A housing for a lighting control module

Abstract

A modular housing for a lighting control module comprises at least two self-similar halves 102, 104, each half having a power port opening 114 for an electrical power connector 110 and at least one lu

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A lighting control module, LCM, is a form of marshalling box offering a simple and easy way to implement a lighting control system. An LCM provides connectivity to power and control luminaires as part of a lighting installation, and may additionally provide connections for detector and switch inputs.

[0002] An LCM typically comprises an injection moulded housing having a base and a lid that are attachable to each other by screws or clips. A lighting control circuit including a PCB is typically housed within the housing. One or many LCMs with the appropriate number of luminaire outputs are installed for each specific lighting installation. Different LCM's are available with different numbers of outputs for different numbers of luminaires. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] According to the present disclosure there is provided a housing module, a modular housing, a lighting control module, a housing for a lighting control module, and an external connector for connecting to a lighting control module as defined in the claims.

[0004] Specifically, according to the present disclosure there is provided a housing module for a modular housing of a lighting control module, the housing module comprising: a power port opening for a power port of a lighting control circuit, a luminaire port opening for a luminaire port of the lighting control circuit, and a connecting end arranged to attach to a connecting end of an identical further housing module rotated relative to the housing module.

[0005] Advantageously, the modular housing can be formed by attaching the connecting end of the housing module to the connecting end of an identical further housing module. Accordingly, only one kind of housing module is required to form a modular housing and therefore fewer components need to be manufactured and stocked, making the manufacturing process simpler and more cost effective.

[0006] In examples the housing module may comprise more than one luminaire port opening, for example two, three, or four luminaire port openings.

[0007] In examples, the connecting end comprises a first latch member and a second latch member. The first latch member of the housing module may be attachable to the second latch member of the further housing module. The second latch member of the housing module may be attachable to the first latch member of the further housing module. In this way, the first and second latch members can be used to attach the housing module to the further housing module to form the modular housing.

[0008] In examples, the connecting end comprises a third latch member and a fourth latch member. The third latch member of the housing module may be attachable to the fourth latch member of the further housing module. The fourth latch member of the housing module may be attachable to the third latch member of the further housing module.

[0009] In examples, the housing module comprises a lid and a base. In examples, the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the base. In this way, the bases of the housing module and the further housing module are attachable to each other.

[0010] In examples, the housing module comprises a lid and a base, and the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the lid. In this way, the lids of the housing module and the further housing module are attachable to each other.

[0011] In examples, the housing module comprises a lid and a base, and the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the base, and the third latch member and the fourth latch member are formed on the lid. In this way, the bases and the lids are each attached to a corresponding base or lid to attach the housing module to the further housing module.

[0012] In examples, the lid is attachable to the base by one or more fasteners, for example screws. In particular, the lid may comprise one or more screw bosses and the base may comprise one or more corresponding screw holes.

[0013] In examples, the first latch member comprises a latch arm protruding from the housing module, and the second latch member comprises a latch groove arranged to engage the latch arm. The latch arm may comprise a barbed end arranged to engage the latch groove of the corresponding further housing module.

[0014] In examples, the latch arm may extend from a side wall of the base of the housing module at the connecting end, and the latch groove may be formed in an opposite side wall of the base at the connecting end. In this way, the side walls of the bases of the housing module and the further housing module are latched to each other when the housing module is attached to a further housing module.

[0015] In examples, the base may further comprise at least one interlocking projection and at least one interlocking recess formed on a bottom wall of the base. The interlocking projection of the housing module may engage an interlocking recess of the further housing module when the housing module is attached to the further housing module and may act to align the bottom walls of the housing module and the further housing module. The interlocking projection and interlocking recess may therefore contribute to attachment of the housing module to the further housing module. In examples, the base comprises two interlocking projections and two interlocking recesses.

[0016] In examples, the third latch member comprises a latch arm protruding from the housing module, and the fourth latch member comprises a latch member arranged to engage the latch arm. In examples, the latch arm comprises an opening configured to receive the latch member. The latch member is preferably a protrusion, for example a circular, square or rectangular protrusion.

[0017] In such examples, the latch arm extends from the lid, preferably from a top wall of the lid. The latch member is also formed on the lid. The latch arm is offset from the middle of the lid in a first direction, and the latch member is correspondingly offset in a second direction such that the latch arm of the housing module would engage a corresponding latch member of a further housing module that is rotated 180 degrees.

[0018] In preferred examples, the opening of the latch arm is closed - e.g., a circular, square or rectangular opening. When assembling a modular housing the lid of the housing module may be angled with respect to the lid of the further housing module, aligned, and then rotated such that the latch member is received in the opening of the latch arm. In this way, the lids of the modular housing can be assembled after the bases have been attached to each other.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular housing of a lighting control module, the modular housing comprising a first housing module as described above and a second housing module as described above. The second housing module is the further housing module described above.

[0020] In examples, the connecting end of the first housing module is attached to the connecting end of the second housing module. In this way, the modular housing is formed of the housing module and the further housing module.

[0021] In other examples, the modular housing further comprises an extender housing module having a first connecting end attached to the connecting end of the first housing module and a second connecting end attached to the connecting end of the second housing module such that the extender housing module is attached between the first housing module and the second housing module. In this way, the modular housing is formed of the first housing module, the second housing module, and the extender housing module.

