FR3021394A1 - - Google Patents

Abstract

A luminaire component for use in a luminaire, said component comprising: (i) an LED module (806) on a first printed circuit board or PCB (808), the first PCB (808) having a front face on which the LED module (806) is located; (ii) a second PCB mounted at the front of the front face of the first PCB (808); (iii) connection means (851, 852) adapted to connect the second PCB to the first PCB (808). The invention also relates to a luminaire mounting flange (800) containing one or more sensors (805), wherein the flange (800) can be removably attached to the luminaire. The sensor or sensors (805) can measure one or more environmental characteristics and electrical and signal contacts (802, 804) between the flange (800) and the luminaire are provided. Preferably, the electrical contact means and signals are without cable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to intelligent luminaires and, more specifically, approaches for incorporating sensors into various luminaire components and in complete luminaires, and for communicating data from these sensors with networks. local and distributed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Luminaires or luminaires which comprise or are connected to a motion sensor are known, and these are particularly useful for bringing a lamp into the luminaire to be illuminated when a person is present. This is a convenient way to save energy when an area is unoccupied, to eliminate lighting switches inside buildings, and to illuminate paths, etc. outside at night. A similar approach has also been developed for thermostats that include or are connected to a motion sensor or light sensor. They collect data on the length of the day, the state of the dwelling and the use of energy.

Burglar alarm systems that use sensors of various types are also known. The sensors include passive infrared detectors, pressure sensors and switches that detect the opening of doors and windows. Each of these sensors has a specific function and they are connected to an alarm control device.

In addition, a number of smart home devices are available that can be controlled, and these include thermostats, hazard detection units, input interface devices, intelligent switches, including switches. smart wall interfaces, intelligent convenience interfaces, and other service interfaces, such as smart wall socket interfaces, and a wide variety of intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, including refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, tumble dryers, lamps, audio systems, intercom systems, mechanical actuators, wall mounted air conditioners, pool heating units, irrigation systems, and many other types of intelligent devices and systems. These can be controlled remotely from a smartphone, but require a dedicated sensor for each function, or a suitable device such as a thermostat equipped with a passive infrared sensor or light. However, a home will generally have only one thermostat, and a larger office building may have a thermostat for each floor or office area. This means that the data collected by the thermostat is limited to the immediate environment of its location. Currently, a sensor, such as a motion detection sensor, must be on a surface facing the fixture part in order to be able to detect activity in the vicinity or environment of the fixture. This poses a problem for powering the sensor and obtaining data from the sensor, particularly when the luminaire is to be classified IP (leakproof) or rated fire resistant. It also means that the sensor or the sensors are very visible on an external surface of the luminaire, which leads to a poor aesthetic appearance and presents difficulties for decoration and cleaning. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to "intelligent" luminaire components and "smart" complete luminaires that contain sensors that detect information about their local environment and that communicate this information to a processor. These new fixtures provide a way to collect data about the environment in which they are located. This overcomes the problems associated with a dedicated sensor in a particular location, such as a thermostat that only covers a limited area, because a building or house will contain many different types of fixtures, each capable of collecting data. The data collected by the luminaires of the present invention thus have a much higher granularity than the data collected by other approaches, and are therefore more useful. The use of Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) protocols and similar communication protocols such as Bluetooth (RTM) or Bluetooth LE between the sensor arrangement and the luminaire leads to designs improved which are simpler and less expensive to manufacture.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire component for use in a luminaire, said component comprising: (i) an LED module on a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB comprising a front face on which the LED module is located; (ii) a second PCB mounted at the front of the front face of the first PCB; (iii) connection means adapted to connect the second PCB to the first PCB. By providing a second PCB mounted at the front and preferably remote from the first PCB supporting the LEDs, it is possible for the first time to introduce a new functionality into a luminaire, for example by incorporating one or more communication devices. data on the second PCB. Preferably, the data communication device comprises a wireless communication device.

Preferably, the luminaire component further comprises a sensor arrangement incorporating one or more sensors. Preferably, the luminaire component further comprises an optical system / lens for focusing the light emitted by the LED module. There are a number of optical systems that can be used to focus light from an LED and generally current LED fixtures use lenses. Preferably, the luminaire component further comprises one or more antennas. Preferably, the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the lens and more preferably on or in a flange extending outwardly of the lens. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the luminaire component further comprises a flange. In this context, the term collar has a very broad meaning and its shape and conformation need not necessarily be substantially circular or continuous. Preferably, the flange supports the second PCB and it is also preferred that the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the flange. Preferably, the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with an outer edge of the flange, and therefore farthest away from the LED module.

Preferably, the flange further comprises an emitter assembly suitable for transmitting the data obtained by the sensor arrangement. Preferably, the collar also supports the lens. Preferably, the luminaire component further comprises second connection means adapted to connect the sensor arrangement to the second PO8. By directly connecting the sensor arrangement to the second PCB, the sensor arrangement can be powered and deliver the data it has collected, without the need for wireless communication, although wireless or on-line communication is available. It may be necessary to transmit this data out of the luminaire component and thus out of the luminaire. Preferably, the luminaire component incorporates one or more antennas. Preferably, an antenna comprises a first antenna suitable for creating a magnetic or electric field suitable for powering the sensor arrangement, and preferably an antenna comprises a second antenna suitable for converting the magnetic or electrical field from the first antenna into energy. electrical supply for powering the sensor arrangement. These antennas can be located at any suitable place. For example, an antenna may be located on or associated with the flange and a second antenna may be located on or associated with the flange of the lens.

Preferably, the second PCB comprises a flexible PCB and more preferably an adhesive flexible PCB. Preferably, the connection means make a power connection and / or a data connection between the first PCB and the second PCB. These connection means can take a wide variety of forms, as determined by the appropriate design expert. For example, the connection means could comprise a plurality of male and female pin connectors, or include one or more points of electrical contact on or associated with the second PCB that are brought into contact with corresponding electrical contact points on the first PBC.

Preferably, the luminaire component further comprises a receiver suitable for receiving data from the sensor arrangement and / or a suitable transmitter for transmitting the data obtained by the sensor arrangement.

It will be understood that the present invention also encompasses luminaires incorporating a luminaire component as described above. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire component. For example, there is provided a luminaire component suitable for use in a luminaire, said component comprising: (i) a sensor arrangement incorporating one or more sensors; (ii) a first antenna suitable for creating a magnetic or electric field; (iii) a second antenna suitable for converting a signal received from the first antenna into electrical energy for powering the sensor arrangement; (iv) a suitable transmitter for transmitting the data obtained by the sensor arrangement; (v) a receiver suitable for receiving data from the sensor arrangement.

In this context, the term "luminaire component" has a broad meaning and refers to any component, or combination of components, suitable for incorporation into any form of luminaire. Using wireless means to power the sensors in the arrangement of sensors, such as NFC or RFID protocols or the like, and a wireless method for sending data from the sensor (s) to a receiver / reader and / or a processor in the luminaire, it is possible to avoid a wired connection between the sensor arrangement and the control circuit elements associated with the luminaire. This enables the production of IP-rated devices incorporating a range of sensor technologies for the first time by incorporating a seal between the sensor portion and the rest of the luminaire. Preferably, the luminaire component comprises a flange, and wherein the sensor arrangement is located at or near a face of the flange. Preferably, the flange also incorporates the second antenna. Preferably, the second antenna comprises a series of loops around the flange.

