INDUSTRIAL LUMINAIRE

Abstract

An industrial luminaire having at least two segments, a first segment including a lamp which is configured to illuminate a room and/or an environment, and a second segment including a signal generator which is configured to provide a signal as a function of an information, wherein each of the segments is adapted to be driven independently of the other segment and wherein a signal can be output and, at the same time, a room and/or an environment can be illuminated by the segments.

Claims

1. An industrial luminaire comprising at least two segments, a first segment comprising a lamp which is configured to illuminate a room and/or an environment, and a second segment comprising a signal generator which is configured to provide a signal as a function of an information, wherein each of the segments is adapted to be driven independently of the other segment and wherein a signal can be output and, at a same time, the room and/or the environment can be illuminated by means of the segments.

2. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the segments comprises both a lamp and a signal generator.

3. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, comprising at least one separating structure between the segments, which spatially separates the at least two segments from each other.

4. The industrial luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the at least one separating structure is formed by a light-impervious web.

5. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, including a base, wherein each of the at least two segments has a signaling surface facing away from the base.

6. The industrial luminaire according to claim 5, wherein the signaling surfaces are each formed as at least partially transparent surfaces.

7. The industrial luminaire according to claim 5, wherein the signaling surface of at least one segment comprises an at least partially transilluminable symbol.

8. The industrial luminaire according to claim 7, wherein the at least partially transilluminable symbol is a warning symbol.

9. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the segments are arranged in a semicircle or in a trapezoidal shape in a cross-section of the industrial luminaire.

10. The industrial luminaire according to claim 9, wherein the cross-section of the industrial luminaire is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the industrial luminaire.

11. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the signal generator is configured to emit a light signal.

12. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the signal generator is configured to emit a flashing signal.

13. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, wherein at least three segments are provided which are adjacent to each other and each include a signal generator and/or a lamp, the signal generators and/or lamps being coordinated with each other such that they emit light one after the other.

14. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, including a user interface which is configured such that, when actuated, it resets a signal emitted by the signal generator and/or switches the at least one lamp on or off.

15. The industrial luminaire according to claim 14, wherein the user interface is touch-sensitive, for example a touch sensor or touch screen, and wherein the user interface is arranged on a signaling surface of a segment.

16. The industrial luminaire according to claim 1, including a first connection for transmitting information and/or energy to the industrial luminaire.

17. The industrial luminaire according to claim 16, wherein the first connection is a first IO-Link interface.

18. The industrial luminaire according to claim 17, wherein the first connection is configured to supply the industrial luminaire and/or an interconnection of a plurality of industrial luminaires with a voltage of 24 V and/or 48 V.

19. The industrial luminaire according to claim 17, including at least one second connection for transmitting information and/or energy, wherein the first and second connections (38, 42) are configured such that a plurality of industrial luminaires can be interconnected by means of the connections (38, 42).

20. The industrial luminaire according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of industrial luminaires is interconnected by means of the connections (38, 42) in a series connection, wherein the first connection is configured to transmit information from a preceding industrial luminaire to the industrial luminaire in a series connection of industrial luminaires, and wherein the second connection is configured to transmit the information from the preceding industrial luminaire and the industrial luminaire to a subsequent industrial luminaire.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description below and from the drawings, to which reference is made and in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a schematic three-dimensional sectional representation of an industrial luminaire according to the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of the industrial luminaire of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a series connection of three industrial luminaires; and

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an industrial luminaire with components connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise forms disclosed.

[0058] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C, for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the term at least one of A and B generally means A and/or B, namely A alone, B alone or A and B.

[0059] FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional representation of an industrial luminaire 10 according to the present disclosure. The industrial luminaire 10 is of an oblong design and comprises a base 12 and three segments 14, which are spatially delimited from one another by separating structures 16.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the separating structures 16 are light-impervious webs 18 extending from the base 12 and made, for example, from an injection-molded plastic or from a metal sheet. The webs 18 here project perpendicularly from a base surface of the base 12.

[0061] As viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 20 of the industrial luminaire 10, the three segments 14 are arranged next to each other in a trapezoidal shape, in particular in such a way that the three segments 14 together with the base 12 form an isosceles and symmetrical trapezoid in said cross-section. This results in maximum distinguishability of the three segments 14.

