Outdoor illuminator for street lamp

Abstract

An outdoor luminaire for a street lamp includes an antenna system for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication module. The antenna system includes at least one antenna housed within an antenna housing that allows wireless signals to pass therethrough. The housing includes a recessed portion having a recess opening in the housing at a rear portion of the recessed portion. The antenna housing is located within or after the recess opening such that the antenna housing is disposed rearward from a front opening surrounding the antenna housing.

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 the light source in such street lamps. A cobra head style design is common to ensure that the light emitted by the street lamp is emitted downwards (ie, 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, to provide wireless connectivity to individuals in the vicinity of the street lamp and / or to form a connectivity grid.

[0004] There needs to be an unobstructed path for the RF signal used by the antenna system, but the components of the luminaire (including the antenna) also need to be protected from ingress. Mounting the antenna inside the main housing will reduce signal strength, but mounting the antenna outside will expose the antenna to damage.

[0005] US2020 / 373682 discloses an outdoor luminaire having a communication module back mounted on top of a main luminaire housing. Each antenna is housed in its own antenna housing structure (such as a plastic housing that allows RF signals to propagate). These antenna housing structures may be partially located inside the housing of the communication module and partially located outside the housing of the communication module, or these antenna housing structures may be recessed to be flush with the housing of the communication module.

[0006] There are still difficulties in integrating the antenna into the main illuminator housing. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor lighting device for a street lamp, comprising:

[0009] shell;

[0010] a light source within the housing;

[0011] an antenna system for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals; and

[0012] a wireless communication module within the 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,

[0013] in:

[0014] The antenna system includes at least one antenna housed in an antenna housing, the antenna housing allowing the wireless signal to pass therethrough;

[0015] The housing includes a recessed portion having a recessed opening in the housing at a rear portion of the recessed portion, and a front portion of the recessed portion includes a front opening; and

[0016] The antenna housing is located within or behind the recessed opening such that the antenna housing is disposed rearwardly from the front opening surrounding the antenna housing.

[0017] The luminaire design has one or more antennas recessed behind the general outer envelope of the housing. This protects the antenna from damage by contact, or from damage by hail, rain or other weather conditions (such as sunlight). The antenna housing protects the antenna so that it can be exposed to the surrounding environment through the recess opening at the rear of the recess. The antenna housing or multiple antenna housings are mounted to a chassis within the housing, for example, and the chassis supports a wireless communication module, for example, and the chassis can support a heat sink for the wireless communication module.

[0018] The front opening may be considered to correspond to the portion of the housing that would be present if the recessed portion was not present.

[0019] The antenna housing is for example arranged at least 1 cm back from the front opening along at least one edge of the antenna housing, and / or the antenna housing is arranged at most 10 cm back from the front opening along any edge of the antenna housing.

[0020] Therefore, at least a portion of the antenna housing is recessed far back into the housing. The rearward distance may be at least 2 cm, more preferably at least 2.5 cm, and most preferably at least 3 cm. The maximum distance is preferably 9 cm, more preferably 8 cm, and most preferably 7 cm.

[0021] The recessed portion may include top and bottom recessed walls and side recessed walls, wherein each recessed wall tapers outwardly from a rear portion of the recessed portion.

[0022] The taper allows the antenna to transmit and receive over its intended field of view. The taper is steep enough that the recess forms a dented area rather than a smooth continuation of the general curvature of the housing.

[0023] The cone angles of the top and bottom recess walls are, for example, smaller than the cone angles of the side recess walls.For example, the antenna is intended to have a wider field of view in the horizontal plane than in the vertical plane.

[0024] The taper angles of the top and bottom recess walls may be different and / or the recess lengths of the top and bottom recess walls may be different.Therefore, the recess wall may be shaped to match the desired outer contour of the housing.

[0025] The taper angles of the top recess wall and the bottom recess wall relative to the non-tapered direction are, for example, in the range of 10 to 25 degrees.

[0026] The taper angle of the undercut wall relative to the non-tapered direction is, for example, in the range of 25 to 60 degrees.

[0027] The antenna system may include an antenna array, each antenna being housed in a respective antenna housing. This enables the directional range for communication to be extended.

[0028] The antenna array may comprise a set of four antennas, each facing outwards at 90 degree intervals in a horizontal plane intended to lie when the luminaire is in use. This enables omnidirectional communication in the horizontal plane, for example between luminaires forming a grid of street lights.

[0029] The light source is, for example, part of a light source module accommodated in a light source module intrusion protection housing, the wireless communication module is accommodated in a communication module intrusion protection housing, and each antenna housing provides intrusion protection for its associated antenna.

