70) provided with an electromagnet arranged so as to generate a force which is opposite to the magnetic force of said magnet (4) in order to allow the levitation of said illumination device (1 ).

17. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 4 to 1 6, wherein said illumination device (1 ) further comprises a plurality of spherical bearings (7) accommodated in at least one hollowed or drilled housing (7A) obtained on a portion of said casing (2) adapted to be arranged, in use, in correspondence of a support surface of said illumination device (1 ).

18. Illumination system (100) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said illumination device (1 ) is equipped with a plurality of sensors (8) arranged on the surface of said casing (2) and associated to said at least one electronic board (9), said sensors (8) being suitable for detecting instantaneously objects of any kind in proximity of said illumination device (1 ).

19. Illumination system (100) according to any one of preceding claims wherein said power receptor (10) of a first illumination device (1 ) is adapted to cooperate with a correspondent power receptor (10) provided on a second illumination device (1 ) for charging in series at least said first and said second illumination device (1 ).

20. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claim 2 to 4 further comprising a support structure (30) provided with support means (33) comprising at least a pair of parallel support cables adapted to pass through said casing (2) engaging the outer surface of said pair of powered rolling elements (5A) to allow the movement of said illumination device (1 ) along the extension of said cables (33).

21. Illumination system (100) according to claim 20, wherein the respective opposite hands of said pair of support cables (33) are connected to guiding means comprising a pair of guiding cables (31 ) each being closed in a loop on itself, each one engaged between at least a powered driving pulley (32A) and an idle pulley (32B).

22. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a support structure (40) provided with accompanying means (44) sliding along a pair of guide track (45), said accompanying means (44) being operatively associated with said powered rolling elements (5A) by means of support and transmission means (41 , 42, 43).

23. Illumination system (100) according to any of claims 20 to 22 wherein said pair of powered rolling elements (5A) is adapted to transfer power at least to said electronic board (9) through said support means and/or said guiding means (31 , 33, 41 , 42, 43) of said support structure (30, 40), said support means and/or guiding means (31 , 33, 41 , 42, 43) being obtained with conductive materials.

24. Illumination system (1 00) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein said command interface (80A, 80B) is adapted to operatively interact with said electronic board (9) of said illumination device (1 ) by means of a central control unit (81 ).

5. Illumination system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, where said command interface (80B) comprises at least one repeater Wi-Fi (82).

Description:
"ILLUMINATION SYSTEM"

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] This invention consists in an illumination system that includes at least one illumination device, that can be moved or that can move autonomously on a support surface, that could be for example a ceiling, a vertical wall or a floor of a residential, civilian or industrial space, also through the use of specific structures.

BACKGROUND ART

[002] In line with human evolution, people's everyday life is experiencing a radical change, that nowadays, more than ever, needs a smart and advanced illumination system able to adapt itself to the new life rhythms and to the different spaces where people live their personal and professional dimension.

[003] So far global construction industry has not been able to face and solve the common technical problem consisting in spotlights distribution inside homes, offices, factories and civilian infrastructures like schools, museums and hospitals.

[004] Currently the spotlights are decided and defined at the beginning, so during the construction of the building. But this approach is no longer adequate to a world that is living a dynamic era, experiencing a continuous and constant change; a change that has necessarily to turn into renewed, flexible, dynamic and malleable construction principles.

[005] Apartments, houses, schools, factories, offices and hospitals need an illumination system that allows its users to reposition and reshape the entire illumination easily, immediately and intuitively, basing on eventual change in use that they might experience during the day or on a medium-long basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] The purpose of this invention consists in exceeding the problems and the limits of the above mentioned state of the art, proposing an illumination system comprising at least one illumination device able to move autonomously or to be moved on a support surface, combining user-friendliness, efficacy and functionality.

[007] Following this purpose, one of the scopes of this invention consists in providing an illumination system able to rationalise the number of illumination devices to be used, allowing them to be positioned, case-by-case, in order to obtain the desired configuration. [008] Another purpose of this invention consists in providing a cost-efficient illumination system, conveniently installable with known and usual systems, machineries and tools.

[009] The purpose and the scopes above indicated and others that will be indicated below, are reached by an illumination system as defined in claim 1 .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Benefits and characteristics of this invention will be highlighted in the following description, as an example but not limited to, with reference to the attached drawings including:

- fig. 1 shows an exploded view drawing of an illumination device, part of an illumination system under this invention;

- fig. 2A and 2B show prospective views from two different angles, of the illumination device shown in Fig. 1 when it is assembled;

- fig. 3 shows a prospective schematic view of a favourable embodiment of an illumination system according to this invention;

- fig. 4A and 4B show a prospective view of another favourable embodiment of an illumination system in accordance with this invention;

- fig. 5A and 5B show an exploded view drawing of two alternative components of an illumination system of a favourable embodiment under this invention;

- fig. 6 shows a schematic prospective view of a favourable embodiment of an illumination system according to this invention;

- fig. 7A and 7B show two components suitable for supplying power to one or more illumination devices included in an illumination system in accordance with this invention;

- fig. 8A and 8B show a command interface, suitable for controlling and transmitting data within an illumination system according to this invention;

- fig. 8C shows a second embodiment of a command interface suitable for controlling and transmitting data within an illumination system under the present invention;

- fig. 9 shows a graphic diagram of the communication between some of the components that compose an illumination system in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring to the attached figures, an illumination system 100 under the present invention is shown, comprising at least one illumination device 1 , advantageously equipped with suitable means in order to move it manually or through automatic movement on a support surface. Preferably, said illumination system 100 includes a plurality of modular illumination devices 1 and, where appropriate, a support structure 30, 40, 50.

