Modular functional assembly for trusses

Abstract

The assembly comprises: at least one truss module; a functional unit, an energy storage means, and a solar panel. The functional unit is provided to a first truss module of the at least one truss module. The energy storage means is configured for powering the functional unit. The solar panel is provided to a second truss module of the at least one truss module, preferably to a lateral side thereof, and is configured for charging the energy storage means. The first truss module and the second truss module are the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module.

Description

[0001] MODULAR FUNCTIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR TRUSSES

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The field of invention relates to assemblies including at least one truss module. Particular embodiments relate to self-standing assemblies comprising a plurality of truss modules, and more particularly luminaire assemblies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Generally, a functional head or a functional unit, such as a luminaire unit, requires a support base, e.g. a wall or a pole, as well as access to electricity for powering said functional unit. This presupposes the existence of infrastructures, both structural and energetic, in order to proceed with the installation of such a functional unit. When either the structural or energetic infrastructure is absent, e.g. in a roadworks area or in a location to be used temporarily such as a festival location, a trade-off must be made to install a new assembly including the functional unit. One can decide to spend a considerable amount of time to install a mechanically, but cumbersome, robust assembly including the functional unit; or one can decide to skimp on the installation time at the detriment of robustness. Neither of the solutions is satisfactory since time is a critical factor when setting up a festival, and since environmental conditions, such as wind or the crowding of people, impose certain requirements with respect to the mechanical stability of the installation.

[0006] There is a lack of an adequate solution in terms of assemblies including functional units in cases in which installation in a temporary location is required. There is thus a need for a convenient and easy to mount assembly which is also mechanically robust.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an assembly whose mounting is facilitated, thereby saving time for an operator, while still procuring secure attachments and being mechanically stable.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly. The assembly comprises: at least one truss module; a functional unit, an energy storage means, and a solar panel. The functional unit is provided to a first truss module of the at least one truss module. The energy storage means is configured for powering the functional unit. The solar panel is provided to a second truss module of the at least one truss module, preferably to a lateral side thereof, and is configured for charging the energy storage means. The first truss module and the second truss module are the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module.

[0010] It is to be noted in the above that, when the first truss module and the second truss module are the same, mounting the solar panel to the functional unit is equivalent to providing the solar panel to the second truss module, which is also the first truss module to which the functional unit is provided. Further, in an embodiment, the solar panel may be part of the functional unit and providing the functional unit to the truss module would at the same time also provide the solar panel to that truss module. Naturally, when the first truss module and the second truss module are the same, the functional unit and the solar panel may be provided as separate elements each affixed to different portions of the same truss module.

[0011] Using at least one truss module, a reliable structural element is employed which will ensure the mechanical integrity of the assembly. Truss modules are generally readily available to many diverse installations in temporary locations, and their usage is familiar to operators, thereby improving the ease-of-use of the assembly.

[0012] With the at least one truss module as a supporting structure, different elements are provided to the first truss module or the second truss module, which can be the same or different, in order to, on one hand, establish the provision of electricity via the solar panel and the energy storage means, and to, on the other hand, supply a functionality via the electrically-powered functional unit. Thus, all the necessary elements for a self-reliant assembly with electric-based functionality are conveniently gathered.

[0013] Generally, the energy collected by the solar panel is used to charge the energy storage means during daytime, and the energy storage means is relied upon during nighttime to power the functional unit. Optionally, a connection to mains is also provided to the assembly to support the charging of the energy storage means or to power directly the functional unit. Depending on embodiments, the energy storage means may comprise a battery and / or a capacitor-based storage. Preferably, the energy storage means is sealed, e.g. with an IP67 -rated sealing, to prevent ingress of moisture.

[0014] The at least one truss module may comprise a single truss module or a plurality of truss modules. In a favored embodiment, the at least one truss module comprises a plurality of truss modules, preferably of similar lengths, more preferably being similar to each other. This allows improving the modularity of the assembly. Further, truss modules may be made of multiple interconnected hollow tubes: major tubes extending along the corners of the truss module, and minor tubes of lower diameters than the major tubes and which interlink the major tubes. Such a structural element provides advantages in terms of weight as well as in terms of solidity. The solar panel may be provided to the second truss module using brackets, for example, to allow for an easy mounting to the second truss module. The brackets may be fixed to one or more of the minor tubes of the second truss module. Furthermore, the solar panel may be sized to cover a side of the second truss module, for practicality-reasons, which also allows the solar panel to act as a protective panel for an element arranged within the second truss module. The skilled person will understand that additional solar panels may be mounted to the second truss module or to other truss modules in a similar manner. Additionally, a further solar panel may also be provided to an external surface of the functional unit. Depending on embodiments, the further solar panel may be provided to the functional unit in addition to the solar panel already mounted to, or incorporated in, the functional unit.

[0015] Optionally, using a similar form factor and mounting solution as the solar panel, one or more side panels may be provided to lateral sides of a truss module. These side panels are preferably sized to cover a side of that truss module and act as a protective panel for an element arranged within that truss module. The side panel may be decorated on its visible external surface for aesthetical reasons. Additionally or alternatively, the visible external surface of the side panel may be used as a support for written information and / or may be provided with an illuminated signage.

[0016] According to a favored embodiment, the at least one truss module comprises a plurality of similar truss modules.