Preferably, the second antenna is located on a surface of the mounting flange which, in use, is oriented towards the luminaire and is thus within the luminaire. Preferably, the second antenna is printed on a surface of the flange itself. Preferably, the flange further comprises a substantially transparent element through which light from the luminaire is emitted, and wherein the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the transparent element.

Preferably, the second antenna is associated with the transparent element of the flange. Preferably, the second antenna is printed on the transparent element. Preferably, the second antenna is embedded in the transparent element. Preferably, the second antenna has substantially the same shape as the transparent element. Preferably, the transparent element has a frosted perimeter, and wherein the second antenna is located behind or inside the frosted perimeter. Preferably, the sensor arrangement is located behind a space in the frosted perimeter of the substantially transparent member of the flange. Preferably, the transparent element comprises a convex lens in front of the sensor arrangement in order to widen the detection angle of the sensor. Preferably, the luminaire component comprises a lens adapted to focus light emitted from a light source, and wherein the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the lens. Preferably, the lens further incorporates the second antenna. Preferably, the second antenna comprises a series of loops around the perimeter of the lens. Preferably, the second antenna is located on a surface of the lens which, in use, is oriented toward the luminaire and is thus within the luminaire. Preferably, the second antenna is printed on the lens.

Preferably, the lens is substantially frustoconical in cross section with a flange extending outwardly around the perimeter of the front face of the lens. Preferably, the second antenna is located substantially on or associated with the flange of the lens. Preferably, the second antenna is printed on a surface of the lens flange. Preferably, the lens flange has a frosted perimeter, and wherein the antenna is located behind the frosted perimeter.

Preferably, the sensor arrangement is located behind a substantially transparent gap in the frosted perimeter of the lens flange. Preferably, the transparent element in the flange comprises a convex lens in front of the sensor arrangement in order to widen the detection angle of the sensor.

Preferably, the first antenna and the second antenna communicate via electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic or inductive coupling. Preferably, the transmitter and the receiver communicate via electromagnetic, electrostatic, magnetic or inductive coupling.

Preferably, the transmitter and the second antenna communicate via wireless communication. Preferably, the sensor arrangement detects the wireless signals. Preferably, the wireless signal protocol is selected in the protocol group comprising the NFC, RFID and low energy Bluetooth® protocol signals. Preferably, the first antenna and the receiver are integrated in a transceiver. Preferably, the sensor arrangement comprises: (i) a first sensor array oriented substantially opposite the luminaire for detecting information relating to the environment of the luminaire; and (ii) a second sensor array oriented substantially toward a light source in the luminaire for detecting information regarding the operation of the light source.

Preferably, the second array of sensors detects a luminous flux of the light emitted by the luminaire. Preferably, the second array of sensors detects the color temperature of the light emitted by the fixture.

Preferably, the first and second sensor networks are integrated. Preferably, the transmitter is integrated with the first sensor array and / or the second sensor array. Preferably, the component further comprises a lamp motor. Preferably, the first antenna and the receiver are located on or associated with the lamp motor. A luminaire incorporating a luminaire component according to any one of the above specifications is also provided. Preferably, the luminaire comprises a lamp. Preferably, the luminaire comprises a ceiling lamp.

An installation flange for a luminaire is also provided, the flange comprising: fixing means for fixing removably to the luminaire; one or more sensors for an environmental characteristic; and electrical contact means between the flange and the luminaire.

Preferably, the fastening means comprise a thread that can be rotatably engaged with a corresponding thread on the luminaire. Preferably, the fastening means comprise a push fit. Preferably, the fastening means comprise a bayonet-type assembly. Preferably, the electrical contact means comprise one or more electrical contact points which are brought into contact with corresponding electrical contact points on the luminaire while the mounting flange is fixed to the luminaire.

Preferably, said one or more electrical contact points are isolated from each other and from the flange. Preferably, the embedding flange further comprises a processor for analyzing a signal received from the sensor and for providing data relating to the environmental characteristic, the processor receiving the electrical energy of the luminaire via the electrical contact means. Preferably, the processor provides the data regarding the environmental characteristic to the luminaire.

Preferably, the processor provides the environmental feature data to an environmental controller. Preferably, the sensor comprises one or more sensors of the sensor group comprising: proximity sensors, comprising capacitive, capacitive, conductive, magnetic, optical, thermal, and sonar displacement sensors; motion sensors, including passive infrared motion detectors ("PIR"), ultrasonic, microwave, and tomographic motion detectors; acoustic sensors, including microphones; charge coupled detectors; low resolution digital cameras; thermopiles; thermocouples; carbon dioxide sensors; water vapor sensors; flow meters; pressure sensors, field strength sensors for magnetic and electric fields. Preferably, the environmental characteristic comprises: temperature changes, gases exhaled by humans and other living beings; types of sounds or sound patterns; changes in ambient light due to moving objects; pressure changes in an environment due to the opening and closing of doors, windows, or the movement of large objects in the air; and others such pressure changes; a flow rate of water, natural gas, and other gases; changes in the time of field strength. A luminaire is also provided comprising: a fixture for a lamp; a flange of embedding as described above; a processor electrically connected to the sensor; and a controller connected to the processor; wherein the processor analyzes a signal received from the sensor and provides environmental characteristic data to an environmental controller, wherein the environmental controller controls the electrical power supplied to the assembly. A luminaire is also provided comprising: a fixture for a lamp; a flange of embedding as described above; wherein the luminaire provides environmental characteristic data to an environmental controller, wherein the environmental controller controls the electrical power supplied to the assembly. A luminaire is also provided comprising: a fixture for a lamp; a flange of embedding as described above; wherein the environmental controller controls the electrical current supplied to the assembly. Preferably, the environmental controller is an integral part of the luminaire. Preferably, the luminaire is a ceiling lamp.

Preferably, the sensor comprises: proximity sensors, comprising capacitive, capacitive, conductive, magnetic, optical, thermal, and sonar displacement sensors; motion sensors, including passive infrared motion ("PIR"), ultrasonic, microwave, and tomographic motion detectors; acoustic sensors, including microphones; charge coupled detectors; low-resolution digital tomers; thermopiles; thermocouples; carbon dioxide sensors; water vapor sensors; flow meters; pressure sensors, field strength sensors for magnetic and electric fields.

Preferably, the environmental characteristic comprises: temperature changes, gases exhaled by humans and other living beings; types of sounds or sound patterns; changes in ambient light due to moving objects; pressure changes in an environment due to the opening and closing of doors, windows, or the movement of large objects in the air; and others such pressure changes; a flow rate of water, natural gas, and other gases; changes in the time of field strength. Preferably, the lamp comprises an LED lamp, an LED lamp motor, a compact fluorescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp, or a high intensity discharge lamp. Preferably, the LED lamp motor comprises an LED module and an LED driver. Preferably, the LED module comprises one or more LEDs.

