Alerting device

Abstract

A warning device (100, 212, 301, 302, 510) for use in a luminaire (201, 410, 501) comprises a housing (110, 210, 310) containing a driver module (115, 215, 401, 402, 520) arranged to be coupled to the luminaire and to a mains voltage (260, 560). The driver 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 driver module and the mains voltage to a lighting element (530) of the luminaire. The housing comprises a cover (130, 230, 330) operably coupled to the switch of the driver module and configured to activate the switch when the cover is open for turning on the light source when a current of the mains voltage passes in the electrical interface and to deactivate the switch module when the cover is closed for turning off the light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alarm device for use in a lighting fixture or lighting device. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of luminaires and lighting fixtures have attracted and continue to attract attention. Interest in luminaires stems in part from their aesthetic appearance, adaptability to a wide range of applications, light distribution characteristics, and ability to emit and guide light without discomfort or glare.

[0003] In particular, in addition to standard wall interrupters or dimmers, there is current interest in applications implemented via software for the remote control of lighting fixtures and lighting devices. This software-based control of lighting allows for precise control of the lighting elements of the fixture and also provides a variety of lighting effects that appeal to users of such devices.

[0004] However, the operation of current luminaires and lighting fixtures, such as those related to the replacement of light sources, the assembly and disassembly of lighting installations, often requires users to interact with electrical connections. This can create a risk of electric shock or discharge, potentially leading to harmful situations for the user. The occurrence of such harmful situations may be further increased with the software-based control of luminaires and lighting fixtures, as they can be shut off without interaction with standard wall interrupters or dimmers.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to attempt to overcome at least some of the deficiencies in the security of the manipulation of electrical connections of current lighting fixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is interesting to overcome at least some of the shortcomings of current lighting fixtures or lighting devices in order to improve the safety of use and reduce unwanted electric shocks to users.

[0007] This and other objectives are achieved by providing an alarm device having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the invention, an alarm device for use in a lighting device is provided. The alarm device includes a housing housing a drive module arranged to be coupled to a luminaire and a mains voltage, wherein the drive module includes a light source coupled to a switch. The housing also houses an electrical interface configured to electrically connect the drive module and the mains voltage to a lighting element of the luminaire. The housing includes a cover operably connected to a switch of the drive module. The cover is configured to activate the switch of the drive module when the cover is open, for turning on the light source when current of the mains voltage passes through the electrical interface, and to deactivate the switch of the drive module when the cover is closed, for turning off the light source. Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the invention, a luminaire is provided, comprising at least one lighting element, a luminaire drive unit electrically coupled to the at least one lighting element, and an alarm device coupled to the luminaire drive unit. The alarm device is further configured to emit an alarm light signal when the cover of the alarm device is opened, the alarm light signal indicating to a user the current in the luminaire. Furthermore, according to a third aspect, a lighting device is provided, comprising a lighting device and an AC voltage for supplying power to at least one lighting element.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing an alarm device used alone in a luminaire or as part of a luminaire assembly. This alarm device is capable of emitting an alarm signal via its (multiple) light sources to prompt the user to turn off the power to the luminaire (e.g., via the luminaire's wall interruptor and / or dimmer) and thus ensures that no potentially harmful voltage or current exists in the luminaire before further movement is made by its operation. Therefore, the alarm device of this aspect is based on the idea of ​​implementing an intermediate device through which all wiring operations related to, for example, the installation / removal of the luminaire, replacement of the luminaire's lighting elements, etc., must be performed, so that the user is continuously affected by the alarm signal while the luminaire is still subject to current.