[0022] In examples, the extender housing module comprises a luminaire port opening for a luminaire port of the lighting control circuit. Accordingly, adding the extender housing module between the first housing module and the second housing module adds a further luminaire port opening to the modular housing. In examples, the extender housing module may include more than one luminaire port opening, in particular two luminaire port openings, or three luminaire port openings, or four luminaire port openings.

[0023] In examples, the modular housing may comprise a plurality of extender housing modules attached between the first housing module and the second housing module. Each extender housing module may be identical, or they may have different numbers of luminaire port openings. Accordingly, by selecting and attaching extender housing modules between the first housing module and the second housing module a modular housing can be provided with different numbers of luminaire port openings.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a lighting control module comprising the modular housing described above, and a lighting control circuit disposed within the housing.

[0025] Advantageously, different lighting control circuits can be provided for different lighting control modules, and different modular housings can be assembled for the different lighting control circuits by combining the first and second housing modules with one or more extender housing modules.

[0026] In examples, the lighting control circuit comprises a first power port aligned with the power port opening of the first housing module, a second power port aligned with the power port opening of the second housing module, and at least one luminaire port aligned with at least one of the luminaire port openings.

[0027] In examples, the lighting control circuit comprises a printed circuit board, PCB, housed within the housing. In examples, the PCB extends from the first housing module to the second housing module. In examples, the power port and at least two luminaire ports are mounted on the PCB. In other examples, the PCB comprises a first PCB housed in the first housing module, a second PCB housed in the second housing module, and a PCB connector arranged to connect the first PCB to the second PCB.

[0028] In some examples, the housing comprises the first housing module, the second housing module, and an extender housing module, and the PCB comprises the first PCB housed in the first housing module, the second PCB housed in the second housing module, and a third PCB housed in the extender housing module, wherein the third PCB includes two connectors for connecting the third PCB to the first PCB and to the second PCB. Accordingly, the lighting control circuit may be modular in the same way as the modular housing.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided an extender housing module comprising a luminaire port opening, a first connecting end and a second connecting end, wherein the first connecting end is attachable to the second connecting end of a further extender housing module, and is also attachable to a connecting end of a housing module, for example the housing module described above. In this way, one or more extender housing modules can be attached between a first housing module and a second housing module to provide a modular housing having various numbers of luminaire port openings.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a housing for a lighting control module, the housing having an interior for receiving a lighting control circuit and a connector opening for a connector of the lighting control circuit, wherein the connector opening comprises a latch portion having a latch edge for engagement by a latch arm of an external connector to attach the external connector to the connector opening, and wherein the latch portion includes a slot extending from the latch edge to receive an indicator rib of the latch arm of the external connector when the external connector is properly attached to the connector opening.

[0031] There is also provided an external connector for connecting to a connector opening of a lighting control module, the external connector having a connector body and a spring latch arm joined to the connector body at a mounting point and being spaced from and parallel to the connector body, wherein the latch arm comprises a latch protrusion for latching under a latch edge of the connector opening of the lighting control module, and wherein the latch arm further comprises an indicator rib that is receivable in a slot in the connector opening of the lighting control module when the external connector is properly attached to the connector opening.

[0032] Advantageously, when the external connector is fully latched to the connector opening of the housing the indicator rib is received in the slot, which provides a visual indication that the external connector has been properly latched to the housing and that the electrical connection is properly formed. However, if the external connector has not been fully latched (the latch protrusion is not fully received under the latch edge) then the indicator rib would not have entered the slot and the empty slot would provide a visual indication that the connection is not complete. In particular, the slot would be empty and may have a visual contrast (e g., the slot may appear dark). In examples, the housing and the external connector, in particular the latch portion and the latch arm, may have a light external colour such as white or grey.

[0033] In examples, the latch portion has a width corresponding to a width of the latch arm of the external connector. The corresponding width may ensure alignment of the external connector with the connector opening during use. That is, the width of the latch arm may be just less than the width of the latch portion.

[0034] In examples, the latch edge extends across the width of the latch portion. The latch protrusion may extend across the width of the latch arm.

[0035] In examples, the slot is narrower than the width of the latch portion. The indicator rib is correspondingly narrower than the slot so as to be receivable in the slot.

[0036] In examples, the slot is centrally disposed on the latch edge. The indicator rib may be correspondingly centrally disposed on the latch arm.

[0037] In examples, the connector opening comprises first and second latch portions arranged on opposite sides of the connector opening. The external connector may correspondingly comprise first and second latch arms on opposite sides of the connector body.

[0038] In examples, the connector comprises a row of connector pins and the external connector comprises a corresponding row of connector pins. The latch portions may be arranged at each end of the row of connector pins.

[0039] In examples, the latch protrusion and indicator rib protrude from the latch arm in a direction away from the connector body. The latch edges of the latch portions may correspondingly face towards the connector within the connector opening. In this way, the latch arms are resiliently deflectable inwardly, towards the connector body, during latching.

[0040] In examples, the latch protrusion extends perpendicularly to the latch arm.

[0041] In examples, the indicator rib extends between the latch protrusion and the latch arm. For example, an outer side of the indicator rib may be sloped. In such an example the indicator rib may comprises a triangular shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example lighting control module having a modular housing.

[0044] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lighting control module of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a housing module of the lighting control module of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 4A shows a first perspective view of a base of the housing module of FIG. 3.

[0047] FIG. 4B shows a second perspective view of the base of the housing module of FIG. 3.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows two bases attached to each other.

[0049] FIG. 6A shows a first perspective view of a terminal lid of the housing module of FIG. 3.

[0050] FIG. 6B shows a second perspective view of a terminal lid of the housing module of FIG. 3.

