The invention relates in general to light strips and light strip systems. Light strips and a light strip system can be used to guide, instruct and warn people.

Background

Various systems are known for guiding people in emergency situations, such as a fire, to emergency exits of various buildings or ships. These include various emergency exit lighting systems and emergency exits marked with reflective paint or tape, for example.

Guidance lights are known, in which light sources are affixed consecutively in the shape of a strip. The light sources on the strip are arranged to light up in an emergency and to illuminate the way out. Many applications, such as hotels or passenger ships, have designated escape routes in emergencies that people should follow during an evacuation. In emergencies, people often do not behave as planned or follow pre-determined exit routes. There can be many reasons for this. People may not be aware of emergency exit routes and the related signage. In addition, in emergencies, people prefer to use routes that are familiar to them. On the other hand, in the event of a fire, a pre-determined escape route may be impossible to use due to the location of the fire, so that known solutions may steer people in the wrong direction or even toward the fire.

LED light sources or LED light source strips are used, for example, to guide people in different areas such as airports or hospitals. They are usually mounted in the floor and their LED light sources can be controlled to flash, flow or function in any other desired mode to provide the desired guidance effect. LED light strips use, for example, monochrome or multicolor LED light sources. Such a light strip can be produced by a continuous manufacturing process, such as extrusion or a similar process. The components used in the light strip are connected to a thin elastic circuit board using surface mount technology. A prior-art light sign is disclosed in publication FI108106B. It discloses a light strip consisting of at least one electrically conductive elongate conductive member to which a plurality of longitudinally successive components are attached, for example elements providing lighting functionality or the like. The conductive member and the components are surrounded by a sheathing.

In prior-art solutions, the light strip is powered by a power supply connected to it at one end of the light strip. The voltage generated by the power supply decreases due to, for example, the resistance of the conductors as the distance between the light sources and the power supply increases. For this reason, it is necessary to install power supplies on the light strips at frequent intervals in order to maintain the voltage across the light sources at a sufficient level for the light sources to function. However, power supplies installed at frequent intervals cause problems and costs in terms of installation and maintenance of the guidance equipment.

Summary of the invention The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a completely new type of light strip and light strip system. With the solution of the invention, the power supplies do not have to be mounted on the light strips as densely as in the solutions of the prior art. This makes installation and maintenance easier as the system requires fewer components.

The light strip according to the invention is essentially characterized by what is recited in claim 1 . The light strip according to the invention is further characterized by what is recited in claims 2-11. The system according to the invention is essentially characterized by what is recited in claim 12. The system according to the invention is further characterized by what is recited in claims 13-15. The invention relates to a light strip comprising first light source groups and second light source groups, wherein the light source groups comprise one or more light sources, such as an LED light source. The light strip further comprises at least two separate means of conducting current, the first means of conducting current being connected to the light sources of the first light source groups and the second means of conducting current being connected to the light sources of the second light source groups. The first means of conducting current in the light strip can be connected to a first power supply at a first end of the light strip, and the second means of conducting current in the light strip can be connected to a second power supply at a second end of the light strip.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light strip comprises connectors at both ends of the light strip, wherein a first end of the light strip is fitted with a connector for connecting the light strip to a first power supply and a second end of the light strip is fitted with a connector for connecting the light strip to a second power supply.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources in one light source group, which comprises a plurality of LED light sources, are connected in series with each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light source groups are connected to a power supply in parallel with each other, e.g., the first light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a first power supply and the second light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a second power supply.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light source groups follow one another in succession, alternating along the length of the light strip such that a first light source group is followed by a second light source group, followed again by the first light source group, followed by the second light source group. In one embodiment of the invention, the first light source groups and the second light source groups are configured to be controlled independently of each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources of the light source groups are arranged to be on continuously, i.e. statically, and/or to provide guidance by flashing the light sources.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources of the first light source group are arranged to be on continuously in an emergency or when providing guidance, and wherein the light sources of the second light source group are arranged to indicate the direction of exit in an emergency, or when providing guidance, by flashing the light sources of the second light source group.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources of the first light source group and the light sources of the second light source group are configured to be controlled by the same system.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light strip comprises a sheathing, wherein the light sources and/or the means of conducting current to the light sources are entirely enclosed by the sheathing in the cross-sectional view.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources or groups of light sources in the light strip are substantially equidistant from each other along the entire length of the light strip. In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources or groups of light sources in the light strip may be at different distances from each other, e.g., such that the distance of the light sources or groups of light sources from each other increases as the distance of the position of the light source or group of light sources from the respective power supply increases.

