Outdoor illuminator for street lamp

Abstract

The invention discloses an outdoor illuminator with a wireless function. A lampshade is coupled to an uppermost surface or portion of the luminaire housing containing the light source. A volume defined by the lampshade and the luminaire housing defines a lampshade housing. The lampshade housing encloses a portion of the first heat sink (for the luminaire housing), the wireless module, the antenna system, and the second heat sink for the wireless module. The lampshade also includes one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets to allow air to flow into and out of the lampshade housing. The first heat sink includes one or more fins extending toward the upper portion of the lampshade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of luminaires, and in particular to luminaires for street lamps. Background Art

[0002] Luminaires for street lamps are well known and have been in development for several decades. A recent trend has been to use light emitting diode systems as light sources in such street lamps. A cobra head design is often used to ensure that the light emitted by the street lamp is emitted downwards, i.e. towards the ground, thereby reducing light pollution.

[0003] It has been proposed to integrate antenna systems and wireless modules with luminaires for street lamps, for example in order to provide wireless connectivity to individuals in the vicinity of the street lamp and / or to form a connectivity grid.

[0004] It would be advantageous to improve the performance, functionality and / or efficiency of luminaires for street lighting that are able to provide such connections.

[0005] CN202266946U discloses a modular LED street lamp, whose receiving antenna is electrically connected to an intelligent control device.

[0006] KR20180062846A and KR20180017743A each disclose an LED illuminator having a wireless module.

[0007] US20160305640A1 discloses an LED lamp with active chamber cooling. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to an example according to an aspect of the present invention, an outdoor luminaire for a street lamp is provided.

[0010] The outdoor luminaire comprises: a luminaire housing comprising a light exit window and a first heat sink comprising a first group of fins; and a light source located in the luminaire housing between the light exit window and the first heat sink and configured to emit light through the light exit window.

[0011] The outdoor luminaire further includes a lampshade including an upper portion covering a portion of an uppermost surface of the luminaire housing and a side portion configured to connect the upper portion of the lampshade to the luminaire housing to form a lampshade housing.

[0012] The outdoor lighting device also includes: an antenna system, which is accommodated by the lampshade housing and is used to transmit and / or receive wireless signals; a wireless module, which is accommodated by the lampshade housing, is communicatively coupled to the antenna system, and is configured to control the transmission of wireless signals transmitted by the antenna system and / or process received wireless signals received at the antenna system; and a second heat sink, which is at least partially accommodated by the lampshade housing and is in thermal contact with the wireless module.

[0013] A portion of the first set of fins is received by the lamp housing. The enclosure may include only a portion of the first set of fins or the entire first set of fins.

[0014] The upper portion and / or the side of the lampshade includes one or more air inlets for allowing external air to enter the lampshade, and one or more air outlets for allowing internal air to exit the lampshade, wherein the internal air is the external air sucked in through the air inlets and heated by the first and / or second radiators.

[0015] The first set of fins is configured to extend toward an upper portion of the lamp housing.

[0016] Compared to conventional luminaires, the present disclosure provides a luminaire for wireless communication with an "additional" or additional element. The additional element is formed by a lampshade covering the uppermost portion of the luminaire housing (which houses the light source). The lampshade is formed by an upper portion and a side portion. The upper portion and the side portion of the lampshade together with the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing form or define the boundaries of the lampshade housing.

[0017] Hence, the lamp housing is a volume bounded or defined by the upper and side parts of the lamp housing (ie the lamp housing itself) and the covered part of the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing.At least some of the first heat sink of the luminaire housing is present within the lamp housing housing.

[0018] The lamp housing also encloses additional components of the add-on element, in particular the wireless module, the antenna system and a second heat sink for the wireless module.

