Signaling device for a light and light

Abstract

Signaling device (20) for emitting and / or receiving a signal light, comprising: • a light element (21) for emitting and / or receiving the signal light, and • a fastening element (10) for connecting to a fastening section (3) of a luminaire optic (2) for fastening the luminaire optic (2) to and / or from a component by means of the fastening element (10), wherein the fastening element (10) is designed such that light can pass through the fastening element (10), and wherein the light element (21) is positioned relative to the fastening element (10) in such a way as to emit and / or receive the signal light through the fastening element (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a signaling device for emitting and / or receiving a signal light. The invention further relates to a luminaire comprising the signaling device.

[0002] Signaling devices, for example in the form of function displays or indicator lamps, are particularly necessary for luminaires. These signaling devices should not be noticeable to the user when not in use, and should also not affect the light emission of the luminaire. Luminaire optics typically have integrated fastening areas (e.g. screw domes). LED modules are sometimes attached to these as the main light source, which then emit light through the luminaire optics. The signaling device is often arranged in the area of ​​or on the main light source in order to emit the signal light through the luminaire optics. The luminaire optics must therefore be structurally designed to suit the signaling device, which is complex and results in design and construction restrictions.It is also conceivable to provide a separate signaling device, which is then usually placed to the side of the main light source and often also to the side of the luminaire optics, which leads to an enlargement of the luminaire.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to create solutions for equipping or retrofitting a luminaire with a signaling device, or for providing such a luminaire therewith, in particular wherein the luminaire's design is influenced little to no way by the signaling device. The aim is to propose a simple retrofit solution for the signaling device in existing luminaires. In particular, a technically and economically improved signaling device and luminaire are to be provided. In particular, the disadvantages of previously known solutions are to be avoided or at least substantially reduced.

[0004] A signaling device is proposed for emitting and / or receiving a signal light, for example, from a lamp. The signaling device comprises: a light element for emitting and / or receiving the signal light, and a fastening element for connecting to a fastening section of a luminaire optic for fastening the luminaire optic to and / or from a component by means of the fastening element, wherein the fastening element is designed such that light can pass through the fastening element, and the light element is positioned relative to the fastening element in such a way as to emit and / or receive the signal light through the fastening element.

[0005] In other words, for example, a device is proposed which - for example in connection with a light - can emit and / or receive a signal light. The device has a means for generating or emitting or receiving or receiving the signal light. Furthermore, the device has a fastening means or fastening part which can be attached to the light optics, the light, a component or the like or which can be used to attach something - preferably to the aforementioned. For example, the fastening means can be a connecting means of a light that connects parts of the light to one another. In particular, the fastening means is designed such that it can transmit or conduct light or signal light. In particular, the said means is positioned such that it can emit or receive light or signal light through the fastening means.

[0006] Advantageously, the complexity of the design is reduced when the signaling device according to the invention is used in a luminaire. This is because the luminaire can be equipped with a signaling function via the fastening element without the luminaire itself having to be significantly redesigned. For example, the signaling function can be achieved via a screw connection, in particular on the rear, which engages with the luminaire optics. For this purpose, the screw connection only needs to be designed to be permeable to the signal light and, if necessary, to transmit the signal light between the luminaire optics and the screw connection. This ensures that the luminaire optics are hardly or not at all influenced in terms of design by the provision of the signaling device. Recessed areas in the luminaire optics are avoided, and the luminaire can be designed more compactly despite the signaling device. The light emission behavior of the luminaire is less affected despite the signaling device.

[0007] The luminaire optics do not need to be modified to use the signal light source. This allows the appearance of the luminaire optics to be preserved. There is no need to plan for a separate optical component for signaling, which supports the uniform appearance of the luminaire. The number of luminaire optics remains small. The light source of the luminaire does not need to be modified. The signal function can be retrofitted into existing luminaire concepts. An electrical connection between the light source and signal source is not necessarily required, which requires better electrical separation / isolation and safety of the design, as well as their independent maintenance or provision.

