FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of invention relates to lighting systems, in particular lighting systems in the form of outdoor luminaires. Particular embodiments relate to sealed modular lighting systems.

BACKGROUND

Typically, one of the main challenges in developing an outdoor luminaire is water tightness. Most outdoor luminaires must respect a rated water-tightness condition. Luminaires with a glass cover, for example, can easily withstand water by sealing the glass. Luminaires with a unique lighting unit can also easily respect the rated condition by sealing the whole lighting unit under an adequately rated protector. However each luminaire size requires a tailored sealing and thus increases the complexity in production. One needs a lighting system retaining adequate sealing and simplifying the actual need of having different seals for different luminaire sizes.

Several solutions exist for combinable lighting modules. However, cable interconnections present between modules have the disadvantage of increasing the sealing complexity. Hence there is a need for a lighting system retaining sealing and allowing simple scalability of the luminaire size.

SUMMARY

The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a lighting system that has adequate sealing against external weather elements while being able to connect components in a convenient manner. More in particular, embodiments of the invention aim at providing a lighting system that is modular while retaining sealed interconnections, in particular sealed electrical interconnections. Additionally, embodiments of the invention aim at providing a lighting system whose design conception has an improved flexibility while decreasing luminaire stock management requirements through standardization.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting system. The lighting system comprises:

- a mounting substrate; - a first cover module having a first mounting surface arranged on the mounting substrate, and a first matching surface, said first cover module and mounting substrate delimiting a first inner space configured for containing at least one light source;

- a second cover module having a second mounting surface arranged on the mounting substrate, and a second matching surface, said second cover module and mounting substrate delimiting a second inner space configured for containing a second component, such as at least one second light source;

- wherein the first and second matching surfaces of the first and second cover module, respectively, are cooperating with each other;

- a connecting assembly extending from the first inner space, through the matching surfaces, to the second inner space;

- a first sealing means extending at least between the first and second matching surfaces, from a first edge point between the first and second mounting surface, over the connecting assembly, to a second edge point between the first and second mounting surface.

A prior art solution to solve interconnections sealing problems in modular lighting systems is to design a specific sealing arrangement around the interconnection portion between several lighting modules. However such a specific sealing arrangement is unnecessarily complex or involves numerous additional sealing elements. This problem is overcome by a lighting system as defined above.

The first cover module has a first mounting surface arranged on the mounting substrate. The second cover module has a second mounting surface arranged on the mounting substrate. The mounting substrate may be common to the first and second cover modules, or there may be a mounting substrate for each of the first and second cover module. Since the first sealing means extends from the first edge point between the first and the second mounting surface to the second edge point between the first and the second mounting surface, the first sealing means passing over the connecting assembly, between the matching surfaces, it provides a first protection to the at least one light source and the second component against ingress from external weather elements. Indeed, comprehensive sealing along the matching surfaces is provided, protecting the first and second inner space from external elements permeating through the juncture line of the first and second matching surfaces. To connect the at least one light source of the first cover module and the second component of the second cover module, the connecting assembly extends from the first inner space, through the matching surfaces, to the second inner space. The first sealing means ensures that the electrical interconnection between cover modules is safely protected against external elements by a simple sealing arrangement. Any sealing means is suitable for the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing means may be independently formed and provided to a groove in the first and/or second mounting surface, said groove being configured for a sealing means to be arranged therein. In another embodiment, the first sealing means may be a foam sealing means injected in the groove.

The at least one light source contained in the first cover module may be arranged such that light emitted by the at least one light source passes through a transparent or translucent portion of the lighting system. In one embodiment, the emitted light may pass through a transparent or translucent portion of the first cover module. In another embodiment, the emitted light may pass through a transparent or translucent portion of the mounting substrate.

The second cover module allows increasing the variety and/or versatility of the lighting system. For example, the second component may be a second light source, allowing increasing the light output of the lighting system. In another example, sensing elements part of the second component may provide data allowing for a“smarter” lighting system. In still another example, the second component may integrate communication means for an agent to easily communicate with the lighting system, e.g. wireless communication means.

To keep the loss of space minimal in the lighting system, matching surfaces are designed on both first and second cover module to cooperate with each other when the first and the second cover module are side-by-side. One or more additional cover modules may be added to further increase the versatility of the lighting system and potentially increase the light output (see further below). By providing matching surfaces, the spacing between cover modules is reduced and the versatility and/or light output of a luminaire may be increased by the simple addition of additional cover modules. Depending on the specific geometry of the matching surfaces, additional mechanical benefits such as improved sealing or stronger cover module linkage may be achieved.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second cover module are similarly shaped and of e.g. rectangular geometry. The first and/or second cover module may comprise one or more further matching surfaces, parallel or perpendicular to the first and second matching surfaces, said further one or more matching surfaces being configured to cooperate with one or more matching surfaces of one or more additional cover modules. In another exemplary embodiment, the cover modules are of e.g. hexagonal geometry and are configured to be placed and cooperate such that a honeycomb pattern is formed. More generally, the first and/or second cover module may comprise at least one further matching surface, parallel or at an angle with respect to the first and second matching surfaces, said one or more further matching surfaces being configured to cooperate with one or more matching surfaces of one or more additional cover modules.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing means passing over the connecting assembly may extend over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, of the width of the first matching surface in order to join sealing means provided on the first and second mounting surfaces.

