Housing for a lighting device, and lighting device comprising an integrated wireless interface

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing for a lighting device (1, 10). The housing (2, 12) is designed to receive a transmitting and / or receiving device for electromagnetic waves, and the housing has at least one opening (5) in a housing wall (4). At least one first dimension (a1) and a second dimension (b) of the base area of the opening (5) in the housing wall (4) are smaller than or equal to half the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves, and a boundary surface, which surrounds the opening (5), in the housing wall (4) is designed to continuously adapt a wave resistance in the direction of a surface normal of the housing wall (4) in the region of the opening (5) via at least one functional section of the boundary surface in the direction of the surface normal of the opening (5) and / or a closure element (11) which is permeable to the electromagnetic waves and is arranged in the opening (5) is designed to continuously adapt the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves upon passing through the opening (5) via at least one functional section of the closure element (11) in the direction of the surface normal of the opening (5).

Description

[0001] HOUSING FOR A LAMP

[0002] AND LAMP WITH INTEGRATED RADIO INTERFACE

[0003] The invention is in the field of lighting technology and relates in particular to luminaires having radio interfaces and to housings for such luminaires.

[0004] Depending on where a luminaire is used, different environmental influences come into play that can affect the operation of the luminaire.

[0005] Outdoor luminaires require protection against the ingress of water and moisture, which is not required, at least not to the same extent, for lamps in residential areas. For use in damp rooms, luminaires may also require increased protection against the ingress of water and moisture. For use in commercial environments, protection against dust, the ingress of solid bodies, or gases may be necessary for the safe operation of the luminaire and to prevent hazards to the surrounding area. The suitability of a luminaire for these applications is described by specifying a corresponding protection class for the luminaire.

[0006] Information on the protection classes (IP codes) of luminaires is defined in national and international standards. Examples of protection classes can be found in DIN EN 60529 or in ISO 20653 for the specific application of luminaires in road vehicles.

[0007] Protection classes can include protection against foreign bodies and contact, ranging from complete contact protection and protection against dust to complete protection against dust ingress (dust-tightness). Luminaires designed to meet higher protection classes are achieved by using largely or completely enclosed housings and appropriately designed materials, such as closed metal housings.

[0008] The requirement for higher protection classes counteracts a trend toward the increasing use of radio communication methods in lighting technology. Luminaires can advantageously utilize radio technology for networking with other luminaires and other lighting devices, whereby radio technology is particularly suitable for temporary and cost-effective solutions as it eliminates the need for complex signal cabling. Radio interfaces for motion or presence detectors, and for connecting to commissioning or configuration devices, are just two examples of particularly advantageous applications of radio interfaces in luminaires. Furthermore, luminaires can incorporate radio transmitting / receiving devices that generally serve to provide communication connections, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs).

[0009] However, a robust design of the luminaire using a metal housing, for example to achieve a higher protection class or to implement a special design for the luminaire, is disadvantageous for the use of electromagnetic waves in radio applications, since electromagnetic waves are attenuated, reflected or shielded by the metal housing.

[0010] Therefore, when luminaires are equipped with corresponding transmitting / receiving devices for a radio interface, window-like openings are currently provided in the luminaire housing, which are then closed with appropriately designed covers that transmit electromagnetic waves with low attenuation. The required size of these openings, as well as the necessary covers, can impair the visual design of the luminaire.

[0011] It therefore remains to be stated that for a luminaire with a closed housing, trade-offs must be made between housing design, mechanical requirements for the housing based on expected environmental influences during use, optical properties of the light output, and the requirements arising from the use of radio interfaces for possible networking, which represent limiting boundary conditions in the design of the luminaire and require compromises between conflicting requirements.

[0012] Additional or larger openings, apertures, or windows in a housing result in certain optical external appearances that are not necessarily desirable. Furthermore, larger openings in the housing may reduce the stability or strength of the luminaire. Furthermore, openings can adversely affect the sealing properties of the housing. This also applies when additional, cost-effective seals are used, as different temperature-dependent or differently aging expansion coefficients of the materials used can reduce the sealing properties against dust and moisture over numerous thermal cycles over the service life of the luminaire. Flat windows in the housing with covers represent abrupt transitions and discontinuities in the characteristic impedance for electromagnetic waves.The resulting interfaces between spatial areas with different wave impedances cause reflections, a superposition of electromagnetic waves from different propagation paths, and thus undesirable changes in the attenuation (fading) during the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0013] The use of antennas for electromagnetic waves behind the optics of a luminaire can result in it being difficult to adapt the properties with regard to the transmission of electromagnetic waves, for example the sensitivity or the directional characteristic of an antenna pattern, without significantly changing the optical properties of the light output by the luminaire.

[0014] The invention therefore has the object of providing improved housings for luminaires and luminaires with integrated radio interfaces that address the aspects discussed above.

[0015] The housing for a luminaire according to independent claim i in a first aspect, as well as the luminaire according to a second aspect, solve the stated problem.

[0016] The dependent claims define features of further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0017] The housing for a luminaire according to a first aspect has at least one opening in a housing wall. The housing is designed to accommodate a transmitting and / or receiving device for electromagnetic waves. Both a first dimension and a second dimension of a base area of ​​the opening in the housing wall are smaller than half a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves. The first dimension is at most as long as the second dimension, with the directions of the two dimensions being perpendicular to one another. A boundary surface in the housing wall surrounding the opening is designed to bring about a continuous adaptation of a characteristic impedance in the direction of a surface normal of the housing wall in the region of the opening over at least one functional section in the direction of the surface normal of the opening, which functional section is preferably at least as long as the first dimension of the opening.Alternatively or additionally, a closure element arranged in the opening and permeable to the electromagnetic waves is designed to effect a continuous adaptation of a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves as they pass through the opening via at least one functional section in the direction of the surface normal to the opening, which is preferably at least as long as the first dimension of the opening. Since the boundary surface in the housing wall surrounding the opening effects a substantially continuous adaptation of a wave impedance in the direction of a surface normal to the housing wall in the region of the opening, the proportions of the electromagnetic waves that propagate through the opening are increased compared to the parts of the electromagnetic waves that are reflected in the region of the opening and do not pass through the opening.

[0018] If the closure element arranged in the opening, which is permeable to the electromagnetic waves, is designed to achieve a continuous adaptation of a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves when passing through the functional section in the direction of the surface normal, the proportions of the electromagnetic waves that propagate through the opening are also increased compared to the parts of the electromagnetic waves that are reflected in the area of ​​the opening and do not pass through the opening.

