U.S. patent application number 17/620456 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-04 for ceiling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB. The applicant listed for this patent is SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB. Invention is credited to Thomas NILSSON, Torbjorn PERSSON, Hakan STRANG.
Application Number | 20220243468 17/620456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220243468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PERSSON; Torbjorn ; et
al. |
August 4, 2022 |
CEILING SYSTEM
Abstract
A ceiling system includes a supporting structure having a
plurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive
material. The main runners are arranged such that a first space is
formed between at least one main runner and a first adjacent main
runner and a second space is formed between the at least one main
runner and a second adjacent main runner. An electric device is
supported by the main runners and is arranged in the first or
second space. A power source is arranged to apply an electric
voltage between the main runners. The electric device includes
connectors that are in electric contact with the main runners such
that the electric device is powered by the applied electric
voltage.
Inventors: |
PERSSON; Torbjorn;
(Helsingborg, SE) ; NILSSON; Thomas; (Helsingborg,
SE) ; STRANG; Hakan; (Kagerod, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB |
Hyllinge |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAINT-GOBAIN ECOPHON AB
Hyllinge
SE
|
Appl. No.: |
17/620456 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
June 22, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/067272 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2021 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/06 20060101
E04B009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2019 |
EP |
19183288.0 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A ceiling system comprising: a supporting structure comprising
a plurality of main runners made of an electrically conductive
material and extending side by side, wherein at least one of the
plurality of main runners has a first adjacent main runner arranged
on a first side and a second adjacent main runner arranged on a
second side such that a first space is formed between the at least
one main runner and the first adjacent main runner and a second
space is formed between the at least one main runner and the second
adjacent main runner, an electric device supported by said at least
one main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner, and
arranged in the first or second space formed there between; and a
power source arranged to apply an electric voltage between the at
least one main runner and the first and second adjacent main
runner, respectively, wherein the electric device comprises
connectors being in electric contact with said at least one main
runner and the associated first or second adjacent main runner such
that the electric device is powered by the applied electric
voltage.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the supporting
structure further comprises cross runners interconnecting the
plurality of main runners extending side by side.
18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a set of
carrier profiles overlying and supporting the main runners, wherein
each carrier profile supports at least two main runners.
19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric voltage
is a direct voltage.
20. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric voltage
is less than or equal to 120 volts.
21. The system according to claim 16, wherein the power source is
configured to supply a maximum power of 500 VA.
22. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a control
unit configured to transmit a control signal indicative of a
desired power level of the electric device.
23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the electric device
comprises a first receiver unit configured to receive the control
signal transmitted by the control unit and to set the power level
of the electric device to the desired power level.
24. The system according to claim 22, wherein the power source
comprises a second receiver unit configured to receive the control
signal transmitted by the control unit and to set the electric
voltage applied between the at least one main runner and the first
and second adjacent main runner, respectively, such that the
desired power level is set at the electric device.
25. The system according to claim 23, wherein the electric device
is further supported by at least one cross runner interconnecting
the at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main
runner, and comprises a further connector being in electric contact
with said at least one cross runner, and wherein the control signal
is transmitted to the first receiver unit via the at least one
cross runner and the further connector.
26. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a ceiling
tile supported by said at least one main runner and the first or
second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second
space formed there between.
27. The system according to claim 26, wherein the electric device
and the ceiling tile are integrated in a tile unit.
28. The system according to claim 16, wherein the electric device
is at least one of a light source, a loudspeaker, a sensor, a
ventilation unit, a Wi-Fi access point, a display, a fan, an
emergency light source, a camera and a power supply.
29. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a first
further electric device supported by said at least one main runner
and the first or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in the
first or second space formed there between.
30. The system according to claim 16, further comprising a further
power source arranged to apply an electric voltage between a
further one of the plurality of main runners and thereto associated
first and second adjacent main runners, respectively, and a second
further electric device supported by said further one main runner
and an associated first or second adjacent main runner, and
arranged in a first or second associated, the second further
electric device comprising connectors being in electric contact
with said further one main runner and the associated first or
second adjacent main runner such that the second further electric
device is powered by the applied electric voltage of the further
power source.
Description
FILED OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a ceiling system
comprising a supporting structure comprising a plurality of main
runners made of an electrically conductive material and an electric
device supported by the main runners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A suspended ceiling system in a room or in another
accommodation may serve a variety of purposes. One purpose of
having a suspended ceiling system may be to conceal an underside of
a space, such as another room, which is located above the room.
Another purpose may be to provide improved noise absorption and/or
noise attenuation in and outside of the room. The resulting plenum
space located between the suspended ceiling and a main ceiling of
the room may further be utilized to accommodate e.g. wiring,
piping, as well as devices related to heating, ventilation and air
condition.
