Abstract
A warning device (100, 212, 301, 302, 510) for use in a luminaire (201, 410, 501), comprising a housing (110, 210, 310) accommodating a drive module (115, 215, 401, 402, 520) arranged to be coupled to a luminaire and to a mains voltage (260, 560). The drive module comprises a light source (120, 420) coupled to a switch (180, 380, 491, 492) and an electrical interface (140, 240) configured to electrically connect the drive module and the mains voltage to a light element (530) of the luminaire. The housing comprises a lid (130, 230, 330) operably coupled to the switch of the drive module and configured to activate the switch upon an opening of the lid for switching on the light source upon a current of the mains voltage passing in the electrical interface and deactivate the switch module upon a closing of the lid for switching off the light source.
Claims
1. A warning device for use in a luminaire, the warning device comprising a housing accommodating a drive module arranged to be coupled to a luminaire and to a mains voltage, wherein the drive module comprises a light source coupled to a switch, and an electrical interface configured to electrically connect the drive module and the mains voltage to a light element of the luminaire, wherein the housing comprises a lid operably coupled to the switch of the drive module, wherein the lid is configured to activate the switch of the drive module upon an opening of the lid for switching on the light source upon a current of the mains voltage passing in the electrical interface, and deactivate the switch of the drive module upon a closing of the lid for switching off the light source.
2. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface comprises a plurality of wire connectors, wherein at least one wire connector of the plurality of wire connectors is configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the drive module.
3. The warning device according to claim 2, wherein at least one wire connector of the plurality of wire connectors is configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the light element of the luminaire.
4. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein the switch and the plurality of wire connectors of the electrical interface are arranged to extend through the housing.
5. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein the lid in a closed position is arranged to cover the housing.
6. The warning device according to claim 5, wherein the lid in the closed position is further configured to insulate the switch and the plurality of wire connectors of the electrical interface from the surrounding environment.
7. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein the switch is a spring-loaded switch comprising at least one spring element, wherein the spring-loaded switch is configured to be deactivated upon compression of the at least one spring element and to be activated upon release of the at least one spring element.
8. The warning device according to claim 7, wherein the switch is a normally open switch.
9. The warning device according to claim 7, wherein the switch is a normally closed switch-.
10. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode, LED.
11. The warning device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the housing and the lid is made of a transparent material.
12. A luminaire, comprising: at least one light element, a luminaire drive unit electrically coupled to the at least one light element, and a warning device according to claim 1, the warning device being coupled to the luminaire drive unit, wherein the warning device is configured to emit a warning light signal indicating to a user an electrical current in the luminaire upon an opening of the lid of the warning device.
13. A luminaire arrangement, comprising: a luminaire according to claim 12, a mains voltage for supplying power to the at least one light element of the luminaire.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing embodiment(s) of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 1a and 1b schematically illustrate top views of a warning device according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
[0025] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a luminaire arrangement according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention,
[0026] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate a perspective view of a warning device having a lid in a closed position and a side view of a warning device having a lid in an open position according to examples of the present invention,
[0027] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate alternative representations of the electrical circuit of a drive module of the warning device implementing a normally closed switch and a normally opened switch according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention,
[0028] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram representing the electrical configuration of a luminaire or luminaire arrangement according to examples of the present invention, and
[0029] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram of the utilization process of the warning device by a user according to examples of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIG. 1a schematically shows a top view of a warning device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. A housing 110 of the warning device 100 is fixedly attached to e.g. a wall near the luminaire or luminaire arrangement or on the luminaire or luminaire arrangement itself, such that the housing 110 is easily accessible for a user, e.g. by means of a bolt or screw 160. The housing 110 shown in FIG. 1a is arranged to accommodate a drive module (visible in its entirety in FIG. 1b) to be electrically coupled to a luminaire or luminaire arrangement (not shown) and to a mains voltage (not shown). The drive module comprises an electrical circuit on which are coupled a light source 120 and a switch 180. Although shown as opaque in FIG. 1a, the housing 110 may be formed of a transparent material permitting the light source 120 to be seen through the material of the housing 110 by a user. The switch 180 is further shown covered by an electrically non-conductive protective liner, preferably