GB2612668A

GB2612668A - Lighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2612668A
Application number: GB2209406.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Aaron; Parish Charles; Reed Barney
Original assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Current assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-09
Filing date: 2022-06-27
Publication date: 2023-05-10
Also published as: GB202209406D0; GB2612648A

Abstract

The housing 802 comprises a compartment, partially defined by an upper cover 812 (optionally transparent) and a lower floor or jaw 814, for receiving a terminal block 810. The compartment is accessible by pivoting apart the cover and floor, proximal ends of which are pivotally connected to the housing. Distal ends 813,815 of the cover and floor may comprise mutually engageable locking elements for holding the cover and floor closed. One or both distal ends may comprise projections for gripping a cable. The housing may include a battery compartment, e.g. with a transparent cover. Also claimed is a lighting apparatus comprising a lighting controller located within the housing and adapted to switch a DC lighting output from an AC input to a battery on detecting a supply outage. Also claimed are a housing comprising a foot and a locking member each engageable with a corresponding aperture of a lighting base.

Description

LIGHTING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of lighting, and more specifically lighting apparatus such as remote emergency packs and drivers which provide power to lurninaires

Background of the Invention

Lighting apparatus are provided to control or regulate power to light fittings, also known as luminaires. Lighting apparatus are also provided to allow light fittings to be connected to a power supply. Examples of such lighting apparatus are remote emergency packs (REPs) and LED drivers used where the luminaire comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). REPs and LED drives may also be described as lighting control apparatus.

A remote emergency pack (REP) is a lighting product which converts a standard light fitting into an emergency light fitting. Typically, an emergency light fitting is intended to switch on automatically for a 3 hour period when there is a power outage, thus ensuring that the light remains on despite the power loss at the location in question.

REPs include an inverter and a battery pack. The inverter acts as a switch, switching the DC power supply to the battery pack if the mains AC power fails.

REPs come in two forms. There is an external version intended for installation outside of the lighting fitting, which is primarily (but not exclusively) used with LED light panels, downlights and such like. There is also an internal version intended for installation inside of the light fitting, which is primarily (but not exclusively) used with linear lighting products. Both types of pack function in the same way, but are installed differently.

External REPs have a terminal block into which an installer will wire the mains AC power. Access to the terminal block can be difficult as the terminal block needs to be covered when wired in but also accessible for the installer when wiring. The terminal block may be behind a hinged cover or lid, but this may get in the way of the installer depending upon the location and orientation of the REP.

Internal REPs are intended to be installed within the light fitting itself, typically behind a diffuser. As with external REPs access can be difficult, especially if the installer needs to wire in the various cables associated with the AC supply and DC out from the REP. Furthermore, internal REPs need to be fixed to a tray or base within the light fitting, which can again present the installer with difficulties if they have to do so using fixtures and tools.

LED drivers are provided so as to reduce the mains voltage to a lower voltage more appropriate for LEDs. As with external REPs the drivers have a terminal block into which an installer will wire the mains AC power. Access to the terminal block can be difficult as the terminal block needs to be covered when wired in but also accessible for the installer when wiring. The terminal block may be behind a hinged cover or lid, but this may get in the way of the installer depending upon the location and orientation of the driver.

Also provided are plug and socket type arrangements where the plug component comprises a terminal block and the socket component is electrically connectable to a light fitting. When a light fitting is being installed/replaced, the terminal block of the plug component can be connected to the electrical system to which the light fitting is to be connected to test that the system is functioning correctly. If the system is established to be in working order and able to support the light fitting, the plug can be inserted into the socket component and the socket component electrically connected to the light fitting.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages with prior lighting apparatus such as those described above.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for a lighting apparatus, the housing comprising a terminal compartment adapted to receive a terminal block, wherein the terminal compartment is at least partially defined by an upper cover and a lower floor, and wherein proximal ends of each of the upper cover and lower floor are pivotably connected to the housing, such that the upper cover and lower floor pivot away from one another so as to allow access to the terminal compartment.

The housing may further comprise a battery compartment adapted to receive a removable battery.

The battery compartment may have a battery compartment cover which is transparent.

A distal end of each of the upper cover and lower floor may include at least one locking element, wherein the at least one locking element of the upper cover may engage with the at least one locking element of the lower floor so as to hold the upper cover and lower floor in a closed position A distal end of the upper cover may have an internal surface which includes a plurality of projections for gripping a cable in the terminal compartment.