[0051] FIG. 7 shows two lids attached to each other.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows an extender housing module.

[0053] FIG. 9 shows an extender base of the extender housing module of FIG. 8.

[0054] FIG. 10A shows a first view of an extender lid of the extender housing module of FIG. 8.

[0055] FIG. 10B shows a second view of an extender lid of the extender housing module of FIG. 8.

[0056] FIG. 11A shows an example lighting control module having two terminal modules and an extender module.

[0057] FIG. 1 IB shows an example lighting control module having two terminal modules and three extender modules.

[0058] FIG. 11C shows an example lighting control module having two terminal modules and four extender modules.

[0059] FIG. 12A illustrates a connector of the lighting control module.

[0060] FIG. 12B illustrates a connector opening of the housing of the lighting control module.

[0061] FIG. 12C illustrates a simplified cross-section through the connector of the lighting control module.

[0062] FIG. 13A illustrates a perspective view of an external connector for connecting to the connector of the lighting control module.

[0063] FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the external connector of FIG. 13 A.

[0064] FIG. 14A illustrates the connector of FIG. 13A in an incomplete latching position with the connector opening of FIG. 12B.

[0065] FIG. 14B illustrates an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 14A.

[0066] FIG. 15A illustrates the connector of FIG. 13A in a properly latched position with the connector opening of FIG. 12B.

[0067] FIG. 15B illustrates an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 15 A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a lighting control module 100 for lighting control of luminaires, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the lighting control module 100.

[0069] The lighting control module 100 would typically be installed on a ceiling, or above a suspended ceiling (on a suspended ceiling tray), or in a cabinet. The lighting control module 100 provides power and control connectivity for luminaires in a room, or in an area of a room.

[0070] The lighting control module 100 includes a lighting control circuit 202 that includes two power ports 110. In a lighting installation one power port 110 is connected to a power source via a power connector (not shown). The second power port 110 may be used to connect a further lighting control module 100 in series with the illustrated lighting control module 100, for example when more than one lighting control module 100 is required for a particular installation due to the number of luminaires, or to join a lighting control module 100 in a first room or area to a further lighting control module 100 in a second room or area, or it may be connected to a luminaire or other lighting control equipment to provide power. One of the power ports 110 may be a power input and the other a power output, or both power ports 110 may be power inputs. Each of the power ports 110 is a 6-way connector (socket) in this example, but may a 3-way, 4-way or 5-way connector (socket).

[0071] The lighting control circuit 202 includes a PCB 204 and several electronics components that form the lighting control circuit 202. In particular, the PCB 204 may include a power management device, a communications device, a processor, one or more electronic relays, one or more dimming outputs and one or more connectors.

[0072] Specifically, the lighting control circuit 202 includes four luminaire ports 112. Luminaires are connected to the luminaire ports 112 by connectors (not shown). The lighting control module 100 provides power to the luminaires via the luminaire ports 112 based on lighting control logic and / or sensor signals. The luminaire ports 112 are individually controlled by the lighting control circuit 202 to provide individual control to connected luminaires. The connected luminaires may be controlled to a dimming level, which may be the same or different for different connected luminaires. The luminaire ports 112 may be 6-way connectors (sockets), but may be 3-way, 4-way or 5-way connectors (sockets).

[0073] The lighting control circuit 202 a sensor port 120 for connecting a sensor, for example a proximity sensor or light level sensor. The lighting control circuit 202 may also include a push switch (not shown) and an LED 118, for example to indicate a status of the lighting control module 100.

[0074] As shown, the lighting control module 100 is formed of a first housing module 102 and a second housing module 104 attached to each other with the lighting control circuit 202 received or housed in the first housing module 102 and second housing module 104. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 are identical. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 together form a modular housing of the lighting control module 100.

[0075] In particular, the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 each include a lid 106 and a base 108 that together form the first housing module 102 and second housing module 104. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 each have a hollow interior formed by the lid 106 and base 108 and the lighting control circuit 202 is received or housed in the hollow interior. As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting control circuit 202 is a single (inseparable) part that extends into both the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104.

[0076] Each lid 106 includes a power port opening 114 for a power port 110 of the lighting control circuit 202 and two luminaire port openings 116 for two luminaire ports 112 of the lighting control circuit 202. The power port 110 and luminaire ports 112 are aligned with, and received within, the power port opening 114 and luminaire port openings 116, respectively, to allow connectors (not shown) to be attached thereto. In this example the power ports 110 and luminaire ports 112 are sockets and the respective connectors (not shown) are plugs.

[0077] As detailed further hereinafter the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 are identical and are attached to each other to form a housing of the lighting control module 100. The lighting control module 100 is assembled by positioning the lighting control circuit 202 within the two bases 108 and then attaching the two lids 106 to the bases 108. Alternatively, the lighting control circuit 202 is positioned within the two lids 106 and then the bases 108 are attached to the lids 106.

[0078] In some examples the PCB 204 may be formed of a single (inseparable) part that extends into both the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0079] In other examples the PCB 204 may comprise a first PCB and a second PCB. The first PCB may be connected to the second PCB by a connector. The first PCB may be housed in the first housing module 102, and the second PCB may be housed in the second housing module 104, and the connector may electrically connect the first PCB to the second PCB when the first housing module 102 is attached to the second housing module 104. In this way, the PCB 204 and the housing of the lighting control module 100 are modular.