[0030] The antenna, light source module and wireless communication module preferably each have their own ingress protection. Therefore, they can be used in a modular manner, and the final housing does not need to have ingress protection. Instead, it can be designed to allow ambient air flow for cooling.

[0031] The light source module comprises, for example, a light source and a light source driver and / or controller circuit, and the wireless communication module is attached to a heat sink. The wireless communication module is associated with its own heat sink, which is separable from the heat sink of the light source module.

[0032] There may be an air intake gap between at least one outer edge of the antenna housing and the recess opening, such as between the top edge, side edge and / or bottom edge of the antenna housing and the recess opening. The air gap surrounds or partially surrounds the antenna module (or each antenna module) to provide cooling air flow into the space defined by the housing.

[0033] The antenna housing may instead close the recess opening, with the recess including an air inlet opening in one or more of the top recess wall, bottom recess wall, side recess wall, and rear recess wall of the recess. This alternative has the antenna module closing the recess opening, but provides cooling air flow into the space defined by the housing through one or more openings in the walls defining the recess.

[0034] The air inlet gap or the air inlet opening leads, for example, to a heat sink for the light source. Thus, the air flow carries the heat away from the light source.

[0035] The housing may further include air discharge openings. Thus, air flow in and out of the main housing is facilitated. These air discharge openings are, for example, at the top of the housing so that hot air rises through the air discharge openings and creates flow.

[0036] The housing comprises, for example, a top cover and a lighting housing, the top cover being arranged on the top of the lighting housing. The light source is then arranged in the lighting housing, and the wireless communication module is in the top cover. Then a recessed portion of the housing is also formed in the top cover.

[0037] The illuminator housing may provide self-contained illuminator functionality, and the top cover provides additional wireless connectivity capabilities.

[0038] The present invention also provides a street lamp, comprising:

[0039] Rod;

[0040] A luminaire as above defined is mechanically mounted to the pole.

[0041] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to more clearly show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 shows the known general construction of a street lamp;

[0044] Figure 2 It shows an improved design proposed by the applicant but not yet published;

[0045] Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows a housing design for an outdoor luminaire according to an example of the present invention near one of the antennas;

[0046] Figure 5 shows a view of the antenna module with the cover removed;

[0047] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a cover on an antenna enclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view is shown; and

[0049] Figure 8 An example of an antenna housing closing the recess opening is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] 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 be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0052] The present invention provides an outdoor luminaire for a street lamp, the outdoor luminaire comprising an antenna system for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication module. The antenna system comprises at least one antenna housed in an antenna housing, the antenna housing allowing the wireless signal to pass through. The housing comprises a recessed portion having a recessed opening in the housing at a rear portion of the recessed portion. The antenna housing is located within or behind the recessed opening, such that the antenna housing is disposed rearwardly from a front opening surrounding the antenna housing.

[0053] First, the general form of an example of a streetlight design to which the present invention may be applied will be described. The manner in which the present invention may be applied to that design will then be described.

[0054] Figure 1 The known general construction of the street light 10 is illustrated for the purpose of improving contextual understanding.

[0055] 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 one or more fastening devices.

[0056] The outdoor luminaire 100 includes a luminaire housing 110. The luminaire housing 110 defines a light exit window 115, and a first heat sink 120 is formed on the luminaire housing 110. The luminaire housing defines an intrusion protection casing.

[0057] The light exit window 115 is configured to allow light from inside the luminaire housing 110 to pass through to the outside of 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.

[0058] The first heat sink 120 is configured to conduct heat generated by components housed by the luminaire housing (i.e., by the outdoor luminaire 100) away from the outdoor luminaire 100. The first heat sink includes a first set of fins 121. Fins provide a reliable and well-established technique for conducting heat away from an object. The first heat sink is a light source heat sink and is the main heat sink of the luminaire.

[0059] The outdoor luminaire further comprises a light source (not visible). The light source is positioned within 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.

[0060] The luminaire housing 110 thus forms a light source housing in which the light source is accommodated and which is configured for dissipating heat generated by the light source.

[0061] Figure 2 An improved design which has been proposed by the applicant but not yet published is shown.

[0062] Figure 2 A luminaire 200 is shown, which also comprises a luminaire housing 110, which may be formed in a similar / identical manner to the previously described luminaire housings. Thus, the housing defines a light exit window (not visible) and comprises a first heat sink 120. The first heat sink is configured to conduct heat away from the luminaire housing.

