Lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device (1, 11, 111) for an object, such as a wind turbine, comprises a lighting means space (3) which is delimited at least in sections by at least one window (31), and at least one lighting means (4) arranged in the lighting means space (3) which is designed to emit lighting light in a radial direction (R) through the window (31), further comprises a receiving space (5) separate from the lighting means space (3) for receiving electronic components, which receiving space is arranged offset in an axial direction (A) relative to the lighting means space (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for an object, in particular a tower, such as a wind turbine. The invention also relates to an object, in particular a tower, with a lighting device, as well as to a complex, such as a wind farm, with several objects, in particular towers, and respective lighting devices.

[0002] According to applicable regulations, lighting devices designated as "beacons" must be installed on so-called aviation obstacles in order to warn low-flying aircraft, particularly in the dark, by means of the emitted lighting (aviation obstacle marking). Aviation obstacles or other locations to be illuminated are generally referred to below as "objects." Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the context of the present disclosure, "object" may refer to, for example, a building, a bridge, a pylon, a mast, a chimney, a helipad, or the like. Aviation obstacles include, for example, high-rise buildings, telecommunications towers, wind turbines, cranes, bridge piers, masts, in particular radio masts, or chimneys and similar tall structures, which are generally referred to below as towers. The lighting device serves to mark the aviation obstacle.Alternatively, beacons are used as hazard lights or navigational beacons. Despite the historically based use of the term "beacon," beacons are powered by electrical light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Beacons with LED light sources are described, for example, in DE 203 12 647 U1 or DE 697 25 705 T2.

[0003] Because residents sometimes feel disturbed by lighting systems, the lighting systems should be deactivated at night and only activated when necessary when a vehicle approaches (needs-based night marking, BNK). The wind turbine described in EP 1 984 622 B1 has a receiver that receives signals from aircraft in order to activate the aircraft lighting system only when an aircraft approaches the wind turbine. This is intended to alert the vehicle pilot that the vehicle is approaching the wind turbine or a wind farm. Analogously, a lighting system can be used on offshore wind turbines to safely avoid a collision between an offshore wind turbine and a ship. DE 20 2022 002 564 U1 concerns a light intended for use as an air obstacle marking, which includes a dedicated traffic signal receiver.

[0004] DE 20 2012 003 935 U1 and EP 2 213 876 A1 relate to wind turbines with lights. Their tower has a walkable interior and several obstacle or hazard lights, of which at least one is located on the nacelle and several are located on the outer wall. A control cabinet is located on the tower or in the interior of the tower or its nacelle (engine room). This control cabinet controls and supplies power to the obstacle or hazard lights via cabling routed inside the interior. Many wind turbines contain a traffic receiver for receiving signals from aircraft within such a control cabinet.

[0005] Many complex systems incorporate a network for signal transmission between a multitude of different control devices, actuators, sensors, receivers, transmitters, and the like. In such a network, the lights represent only a portion of a multitude of interconnected components. Controlling known lights in compliance with the BNK (Battery Control Network) often requires complex cabling within the respective system, resulting in complicated installation. Addressing the lights within the respective network also often presents a challenge because the number of usable addresses is limited.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a lighting device whose assembly and / or operation is simplified, which can perform as many functions as possible with as few supply cables as possible, and / or which can be used reliably and safely even under difficult environmental conditions. This object(s) is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0007] Accordingly, a lighting device for an object, in particular a tower, such as a wind turbine, is provided, which comprises a lighting device compartment and at least one lighting device. The lighting device compartment is delimited, at least in section, by at least one window. It may be preferred that the lighting device compartment be equipped with at least one or precisely one window in order to allow the all-round emission of lighting light. The window may, for example, be cylindrical in shape and completely surround the lighting device compartment, wherein the window extends around an axis of rotation that defines an axial direction. The window is preferably implemented as a lens that is designed and configured to align the lighting light emitted by the lighting device. A window formed as a lens may, for example, be shaped like a Fresnel lens.The illuminant compartment or the entire lighting device can be formed substantially rotationally symmetrically with respect to an axis. Preferably, the lighting device has a main extension direction that defines an axial direction. In the axial direction, the illuminant compartment can be delimited on at least one side by a plate, such as a cover plate or a base plate.

[0008] The lighting device comprises at least one light source arranged in the light source compartment, which is designed to emit lighting light in a radial direction through the window. Preferably, the at least one light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED). It may be preferred for the lighting device to comprise a plurality of light sources implemented as light-emitting diodes, wherein preferably all light sources of the lighting device are implemented as light-emitting diodes. It should be understood that the radial direction or radial directions is or are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the axial direction. It may be preferred for the lighting device to have a plurality of light sources.

[0009] A lighting device can have two or more lighting compartments, each of which houses at least one lighting device, wherein the plurality of lighting compartments are preferably separated from one another, for example by a seal. In particular, the lighting device can comprise at least one row of several, in particular identical, lighting devices. The lighting compartment shields the lighting devices arranged therein from the environment. The lighting compartment forms a housing or part of a housing for dust- and / or water-protected accommodation of the lighting devices. The luminous spectrum of the lighting device's lighting device can preferably be designed and configured in accordance with relevant regulations for lighting, preferably in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), in particular in accordance with Aerodrome Design and Operations Annex 14 Chapter 6.

[0010] The lighting device preferably comprises at least one row of, in particular identical, illuminants, which are arranged circumferentially distributed in the illuminant chamber and / or are oriented in different radial directions to emit illuminant light. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting device can have several, in particular several rows, of, in particular identical, illuminants offset in the axial direction. Preferably, several illuminants offset in the axial direction are arranged within the same illuminant chamber.