The invention also relates to a light strip system comprising at least one light strip according to the solution of the invention and two power supplies, such as voltage sources. A first means of conducting current in the light strip is connected to a first power supply at a first end of the light strip, and a second means of conducting current in the light strip is connected to a second power supply at a second end of the light strip. In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least one control unit configured to control the light sources of a first light source group and/or the light sources of a second light source group in the light strip.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the light sources of the first light source group and/or the light sources of the second light source group in the light strip independently of each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is connected to a guidance system, evacuation signage system and/or emergency lighting system. An advantage of the solution of the invention is that power supplies do not have to be mounted on the light strips as densely as in the solutions of the prior art. This makes installation and maintenance easier as the system requires fewer components. Another advantage is improved reliability in the event of a power supply failure. In the solution according to the invention, the light strip substantially illuminates over its entire length even if one power supply fails, whereas in prior-art solutions, where only one power supply is connected to the light strip, the entire light strip stops working. Brief description of the drawings

In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with the help of an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows a top view of an example according to an embodiment of the invention in diagrammatic form, Fig. 2 shows a top view of an example according to an embodiment of the invention in diagrammatic form, and

Figs. 3A-3C show the magnitude of the luminous intensity of the light sources in the light strip at different points on the light strip and at different distances from the power supply, and the voltage drop at different distances from the power supply.

Detailed description of the invention

The solution of the invention may typically use light sources arranged consecutively and/or side-by-side, controlled in such a way that the light sources form a light strip that can be arranged in spaces that people use when exiting a hazardous situation. These include, for example, corridors in hotels or other buildings or ships. Different modes can be provided for the light strip or at least part of it. The light sources are typically controlled by a control system and/or control unit, whereby the control system and/or control unit controls the operation of the light strips. The system can be activated automatically, manually and/or deactivated. The light strips can be used to guide and direct passengers and/or show exit routes, for example in the presence of a danger.

One of the modes of the light sources in the light strip can be a dynamic mode in which the light sources are switched on and off so as to create the impression of movement. Thus, a person who sees the impression of the movement produced by the light sources in the light strip is guided in the direction of the "movement" on the light strip. Typically, the impression of movement is obtained by controlling the light sources in groups, where movement is indicated by switching on the next light source and switching off the preceding one. A number of light sources are arranged/connected on a strip, in particular a conductive strip, where they are controlled as described above. In this way, an impression of movement is created by the light sources, i.e. by "running" the light, and the said impression of movement is created at least along a part of the light strip, typically along the entire length of the light strip. The "moving" light in the light strip in the first, dynamic, mode is typically formed, for example, by groups of 3 light sources, where the light of one light source is switched on and the other two are switched off. The movement occurs when the next one is turned on and the preceding one is turned off. The light strips can be connected in series, allowing the impression of movement to continue from one light strip to the next. The speed of the movement produced by the light sources can be adjusted as desired and its direction can also be changed.

Light sources can also have a second mode, the static mode, in which the light sources on the strip or part of the strip show a steady light. Typically, static added light is achieved by all light sources in at least one light strip, or at least part of a light strip, being switched to show light at the same time. The light strip can be controlled to switch between dynamic and static modes. The light strip may also have other modes of operation. In one embodiment, the color of the light produced by the light source can be changed. Depending on the characteristics of the light source, it is also possible, for example, to change the color of the light displayed by the light source when the light strip is switched to static mode.

In the solution of the invention, the light sources are divided into groups, e.g. a first group of light sources and a second group of light sources. In one embodiment, the light sources of the first group and the light sources of the second group are configured to be controlled independently of each other. In the solution of the invention, the first light source groups are connected to a first power supply and the second light source groups are connected to a second power supply. In one embodiment of the invention, the light source groups are connected to a power supply in parallel with each other, e.g., the first light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a first power supply and the second light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a second power supply. In a light strip according to the invention, the light source groups can follow one another in succession, alternating along the length of the light strip such that a first light source group is followed by a second light source group, followed again by the first light source group, followed again by the second light source group, and this alternation may be continued until the desired length of the light strip is reached or a limit is reached where the power supply cannot supply sufficient voltage to a light source further away from it.