[0008] The luminaire, or a luminaire suitable for the signaling device, or a luminaire equipped with the signaling device, is typically intended for illumination. The luminaire can be designed for floor, wall, or ceiling mounting. The luminaire can be designed for free-standing use. The luminaire can be a pendant luminaire, a surface-mounted luminaire, a recessed luminaire, a floor-standing luminaire, and the like. In principle, the signaling device can be used in any luminaire.

[0009] The luminaire optics is generally understood to be a component of a luminaire with which light is coupled out from a light source of the luminaire for emission. The light is preferably emitted via a light emission section; e.g. in the form of a light transmission optic or a light guide (e.g. light guide plate). The luminaire optics or the light emission section can physically define the luminaire at the front. However, another optical element can also be connected downstream of the luminaire optics. The luminaire's light source is usually arranged at the rear or in the rear area, usually enclosed. In edge applications and / or when using light guides (e.g. via a light guide plate), the light source can also be arranged anywhere else in the luminaire. In particular, the light source is arranged to couple light into the luminaire optics.The luminaire optics can comprise a light-guiding means, a lens, a light guide, light output regions, or the like. The luminaire optics can be formed in one piece or monolithically, preferably from plastic, in particular as an injection-molded part, or also from glass or another transparent and / or translucent material. Multi-part luminaire optics—for example, in a layered structure—are also conceivable. The fastening section is usually part of the luminaire optics and is provided or designed in particular for at least indirectly fastening the luminaire optics to a component, e.g., luminaire housing, and / or to a component, e.g., light source.

[0010] The light source typically comprises LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and / or an LED module; for example, it can be designed as an LED module and / or light engine. These are characterized by their compact size, long service life, and low energy consumption. The light source is intended, in particular, to generate light. The light source can comprise a circuit board and / or control electronics on / in which the LEDs are mounted. The light source can be designed for communication, in particular wireless and / or wired, with the signaling device, in particular to emit and / or control the signal light.

[0011] It can be provided that the light element has or is a light sensor and / or a signal light source. The light element can receive or detect light, e.g., the signal light, using the light sensor. The light element can emit or generate light, in particular the signal light, using the signal light source.

[0012] The signal light source may include an LED to generate the signal light. An LED can provide the signal light in a compact and energy-efficient manner.

[0013] The light element can be provided with a light guide. The light guide can optically connect the light sensor and / or the signal light source to the fastening element, in particular for emitting and / or receiving the signal light. The light sensor or the signal light source can be indirectly optically connected to the fastening element by means of the light guide, for example, to be spatially spaced from it. The light guide can also distribute the signal light to multiple destinations, for example, to multiple light optic sections of a luminaire or to multiple luminaires.

[0014] The fastening element can be provided with a signal light coupling optic, for example, a dome and / or lens, for emitting and / or receiving the signal light. Thus, the emission or reception of the light can be defined and preferably broadly emitted from a single point or broadly detected toward that point.

[0015] It can be provided that the fastening element is transparent and / or translucent and / or hollow, at least in sections and / or in part. The fastening element can preferably be made, at least in sections and / or in part, from plastic, for example polymethyl methacrylate or polyamide, such as nylon. In particular, the fastening element is designed, manufactured or provided in such a way that, as described, light can pass through the fastening element. Depending on the type of material and the light transmission properties, a defined passage of the light can be enabled in this way. The plastic suitable for the light or signal light can be provided as the fastening element, at least in sections or in part.

[0016] The fastening element can be provided with or be a screw, a rivet, an expanding rivet, a spacer, and / or a pin. This allows for the use of different and often familiar fastening means, which also facilitates, for example, retrofitting. The screw can be made of plastic. In the case of the expanding rivet, for example, at least one expanding rivet pin can be made of plastic. Accordingly, the signal light can be transmitted effectively via the fastening element designed in this way without significantly affecting the design of the light itself or requiring a different design.