A luminaire is also provided comprising: a fixture for a lamp; one or more sensors for an environmental characteristic; a processor electrically connected to the sensor; and a controller connected to the processor; wherein the processor analyzes a signal received from the sensor and provides environmental feature data to a controller, wherein the environmental controller controls the electrical power supplied to the fixture. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a luminaire component that includes a sensor or sensors, a processor or processors for processing data from the sensor, and an environmental controller. The environmental controller is connected to another equipment for its operation. The collected data can be collected and stored, or it can be processed to control how a fixture or lamp in a fixture works, to monitor the luminaire / lamp status, or it can be processed to control a fixture / lamp other remote equipment. A smart home environment can include a number of intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices. These smart home devices communicate with each other and are integrated, together, into the smart home environment. Smart home devices can also communicate with smart home control systems and / or cloud-based data processing to distribute control functionality, access larger and more reliable computing facilities, and to integrate a particular smart home into a larger aggregation, based on multi-home or geographic smart home devices. In general, smart home devices include one or more different types of sensors, one or more controllers and / or actuators, and one or more communication interfaces that connect smart home devices to other smart home devices, such as routers, bridges, and hubs in a local smart home environment, to various types of different local computer systems, and to the Internet, through which a smart home device can communicate with computer servers in the cloud and with other remote computer systems. Data communications are typically performed using any or any combination of a wide variety of different media types and communication protocols, including wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN , Bluetooth and various types of wired protocols, including CAT6 Ethernet, HomePlug and other Power Line Communication (PLC) protocols, and various other types of protocols and communication technologies. Smart home devices can themselves function as intermediate communication devices, such as repeaters, for other smart home devices. The smart home environment may further include a variety of different types of legacy devices and devices that do not have communication interfaces and processor-based controllers. The luminaire components of the present invention include components suitable for use in indoor luminaires such as bathroom lighting, cabinet and display lighting, commercial lighting, ceiling light, emergency lighting, low-level lighting, flexible and modular lighting ramp, surface lighting, track lighting, floor-mounted floodlight, marker lights, and wall-mounted lights. These include fire rated ceiling-mounted luminaires, overhead light fixtures, LED flat-panel displays, high-bay LED arrays, suspended luminaires, projectors, landmark systems, bulkheads, LED ramps, lighting modules, LED signage, cabinet lighting, bathroom lighting, emergency lighting, wall sconces, low-level lighting, recessed floor lighting, suspended lighting, overhead lights, commercial lighting, lamps, light bulbs and indoor lighting fixtures. The luminaire components of the present invention also include components suitable for use in luminaries for outdoor use such as flexible outdoor lighting options including ceiling / roof lighting, coastal lighting, lighting, and lighting. room lighting, low-level lighting, aisle lighting, recessed floor lighting, reflector lighting, flexible and modular lighting ramp, gangway lights, wall lighting, lighting solutions wall and grazing. These include: exterior walls, outdoor wall lights, outdoor LED ramps, LED signal modules, aisle lighting, wall-mounted spotlights, mood lighting, outdoor floodlights, submersible and coastal lighting, low-level outdoor lighting, outdoor recessed floor lighting, outdoor ceiling / roof lighting.

It will be appreciated that the present invention covers complete luminaires incorporating components according to the present invention, including the types of luminaries enumerated above, as well as lamps (bulbs). The lamps of the present invention include LED, CFL, fluorescent, halogen, and HID lamps, including constant current LED drivers, constant voltage LED drivers, transformers, and HID ballasts. Environmental controllers include those that interact directly with the lighting environment in smart, automated home environments. These include RGB lighting controllers, rotating lighting dimmers, lighting stage controllers and specialized lighting controls that maximize the energy savings and safety of the lighting system. . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described, by way of example only, in relation to the accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1 shows a luminaire 100 of the present invention, comprising a mounting 102 for a lamp and a sensor 104; Figure 2 shows a ceiling lamp; Figures 3 and 4 show, respectively, a perspective side view and a front view of a luminaire having a flange or mounting flange supporting a sensor; FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a luminaire comprising a removable mounting flange supporting a sensor and a wired connection between the flange and the luminaire body; Figure 6 shows the contacts and signal paths of a printer cartridge; Figure 7 shows how luminaires of the present invention can be connected in series; Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of another type of luminaire; Fig. 9 shows a side view and a front view of a mounting flange with a sensor fixed in the front of the mounting flange and electrical contacts and signal paths of the type shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 10 shows front, back and side views of a luminaire mounting flange and a schematic view of a sensor arrangement 4 in 1; Figure 11 shows various views of a substantially transparent glass disk in a mounting flange incorporating an antenna; Figure 12 shows various schematic views of a lens incorporating an antenna; Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of an integrated ceiling lamp or track lighting incorporating the sensor technology of the present invention; Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of a bulb (lamp) incorporating the sensor technology of the present invention; Figure 15 shows various schematic views of a lens incorporating two sensors in a back-to-back configuration; Figure 16 shows schematically the location of the two radio chips and two possible lamp motor configurations for processing data from the sensors; Fig. 17 schematically shows how the data can be transmitted to and from the cloud from the luminaire components according to the present invention; and Fig. 18 shows in schematic exploded form an LED engine / light module on a first PCB, a flange incorporating a second PCB, and a lens; and Figure 20 shows another embodiment in exploded schematic form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a luminaire 100 of the present invention, comprising a mounting 102 for a lamp and a sensor 104. In FIG. 1, these are shown by the dashed lines as being contained in a fixture housing 100, but it should be understood that the sensor 104 may be located, at least partially, on the outside of the housing. The mount 102 may contain any type of device used to emit light, such as an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a light emitting diode, or an LED lamp motor. The term luminaire shall be understood to encompass similar terms such as a lighting fixture and a lighting installation. The term lamp should be understood to encompass similar terms such as a light bulb, indicator light, or LED lamp motor. An LED lamp engine is a combination of one or more LED modules with the electronic control device or the associated LED control device. An LED module contains one or more LEDs, as well as other components, but does not include the controller. The sensor 104 includes devices capable of detecting information about the local environment of the luminaire 100, including proximity sensors, passive infrared motion detectors ("PIRs"), other types of motion detectors, motion sensors, and the like. daylight, microphones or other types of acoustic detectors, charge coupled detectors ("CCD") or low resolution digital cameras, room temperature sensors, thermopiles or thermocouples, dioxide sensors carbon, water vapor detectors, pressure sensors, and various types of field strength sensors that detect magnetic and electrical fields. Proximity sensors include a wide variety of different sensor types, including capacitive, capacitive, conductive, magnetic, optical, thermal, sonar, and other sensor types. Passive Infrared Motion Detection Sensors detect sudden changes in temperature based on the infrared radiation emitted by living creatures. Other types of motion detectors include ultrasonic, microwave, and tomographic motion detectors. Audio detectors can detect sound and acoustic sensors can detect different types of sounds or sound patterns indicative of the presence of humans. Low resolution cameras and CCD devices can detect changes in ambient light, including changes in ambient light due to moving objects. Thermopiles and thermocouples can be used to detect temperature changes in correlation with the presence of humans and other living organisms. Similarly, carbon dioxide and water vapor detectors can detect gases exhaled by humans and other living things, and methane detectors can detect gases present in, for example, mining operations. Pressure sensors can detect pressure changes in an environment due to the opening and closing of doors, windows, the movement of large objects in the air, and other pressure changes. Flow meters can detect the rate of flow of water, natural gas, and other gases and liquids that flow under positive control by humans. Field strength sensors can detect changes in the field intensity time correlated with the presence of human beings or the movement of humans in an environment. A processor 106 receives data from the sensor 104. The processor 106 processes a signal from the sensor 104 in accordance with the phenomenon detected by the sensor. The term signal, in this context, is intended to include data. The processing may include collecting and storing data at times set in time, averaging the signal over periods of time, or adding additional information such as a timestamp or a location of the fixture. In FIG. 1, the processor 106 is shown as an integral part of the luminaire 100, but it should be understood that the processor 106 may be outside the luminaire 100. It will be further understood that the necessary processing function may be located at any suitable location inside or outside the luminaire. If it is associated with the fixture, it could be on a PCB in the fixture, for example on an LED MCPCB, or on a separate PCB. A controller 108 is connected to the processor 106. The controller 108 operates to use the data provided by the processor 106 to control a power supply to the lamp 102 or to operate equipment or devices that are remote from the luminaire 100. Examples of External equipment or devices include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 110, smart home equipment and devices 112, other devices 114 and various types of different local computer systems 116.

