Track lighting device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

A track lighting device for providing lighting along a track of a railway track wherein the lighting device comprises a housing arranged to be attached to the track and opened with at least one aperture and at least one light source disposed within the housing and arranged to emit a light beam; wherein the illumination device is arranged to direct a light beam through the aperture towards an illumination direction, and wherein the illumination direction has a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a track lighting device for providing lighting along a railway track, in particular a train track, wherein the lighting device comprises a housing arranged to be attached to the track and at least one light source arranged to emit a light beam. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a track lighting device. Background Art

[0002] Such a lighting device is known, for example, from European Patent Publication No. 3251916, which discloses a lighting device for illuminating a portion of a rail on a railway with an I-type track, wherein the lighting device comprises an elongated housing having a mounting surface arranged to be attached to the body of the track in the length direction of the track and an array of light sources, the housing having a mounting surface arranged to be attached to the body of the track in the length direction of the track, the array of light sources being distributed on the housing in the length direction and emitting light in a direction transverse to and away from the track.

[0003] Typically, in order to illuminate an elongated section of rail along a track, such known lighting devices are about 2 meters in length, wherein an array of lighting devices are attached along the track at intervals of about 4 meters, so that the lighting devices are spaced about 2 meters apart from each other in the direction of the length of the track. However, a large amount of material is required to manufacture such bulky lighting devices. Furthermore, the installation of the known lighting devices is labor intensive, particularly if a large number of lighting devices are to be installed, thereby hampering the throughput of trains or other railway vehicles.

[0004] Another disadvantage of the known lighting devices is that persons near the rails may have their vision obscured by the light. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved track lighting device in which the above-mentioned disadvantages are at least partially alleviated.

[0006] Furthermore, a lighting device for providing lighting along a track of a railway track, wherein the lighting device comprises a housing and at least one light source, the housing being arranged to be attached to the track and being provided with at least one hole, the at least one light source being arranged in the housing and being arranged to emit a light beam; wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the light beam through the hole towards a lighting direction, wherein the lighting direction has a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track. For example, the lighting direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In order to illuminate a path beside the rail, the light beam is, for example, wide, so that the light beam directed towards a lighting direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail is partially directed away from the rail to illuminate a path of sufficient width. Alternatively or additionally, the light beam illuminates a length of the rail, so that the path beside the rail is illuminated indirectly via the rail. In particular, in this case, the path can be illuminated in a way that is visually pleasing to people near the rails.

[0008] By directing the light beam towards a lighting direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track, blinding of personnel can be reduced relative to lighting devices that emit light in a direction transverse to and away from the track.

[0009] It is worth noting that, since the light beam is directed toward an illumination direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track, the light beam is not necessarily directed only in a direction exactly parallel to the track. It is conceivable that, in order to illuminate a portion of the track and / or a path along the track, the light beam may diverge and / or at least partially deviate from a direction exactly parallel to the track while being directed in a direction substantially parallel to the track.

[0010] In order to illuminate an elongated portion of a rail along a track, the previously known lighting device emitting light in a direction transverse to and away from the track comprises an array of light sources distributed along the length of an elongated housing. By arranging the lighting device to direct the light beam in the longitudinal direction of the track, a compact lighting device can be provided which is material efficient and lightweight, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and installation time relative to known lighting devices. Furthermore, the compactness of the lighting device facilitates installation of the lighting device at or near a railway switch and / or crossing, or any curved railway section.

[0011] Furthermore, when arrays of lighting devices are attached at intervals along the track, the rails can be illuminated more evenly relative to an array of lighting devices that emit light in a direction transverse to and away from the track, particularly when the lighting distributions provided in the longitudinal direction by consecutive lighting devices in the array at least partially overlap.

[0012] In order to illuminate the rail more evenly with such an array, and / or in order to be able to reduce the number of lighting devices in the array, the lighting devices are preferably arranged to direct the first light beam and the second light beam towards mutually opposite lighting directions parallel to the longitudinal direction. More generally, by emitting opposite light beams, the lighting device can efficiently illuminate an elongated section along the track.

[0013] For example, the housing may be provided with at least two holes, wherein the lighting device comprises at least two light sources arranged in the housing and arranged to emit respective light beams, wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the respective light beams through the respective holes towards the respective lighting directions. Alternatively, a single light source may be arranged to emit the respective light beams.

[0014] The track lighting device may also be arranged to direct the light beam towards a transverse lighting direction, wherein the transverse lighting direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the track. Furthermore, the track lighting device may comprise a side light source, such as an LED, arranged to emit a light beam in the transverse lighting direction. The side light source is preferably arranged on a side of the housing opposite to the side of the housing attached to the track.

[0015] In order to further reduce blinding of personnel, the housing is preferably provided with at least one groove, wherein at least one light source is arranged in the at least one groove. In addition, a compact track lighting device can be obtained. Preferably, the groove is open in the lighting direction to form a hole, wherein the light source is arranged to emit a light beam in the lighting direction. In this way, a more compact track lighting device can be obtained.