plastic or rubber, which provides protection of the switch 180 and increases the safety of the user in the events of malfunction of the drive module. The housing 110 of FIG. 1a is further shown accommodating an electrical interface 140 comprising a plurality of wire connectors 141 fixedly attached to said housing 110 by means of bolt or screws 161. FIG. 1a further shows the switch 180 and the plurality of wire connectors 141 protruding through or being accessible through the superior surface of said housing 110 accommodating the drive module and the electrical interface 140. This configuration of the housing 110 and its accommodated components permits the user to physically access the plurality of wire connectors 141 and the switch 180 when the lid 130 is in an opened position as shown in FIG. 1a. Furthermore, the lid 130, shown in FIG. 1a in the opened position, is rotatably attached to the rest of the housing 110 by means of a first connection mechanism 150. The connection mechanism 150 is exemplified as a pre-folded axis 151 in the material of the lid 130. The lid 130 is therefore arranged to rotate about the axis 151 to transition from an opened position to a closed position and vice versa. Additionally, FIG. 1a depicts the dimensions of the lid 130 as equivalent to the dimensions of the superior surface of the housing 110 accommodating the drive module and electrical interface 140 such that in a closed position (shown in more detail in FIG. 3a) the lid 130 covers and insulates the entirety of the superior surface of the housing 110. FIG. 1a further illustrate a second connection mechanism 171, 172 represented by a quick release attachment integrally formed in the material of the housing 110 and the lid 130. The female end of the second connection mechanism 171 is shown positioned at the edge of the lid 130 opposite the pre-folded axis 151 of the first connection mechanism 150 and is arranged to be engaged by the male end 172 positioned at the edge of the superior surface of the housing 110 opposite the pre-folded axis 151 of the first connection mechanism 150.
[0031] FIG. 1b illustrates a top view of the warning device 100 shown in FIG. 1a, and it should be noted that it may be referred to the warning device 100 in FIG. 1a for features, functions, references, etc., of the warning device 100. In FIG. 1b only the silhouette of the housing 110 and the lid 130 is shown such that the components accommodated in said housing 110 and extending out of said housing 110 under the lid 130 are clearly depicted. FIG. 1b shows the drive module 115 as comprising a circuit board onto which the switch 180 and the light source 120 are coupled. The drive module 115 is further shown comprising additional electrical components normally found in such implemented circuits such as, but not limited to, capacitors, diodes, resistors, etc. FIG. 1b further illustrate the entirety of the electrical interface 140 and its plurality of wire connectors 141 through which the drive module 115, the light element of the luminaire or luminaire arrangement (not shown) and the mains voltage (not shown) connectively interact. FIG. 1b further illustrates an electrical wire 195 configured to establish an electrical connection between at least one wire connector 141 and the drive module 115 and illustrates an electrical wire 193 configured to establish an electrical connection between at least one wire connector 141 and the luminaire or luminaire arrangement itself. FIG. 1b further shows electrical wires 191 and 192 configured to establish an electrical connection between the drive module 115 and the luminaire or luminaire arrangement. It will be appreciated that the electrical wires 191, 192 and 195 are fixedly connected to the drive module 115 by means of soldering whereas the electrical wires 193 and 195 are connected to the wire connectors 141 by means of a screw.
[0032] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a luminaire arrangement 200 according to an exemplifying embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a luminaire 201 and a mains voltage 260 electrically coupled together and via the drive module 215 accommodated in the housing 210 of a warning device 212. FIG. 2 illustrates the mains voltage 260 comprising electrical wiring 250 formed of a ground 251, a load 252 and a neutral 253. The electrical wiring 250 of the mains voltage 260 is shown in FIG. 2 connected to respective input ports 241 i.e. the plurality of wire connectors of the electrical interface 240. The input ports 241 of the electrical interface 240 are further shown establishing an electrical connection with the output ports 242 of the electrical interface 240 from which the load 252 and the neutral 253 of the mains voltage 260 are electrically coupled to the drive module 215 by means of the electrical wiring 295 allowing the drive module 215 to be supplied by electrical current from the mains voltage 260. FIG. 2 further depicts the ground 251 of the mains voltages 260 being electrically coupled to the luminaire 201 directly from the output port 242 of the electrical interface 240 without interacting with the drive module 215. The drive module 215 is further electrically coupled to the luminaire 201 by means of the electrical wiring 220 which permits the establishment of an electrical connection of the load 252 of the mains voltage 260 and the neutral 253 of the mains voltage 260 with the luminaire 201. The electrical wiring 220 connecting the drive module 215 and the mains voltage 260 to the luminaire 201 is further shown in FIG. 2 as exiting the housing of the warning device 212 under the lid 230 in an opened position and are further shown covered by electrically non-conductive protective sleeves 291, 292, 293. The electrical connection configuration shown in FIG. 2 provides a warning device 212 connected in parallel between the mains voltage 260 and the luminaire 201 and will be described in more details in FIG. 4. It is also envisioned that the warning device 212 may be connected in series with the mains voltage 260 and the luminaire 201 and/or that the ground 251, the load 252 and the neutral 253 of the mains voltage 260 be electrically connected to a drive unit of the luminaire 201 which will also be further described in FIG. 4.