[0017] It can be provided that the fastening element has a receptacle for at least partially receiving and / or inserting the light element. The receptacle can be provided, arranged and / or to be arranged on the back of the fastening element. For example, the signaling device can be inserted into the receptacle, in particular held by the receptacle. The receptacle can have a recess. The receptacle can be formed by a passage of the fastening element. The light element can be connected to the fastening element via its receptacle, preferably by means of a frictional connection and / or a positive connection and / or a material connection. In this way, any desired and simple fastening option for the components of the signaling device can be created, which preferably does not require any additional components. This also improves the handling of the signaling device and preferably enables a defined alignment of its components.

[0018] Furthermore, a luminaire is proposed. The luminaire has the following features: a luminaire optic with a fastening section for attachment to and / or from a component, a light source for radiating through the luminaire optics, and the signaling device, whereby the fastening element is connected to the fastening section for fastening the luminaire optics to and / or from a component, so that the signal light can be emitted and / or received via the fastening element and the fastening section.

[0019] In other words, for example, a luminaire is proposed which is provided with the signaling device. The luminaire has a luminaire optic for emitting light. The luminaire optic has a fastening segment or a fastening region in the form of the fastening section, which can consist of an "optical" material; thus can be permeable to light. The fastening section is provided for fastening the luminaire to a (component) part or for fastening a (component) part of the luminaire thereto. Furthermore, a light source for generating light, e.g. an LED module or a light engine, is provided which can emit light through the luminaire optic. The fastening element is connected to the fastening section in order to fasten the luminaire optic to the part or to fasten the part thereto. The part can be an integral part of the luminaire itself.The signal light can be emitted and / or received from the signaling device via the fastening element and the fastening section.

[0020] The signaling device can be arranged in such a way that the signal light can be emitted and / or received via a light-emitting section of the luminaire optics, which serves to emit the light source; thus, via the fastening element and the fastening section and the light-emitting section. The signaling device can thus preferably utilize the fastening section, which is often required from a structural perspective and is usually made of a transparent and / or translucent material such as plastic or glass, without modification.

[0021] It can be provided that the fastening section is a screw dome and / or is intended for inserting the fastening element. The fastening section can be a projection of the luminaire optics. Multiple fastening sections can be provided, for example two or more. The fastening section can have a thread, in particular an internal thread. The fastening element can be fixed in the fastening section in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, for example by screwing in and / or inserting and / or clipping in. The fastening section can be formed monolithically with the luminaire optics. The luminaire optics can be an injection-molded part, at least in sections. In this respect, conventional fastening sections can preferably be used. This can also be advantageous for retrofitting a luminaire with the signaling device, since already existing structural elements are used.

[0022] If the signaling device has the above-described signal light coupling optics, they can face the fastening section when the fastening element is connected to the fastening section. In particular, the signal light coupling optics can then preferably be aligned facing the fastening section and / or configured to correspond to it, for example, by being in surface contact with it. This allows a defined and effective light emission to be achieved.

[0023] The luminaire can be provided with a luminaire housing that accommodates the light source. This allows the luminaire to be protected and provided in a stable manner as required. In addition, a luminaire housing offers an easy way to connect the luminaire components. The light source can be arranged between the luminaire housing and the luminaire optics. The light source can be secured relative to the luminaire optics using a fastening element. The housing can be secured relative to the luminaire optics using a fastening element. In other words, the fastening element can be a connecting means with which the luminaire is assembled, for example where the connecting means is accessible from the rear and / or protrudes to a fastening section or fastening dome of the luminaire optics.

[0024] It can be provided that the component is the luminaire housing of the luminaire, in particular to which the luminaire optics are preferably attached, at least in sections, with the fastening element. This allows the function of the signaling device to be implemented in a space-saving manner. The luminaire housing can be made, at least in sections, of metal and / or plastic. The luminaire housing can be coated, for example, painted. The luminaire housing can be or be an injection-molded part and / or a stamped and bent part.

