Locking Elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking element for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket, the socket being fixed in position and having a centerline, the plug module being mechanically connectable to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centerline of the socket, the locking element comprising: fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; a main body having a periphery; and at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery, the at least one spring plate being deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, the initial position being deflected by a force of about 1000 MPa. In the initial position, the at least one spring plate protrudes axially about the centerline and is configured to engage and deflect from an initial position to a deflected position with a base surface of the plug module to enable rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket, and is configured to spring back to the initial position and engage with a structure on the base surface of the plug module to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket, providing a locking element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking element for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket. The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising a lighting device, a socket, a plug module and said locking element. The plug module according to the present application may therefore relate to a module used in the field of professional lighting. The present invention further relates to a plug module, a method and a kit of parts. The present invention further relates to a luminaire comprising a socket and said locking element. [Background technology]

[0002] A relevant development in the professional lighting domain is that professional lighting solutions are becoming smarter and more and more connected with other devices, which may for example be sensor modules controlling the operation of the lighting device or may for example be communication modules transmitting information.

[0003] Therefore, such lighting solutions may be equipped with dedicated connection / communication interfaces, one example of which is the Zhaga interface, which not only provides connectors for industry-wide interchangeability of components, but also for interoperability of electrical components and interfaces, including sensors and communication modules.

[0004] For example, the ZhagaBook18 connector is commercially available and provides a standardized connector and interface for connecting additional devices to a lighting fixture. These additional devices may be, for example, sensors, sensor bundles, communication modules, or any other smart electronic devices that interact with the lighting device. Such additional devices may also be called Zhaga modules or Zhaga nodes.

[0005] Thereby, a standardized Zhaga connector consists of a dedicated Zhaga socket and a Zhaga module with a corresponding Zhaga plug, for example at the bottom, which is mechanically connected and fixed in the Zhaga socket by a push action and a clockwise rotation. The fixing is brought about by a press fit. Disconnecting is likewise done by a push (which expels the module from the press fit) and a counterclockwise rotation.

[0006] This connection and disconnection behavior may also apply to standardized NEMA connectors / interfaces with associated NEMA plugs and NEMA sockets, which are also widely implemented for connecting additional devices, such as sensors, to lighting devices.

[0007] Therefore, Zhaga connectors, NEMA connectors, and other similar connectors and mechanical interfaces in the professional lighting domain may facilitate the connection and disconnection of add-on devices (e.g., sensor modules) by a clean rotational movement without the use of dedicated tools, which also means that anyone can easily remove and steal such add-on devices from lighting devices that include them.

[0008] This is mitigated by providing such connectors and mechanical interfaces for connecting additional devices only to high-bay luminaires, such as street poles, as out-of-reach luminaires have proven less susceptible to theft. However, such connectors and mechanical interfaces are increasingly being applied to low-bay luminaires, for example in car parks.

[0009] Therefore, in luminaire applications with low installation height (e.g. up to 2 meters), theft of said add-on devices (connected to the luminaire) may still be an issue.Therefore, there is a clear need to releasably lock add-on devices to lighting devices (such as low bay luminaires) that use freely connectable / disconnectable connectors.

[0010] US4477143A discloses a twist-lock type receptacle that can be assembled to a luminaire. The receptacle is held in an opening through the luminaire housing by a snap ring that resiliently holds the receptacle against the housing. By lifting the receptacle, keying pins in the receptacle and housing are disengaged and the receptacle can be turned to different orientations. However, such an example does not lock the receptacle to the luminaire as turning to different orientations is possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved assembly, method, luminaire, and / or locking element that mitigates at least the above problems and disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The invention is defined by the accompanying independent and dependent claims.

[0013] Thus, the present invention provides a locking element for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket, the socket being positionally fixed and having a centre line, the plug module being mechanically connectable to the socket with a press fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centre line of the socket, the locking element comprising: fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centre line of the socket; a main body having a circumference; and at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and freely extending along a portion of said circumference, the at least one spring plate being deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, in which the at least one spring plate projects axially along the centre line and is adapted to engage with the socket when the plug module is being mechanically connected to the socket. the at least one spring plate is configured to engage a base surface of the plug module and deflect from said initial position to a deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket, and the at least one spring plate is configured to spring back to the initial position and engage a structure on the base surface of the plug module to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket.

[0014] Thus, the present invention provides a locking element, wherein the at least one spring plate may be spaced at least 90 millimeters from the centre line.

[0015] The present invention provides a locking element including fastening means for restraining rotation of the locking element about a centerline of the socket, a main body having a periphery, and at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery.