[0011] The lighting device preferably comprises first illuminants with a first predetermined luminous spectrum, for example with a characteristic wavelength in the visible red range. The lighting device can in particular have at least one first illuminant with a characteristic wavelength in the range 650 nm to 780 nm. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting device can have at least one second illuminant with a second predetermined luminous spectrum that differs from the first predetermined luminous spectrum. For example, the lighting device can have second illuminants with a characteristic wavelength in the non-visible infrared range. The lighting device preferably has illuminants with a predetermined white, red and / or infrared luminous spectrum.The lighting device can in particular have at least one second illuminant with a characteristic wavelength in the range 780 nm to 140 nm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the lighting device can have a luminous intensity in the range of 5 cd to 90 cd, preferably in the range of 10 cd to 70 cd. In some embodiments, the lighting device can have a luminous intensity in the range of 100 cd to 500,000 cd, preferably in the range of up to 200,000 cd. It can be particularly preferred for the lighting device to be designed and configured to emit red light with a luminous intensity in the range of 200 cd to 2,000 cd or in the range of 2,000 cd to 20,000 cd. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device can be designed and configured to emit white light with a luminous intensity in the range of up to 100,000 cd or up to 200,000 cd. The window is preferably matched to the luminous spectrum of the at least one illuminant of the lighting device. Preferably, the window is substantially transparent to the luminous spectrum of the illuminant or illuminants.Preferably, the illuminant(s) is / are equipped with illuminant electronics for operating the illuminant(s). For example, illuminants implemented as light-emitting diodes comprise LED driver electronics as the illuminant electronics. The illuminant electronics can be arranged directly on the illuminant(s). Alternatively, the illuminant electronics can be arranged in a base region, in particular on a mounting flange, which is provided for attaching the lighting device to the object, in particular a tower.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the lighting device further comprises a receiving space, separate from the illuminant space, for receiving electronic components. The receiving space is arranged offset relative to the illuminant space in the axial direction. Preferably, the receiving space is adjacent to the illuminant space in the axial direction, in particular directly. The illuminant space can be physically separated from the receiving space. A partition wall can be provided in the axial direction between the illuminant space and the receiving space. In particular, the illuminant space is separated from the receiving space in an airtight or watertight manner. In some embodiments, a seal can be provided between the receiving space and the illuminant space. Alternatively, it can be provided that illuminant space and receiving space denote adjacent, spatially separate regions of the lighting device that are jointly encapsulated.The receiving space can form an axial extension relative to the receiving space, wherein in particular no partition wall is provided between the receiving space and the illuminant space. Electronic components are preferably arranged in the receiving space. Technical devices, such as electronic components, which are designed and configured to influence the operation of the at least one illuminant can be arranged in the receiving space. Additionally or alternatively, technical devices, such as electronic components, which are designed and configured to operate independently of the operation of the at least one illuminant and / or without influencing the operation of the illuminant can be arranged in the receiving space.

[0014] The electronic components arranged or arrangeable in the receiving space can be at least partially electrically and / or signal-transmittingly connected to the at least one illuminant and / or the illuminant electronics. It may be preferred for the illuminant electronics to be arranged entirely outside the illuminant space. Alternatively, the illuminant electronics can be arranged only partially or entirely within the receiving space. Preferably, the electronic components accommodated in the receiving space are different from the illuminant electronics. In some embodiments, the electronic components in the receiving space comprise the illuminant electronics.

[0015] The lighting device preferably comprises control electronics for actuating the at least one lighting means, in particular according to a BNK operation. The electronic components accommodated in the receiving space can at least partially or completely comprise or implement the control electronics. The control electronics are preferably designed and configured to operate the at least one lighting means in a first active mode, in particular an active night mode, or a first passive mode, in particular a passive night mode, wherein the lighting means is operated at a nominal light intensity in the first active mode and is inactive in the first passive mode or is operated at a light intensity reduced compared to the nominal light intensity. In the first active mode, in particular in the active night mode, the lighting means can be operated with a predetermined flashing rhythm.Additionally or alternatively, the control electronics can be designed and configured to operate at least one lighting device in a second active mode, in particular an active daytime mode, wherein the second active mode differs from the first active mode. For example, the control electronics can be designed and configured to operate at least one lighting device in the first active mode to emit beacon light with a first characteristic light spectrum (for example, to emit red light) and in the second active mode to emit beacon light with a second characteristic light spectrum (for example, to emit white light).

[0016] The housing shields the electronic components arranged therein from the environment. The housing forms a housing or part of a housing for the dust and / or water-protected accommodation of the electronic components. The housing and the lamp compartment can form a common housing. The housing for the dust and / or water-protected accommodation of electronic components and / or lamps can, for example, be defined according to a protection type of the so-called International Protection Code (IP Code). Protection types can describe the degree of protection of the housing against contact, foreign bodies, water, and the like. IP codes can, for example, be defined according to IEC 529, EN 60529, DIN VDE 0470-1 in the 2014 version applicable. The first digit of the IP code indicates the protection against foreign bodies and contact, with a higher value indicating greater protection.The first digit can have the following meaning: 3: protected against solid foreign bodies larger than 2.5 mm and against contact with tools; 4: protected against solid foreign bodies larger than 1 mm and against contact with wires; 5: protected against dust and contact; 6: sealed against dust and protected against contact. The second digit of the IP code relates to protection against water. The second digit can have the following meaning: 3: protected against sprayed water; 4: protected against splashed water; 5: protected against water jets; 6: protected against heavy water jets; 7: protected against temporary immersion; 8: protected against permanent immersion. The enclosure can, for example, correspond to protection class IP 65, IP 66, IP 67 or IP 68.