[0025] It can be provided that the component is the light source, in particular that the light source is preferably attached to the luminaire optics at least in sections by means of the fastening element. This allows the luminaire and its light sources to be designed as compactly as possible.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the component is formed by the arrangement of a luminaire housing and a light source, in particular wherein the arrangement can be or is fastened to the luminaire optics by means of the fastening element.

[0027] It is further proposed to use the signaling device or the light to signal a light status. The signaling device can therefore be designed to signal a light status. The light status can contain information about an operating state of the light. It is further proposed to use the signaling device or the light to measure the ambient light intensity, e.g., by receiving ambient light or light from the light element. The signaling device can therefore be designed to measure the ambient light intensity.

[0028] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a luminaire with a signaling device in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 2 a second luminaire in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 3 a third luminaire in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 4 a luminaire optics of a luminaire in a perspective rear view, Fig. 5 the luminaire optics Fig. 4 in a front view, and Fig. 6 Two fastening elements of a signaling device in perspective view.

[0029] In Fig. 1-3, a luminaire 1 according to the invention with a luminaire optics 2 and a light source 4 (e.g., a light engine), here with an LED module 5, is shown in sections and schematically. The light source 4 can have a carrier 8; this can, for example, be formed by a luminaire housing of the luminaire 1. The light of the light source 4 is preferably emitted by a light-emitting section 2a of the luminaire optics 2. The luminaire 1 further has a signaling device 20, which forms an independent part of the present invention. The signaling device 20 is designed or provided for emitting and receiving a light or signal light at the luminaire 1. In each of the Fig. In the luminaires 1 shown in Figures 1-3, a component—here the light source 4—is connected to or fastened to the luminaire optics 2 via a fastening element 10 of the signaling device 20. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the luminaire optics 2 to be connected to or fastened to a component—for example, a luminaire housing 8 of the luminaire 1 accommodating the light source 4 and preferably also the luminaire optics 2—via the fastening element 10 of the signaling device 20. The fastening element 10 is designed in such a way that light or the signal light can pass through the fastening element 10.

[0030] The signaling device 20 can be used, for example, to determine an ambient light intensity and / or to display a luminaire status of the respective luminaire 1.

[0031] On a front side 7, i.e., in front of the luminaire optics 2, in addition to the light generated conventionally by the light source 4, the signal light coming from the signaling device 20 can be emitted, and light can also be coupled to the signaling device 20. On a rear side 8, i.e., behind the luminaire optics 2 or the light source 4, the signaling device 20 can essentially be arranged.

[0032] The signaling device 20 has in the embodiments of the Fig. 1-3, a light element 21 for emitting and / or receiving the signal light. The light element 21 can, for example, have a light sensor 22 for receiving a signal light or a signal light source 23—e.g., an LED-based one—for emitting a signal light.

[0033] It is preferred to have a signal light coupling optic 12, more preferably with a curvature (cf. Fig. 1) is provided to emit or receive the signal light.

[0034] In the embodiments, the signaling device 20 is received or inserted into an optional receptacle 14 of the fastening element 10 and thus faces the fastening element 10. Thus, the light element 21 is positioned relative to the fastening element 10 in such a way as to emit or receive the signal light through the fastening element 10 and, in this case, preferably via the light-emitting section 2a of the luminaire optics 2.

[0035] The luminaire 1 has the preferably injection-molded luminaire optics 2 here with one or more monolithic and molded-on mounting sections 3 as projections, of which one mounting section 3 is visible. Using the mounting section 3, which here is a screw dome, the light source 4 is attached to the luminaire optics 2. Here, the signaling device 20 is used, which in the present case with regard to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and 3 are presented in three different versions.

[0036] In Fig. 1, the fastening element 10 of the signaling device 20 is inserted into the screw dome. In the present case, for example, in the luminaire 1, a conventional screw connection for connecting the luminaire optics 2 within the luminaire 1, for example using a screw, has been replaced by the signaling device 20. Fig. 1 shows in particular a solution that is suitable for retrofitting.