[0017] Due to the similarity between the plurality of similar truss modules, modularity and flexibility of the assembly is improved. Indeed, since all of the plurality of similar truss modules are similar, they can be employed in an interchangeable manner during installation without any concern to their future functions. Additionally, additional similar truss modules can be introduced to freely modulate an overall length of the assembly, for example. Moreover, by employing similar truss modules, packing of the assembly in an unmounted state is facilitated, preferably for pallet transportation; thereby rendering the assembly very flexible in its use, both in terms of installation and mobility.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional unit comprises any one or more of: a lighting means, an environmental sensor, telecommunication circuitry, a human interface device, an output device, a charging station, a geo-localization receiving means.

[0019] In this way, the functional unit may be adapted according to the local need of its respective installation by taking advantage of the ease-of-use of the assembly. More than one functional unit may be provided to the first truss module or to other truss modules. Depending on the functionality of the functional unit, a connecting means of the functional unit may be configured to mount the functional unit on a lateral side of the first truss module or at an extremity of the first truss module. Additionally, the connecting means may include an orienting member configured for orienting the functional unit at an angle relative to the first truss module in embodiments presenting a directionality-dependence of the functionality of the functional unit.

[0020] Depending on embodiments, the environmental sensor may include an image sensing means such as a camera, an infrared, IR, sensor, an air quality sensor, a smoke sensor, and / or a microphone. The camera may correspond to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. The IR sensor may correspond to a passive IR, PIR, sensor. The telecommunication circuitry may include an antenna. Signals may be sent to and / or from the telecommunication circuitry via a wireless network operating over short-range or long-range communication, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LORA (loT), IR, cellular, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB. The output device may include a display device and / or a loudspeaker. The lighting means may include a luminaire light, a spotlight, a stage light, and / or a light projecting means such as a projector, or a laser. The light projecting means may be configured to project images, logos, photos, texts, and the like. Various examples of sensing means that may be included in the environmental sensor may be selected from: an optical sensor such as a photodetector or an image sensor, a sound sensor, a radar such as a Doppler effect radar, a LIDAR, a humidity sensor, an air quality sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, an antenna such as a Bluetooth antenna for a Bluetooth sensor, an RE sensor, a metering device, a vibration sensor, a malfunctioning sensor. Eurther, the human interface device may include a touch-sensitive display, an alarm device e.g. a push button which a user can push in the event of an alarming situation), a vocal interactive interface, and / or a vocal communication device. The charging station may allow, via charging ports, charging various electronic devices such as laptops or smartphones, and / or e-bikes (i.e. electrically-powered), drones, e-scooters. The skilled person will understand that the charging by the charging station is only limited by the characteristics of the energy storage means and the solar panel connected to the charging station.

[0021] In this manner, environmental data about an event in the vicinity of the functional head may be detected, e.g. characteristics (presence, absence, state, number, direction, speed, wearing mask or not) of objects like vehicles, street furniture, animals, persons, sub-parts of the functional unit, or properties related to the environment (like weather (rain, fog, sun, wind), pollution, visibility, earth quake), or security related events (explosion, incident, gun shot, user alarm) in the vicinity of the functional unit, or maintenance related data, or malfunctioning data of a component of the functional unit.

[0022] Other examples of environmental sensors, and sensing means in general, are provided in PCT publications WO 2019 / 243331 Al and WO 2019 / 043045 Al in the name of the applicant, which are included herein by reference.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a weighted base element configured for being connected to a bottom-most extremity of a lowest truss module of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly is assembled, and configured for acting as a foot of the assembled assembly.

[0024] In this way, the assembly with the weighted base element may be made to be self-standing and placed in any location with a substantially flat ground. The weighted base element may comprise a base connecting interface configured for connecting to an extremity of a truss module. In an alternative embodiment, the weighted base element may comprise a base connecting interface for connecting to a side of a truss module. The skilled person will understand that other support bases may be used in combination with the assembly instead of the weighted base element, such as a wall or a pole, or that the assembly may also be suspended, for example.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment, the weighted base element includes a concrete block.

[0026] In this manner, the overall gravity center of the assembly with the weighted base element is lowered using a readily available weight, which in turn increases the stability of the assembly. The base connecting interface may be fixed to the concrete block. Further, three or more feet may be attached to the concrete block to increase the footing area, and therefore the stability provided by the weighted base element.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, a battery casing may be comprised by the weighted base element, said battery casing configured for encasing the energy storage means. Typically, the energy storage means required is a relatively heavy element suitable for doubling as a weight for the weighted base element.

[0028] According to a favored embodiment, the weighted base element is configured for being free from ground fixation. In other words, the assembly can be free-standing using only the weighted base element to “ground” it, without the weighted base element being fixed to the ground, using bolts for example as is typically done for street lighting.

[0029] Due to the lack of need of ground fixation, the assembly can be placed anywhere with great flexibility and the functional unit can be located at the most effective site when installing the assembly. The solar panel enables also this flexible placement by providing a source of energy directly accessible to the assembly and the functional unit, without the need to be connected to the grid, for example, which is generally a constraint when deciding where to place such assembly.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy storage means is provided to a third truss module of the at least one truss module, preferably by arranging the energy storage means within the third truss module of the at least one truss module. The first truss module and the third truss module may be the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module, and the second truss module and the third truss module may be the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module.

[0031] In this way, the energy storage means is mechanically fixedly combined to the rest of the assembly supported by the at least one truss module. The energy storage means may be provided to the third truss module using brackets, for example. In a favored embodiment, the energy storage means is sized to fit within the third truss module. The third truss module will thus provide protection to the energy storage means.

[0032] Depending on energy demand by the functional unit(s) and also based on autonomy considerations, more than one energy storage means may be provided to the at least one truss module, such as to one or more truss modules of the at least one truss module. The multiple energy storage means may be connected in series or in parallel, preferably in parallel. Preferably, the energy storage means will be provided to the same truss module as the solar panel in order for the solar panel to provide protection to the energy storage means.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the third truss module is a lowest trust module of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly is assembled.