[0019] Heat from the first and second heat sinks is present within the lampshade housing. The air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) facilitate a mechanism for discharging or transferring heat to the exterior of the lampshade housing. In particular, the inlet(s) and outlet(s) provide a path for cool air to enter the lampshade housing (via the inlet(s)) and be heated by the heat sink before being discharged from the outlet(s). In other words, the inlet(s) and outlet(s) provide ventilation for the heat sink contained within the lampshade housing, thereby improving the dissipation of heat generated by the wireless module and / or the light source to the exterior of the lampshade housing by providing a suitable airflow path.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terms "upper" and "lower" are relative and are used to distinguish elements from one another. In particular, these terms are used to convey the intended position of these elements (compared to other elements) when the luminaire is mounted to a street lamp in an intended orientation (e.g., so that light is emitted toward the ground). The terms "upper" or "lower" may be replaced with ordinal numbers (e.g., "first", "second", etc.).

[0021] The outdoor luminaire may include a planar element mechanically connected to the first heat sink. The planar element is arranged to cover the top of a portion of the first set of fins.

[0022] The planar element is preferably thermally conductive and thermally coupled to the first heat sink. This provides an additional route or path for heat to dissipate from the first heat sink.

[0023] The planar element is preferably thermally coupled to a second heat sink. This approach provides a mechanism to transfer heat from the first heat sink to the second heat sink. This has the advantage of effectively increasing the surface area of ​​the first heat sink to improve heat dissipation from the luminaire housing. The heat generated by the light source will typically be greater than the heat generated by the wireless module (due to natural differences in efficiency). Therefore, this approach provides a route to dissipate heat from the first heat sink to the second heat sink for even more uniform distribution of heat throughout the lamp housing and improved thermal management of the outdoor luminaire.

[0024] In some embodiments, the planar element is (directly) mechanically connected to the wireless module. This means that the planar element may at least partially act as a heat sink for the wireless module and / or provide structural support and / or positioning for the wireless module.

[0025] In some examples, the planar element covers between 20% and 80% of the first heat sink. This embodiment promotes air flow around the sides of the planar element towards the upper portion of the housing. This thereby provides a path for the heated air to move away from the first heat sink (as the air will naturally rise towards the top of the lamp housing). In this way, the chimney effect can be maintained while providing the planar element.

[0026] In some examples, the antenna system includes one or more antenna modules for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals for the wireless module, and each antenna module is electrically connected to the wireless module. For example, each antenna module can be a different antenna of the antenna system.

[0027] In some examples, an antenna support configured to support the antenna module is provided for each antenna module. The antenna support may be configured to extend toward an upper portion of the lampshade. Preferably, the antenna module is made of a thermally conductive material such as metal.

[0028] Where present, each antenna bracket may be integrally formed with the planar element. This provides a mechanism for defining or setting the position of the antenna module using the planar element. This increases the ease with which the outdoor luminaire can be manufactured to achieve the desired wireless coverage of the antenna module, as setting the position of the antenna bracket is relatively easily performed by performing a single positioning step using the planar element (e.g., rather than a separate positioning step for each antenna module).

[0029] Optionally, the planar element and each antenna support are formed from the same continuous sheet, wherein one or more curved portions of the continuous sheet define the one or more antenna supports, and a non-curved portion of the continuous sheet defines the planar element. This provides yet further improvement in the ease of manufacturing an outdoor luminaire having the desired wireless coverage of the antenna system.

[0030] The second heat sink may include a second set of fins, which are preferably configured to extend toward the upper portion of the lampshade. This method further promotes and utilizes the movement of warm air toward the upper portion of the lampshade to improve the heat dissipation of the entire lampshade housing.

[0031] In some examples, the first set of fins and the second set of fins are angled relative to each other, i.e., there is a non-zero angle between the first set of fins and the second set of fins. For example, the first set of fins and the second set of fins can be perpendicular to each other. This approach promotes movement and distribution of air in different directions and directional flows within the lamp housing, thereby further improving thermal management of the luminaire.

[0032] Of course, in other examples, the first and second sets of fins are aligned in parallel.

[0033] One or more air inlets may be located in the side of the lampshade. One or more air outlets may be located in the upper portion of the lampshade. This approach utilizes a flue or chimney effect to improve ventilation of the lampshade housing or heat dissipation from the lampshade housing.