A distal end of the lower floor may have an internal surface which includes a plurality of projections for gripping a cable in the terminal compartment.

The upper cover may be transparent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing according to the first aspect; and a terminal block located in the terminal compartment for connection to a mains power supply.

The lighting apparatus may comprise a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting.

The lighting apparatus may further comprise: a lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the terminal block; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; and a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; wherein the lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.

The lighting controller may comprise an inverter.

The lighting apparatus may further comprise at least one plug element electrically connected to the terminal block.

The lighting apparatus may further comprise a driver module having at least one socket; and a driver arrangement located inside the module, wherein the at least one plug element is received in the at least one socket so that the terminal block is electrically connected to the driver arrangement, wherein the driver arrangement is arranged to receive a first voltage from the terminal block and to output a reduced voltage to a light fitting.

The lighting apparatus may further comprise a female electrical connector module with at least one socket, and an electrical output connectable to a light fitting or driver module, wherein the at least one plug element is received within the at least one socket so that the terminal block is electrically connected with the electrical output of the female electrical connector module.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting control system comprising: a lighting apparatus according to the second aspect with a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting; and a light fitting connected to the DC lighting output.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lighting control system comprising: a lighting apparatus according to the second aspect further comprising: a lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the terminal block; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; wherein the lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected; and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.

The lighting control system may further comprise a light fitting connected to the DC lighting output.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for a lighting apparatus, the housing comprising: at least one foot adapted to engage with a corresponding locating aperture of a lighting base; and a locking member, the locking member having at least one locking element adapted to selectively engage with a corresponding locking aperture of a lighting base.

The at least one foot may be generally L-shaped.

The locking member may comprise an actuation portion connected to the at least one locking element, and a resilient web portion connecting the actuation portion and locking element to the housing.

The locking member may further comprise: a pair of resilient web portions extending from the housing, a free end of each web portion being connected to a respective locking element; and an actuation portion extending transversely between the pair of web portions.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing according to the fifth aspect; an AC input connectable to a mains power supply; an emergency lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the AC input; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; and a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting; wherein the emergency lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.

The emergency lighting controller may comprise an inverter.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency lighting control system comprising: an emergency lighting apparatus according of the sixth aspect; and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.

The emergency lighting control system may further comprise a light fitting connected to the lighting output, the light fitting comprising a base having the at least one locating aperture and at least one locking aperture therein.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing having a battery compartment adapted to receive a removable battery; an AC input connectable to a mains power supply; an emergency lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the AC input; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; and a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting; wherein the emergency lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.

The emergency lighting controller may comprise an inverter.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an emergency lighting control system comprising: an emergency lighting apparatus according to the eighth aspect; and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.

The emergency lighting control system may comprise a light fitting connected to the lighting output.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an external embodiment of a remote emergency lighting pack; Figure 1A is a detail view of a first end of the external pack shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a top view of the first end of the external pack shown in Figure 1A; Figures 3A-D show the first end of the external pack at various stages during installation; Figure 4 shows the external pack when installed adjacent a light fitting; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first internal embodiment of a remote emergency lighting pack; Figures 6 is a side view of the first embodiment of the internal pack shown in Figure 5; Figures 7A and 75 show a first end of the first embodiment of the internal pack at particular stages during installation; Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of the top and bottom of a second internal embodiment of a remote emergency lighting pack; Figure 10 shows an internal pack when installed in a light fitting; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a top side of a LED driver; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an underside of the LED driver shown in Figure 11 Figure 13 shows a lighting apparatus; Figure 14A and 14B show a further lighting apparatus; and Figure 15A and 156 show yet a further lighting apparatus.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Examples of lighting apparatus according to the present invention will now be described in detail. As stated elsewhere herein a "lighting apparatus" is or comprises any device which regulates or controls power supplied to a light fitting or luminaire, or allows power to be supplied to a light fitting. Preferred embodiments of such apparatus will be described below, with the examples shown being remote emergency packs (REPs) and drivers such as LED drivers as well as a plug module for use in a righting circuit. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to plug modules, REPs and drivers alone, as it could equally be applied to any lighting apparatus having a terminal block within a terminal compartment for receiving mains power, and a direct or indirect connection to a light fitting.