[0033] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate a perspective and side view of warning device having a lid in a closed position 301 and in an opened position 302 according to examples of the present invention. FIG. 3a shows a warning device 301 comprising a housing 310 accommodating the drive module and the electrical interface as described in FIGS. 1-2 with a lid 330 shown in a closed position. FIG. 3a further shows the lid 330 covering the entirety of the surface of the housing 310 through which the switch of the drive module and the plurality of wire connectors of the electrical interface protrude providing insulation of such components. The insulation function of the lid 330 is further permitted by a second connection mechanism 370 shown engaged in FIG. 3a which also illustrates the electrical wiring 390, covered in protective sleeves, exiting the back side of the housing 110 to electrically connect the drive module and the mains voltage to the luminaire or luminaire arrangement. Additionally, the lid 330 shown in FIG. 3a in the closed position exerts a compression force on the switch protruding through the housing 310 deactivating said switch and therefore turning off the light source of the drive module. The warning device 301 further comprises a stopping element 340 integrally formed with the rest of the housing 310.
[0034] FIG. 3b illustrates the warning device 302 having a lid 330 in an open position. FIG. 3b shows the lid 330 of the warning device 302 having transitioned from the closed position to the opened position through rotation of the lid 330 about the axis of the first connection mechanism 350 i.e. pre-folded axis in the material of the lid 330. The rotation of the lid 330 upon its edge is further shown limited by a stopping element 340 integrally formed with the rest of the housing 310 only allowing the rotation of the lid 330 to reach 90°. It is further envisioned that the housing 310 may also be designed without such stopping element 340 allowing the lid 330 to rotate to 180° while still not contacting the electrical wiring 390. FIG. 3b therefore illustrates the lid 330 releasing the switch 380 thus activating said switch 380 and allowing the light source of the drive module to be reachable by electrical current supplied by the mains voltage and to subject the user to a warning light signal upon said current flowing through the electrical interface and into the drive module.
[0035] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate alternative representations of the electrical circuit of the drive module of the warning device implementing a normally closed switch and a normally opened switch according to exemplifying embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4a shows an alternative of an electrical circuit of the drive module 401 and its electrical connection configuration with the luminaire 410. The circuit of the drive module 401 is shown electrically connected to the load 431 and to the neutral 432 of the mains voltage and further establishing an electrical connection of the load 431 and neutral 432 of the mains voltage with the luminaire 410, e.g. through outputs 442, 441. FIG. 4a further illustrates a switch 491 coupled in series with a LED light source 420 in which the switch 491 is a normally closed switch. By this, the circuit of the drive module 401 is disconnected or opened when the switch 491 is deactivated i.e. when the lid of the warning device (not shown) exerts a compression force on the switch 491 when reaching a closed position. In other words, when the switch 491 is compressed, no electrical current passes through the circuit of the drive module 401. Upon transition of the lid of the warning device from a closed position to an opened position, the normally closed switch 491 shown in FIG. 4a returns to its normally closed position. Consequently, the switch connects the circuit of the drive module 401 thus allowing the light source 420 coupled in series thereafter to be reachable by electrical current supplied by the mains voltage and to subject the user to a warning light signal upon said current flowing through the electrical interface and into the drive module.