[0012] In particular, as shown in figures 1 , 2A and 2B, said illumination device 1 includes at least one light source 3 suitable for illuminating, preferably composed by LED or OLED, installable in a casing 2, made of a cavity with desired shapes and dimensions, defined by one or more side-walls 2A. In detail the casing 2, shown in the attached figures, is essentially cylindrical and therefore is determined by a single side- wall 2A, nevertheless said casing 2 might be, for example, parallelepiped shape with polygonal plant, comprising therefore a plurality of side-walls 2A.

[0013] Advantageously, one extremity of said casing 2 is closed in a first extreme end through a cover 2B, for example consisting of a rigid panel. Furthermore, said casing 2 includes a first support and partition panel 2C and a second support and partition panel 2D, suitable for dividing said casing 2 in at least three compartments.

[0014] In detail preferably at least a first compartment 21 and a second compartment 22 are obtained, respectively determined by said cover 2B and said second support and partition panel 2D, and between said second support and partition panel 2D and said first support and partition panel 2D, suitable for containing functional components of the illumination device 1 , therefore configured in such a way that they are preferably inaccessible or in any case barely accessible by the user. Furthermore, a third compartment 23 suitable for containing said at least one light source 3 is provided.

[0015]Said first and second partition panels 2C and 2D are preferably and conveniently drilled in order to allow the transition of connection and power supply cables between said first compartment 21 and said second compartments 22.

[0016] In particular, in the example shown in the attached figures, said light source 3 consists in an OLED, therefore composed by a thin lighting layer suitable for generating a light beam for illuminating spaces. Said light source 3 can be removed and changed by way of the second extremity of said casing 2, opposed to the extremity where the cover 2B is installed.

[0017] Alternatively, when said light source 3 is composed for example by LED or other devices, the second extremity of the casing 2 may be movably closed by a second covering element, conveniently realized with transparent materials, such as glass, in order to protect the light source 3 and to allow the homogeneous diffusion of the light.

[0018] Preferably, said light source 3 is furthermore installed in said third compartment 23, in such a way that it is swivelling and therefore able to change the direction of the light beam generated.

[0019] Potentially, said casing 2 may be realized in such a way that said third compartment 23 is revolving with respect to said first compartment 21 and said second compartment 22, for example by way of the predisposition of a convenient rotation linchpin.

[0020]Advantageously, said illumination device 1 may be provided with known means suitable for regulating and adjusting light beam, like for example lenses and optics manually or automatically movable and preferably housed within said third compartment 23.

[0021] Advantageously, said second compartment 22 is comprised of driving means 5, that are preferably composed by at least one couple of powered rolling elements 5A, such as for example wheels or spheres conveniently connected to a corresponding electric motor 5B.

[0022] Preferably, said powered rolling elements 5A are arranged such that their rotation centres lie along a same axis or along axes lying parallel to each other, preferably adjacent arranged to said at least one side-wall 2A of said casing 2. In fact, this configuration allows moving said illumination device 1 along a rectilinear direction, furthermore allowing it to rotate.

[0023]Advantageously, said second support and partition panel 2D and said cover 2B are provided with favourable bypassing openings 5C suitable for permitting at least a portion of said powered rolling elements 5A to be exposed, allowing them to rotate freely.

[0024] Potentially, a plurality of spherical bearings 7 conveniently arranged in at least one hollowed or drilled housing 7A, obtained on a superficial portion of said casing 2 and suitable for being placed, in use, next to said support surface, for example composed by said cover 2B, can facilitate the movement of said illumination device 1 , smoothing its movement on said support surface and avoiding the contact between casing 2 and the support surface, eliminating their usury caused by the friction of these two surfaces.

[0025] Furthermore, preferably, said illumination device 1 is provided with at least a couple of sensors 8, suitable for detecting instantly the position of said illumination device 1 , preferably arranged essentially equidistant from each other and positioned on the perimeter of the surface of said side-wall 2A. Said proximity sensors 8 are moreover suitable for instantly detecting objects of any kind nearby said illumination device 1 .

[0026]Gainfully, said illumination device 1 is furthermore comprised of convenient and known means suitable for receiving, elaborating and transmitting data, like in particular at least an electronic board 9, suitable for receiving and elaborating the data produced by said sensors 8. Furthermore, said electronic board 9 can control switching on and off, dimerization and potentially the inclination of said light source 3, as well as commanding said driving means 5 in order to move said at least one illumination device 1 within a support surface.

[0027]Up to this point, an illumination device 1 may be positioned on a support surface essentially horizontal, suitable for bearing the weight of said illumination device 1 , and it is comprised of means suitable for its movement on said support surface, which therefore corresponds essentially to a floor, a piece of furniture surface or another furniture element.

[0028] Nevertheless, according to a convenient feature of the present invention, said support surface can be defined by a support structure 30, 40, 50 allowing the positioning or the movement of an illumination device 1 also, for example, on the side walls or on the ceiling of a residential location.