Figures 1 and 1A show an external embodiment of a REP. For brevity this embodiment will be described as an "external REP" going forward. As with all external REPs, this is a pack which is installed outside of a light fitting such as a LED light panel or downlight, for example. Its purpose is to power the light fitting in the event that mains power is interrupted.

In the figures the external REP is generally designated 1 and has a body or housing 2 which is preferably made from polycarbonate or another suitable moulded plastics material. Housed within the body are a battery 4 and an emergency lighting controller which comprises an inverter (not shown). The battery is located in a battery compartment under a battery cover 6, which may be hinged or removable. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated the battery cover 6 slides longitudinally to expose the battery 4 and allow access thereto. The battery cover may also be transparent to assist with visibility to an installer.

A first end 8 of the body 2 includes a terminal block 10. As with the battery the terminal block 10 is located in its own compartment under a hinged or removable terminal cover 12, which is preferably transparent to assist with visibility to an installer. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 1-4 the terminal cover 12 is hinged to the body 2 about a first pivot axis P1. The first pivot axis P1 runs substantially transverse to the body 2 so that the terminal cover 12 may be lifted upwards and backwards to expose the terminal block 10.

The first end 8 of the body 2 also includes a jaw member 14 which serves as a floor for the terminal compartment. The jaw member 14 is hinged to the body 2 about a second pivot axis P2, which is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis P1 of the terminal cover 12. Respective free ends 13,15 of the terminal cover 12 and jaw member 14 remote from their respective pivot axes P1,P2 include locking means for attaching the terminal cover and jaw member together when the terminal cover 12 is closed over the terminal block 10. The locking means may be cooperating elements on the respective free ends. For example, the free end of the terminal cover 12 may include one or more ridges, teeth or detents which engage with corresponding ridges, teeth or detents on the free end of the jaw member 14 so as to provide a snap or friction fit between the two free ends which lock them together. Having a hinged jaw member 14 in combination with the hinged or removable terminal cover 12 improves access to the terminal block 10 for an installer.

At a second end 16 of the body 2 are a number of cables which will connect the external REP 1 to a power circuit and light fitting. An inverter AC cable 18 is provided to connect the external REP 1 to a driver (not shown in Figure 1). A first inverter DC cable 20 is provided to connect a DC side of the driver to the inverter of the external REP 1. The first inverter DC cable 20 is provided with a 2-pin DC clip 21 which plugs into a corresponding clip on the end of a DC-out cable of the driver. Finally, a second inverter DC cable 22 will connect the inverter of the external REP 1 to a light fitting. A 2-pin DC light clip 23 is provided on the end of the second inverter DC cable 22. More detail in respect of the various cables and connections will be set out below in reference to Figure 4.

Figure 2 is a top view of the first end 8 of the body 2, showing the terminal block 10 in more detail. The preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4 employs an 8-pin terminal block for looping an AC mains power supply in and out of the REP 1, where the terminals are colour coded. The two outermost terminals 102 are switched live terminals, which are colour coded brown. Working inwards from the switched live terminals 102 are permanent live terminals 104, coloured white. Next are green-coloured earth terminals 106, and the final two terminals located in the centre of the block are grey-coloured neutral terminals 108.

As seen in Figure 2, the terminal cover 12 is lifted back out of the way about pivot axis P1. This exposes projecting teeth or grips 11 which are arranged on the inside of the free end 13 of the terminal cover 12. The jaw member 14 is shown still in a closed position, but it can hinge downwards out of the way about pivot axis P2. The free end 15 of the jaw member includes one or more rows of upwardly projecting teeth or grips 17, which will cooperate with the teeth or grips 11 of the terminal cover in a manner described below.

As will be appreciated, an installer will have much improved access to the terminals 102-108 with the cover and jaw arrangement shown in figures 1-4. A further illustration of this improved access to the terminals 102-108 is shown in the terminal wiring sequence shown in Figures 3A-3D.

Figure 3A shows the external REP 1 in an initial stage where the terminal cover 12 and jaw member 14 are closed and locked to one another by their respective locking means. A first step to wiring in the mains supply is shown in Figure 3B, where the terminal cover 12 and jaw member 14 are detached from one another and lifted or dropped out of the way to expose the terminal block 10.