[0036] FIG. 4b shows yet another alternative of an electrical circuit of the drive module 402 and its electrical connection configuration with the luminaire 410. Similarly to FIG. 4a, the electrical connection between the mains voltage and the circuit of the drive module 402 is established via the input ports 431, 432 and its electrical connection with the luminaire 410 is established via output ports 441, 442. Alternatively to FIG. 4a, the electrical circuit of the drive module 402 shown in FIG. 4b comprises a switch 492 coupled in parallel to the LED light source 420 in which the switch 492 is a normally open switch therefore connecting or closing the circuit of the drive module 402 when the switch 492 is deactivated i.e. when the lid of the warning device (not shown) exerts a compression force on the switch 492 when reaching a closed position. The parallel configuration of the normally opened switch 492 with respect to the light source 420 shown in FIG. 4a allows electrical current to bypass said light switch 420 when the normally opened switch 492 is compressed and closes the section 460 of the circuit 402 on which it is arranged. In other words, when the switch 492 is compressed by the lid of the warning device, no electrical current reaches the light source 420. Upon transition of the lid of the warning device from a closed position to an opened position, the normally opened switch 492 shown in FIG. 4b returns to its normally opened position and disconnects the section 460 of the circuit on which it is arranged thus allowing the light source 420 coupled in parallel to said section 460 to be reachable by electrical current supplied by the mains voltage and to subject the user to a warning light signal upon said current flowing through the electrical interface and into the drive module.
[0037] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a block diagram 500 representing the electrical configuration of a luminaire or luminaire arrangement according to examples of the present invention. FIG. 5 further shows a mains voltage 560 which load 552 and neutral 551 are electrically connected in series with the drive unit 520 of the luminaire 501 via a switch 540 representing a wall interrupter of dimmer. FIG. 5 further illustrates a warning device 510 characterized similarly as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. The warning device 510 is shown coupled in parallel between the mains voltage 560 and the drive unit 520 of the luminaire 501 and further comprises a drive module 515 also similarly characterized as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. It is envisioned that the warning device 510 may also be coupled in series with the mains voltage 560 and the drive unit 520 of the luminaire 501. FIG. 5 depicts at least one light element 530 of the luminaire 501 coupled in series to the drive unit 520 and configured to generate and distribute light. It will be appreciated that the drive unit 520 of the luminaire 501 may also be controlled remotely via software implemented applications such that the light element 530 may be turned on or off or such that various lighting effect be achieved. The software-based control of the drive unit 520 may further be performed without interacting with the wall interrupter or dimmer 540 e.g. the light element 530 may be switched off while electrical current still remain in the luminaire 501 due to said wall interrupter 540 still being activated. The warning device 510 therefore warns the user of an electrically active luminaire by emitting a warning light signal upon opening of the lid of the warning device 510.
[0038] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a block diagram 600 of the utilization process of the warning device by a user according to examples of the present invention. The block diagram of FIG. 6 is initiated 601 by a requirement to perform manipulation of the electrical wiring of the luminaire in order to e.g. replace/repair a light element, install more light elements, uninstall the luminaire, etc. The user must then proceed to opening 610 the lid of the warning device such that it reaches an open position releasing 620 the spring-loaded switch comprised on the drive module and accommodated in the housing of the warning device. The releasing 620 of the switch results in the enablement 630 of an electrical connection between the drive module of the warning device and the mains voltage representing the power supply of the luminaire or luminaire arrangement. FIG. 6 then illustrates a condition 640 for which if an electrical current supplied form the mains voltage is active in the drive module of the warning device, a warning light signal will be emitted 650 indicating to the user to verify all switches e.g. wall interrupters or dimmers of the luminaire to ensure that such switches are deactivated or turned off 651. Alternatively, if no electrical current is supplied to the drive module of the warning device the light source of the drive module will not emit a warning signal 660 as no electrical current reaches the light source. Consequently, the user may begin performing manipulation of electrical wiring 670 via the wire connectors of the electrical interface accommodated in the housing of the warning device. Upon completion of the manipulation of electrical wiring, the lid of the warning device may be transferred to a closed position 690 resulting in the compression and deactivation of the switch 690 therefore disabling the electrical current supplied to the light source of the drive module and preventing said light source from emitting any light signal 691.
[0039] The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the electrical configuration of the drive module may differ provide that the warning device fulfils its function of emitting a warning light signal upon a current of the mains voltage passing in the electrical interface.