[0029] In Figure 3 is shown an illumination system 100 comprising a support structure 30 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, suitable for holding said at least one illumination device 1 suspended upon the floor, so that it can be advantageously moved on a support surface different than the floor.

[0030] For example, said structure 30 can be mounted on the walls in a home space at a desired height, preferably on the top part of it for example in close proximity to the ceiling, in order to move said illumination device 1 on a support surface essentially horizontal. Alternatively, said support structure 30 may be mounted on the side wall of a room that needs to be illuminated, in such case the illumination device 1 can be moved along a vertical support surface.

[0031] In particular, preferably, said support structure 30 is equipped with support means 33 comprising at least one couple of parallel cables suitable for passing through said casing 2 by means of specific couples of bypassing holes 34 created on said side- wall 2A and occupying the external perimeter of said wheels 5A which in this case are preferably grooved. Said parallel cables of said support means 33 introduce themselves between said grooves of said rolling elements 5A and specific grooves created on the surface of said dividing panel 2C, oriented towards said second compartment 22, in such way that said illumination device 1 can move along the whole extension of said support cables 33, which defines its support surface.

[0032]Conveniently, the respective extremities of said support cables 33 are connected to driving means provided with a couple of guiding cables 31 (preferably metallic) and arranged in parallel on two opposite and facing walls of the location that needs to be illuminated.

[0033]Advantageously, each one of said guiding cables 31 , is closed-loop and it is bound by a correspondent couple of driving pulleys 32; preferably for each couple of driving pulleys 32 there will be a powered driving pulley 32A, suitable for transferring the flowing movement to the guiding cable 31 , which occupies said driving pulley 32A and an idle pulley 32B mounted on the wall and suitable for accompanying and returning said guiding cable 31 . Preferably the system is conveniently configured in such a way that guiding cables 31 are moved by their respective powered driving pulleys 32A simultaneously.

[0034]The evident result is that thanks to the rotation of said powered rolling elements 5A, said illumination device 1 can move essentially at least along one first direction, indicated with the arrow F represented in Figure 3 and determined by the extension of said support cables 33. Moreover, thanks to the couple of powered driving pulleys 32A, the illumination device 1 can also move along a second direction, indicated with the arrow P in Fig. 33, preferably orthogonal to said first direction, and determined by the extension of said guiding cables 31 .

[0035] In this way, an illumination system 100 provided with a support structure 30 above described, allows to move one or more illumination devices 1 to any point of a support surface coinciding with the lying plan of said device 1 . Said system 100 turns out to be particularly advantageous as it can be installed and used in those situations where the location, which needs to be illuminated, is characterized by architectural peculiarities that would not permit illumination device 1 to flow on the walls. For example, the ceiling might be characterized by wooden beams, by irregular outer finishes or in any case by decorations that can't be covered or altered.

[0036]Advantageously, on said guiding cables 31 more than one couple of support cables 33 can be associated and every couple of support cables 33 can include more than one illumination device 1 ; in this case, the use of said sensors 8 is particularly advantageous as it avoids possible collisions between illumination devices 1 of said illumination system 100.

[0037] Naturally, said illumination devices 1 can be mounted on said support structure 30 in such a way that the light beam, projected by said light source 3, is oriented downwards; nevertheless they may be mounted on said support cables 33 upside down, in such a way that said light source 3 illuminates upward, for example in this way it could illuminate and therefore enhance certain details or decorations of the ceiling or even illuminate the location through reflected light, for example in those cases where the ceiling surface is reflective for example covered by mirrors.

[0038] Lastly, said illumination device 1 can include a pair of light source 3, arranged in such a way that they can illuminate two opposite surfaces of the location that needs to be illuminated.

[0039]Alternatively, said illumination system 100 can comprise a support structure 40 according to a second embodiment of this invention, shown in figures 4A and 4B. Said support structure 40 comprises accompanying means 44, for example a pair of wheels, suitable for pouring along a corresponding couple of guide tracks 45, that could be for example fixed to the side walls or to the ceiling of the location that needs to be illuminated. Said accompanying means 44 are conveniently and operatively connected to said powered rolling means 5A of said illumination device 1 by means of support and transmission.

[0040] In particular, preferably said support and transmission means are provided with a couple of support and transmission cables 41 , each one suitable for being closed-loop, occupying a respective wheel of said couple of powered rolling elements 5A of said illumination device 1 , conveniently occupying the correspondent perimeter groove and a respective pulley of a couple of driving pulleys 42 solidly mounted on a transmission shaft 43, like a rigid shaft, which is connected by the opposite extremities to said accompanying wheels 44 that flow on said guide tracks 45.

[0041] Illumination device 1 can therefore move taking advantage of the coordinated movement imposed by the electric motor 5B and transmitted to each flowing wheel 5A, which occupy said support cables 41 transferring to them the movement, which is therefore transmitted to the transmission shaft 43, simultaneously rotatable with them. The rotation of the transmission shaft 43 is then transmitted to the accompanying wheels 44 that move the illumination device 1 along a direction, shown in Fig. 4B with arrow M, on a support surface which is, in this case, defined by the extension of guide tracks 45.

[0042]Conveniently, both support structure 30, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the support structure 40, according to the second embodiment of this invention, can be also installed in open spaces such as city squares, gardens, yachts etc. This can be done also through the installation of pillars suitable for fixing all the elements.