[0080] In such examples the first PCB may be identical to the second PCB. The PCB connector may comprise a plug and a socket facing in the same direction and offset from each other so as to connect with a corresponding plug and socket of the second PCB (which is identical) when the first and second PCBs are attached to each other.

[0081] FIG. 3 shows the first housing module 102 in more detail. The second housing module 104 is identical and so the following description applies to the second housing module 104 as well. The first housing module 102 includes a lid 106 and a base 108. The base 108 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5, and the lid 106 is shown in more detail in FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B and FIG. 7. The lid 106 and the base 108 are injection moulded plastic.

[0082] The lid 106 comprises a top wall 320 and a lid side wall 322 that extends from the connecting end 302 on three sides. The power port opening 114 and the two luminaire port openings 116 are formed in the top wall 320. The base 108 comprises a bottom wall 324 and a base side wall 326 extending from the bottom wall 324 on three sides that correspond to the lid side wall 322. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid side wall 322 and base side wall 326 abut each other to space the top wall 320 from the bottom wall 324 and define an internal space within the first housing module 102. On one side the lid side wall 322 and the base side wall 326 do not extend, so the end is open.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the first housing module 102 includes a connecting end 302. The connecting end 302 is formed on the open end where the lid side wall 322 and the base side wall 326 are not present. The connecting end 302 is configured to be connected to a connecting end 302 of the second housing module 104 to form the housing of the lighting control module 100 as described above.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5 the base 108 includes a side latch arm 304 that protrudes from the connecting end 302, and a side latch groove 306 formed in the base 108 on an opposite side to the side latch arm 304. The side latch arm 304 includes a hooked end that engages the side latch groove 306 of a second housing module 104. The side latch arm 304 and side latch groove 306 thereby attach the first housing module 102 to the second housing module 104, specifically by attaching the two bases 108 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0085] The side latch arm 304 is provided on a first side of the base side wall 326 of the base 108 and the side latch groove 306 is provided on the opposite side of the base side wall 326 of the base 108. In this way, the side latch arm 304 of the first base 108 is attachable to the side latch groove 306 of the second base 108 that is rotated 180 degrees relative to the first base 108 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0086] As also shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, and FIG. 5, the base 108, in particular the bottom wall 324, includes interlocking projections. Specifically, the bottom wall 324 includes a first interlocking projection 308 and a first interlocking recess 312. As shown in FIG. 5, the first interlocking projection 308 of the first base 108 engages the first interlocking recess 312 of the second base 108 when two second housing modules 104 are attached to each other. The first interlocking projection 308 and the first interlocking recess 312 overlap and prevent the bottom walls 324 of the two bases 108 from moving relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom walls 324.

[0087] Similarly, the bottom wall 324 also includes a second interlocking projection 310 and a second interlocking recess 314. The second interlocking projection 310 and second interlocking recess 314 engage each other in the same way as the first interlocking projection 308 and the first interlocking recess 312 described above. The second interlocking projection 310 and second interlocking recess 314 are arranged outwardly of the first interlocking projection 308 and the first interlocking recess 312 (i.e., closer to the base side wall 326).

[0088] The first interlocking projection 308, first interlocking recess 312, second interlocking projection 310, and second interlocking recess 314 act to align the two bases 108 to each other and prevent movement of one bottom wall 324 relative to the other in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom walls 324.

[0089] As shown m FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B the base 108 also includes screw holes 402 for screws that join the base 108 to the lid 106.

[0090] The base 108 also includes PCB spacers 404 on which the PCB 204 of the lighting control circuit 202 is seated when the lighting control module 100 of FIG. 1 is assembled.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6A FIG. 6B and FIG. 7, the lid 106 includes a lid latch arm 316 that protrudes from the connecting end 302. The lid latch arm 316 extends from in inner surface of the top wall 320 of the lid 106. The lid latch arm 316 engages a lid latch member 318 formed on the inner surface of the top wall 320 of the lid 106, on the opposite side. The lid latch arm 316 and the lid latch member 318 thereby attach the two second housing modules 104 to each other, specifically the two lids 106 as shown in FIG. 7. Advantageously, the lid latch arm 316 and the lid latch member 318 attach the two lids 106 to each other and also resist twisting of one lid 106 relative to the other 106 and thereby help to prevent inadvertent separation of the lids 106 during handling and installation of the lighting control module 100.

[0092] The lid latch arm 316 is offset towards a first side of the lid 106 and the lid latch member 318 is offset towards the opposite side of the lid 106 such that there is alignment between a lid latch arm 316 on a first lid 106 and a lid latch member 318 on a second lid 106 when first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 are attached to each other with the second lid 106 rotated 180 degrees relative to the first lid 106 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6B, the lid latch arm 316 includes an opening and the lid latch member 318 includes a protrusion shaped to match the opening in the lid latch arm 316. The opening of the lid latch arm 316 is closed - i.e., it has no open sides. Preferably, the lid latch member 318 clips or snaps into the opening on the lid latch arm 316 as shown in FIG. 7. This arrangement allows the first lid 106 to be attached to the second lid 106 by first arranging them at an angle relative to each other and placing the lid latch arms 316 underneath the corresponding lid latch members 318, and then rotating one of the lids 106 so that the lid latch members 318 clip into the lid latch arms 316. Accordingly, the second housing module 104 can be assembled around the lighting control circuit 202 shown in FIG. 2.

[0094] As also shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B the lid 106 includes screw bosses 602 that are aligned with the screw holes 402 of the base 108 shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. The screw bosses 602 each include a pilot hole or a threaded hole for attachment of a screw. Therefore, the lid 106 and base 108 can be secured to each other by screws passing through the screw holes 402 and into the screw bosses 602.