Next, referring to Figure 3C, an installer wires in an AC-in cable 110 and an AC-out cable 112, with the respective groups of the four terminals 102-108 in the terminal block 10 receiving corresponding wires from the two AC cables 110,112. These two sets of terminals allow an installer to loop through the REP and on to another REP if required.

Finally, as seen in Figure 3D, once the cables 110,112 are connected into the terminal block 10 the terminal cover 12 and jaw member 14 are closed and locked back together by the engagement of their respective locking means. The teeth or grips 11,17 of the terminal cover 12 and jaw member 14 clamp onto the top and bottom of the AC cables 110,112 respectively so as to grip the cables and hold them in place, and to prevent any tension being applied to the wires connected into the terminal block 10.

Figure 4 shows the external REP 1 when installed adjacent a light fitting (not shown). As has already been described with reference to figures 3C and 3D in particular AC-in and AC-out cables 110,112 have been wired into the terminal block 10, thus connecting the external REP 1 to the mains AC power supply. Next, the inverter AC cable 18 is wired into a first AC side of a driver 120. The 2-pin DC clip 21 of the first inverter DC cable 20 is plugged into a corresponding clip 124 on the end of a DC-out cable 122 of the driver 120, thus connecting the DC side of the driver 120 to the inverter of the external REP 1.

The 2-pin DC light clip 23 provided on the end of the second inverter DC cable 22 is connected to a corresponding clip 128 on a cable 126 running to the light fitting. Thus, a DC supply from the inverter is connected to the light fitting.

The general operation of the external REP 1 once it is connected into the mains supply and light fitting will now be described. With the AC-in and AC-out cables 110,112 connecting into the terminal block 10 there is a power supply to the REP 1 and associated circuit, and this allows the inverter in the REP to sense if there is a power failure. In normal power conditions, the connection of the inverter AC cable 18 into the driver 120 ensures that power is supplied to the driver as normal. The first inverter DC cable 20 and DC-out cable 122 from the driver 120 allow the inverter to switch to DC power if the mains AC supply fails. The second inverter DC cable 22 and light fitting cable 126 supply DC power from the inverter to a light fitting on the end of the cable 126. When there is a failure in the mains supply the inverter in the REP 1 acts as a switch, switching to the battery in the REP to supply DC power to the light fitting rather than from the driver 120. When the mains AC supply is connected and operational the REP charges the battery and monitors the charge status of the battery.

Figures 5-7 show a first embodiment of an internal remote emergency lighting pack, or remote emergency pack (REP). For brevity this embodiment will be described as a "first internal REP" going forward. As with all internal REPs, this is a pack which is installed inside of a light fitting such as a linear light fitting. As with other REPs its purpose is to power the light fitting in the event that mains power is interrupted.

In figures 5-7 the first internal REP is generally designated 201 and has a body or housing 202 which is preferably made from polycarbonate or another suitable moulded plastics material. Housed within the body are a battery 204 and an emergency lighting controller comprising an inverter (not shown). The battery 204 is located under a battery cover 206, which may be hinged or removable. The battery cover 206 may also be transparent to assist with visibility to an installer.

An underside of the body 202 includes one or more locating feet 210, which will allow the first internal REP 201 to be attached to a support tray or base, as will be described in more detail below. The feet 210 are preferably L-shaped, with a generally horizontal portion extending substantially at right angles from a generally vertical portion extending downwards from the body 202. The body 202, each foot 210 and the locking clip 212 are preferably integrally formed with one another.

Extending longitudinally away from a first end 208 of the body 202 is a locking clip 212. The clip 212 has an actuation portion 214 intended to be engaged and acted upon by a finger of an installer. A base of the actuation portion 214 has a tab 216 which extends downwards from the actuation portion 214. The actuation portion 214 and tab 216 are connected to the first end 208 of the body by a web portion 218 of reduced thickness. The comparatively thin web portion 218 has a resilience which permits the actuation portion 214 and tab 216 to be lifted relative to the body 202, but they will then spring back towards a lower, locking position due to the resilience of the web portion 218.

Also extending from the first end 208 of the body 202 are a pair of cable connections. A pair of first inverter DC cables 220 are provided to connect a DC side of a driver to the inverter of the first internal REP 201. The first inverter DC cables 220 are provided with a 2-pin DC clip 221 which plugs into a corresponding clip on the end of corresponding DC-out cables of the driver. A pair of second inverter DC cables 222 will connect the inverter of the first internal REP 201 to a light fitting. A 2-pin DC light clip 223 is provided on the end of the second inverter DC cables 222.