[0016] By, for example, emitting a divergent light beam, the lighting device can efficiently illuminate a track and / or a path along the track. According to a preferred embodiment of the track lighting device, the light beam guided by the lighting device has an asymmetric light distribution, wherein the horizontal light distribution of the light beam is wider than the vertical light distribution of the light beam. That is, if the lighting device is attached to, for example, a horizontal track to illuminate a horizontal path, the lighting device preferably has such an asymmetric light distribution, wherein the horizontal beam angle is wider than the vertical beam angle. The light distribution is, for example, elliptical. By limiting the vertical beam angle relative to the horizontal beam angle, blinding of personnel can be further reduced.

[0017] For this purpose, the hole is preferably provided with an optical element. The optical element can be arranged to receive the light beam emitted by the light source and to generate an asymmetric light distribution. The optical element is, for example, a lens. Alternatively, in order to generate an asymmetric light distribution, the hole can be shaped asymmetric in a corresponding manner.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the optical element may be arranged to receive a light beam emitted by the light source and direct the light beam towards a divergent direction. That is, the optical element may be arranged to direct the light beam through the hole so that the light beam diverges.

[0019] In order to illuminate the path along the track more efficiently, the hole is preferably oriented away from the track. More specifically, the hole preferably has an optical axis, which extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal or lighting direction when viewed in a horizontal plane, and which extends away from the track when viewed in the lighting direction. Therefore, the hole is preferably oriented away from the track when viewed in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can be defined as a plane extending through the longitudinal direction of the track and the lighting direction. Similarly, if the railway track comprises two parallel tracks, the horizontal plane can be defined as a plane extending through the two tracks. Preferably, the acute angle is at least 10 degrees, 20 degrees or 25 degrees and / or less than 85 degrees, 70 degrees, 60 degrees, 50 degrees or 45 degrees, for example about 30 degrees. Preferably, the acute angle is in the range of 30 degrees to 70 degrees, preferably in the range of 40 degrees to 65 degrees, for example 45 degrees or 60 degrees. The optical axis is preferably the optical axis of the optical element arranged in the hole.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the track lighting device comprises a fastening device arranged to attach the housing to the track. Preferably, the fastening device comprises a mounting bracket arranged to connect the housing to the track. The mounting bracket is preferably arranged to be coupled to the track, wherein the mounting bracket is also arranged to engage with the housing. The mounting bracket can also be arranged to press the housing against the track. Additionally or alternatively, the housing can be provided with a fastening opening for coupling the mounting bracket to the housing. For example, the fastening opening is threaded or provided with an internally threaded insert, wherein the mounting bracket can be screwed to the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the housing can be provided with a groove, which is arranged to accommodate the mounting bracket in a secure manner.

[0021] A further preferred embodiment of the track lighting device comprises a heat sink body arranged to cool the at least one light source. This makes the railway lighting device more compact. The heat sink body preferably comprises aluminium. Preferably, when the housing is attached to the track, the heat sink body forms part of the side of the housing facing the track. In this way, cooling of the light source is enhanced.

[0022] The radiator body can be manufactured by an extrusion process. Therefore, the radiator body preferably comprises a fixed cross-sectional profile. In particular, when the radiator body is arranged on the side facing the rail, the cross-sectional profile can be simplified, thereby facilitating the extrusion process.

[0023] In order to simplify the manufacture of the lighting device and / or to enable customization of the lighting device, the housing is preferably modular. Therefore, according to a further preferred embodiment of the track lighting device, the housing comprises a first housing part and at least one second housing part, which is releasably coupled to the first housing part. Preferably, the housing parts have essentially the same shape, wherein each housing part is preferably provided with a hole.

[0024] Preferably, the heat sink body is arranged to couple the housing component. In this way, additional fastening elements may be superfluous, thereby minimizing the number of lighting device components.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the track lighting device, the width of the housing is less than 4 cm, preferably less than 3 cm, as viewed in the lighting direction. That is, the width direction may be a horizontal direction perpendicular to the horizontal track. In this way, when the housing of the lighting device is attached to the web of the track, the head flange of a common track with an I-shaped cross section is allowed to extend at least to the housing of the lighting device in the width direction. In this way, the protection is enhanced.

[0026] In order to attach to various common track types, according to a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device, the height of the housing is less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, from the lighting direction. That is, the height direction can be a vertical direction relative to the horizontal track.

[0027] In order to provide a compact track lighting device, according to a further preferred embodiment of the lighting device, the length of the housing is less than 40 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm.

