luminaire

Abstract

A luminaire (100) is provided which comprises an input (250) coupled to mains or another voltage supply, at least one light source (400), at least one driver (300) for the light source (400) configured to provide power for the at least one light source (400), and an adapter module (200) coupled to the input (250) and via a connector (500) to the driver (300) comprises a first output (211) and a data terminal (221). The adapter module (200) provides a DC voltage at the first output (211) and data at the data terminal (221). The connector (500) is capable of communicating data and power between the adapter module (200) and the driver (300).

Description

[0001] Luminaire

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a luminaire.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Luminaires having at least one light emitting diode can be supplied with the required power based on the Power-over-Ethemet PoE standard, where twisted pairs of wires are used. Accordingly, luminaires can be provided at positions or locations where no mains cables are present. On the other hand, if no Ethernet cables are present, such luminaires cannot be supplied with the required power. Luminaires can be connected to mains cables, for example if the luminaires are used as a ceiling lamps. In this case, the mains cables must be connected to a voltage converter to convert the AC from the mains to a DC voltage at the required level.

[0006] By means of a power line communication PLC, a luminaire can be provided with the required power as well as data to enable a control of the luminaire via a driver for a light source (e.g., LED, laser, OLED).

[0007] US 2022 / 0278709A1 shows a communication adapter for a lighting trunking system. The adapter has a housing and a power line communication interface to receive data.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved luminaire which has a broader range of application.

[0010] This object is solved by a luminaire which comprises an input which can be coupled to mains or another voltage supply, at least one light source, at least one driver for the light source in a first housing providing power for the light source. Furthermore, an adapter module in a second housing is provided. The adapter module is coupled to the input and via a connector to the driver. The adapter module is used to provide a DC voltage at its first output and data at its data terminal (e.g. its second output). The connector is capable of communicating data (i.e. transmitting and receiving data) and transferring power from the adapter module to the driver. With the above described luminaire, it is possible to operate for example a Power-over-Ethemet capable luminaire without a Power-over-Ethemet capable voltage source. Therefore, such a luminaire can be provided also at positions where no Ethernet cable is present. The adapter module serves as an interface between the Power-over-Ethemet capable luminaire and the environment where the luminaire is to be implemented. The adapter module can therefore provide the required power at the required voltage level and / or current level for a driver of the light source of a luminaire. In addition, the adapter module can receive and provide data for the driver to enable the driver to control the light source. In other words, the adapter module can receive and forward data, which is required by the light source driver to control the lighting settings of the light source.

[0011] The input of the luminaire can act as a bi-directional communication interface. Data can be received and / or transmitted via the input. The connector can also act as a bidirectional communication interface.

[0012] The light source of the luminaire can be implemented as a LED, OLED or laser.

[0013] According to an example, the driver can be arranged in a driver housing and the adapter module can be arranged in an adapter housing. The housings can be arranged next to each other and can be coupled electrically to each other for example via the connector. Hence, the adapter module can be replaced or adapted with ease. Moreover, the respective adapter module can be selected from among several possible adapter modules with different capabilities, like a PLC modem, a fiber modem etc.

[0014] According to an example, the connector comprises a first data section with a first plurality of contacts which enable a data transmission as well as a second section for transmitting a DC voltage. Accordingly, the connector is used to supply data as well as voltage from the adapter module to the driver.

[0015] In a further example, the first section of the connector is implemented as a small form factor pluggable connector.

[0016] In a further example, the connector can comprise a gap between its first and second sections. This is advantageous as it will allow to use the first section of the connector as a small form factor plug such that corresponding sockets can be used in the housing of the driver.

[0017] By providing a connector with two dedicated connection sections, namely a first section for the data communication based on a small form factor plug, the available small form factor plugs communication protocols can be used for the data communication. As the small form factor plug does not have any contacts for a DC transmission, the provision of the dedicated second section can be used to transmit the required DC voltage.

[0018] In an example, the module housing and the driver housing are coupled via a mechanical connector. The mechanical connection of the communication module housing to the driver module housing can be realized by a mechanical locking means. This locking means assures that the mating of the two pieces of the connector is fixed securely during operation. The mechanical locking means can be a snap-in feature by means of a locking spring, a screw, magnetic forces, glue, Velcro etc.

[0019] Hence, standard Power-over-Ethemet drivers can be slightly revised by removing the RJ45 connector and possibly a transformer at its input. Accordingly, instead of having a single input via an Ethernet cable for data and power, now the driver can be coupled to a new connector.