Extending from a second end 230 of the body 202 are AC mains supply cables 232 having a 3-pin AC connecter clip 234 for connecting to the mains supply, and inverter AC cables 236 provided with another 3-pin AC connecter clip 237 to connect the first internal REP 201 to a driver.

Figure 6 shows the first internal REP 201 installed on a tray or base 300 within a light fitting. The feet 210 and locking tab 216 are holding the first internal REP 201 in place.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate that the base 300 has a number of foot apertures 400 and locking apertures 402. The apertures 400,402 are provided in the tray at locations which will correspond to the respective locations of the feet 210 and locking tab 216 of the first internal REP 201. Sets of apertures 400,402 may be provided at different locations on the base 300 so as to provide location flexibility for the first internal REP 201 within the light fining. This means the first internal REP 201 can be used in new or retrofit applications, where wiring entry direction and location may be dictated by existing cabling.

Figure 7A shows the first internal REP 201 in the process of being installed on the base 300. The feet 210 have been inserted in the foot apertures 400 but the locking tab 216 is not yet located in its respective locking aperture 402. In order to be fully located the first internal REP 201 will need to be slid longitudinally along the base 300 in the direction of the arrow A. Once this has been done the locking tab 216 will drop into its locking aperture 402 in the direction of arrow B shown in Figure 7B, under the action of the resilient web portion 218.

Once fully installed on the base 300, the L-shaped feet 210 prevent any relative movement between the first internal REP 201 and the base 300 along a vertical, or normal, axis. The locking tab 216 prevents any relative longitudinal movement of the first internal REP 201 and base 300 unless the locking tab 216 is lifted out of its locking aperture in the base 300.

Figures 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of an internal REP. This embodiment will be described as a "second internal REP" going forward. As with all internal REPs, including the first internal REP described above, this second internal REP is a pack which is installed inside of a light fitting such as a linear light fitting.

In figures 8 and 9 the second internal REP is generally designated 501 and has a body or housing 502 which is preferably made from a moulded plastics material. Housed within the body are a battery 504 and an emergency lighting controller comprising an inverter (not shown). The battery 504 is located under a battery cover 506, which may be hinged or removable. The battery cover 506 may also be transparent to assist with visibility to an installer.

Although not shown, the second internal REP 501 has the same set of cable connections and clips as the first internal REP 201 as shown in Figure 5. They have only been omitted from Figures 8 and 9 for clarity and will not be described again in detail.

Extending longitudinally away from a first end 508 of the body 502 is a locking clip 512. The clip 512 has an actuation portion 514 intended to be engaged and acted upon by a finger of an installer. The actuation portion 514 extends transversely between a pair of comparatively thin web portions 518 which extend outwards and downwards from the first end 508. At the free end of each of the web portions 518 is a tab or detent 516. The web portions 518 have a resilience which permits the actuation portion 514 and tabs 516 to be pressed inwards towards the first end 508 of the body 202. They will then spring back towards an outer locking position due to the resilience of the web portions 518.

One or more locating feet 510 are provided on an underside of the body 502 at a second end 530 thereof. The, or each, foot 510 is preferably L-shaped, with a generally horizontal portion extending substantially at right angles from a generally vertical portion extending downwards from the body 502. The body 502, each foot 510 and the locking clip 512 are preferably integrally formed with one another.

Although not illustrated here, in use a base would be used for mounting the second internal REP 501, where the base would have a number of foot apertures and locking apertures. These are provided in the base at locations which will correspond to the respective locations of the, or each, foot 510 and locking tabs 516 of the second internal REP 501. Sets of apertures may be provided at different locations on the base so as to provide location flexibility for the second internal REP 501 within the light fitting.

During installation of the second internal REP 501, the at least one foot 510 will first be inserted in a corresponding at least one foot aperture in the base. The second internal REP 501 will then either be slid longitudinally along the base or pivoted relative to the base until the body 502 rests upon the base. Once this has been done the locking tabs 516 can be located in their corresponding locking apertures in the base by pressing the actuation portion 514 toward the first end of the body. This will allow the tabs 516 to engage in the locking apertures under the resilient action of the web portions 518, and they will not disengage from the locking apertures until the actuation portion 514 is pressed in again.

