SOLAR CANDELABRA

Abstract

SOLAR CANDELABR Lighting device (2) intended to be positioned on an outdoor candelabra, said lighting device (2) comprising a first lighting face (8) having a plurality of light sources (3) and a second face adapted to receive at least one solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells, said lighting device (2) comprising at least one accumulator for collecting and storing the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic cells and a switch for receiving an electrical current from the accumulator or from an electrical network. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: SOLAR CANDELABRA Scope of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to that of candelabras, streetlights and more generally urban lighting. State of the art

[0002] Currently, solutions exist for lighting urban areas or roads. These solutions are better known as candelabras or streetlights.

[0003] These allow for the illumination of an urban area, particularly at night. The areas in question include pedestrian crossings, such as garbage chutes, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, sports fields, etc., or paths or roads intended for the passage of vehicles.

[0004] These luminaires are multiplying on the one hand because of the expansion of urban areas requiring lighting of areas in the evening or at night and on the other hand because sparsely populated areas with roads are investing in lighting in order to reduce accidents and improve night traffic. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a lighting device intended to be positioned on an outdoor lamppost, said lighting device comprising a first lighting face having a plurality of light sources and a second face suitable for receiving at least one solar panel having a plurality of photovoltaic cells, said lighting device comprising at least one accumulator for collecting and storing the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic cells and a switch for receiving an electrical current from the accumulator or from an electrical network.

[0006] One advantage is to allow a lamppost to be at least partially energy self-sufficient in certain areas.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the lighting device comprises a frame having a base for receiving said solar panel, the base having fixings for said solar panel and an electrical connector capable of cooperating with an electrical connector for said solar panel.

[0008] One advantage is to facilitate maintenance operations on solar panels.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes means for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel with respect to the mean plane of the second face of said lighting device.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the adjustment means comprise a ball joint to orient the panel by a given angle with respect to a mean plane of the second face.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the adjustment means comprise a pivoting device on at least two sides forming the edges of the frame holding the solar panel at two given angles with respect to a mean plane of the second face.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the adjustment means comprise two hinges allowing two relative orientations of said solar panel to be defined with respect to the average plane of the second face.

[0013] One advantage is to collect the maximum amount of solar energy while offering a simple means of installation.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes a mechanical connector for attaching said lighting device to an arm of a lamppost. One advantage is that it facilitates the installation of a lamppost and simplifies maintenance operations.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes an electronic board configured to receive data from another lamppost or from a motion, noise, or light sensor in order to control the lighting of the light sources of said lighting device. One advantage is improved programming of the lamppost lighting schedules.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the electronic board includes a communication interface for remotely controlling the lighting ranges. One advantage is that it facilitates the programming of the lighting devices 2. Brief description of the figures

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: • [Fig.1]: an example of a lighting device of the invention comprising a first face equipped with light sources; • [Fig. 2]: an example of a solar panel of the invention capable of cooperating with a lighting device of the invention; • [Fig. 3]: an example of a lighting device of the invention comprising a second side equipped with a solar panel; • [Fig. 4]: an example of a mechanical link and electrical connector of a solar panel cooperating with a base of a lighting device of the invention; • [Fig. 5]: an example of a means of adjusting the panel orientation solar panel attached to the lighting device of the invention; • [Fig.6]: an example of controlling a plurality of lampposts in a busy area.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a lighting device 2 of the invention forming the head of a lamppost or candelabra, also called a lantern. In one embodiment, the lighting device 2 of the invention includes a fixing for being attached to a mast, also called a pole, itself intended to be fixed to the ground. Pole

[0019] According to one embodiment, a lamppost of the invention comprises a vertical pole made of galvanized steel, measuring between 4 and 6 meters in height. The pole has a cylindrical cross-section with a diameter of 100 mm at its base, gradually tapering to 80 mm at the top. Other embodiments are possible, particularly with regard to the materials and dimensions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the post comprises a base equipped with a 10 mm thick stainless steel fixing plate, perforated with four holes to allow secure fixing to a concrete foundation. The concrete foundation is designed to ensure stability and resistance to weathering and vibrations. Head support

[0021] According to one embodiment, at the top of the pole, a gooseneck-shaped support arm is fixed at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal. This arm is approximately 1 meter long and is designed to minimize shadows and maximize light distribution.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the support arm can be a straight handle inclined with respect to the vertical and oriented at a predefined angle. The angle can be configured, for example, during installation.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the lantern support consists of a straight arm extending horizontally from the top of the pole. A pivoting joint is integrated at the end of the arm, allowing the angle of the lantern to be adjusted to optimize light distribution.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the lantern support has a Y-shaped form allowing two lanterns to be supported at opposite angles. Each arm of the Y extends, for example, 0.75 meters from the junction at the top of the pole, forming an angle of, for example, 45 degrees with the horizontal.

[0025] According to one example, each arm is reinforced by internal ribs to ensure optimal rigidity and stability.

[0026] In one example, the arm is made of extruded aluminum, offering a good compromise between strength and weight. In another example, the joint is made of stainless steel to ensure durability and robustness.