[0019] The housing enables the creation of a luminaire that exhibits advantageous properties for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through a transmitter / receiver located within the housing, while simultaneously meeting stringent requirements for the tightness of the housing and using only a small portion of the housing's outer surfaces for the transmission of electromagnetic waves. These properties increase the degree of freedom available to the design engineer for the design and layout of luminaires.

[0020] The reduced cross-section of the opening in the housing improves the aesthetic effect of the luminaire.

[0021] The closure element allows the luminaire to maintain a high level of tightness over a long period of time. This is particularly advantageous when combined with the use of long-life LED bulbs in the luminaire, which do not require regular bulb replacement, and reduces lifetime costs through extended maintenance intervals and reduced maintenance costs.

[0022] The transmission properties for electromagnetic waves are improved compared to comparable housings, since a continuous adjustment of the characteristic impedance along the functional section is realized during the transmission of the electromagnetic waves through the opening.

[0023] The housing is designed to be cost-effective in terms of processing time and material, as it only involves small components such as a small opening and a compact closure element. One embodiment of the housing for a luminaire features the closure element arranged in the opening, designed to seal the opening in a gas-, dust-, and / or liquid-tight manner.

[0024] The housing makes it possible to create a luminaire that has advantageous properties for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves through a transmitting / receiving device arranged within the housing, while at the same time meeting high requirements for the tightness of the housing and using only a small proportion of the outer surfaces of the housing for the transmission of the electromagnetic waves.

[0025] The housing can have the closure element arranged in the opening consisting essentially of a dielectrically active material (dielectric material), wherein the closure element has a location-dependently changing dielectric constant of the dielectric material, the closure element has a location-dependently changing effective dielectric constant of the dielectric material for the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves (wavelength X), and / or the closure element is constructed from at least two different materials, each with a different dielectric constant.

[0026] In one embodiment, the closure element arranged in the opening can be a material made of at least two components with different dielectric constants or effective dielectric constants, the relative proportions of which change over the length of the functional section in order to achieve the dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant that changes depending on the location in the direction of the surface normal to the opening. This can be achieved, for example, using a foam-like material, with one of the two components then being air. The structures formed in the material by the mixture of the two components are smaller than the wavelength, preferably by at least a factor of 4 or 5. In the case of a foam, this condition applies both to the dimensions of the cavities and to the wall structures that separate the cavities from one another.

[0027] The closure element arranged in the opening can have geometric structures in its interior, wherein the geometric structures have length dimensions that are smaller than a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves.

[0028] The closure element arranged in the opening can be constructed essentially from a dielectrically active material, wherein an effective dielectric constant of the closure element in the region of the inside of the housing essentially corresponds to a dielectric constant of air, and changes towards the outside of the housing toward higher values ​​of the dielectric constant than the dielectric constant of air. The closure element arranged in the opening can have a substantially conical shape in the direction of a surface normal of the housing wall, at least in a partial region of the functional section.

[0029] This allows the geometric shape of the closure element to be used to adjust the wave impedance for the transmission of the electromagnetic waves through the opening.

[0030] The closure element arranged in the opening and / or the inner boundary surface of the housing wall around the opening can be designed to effect a directivity of a radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves in the external space around the housing.

[0031] Thus, an adaptation of the radio coverage around the luminaire can be achieved by means of the design of the housing of the luminaire, in particular the geometry of the opening, the geometry of the closure element, and / or the material of the closure element and its spatial properties.

[0032] The housing for a luminaire according to one embodiment shows the closure element arranged in the opening and / or the inner boundary surface of the housing wall designed in such a way as to bring about a polarization of the electromagnetic waves in the external space around the housing, and / or in the interior of the housing, and / or a polarization-dependent transmission of the electromagnetic waves through the opening.

[0033] A geometry of the interface of the opening of the housing wall can be designed to guide the electromagnetic waves as they pass through the opening.

[0034] The housing for a luminaire according to a further embodiment is characterized in that a change in a cross-section of the opening or in the material properties of the closure element arranged in the opening extends from an outer surface of the housing wall into the interior of the housing, and / or the change in the cross-section of the opening or in the material properties of the closure element arranged in the opening extends from an inner surface of the housing wall in the direction of a space outside the housing.

[0035] This results in a greater depth of the opening and / or closure element in the main propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves. This allows for a flatter transition of the characteristic impedance in the area of ​​the opening. The transmission properties of the electromagnetic waves through the opening are improved.

[0036] The electromagnetic waves can have frequencies around 2.45 GHz, particularly in a frequency band from 2.40 to 2.49 GHz. Thus, the opening and, if applicable, the closure element are designed for a frequency band frequently used and approved in the field of radio communication, particularly indoor wireless communication.

[0037] A housing according to one of the embodiments is characterized in that the closure element can be arranged in at least two different spatial orientations in the opening, and the closure element is further designed to bring about different transmission properties for the electromagnetic waves through the opening depending on the orientation when the closure element is arranged in the opening of the housing wall.

[0038] This allows the transmission characteristics of the electromagnetic waves to be easily adjusted by changing the orientation of appropriately designed closure elements in the opening. This can be done at the luminaire's location and by untrained personnel, even after the luminaire has been installed, without having to open the luminaire housing.

[0039] The luminaire according to the second aspect comprises a housing according to the first aspect and the transmitting and / or receiving device arranged inside the housing of the luminaire. The luminaire can further comprise the usual lighting means, driver devices for lighting means, devices for a power supply interface, and optical elements such as optical lenses and diffusers.

[0040] The luminaire, and in particular the housing of the luminaire, can be designed to be gas-tight, dust-tight and / or at least splash-proof.

[0041] The following description of embodiments refers to the accompanying figures, where

[0042] Fig. i sections of a top view and a side view of a housing of a luminaire in a first embodiment,

[0043] Fig. 2 Sections of a top view and a side view of a housing of a known lamp,

[0044] Fig. 3 sections of a plan view and a side view of a housing of a luminaire of a further embodiment in conjunction with a closure element of a first embodiment,

[0045] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a closure element,

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a section of a side view of a housing of a luminaire in a further embodiment, Fig. 6 shows a section of a plan view of a housing of a luminaire in a further embodiment,

[0047] Fig. 7 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a closure element and a plan view of the further embodiment of the closure element rotated by 90°,

[0048] Fig. 8 shows a section of a plan view and a section of a further embodiment of a housing of the luminaire,

[0049] Fig. 9A shows a section of a side view of an arrangement comprising a housing for a luminaire in one embodiment with a further embodiment of a closure element arranged in a first position on the housing,

[0050] Fig. 9B shows a section of the side view of the arrangement comprising the housing for the luminaire in one embodiment with the further embodiment of the closure element arranged in a second position on the housing,

[0051] Fig. 9C shows a section of the side view of the arrangement comprising the housing for the luminaire in one embodiment with a further embodiment of the closure element arranged in a third position on the housing.