[0017] The lighting device according to the present disclosure allows for a significant simplification thanks to the integration of electronic components, which in conventional systems are arranged outside the lighting device in control cabinets on or in an object, in particular a tower. The integration of electronic components into the lighting device enables decentralized operation of the lighting device. In this way, the cabling, addressing, and assembly costs for using the lighting device can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the accommodation of electronic components in the accommodation space of the lighting device reduces undesirable electromagnetic interactions that can occur in some conventional systems with control cabinets located far away from the lighting device.The lighting device can reduce the number of wired signal lines in a building for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to a lighting device. Furthermore, by housing electronic components inside the lighting device, the operational reliability of the lighting device can be improved by preventing assembly errors or defects when connecting a lighting device to a building, particularly a tower. The arrangement of the electronic components in the receiving space axially adjacent to the lamp compartment allows for a particularly space-saving design of the lighting device without disrupting the emission of lighting light.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lighting device has a mounting flange for attachment to the object, in particular the tower. At least one illuminant chamber is arranged in the axial direction between the receiving chamber and the mounting flange. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving chamber is arranged in the axial direction between at least one illuminant chamber and the mounting flange. It is conceivable for the lighting device to have two separate illuminant chambers, with the receiving chamber being arranged in the axial direction between these illuminant chambers. A receiving chamber arranged at the end of the lighting device opposite the mounting flange can in particular be cylindrical, hemispherical, or dome-shaped. A receiving chamber arranged opposite the mounting flange in relation to the illuminant chamber(s) can offer particularly ample space for accommodating the electronic components.

[0019] In a preferred development of a lighting device, the illuminant chamber has a hollow cylindrical shape that defines a circular base area. The receiving chamber is arranged in the region of the base area. The receiving chamber is preferably cylindrical or hollow cylindrical. In particular, the base area has a diameter in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, in particular in the range of 20 cm to 25 cm, preferably a diameter of 20 cm or 6 cm. The receiving chamber preferably has a height in the range of 10 cm to 50 cm. The height of the receiving chamber can in particular be 15 cm to 30 cm, for example 20 cm. The receiving chamber can preferably have a height that essentially corresponds to the height of the illuminant chamber.For example, the height of the receiving space is at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, preferably at least 90%, of the height of the illuminant space and / or no more than 200%, in particular no more than 150%, preferably no more than 125% or no more than 110%, of the height of the illuminant space. It may be preferred that the receiving space has a radial width that is no greater than the base area defined by the illuminant space. The illuminant space is preferably arranged flush with the base area.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device further comprises a supply channel separate from the illuminant chamber and the receiving chamber. The supply channel is designed and configured to accommodate electronic supply lines, signal lines, and / or a cooling medium for the at least one illuminant. In particular, the illuminant chamber surrounds the supply channel in the radial direction. Optionally, the receiving chamber can surround the supply channel in the radial direction. The illuminant chamber is delimited, at least in sections, by an inner wall that separates the supply channel from the illuminant chamber. The supply channel preferably extends in the axial direction through at least part of the lighting device. The supply channel can extend into the lighting device, starting at the base region, in particular at a mounting flange.The supply channel can extend in the axial direction up to the receiving space or a cover plate of the lighting device. In particular, the lighting device comprises at least one supply line for supplying the at least one lighting means and / or the electronic components in the receiving space, which supply line extends through the supply channel. It can be preferred that both the at least one lighting means and the electronic components in the receiving space are supplied with electrical energy via the same supply line. The supply channel can contain, for example, air, in particular ambient air, as a cooling medium. It can be preferred that the lighting device has at least one signal line for transmitting signals, in particular control signals, to the at least one lighting means, to the electronic component and / or from the electronic component in the receiving space.It may be appropriate for the signal line to extend through the supply channel.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device is free of a wired signal line for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the lighting device. In particular, the lighting device has control electronics that are designed and configured for, preferably exclusively, wireless communication with network components of the object, in particular the tower, or the complex, that are external to the lighting device. The lighting means, the electronic components, any control electronics, etc. are preferably designed and configured for operation without a wired signal line to a control cabinet in or on the object, in particular the tower, or the complex. It should be understood that this preferred embodiment preferably has an electrical supply line for operating the lighting device.Because the lighting system is designed and configured for operation without wired reception of control signals, it can be used with significantly reduced installation and wiring effort. This can reduce costs and sources of error.