The connecting assembly may comprise a plug-and-socket assembly between the first and second cover module or between the at least one light source and the second component. For the connecting assembly to pass from the first to the second cover module, a passage through the first and second matching surface may be provided. The first matching surface may be provided with a first channel and the second matching surface may be provided with a second channel, said first and second channel forming said passage. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing means may additionally comprise a compression grommet to seal the passage through the matching surfaces through which the connecting assembly passes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the matching surfaces are cooperating such that a portion of the first matching surface extends over a portion of the second matching surface as seen in a plane perpendicular to the mounting substrate, or vice versa.

The matching surfaces may be beveled surfaces with corresponding angles, stackable surfaces, or may include levelled surfaces. In other exemplary embodiments, the matching surfaces comprise straight and/or curved surfaces.

In this manner, there is superposition of a portion of the first matching surface and a portion of the second matching surface, as seen in a plane perpendicular to the mounting substrate. Thus access by external elements to the first and second inner space of the first and second cover module is rendered more difficult, making the sealing more effective.

Additionally, by having a superposition of matching surfaces, either partial or total, the sealing of the overall lighting system may be improved by constructing a global sealing arrangement between adjacent cover modules. In another embodiment, the sealing arrangement may also comprise annular sealing parts provided between each of the first and second cover modules and the mounting substrate such that the first and second cover modules are individually sealed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first matching surface is provided with a first interlocking element and the second matching surface is provided with a second interlocking element, said first and second interlocking elements cooperating in an interlocking manner. For example, the first interlocking element may be a protrusion protruding out of the first matching surface, and the second interlocking element may be a recess in the second matching surface, said recess being configured for receiving the protrusion.

In this way, the junction between the first and the second cover modules is secured in a stronger manner. This is ensured by restricting degrees of freedom of the movement of one cover module with respect to another. Additionally, having interlocking elements enables having position restrictions and thus provides a better alignment between cover modules.

In possible embodiments, different interlocking elements may be provided for different matching surfaces of the same cover module, e.g. interlocking elements having a different shape or size. In that manner, there may be provided different matching surfaces/interlocking elements for different connecting assemblies, rendering the installation by an operator easier.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cover module is made in a transparent or translucent material.

In this way, the first cover module is produced in fewer parts since the cover module itself lets light pass through. However, the first cover module may also comprise a non-transparent frame and a transparent or translucent cover portion. In an embodiment, different portions of the first cover module are integrally formed and have different opacities, e.g. through an overmolding process which also allows the cover module to be produced in fewer parts. Also, in an embodiment where e.g. the second component of the second cover module is at least one light source, the second cover module may be entirely made of a transparent or translucent material, or may have a non-transparent frame and a transparent or translucent cover portion

According to a preferred embodiment, the first sealing means extends between the first mounting surface and the mounting substrate from the first and/or second edge point associated with the first matching surface, to another first and/or second edge point of the first mounting surface, respectively. Preferably, the other first and/or second edge point is located on an edge between the first mounting surface and a further matching surface of the first cover module. In this manner, sealing is ensured at the juncture of the first mounting surface with the mounting substrate. Fewer sealing parts are used to seal the entire first cover module which improves the reliability and simplicity of the seal. In an exemplary embodiment where the first cover module has a substantially rectangular shape, the first sealing means may have a first sealing portion extending from the first edge point to the other first edge point of the first mounting surface, and a second sealing portion extending substantially parallel to the first sealing portion from the second edge point to the other second edge point of the first mounting surface. In a possible embodiment, the first cover module may have a peripheral surface comprising two opposite matching surfaces and two opposite non-matching surfaces, i.e. two opposite closed surfaces which do not comprise an external access to the first inner space of the first cover module when arranged on the mounting surface. In other embodiments, the first cover module may have only one or three or four or more matching surfaces. Also in embodiments where the first cover module has three or more matching surfaces, the first sealing means preferably extends on the first mounting surface, between the first and second edge points associated with the first matching surface and other edge points associated with the other matching surfaces of the first cover module, such that the juncture of the first mounting surface with the mounting substrate is sealed where needed. In an embodiment with only one matching surface, the first sealing means may extend on the first mounting surface, from the first edge point, around the first inner space, to the second edge point. The skilled person understands that similar considerations may apply for the second cover module, and more generally for any cover module of the lighting system.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lighting system further comprises a second sealing means extending between the matching surfaces from a first edge point between the first and second mounting surface, over the connecting assembly, to a second edge point between the first and second mounting surface.

In this way, an additional sealing is provided at the juncture line of the matching surfaces of the first and second cover module over the connecting assembly. According to a preferred

embodiment, the first and second sealing means may intersect such that they overlap partially. Alternatively the first and second sealing means are arranged such that they do not overlap.

Optionally they are in contact with each other. Having two sealing means, one above the other, over the connecting assembly improves ingress protection from external elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second sealing means extends between the second mounting surface and the mounting substrate from the first and/or second edge point associated with the second matching surface to another first and/or second edge point of the second mounting surface. Preferably, the other first and/or second edge point of the second mounting surface is located on an edge between the second mounting surface and a further matching surface of the second cover module.