[0052] In the figures, identical reference symbols designate identical or corresponding elements. When describing different figures, repeated explanations of identical reference symbols are omitted if this appears possible without compromising clarity.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows sections of a top view and a side view of a housing of a luminaire in a first embodiment.

[0054] The luminaire 1 with its housing 2 is shown in the upper part of Figure 1 with a section in plan view. The luminaire 1 shows two side panels 3.1, 3.2.

[0055] A bottom surface 4 of the housing has an opening 5. The opening 5 is designed such that a radio transmitting / receiving device arranged within the housing 2, with an antenna also arranged within the housing, can communicate with other radio devices by means of electromagnetic waves, wherein the other radio devices are arranged outside the luminaire 1.

[0056] The floor area 4 extends in the xy plane.

[0057] The opening 5 has a first and a second dimension, at least both dimensions being less than half the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves. In the illustrated case, the first and second dimensions are a first side length and a second side length of the rectangular opening 5 in the illustrated example, which extend in the x-direction and y-direction, respectively, and are shorter than a length a.

[0058] The length a may substantially correspond to half a wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves with which the radio transmitting / receiving device communicates with at least one further radio transmitting / receiving device via an associated antenna, possibly integrated into the radio transmitting / receiving device.

[0059] The lower part of Figure 1 shows a schematic partial view of the luminaire 1, in particular its housing 2, in a section in the xz plane.

[0060] The opening 5 has a first side length ai in the x-direction in the plane of the base surface 4. The side length ai is shorter than the length a. The opening 5 is surrounded by webs 6, 7 that extend into the interior of the housing 2.

[0061] The webs comprise a first web 6 and a second web 7. The webs 6, 7 can be formed integrally with the bottom surface 4 of the housing 2.

[0062] A distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 changes in the z-direction, i.e. in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the bottom surface 4, or a plane of the opening 5.

[0063] In particular, the distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 can widen from a distance in the plane of the opening 5 corresponding to the first side length ai of the opening 5 up to a distance a2, wherein the distance a2 is reached at an end of the webs 6, 7 facing away from the opening 5. The distance a2 is greater than the distance ai, which essentially corresponds to the first side length of the opening 5. The increase in the distance between the webs 6, 7 from ai to a2 occurs continuously at least in a functional section which is longer than the distance ai, i.e. with a continuously and strictly monotonically increasing distance from ai to a2. The functional section extends in the direction of the surface normal of the opening 5 and can extend from the outer surface to the ends of the webs 6, 7 or from the inner surface to the ends of the webs 6, 7, which has manufacturing advantages.

[0064] The ratio of the distance ai to a2 can be, for example, 0.5 to 1. Thus, the opening is significantly smaller than a comparable opening in a known housing 12 with a corresponding diameter a in order to achieve comparable transmission properties.

[0065] The webs 6, 7 create an opening 5 with a depth in the z-direction, the

[0066] Propagation direction of the electromagnetic waves through the plane of the base surface 4, which extends in the xy direction in Fig. 1. The functional section described above, with a continuously and strictly monotonically changing spacing of the webs 6, 7, extends in the direction of this depth.

[0067] The depth of the opening 5 can be created by deep drawing or a stamping process from the metal sheet of the housing 2. Alternatively, several metal sheets can serve as a starting point for creating the opening 5 with a depth in the z-direction, the surface normal of the housing base 4.

[0068] The geometry of an inner circumferential surface surrounding the opening 5 is thus designed such that an electromagnetic wave propagating into the opening 5 and / or exiting the opening 5 experiences a continuous change in the width of the opening 5 and thus also a continuous change in the wave impedance. In particular, there is no abrupt, jump-like transition in the wave impedance in the region of the opening 5. This results in advantageous transmission properties for the electromagnetic wave through the opening 5, even though the opening is only narrow.

[0069] The distance a2 can be of the order of magnitude of the wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves. In particular, the distance a2 can essentially correspond to X / 2 or X / 4.

[0070] The change in the distance between the mutually facing inner surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 can be linear or non-linear in the z-direction.

[0071] The webs 6, 7 form a funnel-like or horn-like arrangement in the xz-plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the xy-plane of the opening 5.

[0072] The formation of the webs 6, 7 guides the electromagnetic waves through the opening 5 and increases the electromagnetic power transmitted through the opening 5 compared to an opening 5 with the first side length ai without correspondingly formed webs 6, 7.

[0073] The second side length b of the opening 5 (second dimension) is larger than the first side length ai in the illustrated embodiment of the housing 4. In the illustrated case, a reduction in the cross-section of the opening 5 is achieved by forming the opening 5 in the x-direction. A comparison of the extension of the opening 5 in the y-direction with the second side length b with the extension of the opening 5 in the x-direction with the first side length ai in the plane of the base surface 4 of the housing 2 clearly shows the advantageous reduction in the opening area. This achieves additional degrees of freedom for the design of the luminaire 1 without significantly deteriorating the transmission and reception properties of an antenna arranged within the housing 2. The housing 2 can be formed from materials impermeable to electromagnetic waves, in particular also from metallic material.

[0074] In the illustrated case, the opening 5 is open, i.e., without a closure element 11 made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves arranged in the opening 5. This allows for the desired air exchange in certain applications, for example, for cooling components arranged within the luminaire 1.

[0075] A closure element arranged in the opening 5 made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves can be provided for a luminaire 1 which must meet certain requirements regarding the tightness of the housing 2 against moisture, water, dust or foreign bodies.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the reduction in the cross-section of the opening 5 can be achieved, contrary to the case illustrated in Fig. 1, by designing the opening 5 with a reduced second side length b in the y-direction. Alternatively or additionally, additional webs can be arranged along the second side length b in the y-direction. The design and arrangement of the additional webs can be similar to the first web 6 and the second web 7. The web pairs arranged in the two directions can be connected to one another at their ends.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows sections of a top view and a side view of a housing 21 of a known lamp 20.