[0028] A further preferred embodiment of the track lighting device comprises an electrical connector connected to at least one light source and arranged to be connected to a power supply to connect the at least one light source to the power supply, thereby powering the at least one light source. For example, the light source can be powered with 24V DC. Preferably, the electrical connector comprises at least one male connector and at least one female connector. Preferably, in an array of track lighting devices, the male connectors and female connectors of each lighting device are arranged to interconnect the male connectors and female connectors of adjacent lighting devices so that the lighting devices in the array are electrically connected in series. This simplifies the installation of the array of lighting devices along the track and enables the number of track lighting devices in the array to be customized. Preferably, then, the connectors at both ends of the array are arranged to be connected to a power supply. Although the light source can be powered with 24V DC, it is preferably powered with 36V DC or higher voltage to enable the track lighting devices to be coupled over a greater distance.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to be able to couple track lighting devices over a greater distance, the track lighting devices in the array are preferably electrically connected in parallel. Generally speaking, it is preferred if the male and female connectors of each lighting device are arranged to interconnect the male and female connectors of adjacent lighting devices, thereby electrically connecting the lighting devices in parallel.

[0030] Preferably, the housing is provided with an electrical insulation layer, preferably at least two insulation layers, arranged to insulate the interior of the housing, in particular electrical components within the housing, from the track.

[0031] For attachment to the rails of a train track, the housing is preferably arranged to withstand forces and vibrations caused by the passage of a train, as well as various weather conditions (including bad weather). According to a further preferred embodiment of the track lighting device, the housing is filled with resin. In this way, the lighting device can be made more waterproof and / or more resistant to vibrations caused, for example, by the passage of a train, in order to protect, for example, electrical components of the lighting device.

[0032] In particular, in order to obtain a more waterproof and / or more vibration-resistant track lighting device, preferably, the housing is provided with a filling port arranged to fill the housing with resin.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the track lighting device can be obtained by insert molding technology. More specifically, it is preferred if the housing is integrally formed onto one or more components (including at least one light source) of the track lighting device arranged in the housing by insert molding technology. That is, the housing is integrally molded onto at least one light source and any other components of the track lighting device by insert molding technology, so that the housing includes a solidified material that at least partially covers the at least one light source and the corresponding other components of the track lighting device arranged in the housing. For example, at least one light source may include a light-emitting element and a printed circuit board supporting the light-emitting element. By forming the housing on the component, the housing can effectively insulate the component, such as the printed circuit board.

[0034] According to another aspect, a method for manufacturing a track lighting device, preferably according to any of the above embodiments, is provided, the track lighting device being used to provide lighting along a track of a railway track. The lighting device comprises a housing and one or more components, the housing being arranged to be attached to the track and being provided with at least one hole, the one or more components being arranged in the housing and comprising at least one light source, the at least one light source being arranged to emit a light beam, wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the light beam through the hole towards a lighting direction. The method comprises the following steps: - providing a mould shaped to manufacture a housing of a track lighting device; - providing one or more components of the track lighting device in a mould; - Injecting a liquid, such as a resin or molten material, into the mold and onto the one or more components to form a shell surrounding the one or more components.

[0035] The assembly may further include a heat sink body for cooling the at least one light source.

[0036] The lighting fixture can be manufactured more efficiently using insert molding technology than by first manufacturing the housing or parts thereof (e.g., by additive manufacturing) and then assembling the housing with components of the track lighting fixture.

[0037] The mold is preferably a two-part mold to facilitate placement of the component in the mold cavity.

[0038] Preferably, the mould is made of silicone.

[0039] In order to accurately position the components in the mould and / or to ensure that the components remain in place in a stable manner during the moulding process, the components are preferably mounted on an inner frame of the track lighting device. By connecting the components to the frame before inserting the components into the mould, the components can be efficiently positioned in the mould. Therefore, it is preferred if the method further comprises the steps of providing an inner frame of the track lighting device and mounting one or more components on the inner frame before inserting the components into the mould, wherein it is further preferred if the step of providing one or more components in the mould comprises inserting the components mounted on the inner frame into the mould.

[0040] The step of providing one or more components in the mold preferably also includes: providing at least one removable cover in the mold at the location where at least one hole is to be opened in the housing; wherein the method also includes the step of removing the at least one cover after injecting the liquid to form the at least one hole in the housing. By covering each hole during the molding process, especially its optical element, it can be prevented that the liquid completely closes the optical element, and more generally, the housing can effectively open at least one hole. Similarly, during the molding process, each electrical connector can be partially covered to prevent the liquid from completely closing the electrical connector so that the connector can be directly contacted and connected after molding.

[0041] The housing of the track lighting device is preferably attached to a track having an I-shaped cross section. Therefore, a track lighting system for providing lighting along a track of a railway track is also provided, wherein the track lighting system comprises at least one track lighting device preferably according to any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the lighting device comprises a housing and at least one light source, the housing being arranged to be attached to the track and having at least one hole, the at least one light source being arranged in the housing and arranged to emit a light beam; wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the light beam through the hole towards a lighting direction, preferably, the lighting direction having a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track.

[0042] According to another aspect, a presence detector for detecting the presence of a person beside a track of a railway track is provided, wherein the presence detector is arranged to provide a presence detection signal indicating the presence of a person beside the track. For example, the detector may sense presence and / or movement, whereby using an algorithm it may be determined whether the sensed presence and / or movement belongs to a person or, for example, to an animal or to an object beside the track (e.g. vegetation). In this way, it may be prevented that the presence detection signal indicates the presence of an animal or an object when no person is present (also referred to as a false alarm).