[0010] An advantage of this invention is that the housing of the alarm device can be arranged to facilitate user access. For example, the housing can be fixed to a wall near the luminaire or lighting device, or to the luminaire or lighting device itself, allowing easy access for the user. The housing also allows components such as the drive module, electrical interface, and / or cover to be adequately housed therein without requiring bulky dimensions or dimensions that would affect the aesthetics of the luminaire or lighting device. It should be understood that the electrical coupling from the drive module to the luminaire and to the mains voltage allows the luminaire or lighting device to remain functional in the event of a drive module failure. It should also be understood that the electrical coupling defined above can be parallel or series coupling. Furthermore, the switch included in the drive module allows current to flow from the cover to the light source via its activation, resulting in an alarm light signal emitted by (multiple) light sources, alerting the user to a potentially harmful situation. It is also conceivable that the alarm signal can be represented by different types of signals, such as, but not limited to, audible signals (e.g., alarms) or combinations of sound and light.

[0011] Another advantage of the invention is that the cover included in the housing of the alarm device is arranged to be connected to the housing via a first connecting mechanism (such as, but not limited to, a hinge). The cover can rotate about an axis of the first connecting mechanism, resulting in the possibility that the cover can reach a closed position above the surface of the housing housing housing the drive module and the electrical interface. Another advantage of the closed position of the cover is that it allows the deactivation of the switch coupled to the light source, which will be discussed in more detail in subsequent embodiments. The arrangement or attachment of the cover relative to the rest of the housing (e.g., via the first connecting mechanism) also allows the cover to be rotatably switched from the closed position to the open position.