[0022] In some embodiments of the lighting device, the receiving space can be surrounded by an outer wall, preferably in the shape of a cylindrical sleeve. The outer wall can comprise or consist of a metal material, such as aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the outer wall can comprise or consist of a plastic material, such as PMMA (Plexiglas). An outer wall made of PMMA can be formed as an optically transparent window, in particular as a lens. A plastic outer wall is lightweight, so that the lighting device can be easily mounted on an object, in particular a tower. An outer wall made of a transparent material allows for simplified maintenance of the lighting device. Outer walls made of metal material are characterized by particularly high weather resistance.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of a lighting device, a traffic receiver for receiving transponder signals from a vehicle in a predetermined environment is arranged in the receiving space. The predetermined environment can, for example, be a radius around the lighting device. The predetermined environment can, for example, have a nominal diameter of 10 km, 20 km, 40 km, or 100 km. The traffic receiver is preferably part of the electronic components in the receiving space. Particularly preferably, a lighting device with a traffic receiver further comprises control electronics, in particular partially or completely housed in the receiving space, for actuating the lighting means. The traffic receiver and the control electronics are preferably interconnected for signal transmission.In particular, the control electronics can be designed and configured to actuate the at least one lighting means as a function of the traffic receiver, in particular in a BNK mode. A traffic receiver or traffic signal receiver can generally refer to an electronic component that is designed and configured to receive a predetermined signal of a predetermined frequency. The lighting device is preferably configured such that the lighting means are in a first state (preferably the passive night mode) while no predetermined signal is received, and in a second state (preferably the active night mode) while a predetermined signal is received. The traffic signal receiver can preferably be connected to control electronics that are designed and configured to generate activation or passivation signals for the at least one lighting means.The predetermined signal can, in particular, be a frequency commonly used in aviation and / or shipping, approximately 1090 MHz. The predetermined signal is preferably transmitted by a traffic signal emitter of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft or ship (transponder signal). For example, an aircraft can comprise an ADS-B transponder for emitting the predetermined signal. The predetermined signal transmitted by the vehicle, in particular an aircraft and / or ship, can have a predetermined identifier. Transponder signals can include information about the current altitude and position of the flying object.

[0024] If a predetermined signal is received by the traffic signal receiver, the at least one light source is switched on and preferably operated in such a way that it lights up in the usual way, e.g. a certain rhythm of switching on and off in the form of a flashing light.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a lighting device comprises at least one radio signal receiver and / or transmitter, such as an LTE transceiver, for receiving and / or transmitting control signals and / or status signals.

[0026] In particular, the at least one radio signal receiver and / or transmitter is arranged in the receiving space. The radio signal receiver and / or transmitter is preferably part of the electronic components in the receiving space. Particularly preferably, a lighting device with a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter further comprises control electronics, which are accommodated, in particular partially or completely, in the receiving space for actuating the lighting means. The radio signal receiver and / or transmitter and the control electronics are preferably connected to one another for signal transmission. It is conceivable for a lighting device with a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter to further comprise a signal line which is designed and configured to connect the lighting device to other network components in an object, in particular a tower, or the like, for example a control cabinet.The lighting device, in particular its electronic components arranged in the receiving space, can comprise, for example, a wired signal transmission interface, such as a SCADA interface, which is connected to at least one other electronic component for signal transmission. In this way, the lighting device can be used to implement signal transmission, for example for controlling electronic components of an object, in particular a tower, such as a wind turbine, and / or for transmitting error and / or diagnostic signals from electronic components of the object, in particular the tower, to an external receiver, such as a central control center.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lighting device comprises, as a network component, both a traffic receiver and a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. The radio signal receiver and / or transmitter and the traffic receiver can be interconnected for signal transmission.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the lighting device has a transformer for converting a mains voltage into a supply voltage matched to the at least one lighting device. The transformer is preferably arranged in the receiving space. The transformer is preferably part of the electronic components in the receiving space. The transformer can be designed and configured in particular to convert a 230 V mains voltage into the supply voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the transformer is preferably designed and configured to convert the mains voltage into a supply voltage in the range 5 V to 50 V, preferably in the range 10 V to 30 V. The supply voltage can preferably be 6 V, 12 V or 24 V. Lighting devices with an integrated transformer are well suited, for example, for use on the towers of mobile construction cranes.In conventional construction cranes, a transformer is often manually connected between the lighting system and the mains supply to operate obstruction lights. Operating errors can occur, resulting in malfunctions or defects.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of a lighting device, the lighting device has an electrical supply line for a supply voltage matched to the at least one lighting device. The supply line can in particular connect a transformer to the at least one lighting device. In some embodiments, this supply line can be designed and configured to supply at least one lighting device with supply voltage from a voltage source, such as a switch cabinet, remote from the lighting device. In addition, the electronic components arranged in the receiving space can be designed and configured to be supplied with the supply voltage from this supply line. If the electronic components in the receiving space and the at least one lighting device are supplied with electrical energy via the same supply line, additional cabling can be dispensed with.

[0030] According to the invention, an object, in particular a tower, such as a wind turbine, can be provided comprising at least one lighting device as described above. Preferably, the object, in particular the tower, can comprise a plurality of lighting devices as described above. The object can be, for example, a building, a bridge, a pylon, a mast, a chimney, a helipad, or the like. The object, in particular the tower, can comprise various lighting devices, wherein at least one lighting device is designed as described above. It is conceivable that the object, in particular the tower, has a plurality of different lighting devices according to different embodiments described above.

[0031] In some embodiments of an object, in particular a tower, at least one or precisely one lighting device of this object, in particular a tower, comprises a traffic receiver. The lighting device of the object, in particular a tower, with the traffic receiver preferably also comprises a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of an object, in particular a tower, several lighting devices of the object, in particular a tower, are free of a wired signal line for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the respective lighting device. Alternatively or additionally, the several lighting devices designed free of a wired signal line to the control cabinet can be equipped with a respective radio signal receiver and / or transmitter (network component). Optionally, at least one or exactly one lighting device of the object, in particular a tower, comprises a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter and, if appropriate, a traffic receiver. Preferably, several lighting devices of the object, in particular a tower, are free of a wired signal line for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the respective lighting device.Preferably, the plurality of lighting devices, which are designed without a wired signal line to the control cabinet, are equipped with a respective radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. For such an object, in particular a tower, it may be preferable if at least one or exactly one other lighting device of the object, in particular a tower, comprises both a traffic receiver and a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. The plurality of lighting devices (slave lighting devices) are expediently connected to the other lighting device (master lighting devices) wirelessly via their radio signal receivers and / or transmitters for signal transmission.It is conceivable that the master lighting device is arranged at the top of an object, in particular the top of a tower, for example on a nacelle of a wind turbine, and at least one slave lighting device is arranged at lower positions of the object, in particular the tower, for example as a level light.