Once the second internal REP is fully installed on the base, the L-shaped feet 510 and locking tabs 516 prevent any relative movement between second internal REP 501 and the base along both the normal and longitudinal axes.

Figure 10 shows an internal REP when installed within a light fitting, of which only the base 300 is shown. The internal REP may be either a first or second internal REP as described above, but in the illustrated embodiment it is the first internal REP 201. Prior to being connected to the other components of the lighting system the first internal REP 201 is attached to the base 300 by engaging the feet 210 and locking clip 212 with the respective foot and locking apertures 400,402 in the base.

Next, the AC mains supply cables 232 are connected to the mains supply via the 3-pin AC connecter clip 234. The inverter AC cables 236 are then connected to a driver 120 using the 3-pin AC connecter clip 237. The driver 120 may also at least one foot and a locking clip to attach it to the base 300 in the same manner as the internal REP. The 2-pin DC clip 221 of the first inverter DC cable 220 is plugged into a corresponding clip 124 on the end of a DC-out cable 122 of the driver 120, which connects the DC side of the driver 120 to the inverter of the internal REP 201.

The 2-pin DC light clip 223 provided on the end of the second inverter DC cable 222 is connected to a corresponding clip 128 on a cable 126 running to the light itself Thus, a DC supply from the inverter is connected to the light (not shown).

The general operation of the internal REP once connected is substantially the same as that of the external REP. With the AC supply cables 232 connected there is a power supply to the internal REP 201 and associated circuit, and this allows the inverter in the REP to sense if there is a power failure. In normal power conditions, the connection of the inverter AC cables 236 into the driver 120 ensures that power is supplied to the driver as normal. The first inverter DC cables 220 and DC-out cables 222 from the driver 120 allow the inverter to switch to DC power if the mains AC supply fails. The second inverter DC cable 222 and light fitting cable 126 supply DC power from the inverter to a light on the end of the cable 126. When there is a failure in the mains supply the inverter in the internal REP 201 ads as a switch, switching to the battery in the REP to supply DC power to the light rather than from the driver 120.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a lighting apparatus, this time a lighting controller in the form of a LED driver 601. The driver 601 has a body or housing 602 which is preferably made from polycarbonate or another suitable moulded plastics material. A first end 608 of the body 602 includes a terminal block 610. The terminal block 610 is located in its own compartment under a hinged or removable terminal cover 612, which is preferably transparent to assist with visibility to an installer. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the terminal cover 612 is hinged to the body 602 about a first pivot axis P1. The first pivot axis P1 runs substantially transverse to the body 602 so that the terminal cover 612 may be lifted upwards and backwards to expose the terminal block 610.

The first end 608 of the body 602 also includes a jaw member 614 which serves as a floor for the terminal compartment. The jaw member 614 is hinged to the body 602 about a second pivot axis P2, which is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis P1 of the terminal cover 612. Respective free ends 613,615 of the terminal cover 612 and jaw member 614 remote from their respective pivot axes P1,P2 include locking means for attaching the terminal cover and jaw member together when the terminal cover 612 is closed over the terminal block 610. The locking means may be cooperating elements on the respective free ends. For example, the free end of the terminal cover 612 may include one or more ridges, teeth or detents which engage with corresponding ridges, teeth or detents on the free end of the jaw member 614 so as to provide a snap or friction fit between the two free ends which lock them together. Having a hinged jaw member 614 in combination with the hinged or removable terminal cover 612 improves access to the terminal block 610 for an installer. At a second end 616 of the body 602 is a DC out cable 618 which will connect the driver 601 to a light fitting.

Figure 13 illustrates another embodiment of a lighting apparatus, this time a lighting plug module 800. The plug module 800 has a body or housing 802 which is preferably made from polycarbonate or another suitable moulded plastics material. Located inside the body is a terminal block 810. The terminal block 810 is located in its own compartment under a hinged or removable terminal cover 812, which is preferably transparent to assist with visibility to an installer. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the terminal cover 812 is hinged to the body 802 about a first pivot axis. The first pivot axis runs substantially transverse to the body 802 so that the terminal cover 812 may be lifted upwards and backwards to expose the terminal block 810.