[0034] Similarly as mentioned above relative to the weighted base element, providing the energy storage means to the lowest truss module will allow to lower the overall center of gravity of the assembly, due to its typical weight being heavier than a weight of the functional unit or a weight of the solar panel, and therefore increase the stability of the assembly. According to a preferred embodiment, the functional unit includes a connecting means configured for fixing the functional unit to an extremity of the first truss module of the at least one truss module.

[0035] Alternatively, the functional unit may include a connecting means configured for fixing the functional unit to a lateral side of the first truss module of the at least one truss module.

[0036] In a favored embodiment, the connecting means may be configured to fixing the functional unit to the extremity of the first truss module, and that extremity corresponds to a top-most extremity of a highest truss module of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly is assembled.

[0037] In this manner, it will be possible to securely mount to the functional unit in an adapted manner to different portions of the first truss module. Optionally, when the first truss module will correspond to the highest one, the functional unit will benefit from an advantageous vantage point. The skilled person will understand that for many functionalities, such as lighting, sensing, or telecommunication, a higher vertical position is more beneficial than a lower one. Typically, the connecting means may include a first connecting part fixed to the functional unit and configured to cooperate with a second connecting part fixed to the extremity of the first truss module or to a lateral side of the first truss module. Depending on embodiments in which the at least one truss module comprises a plurality of truss modules, the first truss module may or may not be the highest truss module.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the connecting means comprises a symmetrical pair of connecting elements mounted to one of the extremity of the first truss module and the functional unit, and a complementary connecting element mounted to the other one of the extremity of the first truss module and the functional unit, said complementary connecting element being configured for being arranged in-between the symmetrical pair of connecting elements and configured for being fixed to the symmetrical pair of connecting elements.

[0039] Preferably, the connecting means comprises a pair of L-shaped profiles mounted opposite to each other to the top-most extremity of the highest truss module of the at least one truss module, and a U-shaped profile mounted to the functional unit. The U-shaped profile is arranged inbetween the pair of L-shaped profiles and configured for being fixed to the pair of L-shaped profiles.

[0040] Preferably, the pair of L-shaped profiles and the U-shaped profile are made of sheet metal. In this way, simple and reliable mechanical parts are employed to supply the connection between the functional unit and the top-most extremity of the highest truss module. In a favored embodiment, the U-shaped profile is fixed to a lower surface of the functional unit, and the pair of L-shaped profiles is fixed to cover the end portions of the top-most extremity of the highest truss module. When made of sheet metal, costs in manufacturing the connecting means can easily be controlled.

[0041] The U-shaped profile may be fixed to the pair of L-shaped profiles using nuts and bolts, for example. Similarly, the U-shaped profile may be fixed to the functional unit using nuts and bolts, and the pair of L-shaped profiles may also be fixed to the end portions of the top-most extremity of the highest truss module using nuts and bolts. By using similar fixing means, e.g. nuts and bolts, to fix multiple parts, the ease-of-use of the assembly by the operator is improved.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, a first connecting part of the connecting means provided to the functional unit includes a pole fixation configured for cooperating with a pole end fixed to a second connecting part of the connecting means provided to the extremity of the truss module, such as the top-most extremity of the highest truss module, or to the lateral side of the truss module. More specifically, the functional unit may be provided, as the first connecting part, with an attachment member typical for a luminaire head configured to be mounted to a pole. The attachment member may be adapted to a side-entry mount or a post-top mount. In order to cooperate with such a first connecting means part, the second connecting part may include a cylindrical extremity reproducing a pole portion suitable for the attachment member. The second connecting part may be configured to be affixed to an extremity of a truss module or to a lateral side of a truss module.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the functional unit comprises a charging controlling means electrically connected to the solar panel and to the energy storage means. The charging controlling means is configured for controlling the charging of the energy storage means by the solar panel.

[0044] Preferably, the charging controlling means includes a driving means configured for driving the functional unit.

[0045] In this manner, flow of energy to and from the energy storage means may be better regulated. The driving means may be provided as a separate unit as the charging controlling means or may be provided within the same casing. The charging controlling means may be further configured for controlling the consumption of energy from the energy storage means by the functional unit.

[0046] Additionally, the charging controlling means may be provided with a mains connector. The connection to mains may be used by the charging controlling means as an auxiliary energy source in order to charge the energy storage means. Alternatively, the connection to mains may be used by the charging controlling means as a direct energy source for powering the functional unit.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one truss module is four-sided, and preferably has a rectangular-shaped section, more preferably a square-shaped section.

[0048] In alternative embodiments, the at least one truss module is two-sided or has a triangularshaped section.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one truss module is at most 200cm long, preferably at most 150cm long.

[0050] Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one truss module is at most 50cm wide, preferably at most 35cm wide.

[0051] In this way, the individual elements of the assembly, such as the functional unit, the energy storage means, and the solar panel, are sized for decreasing encumbrance and improving modularity of the assembly.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy storage means, the functional unit, and the solar panel are configured for being interconnected electrically via a plurality of pluggable connectors.

[0053] In a favored embodiment, the energy storage means is electrically interconnected with the functional unit, and the solar panel is also electrically interconnected with the functional unit.

[0054] Additionally, an electrical wiring used for the interconnections between the different elements of the assembly as well as the pluggable connectors are further configured for carrying data.