[0016] Therefore, the locking element (and corresponding main body) is also rotationally fixed relative to the socket and the centerline of the socket. Furthermore, the at least one locking element is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position. The at least one spring plate is deflected to the deflected position when a base surface of the plug module engages with the spring plate when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket. The locking element (by virtue of the deflectable at least one spring plate) allows rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction, thereby allowing the plug module to be connected to the socket.

[0017] However, the at least one deflectable spring plate springs back to its initial position and engages with a structure on the base surface of the plug module when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket. "When the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket" can alternatively be said as "at the time the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket". This prevents the plug module from rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. As a result, a disconnecting rotation of the plug module in the second rotational direction is no longer possible, so that the locking element locks the plug module to the socket.

[0018] Overall, the at least one spring plate remains deflectable so that another tool that forces, i.e. deflects, the at least one spring plate may release the plug module from the locked position when (or after) it is mechanically connected to the socket. Therefore, the present invention advantageously provides a locking element that allows for releasably locking the plug module connected to the socket. The plug module cannot be disconnected from the socket unless a dedicated tool is used to force, i.e. deflect, each of the at least one spring plate.

[0019] Moreover, as described herein, a third object, i.e., a locking element, can facilitate the releasable locking mechanism so that no additional or significant modifications are required to the socket or plug module.

[0020] Furthermore, at least one spring plate that engages with a structure on the base surface of the plug module is applied to a plug module that includes such a structure. Such a plug module may be named as a proprietary plug module for convenience. Since the lighting market may tolerate plug modules that do not include such structures, the locking element according to the invention should not interfere with such plug modules that do not have the structure on the base surface. Such a plug module may be named as a third-party plug module for convenience. The present invention is particularly advantageous because the at least one spring element is deflectable and does not spring back to an initial position to engage with said structure when said structure is not present on the base surface, which may be the case for example in the case of a "third-party plug module". Thus, such a "third-party plug module" may be freely connected and disconnected to a socket assembled with the locking element, and only a "proprietary plug module" with the structure may be releasably locked.

[0021] Overall, any plug module (of any supplier) compliant to connect to the socket may thereby be allowed to connect and disconnect to the socket, and whilst the yieldable nature of at least one spring plate may facilitate this, only plug modules including the formations on the base surface may engage a releasably locking mechanism according to the present invention.

[0022] The at least one spring element may be defined as extending freely along a portion of the periphery at any height relative to the axial direction of the centre line. Thus, the at least one spring element may extend freely along a portion of the periphery while extending away from the main body along the axial direction of the centre line. Thus, the at least one spring element may follow a helical path along an imaginary cylinder having the same length axis as the centre line and an effective diameter and / or cross-section of the periphery.

[0023] Further, the axial extension of the at least one spring element may be defined in one embodiment as extending axially of the centerline under an angle with respect to a plane bounded by the perimeter, the angle being, for example, 45 degrees, 30 degrees, 90 degrees, between 25 degrees and 90 degrees, etc.

[0024] As described above, the at least one spring plate remains deflectable so that another tool that biases, i.e., deflects, the at least one spring plate may release the plug module from the locked position when mechanically connected to the socket. Thus, in one embodiment, when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket and the at least one spring plate is in an initial position, the at least one spring plate may be configured to receive a tool to deflect the at least one spring plate to a deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction.

[0025] In this aspect, the at least one spring may be configured to receive a tool for deflecting each spring plate of the at least one spring plate simultaneously or sequentially to a deflected position. Thus, for example, if the locking element includes four spring plates, the tool may deflect or bias each spring plate simultaneously or sequentially to a deflected position to allow the plug module to rotate in the second rotational direction to disconnect from the socket.

[0026] In one embodiment, the socket may be a Zhaga socket and the plug module may be a Zhaga node. In other words, the Zhaga node may be a Zhaga module or a Zhaga plug module, and the Zhaga socket may be referred to as a Zhaga receptacle. Such connectors may be widely used in the professional lighting field and may address the theft problem since they are freely removable. Thus, the present invention may solve this problem, especially for Zhaga.

[0027] In one embodiment, the socket may be a NEMA socket, and the plug module may be a NEMA node. In other words, the NEMA node may be a NEMA module or a NEMA plug module, and the NEMA socket may be referred to as a NEMA receptacle. Such connectors may be widely used in the professional lighting field and may address theft issues since they are freely removable. Thus, the present invention may solve such issues, especially with respect to NEMA.

[0028] In one embodiment, the main body may include a fastening means, which may be a protrusion that protrudes toward a centerline of the socket, the protrusion being configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket when interlocked with a slot in the socket. The protrusion may be a ridge or a nudge. The protrusion may be a pin or a bearing. The slot may be a groove, an opening, or a hole.