[0033] According to the invention, a complex, such as a wind farm, can comprise several towers, wherein at least one object, in particular a tower, comprises a lighting device as described above. Preferably, the complex can comprise several lighting devices as described above. The complex can comprise various lighting devices, wherein at least one lighting device is designed as described above. It is conceivable that the complex has several different lighting devices according to different embodiments described above.

[0034] In some embodiments of a complex, a lighting device of at least one object, in particular a tower, or precisely one object, in particular a tower, of the complex comprises a traffic receiver. Preferably, precisely one lighting device in the object, in particular a tower, or the complex comprises a traffic receiver. The lighting device of the object, in particular a tower, of the complex with the traffic receiver preferably also comprises a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of a complex, several lighting devices of several towers are free of respective wired signal lines for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the respective lighting device. Preferably, the several lighting devices designed free of a wired signal line to the control cabinet are equipped with a respective radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. In such a complex, it may be preferred if at least one other lighting device of at least one object, in particular tower, of the complex comprises both a traffic receiver and a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. Expediently, the several lighting devices (slave lighting devices) are wirelessly connected to the other lighting device (master lighting devices) via their radio signal receivers and / or transmitters for signal transmission.It is conceivable that the master lighting device is arranged on one object, in particular a tower, of the complex, such as a central wind turbine of a wind farm, and at least one slave lighting device is provided on other towers and / or the same object, in particular a tower. Communication, particularly redundant communication, for controlling or maintaining the complex, such as a wind farm, can take place via one or more lighting devices equipped with a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter. This allows for a greatly simplified wired network architecture.

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Further properties, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention; and Figure 3 shows a wind farm with wind turbines equipped with lighting devices.

[0037] In the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, the same or similar components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals to simplify readability.

[0038] A lighting device according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 1 or 11. The Figure 1The illustrated lighting device 1 comprises as essential components a lighting means compartment 3 with lighting means 4 arranged thereon and a receiving compartment 5 for electronic components of the lighting device 1, which receiving compartment 5 is offset in an axial direction A in relation to the lighting means compartment 3. The following description refers to an application on a tower, which is used here as an example as a preferred example of an object to be lit.

[0039] The lighting device 1 has a lighting means chamber 3 with a plurality of lighting means 4 arranged therein, which are designed to emit lighting light in the radial direction R. The plurality of lighting means 4 can be arranged distributed in the circumferential direction, preferably at equal intervals, on the lighting device 1, wherein different lighting means can be aligned in different radial directions R. Furthermore, it is conceivable for a plurality of lighting means 4 to be arranged offset from one another in the axial direction R in the lighting means chamber 3. For example, the lighting device 1 can have a plurality of rings of lighting means 4 adjacent to one another in the axial direction A. The lighting means 4 radiate in a radial direction R or in a plurality of radial directions with respect to a common axial direction A of the lighting device.

[0040] The illuminant compartment 3 forms a dust- and watertight encapsulation within which the illuminants 4 and, if applicable, associated illuminant electronics 41 for operating the illuminant(s) 4, such as LED driver electronics for illuminants 4 in the form of light-emitting diodes, are securely housed. The illuminant compartment 3 can, for example, form a housing corresponding to protection class IP 68. The beacon device 1 is preferably equipped with illuminants 4 designed and configured to emit red light with a luminous intensity in the range of 200 cd to 2000 cd or in the range of 2000 cd to 20000 cd as beacon light.

[0041] The illuminant chamber 3 can, for example, be cylindrical in shape. In the axial direction A, the illuminant chamber 3 can extend between a base plate 39 and a cover plate 33. In the radial direction R, the illuminant chamber 3 can extend between an inner wall 37 and an outer window 31. The windows 31 surround a base area of the illuminant chamber with a diameter of, for example, 20 cm to 25 cm. The window 31 can extend completely around the illuminant chamber 3. The window 31 is preferably formed from a material that is essentially transparent to the beacon light to be emitted, for example a plastic material, in particular PMMA (Plexiglas), or a glass material. It is conceivable for the illuminant chamber 3 to be delimited on the outside by several window segments and, if appropriate, non-transparent sections.

[0042] The cover plate 33 can be ring-shaped or circular. The cover plate 33 can be attached to the lighting device by means of screws or the like. It may be preferred that the cover plate 33 closes the upper end of the lamp compartment 3 with a retaining pressure to assist in sealing the lamp compartment 3. The window 31 can be held, preferably sealingly, between the cover plate 33 and the base plate 39.