The controller 108 may also be connected to data communication systems 118, including routers, bridges, and hubs in a local smart home environment, and the Internet. Data communications are typically performed using any of a wide variety of different media types and communication protocols, including wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, various types of wired protocols. , including CAT6 Ethernet, HomePlug, and other such wired protocols, and various other types of protocols and communication technologies. Smart home devices can themselves function as intermediate communication devices, such as repeaters, for other smart home devices. This means that the controller 108 can control or operate external equipment indirectly via the data communication systems 118. This also means that the data can be communicated to external systems 120 such as cloud computing servers. whereby, for example, a smart home device can communicate with computer servers in the cloud and other remote computer systems having data provided by the luminaire 100 of the present invention. The controller 108 may also analyze the data provided to determine a probability of the presence of one or more types of entities, such as humans, in a region in the vicinity of the fixture. The invention will now be further described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7, which show examples of a luminaire in the form of a ceiling-mounted fixture or a recessed-type ceiling light. These types of fixtures are almost entirely concealed behind a ceiling or other appropriate panel or surface. With reference to Figure 2, the ceiling unit 2 includes a heat sink 10 connected to a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing includes a mounting ring 14. The mounting ring 14 includes a side wall having a lower peripheral annular flange 25 extending outside a lower end of the side wall. A support 18, incorporating spring biased members or clamps 20, is located near the heat sink 10. The spring loaded members or clamps 20 are adapted to secure the lighting unit in a recess. The carrier 18 is attached to an upper peripheral flange of the mounting ring 14 in a suitable manner. Figures 3 and 4 show a ceiling fixture or a ceiling fixture 3, wherein the flange 25 is adapted to include a sensor 42, 104 which provides a signal to the processor / controller 30, 106/108. In the example shown, the sensor 42, 104 is a passive infrared sensor, and the signal from the sensor 42, 104 is supplied to a passive infrared processor circuit 106, and from there to the controller 108. When a person nearby of the luminaire is detected by the passive infrared sensor / processor, the controller ensures that power is supplied to the lamp.

FIG. 5 shows a two-part variant of the lamp 3 comprising a lamp portion 3A and a mounting flange portion 3B, the two parts being adapted to be joined, for example by a push fit as shown, during of which clips 53 engage recesses 54. Other arrangements for joining a flange to a luminaire are known, for example by means of a thread around a periphery of the lower part of the part of 3A luminaire and a corresponding thread around an inner portion of the flange portion 3B. FIG. 8 shows another example of the assembly of these two components comprising a bayonet type assembly mechanism having a male side with radially extending pins 72 engaging a corresponding female receiver with shaped slots. corresponding L 74. A cable 51 can then be connected to a cable 52 to obtain a luminaire which operates in the same way as the luminaire 3 in FIGS. 3 and 4. For a connection without cable, one or more electrical contact points and signals on the flange flush are brought into contact with corresponding electrical contact points on the luminaire while the flange flange is pushed on, screwed in, or locked on the luminaire. These electrical / signal contacts are formed by the two sets of contacts which are brought together under pressure while the flange 3B is assembled with the luminaire part 3A, in the same way as, for example, the contacts on a head. printing a printer engages the contacts 50 on a surface 62 of a print cartridge 60 of the type shown in Fig. 6 when assembling the cartridge. Fig. 6 also shows an example of how the signals from the print head are transmitted to the print cartridge via contact paths 58. The two-part construction facilitates maintenance and also reduces the maintenance of potential stock by allowing different colors and different styles of flange mounting, with or without sensors according to the needs of the user, to be stored independently of the lamp motor and the lamp part. This type of arrangement is discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 9 below. FIG. 7 shows another variant in which luminaires 3 consisting of lamp parts 3A and flange portions 3B can be interconnected by an additional cable 53. This means that the controller 30, 108 of a lamp can communicate with a controller 30, 110 of another lamp. Figure 9 shows a flange 90 according to the present invention which includes fastening means 92 for removably attaching to a lamp portion of the types described above. The flange 90 comprises a sensor 93 capable of detecting information concerning the local environment of the luminaire 100, 2, 3 to which the flange can be detachably attached and from which it can be detached. In Fig. 9, only one sensor is shown for the sake of simplicity, but multiple sensors may be similarly incorporated in the outer ring facing outwardly of the flange. The flange also includes electrical contact means 95, shown here as a series of contacts in a group. When mounted on a luminaire, the electrical contact means 95 provide an electrical and signal connection between the mounting flange 90 and the lamp portion. Advantageously, the electrical contact means 95 are cordless, that is, there is no separate cable connection between the flange portion and the lamp portion which requires separate connection in addition to fixing the flange portion. As described above, for a cable-free connection, one or more electrical / signal contact points 95 on the flange 90 are brought into contact with corresponding electrical / signal contact points on the luminaire 2, 3 while the flange 90 is pushed on, screwed in, or locked on the luminaire. In FIG. 5, these electrical / signal contacts are formed by the two assemblies which are brought together under pressure while the mounting flange 3B is assembled with the lamp portion 3A, in the same way as, for example, the contacts on a printhead of a printer engages the contacts 50 on a surface 62 of a print cartridge 60 of the type shown in Fig. 6 when mounting the cartridge. Fig. 6 also shows how the signals from the print head are transmitted to the print cartridge through contact paths 58. The flange 90 further includes a processor 94 for analyzing a received signal. of the sensor 93 and to provide data relating to an environmental characteristic, the processor 94 receiving the electrical energy from the luminaire via the electrical contact means 95. The sensor technology is progressing rapidly and there is an increasing demand for the design of increasingly smaller sensors, and also sensors capable of measuring multiple environmental conditions. This miniaturization offers new possibilities for the positioning of a sensor arrangement in a luminaire, and for communication to and from the sensor. Such an example is shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10A illustrates a front view of a fixture flange 225 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This flange is designed to be attached to a lamp portion of a luminaire using any of the methods described above or the like. The fastening means are not shown for the sake of clarity. The center of the flange consists of a glass disc 226, although other substantially transparent materials may be used in place of the glass, such as polycarbonates, for example BPA. The outer perimeter of the glass disc 226 comprises a frosted annular ring 227. There is a small window or a small space 228 substantially transparent in the frosted ring, designed to house a sensor 242. The sensor is preferably on the inside of the glass and protected by it. In this example, an active pixel sensor measuring about 3mm by 3mm, the overall size of the PCB or a little smaller, is used. This one fits into the window or space 228 provided. It will be appreciated that any type or types of suitable sensors can be used, as determined by the appropriate specialist, and as needed depending on the environmental parameter (s) to be measured or detected.