[0034] There is also provided a street light comprising: a pole or mast; and any outdoor luminaire described herein mechanically mounted to the pole or mast.

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how the same may be put into practice, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 Street lights are shown;

[0038] Figure 2 It is an exploded view of the luminaire;

[0039] Figure 3 An illuminator is shown; and

[0040] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the illuminator is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system and method, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention will become better understood based on the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that in all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0043] The present invention provides an outdoor lighting device with wireless function. A lampshade is coupled to the uppermost surface or portion of the lighting device housing containing a light source. The volume defined by the lampshade and the lighting device housing defines a lampshade housing. The lampshade housing encloses a first radiator (for the lighting device housing), a wireless module, an antenna system, and a portion of a second radiator for the wireless module. The lampshade also includes one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets to allow air to flow into and out of the lampshade housing. The first radiator includes one or more fins extending toward the upper portion of the lampshade.

[0044] Embodiments are based on the recognition that it is possible to supplement the luminaire housing the light source with additional or additional elements, but the surface of the luminaire housing can act as a boundary (limit) for the additional elements. Embodiments also recognize that in this case, the heat dissipated from the luminaire housing will be present in such a lampshade housing and needs to be further dissipated, for example, to avoid overheating the wireless module. The method is to use the airflow within the lampshade housing to remove the heat.

[0045] These methods may be employed in any environment where wireless connectivity of outdoor luminaires of street lamps is desired, for example, to provide wireless connectivity for nearby mobile devices.

[0046] In the context of the present invention, a "thermally conductive" element means that the element is made of a material that is configured or designed to conduct heat (i.e., has a high thermal conductivity). Suitable materials may include materials with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 Wm at 25°C. -1 K -1 , for example, greater than 20Wm -1 K -1 , for example, greater than 50Wm -1 K -1Examples include metals (e.g., copper, brass, iron, aluminum, etc.) or some ceramics (e.g., Si3N4 or BeO).

[0047] In the context of the present invention, a "conductive" element means that the element is made of a material configured or designed to conduct electricity (i.e., having a high conductivity or low resistance). Suitable materials may include materials with a conductivity greater than 1×10 3 Sm -1 , for example, greater than 1×10 5 Sm -1 , for example, greater than 1×10 6 Sm -1 Suitable examples include metals (e.g., copper, iron, aluminum, etc.) or some electronic ceramics.

[0048] Methods for determining the thermal or electrical conductivity of a material are well established in the art and are not described again for the sake of brevity.

[0049] To improve contextual understanding, Figure 1 A street light 10 is shown.

[0050] The street light comprises an outdoor luminaire 100 and a pole 150. The outdoor luminaire 100 is mechanically mounted on the pole 150, for example by means of one or more fastening means.

[0051] The outdoor luminaire 100 comprises a luminaire housing 110 . The luminaire housing 110 defines a light exit window 115 and a first heat sink 120 .

[0052] The light exit window 115 is configured to allow light to pass from the inside of the housing 110 to leave the housing. Preferably, the light exit window 115 is formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., glass or plastic). However, in some examples, the light exit window may be formed by a gap or hole in the luminaire housing.

[0053] The first heat sink 120 is configured to conduct heat generated by components contained in the luminaire housing (ie, by the outdoor luminaire 100) away from the outdoor luminaire 100. The first heat sink comprises a first set of fins 121. Fins provide a reliable and mature technology for conducting heat away from objects.

[0054] The outdoor luminaire further comprises a light source (not visible). The light source is located inside the luminaire housing, between the light exit window 115 and the first heat sink 120. The light emitted or generated by the light source is output through the light exit window. The heat generated by the light source (which typically forms about 20%-30% of the energy generated by the light source) is thermally conducted away from the outdoor luminaire 100 through the first heat sink 120.

[0055] The luminaire housing 110 thus forms a light source housing, in that it houses the light source and is configured to dissipate heat generated by the light source.