[0012] Another advantage of this invention is that the electrical interface allows the drive module to be electrically connected to the mains voltage, and also allows the mains voltage to be connected to the lighting element of the illuminator or lighting device. This invention allows the cover to activate the switch when it is switched from a closed position to an open position. In turn, this allows current to reach the light source while the illuminator or lighting device remains active (e.g., the illuminator wall interruptor or dimmer is still active, the illuminator is only turned off via software, etc.). In other words, if current still flows through the illuminator when the cover is opened, the light source of the alarm device will emit an alarm light signal to the user, thus providing an indication not to perform any operation on the electrical interface or circuitry of the drive module. It should also be understood that operation of the electrical interface or circuitry of the drive module can be performed when the cover is switched to the open position and the light source does not emit an alarm light signal. This invention also allows the switch, and therefore the light source, to be deactivated when the cover is switched to the closed position.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical interface may include a plurality of wire connectors, wherein at least one of the wire connectors may be configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the drive module. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows for several different electrical connection configurations and allows current to be supplied to the drive module, thereby representing the power supply to the drive module and the power supply to the illuminator or illuminator device. Another advantage of the plurality of wire connectors in the electrical interface is that it represents an intermediate electrical connection joint between the mains voltage, the illuminator or illuminator device, and the drive module, ensuring that user manipulation of the connection wiring can only be performed via an alarm device. Another advantage of this embodiment is that at least one wire connector configured to connect the mains voltage to the drive module allows the load and / or neutral line to be electrically connected from the mains voltage to the drive module. It is also conceivable that the electrical connection of the load and / or the neutral line of the mains voltage to the illuminator or illuminator device is accomplished via the drive module. In other words, at least one wire connector allows the mains voltage to be electrically connected to the drive module, which in turn connects the mains voltage to the illuminator or illuminator device by means of subsequent wiring. Another advantage of including multiple wire connectors in the electrical interface is that these connectors allow all wires from the mains voltage to have their connections within the alarm device's housing. Therefore, this obligates the user to move the cover to the open position before performing any wiring manipulation, thereby activating the drive module's switch and triggering an alarm light warning.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one of a plurality of wire connectors is configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the lighting element of the luminaire. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the mains voltage to be grounded and connected to the luminaire or lighting fixture without interaction with the drive module. The aforementioned connection of at least one wire connector also allows for avoiding unnecessary electrical connections and additional wiring that would clutter the drive module and housing.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wire connectors for the switch and electrical interface are arranged to extend through the housing. It should be understood that the switch and wire connectors are accessible via surface protrusions of the housing housing housing the drive module and electrical interface, or at least via the surface of the housing housing housing the drive module and electrical interface. In other words, the switch and wire connectors are visible and physically accessible via the surface of the housing covered by a cover in the closed position. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the switch to be activated and deactivated by the cover, and also allows the wire connectors to be manipulated by the user when the cover is in the open position. Another advantage of this embodiment is that it allows other components of the drive module housed in the housing (e.g., the drive module's circuitry, light source, etc.) and the electrical interface to remain protected by the surface of the housing.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover in the closed position is arranged to cover the housing. In other words, in the closed position, the cover is arranged to cover the entire surface of the housing housing that accommodates the drive module and the electrical interface. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the cover to cover the switch and multiple wire connectors extending through the surface of the housing, resulting in the cover's ability to activate the switch in the open position and deactivate the switch in the closed position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover in the closed position can also be configured to insulate the multiple wire connectors of the switch and electrical interface from the surrounding environment. An advantage of this embodiment is that the cover in the closed position provides surface insulation for the housing containing the drive module and electrical interface. Therefore, this minimizes damage caused by factors such as temperature, hazardous environments, and liquid penetration. The insulation function provided by the cover further increases the durability of the alarm device's drive module and electrical interface, and protects the user from potentially harmful electric shocks caused by incorrect connections at the multiple wire connectors.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the switch may be a spring-loaded switch comprising at least one spring element, wherein the spring-loaded switch may be configured to be deactivated when the at least one spring element is compressed and activated when the at least one spring element is released. The term "spring-loaded switch" herein refers to a pressure switch that remains normally open or normally closed by means of the elasticity of at least one spring element. In other words, the spring-loaded switch can be activated when the compressive force applied to the switch is greater than the force exerted in the opposite direction by the elasticity of the spring element(s). Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the cover to activate the spring-loaded switch by releasing one or more of its spring elements when transitioning from a closed position to an open position. Similarly, this embodiment allows the cover to deactivate the spring-loaded switch by compressing at least one of its spring elements when transitioning from an open position to a closed position. Another advantage of this embodiment is that the spring-loaded switch provides durability of its function in the drive module over a considerable number of activation / deactivation cycles.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the switch can be a normally open switch. The term "normally open switch" here refers to a switch that, under normal conditions, opens or closes a circuit to prevent current circulation. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that the normally open switch can be coupled in parallel to the light source of the drive module, such that in its normally open position, current can reach the light source of the drive module, resulting in an alarm light signal indicating the current to the user. Another advantage of this embodiment is that, in its closed position, the normally open switch connects or closes the parallel portion of the drive module's circuitry, resulting in bypassing the light source of the drive module connected in parallel with the normally open switch. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that when the cover in the closed position compresses the normally open switch, it allows current to bypass the light source, thereby preventing the light source from emitting a light signal. Similarly, an advantage of this embodiment is that when the cover is switched to the open position, the normally open switch opens or closes the parallel portion of the drive module's circuitry, allowing current to reach the light source of the drive module if present.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switch can be a normally closed switch. The term "normally closed switch" refers herein to a switch that connects or closes the circuit in a normal or closed state. An advantage of this embodiment is that the normally closed switch can be coupled in series with the light source of the drive module, such that in its normally closed state, current can reach the light source of the drive module, causing the current to be indicated to the user via an alarm light signal. Therefore, an advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the switch to turn off or disconnect the circuit of the drive module when the normally closed switch is compressed by a cover in the closed position, thereby preventing the light source from emitting a light signal. Similarly, an advantage of this embodiment is that when the cover is switched to the open position, if current is present, the normally closed switch closes or connects the circuit of the drive module, allowing current to reach the light source of the drive module.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the light source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). An advantage of this embodiment is that the LED increases the operating life of the light source, reduces its power consumption, and also allows for improved efficiency related to the ratio of light energy to heat energy. Another advantage of this embodiment is that, since this LED light source requires minimal space, it allows for a simpler circuitry for the driving module.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the housing and the cover may be made of a transparent material. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the user to perceive alarm light signals emitted from a light source through the transparent housing and / or through the transparent cover. Attached Figure Description

[0023] This and other aspects of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate multiple embodiments of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A top view of an alarm device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0025] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A perspective view of an alarm device with a cover in the closed position and a side view of an alarm device with a cover in the open position, according to an example of the present invention, are shown schematically.