[0003] Typically, the suspended ceiling consists of a plurality of
ceiling tiles which are fitted into a supporting grid of profiles
which is mounted in the main ceiling. The grid of profiles
typically comprises main runners and cross runners connected
thereto at right angles. The ceiling tiles are consequently
typically supported by the main runners and cross runners connected
thereto.
[0004] In order to furnish other objects than just pure ceiling
tiles in suspended ceilings the ceiling tiles generally has to be
modified so as to hold and carry the other objects concerned. This
is a time consuming process prone to errors and undesired
irregularities.
[0005] Further, if power consuming objects, such as lights, are to
be introduced in a suspending ceiling, significant work labour will
additionally have to be spent on preparing and connecting suitable
wirings for the objects concerned.
[0006] In order to furnish power consuming objects in suspended
ceilings it is for instance known form US 2006/0272256 to provide
runners of a supporting grid with electrical wirings or rails
running along some of the runners. This in order to allow for
attachment of power consuming objects to the runners having the
electrical wirings or rails. This approach requires significantly
more complicated and expensive runners which also are more
complicated to install as compared to regular suspended
ceilings.
[0007] WO 2015/172075 A1 describes a lighting system for use with a
grid ceiling. The described lighting system is a modular system
which is attached directly under grid profiles of the grid ceiling
by means of attachment members. The lighting system includes
lighting modules and connection modules. Power is typically fed by
external conductive wires to connection modules to which the
lighting modules are connected in turn. Further, power is fed from
one module to another by means of connective pathways arranged in
the modules. The described system lacks flexibility in that the
lighting modules must be attached directly under a grid profile and
not in any location. Moreover, the installation of the lighting
system is time consuming and prone to installation errors since the
lighting modules and connection modules must be properly connected
to each other. Also, power supplying wires will have to be
installed which is time consuming and generally complicated.
[0008] Another approach when it comes to introducing power
consuming objects to a suspended ceiling is to provide dedicated
spaces for the power consuming objects between dedicated current
carrying rails arranged in the suspended ceiling. This approach is
however time consuming, expensive and does also significantly
hamper the flexibility when it comes to positioning the power
consuming objects in the suspended ceiling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is
to provide an improved ceiling system.
[0010] A further object is to provide such a ceiling system which
is less time consuming to install and which is less prone to
installation errors, even though comprising an electric device or a
plurality of electric devices.
[0011] It is also an object to provide a more versatile ceiling
system allowing a greater flexibility when it comes to providing
and positioning electric devices in the ceiling.
[0012] It is also an object to provide a cost effective ceiling
system requiring no or very little excess material.
[0013] To achieve at least one of the above objects and also other
objects that will be evident from the following description, a
ceiling system having the features defined in claim 1, is provided
according to the present invention. Preferred embodiments will be
evident from the dependent claims.
[0014] More specifically, there is provided according to the
present invention a ceiling system comprising; a supporting
structure comprising a plurality of main runners made of an
electrically conductive material and extending side by side,
wherein at least one of the plurality of main runners has a first
adjacent main runner arranged on a first side and a second adjacent
main runner arranged on a second side such that a first space is
formed between the at least one main runner and the first adjacent
main runner and a second space is formed between the at least one
main runner and the second adjacent main runner, an electric device
supported by said at least one main runner and the first or second
adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space
formed there between; and a power source arranged to apply an
electric voltage between the at least one main runner and the first
and second adjacent main runner, respectively, and wherein the
electric device comprising connectors being in electric contact
with said at least one main runner and the associated first or
second adjacent main runner such that the electric device is
powered by the applied electric voltage.
[0015] Hereby an improved ceiling system is provided.
[0016] The ceiling system comprises a supporting structure
comprising a plurality of main runners made of an electrically
conductive material which are extending side by side. At least one
of the plurality of main runners has a first adjacent main runner
arranged on a first side and a second adjacent main runner arranged
on a second side. Hence, at least one of the plurality of main
runners is at least partially surrounded by adjacent main runners
on each side. In this way a first space is formed between the at
least one main runner and the first adjacent main runner and a
second space is formed between the at least one main runner and the
second adjacent main runner.
[0017] The main runners may be attached directly to a structural
ceiling or may be suspended below at a distance from the structural
ceiling as is known in the art. Some runners may be attached to a
wall or another vertical object, e.g. when the suspended ceiling
connects to a wall or a column. Those runners may also be referred
to as edge profiles or edge runners.
[0018] The ceiling system further comprises an electric device
supported by the at least one main runner and the first or second
adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space
formed there between.
[0019] It should be noted that within the context of this
application the term "electric device" may be any type of element
which may be powered or partially powered by electrical energy
supplied in form of an electrical current in any suitable form.