[0055] In this manner, interconnection between the different elements of the assembly is facilitated. Using similar pluggable connectors for the different elements ensures modularity of the assembly and flexibility in its installation. Preferably, the pluggable connectors are sealed to prevent ingress of moisture, e.g. with an IP67- or an IP68-rated sealing, which is beneficial for an outdoor use of the assembly.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one truss module comprises a plurality of truss modules configured for being mounted to each other by fixing together their respective ends, and preferably by stacking the plurality of truss modules in a vertical manner. In this way, modularity of the assembly is further increased. By fixing truss modules by their respective ends, length of the assembly may be freely modulated. Furthermore, using multiple truss modules, multiple functional units may be used for the assembly.

[0057] Additionally, truss connectors may be employed, such as a right-angle connector, an angled connector, a Y-connector, a T-connector, to vary the geometry of the assembly.

[0058] According to a favored embodiment, there is provided a self-standing assembly. The self-standing assembly comprises: a plurality of truss modules; a functional unit, an energy storage means, and a solar panel. The functional unit is provided to a first truss module of the plurality of truss modules. The energy storage means is configured for powering the functional unit. The solar panel may be provided to a lateral side of a second truss module of the plurality of truss modules, and is configured for charging the energy storage means. The first truss module and the second truss module are the same or different truss modules of the plurality of truss modules. The plurality of truss modules is mounted to each other by their respective ends. The functional unit may be mounted to a top-most extremity of a highest truss module of the plurality of truss modules, said functional unit preferably comprising a lighting means, and more preferably being configured as a luminaire head. The energy storage means is arranged within a lowest truss module of the plurality of truss modules. The self-standing assembly further comprises a weighted base element connected to a bottom-most extremity of the lowest truss module of the plurality of truss modules and is acting as a foot of the self-standing assembly.

[0059] By self-standing, it is meant that the assembly can stand without the need to employ additional supporting means and / or fixation means in relation with the supporting surface onto which the self-standing assembly stands. The skilled person will nonetheless understand that additional supporting means and / or fixation means can still be employed to further secure the selfstanding means, e.g. bolts used to further fix the weighted base element to the ground.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the plurality of truss modules are substantially similar.

[0061] In this manner, each of the plurality of truss modules may be employed interchangeably when installing the self-standing assembly; thereby rendering the self-standing assembly flexible in its use and installation. Moreover, since the plurality of truss modules are similar, a number of similar truss modules can be added or subtracted from the overall installation in order to freely modulate an overall height of the self-standing assembly.

[0062] The skilled person will understand that features, aspects, and advantages of assembly embodiments described above also apply to self-standing assembly embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly;

[0065] Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of an assembly; Figures 3A and 3B depict the first connecting part and the second connecting part, respectively, of the connecting means shown in Fig.2;

[0066] Figures 4A and 4B are close-up views of a first extremity and of a second opposite extremity, respectively, of a truss module of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly;

[0067] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C represent perspective views of a truss-end plate, a battery plate, and a corner plate, respectively, for a truss module fixation according to an exemplary embodiment of an assembly;

[0068] Figure 6 pictures a perspective view of a solar panel of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly.

[0069] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. The assembly 1 comprises: at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b; a functional unit 20, an energy storage means 30, and a solar panel 40. The functional unit 20 is provided to a first truss module 10b of the at least one truss module. The energy storage means 30 is configured for powering the functional unit 20. The solar panel 40 may be provided to a second truss module 10a of the at least one truss module, preferably to a lateral side thereof, and is configured for charging the energy storage means 30. The first truss module 10b and the second truss module 10a may be the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module, different truss modules in the embodiment of Fig.1.

[0071] Truss modules are generally readily available to many diverse installations in temporary locations, and their usage is familiar to operators. Further, truss modules are typically made of multiple interconnected hollow tubes: major tubes extending along the corners of the truss module, and minor tubes of lower diameters than the major tubes and which interlink the major tubes. More specifically, minor tubes neighboring extremities of the major tubes interlink the major tubes by extending at a substantially right-angle, while the other minor tubes remote from the extremities interlink the major tubes by extending at oblique angles.

[0072] The at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b may comprise a single truss module or a plurality of truss modules. In the embodiment of Fig.l, the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b comprises a plurality of truss modules of similar lengths. More specifically, the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b of Fig.l comprises four four-sided truss modules 10, 10a, 10b with a squareshaped section; all of the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b of Fig.l are similar, i.e. they have the same structure. In alternative embodiments, the at least one truss module may be two-sided or have a triangular-shaped section. Each of the four truss modules 10, 10a, 10b of Fig.l is at most 200cm long, preferably at most 150cm long. Further, each of the four truss modules 10, 10a, 10b is at most 50cm wide, preferably at most 35cm wide. The four truss modules 10, 10a, 10b are configured for being mounted to each other by fixing together their respective ends and stacking the plurality of truss modules 10, 10a, 10b in a vertical manner. By fixing truss modules by their respective ends, length of the assembly 1 may be freely modulated. Furthermore, using multiple truss modules, multiple functional units 20, attached to the same or different truss modules, may be used for the assembly 1. Thus, multiple functional units 20 may be attached at different heights or at the same height. Although not shown in Fig.1 , truss connectors to connect truss modules may be employed, such as a right-angle connector, an angled connector, a Y-connector, a T-connector, to vary the geometry of the assembly 1.

[0073] With the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b as a supporting structure, different elements are provided to the first truss module 10b and the second truss module 10a in order to, on one hand, establish the provision of electricity via the solar panel 40 and the energy storage means 30, and to, on the other hand, supply a functionality thanks to the electrically-powered functional unit 20.