[0056] The present invention provides a mechanism for supplementing the functionality of an outdoor luminaire while maintaining or providing a method for performing thermal management or heat management of the outdoor luminaire.

[0057] Figure 2 An exploded view of an outdoor lighting device 200 according to one embodiment is provided. The outdoor lighting device 200 may replace the reference Figure 1 A luminaire 100 of a street lamp 10 is described.

[0058] The outdoor luminaire 200 comprises a luminaire housing 110, which may be formed in a similar / identical manner to the luminaire housings previously described. The housing thus defines a light exit window (not visible) and a first heat sink 120. The first heat sink is configured to conduct heat away from the luminaire housing.

[0059] The outdoor luminaire 200 further comprises a light source (not visible). The light source is located inside the luminaire housing, between the light exit window and the first heat sink 120. As mentioned above, the luminaire housing 110 thus forms a light source housing.

[0060] The outdoor lighting device 200 further includes a lampshade 210. The lampshade includes an upper portion 211 and a side portion 212.

[0061] The upper portion 211 of the lamp housing 210 is configured to cover the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing. In particular, the upper portion 211 is configured to cover at least a portion of the first heat sink 120 defined by the luminaire housing 110.

[0062] The side portion 212 is configured to connect or couple the upper portion 211 to the luminaire housing. This may be achieved using a clamping mechanism or other connection means.

[0063] The upper portion 211, the side portions 212, and the covered portion of the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110 together form or define a lampshade housing. Thus, the lampshade housing is a volume defined by the upper portion 211 and the side portions 212 of the lampshade 210 and the covered portion of the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing.

[0064] Thus, the lampshade 210 acts as a cover or additional cover to cover at least a portion of the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing. The lampshade housing effectively forms a unique covered volume (separate from the volume enclosed by the luminaire housing). In other words, the lampshade can form a second chamber that is separated from the first chamber (formed in the luminaire housing) by the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing.

[0065] The lamp housing housing (defined by the volume enclosed by the lamp housing 210 and the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110) is configured to accommodate a portion (e.g., part or all) of the first set of fins of the first heat sink 120. Thus, at least some of the heat generated or conducted from the luminaire housing 110 (e.g., heat initially generated by the light source within the housing 110) is introduced into the lamp housing housing.

[0066] The outdoor luminaire 200 further includes an antenna system 220 that is housed or contained within the lamp housing. Thus, the antenna system 220 is formed within a volume defined by the upper portion 210 of the lamp housing, the side portions 212 of the lamp housing, and the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110. The antenna system 220 is configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals 229.

[0067] In the example shown, the antenna system 220 includes a plurality of four antenna modules 211, 212, 213, 214. However, the antenna system 220 may include any number of antenna modules, such as a single antenna module, two antenna modules, three antenna modules, or more than four antenna modules.

[0068] Each antenna module may be mounted on or supported by a corresponding antenna support 227. Each antenna support 227 may be configured to extend toward an upper portion of the lamp housing.

[0069] The outdoor luminaire 200 further includes a wireless module 230. The wireless module is communicatively coupled to the antenna system 220. The wireless module 230 is configured to control the transmission of wireless signals 229 (such as electromagnetic signals like radio signals) through the antenna system 220. The wireless module 230 is also configured to process received wireless signals obtained by the antenna system 220.

[0070] The wireless module 230 may, for example, include a modem, a processing unit and / or an input / output unit. Suitable examples of wireless modules for handling and processing wireless signals are well established in the art and are not described in detail for the sake of clarity.

[0071] The wireless signal 229 controlled by the wireless module may operate according to any known wireless communication protocol. Suitable wireless communication protocols include infrared links, ZigBee, Bluetooth, wireless local area network protocols such as those according to the IEEE 802.11 standard, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or 6G telecommunication protocols, etc. Other formats will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0072] In some examples, the wireless signals 229 transmitted and / or received by the wireless module 230 and the antenna system 220 are independent of the operation of the light source (not shown). In a specific example, the antenna module 220 and the wireless module 230 can act as nodes of a node network for providing wireless coverage within an area covered by the node network. Therefore, the antenna module 220 and the wireless module 230 can be configured to act as nodes as part of a wireless mesh network.