[0020] The electric device may be directly or indirectly supported
by the at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent
main runner. This means in practice that the electrical device may
be in physical contact with the at least one main runner and the
first or second adjacent main runner or may be supported by another
or a plurality of other objects being supported by the at least one
main runner and the first or second adjacent main runner.
[0021] The ceiling system further comprises a power source arranged
to apply an electric voltage between the at least one main runner
and the first and second adjacent main runner, respectively. By
this arrangement a potential difference is applied between the at
least one main runner and the first and second adjacent main
runner, respectively.
[0022] It should be noted that within the context of this
application the term "electric voltage" may be any type of electric
voltage. Hence, the electric voltage may come in any form such as a
direct voltage, an alternating voltage, a modulated voltage or an
intermittent voltage to mention a few non-limiting examples.
[0023] The electric device comprises connectors being in electric
contact with said at least one main runner and the associated first
or second adjacent main runner such that the electric device is
powered by the applied electric voltage. In this way the electric
device is powered by the voltage applied between the at least one
main runner and the first and second adjacent main runner,
respectively. Hence, the power source will power the electric
device by feeding power through the at least one electrically
conductive main runner and the first and second adjacent
electrically conductive main runner, respectively.
[0024] It should be noted that within the context of this
application the term "connectors" may be any type of connectors
capable of providing an electrical contact between the electrical
device and its associated main runners. The connectors may protrude
directly from the electric device or may be arranged at a
conductive element such as a wire or bar. The connectors may be
partially recessed in the electrical device. The connectors may be
spring loaded in order to provide a reliable electric contact.
[0025] This arrangement allows for that no additional wirings are
needed since the main runners made of an electrically conductive
material are used for providing a voltage to the electric device
and consequently for providing energy to power the electric
device.
[0026] This arrangement allows for an excellent flexibility where
electric devices may be positioned freely between the main
runners.
[0027] Moreover, the arrangement allows for that electric devices
may be positioned at all locations of a suspended ceiling, at not
just in dedicated locations.
[0028] The supporting structure may further comprise cross runners
interconnecting the plurality of main runners extending side by
side. By utilizing cross runners interconnecting the plurality of
main runners the main runners may be stabilized and less prone to
run in a curved fashion. Moreover, the cross runners may assist in
supporting the electrical device and any other objects forming the
ceiling, such as ceiling tiles.
[0029] The cross runners may be made of an electrically insulating
material.
[0030] The cross runners may be made of an electrically conductive
material. If the cross runners are made of an electrically
conducive material, the cross runners may be electrically insulated
with respect to the main runners in order to prevent short circuit
between adjacent main runners of different polarities. The cross
runners may be electrically insulated with respect to the main
runners at one end or at both ends thereof.
[0031] The cross runners may be attached directly to the main
runners as is known in the art. Some cross runners may be attached
to a wall or another vertical object, e.g. when the suspended
ceiling connects to a wall or a column. Those runners may also be
referred to as edge profiles or edge runners.
[0032] The ceiling system may further comprise a set of carrier
profiles overlying and supporting the main runners, wherein each
carrier profile supports at least two main runners. By this
arrangement the number of fixing or attachment points to a
structural ceiling may be significantly reduced while allowing for
desired distances between the main runners.
[0033] The carrier profiles may be arranged orthogonally with
respect to the main runners.
[0034] The carrier profiles may be arranged at an oblique angle
with respect to the main runners.
[0035] The electric voltage may be a direct voltage.
[0036] The electric voltage may be less than or equal to 120 volts,
which is advantageous in that a safe system fulfilling certain
legislative requirements may be realized. By keeping the electric
voltage below or equal to 120 volts, the voltage may be classified
as a safety extra low voltage, SELV.
[0037] The electric voltage may be less than or equal to 60 volts,
which is advantageous in that a safe system requiring no contact
safety devices may be realized.
[0038] The power source may be configured to supply a maximum power
of 500 VA, which is advantageous in that a safe system fulfilling
certain legislative requirements may be realized.
[0039] The power source may be configured to supply a maximum power
of 200 VA, which is advantageous in that a safe system requiring no
contact safety devices may be realized.
[0040] The system may further comprise a control unit configured to
transmit a control signal indicative of a desired power level of
the electric device, which is advantageous in that the power level
of the electric device may be set to a certain desires level.
[0041] The control unit may be a separate unit.
[0042] The control unit may be integrated in the power source.
[0043] The control unit may be used to control a plurality of
electric devices. The plurality of electric devices may be
controlled simultaneously using the same control signal. The
plurality of electric devices may be controlled individually using
dedicated control signals. The control signal may for this purpose
include an identifier or address part identifying a certain
electric device to be controlled.