[0029] In some embodiments, the protrusion may be configured to interlock with a groove in a socket. Thus, the socket may include a groove. For example, a Zhaga socket includes a groove for fixing the rotation of the Zhaga socket relative to a surface to which it is attached, such as a surface of a lighting fixture.

[0030] In another, contrasting embodiment, the main body may include a fastening means, which may be a slot configured to interlock with a protrusion of the socket, and the slot may be configured to restrain rotation of the locking element about a centerline of the socket when interlocked with said protrusion of the socket.

[0031] In one embodiment, the main body may comprise a fastening means, which may be an adhesive layer, for example the adhesive layer may be arranged to adhere to the socket and / or to a surface to which the socket is fixed, for example a surface of a lighting device or luminaire.

[0032] In one embodiment, the main body may include a fastening means, the main body may include an inner aperture, the fastening means may be an inner circumferential surface of the inner aperture of the main body, the inner circumferential surface of the main body may be configured to be press-fitted into the socket to constrain rotation of the locking element about a centerline of the socket, and thus, a diameter of the inner aperture may be configured to match a diameter of the socket.

[0033] In one embodiment, the main body is a plate-like ring. The main body may therefore be a plate. The main body may therefore be circular. For example, the main body may have a thickness of at most 1 centimeter, preferably at most 1 / 2 centimeter. In one example, the main body may include a circular (inner) opening arranged to receive the socket. Thus, the socket may protrude through the opening such that the main body may encircle the socket. The circular opening may, for example, be at least 40 millimeters. Such a value of 40 millimeters may well relate to the gasket area of ​​a Zhaga compliant socket.

[0034] In a further example, the main body may be rectangular or polygonal. In some aspects, the main body may also include a circular opening for such examples. In a further example, the main body may include an arc shape.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one spring plate may be only one spring plate. The spring plate may be coupled to the main body at a first coupling edge and / or a second coupling edge. The spring plate may comprise an arc shape, for example extending along half of the circumference. Thus, the first coupling edge and the second coupling edge may be at antipodes of the circumference.

[0036] In one embodiment, the at least one spring plate may include a plurality of spring plates. In one embodiment, the at least one spring plate includes a plurality of spring plates equally spaced around a circumference of the main body. In one embodiment, the at least one spring plate includes at least three spring plates. In one embodiment, the at least one spring plate includes four spring plates. The four spring plates may be equally spaced.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least one spring plate may comprise a spring plate material, which may comprise a metal and / or a polymer. The metal may be, for example, stainless steel or aluminum. The metal may be, for example, brass.

[0038] In one embodiment, the locking element may be concentric with the socket. Thus, the locking element may surround the socket. The locking element may also be interlocked with the socket to secure rotation of the locking element about a centerline of the socket. Thus, the locking element may be, for example, a ring that is positioned to fit around the socket.

[0039] In one embodiment, the main body includes a circular shape. In one embodiment, the circular shape includes a diameter of at least 90 millimeters. In one embodiment, the perimeter is circular and disposed at a diameter of at least 90 millimeters relative to a centerline. The value of 90 millimeters may demarcate a keep-out area of ​​a Zhaga connector. Thus, the at least one spring plate may not enter the keep-out area of ​​a Zhaga connector.

[0040] Thus, at least one spring plate may be spaced at least 90 millimeters from the centerline and / or may extend only within an area at least 90 millimeters away from the centerline.

[0041] As mentioned above, at least one spring plate is coupled to the main body and extends freely along a portion of said periphery, in one embodiment said portion of said periphery being at most one quarter of said periphery.

[0042] It is further an object of the present invention to provide an improved assembly according to the present invention.The present invention thus provides an assembly comprising a lighting device, a socket, a plug module and a locking element according to the present invention, the socket being positionally fixed on said lighting device, the plug module having a base surface including a structure, the plug module being configured to mechanically connect to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from a rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about a centerline of the socket, the at least one spring plate of the locking element being configured to engage with the base surface of the plug module and deflect from said initial position to a deflected position for a rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket, and the at least one spring plate of the locking element being configured to spring back to the initial position and engage with a structure of the base surface of the plug module so as to prevent a rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket.Thereby, advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the locking element according to the present invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to said assembly according to the present invention. The assembly may alternatively be referred to as a lighting assembly or a lighting system.

[0043] The invention may therefore further provide a plug module according to the invention, wherein the plug module has a base surface including a structure, the plug module being configured to mechanically connect to a socket according to the invention with a press-fit connection resulting from a rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about a centre line of the socket, the plug module being configured to engage with a locking element of the invention. The plug module may for example be a Zhaga plug module. The plug module may therefore comprise a Zhaga plug.