[0043] In case the track lighting system is provided with such a presence detector, the system may be arranged to control the lighting intensity of the light source of at least one lighting device at a first lighting intensity based on the presence detection signal when the presence detection signal indicates the presence of a person beside the track, and to control the lighting intensity of the light source of at least one lighting device at a second lighting intensity when the presence detection signal does not indicate the presence of a person beside the track, wherein the first intensity exceeds the second intensity. For example, the second intensity may be in the range of 5% to 70%, preferably 10% to 50%, of the first intensity. In order to control the lighting intensity based on the presence detection signal, the track lighting system or the presence detector may comprise a controller arranged for this purpose.

[0044] By turning off or dimming the lights, the system can be more energy-efficient. Depending on the situation, such as the amount of daylight, one or more further lighting intensities, such as a third lighting intensity and a fourth lighting intensity, can be provided. In general, it is preferred that whenever a person is to walk on a path along the track, there is sufficient lighting on the path, especially for safety reasons. For example, during the day, when there is plenty of sunlight, the lighting can be turned off and only turned on when dusk comes. The system can then be configured so that when there are people, the lighting of the path will increase. Optionally, the system is arranged to reduce the lighting after a predetermined delay time from the moment when the presence of a person is detected or from the moment when the presence of a person is no longer detected. The predetermined delay time is, for example, between 10 minutes and 100 minutes, preferably between 20 minutes and 50 minutes. The lighting intensity can be changed from one intensity to another intensity gradually or in one step.

[0045] In particular, the presence detector may comprise: a wave transmitter arranged to transmit electromagnetic waves to be reflected by a person; a wave receiver arranged to receive the electromagnetic waves reflected by the person; and a processor connected to the wave receiver and arranged to provide a presence detection signal based on the received electromagnetic waves. The controller may then be connected to the processor to receive the presence detection signal. Preferably, the electromagnetic waves are microwaves or radio waves. In track lighting systems, or more generally in any outdoor environment, radar detection has been found to be more suitable for presence detection than passive infrared sensors.

[0046] It is preferred if the presence detector is arranged to direct the emitted electromagnetic waves to a detection area beside the track. In this way, it can be ensured that the path along the track is illuminated when a person is present on the path along the track. It is further preferred, however, if the detector is arranged to direct the emitted electromagnetic waves only to the detection area in order to further prevent the presence detection signal from indicating the presence of an animal or object not located on the path.

[0047] Thus, the detection area is preferably limited and, seen in a horizontal plane, may extend between the track and a detection area boundary spaced from the track. The width of the detection area may be at least 1 meter and / or less than 5 meters or 2 meters. Seen along the track, the detection area may be at least 1 meter and / or less than 6 meters or 3 meters in length. The height of the detection area may be at least 1 meter and / or less than 3 meters.

[0048] The presence detector may comprise a sensor housing arranged to be attached to the track. The sensor housing may be different from the housing of the track lighting device. The wave transmitter, the wave receiver and the processor are preferably arranged in the sensor housing. Preferably, the sensor housing corresponds to the housing of the track lighting device. That is, the housing of the detector preferably has a similar shape or is identical to the housing of the track lighting device described above. The presence detector may be arranged to direct the emitted electromagnetic waves away from the track to the detection area, i.e. when the sensor housing is attached to the track.

[0049] The track lighting system may further comprise a power supply connected to the at least one lighting device and arranged to power a light source of the at least one lighting device, wherein the track lighting system is arranged to control the power provided by the power supply to the light source in dependence on the presence detection signal. Preferably, the power supply is also arranged to power the presence detector.

[0050] Similar to the track lighting device, the presence detector preferably comprises an electrical connector arranged to be connected to a power source to connect the presence detector to the power source to power the presence detector, in particular the wave transmitter, the wave receiver and the processor. For example, the presence detector can be powered with 24V or 36V DC, similar to the track lighting device. Preferably, the electrical connector comprises a male connector and a female connector.

[0051] The track lighting system may further comprise a track, wherein the track has an I-shaped cross section, wherein the housing of the lighting device is attached to the track. Preferably, the head flange of the track extends at least to the housing of the lighting device in the width direction to protect the lighting device.

[0052] Preferably, the track lighting system comprises an array of track lighting devices as described herein, wherein the lighting devices are attached at intervals along the track, preferably so as to provide substantially uniform lighting along the track. In this case, it is preferred if the track lighting system is arranged to control the lighting intensity of each lighting device in the array simultaneously. A path along the track may be illuminated by a continuous array of lighting devices, wherein each array is independently controlled by at least one different presence detector. The presence detector associated with a first array of lighting devices may be mounted between two lighting devices of the first array or at one end of the first array, for example between the first array and an adjacent second array attached to the track that is continuous with the first array.