[0044] The control unit may be used to control the power source or
a plurality of power sources, thereby indirectly controlling the
electric device or a plurality of electric devices.
[0045] The wording "control signal" may mean any type of signal
carrying information pertaining to a desired power level of the
electric device. The control signal may consequently have any
format capable of carrying said information.
[0046] The control signal may be an analog signal and/or a digital
signal.
[0047] The control signal may be transmitted in a wire or a
plurality of wires.
[0048] The control signal may be transmitted wirelessly.
[0049] The control signal may be realized by the modulating the
voltage supplied by the power source. In other words, the control
signal may be contained in the voltage supplied by the power
source.
[0050] The electric device may comprise a first receiver unit
configured to receive the control signal transmitted by the control
unit and to set the power level of the electric device to the
desired power level. By this arrangement, e.g. a light intensity of
a light or a sound intensity of a loud speaker may be set to a
desired level.
[0051] The voltage supplied to the electric device by being applied
between the at least one main runner and the first and second
adjacent main runner may consequently be kept constant and/or
maintained at specific level irrespective of the set power level of
the electric device. This because the electric device itself may be
configured to set a desired power level based on a received control
signal.
[0052] The power source may comprise a second receiver unit
configured to receive the control signal transmitted by the control
unit and to set the electric voltage applied between the at least
one main runner and the first and second adjacent main runner,
respectively, such that the desired power level is set at the
electric device. By this arrangement, the power level of the
electric device or a plurality of electric devices may be set by
adjusting the voltage applied between the main runners.
[0053] The electric device may be further supported by at least one
cross runner interconnecting the at least one main runner and the
first or second adjacent main runner, and comprising a further
connector being in electric contact with said at least one cross
runner, and wherein the control signal may be transmitted to the
first receiver unit via the at least one cross runner and the
further connector. By this arrangement the cross runner or a
plurality of cross runners may be used as signaling infrastructure
for the control signal meaning that no additional wirings or cables
will have to be used for conveying the control signal.
[0054] A plurality of cross runners may thus be electrically
connected to each other so as to form a common signaling
infrastructure capable of reaching a plurality of electric devices.
Correspondingly, a plurality of cross runners electrically
connected to each other may form a common signaling infrastructure
capable of reaching electric devices located at a distance from the
control unit. In other words, the control signal may be sent
through a plurality of cross runners together acting as a signal
cable or wire.
[0055] Further, by connecting a plurality of cross runners
electrically to each other a more robust system with redundant
paths for the control signal may be achieved. In other words, the
control signal may travel from the control unit to the first
receiver through different paths formed by the cross runners.
[0056] The system may further comprise a ceiling tile supported by
said at least one main runner and the first or second adjacent main
runner, and arranged in the first or second space formed there
between, which is advantageous in that a complete suspended ceiling
including an electric device may be realized.
[0057] The electric device and the ceiling tile may be integrated
in a tile unit, which is advantageous in that electric devices and
ceiling tiles may be combined freely to achieve a desired suspended
ceiling. For instance, lights, loudspeakers, fire detectors,
presence detectors or similar may be integrated in ceiling
tiles.
[0058] The electric device may be at least one of a light source, a
loudspeaker, a sensor, a ventilation unit, a Wi-Fi access point, a
display, a fan, an emergency light source, a camera and a power
supply.
[0059] The system may comprise a first further electric device
supported by said at least one main runner and the first or second
adjacent main runner, and arranged in the first or second space
formed there between.
[0060] The system may comprise a further power source, arranged to
apply an electric voltage between a further one of the plurality of
main runners and thereto associated first and second adjacent main
runners, respectively, and a second further electric device
supported by said further one main runner and an associated first
or second adjacent main runner, and arranged in a first or second
associated space, the second further electric device comprising
connectors being in electric contact with said further one main
runner and the associated first or second adjacent main runner such
that the second further electric device is powered by the applied
electric voltage of the further power source.
[0061] By this arrangement, a ceiling may be divided into a
plurality of different zones or modules including main runners
being fed by different power sources. A plurality of advantages may
be derived from this arrangement. A relatively speaking large
ceiling including a large number of electric devices may be
provided in a safe manner, where each and every zone may have a
limited maximum power. The maximum power for each zone may for
instance be kept below 200 VA, which is advantageous in that a safe
system requiring no contact safety devices may be realized.
[0062] Further, a more robust system may be achieved. In case of
malfunction of for instance a power source, only one zone may be
affected. This means that a room being illuminated by electric
devices in form of lights provided in different zones may not turn
completely dark if a power source is failing, since light in other
zones will still function. Similar advantages may of course be
derived for other types of electric devices.