[0044] According to the invention, said structure of the base surface of the plug module may for example be a respective at least one rib or a respective at least one hole, and thus a spring plate of the at least one spring plate may engage with the respective rib of the at least one rib or engage (i.e. spring into) the respective hole of the at least one hole so as to prevent a rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0045] The at least one rib may be disposed radially relative to a centerline (i.e., may extend radially). The base surface of the plug module may further include a groove. The groove may extend radially relative to a centerline.

[0046] Throughout the application, the base surface of the plug module may face the locking element when the plug module is to be connected to the socket or when the plug module is connected to the socket. Throughout the application, the at least one spring plate may face the base surface of the plug module when the plug module is to be connected to the socket or when the plug module is connected to the socket.

[0047] Thus, although not claimed as part of the present invention, the present invention may provide a plug module including a base surface, a structure, and a Zhaga plug, the plug module configured to mechanically connect to a Zhaga socket with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about a centerline of the socket, the base surface including said structure, the structure including at least one rib or at least one groove, the at least one rib or at least one groove extending radially relative to said centerline, the at least one rib or at least one groove configured to engage with at least one spring plate of each of the locking elements when engaging said respective at least one spring plate to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to said first direction. The Zhaga plug and the Zhaga socket may thus be electrically connected due to said mechanical connection. The Zhaga plug may thus be configured to electrically connect to an electrical receptacle of the socket.

[0048] The lighting device may be a luminaire. The lighting device may have a surface and the socket may be fixedly positioned on the surface. The lighting device may be a low bay luminaire.

[0049] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method according to the invention. Thus, the invention provides a method for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket with a locking element according to the invention, the socket being fixed in position and having a centre line, the plug module being mechanically connectable to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from a rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centre line of the socket, the method comprising: constraining rotation of the locking element about the centre line of the socket, and at least one spring plate of said locking element engaging a base surface of the plug module and deflecting from said initial position to a deflected position when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket in order to allow a rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction, and at least one spring plate springing back to the initial position and engaging a formation on the base surface of the plug module in order to prevent a rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to a locking element or assembly according to the invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to said method according to the invention.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method includes, when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket and the at least one spring plate is in an initial position, receiving a tool to deflect the at least one spring plate to a deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction.

[0051] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved kit of parts according to the invention. Thus, the invention provides a kit of parts comprising a tool and a locking element according to the invention, the tool comprising at least one arm, each arm of the at least one arm being configured to engage with a respective spring plate of the at least one spring plate of the locking element in order to deflect each spring plate of the at least one spring plate into a deformed position in operation, the at least one spring plate being a plurality of spring plates and the at least one arm being a plurality of arms. Thereby, advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the locking element, the method or the assembly according to the invention may also apply mutatis mutandis to said kit of parts according to the invention.

[0052] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a luminaire according to the present invention. Thus, the present invention provides a luminaire comprising a light source, a controller, a luminaire surface, a socket and a locking element according to the present invention, said socket being positionally fixed on the luminaire surface, said socket being arranged for mechanical connection to a plug module, the socket being configured to connect to the plug module and to communicate control signals between the plug module and the controller, the controller being configured to control the light source based at least in part on the control signals, and the locking element being configured to releasably lock the plug module connected to the socket to prevent disconnection of the plug module and to allow the control signals to be communicated.

[0053] Since the plug module communicates control signals to the controller based at least in part on the controller controlling the light source of the luminaire, it is desirable to maintain a mechanical connection between the plug module and the socket. The locking means according to the invention is therefore advantageous in allowing proper functionality of the luminaire in controlling said light source. The plug module may be a Zhaga module or a NEMA module. The socket may be a corresponding Zhaga socket or a NEMA socket. The invention may therefore provide a luminaire including a Zhaga socket with a locking means according to the invention / present application. It is noted that the Zhaga interface does not have such a locking mechanism. The invention is therefore clearly advantageous. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0054] The invention will now be further described by means of schematic, non-limiting figures. [Figure 1] 1 illustrates diagrammatically one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates diagrammatically one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates diagrammatically one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; [Figure 4] 4 shows diagrammatically an embodiment of a tool according to the invention for unlocking a plug module of the assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 3; [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a method according to the invention; [Figure 6] 1 illustrates diagrammatically one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; [Figure 7] 5 shows a set of renderings relating to the embodiment of the assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3 and the embodiment of the tool shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 7 shows a rendering of a plug module and locking element associated with the embodiment of the assembly shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1 shows an embodiment of a lighting fixture according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Figure 1 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic perspective view of an assembly 100 according to the invention, said perspective view being an exploded view; Figure 2 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic side view of said assembly 100, said side view being an exploded view; and Figure 3 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a schematic cross-sectional view of said assembly 100 when assembled.