[0053] Preferably, in an array of track lighting devices, the male and female connectors of the presence detector are arranged to be connected to the female and male connectors of adjacent lighting devices on both sides, respectively, to electrically connect the presence detector and the lighting devices in the array. In general, for customizability, it is preferred if the presence detector can be connected via the same electrical connector cable as the lighting devices. The presence detector and the track lighting devices in the array, in particular their connectors, are preferably connected via a five-pin electrical connection cable. The four pins of such a cable then allow the lighting devices and the presence detector to be conveniently interconnected in an array and electrically connected in parallel. The fifth pin allows the lighting devices to be controlled based on the presence detection signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A front view showing a train on a railway track; Figure 2 showing a front view of a track lighting device attached to a track; Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A rear view of the track lighting assembly is shown; Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 A bottom view of a housing of a track lighting device; Figure 5 express Figure 4 an exploded view of the housing shown; Figure 6 showing a side view of two track lighting devices serially attached to a track; Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A top view of two track lighting fixtures shown; Figure 8 The lens is shown; Fig. 9 Representation and Figure 8 Light distribution diagram associated with the lens shown; Figure 10A-10E Various views showing further embodiments of track lighting devices; Fig.11 express Figure 10A-10E An exploded view of the lighting device shown in; Figure 12A-12E Various views showing further embodiments of track lighting devices; Fig.13 A further embodiment of a track lighting device is shown; Figure 14A-14B Different views of a track lighting system with a presence detector are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the drawings of different embodiments, the same elements are denoted by the same reference symbols.

[0056] Figure 1 A front view of a train 1 on a railway track 2 consisting of two parallel flat-bottom rails 3 is depicted. Each rail 3 has an I-shaped cross-section. Track lighting devices 10 are attached to the rails 3 and are arranged to provide lighting along the train track 2. By way of example, Figure 1 , an elliptical light distribution L is indicated for one side of the rail 2, which illuminates the pedestrian path 4 along the train rail 2, minimizing blinding of people 5 near the rail 2. More specifically, the light beam L emitted by the lighting device 10 diverges and is thereby partially directed away from the rail 3 to illuminate the pedestrian path 4 over a sufficient width of the path 4. Furthermore, the rail 3 is partially illuminated, so that the pedestrian path 4 is also indirectly illuminated through the rail 3.

[0057] Each track lighting device 10 is attached to the web 3c of the corresponding track 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As seen enlarged in FIG, a front view and a rear view of a single track lighting device 10 are shown. The track lighting device 10 includes a housing 100 attached to the side of the track 3. The width W of the housing 100 is preferably less than the extent to which the head flange 3a of the track 3 protrudes from the web 3c in the width direction, so that the head flange 3a of the track 3 extends in the width direction at least to the housing 100 of the lighting device 10 attached to the track 3. In order to connect the lighting device 10 to the track 3, the track lighting device 10 includes a mounting bracket 20 coupled to the foot flange 3b of the track 3. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, a groove 111 is provided on the side surface 110 of the housing 100, and the mounting bracket 20 is as shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The housing 100 is shown as being received in the groove 111, and a filling port 121 is provided on the bottom 120 of the housing 100 for filling resin into the housing 100. The mounting bracket 20 is provided with a screw port 21 for tightening the mounting bracket 20 to the housing 100 through a threaded hole 112 in the housing 100, which is located in the groove 111 and aligned with the screw port 21 of the mounting bracket 20.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, at least one LED (not shown) is arranged in the housing 100. The front side 130 and the rear side 140 of the housing 100 are provided with holes 131, 141, respectively, so that the light beams emitted by the LED in mutually opposite lighting directions parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track 3 are guided through the holes 131 and 141. The track lighting device 10 includes electrical connectors 30, 40 electrically connected to the LED. The front side 130 is provided with a male connector 30, and the rear side 140 is provided with a female connector 40. The connectors 30, 40 are arranged to connect the LED (for example, through a conductive cable (not shown)) to a power source (for example, a battery (not shown)).

[0059] exist Figure 5 , the modularity of the track lighting device 10 is shown in the form of an exploded view. More specifically, the housing 100 includes a front housing part 100a and a rear housing part 100b, the front housing part 100a including the front side 130 of the housing 100, and the rear housing part 100b including the rear side 140 of the housing 100. The track lighting device 10 includes an aluminum heat sink body 50 arranged to cool the LEDs. The heat sink body 50 includes a top 51, which forms a part of the top side 150 of the housing 100. The heat sink body 50 also includes a protrusion 52 extending from the top 51 into the housing 100 to couple the housing parts 100a, 100b by arranging (particularly in a sliding manner) the protrusion 52 into a corresponding groove 101a, 101b formed inside the respective housing parts 100a, 100b. The housing 100 can be disassembled by moving the protrusion 52 out of the groove 101a, 101b.