[0020] According to a further example, the adapter module can comprise a data communication unit which can be implemented as a PLC modem, a fiber modem or a wireless receiving module depending on the environment and capabilities where the luminaire is to be used. The data communication unit can enable bi-directional communication. For example, if the luminaire is to be connected to a mains cable, then data communication can be implemented by means of power line communication PLC. On the other hand, if an optical fiber is present at the position where the luminaire is to be installed, a fiber modem can be used which is coupled to the optical fiber for data communication. Furthermore, if neither a PLC communication is possible nor any optical fiber present, then the adapter module can comprise a wireless reception module in order to wirelessly receive the data required by the driver to control the operation of the LEDs. In some cases the driver may also transmit information towards the lighting controller (e.g. status, temperature, burning hours, available colorspace).

[0021] According to a further example, the adapter module can comprise a wireless communication module (e.g., a RF communication module or a LiFi communication module). The wireless communication module can be coupled to the PLC modem, or the fiber modem to receive data and to wirelessly transmit the data to enable a wireless Access Point like a 5G base station, a Wi-Fi Access Point or a LiFi Access Point. A full duplex data transmission can be implemented to enable a wireless access point AP. Hence, the function of a luminaire can be extended to include said wireless Access Point functionality. The power for the Access Point can be drawn from the voltage converter and the data to be transmitted and received can be received and transmitted via the PLC modem or the fiber modem. According to a further aspect method for configuration of a luminaire is provided an adapter module is selected from among several adapter modules having different technical features, and the selected adapter module is placed in the luminaire by coupling the selected adapter module via the connector to the driver.

[0022] It shall be understood that the luminaire according to claim 1, the luminaire connector according to claim 9 and the method according to claim 10 have similar and / or identical preferred embodiments, in particular, as defined in the dependent claims.

[0023] It shall be understood that a preferred embodiment of the present invention can also be any combination of the dependent claims or above embodiments with the respective independent claim.

[0024] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the following drawings:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a luminaire,

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a housing of a luminaire,

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a connector for the luminaire,

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic view of a housing of a part of the luminaire, Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a further luminaire,

[0031] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a housing of a part of a luminaire, and Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of a further adapter module.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a luminaire. The luminaire 100 comprises at least one light source (e.g. light emitting device LED) 400, a light source driver 300 and an adapter module 200. The adapter module 200 is coupled to the driver 300 by means of a connector 500. The driver 300 comprises a driver housing 302 and the adapter module 200 comprises a module housing 202. The housing 202 of the adapter module 200 is attached or coupled to the driver housing 302 of the driver and a connector 500 is used to establish an electrical connection between the adapter module 200 and the driver 300.

[0034] The adapter module 200 comprises a voltage converter 210 and a power line communication PLC modem 220. The adapter module 200 has an input 250 to which the voltage converter 210 as well as the PLC modem 220 is coupled. The voltage converter 210 has an output 211 and outputs a DC voltage. The PLC modem 220 can enable a full duplex data direction, in particular the modem can comprise a data terminal 221, which can output data, in particular Ethernet data.

[0035] The light source of the luminaire can be implemented as at least one LED, OLED or laser.

[0036] The driver 300 comprises a first and second input 303, 304 to receive the DC voltage from the output 211 of the voltage converter 210 and data from the modem 220. The second input 304 of the light source driver 300 is coupled via the connector 500 to the data terminal 221 of the PLC modem.

[0037] Accordingly, the connector 500 is used to connect the data terminal 211 (e.g. an output 221) to the input 303. Furthermore, the connector 500 is used to connect the data terminal 221 to the input 304. Accordingly, by means of the connector 500, the voltage supply as well as data is transmitted to the driver 300.

[0038] The driver 300 comprises a voltage converter 310 and a data unit 320. The voltage converter 310 serves to convert the input voltage at the input 303 to a voltage or current required by the light sources 400. The voltage converter 310 serves to supply the light source 400 with its required voltage and / or current. Optionally, the voltage converter 310 can comprise a current control circuit. In particular the voltage converter 310 has an output 301 where the voltage supply for the LEDs 400 is outputted. The data unit 320 can receive Ethernet data via the input 304 and can analyze the Ethernet data. According to the data provided by the data unit 320, the voltage converter 310 can adapt the output voltage at the output 301 and can thus control an operation of the LEDs 400.

[0039] The adapter module 200 can comprise a wireless communication module 270 for a bi-directional RF or optical wireless communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 270 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the RF communication module 270 can be drawn from the voltage converter 210 and the data can be communicated (i.e. received and / or transmitted) via the PLC modem. Preferably, the wireless communication module 270 is coupled to the voltage converter 210 independently from the driver 300 such that the power supply of wireless RF communication module 270 is not influenced by the operation of the driver, e.g. if the driver is switched off and the traffic via the RF communication module is thus independent from driver 300.

[0040] Alternatively, the driver 300 can comprise a wireless communication module 370 for a bi-directional wireless communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 270 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the wireless communication module 370 can be drawn from the voltage converter 310 and the data can be communicated (i.e. received and / or transmitted) via data unit 320.