[0056] The assembly 100 according to the invention comprises a lighting device 40, a socket 30, a plug module 20 and a locking element 10 according to the invention. The locking element 10 is configured to releasably lock the plug module 20 connected to the socket 30. The socket has a centre line 1. The assembly 100 is substantially disposed relative to said centre line 1. The lighting device 40 is not depicted in its entirety, as figures 1-3 depict only a part of a surface 41 of said lighting device 40. The lighting device 40 may for example be a luminaire.

[0057] With reference to Figs. 1-3, the socket 30 is a Zhaga socket. Alternatively, said socket may be a NEMA socket. The socket 30 is fixed in position to the lighting device 40. Therefore, the socket 30 is fixed and immovable with respect to the lighting device 40. Thus, the lighting device 40 has (a surface 41 including) the socket 30. Here, as a non-limiting example, the socket includes a groove 31 in the axial direction of the center line 1, and the lighting device 40 includes a protrusion 42. Thereby, the socket 30 is fixed in position to the surface 41 of the lighting device 40 by interlocking said protrusion 42 with said groove 31 when the socket 30 is attached to the surface 41 of the lighting device 40 with a bolted connection (that screws into the socket thread). Other alternative fixing mechanisms may be envisaged as well. Such a groove 31 may be typical for a Zhaga socket.

[0058] With reference to Figs. 1-3, the plug module 20 is a Zhaga node. Alternatively, the plug module may be a NEMA node. Thus, the plug module 20 includes a Zhaga plug (not referenced). The plug module 20 further includes a base surface 21, where the base surface is circular 21. Thus, the base surface 21 is concentric with the socket 30 when the plug module 20 is connected to the socket 30. The base surface 21 faces a surface 41 of the lighting device 40 when the plug module 20 is connected to the socket 30. The base surface 21 of the plug module 20 includes a structure (not explicitly depicted in Figs. 1-3). The structure can be seen in the render 1004 of Fig. 7 and is referenced with the reference number 22.

[0059] Here, the structure is at least one rib extending radially relative to the centerline 1. The at least one rib is seen in the rendering 1004 of FIG. 7 and is referenced with the reference number 22. The at least one rib is four ribs. The ribs are equally spaced relative to each other and therefore perpendicular to each other (i.e. at a 90 degree angle to each other) forming a cross or crosshair shape. The four ribs protrude from the base surface 21 of the plug module 20 and extend towards the surface 41 of the lighting device 40 when the plug module 20 is connected to the socket 30. In an alternative example, the at least one rib may be at least one groove, such as four grooves in the base surface of the plug module.

[0060] 1-3, the plug module 20 is mechanically connectable to the socket 30 with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module 20 in a first rotational direction about a centerline 1 of the socket 30. Here, since the plug module 20 and the socket 30 are Zhaga compliant, the first rotational direction is a clockwise rotation when connecting the plug module 20 to the socket 30.

[0061] As mentioned above, the assembly 100 also includes a locking element 10 according to the present invention. The locking element 10 is configured to releasably lock the plug module 20 when the plug module 20 is mechanically connected to the socket 30. Such releasable locking prevents the plug module 20 from being freely disconnected, thereby reducing the possibility of theft. At the same time, the locking element allows an authorized party equipped with tools and knowledge of the locking element to disconnect the plug module 20 from the socket 30 after it has been connected.

[0062] Continuing to refer to Figs. 1-3, the locking element 10 comprises a fastening means 12, a main body 13 and at least one spring plate 11. Here, the locking element 10 is a plate-like ring. The locking element 10 is concentric with the socket 30. The main body 13 of the locking element 10 therefore comprises a circular inner opening (not referenced) for receiving the socket 30. Thus, the socket 30 can protrude through said circular inner opening when the locking element 10 and the socket 30 are mounted / assembled to the lighting device 40. The diameter of said circular inner opening may be, for example, at least 40 millimeters. Here, the locking element may have a plate thickness of at most half a millimeter.

[0063] As mentioned above, the locking element 10 also includes a fastening means 12. Here, the fastening means 12 is a protrusion 12 that protrudes towards the centerline 1 of the socket 30. Said protrusion matches with a groove 31 of the socket 30 and interlocks with the groove 31 when the locking element 10 is attached / assembled to said socket 30. Said groove may alternatively be referred to as a slot. Hence, the protrusion 12 is configured to constrain rotation of the locking element 10 about the centerline 1 of the socket 30 when interlocked with said groove 31 of the socket 30.

[0064] Alternatively, other fastening means may be envisaged for constraining rotation of the locking element about the centre line of the socket, for example the locking element may include an adhesive layer for adhering it in a fixed position on the surface of the lighting device or via a press-fit connection to the socket.