[0060] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A side view and a top view are shown, respectively, of two consecutive track lighting devices 10a, 10b, which are part of an array of track lighting devices attached at intervals along the track 3. In order to evenly illuminate the path along the track 3, the lighting distributions L provided by each lighting device 10a, 10b respectively overlap partially. The male connector 30a of the track lighting device 10a in the array is arranged opposite the female connector 40b of the consecutive track lighting device 10b in the array, for interconnecting the connectors 30a, 40b (e.g., by a power cord (not shown)), thereby electrically connecting the lighting devices 10a, 10b in the array in series. The connectors (not shown) at both ends of the array are arranged to be connected to a power source (not shown).

[0061] In order to obtain Figure 1 As shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 In conjunction with the elliptical light distribution L of the example, each hole 131, 141 is provided with an optical element 60 (eg Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), for generating an asymmetric light distribution L. The optical element 60 may be as follows Figure 8 The non-imaging Fresnel lens shown. Lens 60 is designed to produce an asymmetric light distribution, such as Fig. 9 The light distribution diagram is shown in FIG. , wherein the horizontal light distribution (indicated by the continuous curve) is wider than the vertical light distribution (indicated by the dotted curve).

[0062] Figure 10A-10E and Fig.11 An alternative embodiment of a track lighting device 10 is disclosed. The lighting device 10 comprises a housing 100 arranged to be attached to a track 3 of a railway track 2, such as Figure 1 The side surface 110 of the housing 100 is provided with a groove 111, and the mounting bracket can be received in the groove 111 as described above. The bottom 120 of the housing 100 is provided with a filling port 121 for filling the housing 100 with resin.

[0063] The front side 130 and the rear side 140 of the housing 100 are respectively provided with holes 131 and 141. Figures 2 to 5 In the embodiment shown, the holes 131, 141 are oriented slightly away from the track 3 when viewed in a horizontal plane, as further described below. The lighting device 10 also includes two LEDs 70 and electrical connectors 30, 40, the two LEDs 70 being disposed in the housing 100 and being associated with the two holes 131, 141, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.10E As shown, the electrical connectors 30, 40 are electrically connected to the LEDs 70. Each LED 70 is arranged to emit a light beam. Each aperture 131, 141 is provided with an optical element 60 arranged to receive the light beam emitted by the corresponding LED 70 and emit a divergent light beam.

[0064] Fig.10E 1 shows a top view of a horizontal cross section of the lighting device 10. The optical element 60 is arranged to direct the light beam towards divergent directions, including the lighting directions D1, D2 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track 3. The optical axis A of the optical element 60 extends at an angle of 30 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the track 3. As such, the optical axis A extends at an acute angle α to the lighting directions D1, D2 and away from the track 3 when viewed along the lighting directions D1, D2. In a preferred embodiment, the optical axis A extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the track 3.

[0065] exist Fig.11, the track lighting device 10 is shown in an exploded view. The housing 100 includes a front housing part 100a and a rear housing part 100b, the front housing part 100a including the front side 130 of the housing 100, and the rear housing part 100b including the rear side 140 of the housing 100. The track lighting device 10 includes an aluminum heat sink body 50 arranged to cool the LEDs 70. The heat sink body 50 includes a body portion 51, which forms part of the side 160 of the housing 100 facing the track 3 when the housing 100 is attached to the track 3. The heat sink body 50 also includes a notched protrusion 52 extending from the body portion 51 into the housing 100. Respective flanges 101a, 101b are formed inside the respective housing parts 100a, 100b to couple the housing parts 100a, 100b by sliding the flanges 101a, 101b into the notches 53 of the protrusion 52.

[0066] Figure 12A-12E Another embodiment of a track lighting device 10 is disclosed. The lighting device 10 comprises an integral housing 100 arranged to be attached to a track 3 of a railway track 2, such as Figure 1 The front side 130 and the rear side 140 of the housing 100 are provided with holes 131, 141, respectively, which are oriented slightly away from the track 3 when viewed in a horizontal plane. Figure 10A-10E and the embodiments shown in 11.

[0067] Specifically, Fig.12D 1 shows a top view of a horizontal cross section of the lighting device 10. The lighting device 10 further comprises two LEDs 70 mounted on a printed circuit board 80 (or, alternatively, mounted on respective printed circuit boards). The LEDs 70 are disposed within the housing 100 and are associated with the two holes 131, 141, respectively. The electrical connectors 30, 40 of the lighting device 10 are electrically connected to the LEDs 70 via the printed circuit board 80. The track lighting device 10 further comprises an aluminum heat sink body 50 arranged to cool the LEDs 70 and the printed circuit board 80, which is attached (e.g., bonded) to the heat sink body 50. When the housing 100 is attached to the track 3, the heat sink body 50 does not form part of a side 160 of the housing 100 that faces the track 3 (e.g., Figure 10A-10E and Fig.11 ), but rather the insulation is provided by a 1-3 mm layer 161 of the housing 100 forming part of the side 160.