[0078] The luminaire 20 is shown with its housing 21 in the upper part of Figure 2 with a section in plan view. The luminaire 20 has two side walls 22, 23. The bottom surface 24 of the housing has an opening 25. The opening 25 is designed such that a radio transmitting / receiving device arranged within the housing, with an antenna also arranged within the housing 21, can communicate with other radio devices using electromagnetic waves, wherein the other radio devices are arranged outside the luminaire 20.

[0079] In order to allow the passage of radio waves through a housing 21 formed from sheet metal, the opening 25 has dimensions which are of the order of magnitude of the wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves.

[0080] In the case of an ISM band widely used for numerous applications, radio frequencies around 2.45 GHz are used for radio applications, particularly in the range from 2.405 to 2.85 GHz. The corresponding wavelengths X (free-space wavelength) of the electromagnetic waves propagating in air-filled free space then lie between X = 0.125 m and X = 0.105 m. The ISM band with frequencies around 2.4 to 2.5 GHz can be used in particular for radio communication, for local radio networks (Wireless Local Area Networks; abbreviated: WLAN; e.g., under the IEEE 502.11 standard) or short-range radio methods (Wireless Personal Area Networks; abbreviated: WPAN; e.g., under the IEEE 802.15 standard). Radio communication methods in this frequency band include methods such as Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and ZigBee®.

[0081] The dimensions of the opening 25 are in the range of the wavelength X. In the case shown in Fig. 2, a length of the smaller side length a of the rectangular opening 25 is therefore in the range of the wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves, up to a minimum of half a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves (X / 2).

[0082] The lower part of Figure 2 shows the luminaire 20, in particular its housing 21, in a vertical sectional view. This shows the part of the bottom surface 24 of the housing 21 in which the opening 25 is located.

[0083] From the illustration in Fig. 2 it can be seen that there are limitations with regard to the design of the housing 21 due to the radio transmitting / receiving device arranged inside the housing 21.

[0084] The tightness of the housing 21 can be adversely affected, for example by using additional, cost-effective seals, since different temperature-dependent or different aging expansion coefficients of the materials used can reduce the tightness against dust and moisture over numerous thermal cycles over the lifetime of the luminaire.

[0085] Flat openings 25 of the housing 21 with covers represent abrupt transitions and discontinuities of the characteristic impedance for electromagnetic waves. The resulting interfaces between spatial areas with different characteristic impedances cause reflections, unwanted superposition of electromagnetic waves from different propagation paths, and changes in the attenuation of electromagnetic waves.

[0086] When used in commercial environments, protection against dust, the ingress of solid bodies, or against gases may be required for safe operation of the luminaire or to prevent hazards to the environment.

[0087] Information on the protection classes for luminaires is specified in national and international standards. Examples of IP codes can be found in the standards DIN EN 60529 or ISO 20653 for road vehicles. Examples of protection classes include protection against foreign bodies and contact, where the protection classes extend beyond complete contact protection, and protection against dust up to complete protection against dust ingress (dust tightness). Further examples of protection classes include protection against dripping water falling at an angle or from all directions, spraying water falling at an angle up to a certain angle or from all directions, splashing water from all directions, water jets, temporary or continuous immersion in water, or protection against high-pressure or steam jet cleaning.

[0088] The design of luminaires with a higher protection class is achieved by using largely or completely enclosed housings and appropriately designed materials, such as closed metal housings. Metal housings are often manufactured from sheet steel, cast aluminum, or magnesium.

[0089] However, the requirement for higher protection classes counteracts a trend towards increasing use of radio communication methods in lighting technology.

[0090] Luminaires 20 can advantageously utilize radio communication methods for networking with other luminaires and other lighting devices. Radio technology is particularly suitable for temporary and cost-effective solutions, as it eliminates the need for complex signal cabling. Radio interfaces for motion or presence detectors, for connecting to commissioning or configuration devices, are examples of particularly advantageous applications of radio interfaces in luminaires.

[0091] However, a robust design of the luminaire 20, for example, by means of a housing 21 made of sheet metal to achieve a higher degree of protection or to implement a special luminaire design, is disadvantageous for the use of electromagnetic waves in radio applications, since electromagnetic waves are strongly attenuated, reflected, or shielded by the conductive materials. Such properties can be applied to housings 21 made of metallic materials as well as materials with high dielectric constants 8. r or high dielectric losses. For example, housings 21 made of glass have high dielectric constants s r while plastics with a residual water content are unfavorable in terms of their dielectric losses.

[0092] This applies in particular to the usual frequency ranges approved for radio applications.

[0093] Therefore, when corresponding transmitting / receiving devices for a radio interface are arranged in luminaires, window-like openings 25 are currently provided in the housing 21 of the luminaire 20, which are then closed by means of corresponding covers which are permeable to electromagnetic waves with low attenuation.

[0094] It should therefore be noted that for a luminaire 20 with a closed housing 21, trade-offs must be made between the housing design, the optical properties of the light output, and the requirements arising from the use of radio interfaces for networking, which represent limiting boundary conditions in the design of the luminaire 20 and require compromises between conflicting requirements.

[0095] Additional or larger perforations, openings, or windows in a housing 21 result in certain optical external appearances that are not necessarily desirable. Furthermore, larger perforations in the housing 21, such as those represented by openings 25, may result in reduced stability or strength of the housing 21.

[0096] Fig. 3 shows sections of a top view and a side view of a housing 12 of a luminaire 10 of a further embodiment in conjunction with a closure element 11 in a first embodiment.

[0097] The housing 12 of the luminaire 10 has a base surface 4 and side surfaces 3.1, 3.2. An opening 5 is arranged in the base surface 4, which can connect the interior of the housing 12 with the exterior of the housing 12. The opening 5 is smaller than half the wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves in both spatial directions. A closure element 11 is arranged in the opening 5.

[0098] The closure element 11 is formed from a dielectric material and, when inserted into the opening 12, closes it completely.