[0063] The outdoor luminaire 200 further comprises a light source (not visible). The light source is positioned within the luminaire housing, between the light exit window and the first heat sink 120. As described above, the luminaire housing 110 thus forms a light source housing.

[0064] The outdoor luminaire 200 further includes a top cover 210. The top cover can be considered to include the top of the entire housing of the luminaire. The top cover 210 includes an upper portion 211 and a side portion 212. The top cover 210 is assembled on the luminaire housing 110, which can be considered to include the bottom of the entire outer shell of the luminaire.

[0065] The upper portion 211 of the cover 210 is configured to cover the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110. Specifically, the upper portion 211 is configured to cover at least a portion of the first heat sink 120 defined by the luminaire housing 110.

[0066] The side portion 212 is configured to connect or couple the upper portion 211 to the luminaire housing. This may be performed using a clamping mechanism or other connection means.

[0067] The covered portion of the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110 together with the upper portion 211 and the side portions 212 form or define a housing body. Thus, the housing body is a volume bounded by the upper portion 211 and the side portions 212 of the housing 210 and the covered portion of the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing.

[0068] The cover 210 thus acts as a cover or additional cover to cover at least a portion of the uppermost surface of the luminaire housing. The cover body effectively forms a distinct covered volume (separate from the volume enclosed by the luminaire housing 110). In other words, the cover 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.

[0069] The housing body (defined by the volume enclosed by the housing 210 and the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110) is configured to accommodate a portion (e.g., a portion 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., initially generated by a light source within the housing 110) is directed into the housing body.

[0070] The outdoor luminaire 200 further includes an antenna system 220 that is housed or contained within the housing body. Thus, the antenna system 220 is formed within a volume defined by the upper portion 210 of the housing, the side portions 212 of the housing, and the uppermost surface 119 of the luminaire housing 110. The antenna system 220 is configured to send and / or receive wireless signals 229.

[0071] 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, for example, a single antenna module, two antenna modules, three antenna modules, or more than four antenna modules. Each antenna system includes an antenna and an antenna circuit. The antenna 211a of the antenna module 211 is Figure 2 It is schematically shown in FIG.

[0072] Each antenna module may be mounted on or supported by a corresponding antenna mount 227. Each antenna mount 227 may be configured to extend toward the upper portion 211 of the cover 210.

[0073] The outdoor luminaire 200 further includes a wireless communication module 230, i.e., a radio module. The wireless module is communicatively coupled to the antenna system 220. The wireless communication module 230 is configured to control the transmission of wireless signals 229 (such as electromagnetic signals similar to radio signals) by the antenna system 220. The wireless communication module 230 is also configured to process received wireless signals obtained by the antenna system 220. The wireless communication defines an intrusion protection housing.

[0074] For example, the wireless communication module 230 may include a modem, a processing unit, and / or an input / output unit within an intrusion protection housing. Suitable examples of wireless modules for processing and handling wireless signals are well established in the art and are not described in detail for the sake of clarity.

[0075] 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 IEEE802.11 standard, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G or 6G telecommunication protocols, etc. Other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0076] 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 communication module 230 can act as nodes of a node network to provide wireless coverage in an area covered by the node network. Therefore, the antenna module 220 and the wireless communication module 230 can be configured to act as nodes as part of a wireless mesh network.

[0077] Of course, in other examples, the wireless signals 229 sent and / or received by the wireless communication module 230 and the antenna system 220 may be related to the operation of the light source. Thus, these two modules / systems may work together to provide information to control one or more parameters or characteristics of the light source.

[0078] Each antenna module 221, 222, 223, 224 of antenna system 220 may provide an antenna for wireless module 230. The line of sight of an antenna module may define a range of directions in which wireless signals are received at and / or output by the antenna module.

[0079] To achieve improved sensitivity range to wireless signals, the antenna system may be configured, for example by appropriately selecting and placing any antenna modules 221, 222, 223, 224, so that the combined line of sight of the antenna system 220 covers a range of 360° in the horizontal plane.

[0080] 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 can effectively cover a range of 360° in the horizontal plane to improve sensitivity.

[0081] The outdoor lighting device 200 also includes a second heat sink 240 in thermal contact with the wireless communication module 230, and a portion of the second heat sink is accommodated by the housing. 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 to the housing. The second heat sink is a wireless communication module heat sink and an auxiliary heat sink of the lighting device.

[0082] 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 housing.