[0043]Up to this point we have not mentioned how the illumination device 1 gets electric energy in order to supply the needed power to all of its components. In regards to the embodiments where the above described support structures 30 and 40 are used, power supply is transmitted to the illumination device 1 thanks to conductive materials used for some of the components of said support structures. In particular, preferably, said couple of powered rolling elements 5A is suitable for transferring power supply to at least said electronic board 9 through the support means of a support structure 30, 40, being conveniently obtained with a conductive material.

[0044]With reference to support structure 30: electrical supply is imparted, preferably in direct current or with extra low voltage (below 50V) to guiding cables 31 . One of the two rings of said guiding cables 31 represents the positive side 37 of said power supply, while the second ring of said guiding cables 31 represents the negative side 38 of said power supply. From the above mentioned guiding cables 31 , power supply goes on through support cables 33, reaching the powered rolling elements 5A from where it is transmitted through, for example, brushes or other contact typologies, in order to be transmitted to all the components of said illumination device 1 that need to be powered. In order to avoid short-circuits between the two sides 37 and 38, insulated connecting elements 36 can be placed among guiding cables 31 and support cables 33.

[0045]With reference to the support structure 40, power supply is imparted to illumination device 1 with the same principle: power supply is in fact transmitted through guide tracks 45, accompanying means 44, transmission shaft 43, transmission pulleys 42 and support cables 41 , reaching the powered rolling means 5A. Moreover the insulated element 46, that impedes the short-circuit between the two sides, is placed in the middle of said transmission shaft 43.

[0046]Advantageously and preferably, the illumination device 1 is equipped with electric accumulators, for example a battery 6. This allows the illumination device 1 to be powered also when it is not used together with the above-described support structures 30 and 40.

[0047]With reference to the Figure 6, is shown an illumination device comprising a support structure 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In detail, said support structure 50 comprises at least one ferromagnetic support panel 51 and preferably a plurality of ferromagnetic support panels 51 , arranged adjacent to each other, each one comprising at least one ferromagnetic element. Said structure 50 is installable on any surface of the room that needs to be illuminated, like for example the ceiling, the side walls and the floor, and it is suitable for shaping the support surface for said at least one illumination device 1 . [0049] In this case, said at least one illumination device 1 is furthermore equipped with at least one magnet 4, preferably arranged essentially centrally in the casing 2 and gainfully arranged within said first compartment 21 , facing said cover 2B. Alternatively, the illumination device 1 can be equipped with a plurality of magnets, arranged preferably symmetrical and balanced in order to guarantee uniform attraction of said illumination device 1 on said support surface.

[0050]Advantageously, said illumination device 1 can be provided with fixing and adjusting means 1 1 next to said cover 2B, for example formed by a screw that can be screwed in a hole that crosses said magnet 4, in order to allow a fast adjustment of the distance between said magnet 4 and said cover 2B, therefore between said magnet 4 and the support surface formed by said ferromagnetic panel 51 , adjusting in this way the force of attraction.

[0051]Said fixing and adjusting means 1 1 acts preferably directly on the position of the magnet 4 within the illumination device 1 . Such adjustment might be also automated.

[0052]Said fixing and adjusting means 1 1 might also act on an eventual containing element of said magnet 4, instead of acting directly on the magnet.

[0053]Said ferromagnetic panels 51 are preferably the structural and decorative base of the location and they can be supplied in different dimensions, being also possibly cut and shaped during the assembling phase in order to obtain the desired measures; said ferromagnetic panels 51 are gainfully projected in order to be installed on ceilings, walls and floors, rough or finished.

[0054]The body of the panel 51 is preferably made with "sandwich-basis" and comprises at least one element essentially flat and realized with ferromagnetic material 54; for example, said ferromagnetic element 54 can comprise a foil that can be drilled in order to reduce as much as possible the weight of the panel 51 . In this case, advantageously, the diameter of the holes and the distance between them are conveniently sized in order to reach the biggest possible dimension, or rather lightness of the panel, keeping the magnetic force of attraction uniform. Alternatively, said ferromagnetic element 54 can be formed, for example, by a flat mesh of ferromagnetic material.

[0055]Said ferromagnetic element 54 can be therefore formed by a mesh or by a foil, that can be full or drilled, with various thicknesses, being potentially zinc-coated and/or painted. Said characteristics might change in relation to different needs like for example: panel lightness, magnetic attraction and protection of the ferromagnetic element from oxidation. [0056]As for the characteristics of ferromagnetic element 54, also the structure of panel 51 may vary, Figures 5A and 5B show two possible embodiments of its structure.

[0057] In one embodiment, shown in Figure 5A, said ferromagnetic support panel 51 is composed by preferably one cardboard layer 52, one structural plaster layer 53, said flat ferromagnetic element 54, a second plaster layer 55 and a second cardboard layer 56.

[0058]The process of construction of the ferromagnetic panel 51 is easily manufactured industrially in regards to the state of art of the plasterboard's manufacturing standard: in fact, it is just enough to add one manufacturing step just before the baking of the plasterboard, that consists in immerging the flat ferromagnetic element 54 inside the plaster's liquid blend.