[0099] At the frequency of the electromagnetic waves, the dielectric material of the closure element, due to the corresponding dielectric constant of the dielectrically active material (dielectric material), results in electrically effective dimensions of the opening 5 that are larger than the actual geometric dimensions of the opening 5. It is particularly advantageous if the closure element 11 extends sufficiently deep in the direction along the z-axis into the interior of the housing 12 in order to enable the smoothest possible widening of a width ci of the inserted closure element 11 in the region of the opening 5 to a larger width C2 at an end of the closure element 11 opposite the opening 5. This depth is at least as large as the length of a functional section in the direction of the surface normal of the opening, over which a cross-section of the closure element 11 changes continuously and strictly monotonically.The length of the functional section is at least as large as the width C2, which corresponds to the first dimension ai of the opening 5. Over the length of the functional section, the width of the closure element changes continuously from ci to C2, i.e. the width increases continuously and strictly monotonically. With a continuous widening of the width of the closure element n in the z-direction towards the inside of the housing, i.e. a surface normal of the area of ​​the opening in the xy-plane, which corresponds to the plane of the base surface 4, a continuous change in the characteristic impedance for the electromagnetic waves along the closure element 11, and thus through the opening 5 or towards the opening, is achieved. The transmission properties of the opening closed by the closure element 11 are accordingly advantageous, since a reflected component is correspondingly small.

[0100] The statements made above for the cross section of the closure element 11 preferably also apply in an analogous form to the geometry of the cross section in the longitudinal direction of the opening, i.e. the az plane.

[0101] The closure element 11 can have a homogeneous material structure with a dielectric constant that is constant across the closure element 11.

[0102] The housing of the luminaire 10, in particular the base surface 4 and the side surfaces 3.1, 3.2 can be constructed from sheet metal.

[0103] The closure element 11 can be formed in one piece, wherein the closure element 11 according to Fig. 3 has a first section and a second section.

[0104] The first section can be substantially cylindrically cuboid-shaped and, in particular, have substantially constant dimensions in the direction of the z-axis. The first section enables insertion of the closure element 11 into the opening 5 of the housing 12. The dimensions of the first section of the closure element 11 in the xy plane are selected such that they completely close the opening 5 when the closure element is inserted into the opening 5.

[0105] An outer surface of the closure element 11, which is visible from outside the housing 12 when the closure element is inserted into the opening, can be designed such that no adjustment of the electrical properties occurs in the outer area of ​​the luminaire 10, i.e., outside the housing 12. The outer surface can, for example, when the closure element 11 is inserted into the opening, be flush with an outer surface of the base wall 4 in order to make the opening 5 as inconspicuous as possible for the observer. This is indicated in Figure 3.

[0106] Alternatively, the outer surface of the closure element 11, which is visible to an observer from outside the housing 12 when the closure element is inserted into the opening, can be designed in such a way that the electrical properties are also adapted in the outer area around the housing 12. This allows the electromagnetic waves to be transmitted particularly well through the small electrical opening 5, as they are low in reflection and loss.

[0107] The second section of the closure element n is trapezoidal in cross-section and forms the functional section.

[0108] The second section of the closure element n extends into the interior of the housing 12 when the first section of the closure element 11 is inserted into the opening of the housing 12. The first section inserted into the opening 5 thus clearly defines the spatial position of the closure element 11 and its second section within the housing 12.

[0109] The interfaces of the closure element 11 with the environment in the case of the second section, and with the environment and with the housing 12 in the case of the first section represent discontinuities of the dielectricity θ (permittivity, formerly: dielectric constant). The dielectricity of a material can be expressed as θ = e0s r can be specified as a multiple of the dielectric 80 (electric field constant s0) of the vacuum. The factor s r is a material-dependent dielectric constant (permittivity number, relative dielectricity), which, in addition to being dependent on the respective material, is also direction-dependent, frequency-dependent, temperature-dependent and dependent on electric and magnetic field strength.

[0110] At interfaces between materials with different dielectric constants 8 rAt least partial reflection of the electromagnetic waves takes place depending on the difference in dielectricity 8 of the materials adjoining each other at the respective interface, as well as the geometry of the interface.

[0111] The functional section, which has a trapezoidal cross-section, guides the electromagnetic waves in the z-direction.

[0112] The conical second section thus provides a function corresponding to the webs 6, 7 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0113] The design of the luminaire 10 with a housing 12 and at least one opening 15 closed by a closure element 11 offers the advantage of a simple dust- or watertight design of the luminaire 10. Thus, luminaires 10 can be realized for increased requirements of certain protection classes, which also have integrated radio transmission and reception devices.

[0114] Depending on the location of a luminaire 10, various environmental influences can affect the luminaire 10, which can affect its safe operation. Luminaires 10 used outdoors require protection against moisture ingress, which is not required to the same extent, at least, for luminaires used in enclosed spaces, especially living spaces. Damp rooms also require increased protection against moisture ingress.

[0115] The closure element n enables the design of a luminaire io designed for increased requirements from certain protection classes, which can also accommodate integrated radio transmitting and receiving devices within the housing 12.

[0116] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a closure element 11'.

[0117] The closure element n' has a further (third) section which is arranged on the opposite side of the first section facing away from the second section and forms a further functional section.

[0118] The further section may be formed symmetrically to the second section.

[0119] The closure element 11' can be constructed in multiple parts, for example, in two parts, for easier assembly in the opening 5. Thus, the first, cylindrical section and the second section can form a first part of the closure element n', while the further section forms a second part of the closure element n'. Assembly of the closure element 11 in the opening can be achieved, for example, by first inserting the first part of the closure element 11' with the cylindrical first section into the opening 5, and then connecting the second part of the closure element 1T to the first part of the closure element 1T inserted in the opening 5.

[0120] The closure element 11' is advantageous because it guides the electromagnetic waves on both sides of the opening 5 of the housing 12.

[0121] The discussed embodiments of the closure elements 11 and 1T, shown in Figures 3 and 4, utilize a specific geometric design of the closure element 11, 1T to effect an electrically effective enlargement of the small opening 5, at least in one dimension perpendicular to the passage direction through the base surface 4. The material of the closure elements 11, 11' can have a homogeneous, in particular spatially constant, dielectric constant.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element 11, 1T may have a continuous or step-wise change in the dielectric constant of the material in at least one spatial direction.

[0123] The continuous or step-wise change in the dielectric constant of the material can be combined with a change in the geometric design of the closure element 11, 1T in order to achieve an adaptation of the characteristic impedance and particularly favorable properties for the transmission of the electromagnetic waves along the z-axis, i.e. through the opening 5.

[0124] An adaptation and location-dependent change of the dielectric constant of the closure element 11, n' in the direction of the surface normal of the opening 5 can be achieved by means of an adaptation of a material density, for example when using foams as material for the closure element 11, 11.