The sensor is powered by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communication (NFC), BLE or other appropriate wireless technologies and protocols. These may require an antenna 229, which is located on and around the inside perimeter of the flange 230, as shown in Figure 10B. This arrangement conveniently allows the arrangement of multiple loops of the antenna, which connects a transmitter / radio chip (not shown) and so to a sensor 242. In this example, the antenna uses RFID induction for produce in the 1 to 2 mA zone an energy for the sensor / transmitter combination. The antenna is capable of sensing a magnetic field emitted from a first antenna in the lamp portion of the luminaire and converting this magnetic field into a weak current to power the sensor arrangement and the associated radio chip to emit the data from the sensor arrangement. The antenna could be embedded in the glass or printed on the surface of the glass and form a circle around the outer perimeter of the disc in multiple loops. The antenna for the radio chip may, alternatively, be printed on an inner surface of the flange itself. These antennas can be produced, for example, by screen printing, inkjet printing, microfluidic printing by introducing liquid metal into simple patterns, such as dipoles and loops. Other printing approaches can be used, for example, omnidirectional printing based on aerosol jet technology, which is a digital process that can print shaped antennas using conductive silver nanoparticle inks. The printing process accurately controls the positioning, geometry and thickness of the deposit and produces a mirror-like smooth surface finish to ensure optimal antenna performance (Optomec, Albuquerque, New Mexico). The process works with standard injection molded plastics, and does not require special additives or coatings. Figure 10C shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of the flange 225. This shows the sensor 242 behind the edge of the glass disc. It also shows a convex lens 230 formed in the glass to widen the detection angle of the sensor. Figure 10D shows in schematic form how an active pixel sensor can be divided into different sectors, in this example, the filter above the active pixel sensor is divided into four substantially equal quadrants. Each quadrant or sector can filter a different wavelength of light, so that a UV filter can be used to detect daylight, while an IR filter can be used to detect motion of a body hot as a human being. Other filters may be used as determined by the materials specialist. The foregoing explains the application of the invention primarily to ceiling lights and the like, but it should be understood that other forms of luminaire 100 will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including spherical, elliptical, polygonal, or linear. Panel lamps, for example, generally have the shape of a quadrilateral, having a size range, for example 1200 x 1200 mm, 600 x 600 mm and 300 x 300 mm. The panels have a mounting flange, generally 5 mm, and the antenna (for example the antenna 229 of FIG. 10A) can be located in the corner of the panel, on the mounting flange, on the periphery of the panel. the flange, or on the diffuser of the panel luminaire.

The antenna can be integrated into the diffuser or printed on the surface of the diffuser and encircle the outer perimeter of the diffuser. The antenna for the radio chip may, alternatively, be printed on an inner surface of the flange itself. Similar approaches can be used with linear luminaires such as lighting tubes.

It will be appreciated that, with the various types of wireless communications contemplated for use in the present invention, there will be a radio chip associated with the sensor arrangement, wherever this sensor arrangement is located. An example of this radio chip arrangement is shown in Figure 11B. A corresponding chip or radio receiver is located in the fixture at any convenient location. This could, for example, be on an LED MCPCB or on a separate PCB located elsewhere in the luminaire, provided it is within the recommended scanning distance of the antenna and transmitter associated with the luminaire. sensor arrangement with which it is designed to communicate. This arrangement, as well as the other arrangements shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, have the advantage that it is no longer necessary to have a direct electrical connection between the flange portion which includes the arrangement of sensors. and the lamp portion of the luminaire containing the first antenna and the receiver. This means that a sealing ring (not shown), such as a washer or a flat silicone rubber or neoprene rubber seal, can be inserted between the flange and the lamp portion. This, combined with other construction arrangements in the lamp part, ensures that the necessary IP rating can be obtained. Figure 11 shows an alternative flange arrangement in which the antenna is located in the glass disc. A glass disc 326 is located in the center of a flange flange 325. In this example, the antenna 329 is integrated into the frosted perimeter of the glass disc. As in the previous example, the NFC, RFID, BLE protocols, or any other appropriate wireless communication protocol requiring an antenna, or where performance can be improved through the use of an antenna, may be used. A terminal point 340 is provided for connecting the antenna to a radio chip and to a sensor / sensor array. The frosted finish, although not essential, allows to hide the antenna to the view. The antenna could be embedded in the glass or printed on the glass surface (for example, as described above) and encircle the outer perimeter of the disk into multiple loops. The sensor and associated transmitter radio chip may be located at any suitable locations, for example on the outside of the mounting flange or on the inside or outside of the glass disc as described herein. above, with or without a convex lens arrangement.

It will be understood that the data collected by the sensor (s) must be memorized and processed. This can be done at a number of locations. These include, but are not limited to, the fixture including the necessary processing function in the fixture, remotely in a concentrator, or in what is known as the "cloud". The data can be transmitted from the fixture to the required destination (s) using a wide variety of known techniques and protocols such as PLC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, DALI or the like, as described in the examples above and as shown in Figures 16 and 17 described below. One of the favorite protocols is low energy Bluetooth. CSR Pic recently developed a MESH protocol that uses Bluetooth Smart to send messages to other Bluetooth Smart devices in a network that in turn sends them to others. The messages can be addressed to individual devices or groups of devices. It is also possible for devices to belong to more than one group. Control is possible via standard Bluetooth Smart enabled devices such as light switches, or through the majority of smart phones or tablets currently available. It is planned to adopt this technology or other similar mesh technologies by incorporating the necessary Bluetooth components / chips into each fixture, so that the luminaires can communicate with each other wirelessly and transmit data to a remote hub. , even if this concentrator is too far away from the farthest luminaire for data to be transmitted directly. This problem of communication between devices over long distances can be a particular problem in large buildings such as office buildings, warehouses and manufacturing facilities. With reference to FIG. 12, this illustrates another location with respect to the flange for the sensor arrangement and its associated antenna / emitter. Figure 12A schematically illustrates a type of lens used to focus light from an LED lamp motor. Fig. 12 refers to LEDCHROIC (RTM) lenses which are a particular cup-shaped or substantially frustoconical solid lens design and which have a high density of profiled facets around the curved outer surface of the lens (not shown). However, this technology is not limited to use on LEDCHROIC lenses (RTM) and can be applied to virtually any type of lens. The LED is in a cavity 402 (not shown) in the narrow or upper portion of the lens in the orientation as shown in Fig. 12A, and the light from the LED is focused by the facets by total internal reflection for obtain the desired beam angle and is emitted from the widest end of the lens which includes a flange. The lens, which may be made of glass or a suitable plastic material, has an outwardly extending flange 401 around its widest light-emitting end, and this flange provides a suitable location at a time. for the antenna 429 and the sensor / chip arrangement 442.