[0059] ln a second embodiment, said panel 51 , shown in Figure 5B, presenting a "sandwich" structure, comprises a first plasterboard panel 58B, a ferromagnetic element 54 and eventually a second plasterboard panel 58A. The thicknesses of said plasterboard layers 58A and 58B may vary in relation to the typology of structure 50. Both the plasterboard layers 58A and 58B may have a structural function, the plasterboard layer 58B also has finishing function. Furthermore the thickness of plasterboard panel 58B affects characteristics of the above-mentioned ferromagnetic element 54, nevertheless the dimension of the magnet 4 of illumination device 1 .

[0060]Advantageously, in said second embodiment of the panel 51 , elements 58A and 58B can be realized with other materials than the plasterboard. For example, they can be realized in wood, chipboard, plastic or metallic (non-ferromagnetic) materials. Furthermore said panel 51 can be finished with decorations and inserts such as leather, textiles or other materials, rendering it a ready-to-use panel.

[0061 ]The result of the process is therefore a panel that, differently from the current plasterboard panel, acquires ferromagnetic features and more structural robustness.

[0062]Alternatively, said panel 51 can be realized inserting a plurality of ferromagnetic elements like for example fibre, powders or spheres, in a plaster blend.

[0063] Despite its different structure compared to the current standard of plasterboard panels, the ferromagnetic support panel 51 can be mounted easily, as per the state of art known by all the constructors and construction industry professionals. The panel is projected to be installed on two different structural and surface typologies. The panel can in fact replace the current plasterboard panel, being mounted and fixed with screws on steel pillars conveniently fixed on walls and ceilings.

[0064]The thickness of ferromagnetic element 54 is conveniently sized in order to be drilled with screws.

[0065]The support structure 50 is then finished with stucco work, smoothing and painting of the surface. Alternatively said panel 51 can be fixed to existing structural walls and ceilings through various and known fixing methods.

[0066]Said structure 50 confers another important architectural benefit as it reduces the needed height of the ceiling gap. In the current state of art plasterboards ceiling structures comprise a gap suitable for being inspected and for distributing the electrical and lighting systems components.

[0067]The illumination system 100 equipped with a structure 50 allows eliminating the mentioned gap, as it does not comprise any cable or tube in the ceiling. This implicates consistent heights reductions. For example, in the case of buildings with a plurality of floors, this can implicate space-earnings that can be used for more height within the apartments or more residential spaces.

[0068]Said support structure 50 therefore defines, as said, the support surface wherein the illumination devices 1 can move or can be positioned, taking advantage of magnetic attraction. Said ferromagnetic panels 51 can be therefore all over the location surfaces or just on certain areas: for example, structure 50 may be installed on the ceiling of all the rooms or just on some of them, like the living rooms, more subjected to purpose, use and activity variations.

[0069]As an example, the panelling can be installed all over the ceilings of an office building or only over the zones effectively dedicated to office-work. Structure 50 is projected to be mounted on horizontal, vertical and oblique surfaces, being therefore installable for example on locations like mansards that could be characterized by the inclination of the ceiling due to the structural roof inclination.

[0070] Preferably, said illumination device 1 can be equipped with magnetic sensors 12, suitable for detecting the presence of ferromagnetic material on the support surface of illumination device 1 , and a magnet attraction force sensor 13 suitable for verifying that the force of attraction of magnet 4 is adequate in respect to the ferromagnetic surface. This signal, that is received, managed and transmitted by said electronic board 9, can be advantageously translated in a luminous signal generated by light source 3, by another warning light (not shown in the figures) or in another acoustic or other signal for example a vibration that might authorize the user to release the illumination device 1 during the installation. Once the illumination device 1 is released on the support surface, the magnet attraction force sensor 13 can remain constantly active and said electronic board 9, connected to the magnet attraction force sensor 1 3, can block the movement of said illumination device 1 if it finds out that the magnetic force of attraction is lower than the set minimum value.

[0071] ln general, an illumination device 1 , as previously described, would not be able to move from a horizontal support surface to a vertical support surface, due to the presence of corners. This problem has been solved according to a system, in accordance with the present invention, where a connecting member 60 like a "slide" is arranged in such a way that it links a side wall and a ceiling or a side wall and a floor, or even connecting a side wall to another side wall, as shown in Figure 6.

[0072]Slide 60 is composed by a shaped surface, that can be curved or inclined and advantageously realized with ferromagnetic material, allowing illumination device 1 to move from a surface to another, also between flowing surfaces mutually inclined.

[0073]The dimensions of slide 60 and the range of its shaped surface are conveniently sized in relation to the dimensions and the shape of illumination device 1 .

[0074] Illumination device 1 can therefore move without any limitation from a horizontal surface, like for example the ceiling, to a vertical surface, for example a side wall, moving to another horizontal surface, like the floor. In other words illumination device 1 can freely move on all the surfaces of the location.

[0075]Also for the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, comprising a support structure 50, it is preferable that said illumination device 1 comprises at least one battery 6 suitable for supplying power to all the components of said illumination device 1 .

[0076]Advantageously, illumination device 1 is equipped with power receptors 10. Said power receptors 1 0 can be contact-type 1 0B or wireless-type 10A. Said power receptors are able to transmit the power received to the battery 6 or directly to the electronic board 9, therefore to all the components that need power inside the illumination device 1 .

[0077] In accordance with a beneficial characteristic of the present invention, said illumination system 100 can comprise one or more powering stations, preferably connected to the electricity grid of the location where said at least one illumination device 1 is used, suitable for powering one or more illumination device 1 , in particular the battery 6 or directly the electronic board 9.