[0027] According to another example, the arm is made of anodized aluminum, to offer good corrosion resistance.

[0028] According to another example, the support is made of stainless steel, providing resistance to corrosion and weathering. In one embodiment, it can be coated with a layer of paint or a protective coating. Head or lantern

[0029] Fig. 1 represents an example of a lantern 2 which has a tubular end 3 forming a receptacle to receive the end of a pole or mast or support arm to be fixed thereto.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the lantern 2 is designed with a system of hinges and locking clips, facilitating access for maintenance.

[0031] According to one example, the head 2 comprises an aluminum frame. According to one example, the lantern houses an LED light source, labeled 3 in [Fig. 1]. According to one example, a power of 100 watts, capable of providing a white light of 5000 lumens, can be configured.

[0032] According to one example, the frame having a simple opening allowing direct access to the light source and electronic components to carry out maintenance operations, such as replacing parts.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the lantern can be equipped with a parabolic type reflector, for example in anodized aluminium, and a diffusion lens allowing a uniform distribution of light over an area of ​​30 square meters.

[0034] According to one example, the lamppost incorporates a light sensor and a motion sensor, enabling intelligent lighting management. When the ambient light level drops below 50 lux, the light sensor automatically activates the lamp. The motion sensor triggers full-power lighting when motion is detected within 10 meters, and reduces the light intensity to 30% if no movement is detected after 5 minutes.

[0035] For this purpose, an electronic board embedded within the frame can allow control of the LEDs according to the analysis of the values ​​of certain parameters received by the sensors. Solar panels

[0036] According to one embodiment, a solar panel is fixed to the frame and is arranged so that the latter is positioned on a face opposite to the light sources at the top of the lamppost.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an example of a solar panel 10 comprising photovoltaic cells. In one example, the photovoltaic cells are encapsulated in a frame 11.

[0038] According to one example, the frame is made of aluminium with a tempered glass surface.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the solar panel includes an electrical connector for supplying the electricity produced to an electrical component

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of a lighting device 2 forming a lamp head 2 which corresponds to the opposite face of the lantern in Figure 1. This face has a solar panel 10 having photovoltaic cells 12 integrated in a frame 11.

[0041] In one embodiment, the photovoltaic cells 12 are connected to an electrical energy collector or directly to an electrical accumulator. The accumulator can be, for example, a battery. The electrical energy is then directed to an electrical connector for collection and use by the lantern. In particular, the lantern 2 includes a switch or electrical switch that allows it to receive electrical energy either from the solar panel's electrical connector or from a power source connected to the electrical grid. One advantage is that the electrical energy produced by the conversion of solar energy is used first. When the electrical accumulator is empty, the switch allows the light sources to continue being powered by the grid. Panel fixing and orientation

[0042] According to a first embodiment, the electrical panel 10 is mechanically fixed by means of screws and nuts to the frame 4 of the lantern 2.

[0043] According to a second embodiment, the fixing is achieved by means of a hinge comprising, for example, two flat fixing surfaces, one on the frame 4 of the lantern 2 and the other with the panel 10, and it further comprises a pivot joint for orienting the two flat faces relative to each other to make the panel 10 movable with respect to the frame 4. The hinge may further comprise a clamping element for permanently fixing the orientation of one surface of the hinge relative to the other.

[0044] In a second, third embodiment shown in [Fig. 5], the base includes means for adjusting the orientation of the solar panel 10, comprising rods 15 whose length can be adjusted to define the orientation of the frame and therefore of the solar panel 10 with respect to the mean plane of the second face. The adjustment means may be an intermediate device for securing the lighting device 2 and the solar panel 10. In this case, the intermediate device comprises two parts, each intended to be fixed on one side to the lighting device and on the other by the solar panel 10 and a connection between these two parts so as to allow a change of orientation of one part with respect to the other.

[0045] According to another case, the frame 4 of the lighting device 2 includes its own means for rotating a frame or part into which or which the solar panel 10 is inserted and fixed.

[0046] Second, a fourth embodiment, the base of the lighting device 2 includes a ball joint allowing for the definition of an optimized orientation of the solar panel 10 with respect to the sun's path. Installation of solar panels

[0047] Fig. 4 represents an example of a solar panel 10 of the invention having grooves 15 on the lateral edges of the frame 11 allowing the solar panel 10 to be inserted into a reception area of ​​the lantern 2 having two parallel portions forming guide rails for the introduction of the solar panel 10.

[0048] Fig. 4 represents a frame having on one end of the frame an electrical connector 13 which plugs into a connector of the frame 4. One advantage is to allow a simple connection of the panel by plugging the latter into the frame 4 to mount it and removing it to replace it for example.

[0049] Arrow 14 represents a first direction for removing the solar panel 10 from the lighting device 2. In this direction, the connector 13 is disconnected from the connector of the base of the lighting device 2.

[0050] Arrow 15 represents a second direction for inserting the solar panel 10 into the lighting device 2. In this direction, the connector 13 is connected to the connector of the base of the lighting device 2.