In this manner, sealing is ensured at the juncture line of the second mounting surface with the mounting substrate. Fewer sealing parts are used to seal the entire second cover module which improves the reliability and simplicity of the seal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first cover module comprises at least one optical element, preferably at least one lens element, corresponding to the at least one light source.

In this way, the at least one optical element corresponding to the at least one light source allows an improved shaping of the light distribution emitted by the at least one light source. The at least one optical element may notably be a refractive, diffusive, reflective element, e.g. a filtering element, a collimating element, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the second component of the second cover module may be at least one light source and the second cover module may comprise at least one optical element corresponding to the at least one light source. The at least one optical element comprised by the second cover module may be identical to or different from the at least one optical element comprised by the first cover module. According to a particular embodiment, at least one optical element may be arranged within the inner space of the cover module and/or at least one optical element may be provided or integrated to the cover module itself.

In a typical embodiment, the first cover module may comprise a plurality of optical elements, for example a plurality of lens elements. The plurality of optical elements may be part of an integrally formed optical plate, such as a lens plate. In other words, the lens elements may be interconnected as to form a lens plate comprising the plurality of lens elements. The optical plate may be formed, e.g. by injection molding, casting, transfer molding, or in another appropriate manner.

Alternatively, the optical elements, such as the lens elements may be separately formed, e.g. by any one of the above mentioned techniques.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting system further comprises one or more end piece modules configured for closing the sealing of the first and/or second cover modules. The one or more end piece modules may be preferably provided to one or more lone matching surfaces of the first and/or second cover modules, i.e. matching surfaces for which no adjacent cover module is present. In this manner, the sealing of the first and second cover modules is completed, which seals the lighting system. In one embodiment, the end piece modules may comprise matching surfaces to cooperate with further matching surfaces of the first and/or second cover modules. In another embodiment the end piece modules may consist in seal plugs.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing means is a loop.

In this way, the amount of parts of the first sealing means is decreased, thus simplifying the installation of said first sealing means. Additionally, only one loop may be needed per cover module. Due to the positioning of the loop over the matching surfaces, there may be overlapping of the first and second sealing means which increases the protection of the connecting assembly against permeating external weather elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cover module may have the first matching surface and at least one further matching surface; the loop may extend from an edge point of the at least one further matching surface and the mounting surface, over the further connecting assembly, to another edge point of the at least one further matching surface and the mounting surface.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first sealing means is an elongate U-shaped continuous seal. In one embodiment, the elongate U-shaped continuous seal may comprise first, second, and third interconnected sealing portions. The first and third sealing portions may be provided between the mounting substrate and the first mounting surface. The second sealing portion may be provided between the first and second matching surfaces. The first and third sealing portions may be connected to opposite ends of the second sealing portion.

In this manner, only one sealing means is placed between matching surfaces of different cover modules which reduces redundancy of parts. Moreover, to complete the sealing between two cover modules, sealing plugs may be added for connecting sealing means of the first and second cover modules.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing means comprises a plurality of separate first sealing elements, and a plurality of first sealing plugs for joining said plurality of separate first sealing elements. In this manner, only parts of the sealing elements may need to be replaced in case of leakage and standard sealing elements may be used instead of specifrcally designed sealing means for the cover module.

The skilled person understands that technical considerations for the first sealing means may apply for the second sealing means.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the matching surfaces are stackable surfaces. By stackable surfaces, it is meant surfaces that may be adjoined such that these surfaces are superposed with respect to at least one direction. The stackable surfaces may have a step profile. The stackable surfaces may also comprise beveled surfaces.

In this way, the matching surfaces are more intricate, which mechanically increases the difficulty for external elements to permeate to the first or second inner space of the first or second cover module from the matching surfaces juncture line.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first interlocking element comprises at least one pin protruding out of the first matching surface, and the second interlocking element comprises at least one recess in the second matching surface, or vice versa.

In this manner, the first and second interlocking elements are locking in a stronger manner for reliable linking of cover modules.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for lighting system embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding cover module embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a cover module for a lighting system. The cover module has a mounting surface configured for being arranged on a mounting substrate, and a matching surface, said cover module and mounting substrate delimiting an inner space configured for containing at least one component;

wherein the matching surface of the cover module is configured for cooperating with a further matching surface of another cover module;

and the cover module comprises: - a channel provided to the matching surface forming a passage from the inner space to the matching surface, said channel being configured for a connecting assembly of the at least one component to pass through;

- a first sealing means extending over the matching surface of the cover module, from a first edge point of the mounting surface and matching surface, over the channel, to a second edge point of the mounting surface and matching surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lighting system; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a lighting system;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a further embodiment of a lighting system; and

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a cover module according to another exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a lighting system according to an exemplary embodiment. The lighting system 1000 comprises at least one light source, a plurality of light sources 1 lOOa in the embodiment of Figure 1, a second component 1 lOOb, a first cover module l300a, a second cover module l300b, a connecting assembly 1500, and a first sealing means 1400.