Thus, the antenna may be integrated into the flange or located on a surface of the flange and encircle the outer perimeter of the lens flange in a manner similar to the arrangement described above. The antenna for the radio chip may, alternatively, be printed on an inner surface of the flange itself as described above. The flange can be frosted and the frosted finish, though not essential, can hide the antenna from view. A terminal point 440 is provided for connection to a radio chip and a sensor array. As in the previous example, the NFC, RFID, BLE protocols, or any wireless communication protocol requiring an antenna, or where performance can be improved through the use of an antenna, can be used. As in the previous examples, the sensor array / radio chip can be mounted at any convenient location. In this example, the radio chip is mounted on the upper side of the outer flange or flange or integrated in the lens and is oriented away from the lens, and thus opposite the luminaire to detect the characteristics of the lens. the environment below the luminaire, such as ambient light, motion and the like. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate other applications for the present invention. Figure 13 shows schematically an integrated ceiling light or track lighting where the same NFC protocol, RFID, BLE or other suitable wireless communication protocol is used. The sensor arrangement may be located on the mounting flange, as described above, directly on the LED lamp motor, on a daughter board located next to or above the LED lamp motor, or as a modular device in or outside the luminaire housing. These are shown as options 542 (a) to (d). Once again, the recommended scanning distance from the radio chip associated with the sensor arrangement with which it is designed to communicate must be kept in mind when positioning the respective radio chips. Figure 14 shows how this technology can be applied to a lamp or bulb, especially a lamp or LED bulb. A wide variety of lamps are now available with a wide variety of lamp holder arrangements. However, these bulbs tend to have common features such as a lens of a certain type covering the front of the lamp and an LED lamp motor. These provide useful locations for the arrangement of sensors as shown in 642 (a) and 642 (b) in Fig. 14. The sensor could also be located on a daughter board as indicated by 642 (c). All of these locations are facing the front of the lamp and can thus detect the environment at the front of the lamp.

These lamps / bulbs can be installed in a wide variety of locations such as a ceiling lamp, or a vertical frame desk lamp. This technology is therefore applicable to a wide variety of lamps including MR16, GU10, PAR20, PAR30, PAR38, AR111, GLS lamps and LED tubes. It will therefore be appreciated that in the context of the present invention, the term "fixture" has a very broad meaning and includes lamps or bulbs that fit into a lighting fixture. RFID and NFC technologies are two closely related wireless communication technologies that are used globally for a large number of applications. RFID technology, the precursor of NFC technology, enables unidirectional wireless communication, typically between a non-powered RFID tag and a powered RFID reader. RFID technology operates in a radio frequency range, each with their own established standards and protocols.

NFC technology operates at 13.56 MHz and is capable of two-way communication, but is limited to immediate proximity, typically 5 cm or less. However, since the various luminaire components such as transmitters and receivers necessary for this technology to operate in a fixture situation are all located in or on a fixture or lamp, this range limitation is not a problem for the applications described. As will be appreciated, RFID and NFC tags both require a powered transmitter and receiver to provide electrical power to a said tag and to receive information or return data from the tag.

Thus, in practice, a first antenna is located in the luminaire, within approximately 5 centimeters of the label and its associated antenna. This transmitter powers the wireless tag. A second antenna is located on or associated with the tag and converts the signal from the first antenna into electrical energy. A transmitter is associated with the tag / sensor arrangement and sends the data back to a receiver in the luminaire. The first antenna and the receiver or the reader, both preferably located in the luminaire, can be combined into a transceiver or radio chip. The transmitter and the second antenna, both located on or associated with the sensor array, can also be combined into a single radio chip. The data collected by the receiver or reader in the luminaire is transferred to a processor that processes the data locally or transmits it to a hub, again using an appropriate wireless protocol or appropriate powerline communication protocol, and then in the cloud, if necessary, for storage and further processing if necessary, see below. Reference has been made above to the miniaturization of sensors and radio chips. In one example of this, it was recently reported (PC World, 11 September 2014) that a Stanford engineering team built a radio, equipped with sensors, computing units and antennas of just a tenth of the size of the Wi-Fi antennas, which is able to get all the energy it needs from the same electromagnetic waves that carry the signals to its receiving antenna. It is said to work in the 24 GHz and 60 GHz bands, suitable for communication over a few tens of centimeters. The radio is built on a single piece of silicon measuring only 3.7 x 1.2 mm including the antenna, and engineers expect that one day trillions of objects will be connected to the Internet by these tiny radios. It will be appreciated that the present invention will utilize these miniature radios as they become commercially available, eliminating the need for a separate antenna. Referring now to Fig. 15, this shows another example of a sensor arrangement associated with a lens of a type similar to that shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 15A schematically illustrates a lens 500, which may be manufactured from glass or a suitable plastics material, having an outwardly extending flange 501 around its widest light emitting end, which flange provides a suitable location for the antenna 529, which in this example, is arranged on a side facing the luminaire of the flange 501. Figure 15B schematically illustrates an enlarged portion of Figure 15A containing the sensor arrangement 562, 552 and 554 and shows the antenna 529 integrated in flange 501. In an alternative arrangement, radio chip 562 and capacitor 543 may be integrated into the lens (not shown). Generally, the NFC chip is of the order of 3 mm x 3 mm. Figure 15B also shows two sensors 552 and 554 in a back-to-back arrangement. One of these sensors 552 is oriented downwards, that is to say it is oriented opposite the luminaire and the light source and in the environment below the luminaire, and is designed to detect environmental information below the luminaire such as ambient light and occupancy as described above. It is located above a convex lens 530 formed in the glass to widen the detection angle of the sensor. The sensor 552 is generally an optical sensor, with a filter layer, capable of detecting motion, ambient light and the color of light, for example. On the other hand, the sensor 554 is oriented upwards, that is to say it is directed towards the LED light source, and is capable of measuring the characteristics of the light coming directly from the LED chip, such as light output, color temperature and color rendering index (CRI) sometimes referred to as color retention index. In this way, the performance of each luminaire can be monitored over time and compared with a standard, as well as with the individual performance of this luminaire from the moment of its first use. It will be understood that the two sensors 552, 554 need not be in a back-to-back configuration, but can be spaced and appropriately positioned to achieve optimum performance. Moreover, the number of sensors does not necessarily have to be limited to two. Depending on the criteria to be measured and the type or types of sensors required to do so, any number of individual sensors may be used.