[0068] Figure 12A-12EThe track lighting device 10 shown is manufactured using insert molding. To this end, the heat sink body 50 is attached or clamped to the inner frame 90 of the lighting device 10, specifically, by arranging the protrusions 91 of the frame 90 into corresponding grooves 54 formed in the heat sink body 50 in a sliding manner. In addition, the electrical connectors 30, 40 are coupled to the frame 90, and the printed circuit board 80 supporting the LED 70 and the lens 60 is bonded to the heat sink body 50. The assembly of the track lighting device components (including the connectors 30, 40, the heat sink body 50, the lens 60, the LED 70 and the printed circuit board 80) all mounted on the frame 90 is inserted into the cavity of a two-part mold (not shown) for molding to manufacture the housing 100. Here, it is ensured that the lens 60 and the connectable parts of the electrical connectors 30, 40 are covered in the subsequent molding step, in which the molten material or resin is injected into the mold so that the lens 60 and the connectable parts of the electrical connectors 30, 40 are separated by the molten material. The molten material injected into the mold is injected onto the assembly to form a housing 100 surrounding the assembly. When the housing 100 is molded around the assembly and solidified, the track lighting device 10 is ejected from the mold, and the lens 60 and the connectors 30, 40 are not covered. As described herein, by covering the lens 60 and the connectors 30, 40 during the molding process, the housing 100 is provided with holes 131, 141 for the lens 60, and the connectors 30, 40 can be directly contacted and connected after molding.

[0069] Fig.13 Another embodiment of the track lighting device 10 is similar to Figure 12A-12E When the lighting device 10 is as shown in Figure 1 When mounted on the track 3 as shown, the optical axis of each optical element 60 extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the track 3 as viewed from a horizontal plane.

[0070] In addition, the holes 131, 141 (particularly the upper sections thereof) are defined by respective upper edges 132, 142, which are preferably part of the housing 100. The upper edges 132, 142 are configured or shaped to limit the vertical light distribution of the light beam emitted from the respective holes 131, 141. Specifically, the upper edges 132, 142 limit the upwardly directed portion of the respective light beam. In this way, the blinding of personnel can be further reduced. In this case, the upper edges 132, 142 form an overhang, thereby covering the upper half of the optical element 60.

[0071] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The top view and side view of the track lighting system 200 are schematically shown respectively. The track lighting system 200 includes a first array and a second array 210 of track lighting devices 10, and the track lighting devices 10 are attached to the track lighting devices 10 as shown in FIG. Figure 1 On the flat bottom track 3 of the railway track shown (in Figure 14A-14B 3 ) and are arranged to illuminate a pedestrian path 4 along the train tracks. Each track 3 has an I-shaped cross section. Each track lighting device 10 is attached to the web 3c of the track 3 and is arranged to emit a divergent light beam and provide an asymmetric light distribution L. In this way, the light beam is directed towards a divergent direction, including an illumination direction having a component parallel to the track 3.

[0072] The system 200 also includes a radar sensor 220 for each array 210 for detecting the presence of a person 5 beside the track 3. The radar sensor 220 is attached to the track 3 in a similar manner to the lighting device 10, and is arranged to transmit radio waves to be reflected by the person 5, receive the radio waves reflected by the person 5, and provide a presence detection signal based on the received radio waves. The radar sensor 220 is arranged to direct the transmitted radio waves away from the track 3 only to a detection area R located beside the track 3, wherein the detection area R has a width W of approximately 1.5 meters. R , and a length L of 2 meters R and height H R .

[0073] The track lighting system 200 further comprises a controller (not shown) arranged to control the lighting intensity of each array 210 based on the presence detection signal provided by each radar sensor 220 associated with that array 210. The controller controls the lighting devices 10 such that the lighting devices 10 are illuminated at full intensity when the presence detection signal indicates the presence of a person 5 beside the track 3, and are illuminated at 20% intensity when the presence detection signal does not indicate the presence of a person 5 beside the track 3. Separators 230 mounted between consecutive arrays of lighting devices 10 enable the lighting intensity of each array 210 to be controlled independently of the lighting intensity of another array. The controller is also arranged to reduce the lighting in one step after a predetermined delay time of 30 minutes from the moment the presence of a person 5 is no longer detected.

[0074] The track lighting system also includes a power supply 240, which is connected to the nearest lighting device 10 via a five-pin electrical connection line (not shown). Each pair of adjacent devices 10 is similarly connected to each other via a five-pin electrical connection cable. Similarly, each radar sensor 220 is electrically connected to an adjacent track lighting device 10. Advantageously, all components of the track lighting system 200 can be interconnected by the same type of cable. Four pins of such a five-pin cable then enable the lighting device 10 and the presence detector 220 to be electrically connected in parallel. The lighting device 10 can be controlled based on the presence detection signal via the fifth pin.

[0075] The drawings and the above description serve to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A track lighting device for providing lighting along a railway track, wherein: The lighting device comprises a housing and at least one light source, the housing being arranged to be attached to the track and being provided with at least one hole, the at least one light source being arranged in the housing and being arranged to emit a light beam; wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the light beam through the hole towards a lighting direction, wherein the lighting direction has a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track; wherein: The aperture is provided with an optical element arranged to receive the light beam and direct it towards a divergent direction; or The aperture has an optical axis which, viewed in a horizontal plane, extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction and which, viewed in the illumination direction, extends away from the track.