[0073] Of course, in other examples, the wireless signals 229 transmitted and / or received by the wireless module 230 and the antenna system 220 can be related to the operation of the light source. Thus, these two modules / systems can work together to provide information to control one or more parameters or properties of the light source.

[0074] Each antenna module 221, 222, 223, 224 of the antenna system 220 may provide an antenna for the wireless module 230. The line of sight of the antenna module may define a range of directions from which the antenna module receives and / or outputs wireless signals.

[0075] To achieve improved range of wireless signal sensitivity, the antenna system can be configured, for example by appropriate selection and placement of any (one or more) antenna modules 221, 222, 223, 224, so that the combined line of sight of the antenna system 220 covers a 360° range in the horizontal plane.

[0076] For example, for an antenna system including four antenna modules, the antenna modules may be aligned in a cross-shaped arrangement. In such a cross-shaped arrangement, the angle between the lines of sight of the antenna modules may be 90° (i.e., β=90°). In this way, the radiation patterns of the four antenna modules (the radiation patterns generally have a transmit / receive angle of about 90° in the horizontal plane) can effectively cover at least a 270° range (such as a 360° range) in the horizontal plane to improve sensitivity.

[0077] The outdoor lighting device 200 further includes a second heat sink 240, a portion of which is received by the lamp housing, in thermal contact with the wireless module 230. Therefore, the second heat sink is configured to conduct and release the heat generated by the wireless module. At least some of the heat output by the second heat sink is transferred into the lamp housing.

[0078] As previously mentioned, at least some of the heat generated by the first heat sink and the second heat sink is introduced or emitted into the lamp housing housing.

[0079] In order to provide improved thermal management of the heat generated by the outdoor luminaire 200, the upper portion and / or the side of the lamp housing includes one or more air inlets 250 for allowing external air to enter the lamp housing.

[0080] The upper portion 211 and / or the side portion 212 further include one or more air outlets 260 for allowing internal air, which is external air drawn in through the air inlet and heated by the first and / or second heat sink, to exit the lamp housing.

[0081] The air inlet or air outlet may be embodied as a hole, gap or slit in the lampshade. Preferably, each air inlet or outlet is formed by an elongated hole or gap. Each air inlet or outlet is preferably a hole completely surrounded or defined by the lampshade material to provide improved structural integrity of the lampshade.

[0082] In this manner, the outdoor luminaire provides a mechanism for evacuating or dispersing heat introduced into the lamp housing by the first / second heat sink. The air inlet(s) and air outlet(s) thereby provide a path for fresh or cooler air to flow through the lamp housing to push air heated by the heat sink out of the lamp housing.

[0083] To improve heat dissipation from the lamp housing, one or more air inlets may be positioned on the side 212 of the lamp housing 210, and one or more air outlets may be positioned on the upper portion 211 of the lamp housing 210. This achieves a chimney effect, where cool air is drawn in from a lower location or position, and warm or heated air is exhausted from a higher location or position.

[0084] Thus, when the luminaire is mounted, the air inlet(s) may be located below the air outlet(s). This utilizes a flue or chimney effect to promote movement of air through the air inlet(s) to the air outlet(s) as warm air rises above cool air. When the heat sink is located between the air inlet(s) and the air outlet(s), air drawn in by the lamp housing is heated and exhausted from the air outlet(s).

[0085] The proposed lamp housing thus provides a means for good or improved thermal management of an outdoor luminaire.

[0086] To improve heat dissipation by the second heat sink, the second heat sink 240 may include a second set of fins 241 configured to extend toward the upper portion 211 of the lamp housing 210. This may improve or facilitate heat dissipation toward the upper portion of the lamp housing, and therefore toward any air outlets 260 located therein.