[0083] In order to provide improved thermal management of the heat generated by the outdoor luminaire 200, the upper portion and / or the sides of the enclosure include one or more air inlets 250 for allowing outside air to pass into the enclosure.

[0084] The upper portion 211 and / or the side portion 212 also 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 radiator, to pass through and exit the enclosure.

[0085] The air inlet or air outlet may be implemented as a hole, void or gap in the cover. 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 material of the cover to provide improved structural integrity of the cover.

[0086] In this way, the outdoor lighting device provides a mechanism for discharging or dispersing the heat introduced into the housing body by the first / second heat sink. The air inlet and air outlet thus provide a path for fresh air or cooler air to flow through the housing body to push the air heated by the heat sink out of the housing body.

[0087] To improve heat dissipation from the housing body, one or more air inlets may be positioned on the side 212 of the housing body 210, and one or more air outlets may be positioned on the upper portion 211 of the housing body 210. This achieves a chimney effect, wherein cool air is drawn in from a lower position or location, and warmed or heated air is emitted from a higher position or location.

[0088] Therefore, when the luminaire is mounted, the air inlet can be located below the air outlet. As hot air rises above cool air, it uses the chimney effect to promote air movement through the or air inlet and to the or air outlet. When the heat sink is positioned between the air inlet and the air outlet, air drawn in by the housing is heated and discharged from the air outlet.

[0089] Hence, the proposed housing body provides means for good or improved thermal management of outdoor luminaires.

[0090] To improve heat dissipation of 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 cover 210. This may improve or facilitate heat dissipation toward the upper portion of the cover, and therefore may improve or facilitate heat dissipation toward any air outlets 260 located at the upper portion.

[0091] In the example shown, the planar element 270 is mechanically connected to the first heat sink 120. In particular, the planar element 270 is mounted on top of the first heat sink, i.e., to cover at least a portion of the first set of fins 121. The planar element 270 is accommodated by or in the housing body. The planar element is thermally conductive, for example, made of a thermally conductive material such as metal, and the planar element is 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 housing body. This can improve the thermal management of the outdoor luminaire. The planar element serves as a chassis.

[0092] The thermally conductive planar element 270 is further thermally coupled to the second heat sink 240. Thus, the planar element may 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 housing.

[0093] The light source may generate a greater amount of (wasted) heat than the wireless communication module 230. This is due to the reduced efficiency of the light source 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 thermal management of the outdoor luminaire.

[0094] The present invention is particularly directed to the design of cover 210 and, in particular, to improving the transmission and reception of wireless communication signals and protecting the antenna.

[0095] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A housing design for an outdoor luminaire 250 near one of the antennas is shown according to one example of the present invention.

[0096] The antennas of the antenna system are each housed in an antenna housing 300, one of which is located in Figure 3 The antenna housing 300 has a top edge 300a, a bottom edge 300b, and side edges 300c, 300d.

[0097] Each antenna housing 300 allows the wireless signal 229 to pass through. For example, the antenna housings are plastic. They provide ingress protection to protect the antenna inside. The wireless communication module 230 is also formed in the ingress protection housing, and the light source also has its own ingress protection housing. The housing of the light source, for example, accommodates a light source module including a light source and a light source driver and / or controller circuit.

[0098] Therefore, having an opening to the cover 210 is acceptable because the components requiring intrusion protection are individually protected in a modular manner.

[0099] The housing, in particular the cover 210 forming the top of the housing, comprises a recessed portion 310 having a recessed opening 312 in the housing at the rear of the recessed portion. Figure 3 and 4 Two views of a recessed portion 310 for one of the antenna housings 300 are shown. The front of the recessed portion 310 includes a front opening 314 that is located at Figure 3 It has a cut-out shape that can be considered the general outer envelope shape in which the recessed portion is located.

[0100] The antenna housing 300 is located within or behind the recessed opening 312 such that the antenna housing is set back from the front opening 314 around the antenna housing. The transmit / receive surface of the antenna module within the antenna housing 300 is not covered by the housing, and the antenna housing is set further back rather than flush with the front opening 314 around the antenna housing.

[0101] Thus, the luminaire design has one or more antennas in a housing that is recessed behind the general outer envelope of the housing 110, 210. This protects them from damage by contact, or from damage by hail, rain or other weather conditions (such as sunlight). The antenna housing 300 protects the antenna so that it can be exposed to the surrounding environment through the recessed opening at the rear of the recessed portion. The front opening 314 can be considered to correspond to the portion of the housing that would be there if the recessed portion was not present.