[0043] The illuminant chamber 3 can completely surround a supply channel 7 in the radial direction R. In the supply channel, for example, supply cables for supplying the illuminants 4 with electrical energy can be provided and / or signal lines for transmitting control signals, for example from a control cabinet, to the illuminants 4. In the lighting device 1 according to the present disclosure, the supply channel 7 preferably borders on the receiving chamber 5. Supply cables arranged in the supply channel 7 can be provided for supplying electronic components arranged within the receiving chamber 5, wherein the electronic components and the illuminants 4 can be supplied by the same or by different supply cables. In the Figure 1In the preferred embodiment shown, the supply channel 7 extends completely through the illuminant chamber 3 in the axial direction A and is limited in the axial direction A by the receiving chamber 5.

[0044] The supply duct 7 can be designed and configured for preferably passive cooling of the lighting device 1. The supply duct 7 can contain, for example, air, in particular ambient air, as a cooling medium. For example, the supply duct 7 for air can be partially open to the environment in order to ensure air and heat exchange. For example, the supply duct 1 can have at least one opening 70 in the region of a mounting flange 9 for fastening the lighting device to a tower. The supply duct 7 is preferably circumferentially delimited in the region of the lighting device compartment 3 by its inner wall 37. The lighting devices 4 and / or the lighting device electronics 41 are preferably fastened to the inner wall 37 and connected to the inner wall 37 for conductive heat transfer. The inner wall 37 is preferably formed from a metal material.The cooling medium present in the supply channel 7 allows the waste heat of the lamps 4 or lamp electronics 41 to be effectively dissipated.

[0045] Various electronic components of the lighting device 1 can be arranged in the receiving space 5. The receiving space 5 forms a dust- and watertight encapsulation within which electronic components are housed. The receiving space 5 can, for example, form a housing corresponding to protection class IP 68. It is conceivable that the lamp compartment 3 together with the receiving space 5 form a housing corresponding to a protection class. Alternatively, the lamp compartment 3 and the receiving space 5 can form separately encapsulated housings, each of which corresponds to a protection class.

[0046] The receiving space 5 can be in the axial direction A, as in Figure 1shown, extend from a base 59 to a lid 51. In the Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the base 59 has a circular shape with a diameter of, for example, 20 cm to 25 cm. The cylindrical receiving space 5 is circumferentially surrounded by a sleeve-shaped outer wall 55. The receiving space 5 extends between the cover 51, the base 59, and the outer wall 55. As an alternative to the illustrated cylindrical shape of the receiving space 5, other shapes, for example a hemispherical shape, are also conceivable. The walls of the illuminant compartment 3 and / or the receiving space 5 can be formed from a metal material, such as aluminum, and / or a plastic material, such as PMMA. Aluminum, in particular saltwater-resistant aluminum alloys (e.g., AlMg3 / EN-AW 5754 anodized), can be preferred, for example, for lighting devices 1 at sea.

[0047] At the Fig. 1In the preferred embodiment shown, the receiving space 5 is arranged directly adjacent to the lamp space 3. The floor 59 of the receiving space borders on the lamp space 3. The floor 59 can be in surface contact with the cover plate 33. The cover plate 33 can be materially connected to the floor 59, for example by welding. Alternatively, the floor 59 can be formed integrally with the cover plate 33. A signal line for transmitting status or control signals can extend from the receiving space 5 to the lamp space 3. Alternatively, a supply line for electrical energy can extend from the receiving space 5 to the lamp space 3. The supply line and / or the signal line can extend from the lamp space 3 through the supply channel 7 to the receiving space 5.Alternatively, the supply line and / or the signal line can extend directly from the lamp compartment 3 to the receiving compartment 5 without passing through the supply channel 7.

[0048] For the lighting device 1 according to Fig. 1 The illuminant chamber 3 is arranged in the axial direction A between the receiving chamber 5 and the mounting flange 9. Thanks to this arrangement, a receiving chamber 5 with a particularly large volume for accommodating electronic components can be realized without disrupting the circumferential emission of beacon light in the radial direction R.

[0049] The lighting device 1 has a mounting base for attachment to a tower or other object, which in the preferred embodiments shown here is shown as a mounting flange 9. A column section 6 extends between the illuminant compartment 3 and the mounting flange 9. The column section 6 can be formed by a segment of the supply duct 7 that projects from the illuminant compartment 3 in the axial direction A. The base height or column height between the mounting flange 9 and the base plate 39 of the illuminant compartment 3 is preferably smaller than the height of the illuminant compartment 3. In the radial direction R, the illuminant compartment 3 projects beyond the column section 6.

[0050] For example, control electronics for operating the lighting devices can be housed in the receiving space 5. Alternatively or additionally, at least one traffic receiver for receiving transponder signals from a vehicle can be housed in the receiving space 5.

[0051] Further alternatively or additionally, a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter, such as an LTE transceiver, can be arranged in the receiving space 5. The radio signal receiver can be designed and configured, for example, to receive control signals and / or status signals for the lighting device 1. The radio signal transmitter can be designed and configured, for example, to transmit control signals and / or status signals from the lighting device 1. A radio signal receiver and / or transmitter can be operatively connected to a first, second, or other radio antenna 21, 22.

[0052] At the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting device 1 comprises radio antennas 21, 22. The radio antennas 21, 22 can, as illustrated, be arranged on the outside of the lighting device 1. It may be expedient for the radio antennas 21, 22 arranged on the outside of the lighting device 1 to be connected to electronic components of the lighting device 1, in particular within the receiving space 5. Alternatively, it is conceivable to arrange one or more radio antennas in the receiving space (not illustrated), with internal radio antennas expediently being connected to electronic components of the lighting device 1, preferably within the receiving space 5. The cover 51 delimits the receiving space 5.