[0027] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The diagram schematically illustrates an alternative representation of the circuitry for a drive module of an alarm device implementing normally closed and normally open switches according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 A block diagram schematically illustrates the electrical configuration of a luminaire or luminaire device according to an example of the invention, and

[0029] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating a process of a user using an alarm device according to an example of the present invention is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1a A schematic top view of an alarm device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The housing 110 of the alarm device 100 is fixedly attached to a wall, for example, near a luminaire or luminaire device, or to the luminaire or luminaire device itself, so that a user can easily access the housing 110, for example by means of bolts or screws 160. Figure 1a The housing 110 shown is arranged to accommodate the drive module (in Figure 1b (As shown in the image), the drive module is electrically coupled to a luminaire or luminaire device (not shown) and to mains voltage (not shown). The drive module includes circuitry on which a light source 120 and a switch 180 are coupled. Although in Figure 1a The light source 120 is shown as opaque, but the housing 110 may be formed of a transparent material that allows the user to see the light source 120 through the material of the housing 110. The switch 180 is further shown as being covered by a non-conductive protective liner, preferably plastic or rubber, which provides protection for the switch 180 and increases user safety in the event of a drive module failure. Figure 1aThe housing 110 is further shown as housing an electrical interface 140, which includes a plurality of wire connectors 141, which are fixedly attached to the housing 110 by means of bolts or screws 161. Figure 1a A switch 180 and multiple wire connectors 141 are also shown, which are accessible via protrusions on the upper surface of the housing 110 that houses the drive module and electrical interface 140. When the cover 130 is in the position... Figure 1a In the open position shown, this configuration of the housing 110 and its housed components allows physical access to the plurality of wire connectors 141 and the switch 180. Furthermore, Figure 1a The cover 130, shown in the open position, is rotatably attached to the remainder of the housing 110 by means of a first connecting mechanism 150. The connecting mechanism 150 is illustrated as a pre-folding shaft 151 in the material of the cover 130. Thus, the cover 130 is arranged to rotate about the shaft 151 to transition from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa. Additionally, Figure 1a The dimensions of cover 130 are depicted as equal to the dimensions of the upper surface of housing 110 that accommodates the drive module and electrical interface 140, such that in the closed position (in Figure 3a (shown in more detail below), cover 130 covers the entire upper surface of housing 110 and insulates the entire upper surface of housing 110. Figure 1a Second connection mechanisms 171 and 172 are also shown, represented by quick-release attachments integrally formed in the materials of the housing 110 and the cover 130. The concave end of the second connection mechanism 171 is shown positioned on the edge of the cover 130 opposite to the pre-folding axis 151 of the first connection mechanism 150, and is arranged to engage with the protruding end 172, which is positioned on the upper surface of the housing 110 opposite to the pre-folding axis 151 of the first connection mechanism 150.

[0031] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a The diagram shows a top view of the alarm device 100. It should be noted that for the features, functions, and reference numerals of the alarm device 100, please refer to... Figure 1a The alarm devices in the system number 100. Figure 1b The diagram shows only the outlines of the housing 110 and the cover 130, so that the components housed in the housing 110 and protruding from the housing 110 below the cover 130 can be clearly depicted. Figure 1b The drive module 115 is shown as including a circuit board to which a switch 180 and a light source 120 are coupled. The drive module 115 is further shown as including additional electrical components typically found in circuits implemented in this way, such as, but not limited to, capacitors, diodes, resistors, etc. Figure 1bThe entire electrical interface 140 and its multiple wire connectors 141 are further shown. The drive module 115, the lighting element or lighting device of the illuminator (not shown), and the mains voltage (not shown) interact via the electrical interface and its multiple wire connectors. Figure 1b Further shown is a wire 195 configured to establish an electrical connection between at least one wire connector 141 and the drive module 115, and a wire 193 configured to establish an electrical connection between at least one wire connector 141 and the illuminator or the illuminator device itself. Figure 1b Wires 191 and 192 are further shown, configured to establish an electrical connection between the drive module 115 and the illuminator or illuminator device. It should be understood that wires 191, 192, and 195 are fixedly connected to the drive module 115 by means of soldering, while wires 193 and 195 are connected to the wire connector 141 by means of screws.