[0041] The wireless communication module can be implemented as a RF communication module or an optical communication module.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a housing of a luminaire. In Fig. 2, the driver 300 together with the driver housing 302 and the adapter module 200 with the module housing 202 are depicted. The module housing 202 of the module 200 can be coupled or placed next to the driver housing 302 of the driver 300. In particular, a connector 500 can be used for electrically coupling the output of the adapter module 200 to the input of the driver 300. The module 200 can comprise a connector 254 for example in form of an Ethernet connector. The driver 300 can comprise an output connector 301 which is used to connect to the at least one light source for providing voltage supply or a current supply for the light source, e. g. an LED.

[0043] The module housing and the driver housing can optionally be coupled via a mechanical connector 540. The mechanical connection of the communication module housing to the driver module housing can be realized by a mechanical locking means. This locking means assures that the mating of the two pieces of the connector is fixed securely during operation. The mechanical locking means can be a snap-in feature by means of a locking spring, a screw, magnetic forces, glue, Velcro etc.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a connector for the luminaire. The connector 500 can be implemented as a printed circuit board 530 with a first and second side 501, 502, namely a solder side SS and a component side CS, respectively. The circuit board can have a first section 510 which is used to transmit and / or receive data. The circuit board 530 can also have a second section 520 which is used for providing the voltage supply.

[0045] Table 1 shows a possible pin allocation of the connector

[0046] Optionally, between the first and second section, a gap 511 can be provided. Furthermore, the first section 510 can be implemented as a connector for a small form factor pluggable module SFP for example as described in US 7693178. In particular, the contacts 1.01 - 1.20 can correspond to an edge connector based on a small form factor pluggable module interface.

[0047] By providing the gap 511, the first section can be designed according to the small form factor connector such that it is compatible with the small form factor requirements.

[0048] At the same time, by providing the second section 520, the printed circuit board can also be used to transmit a DC voltage from the adapter module 200 to the driver 300. Fig. 4 shows a further schematic view of a housing of a part of the luminaire.

[0049] In Fig. 4, an embodiment is disclosed where the adapter module 200 has a housing 202 and an input 252 to which wires of the mains can be coupled. Accordingly, the mains voltage of 110 Volt or 220 or 230 Volt is applied to the input 252 of the adapter module 200. In the adapter module 200, the voltage converter 210 serves to convert the input main voltage to the required output DC voltage. Furthermore, the PLC modem 220 can be used to extract and insert data by means of a power line communication modem 220.

[0050] Moreover, the driver 300 with an output 301 and a housing 302 is shown.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a further luminaire. The luminaire according to Fig. 5 substantially corresponds to the luminaire according to Fig. 1. However, instead of a PLC modem 220, a fiber modem 230 is provided. Hence, the fiber modem 230 serves as a modem to which an optical fiber is connected for a data communication. Here, the power is received via a mains connection 251 and data is exchanged via the optical fiber connection 253.

[0052] The adapter module 200 can comprise a wireless communication module 270 e.g. a RF communication module 270 for a bi-directional wireless communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 270 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the wireless communication module 270 can be drawn from the voltage converter 210 and the data can be received and transmitted via the fiber modem 230.

[0053] Alternatively, the driver 300 can comprise a wireless communication module 370 for a bi-directional wireless communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 270 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the wireless communication module 270 can be drawn from the voltage converter 310 and the data can be received and transmitted via data unit 320.

[0054] Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a housing of a part of a luminaire. The housing of Fig. 6 substantially corresponds to the housing of Fig. 4, wherein the adapter module housing 202 comprises an input 252 to which the mains cable can be coupled as well as an input 253 to which optical fiber cables 260 can be coupled. The input 253 is coupled to the fiber modem 230. The driver 300 can correspond to the driver 300 of Fig.2 or 4 and comprises an output 301 and a driver housing 302. A connector 500 is provided between the adapter module 200 and the driver 300. The connector 500 can correspond to the connector 500 of Fig. 3.

[0055] While in Fig. 4 power as well as data are transmitted via mains and the input 252, according to the luminaire of Fig. 6, the input 252 is only used to receive power from mains while the data communication is realized via the optical fiber cables 260, the input 253 as well as the fiber modem 230.

[0056] As the data as well as the DC voltage is provided via the connector 500 to the driver 300, the driver 300 is independent or decoupled from the manner the power as well as the data are transferred at the inputs of the power module.

[0057] This is advantageous as the driver 300 for the LEDs 400 can be manufactured independent from the environment where the luminaire is to be used.