[0087] The first set of fins and the second set of fins may be angled relative to each other. For example, the first and second sets of fins may be perpendicular to each other. The angle (θ) between the first set of fins and the second set of fins is preferably 30°≤θ≤90°, such as 60°≤θ≤90°, such as 80°≤θ≤90°. This approach promotes the movement and distribution of air in different directions and directional flows within the lampshade housing, thereby further improving the thermal management of the luminaire.

[0088] In some other examples, the first and second sets of fins are aligned in parallel.

[0089] Each fin in the first set of fins may be parallel to each other, just as each fin in the second set of fins may be parallel to each other.

[0090] To achieve improved thermal management, the air inlet(s) may comprise an elongated hole extending in a first direction along the side of the lamp housing. The first direction may be perpendicular to the direction in which each fin in the first set of fins is located. Figure 2 , and promotes airflow through the (one or more) air inlets and over the (one or more) fins of the first heat sink. This improves the dissipation of heat to the moving cool air.

[0091] This approach therefore provides an improved mechanism for promoting air flow through the lamp housing housing.

[0092] The outdoor luminaire 200 may further include a planar element 270. The planar element 270 is a substantially planar or flat sheet of material. The planar element is mechanically connected to the first heat sink 120. In particular, the planar element 270 may be mounted on top of the first heat sink, i.e. covering at least a portion of the first set of fins 121.

[0093] The planar element 270 is received by / in the lamp housing.

[0094] In a preferred example, the planar element is thermally conductive, for example made of a thermally conductive material such as metal.

[0095] This thermally conductive planar element 270 can be configured to be thermally connected to the first heat sink. In this way, the planar element can act as an additional heat sink or heat distribution element for distributing heat (from the first heat sink) around the lamp housing. This can improve thermal management of the outdoor luminaire.

[0096] In some examples, the thermally conductive planar element 270 is further thermally coupled to the second heat sink 240. Thus, the planar element can provide a thermal path (a thermally conductive path) between the first heat sink 120 and the second heat sink 240. This further improves the heat distribution around the lamp housing.

[0097] The light source may generate a larger amount of (waste) heat than the wireless module 230. This is because the efficiency of the light source is reduced compared to the wireless module. Therefore, it would be advantageous to improve the heat dissipation from the first heat sink by thermally coupling the first heat sink to the second heat sink via a planar element. This improves the thermal management of the outdoor luminaire.

[0098] In some examples, the planar element is located between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. In particular, the second heat sink can be closer to the upper portion of the lampshade than the planar element, and the planar element can be closer to the upper portion of the lampshade than the first heat sink. This arrangement promotes heat movement from the first heat sink toward the upper portion of the lampshade (and away from any air outlets located there). This provides an improved thermal path for heat dissipation away from the luminaire.

[0099] In some preferred examples, and as shown, the first heat sink is closer to the air inlet(s) than the second heat sink. This approach recognizes that the light source may generate a greater amount of unwanted or excess heat than the wireless module. Therefore, it is advantageous to first attempt to dissipate heat from the (potentially hotter) first heat sink before the second heat sink.

[0100] In some preferred examples, and as shown, the first heat sink is closer to the (one or more) air outlets than the second heat sink. This provides a particularly favorable path for airflow from the (one or more) air inlets to the (one or more) air outlets.

[0101] Preferably, the planar element 270 covers between 20% and 80% of the first heat sink 190. By not covering the entirety of the first heat sink 190, a path is created for airflow around the sides of the planar element 270, which further improves the dissipation of heat away from the first heat sink.

[0102] The planar element 270 may, for example, cover between X% and Y% of the first heat sink 190. The value of X may be: 20, 30, 40 or 50. The value of Y may be 60, 70, 80. Other suitable values ​​will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0103] If the planar element 270 is also thermally conductive, this approach serves to provide a thermal path for heat dissipation from the antenna module(s). The antenna module(s) or antenna bracket(s) themselves will also be able to act as a heat sink, providing a further path for heat dissipation of the entire lamp housing. This effect is enhanced by the antenna bracket extending toward the upper portion of the lamp housing, as the heat is directed toward the upper portion of the lamp housing, thereby enhancing the chimney effect of the luminaire's thermal management.