[0062] Of course, industrial luminaires 10 according to the present disclosure that have more than three segments 14 are also conceivable. In this case, the segments 14 may, for example, be arranged in a semicircle.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the middle one of the three segments 14 includes a lamp 22, for example a light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode array. The lamp 22 is configured to illuminate a room and/or an environment, in particular a workstation.

[0064] The two outer segments 14, that is, those adjoining the opposite ends of the middle segment 14, each include a signal generator 24 that is adapted to output a signal as a function of an information, In the exemplary embodiment, the signal generator 24 is also a light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode array that is driven by a controller. The controller generates electrical signals in response to the information, for example an alert message that has been input, which are then converted into light signals by the signal generator 24.

[0065] In particular, the light signals may be color signals and/or flashing light signals. This will attract the attention of signal receivers, in particular persons such as workers, to the industrial luminaire 10 and/or to the signals emitted.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, various other types of signal generators 24 are also conceivable, for example acoustic signal generators.

[0067] In the exemplary embodiment, the three segments 14 are adapted to be driven independently of each other. A light can be generated for illumination purposes by means of the middle segment 14, and at the same time a signal can be output by means of the outer segments 14.

[0068] In other words, an illumination function and a signaling function of the industrial luminaire 10 can be used simultaneously.

[0069] In this regard, the middle segment 14 and the outer segments 14 are oriented in relation to each other such that the lamp 22 of the middle segment 14 and the signal generators 24 of the outer segments 14 emit light in different spatial directions.

[0070] The orientation of the segments 14 relative to each other here is such that the lamp 22 does not directly illuminate an observation point at which a light signal of at least one of the signal generators 24 can be observed. As a result, users or observers who are at the observation point and are looking toward the signal generator 24 will not be dazzled by the light of the lamp 22.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the industrial luminaire 10 is a standardized indicator light constructed in accordance with the DIN EN 60204-1 standard, i.e. an industrial luminaire that conforms to the Machinery Directive.

[0072] At least one of the signal generators 24 is adapted and configured to output light signals of different colors, the colors of which indicate a state of an environment and/or of the industrial luminaire 10, i.e. convey a status and/or information.

[0073] In this context, it is provided that the color red serves to indicate a dangerous state, the color yellow serves to indicate a non-normal or impending critical state, and the color green serves to indicate a normal state.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment, the signal generator 24 is further adapted and configured to emit blue light, in particular to indicate that an action by an operator is required.

[0075] The signal generator 24 may further be adapted and configured to emit blue light, in particular to indicate that an action by an operator is required and/or to acknowledge a command.

[0076] Furthermore, the signal generator 24 is adapted and configured to emit white light to indicate a neutral state. In the exemplary embodiment, a white light signal is emitted in particular when none of the aforementioned states clearly applies. It may alternatively or supplementarily also be provided that the white light is used to acknowledge a command.

[0077] Provision may also be made for one or more of the segments 14 to comprise both a lamp 22 and a signal generator 24. In particular, it is conceivable that one or more of the segments 14 are equipped with light-emitting diodes that can be employed as both a lamp 22 and a signal generator 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the lamp 22 arranged in the middle segment 14 can also be used as a signal generator 24 at the same time.

[0078] Here, the controller can drive the signal generators 24 or lamps 22 of the three segments 14 such that they emit light signals one after the other. In this way, for example, the light emission of a semicircular rotating beacon can be imitated.

[0079] In order that the light emitted by the lamps 22 or signal generators 24 does not exit the industrial luminaire 10 in a concentrated point shape, the three segments 14 in the exemplary embodiment each include a partially transparent light-scattering signaling surface 26.

[0080] The lamps 22 and/or signal generators 24 are arranged between the base 12 and the respective signaling surface 26 here. This allows for easy assembly and/or maintenance. For example, if a lamp 22 or signal generator 24 of a segment 14 is defective, the associated signaling surface 26 can simply be removed and the defective part can be replaced.

[0081] FIG. 2 shows a schematic three-dimensional representation of the industrial luminaire 10 as viewed from one side.