[0063] The zones or modules including main runners being fed by
different power sources may be arranged arbitrary with respect to
each other. For instance, different zones may be arranged
consecutively after each other or side by side. Moreover, the zones
may be arranged in a matrix like fashion where different zones are
arranged consecutively after each other and side by side. When the
zones are arranged consecutively after each other, the same main
runners may run along more than one zone. In this case the main
runner will be electrically interrupted between the different
zones.
[0064] Further features of, and advantages with, the present
invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims
and the following description. The skilled person will realize that
different features of the present invention may be combined to
create embodiments other than those described in the following,
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0065] The aspects of the invention, including its particular
features and advantages, will be readily understood from the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0066] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a ceiling system.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a simplified view of the system in FIG. 1
additionally including carrier profiles.
[0068] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a layout of a ceiling
system including a plurality of power sources and zones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0069] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness,
and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.
Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the
description.
[0070] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view conceptually
depicting a ceiling system 100. The ceiling system 100 is in form
of a suspended ceiling system 100. The ceiling system 100 comprises
a supporting structure 102. The supporting structure 102 comprises
a plurality of main runners 104a-c extending side by side. For
reasons of simplicity there are three main runners 104a-c
illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, two main runners 104d-e are
shown in phantom to indicate that the ceiling system 100 may
include any number of main runners 104a-e extending side by side.
The ceiling system 100 may thus be used to form a suspended ceiling
of an arbitrary size.
[0071] The main runners 104a-e are made of an electrically
conductive material. The main runners 104a-e may for example be
made of steel or aluminum.
[0072] The main runner 104b has a first adjacent main runner in
form of main runner 104a arranged on a first side and a second
adjacent main runner in the form of main runner 104c arranged on a
second side thereof. By this arrangement a first space 106 is
formed between the main runner 104b and the first adjacent main
runner 104a. Correspondingly, a second space 108 is formed between
the main runner 104b and the second adjacent main runner 104c.
[0073] In the same way, corresponding spaces 110 are formed between
main runners 104a and 104d and between main runners 104c and 104e
respectively.
[0074] In the depicted ceiling system 100, the supporting structure
102 further includes cross runners 105. The cross runners 105 are
optional and may or may not be present in the supporting structure
102. The depicted cross runners 105 are interconnecting the
plurality of main runners 104a-e extending side by side, i.e. the
cross runners 105 are attached to the respective main runners
104a-e. The length of the cross runners 105 is typically about the
distance between two adjacent main runners. However, the cross
runners may be arranged an oblique angle with respect to the main
runners 104a-e. In this case the length of the cross runners 105
are typically adapted so as to interconnect adjacent main runners
irrespective of the oblique angle. Some cross runners 105 are shown
in phantom.
[0075] In the depicted ceiling system 100, two electrical devices
110, 112 are arranged in the first space 106 and the second space
108 respectively. The electric device 110 is supported by the main
runners 104a, 104b, whereas the electric device 112 is supported by
the main runners 104b, 104c. The electric devices 110, 112 are
arranged adjacent to cross runners 105. As previously described,
the cross runners 105 are optional. The cross runners 105 may or
may not be used to support the electric devices 110, 112.
[0076] The depicted electric device 112 is a lighting arrangement
including a plurality of light sources used to illuminate a room
located below the suspended ceiling formed by the ceiling system
100.
[0077] The depicted electric device 110 is a lighting arrangement
including a single light source used to illuminate a room located
below the suspended ceiling formed by the system 100.
[0078] A power source 114 is connected to the main runners 104a-c
in order to supply a voltage V between respective adjacent main
runners. In the depicted ceiling system 100 main runner 104b is
connected to a positive terminal of the power source 114, whereas
main runners 104a, 104b are connected to a negative terminal of the
power source 114. The depicted power source 114 provides a direct
voltage V. In this way an electric voltage V is applied between the
main runners 104a and 104b. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V
is applied between the main runners 104b and 104c.
[0079] Other types of voltages V than a direct voltage may be used.
For instance, an alternating voltage V may be used.
[0080] The electric devices 110, 112 are provided with connectors
116, 118. The connectors 116 of the electrical devices 110, 112 are
in electrical contact with the main runner 104b. The connector 118
of electrical device 110 is in electrical contact with the main
runner 104a. The connector 118 of electrical device 112 is in
electrical contact with the main runner 104c. In this way, the
electrical device 110 may be powered by the electric voltage V
applied between the main runners 104a and 104b whereas the
electrical device 112 may be powered by the electric voltage V
applied between the main runners 104b and 104c.