[0104] Therefore, in some preferred examples, the antenna support(s) are thermally conductive or made of a thermally conductive material such as metal.

[0105] The boundaries of the planar element 270 can define the position of one or more antenna modules 221, 222, 223, 224 and / or antenna support 227 of the antenna system 220. In particular, each antenna module 221, 222, 223, 224 and / or antenna support 227 can be positioned along or formed against a different edge of the planar element 270. In this way, the planar element acts as a guide or mechanism for defining the position of (one or more) antenna modules. The planar element can thereby define the position of (one or more) antenna modules to achieve the desired or required radio signal alignment of the wireless module 230.

[0106] As an example only, the planar element may define the position of (one or more) antenna modules so that the antenna modules are aligned in a cross-shaped arrangement. In this cross-shaped arrangement, the angle between the lines of sight of the antenna modules is 90° (i.e., β=90°). In this way, the radiation patterns of the four antenna modules can effectively cover a 360° range in the horizontal plane to improve communication purposes.

[0107] This approach advantageously increases the ease of installing or positioning the antenna module(s) in a desired or appropriate location of the wireless module.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the planar element 270 and the antenna support (s) 227 are formed from a single uniform piece of material. In other words, the planar element 270 and the antenna support (s) can form a single monolithic element. Thus, each antenna support is integrally formed with the planar element. This approach provides a simple mechanism for controlling and / or defining the position of the antenna support and the antenna module using a single element.

[0109] In a particularly preferred example, the planar element 270 and each antenna support 227 are formed from the same continuous sheet, wherein one or more curved portions of the continuous sheet define the one or more antenna supports, and the non-curved portions of the continuous sheet define the planar element. This approach provides a cost-effective and resource-efficient mechanism to define the position(s) of the antenna support(s).

[0110] The lampshade 210 shown in the figure is formed by two parts, which are detachable from each other. In particular, the first part is connected to the luminaire housing 110, and the second part is connected to the first part. The second part can be detached from the first part.

[0111] The second portion may, for example, include an air outlet 260 .

[0112] In some examples, the second portion is located near the wireless module. This allows easy access to the wireless module (e.g., for repair and / or maintenance of the wireless module).

[0113] Figure 3 The luminaire 200 is shown in non-exploded form. This clearly illustrates how the lamp housing 210 and the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing can be joined together to form another housing.

[0114] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a luminaire 200 according to one embodiment is shown. The cross-sectional view faces in the direction of the wireless module 230 and is taken from a position along the planar element 270.

[0115] Figure 4 It is shown how the luminaire housing 110 comprises or encloses a light source 410. The light source is configured to generate light 420 (shown with dashed lines) which is output via the light exit window 115 of the luminaire housing 110.

[0116] The light source may include any suitable element that emits light, such as a tubular LED, an LED array, a halogen bulb, and / or a fluorescent lamp.

[0117] Figure 4 Also shown is an exemplary airflow path through the outdoor luminaire 200. The airflow path is shown with dashed lines and illustrates how air can flow through the air inlet (at air inlet location 490) around the heat sink 120, 240 and out the air outlet (at air outlet location 495).

[0118] In particular, air can flow along the fin(s) of the first heat sink 120 to cool the first heat sink and thereby dissipate heat conducted to the first heat sink. The heated air can rise around the sides of the planar element, thereby providing a path for the heated air to move toward the air outlet(s).

[0119] If thermally conductive, the planar element 270 also promotes movement of heat towards the air outlet by providing a thermal path for the heat. If a second heat sink is thermally coupled to the planar element, this effect is enhanced, as the heat will be further encouraged to move towards the air outlet (via the second heat sink), thereby providing an even more enhanced mechanism for promoting movement of heat away from the luminaire.