The plurality of light sources 1 lOOa is provided on a mounting substrate 1200. The mounting substrate 1200 may be shaped as a rectangular plate or may have any other suitable shape. The first and second cover modules l300a, l300b may have a common mounting substrate 1200 in one exemplary embodiment. In another embodiment, the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b may have independent mounting substrates 1200.

The plurality of light sources 1 lOOa may be provided to the mounting substrate 1200, or to at least one printed circuit board (PCB) 11 lOa disposed on the mounting substrate 1200. The second component 1100b may be provided to the mounting substrate 1200, or to at least one PCB l l lOb disposed on the mounting substrate 1200. Alternatively, the second component 1100b may be provided to a carrier disposed on the mounting substrate 1200. The mounting substrate 1200 may be made of a thermally conductive material, e.g. metal, aluminum, and the at least one PCB 11 lOa may be disposed on the mounting substrate 1200 such that the at least one PCB 11 lOa and the mounting substrate 1200 are in thermal contact. In another embodiment, the mounting substrate may comprise a portion in a transparent or translucent material and the at least one PCB 11 lOa of the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa may be in thermal contact with a portion of the first cover module l300a made of a thermally conductive material.

The plurality of light sources 1 lOOa may be arranged without a determined pattern or may describe an array, e.g. an array of a plurality of rows by a plurality of columns, such as a two by three array as shown in Figure 1. The size of the array may be designed depending on the intended use of the lighting system 1000 and on the intended shape and size of the first and/or second cover module l300a, l300b. The plurality of light sources llOOa may be a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of light sources 1 lOOa could also be light sources other than LEDs, e.g. halogen, incandescent, or fluorescent lamps. A light source of the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa, 1 lOOb may comprise several light elements, e.g. a LED may consist in a multi-chip of LEDs. The surface onto which the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa is provided can be made reflective or white to improve the light emission. The second component 1100b may be a plurality of light sources or another type of electric or electronic component, e.g. sensing element, communicating element, driving element, controlling element.

A plurality of optical elements 1120a may be provided to the plurality of light sources 1100a of the first cover module 1300a such that each of the plurality of light sources 1100a is provided with a corresponding optical element 1120a. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the plurality of optical elements is a plurality of lens elements 1120a which are similar in size and shape and there is one optical element 1120a for each light source 1100a. In another exemplary embodiment, some or all of the optical elements 1120a may be different from each other. In still another embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1100a may be provided with a plurality of different optical elements or additional optical elements, e.g. refractive elements, diffusive elements, reflective elements, additional lenses, collimating elements, filtering elements. In a particular embodiment, one optical element 1120a may cover several light sources of the plurality of light sources 1100a.

The lens element 1120a may be free form in the sense that it is not rotation symmetrical. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, lens elements 1120a have a symmetry axis parallel to a connecting direction of the first and second cover modules 1300a, 1300b. The lens element 1120a comprises a first surface and a second surface located on opposite sides. The second surface faces the plurality of light sources 1100a. The first surface is a convex surface. The second surface is a concave surface, but may also be a planar surface. The lens element 1120a may have a maximum length different from a maximum width. The lens elements 1120a are in a transparent or translucent material. They may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl

methacrylate)(PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The plurality of optical elements 1 l20a, for example the plurality of lens elements 1 l20a in figure 1, may be part of an integrally formed optical plate, such as a lens plate 1 l30a. In other words, the lens elements 1 l20a may be interconnected as to form a lens plate 1 l30a comprising the plurality of lens elements H20a. The lens plate 1130a may be formed, e.g. by injection molding, casting, transfer molding, or in another appropriate manner. Alternatively, the optical element, such as the lens elements 1120a may be separately formed, e.g. by any one of the above mentioned techniques.

The lighting system 1000 may comprise different first and second cover modules l300a, l300b, having e.g. different dimensions, different lens profiles and/or transparencies, different optical elements, different contained components, different arrangement of light sources, different number of light sources, different types of light sources, containing different components in the embodiment of Figure 1. In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b may be similar and may be both containing at least one light source. In still another embodiment, the lighting system 1000 may comprise one or more additional cover modules designed to cooperate with at least the first and/or second cover modules l300a, l300b, said additional cover module comprising additional light sources or electric components or electronic components.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the first cover module l300a comprises a first frame portion l3l0a and a first transparent or translucent cover portion l320a. The first cover portion l320a may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In another exemplary embodiment, the frame portion l3l0a and the cover portion l320a may be formed in a single integral translucent or transparent part. However, the first cover module l300a may also comprise a non-transparent frame and a transparent or translucent cover portion l320a. In still another exemplary embodiment, the frame portion l3l0a and the cover portion l320a may be formed in a single integral part of different opacities, e.g. via an overmolding process. In another particular embodiment, both the frame portion and the cover portion may be non-transparent.

The first frame portion l3l0a has a first mounting surface 131 la facing the mounting substrate 1200 and a first outer surface l3l2a. The first cover portion l320a is provided to the first outer surface l3l2a over the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa. There may be a seal (not shown) located between the first cover portion l320a and the first outer surface 132 la. The first cover portion l320a may be assembled to the first outer surface l3l2a by a cover fixing means (not shown), e.g. screw, glue, bolt, rivet, clip.