[0081] In order to control a power level of the electric devices
110, 112, the electric voltage V applied between the main runners
104a-c may be controlled. In case of a direct voltage V, the
voltage V may be increased or decreased in order to control a power
level of the electric devices. The voltage V may further be
modulated or chopped in order to control a power level of the
electric devices 110, 112. As is known in the art, the voltage V of
the power source 114 may be controlled in a number of ways.
[0082] By controlling the voltage V of the power source 114 applied
between the main runners 104a-c all electric devices 110, 112
supported by the main runners 104a-c are typically controlled
simultaneously in response to controlling the voltage V.
[0083] The electric devices 110, 112 may however be controlled
individually utilizing different strategies. This will be described
in greater detail below.
[0084] The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a ceiling tile
120 arranged in the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device
110. A single ceiling tile 120 is depicted for reasons of
simplicity although any number of ceiling tiles 120 may be used
with the ceiling system 100.
[0085] The depicted ceiling system 100 also includes a tile unit
122 arranged in the first space 106 adjacent to the electric device
110. The tile unit 122 is formed of a ceiling tile 120a which is
integrated with an electric device 110a. The electric device 110a
is electrically connected to the main runners 104a, 104b by means
of connectors 116a, 118a extending from the electric device 110a to
the respective main runners 104a, 104b. A single tile unit 122 is
depicted for reasons of simplicity although any number of tile
units 122 may be used with the ceiling system 100.
[0086] The maximum voltage V and maximum power supplied by the
power source 114 may be limited in order to adhere to different
safety regulations. Examples of relevant safety regulations include
ELV, SELV, PELV, and FELV to give a few relevant examples. Examples
of relevant maximum voltages include 120, 60 and 50 volts. However,
any voltage may be used in practice. Examples of relevant maximum
powers include 500 and 200 VA. However, any power may be used in
practice.
[0087] The ceiling system 100 may also include additional entities
for facilitating controlling of the power level of the electric
devices 110, 110a, 112 and for controlling the power level of the
electric devices 110, 110a, 112 individually or in groups including
a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112.
[0088] The ceiling system 100 may include a control unit 124
configured to transmit a control signal S indicative of a desired
power level of an electric device 110, 110a, 112 or indicative of a
desired power level of a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a,
112. The control unit 124 may be located at different locations in
relation to the other entities or components of the ceiling system
100. The control unit 124 may be located in proximity to the power
source 114. The control unit 124 may be located in the room in
which the ceiling system 100 is used. The control unit 124 may be
located in another room than the one in which the ceiling system
100 is used. The control unit 124 may be integrated in the power
source 114. The control unit 124 may be or form part of an external
control panel.
[0089] The control signal S may as exemplified in FIG. 1 be
configured to be transmitted using a wire or may be transmitted
wirelessly. The control signal may be transmitted using any
suitable format.
[0090] The control signal S may instance adhere to the DALI
(Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) standard which is a
standardized digital protocol for light control. The control signal
may be a 0-10 analog DC signal where 10 V typically corresponds to
a light intensity or power level of 100% whereas 0 V corresponds to
a light intensity or power level of 0%. The control signal S may be
transmitted using a standardized 433 MHz wireless protocol. The
control signal S may be transmitted using a Z-Wave protocol
supporting two-way communication and mesh network architecture.
[0091] The depicted power source 114 of FIG. 1 comprises a receiver
unit 128 or second receiver unit 128 configured to receive the
control signal S transmitted by the control unit 124. The control
signal S may thus be received at the power source 114 by the second
receiver unit 128, whereby the power source 114 in response to
receiving the control signal S may set the electric voltage applied
between the main runner 104b and the first adjacent main runner
104a and second adjacent main runner 104c, respectively. In this
way the desired power level is set at the electric devices 110,
110a, 112.
[0092] More specifically, by controlling the voltage between the
main runners 104a and 104b the power level of the electric devices
110 and 110a may be set. Correspondingly, by controlling the
voltage between the main runners 104b and 104c the power level of
the electric device 112 may be set. In this way the power level of
a plurality of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may be set
simultaneously in response to a single control signal.
[0093] In order to control a single electric device 110, 110a, 112
different strategies may be employed as will be described in
greater detail below.
[0094] The depicted electric device 110 comprises an optional
receiver unit 126 or first receiver unit 126 configured to receive
the control signal S transmitted by the control unit 124. The first
receiver unit 126 is configured to set the power level of the
electric device 110 to a desired power level in response to
receiving the control signal S.
[0095] In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 1 the first receiver unit
126 is configured to receive the control signal in form of a
wireless signal. Alternatively, or in addition the first receiver
unit 126 may be configured to receive the control signal S through
the connectors 116, 118. The control signal S may in this case be
transmitted in the main runners 104a-e, using the main runners
104a-e as a signaling infrastructure. The voltage applied between
respective adjacent main runners may for instance be modulated so
as to carry the control signal S.