[0037] In Fig. 1, the fastening element 10 is screwed into an internal thread of the screw dome via an external thread of the fastening element 10. The external thread can be self-tapping. In this case, the fastening element 10 has a collar or a head that rests on the light source 4 (e.g., on a circuit board and / or a heat sink, etc. thereof) on a rear side 6 in order to connect the light source 4 and the light source 4 to the luminaire optics 2.

[0038] In Fig. 1, the fastening element 10 is inserted into the fastening section 3, so that a signal light can be emitted or received via the fastening element 10 and the fastening section. In this case, the fastening element 10, like the luminaire optics 2, is designed to be transparent, for example.

[0039] In Fig. 1, the light element 21 can receive or emit light in the direction of the fastening element 10 via a light guide 24. Here, the light element 21 is optically connected to the fastening element 10 via the light guide 24 of the light element 21.

[0040] In particular, the fastening element 10 in Fig. 1 is a transparent screw with a receptacle 14, for example, for the signal light source 23 or LED and / or the light sensor 22 or the light guide 24. In particular, the screw has a tip that serves as a signal light coupling optic 12. In particular, light from the light guide 24 or the signal light source 23 is guided through the screw and the screw dome to the luminaire optic 2 and can exit there; here, for example, via the light emission section 2a. Alternatively or additionally, the light sensor 22 can detect external light through the screw - if necessary - via the light guide 24. The screw can also be translucent. Instead of the screw, a particularly translucent sleeve, e.g. a spacer as in Fig. 6, should be provided.

[0041] With a view to Fig. 2, the fastening element 10 is screwed into the screw dome via an external thread of the fastening element 10. The fastening element 10 has a collar or a head that rests against the light source 4 on the rear side 6 in order to connect it to the luminaire optics 2.

[0042] In Fig. 2, the fastening element 10 is hollow so that the signal light can pass through the fastening element 10 to the luminaire optics 3. The fastening element 10 has, in particular, a passage 16 that is preferably substantially cylindrical and / or leads to the fastening section 3. In Fig. 2, the light element 21 can receive or emit light directly in the direction of the fastening element 10, more precisely in the direction of the passage 16. The light element 21 is here optically connected directly to the fastening element 10.

[0043] In particular, the fastening element 10 in Fig. 2 is a hollow screw with a receptacle 14, for example, for a signal light source 23 or LED and / or a light sensor 22 or a light guide 24. A highly focused light source, such as an LED or a laser diode, is particularly suitable as the signal light source 23. In particular, light from the signal light source 23 is guided through the passage 16 or a hole or through-bore in the fastening element 10 to the luminaire optics 2.

[0044] With a view to Fig. 3, the fastening element 10 is an expanding rivet with an expanding rivet body 17 and an expanding rivet pin 18. The expanding rivet body 17 has a collar or a head which rests on the rear side 6 of the light source 4 - here preferably via the support 8 of the same or the luminaire housing 8 - in order to connect it to or on the luminaire optics 2.

[0045] The expanding rivet pin 18, which is inserted into the expanding rivet body 17, is transparent or translucent, e.g., made of nylon. The signaling device 20 is optically connected, in particular directly, to the expanding rivet pin 18 in order to couple in and / or receive light.

[0046] In particular, the fastening element 10 in Fig. 3 is an expanding rivet with a transparent and / or translucent pin. The pin can expand the rivet into the fastening section 3 or screw dome or dome and serves in particular as a light guide between the signal light device 20 and the light optics 2.