[0053] The lighting device can comprise various antennas 21, 22 for different communication paths as a network component. For example, a first radio antenna 21 can be designed and configured for communication with a mobile radio network, for example, according to the LTE standard. A first radio antenna 21 designed as an LTE antenna can provide wireless communication between the lighting device 1 and network components located remotely, for example, a central data storage, diagnostic, maintenance, and / or control station (not shown).

[0054] The lighting device 1, in particular at least one electronic component arranged within the receiving space 5, can be designed and configured, for example, to receive control signals for the lighting device 1 or optionally other components of a tower or complex by means of the first radio antenna 21. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device 1, in particular at least one electronic component arranged within the receiving space 5, can be designed and configured to transmit status or diagnostic information from the lighting device 1 by means of the first radio antenna 21.

[0055] A second radio antenna 22 can be designed and configured for communication via digital and / or analog radio in a short range around the beacon 1. For example, the second radio antenna 22 can be designed and configured for wireless communication in the area of the tower to which the beacon 1 is attached. The second radio antenna 22 can, for example, be designed and configured for communication with other beacon 1 or other radio network components arranged in, on, or near the tower.

[0056] The lighting device 1, in particular at least one electronic component arranged within the receiving space 5, such as a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter, can, for example, be designed and configured to transmit signals received by the first radio antenna 21, optionally after transformation, via the second radio antenna 22. Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device 1, in particular at least one electronic component arranged within the receiving space 5, such as a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter, can be designed and configured to transmit signals received by the second radio antenna 22, optionally after transformation, via the second radio antenna 21.

[0057] In some embodiments, a transformer for converting a mains voltage into a supply voltage matched to the lighting means 4 can be arranged in the receiving space 4.

[0058] The Fig. 2 The illustrated design of a lighting device 11 largely corresponds to the one described above with regard to Fig. 1 described embodiment of a lighting device 1, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements.

[0059] The lighting device 11 differs from the lighting device 1 essentially only in the arrangement of the receiving space 5 and the lighting device space 3, which is reversed in the axial direction A. In the Fig. 2 In the illustrated lighting device, the receiving space 5 is arranged in the axial direction A between at least one illuminant space 3 and the mounting flange 9.

[0060] The lamp compartment 3 is also in the Fig. 2illustrated embodiment, sleeve-shaped or hollow-cylindrical. In the axial direction A, the lamp chamber 3 extends between the base plate 39 and the cover plate 33. In the radial direction R, the lamp chamber 3 extends between an inner wall 37 and an outer window 31. In the Fig. 2 In the example shown, the receiving space 5 is also cylindrical. In the axial direction A, the receiving space 5 extends between the annular base 59 and the circular cover 51. In the radial direction R, the receiving space 5 extends between an inner receiving wall 57 and an outer wall 55. The outer wall 55 can be formed as described above with respect to the firing device 1. In the case of the Fig. 2 In the embodiment shown, the outer wall is formed like a window or lens, in particular from a transparent plastic material such as PMMA.

[0061] Also in the Fig. 2In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the receiving space 5 is arranged directly adjacent to the illuminant space 3. However, here the cover 51 of the receiving space borders the illuminant space 3. The cover 51 can be in planar contact with the base plate 39. The base plate 39 can be materially connected to the cover 51, for example, welded. Alternatively, the cover 51 can be formed integrally with the base plate 39.

[0062] The column section 6 extends in the lighting device 11 between the receiving space 5 and the mounting flange 9. The column section 6 is formed by a segment of the supply channel 7 protruding from the receiving space. The supply channel 7 extends completely in the axial direction A both along the receiving space 5 and along the lamp space 3. This allows particularly good cooling of electronic components in the receiving space 5 by the cooling medium in the supply channel 7. Electronic components in the receiving space 5 are preferably mounted on the receiving inner wall 57. The supply channel 7 is preferably circumferentially delimited in the region of the receiving space 5 by its receiving inner wall 57. The receiving inner wall 57 and the inner wall 37 can be formed in one piece, for example as a common tube.The supply channel 7 extends in the axial direction A essentially through the entire firing device 1. In the axial direction A, the supply channel 6 can be limited by the cover plate 33.

[0063] According to further conceivable embodiments, a plurality of illuminant compartments and / or receiving compartments can be provided, offset in the axial direction A. For example, a receiving compartment can be provided in the axial direction between two different illuminant compartments. The different illuminant compartments can have the same or, preferably, different illuminants (for example, one for red light and the other for white light or infrared light as beacon light).

[0064] In some preferred embodiments, a lighting device 1 or 11 may be free of a wired signal line for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the lighting device. In such embodiments, it may preferably be provided that the lighting device 1 or 11 comprises at least one radio signal receiver and / or transmitter for receiving and / or transmitting control signals, which is preferably arranged in the receiving space 5.

[0065] Figure 3 shows an exemplary complex in the form of a wind farm 100, which comprises several towers in the form of wind turbines 101, 103. Fig. 3 also shows a helicopter 200 to symbolize an aircraft operating near the complex and the towers.

[0066] Beaconing devices 1, 101 are arranged on the wind turbines 101, 103. The beaconing device 101 can be designed as described above. The various reference numerals 1, 111 for beaconing devices are intended to indicate that one of the towers 101 of the wind farm 100 comprises a beaconing device 111 with a traffic receiver. The traffic receiver is preferably arranged as an electronic component within a receiving space 5 of the beaconing device 111.