[0032] Figure 2 A lighting device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 2 A illuminator 201 and an AC voltage 260 are shown, which are electrically coupled together via a drive module 215 housed in a housing 210 of an alarm device 212. Figure 2 The mains voltage 260 is shown, including the wire 250 formed by ground 251, load 252 and neutral 253. Figure 2 The wires 250 of the mains voltage 260 shown are connected to the corresponding input port 241 (i.e., the multiple wire connectors of the electrical interface 240). The input port 241 of the electrical interface 240 is further shown as establishing an electrical connection with the output port 242 of the electrical interface 240, through which the load 252 and neutral line 253 of the mains voltage 260 are electrically coupled from the output port 242 to the drive module 215 by means of wires 295, thereby allowing the drive module 215 to be powered by current from the mains voltage 260. Figure 2 The diagram also depicts a ground 251 of the mains voltage 260 directly coupled from the output port 242 of the electrical interface 240 to the luminaire 201 without interacting with the drive module 215. The drive module 215 is also electrically coupled to the luminaire 201 via a wire 220, which allows for the establishment of an electrical connection between the load 252 and the neutral line 253 of the mains voltage 260 and the luminaire 201. The wire 220 connecting the drive module 215 and the mains voltage 260 to the luminaire 201... Figure 2 The housing of the alarm device 212 is further shown below the cover 230 in the open position and is further shown to be covered by non-conductive protective sleeves 291, 292, 293. Figure 2The electrical connection configuration shown provides an alarm device 212 connected in parallel between the mains voltage 260 and the lighting fixture 201, and will be described in more detail in Figure 4. It is also conceivable that the alarm device 212 may be connected in series with the mains voltage 260 and the lighting fixture 201, and / or the ground 251, load 252, and neutral line 253 of the mains voltage 260 may be electrically connected to the drive unit of the lighting fixture 201, which will also be further described in Figure 4.

[0033] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A perspective view and a side view of an alarm device having a cover in a closed position 301 and an open position 302, according to an example of the invention, are schematically shown. Figure 3a Alarm device 301 is shown, which includes housing as shown in Figure 1- Figure 2 The housing 310 of the drive module and electrical interface, wherein the cover 330 shown is in the closed position. Figure 3a Also shown is a cover 330 covering the entire surface of housing 310. Multiple wire connectors for the drive module's switches and electrical interfaces protrude through the cover 330, providing insulation for these components. The insulating function of the cover 330 is further enhanced by… Figure 3a The second connecting mechanism 370 shown in the diagram allows for engagement. Figure 3a Also shown is a wire 390 covered in a protective sleeve, which exits from the back of the housing 110 to electrically connect the drive module and mains voltage to the luminaire or luminaire device. Additionally, Figure 3a The cover 330, shown in the closed position, applies compressive force to a switch protruding from the housing 310, deactivating the switch and thus turning off the light source of the drive module. The alarm device 301 also includes a stop element 340 integrally formed with the rest of the housing 310.

[0034] Figure 3b An alarm device 302 with a cover 330 in the open position is shown. Figure 3b The cover 330 of the alarm device 302 is shown to have been switched from a closed position to an open position by rotation of the cover 330 about the axis of the first connecting mechanism 350 (i.e., the pre-folded axis in the material of the cover 330). Rotation of the cover 330 at its edge is also shown to be limited by a stop element 340, which is integrally formed with the rest of the housing 310, allowing only 90° of rotation of the cover 330. It is also contemplated that the housing 310 could be designed to allow the cover 330 to rotate up to 180° without such a stop element 340, while still not contacting the wire 390. Therefore, Figure 3bThe cover 330 releases the switch 380, thereby activating the switch 380 and allowing the light source of the drive module to reach the current supplied by the mains voltage, and the light source of the drive module applies an alarm light signal to the user when the current flows through the electrical interface and into the drive module.