[0074] The functional unit 20 comprises any one or more of: a lighting means, an environmental sensor, telecommunication circuitry, a human interface device, an output device, a charging station, a geo-localization receiving means. More than one functional unit may be provided to the first truss module 10a or to other truss modules 10, 10b. In the embodiment of Fig.l, two similar functional units 20 comprising a lighting means are mounted side-by-side. These two similar functional units 20 are provided to the first truss module 10b.

[0075] Depending on the functionality of the functional unit, a connecting means (not shown) of the functional unit 20 may be configured to mount the functional unit 20 on a lateral side of the first truss module 10b or at an extremity of the first truss module 10b. Additionally, the connecting means may include an orienting member configured for orienting the functional unit 20 at an angle relative to the first truss module in embodiments presenting a directionality-dependence of the functionality of the functional unit. Both of the functional units 20 of Fig.1 include a connecting means (not shown) configured for fixing the functional units to a top-most extremity of a highest truss module of the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly is assembled, i.e. the first truss module 10b. Details about the connecting means will be better described with reference to Figs.2, 3 A, and 3B.

[0076] The energy storage means 30, the functional unit 20, and the solar panel 40 are configured for being interconnected electrically via a plurality of pluggable connectors (not shown). Preferably, the pluggable connectors are sealed to prevent ingress of moisture, e.g. with an IP67- or an IP68-rated sealing, which is beneficial for an outdoor use of the assembly 1.

[0077] Generally, the energy collected by the solar panel 40 is used to charge the energy storage means 30 during daytime, and the energy storage means 30 is relied upon during nighttime to power the functional unit 20. Depending on embodiments, the energy storage means 30 may comprise a battery and / or a capacitor-based storage, a battery in the embodiment of Fig.l. Preferably, the energy storage means 30 is sealed to prevent ingress of moisture, for example using an IP67 -rated sealing.

[0078] The energy storage means 30 is provided to a third truss module 10a of the at least one truss module. In the embodiment of Fig.l, the second truss module 10a and the third truss module 10a are the same. More specifically, the energy storage means 30 is provided to the third truss module 10a by arranging the energy storage means 30 within the third truss module 10a. The energy storage means 30 may be provided to the third truss module using brackets, for example. More details on the provision of the energy storage means 30 to the third truss module 10a will be described with reference to Figs.4A, and 5A- 5C. A width dimension of the energy storage means 30 may be less than the distance between two neighboring major tubes of the third truss module 10a. A length dimension of the energy storage means 30 may be less than the distance between two of the minor tubes extending at a right-angle at two opposite extremities of the third truss module 10a.

[0079] In the embodiment of Fig.1 , the energy storage means 30 is sized to fit within the third truss module 10a. Depending on energy demand by the functional unit(s) and also based on autonomy considerations, more than one energy storage means 30 may be provided to the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b. When multiple energy storage means 30 are used, they may be connected in series or in parallel, preferably in parallel. The energy storage means 30 of Fig.1 is provided to the same truss module 10a as the solar panel 40 in order for the solar panel 40 to offer protection to the energy storage means 30. Additionally, since the third truss module 10a is a lowest trust module of the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b as seen in a vertical direction, the overall center of gravity of the assembly 1 is lowered.

[0080] The solar panel 40 may be provided to the second truss module 10a using brackets 30, for example, to allow for an easy mounting to the second truss module 10a. The brackets may be fixed to one or more of the minor tubes of the second truss module 10a. More details on the provision of the solar panel 40 to the second truss module 10a will be described with reference to Figs.4B, 5A, and 5C. In other embodiments, the functional unit 10 and the solar panel 40 may be provided to the same truss module, and the solar panel 40 may be interpreted as being provided to the second truss module 10a by being mounted to the functional unit 10, such as a top external surface of the functional unit, or by being incorporated to the functional unit 10.

[0081] Furthermore, the solar panel 40 may be sized to cover a side of the second truss module 10a, for practicality-reasons, which also allows the solar panel 40 to act as a protective panel for an element arranged within the second truss module 10a, such as the energy storage means 30. In the embodiment of Fig.l, four solar panels 40 are provided to each to the four sides of the second truss module 10a. A width dimension of the solar panel 40 may be less than the distance between two neighboring major tubes of the second truss module 10a. A length dimension of the solar panel 40 may be less than the distance between two of the minor tubes extending at a right-angle at two opposite extremities of the second truss module 10a.

[0082] Additionally, in the embodiment of Fig.1 , using a similar form factor and mounting solution as the solar panel 40, one or more side panels 40’ may be provided to lateral sides of a truss module, the first truss module 10b here. These side panels 40’ are preferably sized to cover a side of that truss module 10b and eventually act as a protective panel for an element arranged within that truss module 10b. The side panel 40’ may be decorated on its visible external surface for aesthetical reasons. Additionally or alternatively, the visible external surface of the side panel 40’ may be used as a support for written information and / or may be provided with an illuminated signage.

[0083] The assembly 1 further comprises a weighted base element 50 configured for being connected to a bottom-most extremity of the lowest truss module 10a of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction. The weighted base element 50 is configured for acting as a foot of the assembled assembly 1. In the embodimen of Fig.1 , the weighted base element 50 is configured for being free from ground fixation, i.e. the weighted base element 50 is resting on the ground without additional fixation means to anchor the weighted base element relative to its support (the ground). The weighted base element 50 may also include a concrete block 51. The weighted base element 50 may further comprise a base connecting interface 52 configured for connecting to an extremity of a truss module, for connecting to the extremity of the lowest truss module 10a in Fig.l. The base connecting interface 52 may be fixed to the concrete block 51. In an alternative embodiment, the weighted base element 50 may comprise a base connecting interface for connecting to a side of a truss module. Further, three or more feet 53 may be attached to the concrete block 51 to increase the footing area, and therefore the stability provided by the weighted base element 50. Although nor illustrate, additionally or alternatively, a battery casing may be comprised by the weighted base element 50, said battery casing configured for encasing the energy storage means 30.