[0078]Said powering station can be contact-type 59 or wireless-type 57.

[0079]Contact-type powering station 59, for example shown in Figure 7B, can comprise a plurality of powering contacts 59A, a power supply 59B and a containment casing 59C. The power supply 59B is suitable for supplying power to said contacts 59A; the powering contacts 59A are suitable for allowing the contact with an illumination device 1 , which is provided with one or more power receptors 10B, for example arranged on the surface of casing 2 and preferably next to the external surface of said side-wall 2A. Containment casing 59C is suitable for containing the above-mentioned components and it can be built in the wall or mounted externally. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , said power receptors 10B are arranged diametrically opposed to each other. Finally, said power receptors 10B allow said illumination device 1 to connect both to the powering station as well as to other illumination devices 1 of said illumination system 100, allowing the simultaneous and multiple charge of illumination devices 1 .

[0080]Wireless powering station 57, shown in Figure 7A, is preferably provided with a power supply 57A, connected to the electricity grid and suitable for supplying power to an electronic board 57B, operatively connected to an inductor 57C and suitable for transforming the energy supplied by the power supply 57A in such a way that said inductor 57C can transfer it to a wireless power receptor 10A, provided in an illumination device 1 and advantageously arranged in such a way that it is next to the support surface.

[0081] Advantageously, said inductor 57C can preferably be arranged inside the panel 51 . For example, in case that said panel 51 is realized in accordance with the second embodiment, shown in Figure 5B, the containment hole of said inductor 57C can be advantageously obtained in the second plasterboard 58B; this solution allows to reduce the distance between the inductor 57C and the power receptor 1 0A, improving the performance.

[0082] It is known that said wireless power supplying system can experience malfunctions when ferromagnetic elements are positioned in proximity of the inductor. Such problem has therefore been solved with three important expedients: the inductor 57C has been arranged under the ferromagnetic element 54 of said panel 51 , therefore it is not interposed between said inductor 57C and the power receptor 10A; a ferrite layer has been arranged between the ferromagnetic element 54 and the inductor 57C, suitable for concentrating the flow toward the illumination device 1 ; the electronic board 57B has been configured in such a way that it can transmit a frequency to the inductor 57C that does not cause a resonance with the material of the ferromagnetic element 54.

[0083]Advantageously, in another embodiment, the inductor 57C of the wireless powering station 57 will be arranged inside a plasterboard, wood or other materials panel, provided with one or more magnetic elements suitable for guaranteeing attraction to said at least one illumination device 1 , equipped with said at least one magnet 4 or, where appropriate, with a ferromagnetic element preferably installed on or in the casing 2, or anyway installed on or in the first compartment 21 .

[0084]The return to the powering station 57, 59 can be advantageously executed by the illumination device 1 automatically, for example the electronic board 9 can activate powered rolling elements 5A after having received the signal from the battery 6 indicating that the set minimum charge limit has been passed.

[0085] Illumination devices 1 can also be equipped with two or more power receptors 10, being therefore able to charge themselves simultaneously, positioning themselves alongside each other, or rather mutually adjacent, with the first in line positioned next to the powering station. This allows, in some cases, the presence of just one powering station within the whole location; being the powering station able to impart electricity to a plurality of illumination devices 1 simultaneously. Therefore there is no need of as many powering stations as the number of illumination devices and the user can arrange the powering station where he thinks it is more appropriate, nice and agreeable.

[0086] A breaking system may be provided within the illumination device 1 , such breaking system can be operatively connected to said motors 5B or even to said powered rolling elements 5A; it is suitable for blocking immediately the illumination device 1 when it moves along a vertical support surface.

[0087] Finally, an illumination device 1 equipped with a magnet 4 can move or be moved on a support surface formed by panels devoid of ferromagnetic material, thanks to the positioning of a second magnet on the opposite surface; this second magnet is suitable for moving together with illumination device 1 keeping it firmly anchored to said support surface.

[0088]This solution is particularly advantageous when the illumination device 1 needs to be moved along a glazed surface. In this case, advantageously, the illumination device 1 can be equipped with a photovoltaic panel conveniently sized, suitable for supplying power directly to the electronic board 9 or for charging said battery 6.

[0089]With regard to the Figure 9, it is noted that the electronic board 9, inserted in said illumination device 1 of said illumination system 100, is suitable for receiving, processing and transmitting data, therefore communicating with other elements that compose the system, like a fist command interface 80A, a second command interface 80B and a central control unit 81 suitable for controlling, commanding processing and transmitting data.

[0090]Said central control unit 81 may comprise a power supply, a computer suitable for processing and storing data, a router, a possible signal transducer and a casing. [0091] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, said second command interface 80B can be provided with a power supply 83, a signal transducer 84, a repeater Wi-Fi and/or a wireless transceiver 82, a microcontroller 85 and transducers 86 like for example buttons or other sensors suitable for receiving commands from a user. Said sensors can for example consist in microphones suitable for voice recognition or gesture recognition means.

[0092]Said first command interface 80A can coincide with known electronic devices like for example PC, tablets, smartphones etc. as shown in Figure 8C.

[0093] Preferably and advantageously every room of a location, where said illumination system 100 is installed, is equipped with at least one illumination device 1 and said second command interface 80B. Moreover, at least one central control unit 81 is preferably installed within said location.