The first cover module l300a may have a recess l3l3a in the first mounting surface 131 la such that the recess l3l3a is adapted for receiving the plurality of light sources l lOOa provided to the mounting substrate 1200 when the first cover module l300a is assembled to the mounting substrate 1200. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa may be a plurality of LEDs provided to a PCB 11 lOa, and the PCB 11 lOa may be received in the recess l3l3a of the first mounting surface 131 la. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the recess l3l3a of the first cover module l300a is delimited by the cover portion l320a and the frame portion l3l0a and an inner wall of the frame portion l3l0a; the recess l3l3a may be sized such that the PCB 11 lOa fits in it.

The first frame portion l3l0a may be assembled to the mounting substrate 1200 by a mounting fixing means, e.g. screw, glue, bolt, rivet, clip. The first cover module recess l3l3a may have a polygonal shape, an oval or circular shape; it is square-shaped in the embodiment of Figure 1. The first frame portion l3l0a may comprise plastic or metallic parts. The recess l3l3a of the first frame portion l3l0a, the mounting substrate 1200, and the first cover portion l320a form a first inner space of the first cover module l300a, in which the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa is arranged.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, the second cover module l300b comprises an integrally formed cover part. The second cover module l300b has a second mounting surface 131 lb facing the mounting substrate 1200 and a second outer surface l3l2b. The second cover module l300b has a recess 13 l3b in the second mounting surface 131 lb such that the recess 1313b is adapted for containing the second component 1100b. The recess 1313b of the second cover module l300b is a blind recess. In another exemplary embodiment, the recess 1313b may be a through-hole connecting the second mounting surface 131 la to the second outer surface l3l2b.

The second cover module l300b may be assembled to the mounting substrate 1200 by a mounting fixing means, e.g. screw, glue, bolt, rivet, clip. The second cover module recess 1313b may have a polygonal shape, an oval or circular shape; it is square-shaped in the embodiment of Figure 1. The second cover module l300b may comprise plastic or metallic parts. The recess 1313b of the second cover module l300b, and the mounting substrate 1200 form a second inner space of the second cover module l300b, in which the second component 1100b is arranged. The skilled person understands that technical considerations and features for the first cover module l300a may apply for the second cover module l300b.

A first matching surface l3l4a of the first cover module l300a extends on a portion of the first outer surface l3l2a and is designed for cooperating with a second matching surface l3l4b of the second cover module l300b extending on a portion of the second outer surface l3l2b. First and second matching surfaces l3l4a, l3l4b of the first and second cover module l300a, l300b, respectively, are adjacently placed when the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b are arranged on the mounting substrate 1200. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1, a first further and second further matching surface l3l5a, 1315b extend, on the first and second cover module l300a, l300b, opposite the first and second matching surfaces !3l4a, !3l4b on portions of the first and second outer surfaces l3l2a, l3l2b, respectively. In another embodiment, one or more additional cover modules may be placed adjacently to the first and/or second cover modules l300a, l300b in order to cooperate with the first further and/or second further matching surface l3l5a, l3l5b.

The first matching surface l3l4a comprises a first beveled portion provided at the edge of the first mounting surface 131 la and extending away from it, a second levelled portion at the end of the first beveled portion extending outwardly, and a third beveled portion at the end of the second levelled portion and extending away from the first mounting surface 131 la and joined to the first outer surface l3l2a. The first matching surface l3l4a is opposite of the first further matching surface l3l5a. Both first further matching surface l3l5a and second matching surface l3l4b are similar in the embodiment of Figure 1. Both second further matching surface 13 l5b and first matching surface l3l4a are similar in the embodiment of Figure 1. Having matching surfaces consisting of several portions and being stackable surfaces provides higher mechanical protection against weather elements permeating at the juncture line between the cooperating matching surfaces l3l4a, l3l4b of the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b. By stackable surfaces, it is meant surfaces that may be adjoined such that these surfaces are superposed with respect to at least one direction, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the mounting substrate 1200 in the embodiment of Fig.1.

To improve the cooperation and the mechanical link between cover modules l300a, l300b, interlocking elements l3l6a, 13 l6b are provided. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the interlocking elements l3l6a, 1316b are located on the second levelled portion of the first and second matching surfaces l3l4a, l3l4b of the first and second cover module l300a, l300b, respectively. A first interlocking element l3l6a may consist in two parallelepiped protrusions extending away from the second portion of the first matching surface l3l4a. A second interlocking element 1316b may consist in two parallelepiped recesses in the second levelled portion of the second matching surface l3l4b. The interlocking elements l3l6a,l3l6b may be designed such that the first interlocking element l3l6a of the first cover module first matching surface l3l4a can engage with the corresponding second interlocking element 1316b of the second cover module second matching surface l3l4b, or vice versa.

A first channel l330a connects the first inner space of the first cover module l300a to the first matching surface l3l4a. A second channel l330b connects the second inner space of the second cover module l300b to the second matching surface l3l4b. The first and second channels l330a, l330b may be open channels, as depicted in Figure 1, or may be bore holes or other kinds of through-holes.