[0095] The lid 106 also includes an LED opening 604 for the LED 118 described above, and a sensor port opening 606 for the sensor port 120 described above.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6B, the power port opening 114 and luminaire port openings 116 are formed within protrusions extending into the hollow interior of the first housing module 102. An inner surface of each protrusion provides a PCB clamping surface 610 that cooperates with the PCB spacers 404 in the opposing base 108 to hold the PCB 204 of the lighting control circuit 202 in place within the first housing module 102.

[0097] As also shown in FIG. 6B the lid 106 includes alignment tangs 608 arranged about at least a part of the peripheral edge of the lid 106, specifically the edge that abuts a corresponding edge of the base 108 (and not on the connecting end 302). The alignment tangs 608 are on an inner side of the edge and act to align the lid 106 and the base 108 when they are attached, and to prevent lateral movement of the lid 106 relative to the base 108.

[0098] Accordingly, the lighting control module 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, with four luminaire ports 112, can be assembled using the lighting control circuit 202, the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104, each of the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 comprising a lid 106 and a base 108. The lids 106 and bases 108 are assembled about the lighting control circuit 202 so that the lighting control circuit 202 extends into both the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104. The lighting control circuit 202 is a single, inseparable piece.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows an extender housing module 802 for use with the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 described above in order to add further luminaire ports 112 to a lighting control module. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A a further example lighting control module 1100 comprises a first housing module 102 and a second housing module 104 as described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, and an extender housing module 802 disposed between the first housing modules 102 in order to increase the number of luminaire ports 112 in the lighting control module 1100.

[0100] The extender housing module 802 includes an extender lid 804 and an extender base 806. The extender lid 804 and the extender base 806 are attachable to each other and to the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 in order to extend the housing of the lighting control module 1100 to accommodate a larger lighting control circuit with more luminaire ports 112.

[0101] Specifically, the extender housing module 802 includes a first connecting end 810 that is attachable to the connecting end 302 of the first housing module 102, and a second connecting end 812 that is attachable to the connecting end 302 of the second housing module 104. As explained further below, the first connecting end 810 is also attachable to a second connecting end 812 of a further extender housing module 802 so that more than one extender housing module 802 can be provided between the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104. The first connecting end 810 and second connecting end 812 are mirror images of each other about a mid-plane through the extender housing module 802.

[0102] The extender lid 804 includes a top wall 830 and a lid side wall 832 extending from the top wall 830 on two opposing sides. The lid side wall 832 does not extend from the top wall 830 at the first connecting end 810 or at the second connecting end 812. The extender base 806 includes a bottom wall 834 and a base side wall 836 extending from the bottom wall 834 on two opposing sides. The base side wall 836 does not extend from the bottom wall 834 at the first connecting end 810 or at the second connecting end 812. As shown in FIG. 8, the lid side wall 832 and the base side wall 836 abut each other to space the top wall 830 from the bottom wall 834 and define an internal space within the extender housing module 802. When the extender housing module 802 is attached to a first housing module 102 and / or second housing module 104 the top wall 830 is aligned with the top wall 320 and the bottom wall 834 is aligned with the bottom wall 324. Similarly, when the extender housing module 802 is attached to a further extender housing module 802 the top walls 830 and bottom walls 834 are aligned.

[0103] The extender lid 804 and the extender base 806 are injection moulded plastic.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the extender base 806 includes side latch arms 818 that protrude from the first connecting end 810 the second connecting end 812, respectively. The side latch arms 818 are arranged on opposite sides of the extender base 806. The extender base 806 also includes side latch grooves 820 formed on opposite sides of the extender base 806 to the side latch arms 818. The first connecting end 810 includes one side latch arm 818 and one side latch groove 820, and the second connecting end 812 includes one side latch arm 818 and one side latch groove 820.

[0105] The side latch arm 818 includes a hooked end. When the first connecting end 810 of the extender housing module 802 is attached to a first housing module 102 (or second housing module 104) the side latch arm 818 engages a side latch groove 306 of the first housing module 102 (or the second housing module 104). When the first connecting end 810 of the extender housing module 802 is attached to a further extender housing module 802 the side latch arm 818 engages the side latch groove 820 of the further extender housing module 802. In this way, the side latch arms 818 and side latch grooves 820 can be used to connect the extender housing module 802 to one or two of a first housing module 102, a second housing module 104, and an extender housing module 802. The second connecting end 812 works in the same way as the first connecting end 810, and so a first housing module 102, a second housing module 104, or a further extender housing module 802 can be attached to the extender housing module 802 at the first connecting end 810 or at the second connecting end 812.

[0106] As also shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the extender base 806, in particular the bottom wall 834, includes interlocking projections. The interlocking projections are provided on the first connecting end 810 and on the second connecting end 812. Specifically, the bottom wall 834 includes a first interlocking projection 822 and a first interlocking recess 824 on the second interlocking projection 310. The first interlocking projection 822 would engage a first interlocking recess 824 of a further extender housing module 802 attached to the extender housing module 802. Additionally, the first interlocking projection 822 would engage a first interlocking recess 312 of a first housing module 102 that is attached to the first connecting end 810 of the extender housing module 802. Similarly, the first interlocking recess 824 would be engaged by a first interlocking projection 308 of a first housing module 102 that is attached to the first connecting end 810 of the extender housing module 802. This arrangement helps to prevent the bottom wall 834 and / or bottom wall 324 from moving relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall 834.