[0125] Fig. 5 shows a section of a schematic side view of a housing 2' of a luminaire 1 in a further embodiment. The housing 2' is shown in a sectional view in the xz plane.

[0126] The housing 2' comprises the housing 2 according to Figure 1 with a lower wall 4 of the housing 2, which has an opening 5. The opening 5 is designed such that a radio transmitting / receiving device arranged within the housing 2, with an antenna also arranged within the housing 2, can communicate with other radio devices via electromagnetic waves, wherein the other radio devices are arranged outside the luminaire 1. The lower wall 4 extends in the xy plane.

[0127] Opening 5 has dimensions that are smaller than half the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves in both spatial directions. In the illustrated case, a first side length ai of opening 5, which extends in the x-direction, is shorter than a length a.

[0128] The opening 5 has a first side length ai in the x-direction in the plane of the bottom surface 4. The side length ai is shorter than the length a. The opening 4 is surrounded by webs 6, 7 that extend into the interior of the housing 4. The webs comprise a first web 6 and a second web 7. The webs 6, 7 can be formed integrally with the bottom wall 4 of the housing 1.

[0129] A distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 changes in the z-direction, i.e. in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the base surface 4 or a plane of the opening 5. In particular, the distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 can widen from a distance in the plane of the opening 5 corresponding to the first side length ai of the opening 5 up to a distance a2, wherein the distance a2 is reached at an end of the webs 6, 7 facing away from the opening 5. The distance a2 is greater than the distance ai, which essentially corresponds to the first side length of the opening 5.

[0130] The change in the distance between the facing inner surfaces of the first web 6 and the second web 7 can occur linearly or nonlinearly in the z-direction. The webs 6, 7 form a funnel-like or horn-like arrangement in the xz-plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the xy-plane of the opening 5.

[0131] The formation of the webs 6, 7 guides the electromagnetic waves through the opening 5 and increases the electromagnetic power transmitted through the opening 5 compared to an opening 5 with the first side length tat without correspondingly formed webs 6, 7. The geometry formed towards the inside of the housing corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 1 described above.

[0132] In the illustrated case, opening 5 is open, i.e., without a closure element made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves arranged in the opening 5. This allows for the desired air exchange in certain applications, for example, for cooling.

[0133] A closure element arranged in the opening 5 made of a material transparent to electromagnetic waves can be provided for a luminaire 1 which must meet certain requirements regarding the tightness of the housing 4 against moisture, water, dust or foreign bodies.

[0134] The housing 2' according to Fig. 5 has, in addition to the base surface 4, a further base surface 4', which is arranged essentially parallel to and directly adjacent to the base surface 4 of the housing 1, in particular lying flush with it. The further base surface 4' has a further opening 5', which corresponds in its dimensions and spatial arrangement to the opening 5 in the first base surface 4. Thus, the openings 5 ​​and 5' allow electromagnetic waves to pass through the base surfaces 4, 4' between the interior of the luminaire 1, or its housing 2', and the exterior of the luminaire 1, or its housing 2'.

[0135] The opening 5' is surrounded by webs 8, 9 that extend toward the exterior of the housing 2'. The webs 8, 9 comprise a first web 8 and a second web 9. The webs 8, 9 can be formed integrally with the further bottom surface 4' of the housing 2'.

[0136] The webs 8, 9 are thus arranged opposite the first web 6 and the second web 7. The webs 6, 7 extend essentially in the direction of the positive z-axis, whereas the webs 8, 9 extend essentially in the direction of the negative z-axis.

[0137] A distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 8 and the second web 9 changes in the z-direction, i.e. in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the further base surface 4, or a plane of the further opening 5'. In particular, the distance between the mutually facing surfaces of the first web 8 and the second web 9 can widen from a distance in the plane of the opening 5' corresponding to the first side length ai of the opening 5' up to a distance a3, wherein the distance a3 is reached at an end of the webs 8, 9 facing away from the opening 5'. The distance a3 is greater than the distance ai, which essentially corresponds to the first side length of the opening 5.

[0138] The distance a3 can be equal to the distance a2 of the first web 6 and the second web 7.

[0139] The change in the distance between the mutually facing inner surfaces of the first web 8 and the second web 9 can be linear or non-linear in the z-direction and is also continuous and strictly monotonic.

[0140] The webs 8, 9 form a funnel-like or horn-like arrangement in the xz-plane, which is arranged perpendicular to the xy-plane of the opening 5.

[0141] The formation of the webs 6, 7, 8, 9 guides the electromagnetic waves through the openings 5, 5' and increases the electromagnetic power transmitted through the opening 5, 5'.

[0142] The housing 2' is advantageous because it guides the electromagnetic waves on both sides of the opening 5 of the housing 2', thus inside the housing 2' and outside the housing 2'.

[0143] Fig. 6 shows a section of a plan view of a housing 32 of a luminaire 1 of a further embodiment.

[0144] The housing 32 differs from the housings 2 and 2' by the shape of the opening 35 arranged in the base surface 34 in the xy-plane. The opening 5 has the shape of an isosceles cross in the xy-plane. The opening 35 thus comprises a superposition of a first opening 35.1 and a second opening 35.2, wherein the first opening 35.1 and the second opening 35.2 each have a rectangle in the xy-plane with a first side length ai smaller than a and a second side length b as their basic shape. The first opening 35.1 and the second opening 35.2 are 90 0 rotated against each other, so that the basic shape of an opening 35 in the form of an isosceles cross is created in the xy plane, i.e. the plane of the bottom surface 34 of the housing 32.

[0145] The design of the opening 35 according to Fig. 6 enables a polarization-dependent transmission of electromagnetic waves, for example also changing polarization directions from one side of the floor surface 34 to the other side of the floor surface 34. Thus, electromagnetic waves with different and / or variable polarization can be sent from the interior of the luminaire 1 into the external space around the luminaire 1, and electromagnetic waves with different and / or variable polarization can be transmitted from the external space around the luminaire i into the interior of the luminaire i.

[0146] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a closure element 31 as well as a plan view of the further embodiment of the closure element 31 rotated by 90°.

[0147] The closure element 31 corresponds in its basic shape in the xy plane of the bottom surface 34 of the opening 35 with the basic shape of an isosceles cross with a first opening 35.1 and a second opening 35.2 according to Fig. 6. The closure element 31 is dimensioned such that it can be arranged with its first section in the opening 35 according to Fig. 6 and can thus close the opening 35.