In the solution of the invention, the light strip comprises first light source groups and second light source groups, wherein the light source groups comprise one or more light sources, such as a semiconductor light source, e.g. an LED light source. The light strip further comprises at least two separate means of conducting current, the first means of conducting current being connected to the light sources of the first light source groups and the second means of conducting current being connected to the light sources of the second light source groups. The first means of conducting current in the light strip can be connected to a first power supply at a first end of the light strip, and the second means of conducting current in the light strip can be connected to a second power supply at a second end of the light strip.

The light strip used in the solution of the invention may be a flat LED light strip used, for example, to guide the passage of people or vehicles in various spaces, such as ships, tunnels, parking garages, hotels, airports or hospitals. It can be, for example, about 20 mm wide and 4—5 mm thick. It may have an essentially thin circuit board in the middle, which may be elastic. The circuit board may consist, for example, of a strip of elastic plastic material, with copper wiring on top and/or underneath, produced for example by etching or pressing. Light sources are connected to the top surface of the circuit board at certain intervals, and possibly other components, such as resistors, to control and protect the light sources. The light sources can be monochrome or multicolored, and can be controlled so as to produce the desired guidance function through flashing, running and/or static illumination. The printed circuit board and the components connected to it can be surrounded by a transparent sheath of plastic material. In the solution of the invention, the circuit board and the components connected to it can be enclosed in such a way as to provide preferably a fully waterproof light strip, typically with a protection class such as IP68.

In a light strip according to an embodiment of the invention, the light source, the light emitting component of the light source, the light strip and/or the sheath portion of the light strip may be at least partially protected by a transparent protective material comprising aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The protective material stays clear and transparent despite exposure to light and/or heat. In this way, the visibility of light produced by the light sources remains as intended and there is no unwanted dimming. The desired protective effect is achieved using optical aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane (aliphatic TPU) as a protective material.

In one embodiment of the invention, a light-charging substance and/or a heat- conducting substance, e.g., heat-conducting particles, may be disposed in the sheath portion of the light strip. In one embodiment of the invention, the lightcharging substance comprises particles of a light-charging material. In one embodiment of the invention, the particles are evenly disposed in the sheathing. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat-conducting substance comprises particles comprising carbon, alumina, ceramic or other similar material having high thermal conductivity.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a light strip 100 and a light strip system according to a solution of the invention. In the light strip according to the invention, the light sources can be arranged substantially above the light strip under the sheathing so that the light they produce is directed at least partly above the light strip and possibly also to the sides.

In the system shown in Fig. 1 , there are two power supplies 111 , 112, e.g. voltage sources, connected to different ends 105, 106 of the light strip. The light strip comprises at least four first light source groups 101 and four second light source groups 102. The light source groups follow one another in succession, alternating along the length of the light strip such that the light sources of the first light source group 101 are followed by the light sources of the second light source group 102, followed again by the light sources of the first light source group 101 , followed by the light sources 102 of the second light source group. In the solution of the invention, such a longitudinally alternating arrangement can be continued as long as the desired length of the light strip is obtained and, for example, in such a way that the light sources furthest away from the power source still receive sufficient voltage for their operation. The example shown in Fig. 1 can be continued as shown in the figure for the desired length.

In the solution of Fig. 1 , one light source group consists of 6 light sources and the LED light sources of the light source group are connected in series with each other, and a resistor, regulator or other current limiting component can be connected in series with them. The light source groups are connected to a power supply in parallel with each other, i.e. the first light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a first power supply and the second light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a second power supply.

The light strip system shown in Fig. 1 comprises two power supplies 111 , 112, such as voltage sources. A first means of conducting current 103 in the light strip is connected to a first power supply 111 at a first end 105 of the light strip, and a second means 104 of conducting current in the light strip is connected to a second power supply 112 at a second end 107 of the light strip.

In one embodiment of the invention, the light strip comprises connectors at both ends of the light strip, wherein a first end 105 of the light strip is fitted with a connector 106 for connecting the light strip to a first power supply 111 and a second end 107 of the light strip is fitted with a connector 108 for connecting the light strip to a second power supply 112.