A first end 808 of the body 802 also includes a jaw member 814 which serves as a floor for the terminal compartment. The jaw member 814 is hinged to the body 802 about a second pivot axis, which is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis of the terminal cover 812. Respective free ends 813,815 of the terminal cover 812 and jaw member 814 remote from their respective pivot axes include locking means for attaching the terminal cover and jaw member together when the terminal cover 812 is closed over the terminal block 810. The locking means may be cooperating elements on the respective free ends. For example, the free end of the terminal cover 812 may include one or more ridges, teeth or detents which engage with corresponding ridges, teeth or detents on the free end of the jaw member 814 so as to provide a snap or friction fit between the two free ends which lock them together. In the depicted example, the locking means are cooperating ribs provided on the cover 812 and jaw member 814. Having a hinged jaw member 814 in combination with the hinged or removable terminal cover 812 improves access to the terminal block 810 for an installer.

A second end 816 of the body 802 is provided with at least one plug element 820 or plug projection. In use, the at least one plug element 820 is inserted into a corresponding or cooperating socket to electrically connect the terminal block 810 to an electrical component such as a light fitting or another electrical element making up a lighting circuit. In the depicted example, the at least one plug element 820 comprises three plug elements 820, and each of the plug elements are substantially cylindrical in shape. The plug elements 820 may comprise a non-conductive shroud with a conductive core. In use, a user may connect an electrical system to which a light fitting is to be connected to the terminal block 810, and then once it is established that the electrical system is safe and/or may support the new light fitting the user may insert the plug element into a female connector component electrically connected to the light fitting.

With reference to Figures 14A and 14B, there is shown a further lighting apparatus 900. This lighting apparatus is formed of first and second parts 800 and 904. The first part 800 corresponds to the plug module 800 described above and the second part 904 is an electrical socket module 904. The first and second parts are shown separated from one another in Figure 14A and together in Figure 14B.

As shown the electrical socket module 904 comprises at least one socket 906 as well as an electrical output 909. In the depicted example, the electrical output 904 comprises an electrical cable connectable to a light fitting or other electrical component forming a lighting circuit. The at least one socket is arranged to receive the at least one plug element 820 described with reference to Fig. 13, so that electricity may be conveyed from the terminal block to the electrical output and light fitting in use. In the depicted example, the electrical socket module 904 comprises three sockets 906. As shown in Figure 14B the at least one plug element is fitted into the at least one socket 906 to attach the plug module 800 to the socket module 902 to form the lighting apparatus 900. The plug elements 820 may form a press fit connection when fitted into the sockets 906.

With reference to Figures 15A and 15B, there is shown a further lighting apparatus 1000. This lighting apparatus is formed of first and second parts 800 and 950. The first part 800 corresponds to the plug module 800 described above and the second part 950 is a driver module. The first and second parts are shown separated from one another in Figure 15A and together in Figure 15B.

The driver module 950 has therein a driver arrangement (not shown) which is arrange to reduce an input voltage received from the terminal block of the plug module 800 and provide a reduced output voltage to a light fitting electrically connected to the driver arrangement. The driver arrangement may be connected to the light fitting via output cable 955. The driver arrangement may include an inverter (not shown).

As shown the driver module 950 comprises at least one socket 1006. The at least one socket 1006 is arranged to receive the at least one plug element 820 described with reference to Fig. 13, so that electricity may be conveyed from the terminal block to the electrical output and light fitting in use. In the depicted example, the driver module 950 comprises three sockets 1006. As shown in Figure 15B the at least one plug element 820 is fitted into the at least one socket 1006 to attach the plug module 800 to the driver module 950 to form the righting apparatus 900. The plug elements 820 may form a press fit connection when fitted into the sockets 1006.

The lighting apparatus of the present invention have improved access to the terminal block, making the installation easier and less time-consuming for an installer. With the internal REP of the present invention the housing or body can be easily fixed to, and removed from, a base of a light fitting without the need for additional fixtures or tools. Again, this makes installation or removal easier and less time-consuming.