[0107] Similarly, the bottom wall 834 also includes a second interlocking projection 826 and a second interlocking recess 828. The second interlocking projection 826 and second interlocking recess 828 engage each other, or corresponding features of a first housing module 102, in the same way as the first interlocking projection 822 and the first interlocking recess 824 described above. The second interlocking projection 826 and the second interlocking recess 828 are arranged outwardly of the first interlocking projection 822 and the first interlocking recess 824 (i.e., closer to the base side wall 836).

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9 the extender base 806 also includes screw hole 902 for screws that join the extender base 806 to the extender lid 804.

[0109] The extender base 806 also includes PCB spacer 904 on which the PCB 204 of the lighting control circuit 202 is seated when the lighting control module 1100 is assembled. In this way, the PCB 204 can extend through the extender housing module 802.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the extender lid 804 of the extender housing module 802 includes luminaire port openings 808 for luminaire ports 112 of the lighting control circuit.

[0111] The extender lid 804 includes lid latch arms 814 that protrude from the inner surface of the top wall 830 of the extender lid 804 at the first connecting end 810 and at the second connecting end 812. The extender lid 804 also includes corresponding lid latch members 816 arranged on the inner surface of the top wall 830. The lid latch arm 814 on the first connecting end 810 is on an opposite side to the lid latch arm 814 on the second connecting end 812, and the lid latch members 816 are also arrange on opposite sides. In this way, the lid latch arm 814 on the first connecting end 810 may connect to a lid latch member 816 of a further extender housing module 802 attached to the first connecting end 810, and at the same time the lid latch arm 814 of the further extender housing module 802 would attach to the lid latch member 816 at the first connecting end 810. Additionally, the lid latch arm 814 is attachable to a lid latch member 318 of a first housing module 102 (or second housing module 104) attached to the first connecting end 810, and at the same time the lid latch arm 316 of the first housing module 102 would attach to the lid latch member 816 at the first connecting end 810. The second connecting end 812 can be connected to a further extender housing module 802, a first housing module 102 or a second housing module 104 in the same way.

[0112] As shown m FIG. 10B, the lid latch arms 814 include an opening and the lid latch members 816 include a protrusion shaped to match the opening in the lid latch arms 814. The openings of the lid latch arms 814 are closed - i.e., it has no open sides. Preferably, a lid latch member 816 clips or snaps into the opening on a lid latch arm 814 or a lid latch arm 316. This arrangement allows the extender lid 804 to be attached to the second extender lid 804 of another extender housing module 802, or to a lid 106 of a first housing module 102 or second housing module 104.

[0113] As also shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B the extender lid 804 includes screw boss 1002 that are aligned with the screw holes 902 of the extender base 806 shown in FIG. 9. The screw bosses 1002 each include a pilot hole or a threaded hole for attachment of a screw. Therefore, the extender lid 804 and extender base 806 can be secured to each other by screws passing through the screw holes 902 into the screw bosses 1002.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 10A, the luminaire port openings 808 are formed within protrusions extending into the hollow interior of the extender housing module 802. An inner surface of each protrusion provides a PCB clamping surface 1004 that cooperates with the PCB spacers 904 in the opposing extender base 806 to hold the PCB of the lighting control circuit in place within the extender housing module 802.

[0115] In some examples the PCB of the lighting control circuit is a single (inseparable) PCB that extends from the first housing module 102, through the one or more extender housing modules 802, and into the second housing module 104.

[0116] In other examples, as described above, the lighting control circuit may comprise first and second PCBs housed in the first housing module 102 and second housing module 104, respectively. In this example the extender housing module 802 may hold a third PCB on which the luminaire port is mounted. The third PCB may include connectors (plug and socket) on each side so as to connect to the first and second PCBs.

[0117] As mentioned above, FIG. 11A shows a further example lighting control module 1100 that includes six luminaire ports 112. In this example the lighting control circuit housed within the lighting control module 1100 has a longer PCB than the PCB 204 shown in FIG. 2, with six luminaire ports 112. The housing of the lighting control module 1100 is formed of a first housing module 102, which is attached to an extender housing module 802, which is attached to a second housing module 104. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 are identical, with the second housing module 104 rotated by 180 degrees to an opposite orientation.

[0118] FIG. 1 IB shows a further example lighting control module 1102 which has ten luminaire ports 112. In this example the lighting control circuit housed within the lighting control module 1102 has a longer PCB than the PCB 204 shown in FIG. 2, with ten luminaire ports 112. The housing of the lighting control module 1102 is formed of a first housing module 102, which is attached to a first extender housing module 802, which is attached to a second extender housing module 802, which is attached to a third extender housing module 802, which is attached to a second housing module 104. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 are identical, with the second housing module 104 rotated by 180 degrees to an opposite orientation. [0H9] FIG. 11C shows a further example lighting control module 1104 which has twelve luminaire ports 112. In this example the lighting control circuit housed within the lighting control module 1102 has a longer PCB than the PCB 204 shown in FIG. 2, with twelve luminaire ports 112. The housing of the lighting control module 1102 is formed of a first housing module 102, which is attached to a first extender housing module 802, which is attached to a second extender housing module 802, which is attached to a third extender housing module 802, which is attached to a fourth extender housing module 802, which is attached to a second housing module 104. The first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 are identical, with the second housing module 104 rotated by 180 degrees to an opposite orientation.