[0067] When an aircraft, such as helicopter 200, approaches the lighting device 111, its traffic receiver receives a predetermined signal from the helicopter. The control electronics of the lighting device 111 can activate the lighting devices 4 accordingly. As long as the traffic receiver of the lighting device 111 does not detect an approaching aircraft during night operation, its lighting devices 4 are operated in a passive state. If the traffic receiver of the lighting device 111 detects an approaching or nearby aircraft, such as the helicopter 200, during night operation, the lighting device 111 activates its lighting devices 4. Based on the lighting device 111, the other lighting devices 1 of the tower 101 can also be switched to a corresponding active or passive state.The lighting device 111 can transmit a control signal for activating and / or passivating additional lighting devices 1 using radio signal transmitters and / or receivers of the lighting devices 1, 111. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that, starting from the lighting device 111 of the tower 101, additional lighting devices 1 of other towers 103 can also be controlled.

[0068] In the Fig. 3In the example shown, all of the lighting devices 1, 111 comprise radio signal receivers and / or transmitters. It may be preferred that some or all of the lighting devices 1, 111 be free of a respective wired signal transmission line connected to the control cabinet of the respective tower 101, 103. For example, only one lighting device 1, 111 per wind turbine 101, 103, for example, one attached to its nacelle 105, may be connected to the respective control cabinet via a control signal line.

[0069] The electronic components of a lighting device 1, 111 can be designed to transmit status signals, diagnostic signals, control signals, or the like to other network components in the respective tower or complex, or from other network components connected to the lighting device 1, 111 by cable or wirelessly. A lighting device 1, 111 equipped with a radio signal receiver and / or transmitter can thus be designed, for example, as a redundant communication path for a remote control room or the like, in particular so that the tower or complex can be controlled from the control room via the lighting device 1, 111 and / or to provide the control room with information from the tower or complex via the lighting device 1, 111.

[0070] The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in the various embodiments. Reference symbols:

[0071] 1, 11, 111Lighting device 3Light source room 4Light source 5Receiving room 7Supply channel 6Column section 9Mounting flange 21First radio antenna 22Second radio antenna 30Housing 31Window 33Cover plate 37Inner wall 39Base plate 41Lamp electronics 51Cover 55Outer wall 59Ground 70Opening 100Wind farm 101Wind turbine 103Wind turbine 105Gondola 200Helicopter A Axial direction R Radial direction

Claims

1. Lighting device (1, 11, 111) for an object, such as a wind turbine, comprising a lighting space (3) which is delimited at least in sections by at least one window (31), at least one lighting means (4) arranged in the lighting space (3) which is designed to emit lighting light in a radial direction (R) through the window (31), characterized in that the lighting device (1, 11, 111) further comprises a receiving space (5) separate from the illuminant space (3) for receiving electronic components, which is arranged offset in an axial direction (A) relative to the illuminant space (3).

2. Lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe lighting device (1, 11, 111) has a mounting flange (9) for attachment to the object, wherein at least one illuminant chamber (3) is arranged in the axial direction (A) between the receiving chamber (5) and the mounting flange (9); and / or wherein the receiving chamber (5) is arranged in the axial direction (A) between at least one illuminant chamber (3) and the mounting flange (9).

3. Lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to claim 2, characterized in that the illuminant chamber (3) has a hollow cylindrical shape which defines a circular base area, wherein the receiving chamber (5) is arranged in the region of the base area, wherein the receiving chamber is cylindrical or hollow cylindrical, wherein in particular the base area has a diameter in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm, in particular in the range of 20 cm to 25 cm, preferably a diameter of 20 cm or 6 cm.

4. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (1, 11, 111) further comprises a supply channel (7) separate from the illuminant chamber (3) and the receiving chamber (5) for receiving electrical supply lines, signal lines and / or a cooling medium for the at least one illuminant (4), wherein in particular the illuminant chamber (3) and optionally the receiving chamber (5) surround the supply channel (7) in the radial direction (R).

5. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the firing device (1, 11, 111) is free of a wired signal line for transmitting control signals from a control cabinet to the firing device.

6. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe receiving space (5) is surrounded by an outer wall, preferably in the form of a cylinder sleeve, in particular made of a metal material, such as aluminum, or a plastic material, such as PMMA.

7. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a traffic receiver for receiving transponder signals of a vehicle in a predetermined environment is arranged in the receiving space (5).

8. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device comprises at least one radio signal receiver and / or transmitter, such as an LTE transceiver, for receiving and / or transmitting control signals and / or status signals, wherein in particular the at least one radio signal receiver and / or transmitter is arranged in the receiving space (5).

9. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe lighting device (1, 11, 111) has a transformer for converting a mains voltage into a supply voltage matched to the at least one lighting means (4), wherein the transformer is preferably arranged in the receiving space (5).

10. Firing device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting device (1, 11, 111) has an electrical supply line for a supply voltage matched to the at least one lighting means (4), wherein the electronic components arranged in the receiving space (5) are preferably designed and configured to be supplied with the supply voltage by the supply line.

11. An object, such as a wind turbine, comprising at least one lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Object according to claim 11, comprising at least one or exactly one lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to claim 7.

13. Object according to claim 11 or 12, at least one lighting device (1, 11, 111), preferably several lighting devices (1, 11, 111), according to claim 5 and / or claim 8.

14. A complex, such as a wind farm, comprising several objects, wherein at least one object has a lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

15. Complex according to claim 14, comprising at least one or exactly one object with a lighting device (1, 11, 111) according to claim 7.

16. Complex according to claim 14 or 15, comprising several objects according to claim 13.

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