[0058] As the power module 200 has its separate housing 202, it can be of a modular design such that the luminaire can be adapted to the environment where it is to be implemented easily by merely selecting one of a possible adapter modules 200. The adapter module 200 is capable of providing a DC voltage which is required by the driver 300. This DC voltage can correspond to the voltage required for a Power-over-Ethemet driver. Accordingly, the voltage at the second section of the connector 500 can be between 42,5 - 57 Volt and with a power of for example 51W.

[0059] Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an adapter module. The adapter module 200 can correspond to the adapter module 200 from Fig. 1 or Fig. 5.

[0060] However, instead of a PLC modem 220 or a fiber modem 230, a Wi-Fi or 5G module 240 (e.g. a transceiver module) can be part of the adapter module 200. Hence, the data to be forwarded to the driver 300 can be wirelessly received via the Wi-Fi or 5G module 240 and data can be transmitted via the transceiver module 240.

[0061] The adapter module 200 can comprise a wireless communication module 270 for a bi-directional wireless communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 270 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the wireless communication module 270 can be drawn from the voltage converter 210 can be received via the wireless module 240.

[0062] Alternatively, the driver 300 can comprise a wireless communication module 370 (e.g. RF communication module) for a bi-directional wireless communication, e.g. RF communication. Hence, the wireless communication module 370 can implement a wireless Access Point arranged in or at the luminaire 100. The power of the wireless communication module 370 can be drawn from the voltage converter 310 and the data can be received and transmitted via data unit 320.

[0063] In addition or alternatively, a wireless module 240 can also be provided in addition to the PLC modem 220 or the fiber modem 230. Here, the LiFi, Wi-Fi or 5G module can be used to wirelessly implement a full duplex operation (e.g. to transmit and receive data received or transmitted) via the PLC modem 220 or the fiber modem 230. This is advantageous as a function of a luminaire can be extended to a wireless access point. Preferably, the wireless access point can be daisy-chained in front of the driver 300.

[0064] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0065] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0066] A single unit or device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0067] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0068] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS:

[0069] 100 luminaire

[0070] 200 adapter module

[0071] 202 module housing

[0072] 210 voltage converter

[0073] 211 output

[0074] 220 data communication modem

[0075] 221 data terminal

[0076] 230 fiber modem

[0077] 240 wireless transceiver modem

[0078] 250 input

[0079] 252 input

[0080] 253 input

[0081] 253 input

[0082] 254 connector

[0083] 260 fiber cables

[0084] 270 wireless communication module

[0085] 300 driver

[0086] 301 output

[0087] 302 driver housing

[0088] 303 first input

[0089] 304 second input

[0090] 310 voltage converter

[0091] 320 data unit

[0092] 330 input

[0093] 370 wireless communication module

[0094] 400 light source

[0095] 500 connector

[0096] 501 first side

[0097] 502 second side 510 first section

[0098] 511 gap

[0099] 520 second section

[0100] 530 printed circuit board 540 mechanical connector

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Luminaire (100), comprising: an input (250) adapted to be coupled to mains or another voltage supply, at least one light source (400), at least one driver (300) for the light source (400) configured to provide power for the at least one light source (400), and an adapter module (200) coupled to the input (250) and via a connector (500) to the driver (300) and comprising a first output (211) and a data terminal (221), wherein the adapter module (200) is configured to provide a DC voltage at the first output (211) and data at the data terminal (221), wherein the connector (500) is capable of communicating data between the adapter module (200) and the driver (300) and transferring power from the adapter module (200) to the driver (300), wherein the adapter module (200) comprises a module housing (202) and wherein the driver (300) comprises a driver housing (302), wherein the module housing (202) and the driver housing (302) are arranged next to each other and are coupled electrically to each other via the connector (500).

2. Luminaire (100) according to claim 1, wherein the connector (500) comprises: a first data section (510) with a first plurality of contacts (1.10 - 1.20) which enable a data transmission, and a second section (520) configured to transmit a DC voltage.

3. Luminaire (100) according claim 2, wherein the first section (510) of the connector (500) is implemented compatible to a small form factor pluggable module connector.

4. Luminaire (100) according claim 2 or 3, wherein the connector (500) comprises a gap (511) between the first and second section (510, 520).

5. Luminaire (100) according any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the adapter module (200) comprises a data communication unit (220, 230) which is implemented as a PLC modem (220), a fiber modem (230) or a wireless transceiver module (240).

6. Luminaire (100) according any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the adapter module (200) comprises a wireless communication module (270), coupled to the PLC modem (220), or the fiber modem (230) to wirelessly receive and / or transmit data to enable a wireless Access Point.

7. Luminaire (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the module housing (202) and the driver housing (302) are coupled via a mechanical connector (530).

8. Method of configurating a luminaire according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: selecting an adapter module (200) from among several adapter modules (200) having different technical features, and placing the selected adapter module (200) in the luminaire by coupling the selected adapter module (200) via the connector (500) to the driver (300).

Images