[0096] As an alternative to using the main runners 104a-e as a
signaling infrastructure is to use the cross runners 105 as a
signaling infrastructure for the control signal S. This optional
principle is also schematically depicted in FIG. 1 where electric
device 110 in addition to being supported by the main runners 104a,
104b is also supported by two cross runners 105. The cross runners
are interconnecting the main runners 104a, 104b as depicted in FIG.
1. The electric device 110 is thus employed with an optional
further connector 130 being in electric contact with one of the
cross runners 105 supporting the electric device 110. By this
arrangement, the control signal S may consequently be transmitted
to the first receiver unit 126 via the cross runners 105 and the
further connector 130.
[0097] When controlling the power level of an individual electric
device 110, such as electric device 110, comprising a first
receiver unit 126 used in a system 100 including a plurality of
electric devices 110, 110a, 112. The voltage between respective
adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104a and 104b and main
runners 104b and 104c, is preferably kept constant and the power
level of the electric device 110 being controlled is preferably
controlled or adjusted internally in the electric device 110 being
controlled. There are numerous of principles that may be employed
to control a power level of an electric device as is known in the
art.
[0098] The power source 114 may be configured to monitor an actual
power consumption of the electric devices 110, 110a, 112 being
powered by the power source 114. The actual power consumption may
be compared with an expected power consumption which for instance
may be estimated based on the control signal S and the number and
type of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 being powered by the power
source 114. The power source may be configured to reduce or cut the
voltage V being applied between the respective adjacent main
runners, such as main runners 104a and 104b and main runners 104b
and 104c, in case the actual power consumption deviates from the
expected power consumption. In this way, defect electric devices
110, 110a, 112 may be spared from further damages. Also the risk of
fire emanating from e.g. a short circuit may be reduced.
[0099] In practice, some deviations from the expected power
consumption may be tolerated by the power source 114 without
reducing or cutting the voltage V being applied between the
respective adjacent main runners, such as main runners 104a and
104b and main runners 104b and 104c. In this way variations of the
power consumption may be allowed within a certain interval without
affecting the overall operation of the system 100. For instance,
predetermined positive offset of the expected power consumption may
be tolerated without reducing or cutting the voltage V.
[0100] The power source 114 may be specifically configured to
monitor short circuits in the system 100. The power source 114 may
in response to a detected short circuit in the system 100 sound or
transmit an alarm. A short circuit between main runners 104a and
104b and main runners 104b and 104c may typically be detected. A
short circuit may originate from a wrongfully mounted cross runner
105 or from a defect cross runner 105 void of sufficient insulation
in respect to the main runners 104a-e.
[0101] It is thus possible to during installation of the system 100
to avoid or reduce the risk of defect or wrongfully mounted cross
runners 105, by first mounting the main runners 104a-e and
thereafter apply the voltage V between the main runners 104a-e.
During a subsequent mounting of cross runners 105 between the main
runners 104a-e, the power supply 114 may monitor and transmit an
alarm if a short circuit occurs.
[0102] Above, the ceiling system 100 has been described in a
general manner for reasons of simplicity, the ceiling system 100
has mainly been described so as to include electric devices 110,
112, 110a in form of light sources. As is evident, the described
ceiling system 100 may equally well be used with other electric
devices such as loudspeakers, sensors, ventilation units, Wi-Fi
access points, displays, fans, emergency light sources, cameras and
power supplies to give a few relevant examples. In other words,
other types of electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may equally well be
powered by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between
the main runners 104a and 104b. Correspondingly, other types of
electric devices 110, 110a, 112 may equally well be powered by the
voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main runners
104b and 104c. By powering a power supply by the voltage V applied
by the power source 114 between the main runners 104a and 104b or
by the voltage V applied by the power source 114 between the main
runners 104b and 104c, a voltage different form the voltage V may
be realized in the system. It is thus possible to power electric
devices requiring different voltages simultaneously be the system
100. Further, if an adjustable power supply is powered by the
voltage V, a plurality off different voltages different from the
voltage V may be realized in the system 100.
[0103] Now referring to FIG. 2. Here the system 100 of FIG. 1 is
illustrated in a simplified manner. As previously described, the
system 100 includes a plurality of main runners 104a-d. As
illustrated in FIG. 2, the main runners 104a-d may be supported by
a set of carrier profiles 132. The depicted carrier profiles 132
overlies and supports the main runners 104a-d. As is shown in FIG.
2, the carrier profiles 132 overlies and supports all five main
runners 104a-d of FIG. 2. However, the carrier profiles 132 may
overlie and support any number of main profiles 104a-d. Moreover,
different carrier profiles 132 may overlie different number of main
runners 104a-d.