[0094]Advantageously, the central control unit 81 can be connected to one or more said second command interface 80B by means of known transmission data means like Wi- Fi, fiber optic cables, power-line or other cable typologies like for example Ethernet.

[0095]Gainfully said second command interface 80B is equipped with at least one Wi-Fi repeater and/or a wireless transceiver that in addition to functioning as a control/command interface it is suitable for communicating with said electronic board 9, arranged inside said illumination devices 1 , with said first command interfaces 80A and with other devices equipped with Wi-Fi technology, like for example smartphone, PC, tablets etc.

[0096]Thanks to the installation of at least said second command interface 80B in every room of the location, equipped with said at least one Wi-Fi repeater 82, the Wi-Fi signal distribution within said location is particularly advantageous as balanced and uniformly distributed all over the location, moreover the Wi-Fi signal strength is particularly reduced. Such solution advantageously allows avoiding those typical situations where the router needs to release a strong signal in order to reach every area in the location.

[0097] Preferably, said illumination system 100 comprises fiber optic cables for connecting said central control unit 81 to said second command interfaces 80B, in fact this cable typology allows transmitting a great deal of data, being therefore able to process both the data relative to the functioning of said illumination system as well as the data of any device connected to the Wi-Fi network (smartphones, tablets, etc.).

[0098] Preferably and advantageously a user of said illumination system 100 can interact with said first command interfaces 80A and/or second command interfaces 80B at will. In case the user interacts with said second command interface 80B, the command which could be for example the lights lighting, is transmitted to the central control unit 81 that, after having processed it, transmits the command again to said second command interface 80B, that will transmit it to the illumination devices 1 involved.

[0099] In case the user interacts with said first command interface 80A, the command will be transmitted to said second command interface 80B, following then the above- mentioned itinerary. In the same way, the first command interface 80A might receive data, relating the functioning and the status of said illumination system 1 00 from said second command interface 80B, which receives them from the central control unit 81 . Advantageously the first command interface 80A may receive said data directly from the central control unit 81 .

[00100] Said central control unit 81 can be connected to internet, therefore allowing the user to control remotely (from the outside) the illumination system 1 00, also transmitting uniformly access to internet.

[00101 ] Advantageously said illumination device 1 is suitable for carrying out several functions, like for example travelling an itinerary defined by the user or turning on and off the light basing on a timer. This can be done by illumination device 1 through the components that compose the illumination system 100 i.e. said command interfaces 80A and 80B and said central control unit 81 .

[00102] Said illumination device 1 can be also provided with one or more light sensors (not shown in the Figures), suitable for measuring the ambient light intensity around them, transmitting such information to said electronic board 9 that will transmit it to command interfaces 80 and to the central control unit 81 . Advantageously, with an illumination system 100 composed by a plurality of illumination devices 1 , these devices will be able to homogenise the light intensity within the ambience, positioning themselves in the most convenient configuration relating to the information processed by the system.

[00103] Such innovation turns out to be extremely relevant taking into consideration the purpose of a continuous improvement of the ambience around humans. It is in fact known how light intensity can affect human psyche as well as his eyesight. An inadequate or erroneous lighting system within a workplace can cause for example visual impairments. To this day it is hard to adjust rapidly the illumination intensity throughout the day. Thanks to an illumination system 100, this adjustment can be carried out without any interaction by the users, calibrating automatically light parameters throughout the day basing on the parameters set initially. [00104] Advantageously, illumination device 1 can comprise at least one gesture and movements recognition sensor, in such a way that it can be moved from one point to another of the support surface pointing the command interface toward the direction where the illumination device stands and then moving it toward the direction where the user desires to move the illumination device.

[00105] Gainfully, thanks to the conformation of illumination system 100, which is uniformly distributed all over the location, the illumination device 1 can be equipped with a vibration sensor suitable for recognizing an upcoming earthquake, a smoke detector suitable for detecting smoke in the location and an acoustic alarm suitable for warning users in the above-mentioned cases.

[00106] Moreover, said illumination device 1 can be equipped with speakers, suitable for spreading sounds and music, one or more cameras, suitable for recording video and even acting as CCVV.

[00107] Additionally said illumination device 1 can be equipped with gainful means to measure the quality of the environment where the user lives, such as a temperature sensor and an air-quality sensor.

[00108] Evidently all the alarms, warnings and information related to the above- mentioned sensors can be displayed on the command interface 80A and 80B, also remotely.

[00109] The system generates consistent benefits to the construction and architecture industries revolutionising the current concept of residential, civilian, industrial illumination. Thanks to an illumination system 1 00, lighting becomes a user's servant, with considerable energy saving and generating, at the same time, significant improvements in art and architecture. In fact several software, connected to the illumination system 100, control its functions and functioning, setting it with several configurations: the user is, in fact, able to save infinite "standard" positions, studied according to his specific needs and the location characteristics. Said configurations can be activated through a rapid and easy command in every moment and, above all, they can activate autonomously according to specific hours, days, weeks, months and seasons, being also able to receive information relating to sunset time, sunrise time and weather situations from the internet, basing on geo-localisation. In addition to receiving information relating to the ambience, the illumination device 1 can receive information related to the user and to his bodily functions. Said information can be sent to the illumination device 1 by devices and software applications like smart wellness bracelets, processing the data and transforming them in commands or actions for example lighting, switching off, movement, dimerization of the light sources.