Having a sensor array that is oriented toward the LED light source provides a particularly important feature when the light output or the color temperature of the fixture is critical. This could be, for example, in a retail environment where product lighting is critical. Thus, the individual state of each fixture in a selected group of fixtures that have these rear-facing sensors can be reported on a real-time basis. If the performance of one or more fixtures falls below a fixed threshold, or disappears completely, a warning may be given indicating that a particular lamp must be replaced, specifying exactly which lamp is defective. This avoids the need for regular inspections of the luminaires and the requirement to take detailed measurements of the light output, color temperature or CRI of each lamp in a cluster. It may be possible, on the basis of the individual information from a rear-facing sensor in a particular fixture, that the control IC in a particular LED lamp engine may "supercharge" this LED, thereby increasing its light output. This will of course be to the detriment of the lifetime of this LED, which will be reduced accordingly. This new feature has another important application. LED luminaires have a predicted life. However, it is usually a prediction of the average duration until the complete failure, or up to a certain percentage of performance level, but until now, it has not been based on factual measurements of luminaires operating in a particular or specific working environment. By using the data collected by these rear-facing sensors, actual data can be collected about the lifetime of LED lamp motors operating in a particular work environment, and these can be used to provide durations. predicted life much more accurate. Generally, as in the previous example, the sensors are of the order of 3 mm × 3 mm, and are preferably active pixel sensor chips. The sensors 552 and 554 are shown as separate devices, but these can be integrated into a single device having both a sensor pointing upwards and a sensor pointing down. In addition, a single radio chip is required to report the data of the two sensors, and the sensors 552 and 554 and the radio chip 562 can be integrated in a single device.

Fig. 15C shows a schematic top view of the lens 500, and includes a frosted perimeter 502 having an antenna 529 located in or on that outer region of the lens. The antenna 529 may be printed or placed here, for example, in a transparent sticker. The radio chip 562 and the stack of the sensor chips 552, 554 are also shown. Optionally, a capacitor 543, preferably mounted on the side facing the luminaire of the flange 501, may be provided to stabilize the current supplied by the antenna 529 to the sensors 552, 554 and the NFC radio chip 562. In summary a feature of the dual sensor arrangement is that it is possible not only to obtain information about the environment below or around the luminaire, but also to monitor the characteristics of the lamp itself. for example, the intensity of the light output of the luminaire. In particular, it is now possible to measure the luminous flux of the lamp and the quality of the light output, for example the color temperature of the output.

An advantage of this is that the intensity of the light output of the LED lamp motor can be controlled over its useful life by adjusting the current / voltage supplied to the LED in the lamp. In addition, the color temperature can be maintained within a certain range. For example, if the lamp has two or more LEDs with different color temperatures, the intensity of each can be adjusted to provide a substantially constant required color temperature output. Figure 16 illustrates, in schematic form, possible sensor arrangement locations and two possible configurations of the associated components on an LED lamp engine PCB. A luminaire housing, in this example a ceiling housing 700, is used as a standard luminaire and a lamp housing 701 is used as a lamp or bulb type. When these are LED fixtures, they will include an LED lamp motor and a lens. In the case of a ceiling lamp, it will also include a mounting flange. Thus, a first antenna 702 and a first NFC chip A 703 are incorporated on the LED lamp motor 708. A second antenna 704, a second NFC chip B 707 and the sensor arrangement 705 are incorporated in a lens 709 or a lens 709. flange 710 as described above, or in any other suitable part of a luminaire. The communication between the various components is as described above. The right side of Fig. 16 shows possible arrangements for the components on the LED lamp motor 708. The configuration No. 1 shows the antenna 702 attached to the NFC chip A 703 which, in turn, is connected to a Control IC 720. The chip A 703 can send data signals to the control IC 720 and receives power from the control IC through a power supply IC 721. Powerline communication, with response, to and from the control IC allows the data received by the NFC chip A to be exported from the lamp motor 708 and thus the fixture and the control and that the other signals are transmitted back to the fixture as required. Configuration No. 2 shows a similar arrangement, but which includes a wireless communication chip 730, as an alternative to bearer communication, for transmitting data and other signals to and from the lamp motor. Thus, the data from the sensor arrangement 705 is relayed to the control IC 720 and then to the wireless IC 730 for storage and subsequent processing if necessary, before being sent back to the control IC 705. the control IC with a similar path. FIG. 17 schematically shows how the data exported from the LED lamp motor, whether by the powerline communication or by a wireless connection, using the mesh if necessary, can be transmitted from a concentrator 741, by via a router 743, to a cloud-based system. Since the luminaires are generally in proximity to a light switch 742, communication from the lamp motor could start with a wireless or powerline transmission to a light switch having the desired functionality to receive these lights. and then forwarding them to the hub 741. A router is not an essential component in the system, since the hub could communicate directly with the cloud using a virtual mobile network operator and a cellular connection 745. Other embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in Figs. 18, 19, and 20. Referring to Fig. 18, there is an exploded schematic view of an LED lamp motor module 806 mounted on a PCB 808. , a said collar 803 and a lens 800. The arrangement of an LED module with various components mounted on a printed circuit board e found in many ceiling lights, lamps and other types of classic luminaires. The light from the LED module is collected and focused by an optical system, in this example the lens 800, which in this example is a solid plastic lens which focuses the light by total internal reflection by means of multiple facets on its outer surface where reflection takes place. These lenses generally comprise a flange 801 through which the lens can be mounted in the ceiling lamp, in this example using the flange 813. However, it will be appreciated that there are many other ways of mounting a lens or other optical system to above an LED or LED array, depending on the size, shape and configuration of the fixture. The flange in this embodiment has additional functionality over known flanges. For example, it incorporates its own second PCB. The flange, in this example, is substantially of tubular or cylindrical shape, having a substantially circular cylindrical cross section. It has a front edge face 814, facing away from the illumination module, and a rear edge face 815 which faces toward and abuts against the LED lighting module PCB. The substantially tubular collar side has an outer surface 816 and an inner surface 817.

The term "flange" has a very broad meaning in the context of the present invention. It can have a continuous form, as in this example, or be discontinuous. Its shape and configuration will be determined in part by the space it can occupy in a particular luminaire, and it will be understood, therefore, that the "collar" may have any desired shape that can fit into the available space. For example, in the case of a linear LED array, equivalent to a fluorescent light band, the "flange" may have a substantially linear configuration. It will also be appreciated that the second PCB need not be located on a flange, although flange 813 is a convenient location for the second PCB in this particular example, which describes a luminaire component particularly suitable for incorporation into a ceiling lamp. The PCB on the flange can be located on the inner or outer surface 817 816 and could take the form of a thin film flexible PCB adhered to a surface of the flange. It is now possible to create a PCB through a printing process (Xerox Research Center of Canada 2660 Mississauga Speakman Drive, Ontario L5K 2L1 Canada) and, using this type of printing process, it would be possible to print a PCB on any suitable substrate. Alternatively, the second PCB could be a stiffer PCB, made to conform to a surface of the flange or other suitable surface. In another variation, the flange itself could be formed from a suitable PCB material, such as a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate sheet, for example, FR-4, made in a suitable form, from so that the collar itself is a PCB.

It is important that the second PCB extends in a direction away from the LED PCB, and preferably in the general direction in which light is emitted by the LED lamp motor. This effectively removes the components on or associated with the second PCB from the LED itself, so that these components are arranged at a distance from any interference created by the LED module. In any of the above variants, additional electronic components, such as control circuit elements, including integrated circuits (ICs), can now be positioned on this second PCB on or associated with the flange. These components include, but are not limited to, control components, power management and power conversion components, control components including a dimming function, sensor arrangements, communication chips and one or more antennas. The PCB on the collar is connected to the lighting module PCB by some type of connection means. These connection means make a power connection and / or data between the two PCBs. These connection means could take a variety of forms, such as male and female pin connectors 852, 851 as shown in FIG. 18, or one or more electrical contact points on the respective PCBs which are brought into contact when the flange is attached to the lighting module PCB, perhaps by means of a bayonet locking mechanism. This type of connection means is described in more detail in relation to FIG. 6 above.