[0104] In case the carrier profiles 132 are made of an electrically
conducive material, the carrier profiles 132 are preferably
electrically insulated with respect to the main runners 104a-d in
order to prevent short circuit between adjacent main runners 104a-d
of different polarities. In practice, the carrier profiles 132 may
in certain cases be electrically insulted with respect to main
runners 104a-d having a certain polarity. The electrical insulation
between the carrier profiles 132 and the main runners 104a-d may
for instance be achieved by providing a sheet of an insulating
material between the carrier profiles 132 and the main runners
104a-d at locations where the carrier profiles 132 and the main
runners 104a-d overlap. By utilizing carrier profiles 132 overlying
and supporting the main runners 104a-d the number of suspension
points or attachment points to for instance a structural ceiling
may be significantly reduced.
[0105] Now referring to FIG. 3, here is conceptually depicted a
ceiling system 100 being similar to the ceiling system depicted in
FIG. 1. The description of the ceiling system 100 of FIG. 1 is
equally applicable to the ceiling system 100 depicted in FIG. 3,
why only relevant differences between the respective ceiling
systems 100 will be described below in order to avoid undue
repetition.
[0106] The ceiling system 100 of FIG. 3 comprises a further power
source 114' apart from a single power source 114 as described and
depicted in conjunction with FIG. 1. More specifically, the ceiling
system 100 of FIG. 3 is employed with two power sources, namely the
power sources 114 and 114'. Similarly, to what has been described
in conjunction with FIG. 1 above, the power source 114 is arranged
to apply an electric voltage V between respective adjacent main
runners 104a-c. More specifically, an electric voltage V is applied
between the main runners 104a and 104b by power source 114.
Correspondingly, an electric voltage V is applied between the main
runners 104b and 104c by power source 114.
[0107] In the same fashion, the further power source 114' is
arranged to apply an electric voltage V' between respective
adjacent main runners 104a'-c'. More specifically, an electric
voltage V' is applied between the main runners 104a' and 104b' by
power source 114'. Correspondingly, an electric voltage V' is
applied between the main runners 104b' and 104c' by power source
114'.
[0108] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the polarity of the respective
power sources 114, 114' are reversed, which brings about that each
and every main runner 104a-c, 104a'-c' will have an opposite
polarity compared to its adjacent main runners 104a-c, 104a'-c'. In
other words, an electric voltage V, V' will be applied between each
and every pair of adjacent main runners 104a-c, 104a'-c' forming
the spaces 106, 108, 109, 106', 108'. This is further indicated by
the + and - signs provided in FIG. 3.
[0109] Alternatively, the polarity of the respective power sources
114, 114' may not be reversed, i.e. the polarities may be equal for
the power sources 114, 114'. In this case the main runners 104a and
104c' forming the space 109 will have the same polarity in practice
bringing about that no voltage is applied between the main runners
104a and 104c'. The space 109 may however advantageously be used
for receiving conventional ceiling tiles 120.
[0110] In the depicted system 100 of FIG. 3, an electric device
112' is supported by the main runner 104b' and 104c' and
consequently arranged in the space 106'. Like the electric device
110, described in detail in conjunction with FIG. 1, the electric
device 112' is provided with connectors 116', 118'. The connector
116' of the electrical device 112' is in electrical contact with
the main runner 104c'. The connector 118' of electrical device 112'
is in electrical contact with the main runner 104c'. In this way,
the electrical device 112' may be powered by the electric voltage
V' applied by the power source 114' between the main runners 104b'
and 104c'.
[0111] The electrical device 112' may be controlled as described
above in conjunction with FIG. 1. How the electrical device 112'
may be controlled will consequently not be described in order to
avoid undue repetition.
[0112] Power source 114' may be arranged to power further electric
devices arranged in the spaces 106' and 108'.
[0113] The system 100 may include further power sources apart from
one or two power sources as described above. If further power
sources are introduced, further main runners are also introduced
correspondingly. In other words, a power source and the main
runners connected thereto may be said to form a zone or a module
capable of powering a plurality of electric devices. Such zones or
modules may for instance be arranged side bay side as depicted in
FIG. 3 or may be arranged one after another along a common
direction. In the latter case, the main runners of the respective
modules may extend along a common direction and may coincide along
common geometric lines. The main runners of the respective modules
are may then typically discontinued so as to be electrically
separated although extending along a common line or lines.
[0114] Respective modules or zones of a ceiling system may extend
side by side and/or one after another.
[0115] Additionally, even though the invention has been described
with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many
different alterations, modifications and the like will become
apparent for those skilled in the art.
[0116] Thus, variations to the disclosed embodiments may be
understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the
claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure,
and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word
"comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the
indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
* * * * *