[0082] As is apparent from FIG. 2, the signaling surface 26 of one of the lateral segments 14 includes a plurality of symbols 28, in particular warning symbols 30.

[0083] The symbols 28 may, for example, be printed directly on the signaling surface 26 or may be located on a film that has been applied to the signaling surface 26 or back injection molded during manufacture.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment, the symbols 28 are transilluminable. This makes the symbols 28 easily recognizable by persons when the signal generator 24 of the corresponding segment 14 emits a light signal.

[0085] Furthermore, the industrial luminaire 10 includes a user interface 32.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, the user interface 32 is a touch-sensitive touchscreen 34 formed on the signaling surface 26 of one of the outer segments 14.

[0087] The user interface 32 allows users to interact with the industrial luminaire 10. In particular, the user interface 32 allows a signal that has been output to be reset and/or the lamp 22 to be switched on or off. For example, if a user wishes to reset a warning signal that has been output by the industrial luminaire 10, the user can do so by tapping the associated symbol 28.

[0088] The industrial luminaire 10 shown in FIG. 2 furthermore includes a motion detector 36, which is configured to detect movements of persons present in the vicinity and, in the event a movement is detected, to switch the lamp 22 on and/or off. Alternatively or additionally, the motion detector 36 may also be configured to activate one of the signal generators 24 in the event of a motion being detected such that the signal generator 24 outputs or resets a signal.

[0089] Moreover, the industrial luminaire 10 includes a first connection 38 on one face side. In the exemplary embodiment, this is a discrete interface, in particular an IO-Link interface 40, via which the industrial luminaire 10 can be driven and supplied with electrical energy. Here, the nominal voltage of the connection 38 is 24 V and/or 48 V.

[0090] The industrial luminaire 10 further includes a second connection 42 on a face side opposite the first connection 38. In FIG. 2, this second connection is concealed by the industrial luminaire 10.

[0091] The second connection 42 is likewise in the form of an IO-Link interface 40 and is provided for transmitting information and/or energy to the industrial luminaire 10 or from the industrial luminaire 10 to other elements.

[0092] In this context, the first and second connections 38, 42 are configured such that they can be used for interconnecting a plurality of industrial luminaires 10.

[0093] FIG. 3 shows such an interconnection in the form of a series connection 44 of three industrial luminaires 10.

[0094] The first connections 38 of the industrial luminaires 10 are configured to transfer the data of all industrial luminaires 10 preceding in the series in the series connection 44. The second connections 42 are also configured to forward the data of all industrial luminaires 10 preceding in the series to the industrial luminaire 10 that follows in the series.

[0095] This allows a data set with all industrial luminaires 10 of the series connection 44 to be established, which can be used to prepare a process image and/or to selectively activate the individual industrial luminaires 10.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the industrial luminaires 10 may of course also include one or more other types of connection, in particular discrete multicore cable IO-Link as well as Wi-Fi, radio and/or Bluetooth.

[0097] Furthermore, other components may also be connected to the industrial luminaire 10 using the first and second connections 38, 42.

[0098] This is shown as an example in FIG. 4. In the figure, the industrial luminaire 10 is connected to an additional sensor 46, for example a door opening sensor, by means of the second connection 42. Alternatively or additionally, the industrial luminaire 10 can also be connected to further input devices 48, by means of which users can, for example, enter information, switch the lamp 22 on or off and/or reset output signals.

[0099] Certain embodiments disclosed herein, particularly the respective module(s) and/or unit(s), utilize circuitry (e.g., one or more circuits) in order to implement standards, protocols, methodologies or technologies disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode/decode signals, convert signals, transmit and/or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Circuitry of any type can be used.

[0100] In an embodiment, circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), or the like, or any combinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronics, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry, implementations in digital circuitry, and the like, and combinations thereof).

[0101] In an embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuits and computer program products having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that work together to cause a device to perform one or more protocols, methodologies or technologies described herein. In an embodiment, circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or portions of microprocessor, that require software, firmware, and the like for operation. In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, and the like.

[0102] The present application may reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term plurality to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term plurality is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc. The terms about, approximately, near etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value.