[0084] Figure 2 shows a partial perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention. The assembly 1 of Fig.2 is similar to the one of Fig.l but a single functional unit 20 is provided to the first truss module 10b instead of two functional units 20 mounted side-by-side.

[0085] The functional unit 20 of Fig.2 includes the connecting means 22a, 22b configured for fixing the functional unit 20 to the extremity of the first truss module 10b. In the embodiment of Fig.2, the extremity of the first truss module 10b corresponds to the top-most extremity of the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b. In other embodiments, the functional unit 20 may be provided to the lateral side of a truss module of the at least one truss module 10, 10a, 10b. The connecting means 22a, 22b includes a first connecting part 22b fixed to the functional unit 20 and configured to cooperate with a second connecting part 22a fixed to the extremity of the first truss module 10b. In the embodiment of Fig.2, the first connecting part 22b is a U-shaped profile (cf. Fig.3A) fixed to a lower surface of the functional unit 20, and the second connecting part 22a is a pair of L-shaped profiles cf. Fig.3B) fixed to cover the end portions of the top-most extremity of the first truss module 10b. The U-shaped profile may be fixed to the pair of L-shaped profiles using nuts and bolts, for example. Similarly, the U-shaped profile may be fixed to the functional unit using nuts and bolts, and the pair of L-shaped profiles may also be fixed to the end portions of the top-most extremity of the first truss module 10b using nuts and bolts.

[0086] In an alternative embodiment, the first connecting part 22b of the connecting means provided to the functional unit 20 includes a pole fixation configured for cooperating with a pole end fixed to the second connecting part 22a of the connecting means provided to the extremity of the first truss module 10b.

[0087] The functional unit 20 of Fig.2 comprises a charging controlling means 23 electrically connected to the solar panel (not shown) and to the energy storage means (not shown). The charging controlling means 23 is configured for controlling the charging of the energy storage means by the solar panel. The charging controlling means 23 may include a driving means configured for driving the functional unit 20. The driving means may be provided as a separate unit as the charging controlling means 23 or may be provided within the same housing. The charging controlling means 23 may be further configured for controlling the consumption of energy from the energy storage means by the functional unit.

[0088] Optionally, the charging controlling means 23 may be provided with a mains connector (not shown). The connection to mains may be used by the charging controlling means 23 as an auxiliary energy source in order to charge the energy storage means. Alternatively or additionally, the connection to mains may be used by the charging controlling means 23 as a direct energy source for powering the functional unit 20.

[0089] In other embodiments, the solar panel 40 may be mounted to or incorporated in the functional unit 20. Additionally or alternatively, a further solar panel different from the solar panel 40 may be mounted to or incorporated in the functional unit 20.

[0090] Figures 3 A and 3B depict the U-shaped profile, i.e. the first connecting part 22b, and one of the pair of L-shaped profiles, i.e. the second connecting part 22a, respectively, of the connecting means shown in Fig.2. The U-shaped profile and the L-shaped profile of Figs.3 A and 3B, respectively, are made of sheet metal.

[0091] The U-shaped profile of Fig.3A comprises a base plate 201 and first and second side plates 202. The base plate 201 is rectangular-shaped. The first and second side plates 202 extend from opposite edges of the base plate 201, substantially perpendicular with respect to the base plate 201. A first surface of the base plate 201 is configured for facing an external surface of the functional unit (not shown). On a second surface opposite the first surface of the base plate 201, a plurality of threaded elements 205 is welded. The plurality of threaded elements 205 is configured to cooperate with a plurality of bolts (not shown) in order to fix the U-shaped profile to the functional unit.

[0092] The base plate 201 is also provided with a through hole 206. When fixing the U-shaped profile to the functional unit, a corresponding through hole on the external surface of the functional unit should be aligned with the through hole 206 of the U-shaped profile. The through hole 206 is configured as a passage for electrical wiring.

[0093] The first and second side plates 202 are provided with a first set of fixation holes 203 and a second set of fixation holes 204. In the embodiment of Fig.3 A, the first set of fixation holes 203 consists in four fixation holes 203 located on a first longitudinal half of the first and second side plates 202; and the second set of fixation holes 204 consists in four fixation holes 204 located on a remaining longitudinal half of the first and second side plates 202.

[0094] The L-shaped profile of Fig.3B comprises a top plate 211 and a lateral plate 212. The lateral plate 212 extends from an edge of the top plate 211, substantially perpendicular with respect to the top plate 211. The top plate 211 is configured for being fixed to extremities of major tubes of a truss module. To do so, bolts (not shown) are employed and a pair of through-holes 215 is provided to the top plate 211, said pair of through -holes 215 being separated by a distance corresponding to the distance between two neighboring major tubes.

[0095] Similarly as the first and second side plates 202 of Fig.3A, the lateral plate 212 is provided with a first set of fixation holes 213 and a second set of fixation holes 214. The diameters and separations of the fixations holes of the first and second sets of fixations holes 203, 204 of the first and second side plates 202 and the first and second sets of fixation holes 213, 214 of the lateral plate 212 are similar. A length of the L-shaped profile is also similar to a length of the U-shaped profile. In this way, when the U-shaped profile is arranged in-between the pair of L-shaped profiles in order to be fixed to the pair of L-shaped profiles, the first and second sets of fixations holes 203, 204 of the first and second side plates 202 and the first and second sets of fixation holes 213, 214 of the lateral plate 212 may be fully aligned.