[0148] The closure element 31 can be constructed from a uniform material, wherein the material of the closure element 31 is selected such that the closure element has a different dielectric constant in each partial region of the closure element 31.

[0149] The closure element 31 according to Figure 7 has a first partial region 31.1 with a material having a first dielectric constant and a second partial region with the material having a second dielectric constant.

[0150] Alternatively, the closure element 31 can be constructed from different materials in the partial regions 31.1, 31.2, wherein the different materials of the closure element 31 each have a different dielectric constant.

[0151] Alternatively or additionally, the closure element 31 can be constructed with different geometries in the partial areas 31.1, 31.2 in order to achieve correspondingly different transmission properties of the electromagnetic waves through the opening 35.

[0152] Furthermore, the closure element 31 is shaped such that it can be inserted into the correspondingly formed opening 35 in at least two alternatively possible orientations.

[0153] The upper part of Figure 7 shows the closure element 31 in a first orientation.

[0154] The lower part of Figure 7 shows the closure element 31 in a second orientation. The second orientation of the closure element 31 is rotated by 90° relative to the first orientation. The closure element 31 can be inserted into the opening 35 of the base surface 34 according to Figure 6 in both the first and second orientations.

[0155] The geometric shape of the closure element 31 (and accordingly of the opening 35) is not limited to the shape of a cross according to Fig. 7. Other geometric shapes, for example with star-shaped or polygonal or circular bases with directional markings at the corresponding directional markings of the correspondingly formed openings 5, 35, are also possible.

[0156] By selecting the orientation and inserting the closure element 31 in the selected orientation into the opening 35, the desired transmission properties for the electromagnetic waves through the opening 35 can be set. The desired transmission properties can include, for example, the frequency, main radiation direction, polarization, and power of the electromagnetic waves through the opening 5.

[0157] If the closure element 31 is constructed with materials with different dielectric constants, a different transmission behavior of the opening 35 provided with the closure element 31 can be achieved by inserting the closure element 31 in either the first orientation or the second orientation. Thus, the formation of the opening 35 with a correspondingly designed closure element 31 can achieve two different direction-dependent transmission characteristics or radiation characteristics.

[0158] A user can adapt different radiation characteristics by simply changing the orientation of the closure element 31 according to pre-set instructions, for example in a manual provided by the manufacturer, according to his application, or a spatial position of the luminaire 1.

[0159] Alternatively or additionally, a set of different closure elements 11, 11', 31 can be provided with corresponding information, the possible transmission properties of the electromagnetic waves through the opening 5, 35 assigned to corresponding closure elements 11, n', 31 of the set of different closure elements 11, n', 31.

[0160] Fig. 8 shows a section of a top view and a section of a side view of another embodiment of a housing 42 of the luminaire 1.

[0161] The upper part of Figure 7 shows a section of the top view of the housing 42.

[0162] The lower part of Figure 7 shows a section of the side view of the housing 42.

[0163] In contrast to the housings 2, 12, 32, the housing 42 shows an arrangement 45 comprising a plurality of individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 in the bottom surface 44 of the housing 42.

[0164] The individual openings 45.1, 45.2, and 45.3 each have a rectangular base in the xy plane with a first side length ai and a second side length b. As already discussed with reference to Figure 1, the side length ai is smaller than the length a and less than half the wavelength X of the electromagnetic waves.

[0165] The illustrated arrangement 45 shows for all individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 of the arrangement 45 an identical second side length b and an identical first side length ai, as well as an identical distance between the individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3.

[0166] The arrangement 45 can alternatively have individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, each with different first side lengths ai.

[0167] Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement may have individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, each with different second side lengths b.

[0168] Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement may comprise individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 with different distances between the individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3.

[0169] By means of a different dimensioning of the first side length ai, the second side length b and the distance between the individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, the transmission properties for the electromagnetic waves can be adapted to a specific application with regard to a frequency bandwidth and / or the directional characteristic of the arrangement.

[0170] The individual opening 45.1 further comprises a single first web 46 on the inner surface of the bottom surface 44, which corresponds to the first web 6 of Figure 1.

[0171] The individual opening 45.3 further comprises a single second web 47 on the inner surface of the bottom surface 44, which corresponds to the second web 7 of Figure 1.

[0172] The first web 46 and the second web 47 exhibit a distance in the x-direction on their mutually facing (inner) surface, which decreases from a largest distance a3 in the negative z-direction and finally reaches the dimension of the arrangement 45 on the inner side of the base surface. This reduction in the distance is again continuous and strictly monotonic and, as in the embodiments described above, extends over a functional section whose length corresponds at least to the first side length ai.

[0173] The first web 46 and the second web 47 provide a continuous impedance matching for the electromagnetic waves from the interior of the housing 42 to the arrangement 51-

[0174] A closure element is not shown in Fig. 7. A combination of the arrangement 51 of individual openings 55.1, 51.2, 51.3 with a closure element 51 in different positions is shown on the following page of the drawing with Figures 9A to 9C. Figures 9A to 9C show an arrangement 45 of individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, whose respective dimensions are essentially identical.

[0175] Fig. 9A shows a section of a side view of an arrangement comprising the housing 42 for a luminaire 1 in one embodiment with a further embodiment of a closure element 41 arranged in a first position on the housing 42.

[0176] The closure element 41 comprises three sections. The closure element 41 is made of a dielectric material. The dielectric constant s r of the dielectric material can be homogeneous, essentially constant, over the entire closure element 41.

[0177] Alternatively, the relative dielectric constant s r of the dielectric material in individual sections of the closure element 41, or across all sections of the closure element 41, the entire closure element 41 can be variable.

[0178] A first section 41.1 of the closure element 41 has a cuboid-shaped body whose dimensions are matched to the dimensions of the first individual opening 45.1, the second individual opening 45.2, and the third individual opening 45.3. In particular, the dimensions of the first section 41.1 and the first individual opening 45.1, the second individual opening 45.2, and the third individual opening 45.3 are selected such that the closure element 41 can be spatially fixed by means of the first section of the closure element 41.1. Thus, depending on the positioning of the first section 41.1 in a corresponding individual opening 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 of the arrangement 45 of individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, the closure element 41 can be fixed in a first position, a second position, or a third position.

[0179] Figure 9A shows the closure element 41 with its first section 41.1 inserted into the first individual opening 45.1. The closure element 41 is thus in a first position on the luminaire 1, or rather its housing 42.