[0051] The invention relates to other possibilities of connection and integration of the solar panel and is not limited to this example. Lighting control

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates a scenario in which the device is equipped with motion detection sensors. Figure 6 depicts four streetlights positioned along a road. Two pedestrians are walking along this road. In this scenario, two of the streetlights project light, notably in the pedestrian crossing area and in the area toward which the pedestrians are moving. This solution provides a visual perspective along the road.

[0053] The lighting devices are then equipped with an electronic board configured to analyze data from sensors such as a motion detection sensor, a noise detection sensor, or a brightness change detection sensor. Each lighting device 2 is also possibly networked with the other devices and knows its relative position. One advantage is the ability to control the lighting. depending on the state of a neighboring lamppost and / or its detection of the presence of movement, light or noise.

[0054] Figure 6 shows four candelabra 1 on which the lighting devices 2 They were mounted so that each solar panel forms an optimized angle relative to the sun's path. Thus, depending on the lamppost's position and its direction of illumination, the solar panel can be oriented in a specific way. Each lamppost has a unique position and orientation, providing a reference point for positioning the solar panel.

[0055] According to one example, a QR code is accessible on the lamppost allowing the orientation of the latter to be deduced and therefore the orientation difference to be easily calculated to optimize the reception of a luminous flux coming from the sun's path.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the electronic card includes a memory, a clock and a calculator allowing the programming of lighting schedules such as a start of lighting at nightfall and a switch-off of light sources at dawn.

[0057] According to another programming example, a first time slot is defined between nightfall and a nighttime hour corresponding to a first period during which the sun is insufficient to illuminate an area and during which a threshold density of individuals is reached. A second time slot corresponds to a nighttime period during which natural light is insufficient, but during which few individuals are present, and a third time slot corresponds to a daytime period.

[0058] In this example, the first range corresponds to a first lighting programming configuration of the lighting device 2. According to this programming, the lighting device 2 produces a luminous flux by drawing on the electrical energy acquired and stored in the electrical accumulator.

[0059] In this same example, the second range corresponds to a second lighting programming configuration of the lighting device 2. According to this programming, the lighting device 2 produces a luminous flux by drawing on the electrical energy acquired and stored in the electrical accumulator only when a detector detects the presence of at least one individual or at a minimum of movement, noise or light.

[0060] In this same example, the third range corresponds to a third lighting programming configuration of the lighting device 2. According to this programming, the lighting device 2 is off.

[0061] When the accumulator or battery is empty, the lighting device 2 draws electrical energy, here the electric current, directly from the electrical network.

[0062] According to a first embodiment, the accumulator can be sized and the electronic board configured to store energy collected during the day and reuse it at nightfall and / or at night and / or at dawn.

[0063] According to a second embodiment, the accumulator can be sized and the electronic board configured to store energy collected over a weekly or monthly period and reuse it for given periods such as winter or in case of failure or for less sunny periods.

[0064] According to a third embodiment, the accumulator can be sized and the electronic board configured to store energy collected over a summer period, for example, summer, or a seasonal period of sunshine such as spring and summer. The electrical energy produced and stored can then be reused for given winter or autumn periods ranging from September to March over a long period or from November to February over a shorter period.

[0065] Any other configuration is possible so as to best adapt the reuse of energy produced and stored during periods of sunshine during less sunny periods.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the lighting devices include a wired or wireless communication interface to allow for remote control or remote programming. Thus, the lighting devices can be controlled to change the operating hours, particularly during seasonal changes or on a daily basis in response to the changing sunset times.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes a communication interface for sending error messages, if necessary, to a remote data server. Such a remote data server can collect data from a plurality of lighting devices 2 so as to allow maintenance of a network of lampposts 1.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (2) intended to be positioned on an outdoor lamppost (1), said lighting device (2) having a first lighting face (8) comprising a plurality of light sources (3) and a second face (9) capable of receiving at least one solar panel (10) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (12), said lighting device (2) having at least one accumulator for collecting and storing the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic cells and a switch for receiving an electrical current from the accumulator or from an electrical network.

2. Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a frame having a base for receiving said solar panel (10), the base having fixings for said solar panel (10) and an electrical connector capable of cooperating with an electrical connector for said solar panel (10).

3. Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for adjusting (15) the orientation of the solar panel (10) with respect to the mean plane of the second face of said lighting device (2).

4. Lighting device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjustment means (15) comprise a ball joint for orienting the panel by a given angle with respect to a mean plane of the second face (9).

5. Lighting device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjustment means (15) comprise a pivoting device on at least two sides forming the edges of the frame holding the solar panel at two given angles with respect to a mean plane of the second face (9).

6. Lighting device (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the adjustment means (15) comprise two hinges allowing two relative orientations of said solar panel (10) to be defined with respect to the mean plane of the second face (9).

7. Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical connector (3) for securing said lighting device (2) to an arm of a candelabra (1).

8. 10 Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electronic board configured to receive data from another lamppost or from a motion, noise or lighting sensor in order to control the lighting of the light sources of said lighting device (2).

9. Lighting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic board includes a communication interface for remotely controlling the lighting ranges.

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