[0120] The antenna support (s) 227 can be formed of a thermally conductive material (such as metal). In this way, the antenna support can conduct heat toward the upper portion 211 of the lamp housing.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the outdoor luminaires described herein may be mounted on or carried by a pole (not shown) or mast to form a street light. Suitable poles / masts and mounting mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0122] Embodiments may also provide an outdoor lighting system comprising a plurality of streetlights. The plurality of streetlights may be in line of sight and / or communication with each other. The wireless modules of each of the plurality of streetlights may wirelessly communicate with each other to effectively form a wireless module network. This may be used to provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices in the vicinity of the wireless module network.

[0123] For a very extensive communication network covering an entire city, country and / or continent, the number of the plurality of street lamps may be at least ten, one thousand, or ten thousand or even more than one hundred thousand.

[0124] Using the above outdoor luminaires in the luminaires of an outdoor lighting system, it is possible to create a mesh network using the wireless modules of such luminaires. For example, according to known principles, the mesh network can be used to provide wireless connections to mobile devices in the vicinity of the wireless module network.

[0125] Variations to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0126] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, note that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or the specification, note that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An outdoor lighting device (200) for a street lamp (10), comprising: A lighting device housing (110) comprising a light exit window (115) and a first heat sink (120) comprising a first set of fins (121); a light source (410) located in the illuminator housing between the light exit window and the first heat sink and configured to emit light through the light exit window; A lampshade (210) comprising an upper portion (211) covering a portion of an uppermost surface (119) of a luminaire housing (110) and a side portion (212) configured to connect the upper portion (211) of the lampshade to the luminaire housing to form a lampshade housing (210, 119); an antenna system (220) housed by the lamp housing for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals (229); a wireless module (230) housed by the lamp housing, communicatively coupled to the antenna system, and configured to control transmission of wireless signals transmitted by the antenna system and / or process received wireless signals received at the antenna system; and a second heat sink (240) at least partially contained by the lamp housing and in thermal contact with the wireless module, in: A portion of the first set of fins is received by the lamp housing; The upper portion and / or the side portion of the lamp housing comprises one or more air inlets (250) for allowing external air to enter the lamp housing, and one or more air outlets (260) for allowing internal air to exit the lamp housing, the internal air being external air drawn in through the air inlets and heated by the first and / or second radiators; and The first set of fins is configured to extend toward the upper portion of the lampshade, The antenna system comprises: a planar element (270) mechanically connected to the first heat sink and arranged to cover a top portion of the first set of fins, and One or more antenna modules (221, 222, 223, 224) for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals for the wireless module, each antenna module being electrically connected to the wireless module, wherein for each antenna module (221, 222, 223, 224), an antenna support (227) is configured to support the antenna module, and Each antenna support is formed integrally with the planar element.

2. The outdoor luminaire of claim 1, wherein the planar element is thermally conductive and thermally coupled to the first heat sink.

3. The outdoor luminaire of claim 2, wherein the planar element is thermally coupled to the second heat sink.

4. The outdoor lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planar element covers between 20% and 80% of the first heat sink. 5 . The outdoor lighting device according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna bracket is configured to extend toward an upper portion of the lampshade.

6. An outdoor lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the planar element and each antenna bracket are formed by the same continuous sheet, wherein one or more curved portions of the continuous sheet define one or more antenna brackets, and a non-curved portion of the continuous sheet defines the planar element.

7. The outdoor lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second heat sink (240) comprises a second group of fins (241), and the second group of fins (241) are configured to extend toward an upper portion (211) of the lampshade.

8. The outdoor luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second heat sink (240) comprises a second set of fins (241), wherein the first set of fins and the second set of fins are angled relative to each other.

9. The outdoor luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the one or more air inlets (250) are located in a side portion (212) of the lamp housing.

10. The outdoor luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more air outlets (260) are located in an upper portion (211) of the lamp housing.

11. The outdoor lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first heat sink (120) is closer to the one or more air inlets (250) than the second heat sink (240).

12. A street lamp (10), comprising: Rod (150); An outdoor luminaire (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is mechanically mounted to the pole.

Images