[0180] Figure 9B shows the closure element 41 with its first section 41.1 inserted into the second individual opening 45.2. The closure element 41 is thus in a second position on the luminaire 1, or rather its housing 42.

[0181] Figure 9C shows the closure element 41 with its first section 41.1 inserted into the third individual opening 45.3. The closure element 41 is thus in a third position on the luminaire 1, or rather its housing 42.

[0182] The second section 41.2 of the closure element 41 is essentially plate-shaped and arranged on the first section 41.1 of the closure element 41 such that, in every possible position of the closure element 41 on the housing 42, all individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 of the arrangement 45 of individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 are covered by the closure element 41, and in particular its second section 41.2. Thus, in every position of the closure element 41 on the housing 42, the interior of the luminaire 1 enclosed by the housing 42 is separated from the surroundings of the luminaire 1, in particular, in a dust-tight and / or watertight manner.

[0183] The third section 41.3 of the closure element 41 is viewed in cross-section and, as already explained in relation to Fig. 3, is trapezoidal in shape and is arranged relative to the first section 41.1 of the closure element 41 such that electromagnetic waves which are coupled out of the interior of the housing 42 by the first section 41.1 and the second section 41.2 are radiated with a specific spatial characteristic into the exterior space around the housing 42 of the luminaire. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment shown, only the third section forms the functional section. Furthermore, for the functional sections described, the advantageous embodiment was assumed in which the narrower end of the functional section has a width ci that corresponds to the width of the opening 5. However, a smaller or larger width is also conceivable in principle, as long as the continuous change in width across the functional section is maintained.

[0184] Fig. 9B shows a section of the side view of the arrangement comprising the housing 42 for the luminaire 1 in an embodiment with the further embodiment of the closure element 41 arranged in the second position on the housing 42.

[0185] Fig. 9C shows a section of the side view of the arrangement comprising the housing 42 for the luminaire in one embodiment with the further embodiment of the closure element 41 arranged in the third position on the housing 42.

[0186] By superimposing the contributions of the individual openings 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 of the arrangement 45 and the corresponding spatial alternative positioning of the closure element 45, a spatial transmission / reception characteristic of the electromagnetic waves in the exterior of the luminaire 1 is achieved, which can be adjusted in three discrete settings. Figures 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate this schematically for the arrangement of the closure element 41 in the first position in Figure 9A, for the arrangement of the closure element 41 in the second position for Figure 9B, and for the arrangement of the closure element 41 in the third position in Figure 9C.

[0187] The housings 2, 12, 32, 42, as well as the corresponding luminaire 1 are particularly advantageously applicable for luminaires 1 with metal housings, for luminaires 1 which only show a small functionally free area of ​​their housing 2, 12, 32, 42, and luminaires with increased requirements for the tightness of the housing 2, 12, 32, 42.

Claims

Claims 1. A housing for a luminaire (1, 10), wherein the housing (2, 12) is designed to accommodate a transmitting and / or receiving device for electromagnetic waves, and the housing has at least one opening (5) in a housing wall (4), wherein at least a first dimension (ai) and a second dimension (b) of a base area of ​​the opening (5) in the housing wall (4) is less than or equal to half a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves, and a boundary surface surrounding the opening (5) in the housing wall (4) is designed to effect, via at least one functional section of the boundary surface in the direction of the surface normal of the opening (5), a continuous adaptation of a wave impedance in the direction of a surface normal of the housing wall (4) in the region of the opening (5), and / or a closure element (11) permeable to the electromagnetic waves and arranged in the opening (5) is designed such thatto effect a continuous adjustment of a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves when passing through the opening (5) via at least one functional section of the closure element (11) in the direction of the surface normal of the opening (5).

2. Housing for a luminaire according to claim 1, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) is designed to close the opening (5) in a gas-tight, dust-tight and / or liquid-tight manner.

3. Housing for a luminaire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) is constructed essentially from a dielectrically active material, and the closure element (11) has a location-dependent changing dielectric constant of the dielectric material, or the closure element (n) has a location-dependently changing effective dielectric constant of the dielectric material for the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves, or the closure element (11) is constructed from at least two different materials, each with a different dielectric constant.

4. Housing for a luminaire according to claim 3, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) is made of a material having at least two components of different dielectric constant or effective dielectric constant, the relative proportions of which change over the length of the functional section.

5. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) has geometric structures in the interior, wherein the geometric structures have length dimensions which are smaller than a wavelength of the electromagnetic waves.

6. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) is essentially constructed from a dielectrically active material, and an effective dielectric constant of the closure element (11) in the region of the inside of the housing (12) essentially corresponds to a dielectric constant of air, and changes towards the outside of the housing (12) towards higher values ​​of the dielectric constant than the dielectric constant of air.

7. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) is trapezoidal in cross-section in at least one partial area.

8. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) and / or the inner boundary surface of the housing wall (4) to the opening (5) is designed to bring about a directional effect of a radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves in the external space around the housing (12) and / or in the interior of the housing (2).

9. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (11, 31) arranged in the opening (5, 35) and / or the inner boundary surface of the housing wall (4) is designed to bring about a polarization of the electromagnetic waves in the external space around the housing (12, 32), and / or in the interior of the housing (12, 32), and / or to bring about a polarization-dependent transmission of the electromagnetic waves through the opening (5).

10. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a geometry of the boundary surface of the opening (5) is designed to guide the electromagnetic waves as they pass through the opening (5).

11. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a change in a cross-section of the opening (5) or in material properties of the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) extends from an outer surface of the housing wall (4) into the interior of the housing (2, 12), and / or the change in a cross-section of the opening (5) or in the material properties of the closure element (11) arranged in the opening (5) extends from an inner surface of the housing wall (4) in the direction of a space outside the housing (2, 12).

12. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic waves have frequencies in a frequency band around 2.45 GHz, in particular in a frequency band from 2.40 to 2.49 GHz.

13. Housing for a luminaire according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (31) is to be arranged in at least two different spatial orientations (35) in the opening, and the closure element (31) is designed to bring about different transmission properties for the electromagnetic waves depending on the orientation when it is arranged in the opening (35) of the housing wall (4).

14. A luminaire comprising a housing (2, 12) according to one of the preceding claims, and the transmitting and / or receiving device arranged inside the housing (2, 12).

15. Luminaire according to claim 14, wherein the luminaire, in particular the housing (2, 12) of the luminaire, is designed to be gas-tight, dust-tight, and / or at least splash-proof.

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