[0120] Therefore, it will be appreciated that the first housing module 102 and second housing module 104 can be attached to each other to provide a lighting control module 100 with four luminaire ports 112, or one or more extender housing modules 802 can be added between the first housing module 102 and the second housing module 104 to provide a lighting control module 1100, 1102, 1104 with more luminaire ports 112.

[0121] Specifically, the extender housing module 802 includes two luminaire port openings 808 so adding one extender housing module 802 would create space for two additional luminaire ports 112 In other examples the extender housing module 802 may include one, three, or four luminaire port openings 808 and thereby provide for a corresponding number of additional luminaire ports 112.

[0122] FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C show the power port opening 114 of the first housing module 102 described above. The power port opening 114 is the same as the luminaire port openings 116 and the luminaire port openings 808 and it will be appreciated that the following description applies to the luminaire port openings 116 and luminaire port openings 808 as well as the power port opening 114.

[0123] As illustrated, the power port opening 114 includes a connector opening 1202 through which the power port 110 is accessible to connect a connector of a wiring system. Specifically, the power port 110 includes a plurality of connector pins 1204 that face upwards within the connector opening 1202 for connecting with a connector. In this example there are six connector pins 1204 but there may be any number, for example two, three, four, of five connector pins 1204.

[0124] As illustrated, the connector opening 1202 is elongate. The connector pins 1204 are arranged in a line extending along the elongate connector opening 1202. At opposite ends of the connector opening 1202 are latch portions 1206. As explained hereinafter, the latch portions 1206 are engaged by latch arms of a connector for securing the connector to the first housing module 102 when connected with the power port 110.

[0125] Specifically, each latch portion 1206 includes a latch edge 1208 under which a latch arm of the connector can be received. The latch edge 1208 extends the width of the connector opening 1202. Additionally, a slot 1210 extends outwards from the latch edge 1208 (away from the connector opening 1202). The slot 1210 receives an indicator rib of the connector as described hereinafter. The slot 1210 extends through the latch edge 1208.

[0126] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show an external connector 1302 for connection with a power port 110 or luminaire port 112. The external connector 1302 may be a power connector or a communications connector. The external connector 1302 includes connector pins 1308 that correspond to, and connect with, the connector pin 1204 of the power port 110 or luminaire port 112 shown in FIG. 12AtoFIG. 12C.

[0127] As illustrated, the external connector 1302 includes a connector body 1304 with the connector pins 1308 arranged at one end and cable openings 1306 at the opposite end. The cable opening 1306 provide for cables or wires to be connected with the external connector 1302. The external connector 1302 includes two cable openings 1306 in this example, but may have one or more.

[0128] The external connector 1302 also includes latch arms 1310 arranged on opposite sides of the connector body 1304. The latch arm 1310 are arranged to engage the latch portions 1206 described with reference to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C.

[0129] Each latch arm 1310 is joined to the connector body 1304 at a mounting point 1318 and is spaced from and extends substantially parallel to a side of the connector body 1304. The mounting point 1318 is spaced from the end of the connector body 1304 with the connector pins 1308. A distal end of each latch arm 1310, opposite to the mounting points 1318, includes a latch protrusion 1312. The latch protrusions 1312 extend outwardly, away from the connector body 1304. An outer edge of the latch protrusions 1312 is a tapered end 1316. The latch arms 1310 are resilient m that they can be deflected towards and away from the connector body 1304 but resiliently return to the position shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B in which they are substantially parallel to the connector body 1304.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 14A. FIG. 14B, FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, when the external connector 1302 is pushed into the power port opening 114 the latch arms 1310 are deflected inwardly until the latch protrusions 1312 pass under the latch edges 1208 of the latch portions 1206. Once the latch protrusions 1312 pass under the latch edges 1208 the external connector 1302 is latched to the power port opening 114 as shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. In this position the indicator ribs indicator rib 1314 on the latch arms 1310 is received in the slots 1210 of the latch portions 1206.

[0131] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B show the external connector 1302 in an incomplete latching position with respect to the power port opening 114. As shown, in this position the latch arm 1310 is deflected inwardly, towards the connector body 1304, but the external connector 1302 has not been fully inserted and latch protrusion 1312 has not passed under the latch edge 1208. In such a position the electrical connection between the connector pins 1204 and connector pins 1308 may not be complete, which may cause issues with electrical connectivity and may also pose a risk of heating.

[0132] In this position, as shown most clearly in FIG. 14B, the indicator ribs 1314 are not received in the slots 1210 of the latch portions 1206.

[0133] In the incomplete latching position shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B the indicator ribs 1314 are visibly not in the slots 1210, so an installer can clearly see that the external connector 1302 has not been properly inserted into the power port opening 114. Therefore, the slots 1210 and indicator ribs 1314 provide a visual check for proper insertion of the external connector 1302 into the power port opening 114.

[0134] The first housing module 102 (in particular the area around the power port opening 114) and the latch arm 1310 (or the entire external connector 1302) may be made from the same colour material (in particular an injection-moulded plastic). Accordingly, the presence or absence of the indicator ribs 1314 in the slots 1210 would be immediately apparent based on visual inspection. In preferred examples the first housing module 102 (in particular the area around the power port opening 114) and the latch arm 1310 (or the entire external connector 1302) may be a light colour, for example white, in which case the slots 1210 would appear dark in contrast to the first housing module 102 and latch arm 1310 when the indicator ribs 1314 are not properly received in the slots 1210.