[0102] The cover 210, for example, has a curved cover profile, while the antenna housing, for example, is planar and mounted vertically. Therefore, the depth of the recess (reaching the front 314 of the recess opening 312) is not the same around the entire antenna housing 300. For a dome-shaped cover as shown, the depth of the recess at the top edge is less than the depth of the recess at the bottom edge.

[0103] The antenna housing is set back around its perimeter (i.e., at least a non-zero distance back from the front opening 314). The antenna housing is set back from the front opening for example by at least 1 cm (e.g., at least 2 cm or 2.5 cm or 3 cm). The effect obtained is improved protection of the antenna. The antenna housing is set back from the front opening for example by at most 10 cm (e.g., at most 9 cm or 8 cm or 7 cm) along any edge of the antenna housing. The effect obtained is adequate transmission and reception performance of wireless signals.

[0104] The recessed portion 310 includes top and bottom recessed walls 310a, 310b and side recessed walls 310c, 310d. The recessed portion has a rear recessed wall 310e. The recessed walls 310a-310d taper outwardly from the rear recessed portion wall 310e.

[0105] The taper allows the antenna to transmit and receive over its intended field of view. The taper is steep enough that the recess forms an indented area rather than a smooth continuation of the general curvature of the housing. Thus, there is an abrupt angular transition from the smooth general outer contour of the cover 210 to the top, bottom, and / or side recess walls of the recessed portion 310.

[0106] The cone angles of the top and bottom recess walls are, for example, smaller than the cone angles of the side recess walls.For example, the antenna is intended to have a wider field of view in the horizontal plane than in the vertical plane.

[0107] The recess side walls 310c, 310d typically have the same taper angle, making the recess laterally symmetrical (although the taper angle may not be uniform along the height of the side wall, since the outer envelope will have a curved shape). However, the taper angles of the top and bottom recess walls may be different and thus asymmetrical in the vertical direction.

[0108] The taper angles of the top and bottom recess walls relative to the non-tapered direction are, for example, in the range of 10 to 25 degrees. The taper angles of the side recess walls relative to the non-tapered direction are, for example, in the range of 25 to 60 degrees. This is, for example, to match the different lines of sight of each antenna module, such as 2x12 degrees (vertical) and 2x45 degrees (horizontal).

[0109] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the recess opening 312 in this example is larger than the antenna housing 300, so that there is a gap between the outer edge of the antenna housing and the recess opening 312. Figure 3 and Figure 4 There is a gap adjacent to each edge ( Figure 4 A top gap 320, a bottom gap 322, and side gaps 324, 326 are shown. However, there may be fewer gaps or only one gap, such as below the antenna housing 300.

[0110] The gap or gaps serve as air inlet gaps between the outer edge of the antenna housing 300 and the recess opening 312. The air gaps provide cooling air flow into the space defined by the cover 210 of the housing to provide cooling as described above. In particular, the air provided into the air inlet defined by these gaps preferably flows over the fins 121 of the heat sink of the light engine. It may also cool the antenna module. The fins of the heat sink of the light engine are aligned, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the one or more air inlet openings. The air outlet 260 is provided, for example, at the top of the cover, such as Figure 2 There may be a plurality (M) of air outlets, where M is greater than the number of air inlets N. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, the bottom gap 322 allows the fin 121 to be seen.

[0111] Figure 5 A view of the antenna module is shown with the cover 210 removed.

[0112] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the cover 210 on the antenna enclosure 300 is shown.

[0113] like Figure 6 As shown, the rear wall 310e of the recessed portion is recessed further rearward at the bottom than at the top. In fact, the top of the rear wall 310e is vertical and there is no top recessed wall protruding forward. However, compared with the original outer shell shape of the cover 210 ( Figure 3 Compared to 314 in the figure, the top of the rear wall 310e is still concave, for example, existing on each side of the concave portion 310.

[0114] Figure 6 Also shown is a taper angle a from the lateral edge of the front opening 314 to the sidewall of the rear portion of the recess.

[0115] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view is shown. It shows that the antenna housing is located behind the outer surface of the rear wall 310e of the recessed portion 310.

[0116] Figure 7 Also shown is a taper angle θ from the lower edge of the front opening 314 to the bottom wall of the rear portion of the recess.

[0117] The above examples have an air gap surrounding the antenna housing.

[0118] like Figure 8 As shown, the antenna housing may alternatively close the recess opening, and the recess includes an air inlet opening 330 in one or more of the top recess wall, the bottom recess wall, the side recess wall, and the rear recess wall of the recess. This alternative allows the antenna module to close the recess opening, but provides cooling air flow into the space defined by the housing by defining one or more openings in the walls of the recess.