[0035] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An alternative representation of the circuitry for a drive module of an alarm device implementing normally closed and normally open switches according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically. Figure 4a The circuitry of the drive module 401 and alternative configurations of its electrical connection with the illuminator 410 are shown. The circuitry of the drive module 401 is shown as electrically connected to the mains voltage load 431 and neutral line 432, and the mains voltage load 431 and neutral line 432 are further electrically connected to the illuminator 410, for example, through output terminals 442, 441. Figure 4a A switch 491, normally closed, is also shown, coupled in series with the LED light source 420. Thus, when switch 491 is deactivated—that is, when the cover of the alarm device (not shown) applies compressive force to switch 491 when it reaches the closed position—the circuit of the drive module 401 is disconnected or turned off. In other words, no current flows through the circuit of the drive module 401 when switch 491 is compressed. When the cover of the alarm device changes from the closed position to the open position, Figure 4a The normally closed switch 491 shown returns to its normally closed position. Therefore, the switch connects to the circuitry of the drive module 401, allowing the light source 420, which is subsequently coupled in series, to be reached by current supplied by the mains voltage, and to apply an alarm light signal to the user when the current flows through the electrical interface and into the drive module.

[0036] Figure 4b This illustrates another alternative configuration of the circuitry for the drive module 402 and its electrical connection to the illuminator 410. Similar to... Figure 4a An electrical connection is established between the mains voltage and the circuitry of the drive module 402 via input ports 431 and 432, and an electrical connection is established between the drive module 402 and the illuminator 410 via output ports 441 and 442. (Alternative) Figure 4a , Figure 4b The circuitry of the drive module 402 shown includes a switch 492 coupled in parallel with the LED light source 420. Switch 492 is a normally open switch, so when switch 492 is deactivated—that is, when the cover of an alarm device (not shown) applies compressive force to switch 492 when it reaches the closed position—switch 492 connects or closes the circuitry of drive module 402. When the normally open switch 492 is compressed and closes the portion 460 of the circuitry 402 on which the switch is located, Figure 4aThe parallel configuration of the normally open switch 492 relative to the light source 420, as shown, allows current to bypass the lighting switch 420. In other words, when the cover of the alarm device is compressed, no current reaches the light source 420. When the cover of the alarm device changes from the closed position to the open position, Figure 4b The normally open switch 492 shown returns to its normally open position and disconnects the circuit portion 460 on which the switch is located, thereby allowing the light source 420 coupled in parallel to the portion 460 to be reached by current supplied by the mains voltage, and applying an alarm light signal to the user when the current flows through the electrical interface and into the drive module.

[0037] Figure 5 Block diagram 500 is schematically shown, illustrating the electrical configuration of a luminaire or luminaire device according to an example of the present invention. Figure 5 It is also shown that the mains voltage 560, the load 552 and the neutral line 551 are connected in series with the drive unit 520 of the lighting 501 via a switch 540 representing a wall interrupter of a dimmer. Figure 5 Alarm device 510, similarly characterized as the alarm device shown in Figures 1-4, is also shown. Alarm device 510 is shown as being coupled in parallel between the mains voltage 560 and the drive unit 520 of the illuminator 501, and also includes a drive module 515, which is also similarly characterized as the drive module shown in Figures 1-4. It is conceivable that alarm device 510 may also be coupled in series with the mains voltage 560 of the illuminator 501 and the drive unit 520. Figure 5 At least one lighting element 530 of a luminaire 501 is depicted, which is coupled in series to a drive unit 520 and configured to generate and distribute light. It should be understood that the drive unit 520 of the luminaire 501 can also be remotely controlled via a software-implemented application, allowing the lighting element 530 to be turned on or off, or various lighting effects to be achieved. Software-based control of the drive unit 520 can also be performed without interaction with a wall interrupter or dimmer 540; for example, the lighting element 530 can be turned off when current remains in the luminaire 501 because the wall interrupter 540 is still active. Therefore, the alarm device 510 warns the user of the electrically active luminaire by emitting an alarm light signal when the cover of the alarm device 510 is opened.