[0065] 1-3, the main body 13 of the locking element 10 further comprises a periphery 14, where the periphery 14 is circular. The diameter of the periphery 14 relative to the centerline 1 may be, for example, at least 90 millimeters to fit into the stay-out area of ​​a Zhaga compliant plug module 20. Other values ​​of the diameter may be envisaged as well. Thus, the 90 millimeters is not required but merely exemplary.

[0066] As mentioned above, the locking element 10 also comprises at least one spring plate 11. Here, said locking element 10 comprises four spring plates. Alternatively, said at least one spring plate may be one spring plate, or two spring plates, or at least three spring plates. Thereby, each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 is connected to the main body 13 and extends freely along a part of said periphery 14. The at least one spring plate 11 therefore follows the contour set by the periphery 14. This also means that the at least one spring plate 11 is arranged at least 90 millimeters away from said centre line.

[0067] Here, freely extending along a portion of the periphery 14 means freely extending along at most one-quarter of the periphery 14, since four spring plates are equally spaced along the periphery 14 of the main body 13. The number of four spring plates also matches the four ribs on the base surface 21 of the plug module 20.

[0068] Continuing to refer to Figures 1-3, at least one spring plate 11 (i.e., each of the four spring plates) is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position. The figures depict the spring plates in the initial position (i.e., at rest). At least one spring plate 11 (i.e., each of the four spring plates) protrudes in the axial direction of the centerline 1.

[0069] Thus, since the at least one spring plate 11 extends along at most a quarter of the circumference, each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 may follow a helical path. This also means that each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 is said to be at an angle to a plane enclosed by the circumference 14. For example, in an initial position, the angle may be 45 degrees, and in a deflected position, the angle may decrease from 45 degrees to 0 degrees. The angle may be measured at the position where the spring plate is coupled to the main body.

[0070] 1-3, as previously discussed, the locking element 10 is configured to releasably lock the plug module 20 connected to the socket 30. The operation of the locking element 10 within the assembly 100 will now be described.

[0071] As mentioned above, when the plug module 20 is to be mechanically connected to the socket 30, each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 is configured to engage with the base surface 21 of the plug module 20 and deflect from said initial position to a deflected position. This allows a rotational movement of the plug module 20 in a first rotational direction (i.e. the clockwise direction mentioned above). Thus, there is no impediment to connecting the plug module 20 to the socket 30.

[0072] However, when the plug module 20 is mechanically connected to the socket 30, each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 is configured to spring back to an initial position and engage with a structure (here a radially extending rib) on the base surface 21 of the plug module 20. This prevents rotational movement of the plug module 20 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. Said second rotational direction is thus counterclockwise. Thus, the locking element 10 locks the plug module 20 in place after it is mechanically connected to the socket 30.

[0073] As a result, the locking element 10 locks the plug module 20 to the socket 30, since a disconnecting rotation of the plug module 20 in the second rotational direction is no longer possible. However, since the at least one spring plate 11 remains deflectable, a separate tool biasing, i.e. deflecting, each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 may release the plug module 20 from the locked position after it has been mechanically connected to the socket 30. Therefore, the present invention advantageously provides a locking element 10 that allows for releasably locking the plug module 20 connected to the socket 30. The plug module 20 cannot be disconnected from the socket 30 unless a tool is used to bias, i.e. deflect, each of the at least one spring plate 11.

[0074] Thus, in a further aspect of the present invention, the at least one spring plate 11 may be configured to receive a tool for deflecting each spring plate of the at least one spring plate 11 into a deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module 20 in a second rotational direction.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, as a non-limiting example, a dedicated tool 50 is illustrated for unlocking the plug module 20 from the socket 30 after the plug module 20 has been mechanically connected to the socket 30 and releasably locked by the locking element 10 according to the present invention.

[0076] The dedicated tool 50 comprises at least one arm. In this example, said tool 50 comprises four arms. Each respective arm is configured, in operation, to simultaneously engage with each respective spring plate of the four spring plates 11 of the locking element 10. Said engagement deflects each spring plate of the four spring plates 11 into a deformed position. As mentioned above, in the deformed position of the at least one spring plate 11, the plug module 20 is unhindered and allowed to rotate freely in a counterclockwise direction to disconnect from the socket 30.

[0077] Figure 6 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a perspective view of one embodiment of an assembly 200 according to the invention. Figure 8 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, a rendering 1009 of the base surface 221 of a plug module 220 according to this embodiment.

[0078] The perspective view is an exploded view. The assembly 200 includes a lighting device 240, a socket 230, a plug module 220, and a locking element 210, which are similar to the embodiment depicted in Figures 1-3, except that the locking element 210 now includes a single spring plate 211 that engages with a different structure of the plug module 220.