[0096] Alternatively, when fixing the U-shaped profile to the pair of L-shaped profiles, the U- shaped profile may be moved longitudinally by half its length so that the first set of fixation holes 203 of the first and second side plates 202 is aligned with the second set of fixation holes 214 of the lateral plate 212. In this manner, two functional units as shown in Fig.l may be mounted side- by-side in a symmetrical way using only one pair of L-shaped profiles.

[0097] Figures 4A and 4B are close-up views of a first extremity and of a second opposite extremity, respectively, of a truss module of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention.

[0098] Figures 5 A, 5B, and 5C represent perspective views of a truss-end plate, a battery plate, and a corner plate, respectively, for a truss module fixation of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention.

[0099] Figure 6 pictures a perspective view of a solar panel of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention.

[0100] Figs.4A and 4B show only part of an assembly such as described with reference to Fig.l. The assembly comprises: at least one truss module 10, a functional unit (not shown), an energy storage means 30 configured for powering the functional unit, and a solar panel 40 configured for charging the energy storage means 30.

[0101] In the embodiments of Figs.4A and 4B, the energy storage means 30 is arranged within a truss module 10 of the at least one truss module. More specifically, the energy storage means 30 is a battery comprising two cells 31 arranged within the truss module 10. Furthermore, the truss module 10 of Figs.4A and 4B is four-sided and a plurality of solar panels 40 is provided to each lateral side of the truss module 10.

[0102] As mentioned above, truss modules are typically made of multiple interconnected hollow tubes. The truss module 10 of Figs.4A and 4B being four-sided, the truss module 10 comprises four major tubes 11 extending along the four corners of the truss module 10, and minor tubes 12a, 12b of lower diameters than the major tubes 11 and which interlink the major tubes 11. More specifically, there are two types of minor tubes: truss-end minor tubes 12a neighboring extremities of the major tubes 11 and interlinking the major tubes 11 by extending at a substantially rightangle, and oblique minor tubes 12b remote from the extremities and interlinking the major tubes 11 by extending at oblique angles. In order to fix the energy storage means 30 within the truss module 10, as well as to fix the solar panels 40 to the lateral sides of the truss module 10, a truss module fixation is employed. The truss module fixation comprises a truss-end plate 13, a battery plate 14, and a corner plate 15, which are also shown in Figs.5A, 5B, and 5C, respectively. The skilled person will understand that, for description purposes, the example of the battery as the energy storage means 30 is used here, but that the same fixation solution may be readily employed in a similar manner for various elements to be arranged within the truss module 10.

[0103] Firstly, to close-off both opposite extremities of the truss module 10, a pair of truss-end plates 13 in combination with multiple corner plates 15 are employed. The truss-end plate 13 of Fig.5A consists in a substantially square flat plate with cut-off corners. The truss-end plate 13 is sized to fit within the truss module 10. More precisely, the truss-end plate 13 has lateral dimensions substantially similar to a distance between centers of two opposite truss-end minor tubes 12a such that the truss-end minor tubes 13 will support the truss-end plate 13 when arranged within the truss module 10. To affix the truss-end plate 13 to the truss-end minor tubes 12a, a pair of corner plates 15 (cf. Fig.5C) are provided, at opposite corners, to a side of the truss-end minor tubes 12a opposite to the truss-end plate 13 such that the truss-end plate 13 and the pair of corner plates 15 are arranged on either sides of the truss-end minor tubes 12a. The corner plate 15 of Fig.5C consists in a substantially isosceles triangle with the main summit cut-off and sized such that the truss-end minor tubes 13 will support the corner plate 15 when arranged within the truss module 10, in proximity to the major tube 11. A corner fixation bolt 131a going through a first corner fixation hole 131b of the truss-end plate 13 and through a second corner fixation hole 131c of the corner plate 15 in combination with a nut (not shown) will be used to fix each of the pair of corner plates 15 to the truss-end plate 13.

[0104] Using the fixed truss-end plates 13, the energy storage means 30 may be affixed within the truss module 10 by using in addition battery plates 14 at both opposite extremities of the truss module, and the solar panels 40 may be provided to the lateral sides of the truss module 10 using a plurality of L-brackets 41. Additionally or alternatively, one or more side panels (cf. Fig.l) and / or one or more functional units may also be provided to the lateral sides of the truss module 10 using a plurality of L-brackets 41 in a similar manner.

[0105] The battery plate 14 of Fig.5B consists in a substantially square flat plate with cut-off corners. The battery plate 14 is sized to have lateral dimensions smaller than the lateral dimensions of the truss-end plate 13. In the embodiment of Figs.4A and 4B, at each of two opposite corners of the battery plate 14, a plate fixation bolt 141a going through a first plate fixation hole 141b of the truss-end plate 13 and through a second plate fixation hole 141c of the battery plate 14 in combination with a nut (not shown) will be used to fix the battery plate 14 to the truss-end plate 13. In the embodiment of Figs.4A and 4B, in order to keep in position each of the two cells 31, a plurality of positioning bolts 142a are employed. The plurality of positioning bolts 142a is configured to, when mounted, be in contact with a periphery of the cells 31 such that the cells 31 are laterally constrained. Each of the plurality of positioning bolts 142a, in combination with a nut (not shown), will be fixed to the battery plate 14 and go through an adjustable positioning hole 142b. By adjustable positioning hole 142b, it is meant a through-hole whose dimensions, along at least one axis, are larger than a diameter of the positioning bolt 142a employed. Furthermore, in the embodiment of Fig.5B, at each of two opposite corners of the battery plate 15, a through-hole 143 is provided configured for allowing passage of wiring, e.g. electrical wiring, to connect the energy storage means 30 (cf. Fig.4A) to other elements of the assembly.