Fig. 2 shows another example of a light strip and system 200 according to the invention. The light strip shown in this example illustrates one example embodiment in which a light strip can be implemented. In the system shown in Fig. 2, there are two voltage sources 211 , 212 connected to different ends of the light strip. The light strip comprises three first light source groups 201 and three second light source groups 202. The light source groups follow one another in succession, alternating along the length of the light strip such that the light sources of the first light source group 201 are followed by the light sources of the second light source group 202, followed again by the light sources of the first light source group 201 , followed by the light sources of the second light source group 202. The LED light sources of one light source group are connected in series with each other, and a resistor, regulator or other current limiting component is also connected in series with them. In the example in Fig. 2, one light source group has three LED light sources. The light source groups are connected to a power supply in parallel with each other, i.e. the first light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a first power supply by a first means of conducting current 203, and the second light source groups are connected in parallel with each other to a second power supply by a second means of conducting current 204.

The voltage generated by the power supply for a light source decreases due to, for example, the resistance of the conductors and light sources as the distance of the light sources from the power supply increases. Figs. 3A-3C show an example, according to an embodiment of the invention, of the luminous intensity of the light sources of a light strip at different distances from the power supply. Fig. 3A shows the light output of the light sources connected to the first power supply PSU1 at different points along the light strip and the light output of the light sources connected to the second power supply PSU2 at different points along the light strip. Near the power supplies, the luminous intensity produced by light sources is higher than far from the power supply because, far from the power supply, the voltage is lower than near the power supply. Fig. 3B shows the combined light output of the two groups of light sources in the light strip. It is highest near the power supplies and lowest in the middle of the strip. Fig. 3C shows an example of the voltage of a light strip according to an embodiment of the invention at different distances of the light sources from the power supply. In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources or groups of light sources in the light strip are substantially equidistant from each other along the entire length of the light strip. In one embodiment of the invention, the light sources or groups of light sources in the light strip may be at different distances from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the distances between light sources or groups of light sources are greater between light sources or groups of light sources close to their power supplies, which have a higher light output, than between light sources or groups of light sources far from the power supplies, the distance between which can be arranged to be smaller than the distance between light sources or groups of light sources close to the power supplies. In an embodiment of the invention, the distances between the light sources or groups of light sources may be arranged, for example, such that the distance between the light sources or groups of light sources is greater when the light output of the light sources is higher and the distance between the light sources or groups of light sources is less when the light output of the light sources is lower. This allows the light output of the light strip to be kept essentially constant over the entire length of the light strip. This allows power supply units to be spaced further apart than in prior-art solutions.

A light source system using the light strips of Figs. 1 and 2 may comprise a control device, a control unit and/or a control system connected to the light strips and controlling the light sources of the light strip in such a way that the light sources of the first group of the light strip and the light sources of the second group are controlled independently of each other. The control can be carried out according to the examples described in the application, e.g. with dynamic and static operation and/or with one or more systems.

The light strip system according to the invention also comprises a control device, a control unit and/or a control system for controlling the light sources of the light strip. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to turn on and off the light sources of the light strip, e.g., one at a time, in a predetermined manner. In an embodiment of the invention, the control information is transmitted to the light strip wirelessly or in a wired manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the light sources of the light strip are controlled in such a way that the light sources of the first group of the light strip and the light sources of the second group are controlled independently of each other. The light sources of the first group and the second group may be controlled by a single control device, control unit and/or control system. The light sources of the first group and the second group may also be controlled by separate systems. In this case, the light sources of the first group are controlled by a first system and the light sources of the second group are controlled by a second system. In an embodiment of the invention, the light sources are configured to be controlled by a guidance system, an emergency lighting system and/or an evacuation signage system. In an embodiment of the invention, the system of the invention may comprise a control unit connected to separate systems, and the control unit controls the light sources based on data from a certain system. In an embodiment of the invention, the separate systems can directly control the light sources of the first group and the light sources of the second group autonomously and/or independently of each other.

In an embodiment of the invention, the light strip system is controlled by a traffic control system, an emergency evacuation control system, an evacuation system and/or a fire alarm system. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the above applications, but can be varied within the scope of the following claims. If necessary, features presented in the description together with other features may also be applied separately from each other.