The first and second channels l330a, l330b are designed such that they form a passage, and such that the connecting assembly 1500, e.g. electrical connections, can extend through the matching surfaces l3l4a, l3l4b from the first inner space l3l3a of the first cover module l300a to the second inner space 13 l3b of the second cover module l300b. The connecting assembly 1500 may connect to the electrical circuit of the plurality of light sources 1 lOOa and to the electrical circuit of the second component l lOOb. The connecting assembly 1500 may comprise a plug-and- socket connection, a soldered connection, a glued connection, or a contact connection.

To seal the first cover module l300a and the connecting assembly 1500 from external weather elements, the first sealing means 1400 is arranged on the first matching surface l3l4a and on the first mounting surface 131 la. Figure 4 depicts a more detailed view of the arrangement of the first sealing means 1400 on the cover module.

The first sealing means 1400 extends along a first substantially peripheral side of the first mounting surface to a first edge point between the first and second mounting surface 1311 a, 131 lb, between the first and second matching surfaces l3l4a, l3l4b of the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b over the connecting assembly 1500, from a second edge point between the first and second mounting surface 1311 a, 131 lb along a second substantially peripheral side of the first mounting surface 131 la opposite the first substantially peripheral side, thereby describing an elongate U-shaped seal 1400 as depicted in Figure 1. The first and second substantially peripheral sides of the first mounting surface 131 la may be provided with grooves such that the first sealing means 1400 may be arranged therein.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the portion of the first sealing means 1400 extending between the first and second matching surface l3l4a, l3l4b over the connecting assembly 1500 prevents ingress of external elements through the first and second channels l330a, l330b. The portions of the first sealing means along the first mounting surface 131 la prevent ingress of external elements at the juncture of the first cover module l300a with the mounting substrate 1200. The first sealing means 1400 extends between the first mounting surface 131 la and the mounting substrate 1200 from the first and second edge point 4314’, 4314” (not indicated in Figure 1, but indicated in Figure 4 for a similar embodiment) associated with the first matching surface l3l4a, to another first and second edge point 4315’, 4315” (not indicated in Figure 1, but indicated in Figure 4 for a similar embodiment) of the first mounting surface 131 la, respectively, said other first and second edge point 4315’, 4315” being located on an edge between the first mounting surface 131 la and a further matching surface l3l5a of the first cover module l300a. The first sealing means 1400 passing over the connecting assembly 1500 may extend over at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, most preferably at least 90%, of the width w of the first matching surface l3l4a in order to connect with the sealing portions provided on the first and second mounting surfaces 1311 a, 131 lb, near the non-matching closed sides of the first and second cover module l300a, l300b. In still another exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the first sealing means 1400 is a loop further extending from the first substantially peripheral side of the first mounting surface 131 la at a first further edge point on the first further matching surface l3l5a, over the first further matching surface l3l5a, to the second substantially peripheral side of the first mounting surface 131 la at a second further edge point on the first further matching surface 1315a. In still another exemplary embodiment, the first sealing means 1400 may comprise separate sealing elements joined together using sealing plugs; the first sealing means may comprise four sealing elements along the width w and length of the first cover module l300a coupled together via four sealing plugs.

A second sealing means (not shown) may be provided to the second cover module l300b in the same manner as for the first sealing means 1400 of the first cover module l300a.

Additionally, sealing plugs may be used at the junction of the first and second cover modules l300a, l300b to ensure the sealing continuity of the first and second sealing means 1400 in contact with the mounting substrate 1200. One or more additional cover modules may be added in line with at least the first and/or second cover module l300a, l300b to increase the versatility and/or the illumination surface of the lighting system 1000.

Both first and second further matching surfaces 1315a, 1315b of the assembled plurality of cover modules l300a, l300b may be completed with end piece modules designed for cooperating with the first or second further matching surfaces l3l5a, 13 l5b and closing the sealing of the plurality of assembled cover modules l300a, l300b.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lighting system. The lighting system 2000 comprises a plurality of light sources 2100, a first cover module 2300a, a second cover module 2300b, a third cover module 2300c, a connecting assembly 2500, and a first, second, and third sealing means (not shown).

The plurality of light sources 2100 are provided to a plurality of mounting substrates (not shown) corresponding each to the first, second, and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c.

Each of the mounting substrates may be shaped as a rectangular plate. In another exemplary embodiment, there is a common mounting substrate 2200 for the first, second and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c. The plurality of light sources 2100 may be provided to a first, second, and third PCBs 21 lOc corresponding each to the first, second, and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b 2300c disposed on the mounting substrates. The mounting substrates may be made of a thermally conductive material, e.g. metal, aluminum, and the PCBs 21 lOc are disposed on the mounting substrates such that the PCBs 21 lOc and the mounting substrates are in thermal contact. The first, second, and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c have different dimensions in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2. The corresponding PCBs 2l l0c fit in recesses of the cover modules mounting surfaces 231 la, 231 lb, 231 lc. The first, second, and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c may be assembled to the mounting substrates 2200 by a mounting fixing means, e.g. screw, glue, bolt, rivet, clip.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the lighting system 2000 comprises different first, second and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c. The first and second cover modules 2300a, 2300b are side-by-side and cooperate both with the third cover module 2300c along their respective matching surfaces 23l4a, 23l4b, 23l4c. The first and second cover modules 2300a, 2300b, have similar lengths 11, 12 as seen in a direction perpendicular to the matching surfaces. The first cover module 2300a has a smaller width wl as seen in a direction parallel to the matching surfaces than the width w2 of the second cover module 2300b. The third matching surface 23l4c of the third cover module 2300c cooperates with both a portion of the first cover module matching surface 23l4a, and a portion of the second cover module matching surface 23l4b. The matching surfaces of the first, second, and third cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c are beveled surfaces similarly angled between the mounting surfaces 231 la, 231 lb, 231 lc and the outer surfaces 23l2a, 23l2b, 23l2c of the first, second, and third frame portions 23l0a, 23l0b, 23l0c, respectively.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the first cover module 2300a comprises a first frame portion 23l0a and a first transparent or translucent cover portion 2320a. The first cover portion 2320a may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first cover portion 2320a is provided to the outer surface 23l2a of the first frame portion 23l0a over the recess of the first cover module 2300a extending between the first mounting surface 231 la and the first outer surface 2312a. There may be a seal located between the first cover portion 2320a and the first outer surface 2312a. The first cover portion 2320a may be assembled to the first outer surface 2312a by a cover fixing means, e.g. screw, glue, bolt, rivet, clip.