[0119] Embodiments of the present invention may also provide an outdoor lighting system comprising a plurality of streetlights, each streetlight comprising a luminaire as described above. The plurality of streetlights may be in line of sight with each other and / or in communication with each other. The wireless modules of each of the plurality of streetlights may wirelessly communicate with each other to effectively form a network of wireless modules. This may be used to provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices in the vicinity of the network of wireless modules.

[0120] 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 10, 1000 or 10,000 or even more than 100,000.

[0121] Using the above outdoor luminaires in luminaires of an outdoor lighting system, a mesh network can be created using the wireless modules of such luminaires. The mesh network can for example be used to provide wireless connections to mobile devices located in the vicinity of the network of wireless modules according to known principles.

[0122] Variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the description, it is noted 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 description, it is noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0125] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An outdoor lighting device (100, 200) for a street lamp (10), the outdoor lighting device comprising: Housing (110, 210); a light source disposed within the housing; an antenna system (220) for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals (229); as well as a wireless communication module (230) within the 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, in: The antenna system includes at least one antenna (221a) housed in an antenna housing (300), wherein the antenna housing (300) allows the wireless signal to pass through; The housing includes a recessed portion (310) having a recessed opening (312) in the housing at a rear portion of the recessed portion (310), and a front portion of the recessed portion including a front opening (314); and The antenna housing (300) is located within or behind the recessed opening (312) such that the antenna housing (300) is disposed rearwardly from the front opening surrounding the antenna housing.

2. The luminaire according to claim 1, wherein: The antenna housing (300) is disposed at least 1 cm back from the front opening along at least one edge of the antenna housing; and / or The antenna housing (300) is disposed at most 10 cm rearward from the front opening along any edge of the antenna housing.

3. An illuminator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recessed portion comprises top and bottom recessed walls (310a, 310b) and side recessed walls (310c, 310d), wherein (i) the top and bottom recessed walls and / or (ii) the side recessed walls taper outwardly from a rear portion (310e) of the recessed portion.

4. The luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the taper angles of the top recess wall and the bottom recess wall (310a, 310b) are smaller than the taper angles of the side recess walls (310c, 310d).

5. The luminaire according to claim 4, wherein the taper angles of the top recess wall and the bottom recess wall (310a, 310b) are different, and / or the recess lengths of the top wall and the bottom wall are different.

6. A luminaire according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The taper angle (θ) of the top recess wall and the bottom recess wall relative to the non-tapered direction is in the range of 10 degrees to 25 degrees; and / or The taper angle (α) of the undercut wall relative to the non-tapered direction is in the range of 25 to 60 degrees.

7. A luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna system comprises an antenna array, each antenna being housed in a corresponding antenna housing (300), for example a group of four antennas, each antenna being intended to be in a horizontal plane facing outwards at 90 degree intervals when the luminaire is in use.

8. An illuminator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light source is part of a light source module (000) housed within the illuminator housing (110), wherein the illuminator housing defines an intrusion protection shell, the wireless communication module (230) defines an intrusion protection shell, and each antenna housing (300) provides intrusion protection for its associated antenna.

9. The luminaire according to claim 8, wherein the light source module comprises the light source and a light source driver and / or controller circuit, and the wireless communication module (230) is attached to a heat sink (240) of the wireless communication module.

10. A luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an air entry gap (320, 322, 324, 326) exists between at least one outer edge of the antenna housing (300) and the recess opening (312), for example between a top edge (300a), a side edge (300c, 300d) and / or a bottom edge (300b) of the antenna housing (300) and the recess opening (312).

11. An illuminator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the antenna housing (300) encloses the recess opening (312), and the recessed portion (310) includes an air inlet opening (330) located in one or more of the top recess wall, bottom recess wall, side recess wall and rear recess wall (310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) of the recessed portion.

12. A luminaire according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the air inlet gap or air inlet opening leads to a light source heat sink (120) for the light source.

13. A luminaire according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the housing further comprises an air vent opening (260), such as an air vent opening in an upper part (211) of the housing.

14. A luminaire according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The housing comprises a top cover (210) and a lighting housing (110), wherein the top cover (210) is arranged on the top of the lighting housing (110); The light source is arranged in the luminaire housing (110); The wireless communication module is arranged in the top cover (210); and The recessed portion of the housing is formed in the top cover (210).

15. A street lamp, comprising: Rod (150); A luminaire (250) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 mechanically mounted to the pole.

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