2. The track lighting device according to claim 1, wherein: The lighting device is arranged to direct the first light beam and the second light beam towards mutually opposite lighting directions parallel to the longitudinal direction.

3. The track lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light beam directed towards the illumination direction has an asymmetric light distribution, wherein a horizontal light distribution of the light beam is wider than a vertical light distribution of the light beam.

4. The track lighting device according to claim 3, wherein: The optical elements are arranged to produce the asymmetric light distribution.

5. A track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The optical element is a lens.

6. A track lighting arrangement according to any preceding claim, further comprising fastening means arranged to attach the housing to the track.

7. The track lighting device according to claim 6, wherein: The fastening arrangement comprises a mounting bracket arranged to connect the housing to the track, wherein the mounting bracket is arranged to couple with the track, wherein the mounting bracket is further arranged to engage with the housing.

8. A track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Also included is a heat sink body arranged to cool the at least one light source.

9. The track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein: The shell is integrally formed onto the at least one light source and any other components disposed in the shell by insert molding technology, so that the shell includes a solidified material, which at least partially covers the at least one light source and corresponding other components of the track lighting device disposed in the shell.

10. A track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Viewed from the lighting direction, the width of the housing is less than 4 centimeters, preferably less than 3 centimeters.

11. A track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The length of the housing is less than 40 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, more preferably less than 10 cm.

12. A track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Viewed from the lighting direction, the height of the housing is less than 20 centimeters, preferably less than 10 centimeters.

13. A track lighting system for providing lighting along a track of a railway track, wherein: The track lighting system comprises at least one track lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, and a presence detector for detecting the presence of a person beside the track; wherein the presence detector is arranged to provide a presence detection signal indicating the presence of a person beside the track, wherein the track lighting system is arranged to control the lighting intensity of the light source of the at least one lighting device to a first lighting intensity based on the presence detection signal when the presence detection signal indicates the presence of a person beside the track, and to control the lighting intensity of the light source of the at least one lighting device to a second lighting intensity when the presence detection signal does not indicate the presence of a person beside the track, wherein the first intensity exceeds the second intensity.

14. The track lighting system according to claim 13, wherein: The presence detector comprises a wave transmitter arranged to transmit electromagnetic waves to be reflected by a person, a wave receiver arranged to receive electromagnetic waves reflected by the person, and a processor connected to the wave receiver and arranged to provide the presence detection signal based on the received electromagnetic waves.

15. The track lighting system according to claim 14, wherein: The presence detector comprises a sensor housing arranged to be attached to the track, wherein the sensor housing is different from a housing of the track lighting arrangement, wherein the wave transmitter, the wave receiver and the processor are arranged in the sensor housing, wherein the presence detector is arranged to direct the emitted electromagnetic waves away from the track to a detection area beside the track, preferably only to the detection area.

16. The track lighting system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The electromagnetic waves are microwaves or radio waves.

17. The track lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 13-16, further comprising a power supply connected to the at least one lighting device and arranged to power a light source of the at least one lighting device, wherein The track lighting system is arranged to control power provided by the power supply to the light source in dependence on the presence detection signal.

18. A track lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 13 to 17, wherein: The second strength is in the range of 5% to 70%, preferably 10% to 50%, of the first strength.

19. The track lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 13-18, further comprising the track, the track having an I-shaped cross section, wherein: The housing of the lighting device is attached to the rail, wherein the head flange of the rail extends at least to the housing of the lighting device in the width direction.

20. A track lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 13 to 19, wherein: The lighting system comprises an array of track lighting devices according to any one of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein the lighting devices are arranged to be attached at intervals along the track.

21. A method for manufacturing a track lighting device for providing lighting along a track of a railway track, wherein: The lighting device comprises a housing and one or more components, wherein the housing is arranged to be attached to the track and is provided with at least one hole, the one or more components are arranged in the housing and comprise at least one light source, the at least one light source is arranged to emit a light beam, wherein the lighting device is arranged to direct the light beam through the hole towards a lighting direction; the method comprises the following steps: - providing a mold shaped to manufacture the housing of the track lighting device; - providing one or more components of the track lighting device in the mould; - injecting a liquid, such as a resin or a molten material, into the mold and onto the one or more components to form a shell surrounding the one or more components.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The step of providing the one or more components in the mold also includes: providing at least one removable cover in the mold at the position where the at least one hole is to be opened in the shell; wherein the method also includes the step of removing the at least one cover after injecting the liquid to form the at least one hole in the shell.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising the step of providing an inner frame of the track lighting device and mounting the one or more components on the inner frame before inserting the components into the mold, wherein: The step of providing one or more components in the mold includes inserting the components mounted on the inner frame into the mold.

Images