The second cover module 2300b comprises a second frame portion 2310b and a second transparent or translucent cover portion 2320b. The recess of the second frame portion 2300b extends between the second mounting surface 231 lb and the second outer surface 2312b. A plurality of lens elements 2l20b may be provided such that each of the plurality of light sources (not shown) below the second frame module 2300b is provided with a corresponding lens element 2l20b. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the lens elements 2l20b are similar in size and shape and there is one lens element 2l20b for each light source of the second cover module 2300b. The plurality of lens elements 2l20b is part of an integrally formed lens plate 2l30b comprised in the second cover portion 2320b of the second cover module 2300b. The second cover portion 2320b may be in optical grade silicone, glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMM A), polycarbonate (PC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the lens plate could be fixed on the PCB and the cover portion could serve as a protective cover. The third cover module 2300c may be integrally formed in a transparent or translucent material. It allows the third cover module 2300c to be fabricated in less pieces to decrease its complexity.

A first portion of the connecting assembly 2500 extends from a first inner space of the first cover module 2300a to a third inner space of the third cover module 2300c through bore -holes in the matching surfaces 23l4a, 23l4c of the first and third cover modules. A second portion of the connecting assembly 2500 extends from the third inner space of the third cover module 2300c to a second inner space of the second cover module 2300b through bore -holes in the matching surfaces 23l4c, 23l4b of the second and third cover modules 2300b, 2300c. Compression grommets in the bore -holes ensure the sealing of the cover modules inner spaces from ingress through the passages between the cover modules.

The first sealing means (not shown) of the first cover module 2300a extends around the recess of the first mounting surface 231 la such that its juncture line with the mounting substrate is sealed when assembled to the mounting substrate. The first sealing means may comprise several sealing portions or may be a loop. A second and third sealing means similar to the first sealing means provide sealing to the second and third cover modules 2300b, 2300c, respectively.

Further matching surfaces 23l5a, 23l5b, 23l5c of the cover modules 2300a, 2300b, 2300c are completed with end piece modules 2600a, 2600b. To complete the further matching surfaces 23l5a, 23l5b, 23l5c, end piece modules 2600a, 2600b with beveled surfaces cooperating with the further matching surfaces 23l5a, 23l5b, 23l5c are used. Supplementary sealing means may be provided to improve the lighting system 2000 sealing. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the end piece modules may be sealing plugs configured for sealing the channels located in the further matching surfaces.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a further exemplary embodiment of a lighting system. The lighting system 3000 comprises a plurality of light sources, a first cover module 3300a, a second cover module 3300b, a third cover module 3300c, a connecting assembly (not shown), and a first, second, and third sealing means (not shown).

The first, second and third cover modules 3300a, 3300b, 3300c are similar. The cover modules comprise each a frame portion 33l0a, 33l0b, 33l0c and a cover portion 3320a, 3320b, 3320c. The frame portions 33l0a, 33l0b, 33l0c have a hexagonal shape. The cover portions 3320a, 3320b, 3320c may be transparent or translucent and are provided to the outer surfaces 33l2a, 33l2b, 33l2c of the frame portions 33l0a, 33l0b, 33l0c over recesses of the frame modules 3300a, 3300b, 3300c extending between the mounting surfaces 331 la, 331 lb, 331 lc and the outer surfaces 33l2a, 33l2b, 33l2c such that respective mounting substrates associated with light sources may be fitted in the recesses. The cover modules 3300a, 3300b, 3300c are cooperating thanks to matching surfaces provided with interlocking elements. The interlocking elements consist in tails 3316a, 3316b,

33l6c and mortises 33l6a’, 33l6b’, 33l6c’ forming together a dovetail joint when assembled, and alternatively placed substantially centrally at each of the six sides of the frame portions 33l0a, 33l0b, 33l0c. Using dovetail joints increase the mechanical solidity of the cover modules assembly. The tails 3316a, 3316b, 3316c extend outwardly from the frame portion outer surface and may present a step profile. The mortises 33l6a’, 33l6b’, 33l6c’ extend inwardly from the frame portion mounting surface and may present a step profile complementary to the tails 3316a, 33l6b, 33l6c. In another exemplary embodiment, supplementary pins and/or recesses may be added to the interlocking elements to further secure the mechanical links between the cover modules by preventing movements in at least two orthogonal planes.