[0079] That is, the locking element 210 includes a single spring plate 211. The spring plate 211 includes an arc shape and is connected to the main body 213 of the locking element 210 at a first position 2111 and a second position 2112. The first position and the second position are opposite each other (i.e., antipodal) on the periphery 214 of the main body 213. In one example, the single spring plate 211 may additionally include a chamfered edge 2113 or a protruding lip 2113 arranged to engage with a structure 222 of the base surface 211 of the plug module 220. The structure 222 is a set of radial ribs that present a cavity into which the chamfered edge 2113 or the protruding lip 2113 can lock when the plug module 220 is mechanically connected to the socket, thereby preventing the plug module 220 from rotating in a second rotational direction.

[0080] The operation of the locking element 210 is similar to that of the locking element 10 depicted in Figures 1-3. However, in this assembly, because there is only one spring plate 211, the tool for deflecting the spring plate 211 and thereby releasing the plug module 220 from the locked position may be a tool having a single arm for deflecting the spring plate 211, such as a flat head screwdriver 202.

[0081] 5 shows, as a non-limiting example, a method 900 for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket with a locking element according to the invention, whereby the socket is fixed in position and has a centerline, and the plug module is mechanically connectable to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from a rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centerline of the socket. The method 900 includes a step 901 of constraining rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket. The method 900 includes a step 902 in which at least one spring plate of said locking element engages a base surface of the plug module and deflects from said initial position to a deflected position when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket in order to allow rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction. The method 900 includes a step 903 in which at least one spring plate springs back to an initial position and engages a formation on the base surface of the plug module in order to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket. The method 900 includes an optional step 904 in which, when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket and the at least one spring plate is in an initial position, the at least one spring plate receives a tool to deflect the at least one spring plate to a deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction.

[0082] FIG. 7 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, a set of renderings 1001, 1002, 1003...1006, 1007 of at least a portion of an assembly 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1-3 and an associated releasing tool as depicted in FIG. 4.

[0083] Renderings 1001 and 1002 show the locking element 10 integrated into the Zhaga connector 30. The locking element 10 includes four spring plates 11. This configuration can provide a large locking force to prevent theft when the plug module 20 is mechanically connected to the socket 30.

[0084] Rendering 1003 shows a rendering of a plug module 20 mechanically connected to the connector 30 and locking element 10 as shown in renderings 1001 and 1002. The plug module 20 is a Zhaga module.

[0085] Rendering 1004 shows a rendering of the base surface 21 of the plug module 20. The base surface 21 includes a structure 22. Here, as a non-limiting example, as previously described, the structure 22 consists of four ribs 22 extending radially relative to the center of the plug module 20, whereby the ribs 22 form a cross-hair shape. The rendering 1004 also shows the locking element 10, the main body 13 of the locking element 10, and four spring plates 11 coupled to the periphery 14 of the main body 13. The main body 13 is circular and includes a circular inner opening 19.

[0086] Rendering 1004 depicts the locking element 10 and plug module 20 as if they were in an initial position, such that the four spring plates 11 engage the four ribs 22 of the plug module 20, thereby preventing rotational movement of the plug module 20 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0087] Renderings 1005, 1006 and 1007 show the release of the plug module 20 after it has been mechanically connected to the socket 30 and locked by the locking element 10. That is, the dedicated tool 50 includes four respective arms 51 for simultaneously deflecting the four spring plates 11 into a deflected position so as to allow the plug module 20 to rotate in a second rotational direction and be disconnected from the socket 20.

[0088] More specifically, rendering 1005 shows plug module 20 mechanically connected to socket 30 and tool 50 about to be clamped around said plug module 20. In some alternative embodiments, the plug module may include dedicated openings or grooves to facilitate the arms of the tool protruding inward to reach the spring plates. Renderings 1006 and 1007 show tool 50 clamping and rotating tool in a first rotational direction, which simultaneously deflects the four spring plates of locking element 10 to a deflected position such that spring plates 11 no longer engage with the structure of plug module 20 and may allow plug module 20 to rotate in a second rotational direction and disconnect from socket 20.