[0106] In the embodiment of Fig.4B, at each of the two opposite extremities of the truss module, a pair of lateral fixation bolts 42a, in combination with a pair of nuts (not shown), going through lateral fixation holes 42b of the truss-end plate 13 cf. Fig.5 A) as well as corresponding holes of the E-brackets 41 will be used to fix the solar panel 40 to one of the lateral sides of the truss module.

[0107] Fig.6 also shows the solar panel 40 with the pair of E-brackets 41 mounted at each end in order to fix the solar panel 40 to the truss module. Furthermore, the solar panel 40 comprises on its internal surface an electrical connector 42 configured for electrically interfacing the solar panel 40, such as for the provision of electrical wiring.

[0108] Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly comprising: at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b); a functional unit (20) provided to a first truss module (10b) of the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b); an energy storage means (30) configured for powering the functional unit (20); a solar panel (40) provided to a second truss module (10a) of the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b), preferably to a lateral side thereof, and configured for charging the energy storage means (30); wherein the first truss module (10b) and the second truss module (10a) are the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the functional unit (20) comprises any one or more of: a lighting means (21), an environmental sensor, telecommunication circuitry, a human interface device, an output device, a charging station, a geo-localization receiving means.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a weighted base element (50) configured for being connected to a bottom-most extremity of a lowest truss module (10a) of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly (1) is assembled, and configured for acting as a foot of the assembled assembly (1).

4. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the weighted base element (50) includes a concrete block (51).

5. The assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the weighted base element is configured for being free from ground fixation.

6. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the energy storage means (30) is provided to a third truss module (10a) of the at least one truss module, preferably by arranging the energy storage means (30) within the third truss module (10a) of the at least one truss module; and wherein the first truss module (10b) and the third truss module (10a) are the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module, and the second truss module (10a) and the third truss module (10a) are the same or different truss modules of the at least one truss module.

7. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the third truss module (10a) is a lowest trust module of the at least one truss module as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly (1) is assembled.

8. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the functional unit (20) includes a connecting means (22a, 22b) configured for fixing the functional unit (20) to an extremity of the first truss module (10b) of the at least one truss module; or wherein the functional unit (20) includes a connecting means configured for fixing the functional unit (20) to a lateral side of the first truss module (10b) of the at least one truss module.

9. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the connecting means (22a, 22b) comprises a symmetrical pair of connecting elements mounted to one of the extremity of the first truss module (10b) and the functional unit (20), and a complementary connecting element mounted to the other one of the extremity of the first truss module (10b) and the functional unit (20), said complementary connecting element being configured for being arranged inbetween the symmetrical pair of connecting elements and configured for being fixed to the symmetrical pair of connecting elements.

10. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the connecting means (22a, 22b) comprises a pair of L-shaped profiles (22a) mounted opposite to each other to the extremity of the first truss module (10b) of the at least one truss module, and a U-shaped profile (22b) mounted to the functional unit (20); and wherein the U-shaped profile (22b) is arranged in-between the pair of L-shaped profiles (22a) and configured for being fixed to the pair of L-shaped profiles (22a).

11. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the pair of L-shaped profiles (22a) and the U- shaped profile (22b) are made of sheet metal.

12. The assembly of any of claims 8-11, wherein the extremity of the first truss module (10b) of the at least one truss module is a top-most extremity of a highest truss module of the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b) as seen in a vertical direction, when the assembly is assembled.

13. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the functional unit (20) comprises a charging controlling means (23) electrically connected to the energy storage means (30), said charging controlling means (23) configured for controlling the charging of the energy storage means.

14. The assembly of the previous claim, wherein the charging controlling means (23) includes a driving means configured for driving the functional unit (20).

15. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b) is four-sided, and preferably has a rectangular-shaped section.

16. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b) is at most 200cm long, preferably at most 150cm long.

17. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b) is at most 50cm wide, preferably at most 35cm wide.

18. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the energy storage means (30), the functional unit (20), and the solar panel (40) are configured for being interconnected electrically via a plurality of pluggable connectors.

19. The assembly of any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one truss module (10, 10a, 10b) comprises a plurality of truss modules configured for being mounted to each other by fixing together their respective ends, and preferably by stacking the plurality of truss modules in a vertical manner.

20. A self-standing assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one truss module comprises a plurality of truss modules (10, 10a, 10b) mounted to each other by their respective ends; wherein the functional unit (20) is mounted to the first truss module (10b) of the plurality of truss modules, said functional unit (20) preferably comprising a lighting means (21) and more preferably being configured as a luminaire head; wherein the energy storage means (30) is arranged within a lowest truss module (10a) of the plurality of truss modules; wherein the solar panel (40) is provided to a lateral side of a truss module (10a) of the plurality of truss modules;the self-standing assembly further comprising a weighted base element (50) connected to a bottom-most extremity of the lowest truss module (10a) of the plurality of truss modules and acting as a foot of the self-standing assembly.

21. The self-standing assembly of the previous claim, wherein the plurality of truss modules(10, 10a, 10b) are substantially similar.

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