Each of the cover modules 3300a, 3300b, 3300c has similar sealing means. Each of the sealing means is a loop extending around the recess of the mounting surface. The sealing means further extends, for each of the six sides, from the mounting surface, to the side of the mortises or tails substantially perpendicularly out of the matching surface, over the channels 3330a’, 3330a” substantially parallel to the mounting surface, to the opposite side of the tails or mortises substantially perpendicularly out of the mounting surface, and back to the mounting surface.

Channels 3330a’, 3330a” connect the inner spaces of the cover modules 3300a, 3300b, 3300c to each other through the respective matching surfaces. The channels are open channels at the mounting surface of the frame portions 33l0a, 33l0b, 33l0c located substantially centrally in each of the six sides of the frame portions 33l0a, 3310b, 33l0c.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a cover module according to another exemplary embodiment. The cover module has a mounting surface 4311 configured to be arranged on a mounting substrate and an outer surface 4312. The cover module may be configured to be arranged adjacently to another cover module (not shown).

The cover module has a matching surface 4314 designed for cooperating with a complementary matching surface of the other cover module. The matching surface 4314 of the cover module extends on a portion of the outer surface 4312 of the cover module. The matching surface 4314 is a beveled surface extending away and outwardly from the mounting surface 4311. Interlocking elements 4316 extends outwardly from the matching surface 4314 and are designed to cooperate with complementary interlocking elements, e.g. recesses, of the other cover module. Interlocking elements 4316 consists in two trapezoidal protrusions with a rectangular base.

Extending on a portion of the outer surface 4312 opposite the matching surface 4314, there is a further matching surface 4315. The further matching surface 4315 has a complementary shape to the matching surface 4314. Additional cover modules or end piece modules may be adjacently placed next to the further matching surface 4315.

A recess 4313 extends inwardly from the mounting surface 4311. The recess 4313 is designed for containing at least one light source. In another embodiment, the recess may be designed for containing another electric or electronic component. The cover module may comprise a frame and a cover portion in a translucent or transparent material. The recess 4313 may then be delimited by the cover portion and an inner wall of the frame portion. The recess 4313 defines, when the cover module is fixed to the mounting substrate, an inner space.

A first channel 4330 connects the inner space to the matching surface 4314. The first channel may be a bore-hole, a wide passage, or an open channel, e.g. an open channel as depicted in Figure 4. A second channel 4330’ connects the inner space to the further matching surface 4315. A connecting assembly connected to the at least one light source passes through the first channel 4330. A second connecting assembly may pass through the second channel 4330’.

Sealing between the cover module and the other cover module protects sensitive elements contained in the inner space of the cover module or an inner space of the other cover module from external elements ingress. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the sealing is made of sealing elements 4400a, 4400b, 4400c. The different sealing elements 4400a, 4400b, 4400c may be formed integrally or separately. When formed separately, they may be joined together using sealing plugs (not shown). Sealing plugs may be added to join the sealing elements 4400a, 4400b, 4400c of the cover module to sealing elements of the other cover module.

As depicted in Figure 4, there may be three sealing elements 4400a, 4400b, 4400c. The first sealing element 4400a extends over the matching surface 4314 from a first edge point 4314’ of the mounting surface 4311 and the matching surface 4314, over the first channel 4330, to a second edge point 4314” of the mounting surface 4311 and the matching surface 4314.

The second sealing element 4400b may extend over the mounting surface 4311 from the first edge point 4314’ along a first substantially peripheral side 431 la of the mounting surface 4311 as seen in a direction parallel to the matching surface 4314, along a second substantially peripheral side 431 lb of the mounting surface 4311 as seen in a direction perpendicular to the matching surface 4314, to a first further edge point 4315’ of the mounting surface 4311 and the further matching surface 4315.

The third sealing element 4400c may extend over the mounting surface 4311 from the second edge point 4314” along the first substantially peripheral side 431 la of the mounting surface 4311 as seen in a direction parallel to the matching surface 4314, along a third substantially peripheral side 431 lc of the mounting surface 4311 opposite the second substantially peripheral side 431 lb as seen in a direction perpendicular to the matching surface 4314, to a second further edge point 4315” of the mounting surface 4311 and the further matching surface 4315. The second and third peripheral sides 431 lb, 431 lc may be sides of the mounting surface 4311 not being interrupted by the extending connecting assembly.

The first sealing element 4400a prevents ingress to the inner space of the cover module from external elements at the juncture line between the cover module and the other cover module. The second and third sealing elements 4400b, 4400c prevent ingress to the inner space of the cover module from external elements at the juncture line between the mounting surface 4311 and the mounting substrate along the first, second, and third substantially peripheral sides 4311 a, 431 lb, 431 lc. An end piece module may be arranged next to the further matching surface 4315 and may be configured for closing the sealing of the cover module by joining to the second and third sealing elements 4400b, 4400c.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any schematics herein represent conceptual views of illustrative lighting system embodying the principles of the invention. Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.