The flange 813 also provides a good location for an antenna 802 that can power one or more sensors 805 located in or on the lens 800 or in or on a flange, as described above. When wireless communication is used to transmit the data collected by the sensors 805, a communication chip (see above) and / or an additional antenna 804 located at an appropriate position will also be needed. Fig. 19 shows the components of Fig. 18 in an assembled state, including sensors 862 and 863 located in the lens flange. The various types of sensors that can be used are described above. Referring to Figure 20, this illustrates another embodiment in which sensors are located on a front edge facing the front of the collar / PCB. A numbering system similar to that of Figure 18 was used in Figure 20 where appropriate. The flange 903 includes a second PCB and connectors 951, 952 for connecting it to the LED module PCB 908 as described above.

In this example, sensor arrangements or sensor arrays 962 are located on a front edge face 914 of the flange, oriented in the direction in which the light is projected. Alignment of these sensors with the flange 901 of the lens 900 and the at least one aperture or light tube (s) 920 in the lens flange allows the sensors mounted on the flange to be exposed and capture the input data of the lens. sensor. The light tube (s) may have additional lenses facing outward to provide different data capture beam angles. As in the previous embodiments, very large numbers and types of sensors and sensor arrays can be incorporated in this type of arrangement, as described above. One or more additional sensors 963 may be directed to the side of the lens to measure characteristics of the light emitted by the LED chip, such as light output, color temperature, and color rendering index (CRI) ). An antenna 902 is also shown in Fig. 20. Depending on how the data is transmitted from or collected by the luminaire component, this antenna may or may not be necessary. The data may be transmitted from the luminaire component using a power line communication (PLC) or any of the wireless protocols described above. However, it is also contemplated that a wired data connection may be provided from the luminaire component to a communication unit located at a remote location, for example a portion of a plug-in two-piece electrical connector block. These connector blocks are well known in the electrical trade and lighting industry and a wide variety are already commercially available. These could be modified to introduce or include a communication function. Examples of connector types that have a particular application in the lighting industry are the Aurora Limited Rapid Install System (RTM) Rapid Install System, the Scolmore International Limited CLICK System (RTM), and the GST18i connectors. In this case, an antenna as part of the luminaire component may not be necessary. In summary, the embodiments described above provide a modular flange for an LED lighting module, operating either at mains voltage or at a low voltage, where the flange contains one or more of the following components: , sensors, discrete components, passive components or antennas. This arrangement extends the functionality of the LED lamp engine to enhance or enhance bidirectional communication, improve the wireless communication range, and house the pairing components or transfer the communication for external sensing elements. The main advantages of this new arrangement include: 1) Due to the size of the LED lighting module on its PCB, there is limited space available on this PCB for additional components. A second PCB that connects to the main PCB provides an additional PCB surface for additional components. 2) It may be necessary for an antenna needed for wireless communication to be separated from the LED lamp motor due to interference, and the wrapping by any metal structure of the fixture, and the removal of the Lamp Motor Antenna improves reception performance. 3) The cost and functionality of the complete solution have greatly improved the granularity, so that only one version of the LED lamp engine can be produced, where (a) communications, (b) sensors, and (c) ) antennas, and / or (d) other features may be added as an optional layer over a basic LED lamp engine. It is contemplated that this type of flange replaces the existing type of lens holder that is on an LED lamp motor, providing additional functionality and holding the lens in place.

Other advantages of a flange arrangement of the type described above include: 4) The offset of a communication device (a) of the LED lamp motor allows a reduced proximity of the detection elements (b) located on the front of a lighting apparatus with respect to the antenna or antennas (c), allowing the RF induction power supply of the detection devices; 5) The addition of a wireless network communication device (a and / or c), which may or may not be MESH networking compatible, on the collar allows bidirectional communication to be communicated both locally and to the user. cloud; 6) The flange can also be used as bayonet, snap-in or fixed mount for the LED lamp engine optical system that can support the sensors (b).

Claims (29)

REVENDICATIONS1. A luminaire component for use in a luminaire, said component comprising: (i) an LED module on a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB having a front face on which the LED module is located; (ii) a second PCB mounted at the front of the front face of the first PCB; (iii) connection means adapted to connect the second PCB to the first PCB. The luminaire component of claim 1, wherein the second PCB comprises one or more data communication devices. The luminaire component of claim 2, wherein a data communication device comprises a wireless communication device. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an arrangement of sensors incorporating one or more sensors. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an optical / lens system for focusing the light emitted by the LED module. 6. luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more antennas. The luminaire component of claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the lens. The luminaire component of claim 7, wherein the lens incorporates an outwardly extending flange and the sensor arrangement is located in or on said flange. 9. Luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a flange. 10. Luminaire component according to claim 9, wherein the collar does not have a circular configuration. The luminaire component of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the collar supports the second PCB. A luminaire component according to any one of claims 9 to 11 inclusive when dependent on claim 4, wherein the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with the flange. The luminaire component of claim 12, wherein the sensor arrangement is located on or associated with an outer edge of the collar, furthest from the LED module. A luminaire component according to any one of claims 9 to 13 inclusive, wherein the flange further comprises an emitter assembly suitable for transmitting the data obtained by the sensor arrangement. A luminaire component according to claim 4 or any of claims 5 to 14 inclusive when dependent on claim 4, further comprising second connection means adapted to connect the sensor arrangement to the second PCB. 16. Luminaire component according to any one of claims 9 to 14 inclusive when dependent on claim 5, wherein the collar supports the lens. The luminaire component according to any one of claims 9 to 14 inclusive, and claim 16, when dependent on claim 6, wherein an antenna is located on or associated with the flange. The luminaire component of claim 6 or claim 17, wherein an antenna comprises a first antenna suitable for creating a magnetic or electric field suitable for powering the sensor arrangement. The luminaire component of claim 18, wherein an antenna comprises a second antenna suitable for converting the magnetic or electrical field from the first antenna into electrical energy for powering the sensor arrangement. 20. The luminaire component of claim 19, wherein the second antenna is located on or associated with the lens flange. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second PCB comprises a flexible PCB. The luminaire component of claim 21, wherein the second PCB comprises an adhesive flexible PCB. 23. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means provides a power connection between the first PCB and the second PCB. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means provides a connection or data connections between the first PCB and the second PCB. Luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means comprises a plurality of male and female pin connectors. A luminaire component according to any one of claims 1 to 24 inclusive, wherein the connecting means comprises one or more points of electrical contact on or associated with the second PCB which are brought into contact with corresponding electrical contact points. on the first PBC. A luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a receiver suitable for receiving data from the sensor arrangement. The luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transmitter suitable for transmitting the data obtained by the sensor arrangement. 29. Luminaire incorporating a luminaire component according to any one of the preceding claims.