[0135] Advantageously, a modular housing for a lighting control module 100, 1100, 1102, 1104 with any number of luminaire ports 112 can be assembled using a combination of only four different parts - lids 106, bases 108, extender lids 804, and extender bases 806. These can be combined in different ways, as described above, to provide different modular housings for different lighting control modules. Therefore, tooling costs can be reduced as fewer injection moulds are needed, and the number of different components needed to be kept in stock can be reduced.

Claims

1. A housing module for a modular housing of a lighting control module, the housing module comprising:a power port opening for a power port of a lighting control circuit,a luminaire port opening for a luminaire port of the lighting control circuit, anda connecting end arranged to attach to a connecting end of an identical further housing module rotated relative to the housing module.

2. The housing module of claim 1, wherein the connecting end comprises a first latch member and a second latch member, the first latch member of the housing module being attachable to the second latch member of the further housing module, and the second latch member of the housing module being attachable to the first latch member of the further housing module.

3. The housing module of claim 2, wherein the connecting end comprises a third latch member and a fourth latch member, the third latch member of the housing module being attachable to the fourth latch member of the further housing module, and the fourth latch member of the housing module being attachable to the third latch member of the further housing module.

4. The housing module of claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing module comprises a lid and a base, and wherein the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the base.

5. The housing module of claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing module comprises a lid and a base, and wherein the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the lid.

6. The housing module of claim 3, wherein the housing module comprises a lid and a base, and wherein the first latch member and the second latch member are formed on the base, and the third latch member and the fourth latch member are formed on the lid.

7. The housing module of any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first latch member comprises a latch arm protruding from the housing module, and the second latch member comprises a latch groove arranged to engage the latch arm.

8. The housing module of claim 7, wherein the latch arm comprises a barbed end arranged to engage the latch groove.

9. The housing module of claim 3 or 6, wherein the third latch member comprises a latch arm protruding from the housing module, and the fourth latch member comprises a latch member arranged to engage the latch arm.

10. The housing module of claim 9, wherein the latch arm comprises an opening configured to receive the latch member.

11. A modular housing of a lighting control module, the modular housing comprising a first housing module according to any of claim 1 to claim 10 and a second housing module according to any of claim 1 to claim 10.

12. The modular housing of claim 11, wherein the connecting end of the first housing module is attached to the connecting end of the second housing module.

13. The modular housing of claim 11, further comprising an extender housing module having a first connecting end attached to the connecting end of the first housing module and a second connecting end attached to the connecting end of the second housing module such that the extender housing module is attached between the first housing module and the second housing module.

14. The modular housing of claim 13, wherein the extender housing module comprises a luminaire port opening for a luminaire port of the lighting control circuit.

15. The modular housing of claim 13 or 14, comprising a plurality of extender housing modules attached between the first housing module and the second housing module.

16. A lighting control module comprising the modular housing of any of claim 11 to claim 15, and a lighting control circuit disposed within the housing.

17. The lighting control module of claim 16, wherein the lighting control circuit comprises a first power port aligned with the power port opening of the first housing module, a second power port aligned with the power port opening of the second housing module, and at least one luminaire port aligned with at least one of the luminaire port openings.

18. The lighting control module of claim 16 or 17, wherein the lighting control circuit comprises a printed circuit board, PCB, housed within the housing.

19. The lighting control module of claim 18, wherein the PCB extends from the first housing module to the second housing module.

20. The lighting control module of claim 18, wherein the PCB comprises a first PCB housed in the first housing module, a second PCB housed in the second housing module, and a PCB connector arranged to connect the first PCB to the second PCB.

21. An extender housing module for a modular housing of a lighting control module, the extender housing module comprising a luminaire port opening, a first connecting end and a second connecting end, wherein the first connecting end is attachable to the second connecting end of a further extender housing module, and is also attachable to a connecting end of the housing module of any of claim 1 to claim 10.

22. A housing for a lighting control module, the housing having an interior for receiving a lighting control circuit and a connector opening for a connector of the lighting control circuit, wherein the connector opening comprises a latch portion having a latch edge for engagement by a latch arm of an external connector to attach the external connector to the connector opening, and wherein the latch portion includes a slot extending from the latch edge to receive an indicator rib of the latch arm of the external connector when the external connector is properly attached to the connector opening.

23. The housing of claim 22, wherein the latch portion has a width corresponding to a width of the latch arm of the external connector.

24. The housing of claim 23, wherein the latch edge extends across the width of the latch portion.

25. The housing of claim 23 or 24, wherein the slot is narrower than the width of the latch portion.

26. The housing of claim 25, wherein the slot is centrally disposed on the latch edge.

27. The housing of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the connector opening comprises first and second latch portions arranged on opposite sides of the connector opening.

28. An external connector for connecting to a connector opening of a lighting control module, the external connector having a connector body and a spring latch arm joined to the connector body at a mounting point and being spaced from and parallel to the connector body, wherein the latch arm comprises a latch protrusion for latching under a latch edge of the connector opening of the lighting control module, and wherein the latch arm further comprises an indicator rib that is receivable in a slot in the connector opening of the lighting control module when the external connector is properly attached to the connector opening.

29. The external connector of claim 28, wherein the latch protrusion and indicator rib protrude from the latch arm in a direction away from the connector body.

30. The external connector of claim 28, wherein the latch protrusion extends perpendicularly to the latch arm.

31. The external connector of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the indicator rib extends between the latch protrusion and the latch arm.

32. The external connector of claim 31, wherein an outer side of the indicator rib is sloped.

33. The external connector of any one of claims 28 to 32, comprising first and second latch arms on opposite sides of the connector body.

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