[00110] Thanks to extremely creative and artistic software conformations, illumination devices 1 will be able to recreate constellations and in general astronomic compositions on the location surfaces, recreating outdoor environments within an indoor location. They will be able to move autonomously over time restaging on the surface the same and effective movements of elements like for example stars and constellations. Illumination devices 1 will be able to recreate figures and words. Moreover, they can be set in such a way that they can follow a specific person within a location. Positioning for example the powering station next to the entry door, the illumination device 1 will activate when the person gets into the location possibly with a specific communication device. Thereafter the user can be followed by the illumination device during all of his activities within the location, with no need to turning on, turning off or dimmering lights. An illumination system 100 installed in a civilian building, can for example replace the current lighting system installed in the theatres, currently commanded and controlled by dedicated professionals and being movable only along limited paths, usually determined by the extension of heavy steel frameworks. An illumination system 1 00, positioned on a theatre stage and conveniently set basing on the specific needs, can move autonomously following the protagonists of the exhibition.

[00111 ] Below an example of a possible use of an illumination system 100 by a user within his bedroom. An illumination device 1 will follow the user within the bedroom during the whole process of night-preparation before the rest. When he will lie down, the illumination device 1 will also follow him moving from the ceiling to the side wall, going next to the user. Before the rest, the illumination device 1 might move to another area of the side walls, for example next to the bedroom door, reducing the light intensity. Such configuration can be useful as a night light.

[00112] In case the user falls asleep forgetting to turn off the light, a possible bodily- functions-monitoring-system i.e. a smart wellness bracelet or a smartphone app, will be automatically able to communicate to the illumination device 1 commands like turning on, off, movement or dimer of light source 3 of illumination device 1 . In fact, the command interface of said illumination device 1 is suitable for interacting operatively with processing and command software, implemented or implementable on every remote command device.

[00113] One more gainful characteristic of an illumination system 100 is that said illumination devices 1 can freely move also on the floor; the system 100 can also comprise one or more levitation bases 70 that can be freely positioned simply placing them on every point of the floor or on any other horizontal surface that does not need magnetic attraction, for example a piece of furniture. The levitation base 70 can be visible or even hidden by elements like carpets. The levitation base is equipped with an electromagnet that is activated through sensors or under command. When the illumination device 1 will be on the levitation base 70, the electromagnet will generate an opposite force respect the force generated by the magnet 4, mounted inside the illumination device 1 , allowing the illumination device 1 to levitate over the base. In this way it is possible to change in one more way the lighting configuration of the ambience, in this case through light beams from the bottom directed to the top.

[00114] Advantageously, the sensors arranged in said illumination device 1 can be inserted, disabled, activated, deactivated, mounted and dismantled basing on the movement configuration chosen, potentially this can be done also remotely and/or automatically.

[00115] It is noted that said electronic board 9, advantageously integrated inside every illumination device 1 of said illumination system 100, allows controlling the motors 5B that activate the movement of powered rolling means 5A, which allow moving said illumination device 1 ; moreover, the electronic board 9, communicating with said sensors 8, can detect immediately the position of each illumination device 1 , avoiding collisions between them and/or with possible obstacles across their movement trajectory.

[00116] Moreover, advantageously, said electronic board 9 are connected to magnetic sensors 1 2 and to magnet attraction force sensor 13, in order to manage optimally the force of the magnet, ensuring the reliability of the system 1 00.

[00117] Preferably, the electronic board 9 also manages the charging activities of the batteries 6, therefore also the possible return of the illumination devices 1 to the powering stations when it is reached the charge limit.

[00118] Said electronic board 9 also manages the light sources 3 functions i.e. the switching on, off and all the possible configurations like the dimerization or the inclination, thanks to its communication with the command interfaces.

[00119] Potentially, said electronic board 9 can be connected to accelerometers or other electronic devices in order to carry out specific functions.

[00120] As previously described illumination device 1 is therefore projected in order to be used with any typology of system without being necessarily modified. It can potentially function with or without magnetism, through different kinds of guide tracks and on several surfaces. Thanks to that, the illumination device 1 is extremely adaptable and repositionable, being therefore a smart object that can interact with different systems, different themes, spaces, being also controllable by different users, with the possibility to rearrange it and reuse it. The user that might need to move house will be easily able to remove the illumination devices 1 in few minutes with no need to unscrew them or disconnect cables. He will be even able to move all the devices 1 or just some of them from house to the office in less then one minute.

[00121 ] Figuratively speaking, the illumination device 1 can be a personal belonging easily transportable from house to the office and even during camping.

[00122] It is noted the ease of inter-changeability of the light source 3, thanks to the inserting system as well as for the fact that at any time that the illumination device might need maintenance, including the replacement of the light source 3, it will be able to reach automatically an area easy accessible by the user. Such characteristic of the system 100 in accordance with the present invention is particularly advantageous for those who have physical disabilities.

[00123] Disclosing another example of use of the illumination system 100, in another application, said system constitutes a concrete response to the need of showrooms for example shops of reconfiguring continuously the products exhibition, repositioning all the illumination devices on windows, shelves and other elements.

[00124] Evidently, the present invention can be subjected to several applications, modifications or variations without leaving the area of protection, as defined in the following claims.

[00125] Furthermore, the materials and the tools used for realizing the present invention as well as the shapes and dimensions of the single components, might be the most appropriate depending on the specific needs.




 
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