[0038] Figure 6 A block diagram 600 schematically illustrates a user's use of an alarm device according to an example of the present invention. Figure 6The block diagram is initiated by a request to perform an operation on the wiring of the luminaire, 601, to, for example, replace / repair a lighting element, install more lighting elements, unload the luminaire, etc. The user must then proceed to open the cover of the alarm device 610 until it reaches the open position, releasing 620 a spring-loaded switch included on the drive module and housed within the alarm device's housing. The release of the switch 620 causes activation 630 of the electrical connection between the alarm device's drive module and the mains voltage representing the power supply for the lighting device or lighting device assembly. Then, Figure 6 Condition 640 is shown, for which, if current supplied from the mains voltage is active in the drive module of the alarm device, an alarm light signal 650 will be emitted, instructing the user to verify all switches (e.g., wall interrupters or dimmers for lighting fixtures) to ensure that these switches are deactivated or turned off 651. Alternatively, if no current is supplied to the drive module of the alarm device, the light source of the drive module will not emit an alarm signal 660 because no current reaches the light source. Therefore, the user can begin to perform wire manipulation 670 through the wire connector of the electrical interface housed in the housing of the alarm device. When the wire manipulation is complete, the cover of the alarm device can be switched to the closed position 690, causing the switch 690 to be compressed and deactivated, thus blocking the current supplied to the light source of the drive module and preventing the light source from emitting any light signal 691.

[0039] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the electrical configuration of the drive module may differ, as long as the alarm device functions to emit an alarm optical signal when current from the mains voltage flows through the electrical interface.

Claims

1. An alarm device (100, 212, 301, 302, 510) for use in lighting fixtures (201, 410, 501), said alarm device comprising: Housing (110, 210, 310), the housing accommodating: A drive module (115, 215, 401, 402, 520), the drive module being arranged to be coupled to a luminaire and coupled to an AC mains voltage (260, 560), wherein the drive module includes a light source (120, 420) coupled to a switch (180, 380, 491, 492), and Electrical interfaces (140, 240) are configured to electrically connect the drive module and the mains voltage to the lighting element (530) of the luminaire. The housing includes a cover (130, 230, 330) operably coupled to the switch of the drive module, wherein the cover is configured to: When the cover is opened, the switch of the drive module is activated to turn on the light source when current from the mains voltage flows through the electrical interface. When the cover is closed, the switch that activates the drive module is deactivated to turn off the light source.

2. The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical interface includes a plurality of wire connectors (141, 241, 242), wherein at least one of the plurality of wire connectors is configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the drive module.

3. The alarm device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of wire connectors is configured to electrically connect the mains voltage to the lighting element of the illuminator.

4. The alarm device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of wire connectors of the switch and the electrical interface are arranged to extend through the housing.

5. The alarm device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cover in the closed position is arranged to cover the housing.

6. The alarm device of claim 5, wherein the cover in the closed position is further configured to insulate the plurality of wire connectors of the switch and the electrical interface from the surrounding environment.

7. The alarm device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch is a spring-loaded switch comprising at least one spring element, wherein the spring-loaded switch is configured to be deactivated when the at least one spring element is compressed and activated when the at least one spring element is released.

8. The alarm device according to claim 7, wherein the switch is a normally open switch (491).

9. The alarm device according to claim 7, wherein the switch is a normally closed switch (492).

10. The alarm device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED).

11. The alarm device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the housing and the cover is made of a transparent material.

12. A lighting device (201, 410, 501), comprising: At least one lighting element, An illuminator driving unit (520), which is electrically coupled to the at least one illuminator element, and The alarm device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device is coupled to the lighting drive unit. The alarm device is configured to emit an alarm light signal when the cover of the alarm device is opened, the alarm light signal indicating to the user the current in the illuminator.

13. A lighting device (200), comprising: The illuminator according to claim 12, The mains voltage used to power the at least one lighting element of the luminaire.

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