[0047] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of a luminaire optics 2 as a component of a luminaire 1 and a fastening element 10 of a signaling device 20, which fastening element 10 is inserted into the luminaire optics 2, on the rear side 6. The fastening element 10 is screwed into a fastening section 3 of the luminaire optics 2 and has a receptacle 14 for a light element (not shown) of the signaling device 20. Because the fastening element 10 is optically connected to the luminaire optics 2 by the screw connection, a signal light can be transmitted that is visible from a front side or from a side used for illumination in practice. Not shown here are the light element, light guide, light sensor, and signal light source of the signaling device 20. The luminaire 1 is also shown without a luminaire housing and without a light source.

[0048] In Fig. 5 is the lamp 1 of the Fig. 4 from the front side 7, wherein the signaling device 20 emits a signal light which is recognizable from the front side by being emitted by the light optics 2.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of two similar fastening elements 10 of a signaling device 20, which can be screwed into a fastening section (not shown) of a luminaire's optics by means of an external thread. For example, a light element 21 can be inserted into a receptacle 14 of the fastening elements 10. The receptacle 14 can have an internal thread. For example, the fastening element 10 is a spacer. List of reference symbols 1 light 2 luminaire optics 3 Fastening section 4 Light source 5 LED modules 6 Back 7 Front 8 supports / luminaire housing 10 Fastening element 12 Signal light coupling optics 14 recording 16 passage 17 expanding rivet bodies 18 expanding rivet pin 20 Signaling device 21 light element 22 Light sensor 23 Signal light source 24 light guides

Claims

[1] Signaling device (20) for emitting and / or receiving a signal light, comprising: • a light element (21) for emitting and / or receiving the signal light, and • a fastening element (10) for connecting to a fastening section (3) of a luminaire optics (2) for fastening the luminaire optics (2) to and / or from a component by means of the fastening element (10), wherein the fastening element (10) is designed such that light can pass through the fastening element (10), and wherein the light element (21) is positioned relative to the fastening element (10) in such a way as to emit and / or receive the signal light through the fastening element (10). [2] Signaling device (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the light element (21) comprises or is a light sensor (22) and / or a signal light source (23). [3] Signaling device (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the signal light source (23) comprises an LED for generating the signal light. [4] Signaling device (20) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the light element (21) has a light guide (24) which optically connects the light sensor (22) and / or the signal light source (23) to the fastening element (10) for emitting and / or receiving the signal light. [5] Signaling device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (10) has a signal light coupling optic (12), for example a curvature and / or lens, in order to emit and / or receive the signal light. [6] Signaling device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (10) is at least partially and / or partially transparent and / or translucent and / or hollow so that light can pass through the fastening element (10), and / or is made of plastic, for example polymethyl methacrylate or polyamide, such as nylon. [7] Signaling device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (10) comprises or is a screw, a rivet, an expanding rivet, a spacer and / or a pin. [8] Signaling device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (10) has a receptacle (14) for at least partially receiving and / or inserting the light element (21), preferably wherein the receptacle (14) is provided on the rear side of the fastening element (10). [9] Lamp (1), comprising • a luminaire optic (2) with a fastening section (3) for fastening to and / or from a component, • a light source (4) for radiating through the luminaire optics (2), and • a signaling device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (10) is connected to the fastening section (3) for fastening the luminaire optics (2) to and / or from a component, so that the signal light can be emitted and / or received via the fastening element (10) and the fastening section (3). [10] Luminaire (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the signaling device (20) is arranged such that the signal light can be emitted and / or received via a light emitting section (2a) of the luminaire optics (2) for emitting the light source (4). [11] Luminaire (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the fastening section (3) is a screw dome and / or is provided for introducing the fastening element (10). [12] Luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11 and comprising the signaling device (20) according to claim 5, wherein the signal light coupling optics (12) of the fastening element (10) connected to the fastening section (3) faces the fastening section (3). [13] Luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, comprising a luminaire housing (8) accommodating the light source (4). [14] Luminaire (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the component is the luminaire housing (8) of the luminaire (1), to which the luminaire optics (2) is fastened by the fastening element (10). [15] Luminaire (1) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 14, wherein the component is the light source (4) which is fastened to the luminaire optics (2) by means of the fastening element (10).

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