[0089] FIG. 9 shows, as a non-limiting example, a luminaire 800 according to the invention in a schematic manner. The luminaire comprises a luminaire surface. Said luminaire surface may for example be a luminaire housing. The luminaire 800 comprises a light source 802 for illumination. The luminaire 800 comprises a controller 801 for controlling said light source 802 to provide illumination based on a control signal 810. The luminaire 800 further comprises a socket 803 for mechanically connecting to a plug module 880. The plug module 880 is a Zhaga module. Here, said plug module 880 is a sensor module. When the plug module 880 is connected to the socket 803, the socket 803 transmits a control signal between the plug module 880 and the controller 801. The controller 801 is configured to control the light source 802 based at least in part on the control signal 810. To prevent the plug module 880 from being disconnected during operation of the luminaire 800, which may be undesirable, the luminaire 800 further comprises a locking element 804 according to the invention. The locking element 804 is configured to releasably lock a plug module 880 connected to the socket 803. The socket may be a Zhaga or NEMA socket. The plug module may be a Zhaga or NEMA compliant module.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly comprising a lighting device, a socket, a plug module, and a locking element for releasably locking the plug module connected to the socket, the socket is fixedly positioned on the lighting device and has a centerline; the plug module has a base surface including a structure; the plug module is configured to mechanically connect to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centerline of the socket; The locking element is fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; a main body having a periphery; at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery; Including, the at least one spring plate is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, in which the at least one spring plate projects axially along the centerline; when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket, the at least one spring plate of the locking element is configured to engage the base surface of the plug module and deflect from the initial position to the deflected position due to a rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction; an assembly, wherein when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket, the at least one spring plate of the locking element is configured to spring back to the initial position and engage with the structure on the base surface of the plug module so as to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket and the at least one spring plate is in the initial position, the at least one spring plate is configured to receive a tool for deflecting the at least one spring plate to the deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in the second rotational direction.

3. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the socket is a Zhaga socket and the plug module is a Zhaga node.

4. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body includes the fastening means, the fastening means being a protrusion that protrudes toward the centerline of the socket, the protrusion being configured to restrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket when interlocked with a slot in the socket.

5. 5. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body is a plate-like ring.

6. 6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one spring plate comprises a plurality of spring plates equally spaced around the circumference of the main body.

7. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring plate comprises four spring plates.

8. 8. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body includes a circular inner opening arranged to receive the socket, the circular inner opening having a diameter of at least 40 millimeters.

9. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring plate is spaced at least 90 millimeters from the centerline.

10. 10. An assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the circumference is at most a quarter of the circumference.

11. 1. A method for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket with a locking element, comprising: The socket is fixed in position and has a centerline; the plug module is mechanically connectable to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centerline of the socket; The locking element is fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; a main body having a periphery; at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery; Including, the at least one spring plate is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, in which the at least one spring plate projects axially along the centerline; The method comprises: constraining rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; and when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket, the at least one spring plate of the locking element engages a base surface of the plug module and deflects from the initial position to the deflected position to allow rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction; when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket, the at least one spring plate springs back to the initial position and engages with a structure on the base surface of the plug module to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; A method comprising:

12. The method comprises: when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket and the at least one spring plate is in the initial position, the at least one spring plate receiving a tool for deflecting the at least one spring plate to the deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in the second rotational direction; The method of claim 11 , comprising:

13. A luminaire including a light source, a controller, a luminaire surface, a socket, and a locking element, The socket is fixedly positioned on the light fixture surface and has a centerline. the socket is arranged for mechanical connection to a plug module; the socket is configured to connect to a plug module and to communicate control signals between the plug module and the controller; the controller is configured to control the light source based on the control signal; the locking element is configured to releasably lock the plug module connected to the socket to prevent disconnection of the plug module and to allow the control signal to be transmitted; The locking element is fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; a main body having a periphery; at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery; Including, the at least one spring plate is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, in which the at least one spring plate projects axially along the centerline; the at least one spring plate is configured to engage a base surface of the plug module and deflect from the initial position to the deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket; The lighting fixture, wherein when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket, the at least one spring plate is configured to spring back to the initial position and engage with a structure on the base surface of the plug module so as to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

14. A locking element for releasably locking a plug module connected to a socket, comprising: The socket is fixed in position and has a centerline; the plug module is mechanically connectable to the socket with a press-fit connection resulting from rotational movement of the plug module in a first rotational direction about the centerline of the socket; The locking element is fastening means configured to constrain rotation of the locking element about the centerline of the socket; a main body having a periphery; at least one spring plate coupled to the main body and extending freely along a portion of the periphery; Including, the at least one spring plate is deflectable between an initial position and a deflected position, in which the at least one spring plate projects axially along the centerline; the at least one spring plate is configured to engage a base surface of the plug module and deflect from the initial position to the deflected position to enable rotational movement of the plug module in the first rotational direction when the plug module is to be mechanically connected to the socket; the at least one spring plate is configured to spring back to the initial position and engage a structure on the base surface of the plug module to prevent rotational movement of the plug module in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction when the plug module is mechanically connected to the socket; The at least one spring plate is spaced at least 90 millimeters from the centerline.

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