Furthermore, by including an integrated permanent live feed and 3-pin DC plug the internal REPs of the present invention are ready to plug in and start operation. There is no need for an installer to add a permanent live connection.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1 A housing for a lighting apparatus, the housing comprising a terminal compartment adapted to receive a terminal block, wherein the terminal compartment is at least partially defined by an upper cover and a lower floor, and wherein proximal ends of each of the upper cover and lower floor are pivotably connected to the housing, such that the upper cover and lower floor pivot away from one another so as to allow access to the terminal compartment.
2. The housing of claim 1, further comprising a battery compartment adapted to receive a removable battery.
3. The housing of claim 2, wherein the battery compartment has a battery compartment cover which is transparent.
4 The housing of any preceding claim, wherein a distal end of each of the upper cover and lower floor includes at least one locking element, wherein the at least one locking element of the upper cover engages with the at least one locking element of the lower floor so as to hold the upper cover and lower floor in a closed position.
The housing of any preceding claim, wherein a distal end of the upper cover has an internal surface which includes a plurality of projections for gripping a cable in the terminal compartment.
6 The housing of any preceding claim, wherein a distal end of the lower floor has an internal surface which includes a plurality of projections for gripping a cable in the terminal compartment.
7. The housing of any preceding claim, wherein the upper cover is transparent.
8. A lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing according to any preceding claim; and a terminal block located in the terminal compartment for connection to a mains power supply.
9. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting.
The lighting apparatus of claim 9 when claim 8 is dependent upon claim 2, further comprising: a lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the terminal block; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; and a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; wherein the lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.
11. The lighting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lighting controller comprises an inverter.
12. The lighting apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one plug element electrically connected to the terminal block.
13 The lighting apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a driver module having at least one socket; and a driver arrangement located inside the module, wherein the at least one plug element is received in the at least one socket so that the terminal block is electrically connected to the driver arrangement, wherein the driver arrangement is arranged to receive a first voltage from the terminal block and to output a reduced voltage to a light fitting.
14 The lighting apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a female electrical connector module with at least one socket, and an electrical output connectable to a light fitting or driver module, wherein the at least one plug element is received within the at least one socket so that the terminal block is electrically connected with the electrical output of the female electrical connector module.
15. A lighting control system comprising: a lighting apparatus according to claim 9; and a light fitting connected to the DC lighting output.
16. A lighting control system comprising: a lighting apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11; and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.
17. The lighting control system of claim 16, further comprising a light fitting connected to the DC lighting output.
18 A housing for a lighting apparatus, the housing comprising: at least one foot adapted to engage with a corresponding locating aperture of a lighting base; and a locking member, the locking member having at least one locking element adapted to selectively engage with a corresponding locking aperture of a lighting base.
19. The housing of claim 18, wherein the at least one foot is generally L-shaped.
20. The housing of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the locking member further comprises an actuation portion connected to the at least one locking element, and a resilient web portion connecting the actuation portion and locking element to the housing.
21. The housing of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the locking member further comprises: a pair of resilient web portions extending from the housing, a free end of each web portion being connected to a respective locking element-and an actuation portion extending transversely between the pair of web portions.
22. The housing of any of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a battery compartment adapted to receive a removable battery.
23. The housing of claim 22, wherein the battery compartment has a battery compartment cover which is transparent.
24. An emergency lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing according to any of claims 18 to 23; an AC input connectable to a mains power supply; an emergency lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the AC input; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; and a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting; wherein the emergency lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.
25. The emergency lighting apparatus of claim 24, wherein the emergency lighting controller comprises an inverter.
26. An emergency lighting control system comprising: an emergency lighting apparatus according to either claim 24 or claim 25; and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.
27. The emergency lighting control system of claim 26, further comprising a light fitting connected to the lighting output, the light fitting comprising a base having the at least one locating aperture and at least one locking aperture therein.
28. An emergency lighting apparatus, comprising: a housing having a battery compartment adapted to receive a removable battery; an AC input connectable to a mains power supply: an emergency lighting controller located within the housing and connected to the AC input; an AC output connectable to an input side of an external AC driver; a DC input connectable to an output side of an external AC driver; and a DC lighting output connectable to a light fitting; wherein the emergency lighting controller is adapted to switch the DC lighting output from the AC input to a battery located in the battery compartment when a mains supply outage is detected.
29. The emergency lighting apparatus of claim 28, wherein the emergency lighting controller comprises an inverter.
30. An emergency lighting control system comprising: an emergency lighting apparatus according to either claim 28 or claim 29 and an external AC driver, the driver having an input side connected to the AC output of the control apparatus, and an output side connected to the DC input of the control apparatus.
31. The emergency lighting control system of claim 30, further comprising a light fitting connected to the lighting output