NL2022503B1

NL2022503B1 - Luminaire head inclination level system

Info

Publication number: NL2022503B1
Application number: NL2022503A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Laskai Istvan; Horvath Csaba
Original assignee: Schreder Sa
Priority date: 2019-02-04
Filing date: 2019-02-04
Publication date: 2020-08-19

Abstract

A luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system, said luminaire head being rotatable around a ﬁrst incline axis , wherein the incline indicator system comprises: at least one chamber 5 associated with the luminaire head, said at least one chamber being delimited by a plurality of walls; at least one incline gauge located in the at least one chamber and conﬁgured for being able to move within the at least one chamber based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head around the ﬁrst incline axis; an indicating means associated with the at least one incline gauge and corresponding to the position of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber; 10 wherein the indicating means is conﬁgured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to the ﬁrst incline axis. Figure 2

Description

LUMINAIRE HEAD INCLINATION LEVEL SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the levelling of luminaire heads. Particular embodiments of the invention relate to luminaire heads integrating an incline indicator system.

BACKGROUND Generally, luminaires are used to illuminate areas presenting various characteristics and are fitted to achieve predetermined illuminations corresponding to the associated areas. One of the decisive components taken into account in order to tailor the luminaire accordingly is the base support the luminaire head will be fixed onto when installed. Indeed the type of base support, its height, and its position with respect to the surface to be illuminated will directly influence the lighting pattern obtained. When installed onto the base support, the inclination of the luminaire head must finally correspond to the desired angular inclination with respect to the surface to illuminate in order for the predetermined illumination to be realized. Without the correct angular inclination when installed, the resulting lighting pattern will differ from planned and will therefore be unsuitable. Thus it would be advantageous to be able to design a system allowing installing a luminaire head with a proper angular inclination. Several solutions exist for installing luminaire heads in a levelled manner. However these solutions have limiting features in terms of range, accuracy, and practicality. Thus, there is a need for an incline indicator system for luminaires which overcomes the drawbacks of the existing levelling devices and that is reliable, more precise, and functional.

SUMMARY The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system which can more precisely indicate the angular orientation of the associated luminaire head, and which is practical and dependable in its use. More in particular, embodiments of the invention aim to provide a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system whose indication is notified via a simple way, yet exact and efficient.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system, said luminaire head being rotatable around a first incline axis. The integrated incline indicator system comprises: - at least one chamber associated with the luminaire head, said at least one chamber being delimited by a plurality of walls; - atleast one incline gauge located in the at least one chamber and configured for being able to move within the at least one chamber based on an angular inclination of the fuminaire head around the first incline axis; - an indicating means associated with the at least one incline gauge and corresponding to the position of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber; - wherein the indicating means is configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to the first incline axis. A common solution to evaluate the angular inclination of a luminaire head is by using a separate mstrument such as a bubble level. However, a bubble level is limited in that ordinary bubble levels give three inclination levels possible with respect to an incline axis, namely levelled, positively or negatively inclined. The overall range of these bubble levels and the fact that they are centered around a levelled position severely limits their application possibilities in various real-life situations. Additionally, upon installing a luminaire head, the use of such conventional bubble levels requires that the luminaire head has an external flat edge or face on which to rest the bubble level or sufficient internal space to rest the bubble level inside. These problems are overcome by a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system as defined above. The at least one chamber may be provided to a surface of the luminaire head, thereby freeing the hands of the user changing the angular inclination of the luminaire head. The at least one chamber may be installed inside and/or outside a housing of the luminaire head. Depending on the free space available, the size and shape of the at least one chamber may be adapted to fit the associated luminaire head in terms of size and/or shape. Additionally, the at least one chamber may be provided along a desired orientation adapted to the most relevant incline axis of the luminaire head. The incline indicator system is more practical due to its integration to the luminaire head.

The at least one chamber is preferably made of a partially transparent material, e.g. plastic, glass, for a user to be able to directly see the at least one incline gauge with respect to the associated indicating means. In other embodiments, the at least one incline gauge and the indicating means may be linked using other means, e.g. mechanically, electro-magnetically, optically, remotely via a sensor.

The indicating means may define the inclinations levels, at least four inclination levels, through angular gradations or through predetermined positions. The indicating means may be adapted to the shape of the at least one chamber and the movement characteristics of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber. The inclination of the luminaire head is thus determined with greater accuracy. Furthermore, the at least one chamber may be adapted such that a central position of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber corresponds to the desired angular inclination of the luminaire head relative to the corresponding incline axis, i.e. the range of inclination levels may be offset with respect to a levelled inclination. In another embodiment, the at least one chamber may be adapted such that a central position of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber corresponds to a levelled inclination of the luminaire head. Preferred embodiments relate to an incline indicator system for an outdoor luminaire. By outdoor luminaires, it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, campuses, parks, cycle paths, pedestrian paths or in pedestrian zones, for example, and which can be used notably for the lighting of an outdoor area, such as roads and residential areas in the public domain, private parking areas and access roads to private building infrastructures, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire head is rotatable around a second incline axis different from the first incline axis, and one of the at least one incline gauge is configured for being able to move within the at least one chamber based on the inclination of the luminaire head around the second incline axis. The associated indicating means is configured for indicating at least one inclination level of the luminaire head relative to the second incline axis. In an alternative embodiment, the associated indicating means is configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to the second incline axis. In this way, the angular inclination of the luminaire head may be evaluated relative to another axis which allows the user to more easily conform the luminaire head to a desired two dimensional inclination. The first and second incline axes may be at an angle with respect to each other, more preferably perpendicular to each other. The first and second incline axis may be located in a plane substantially parallel to the lighting plane of the luminaire head.

In one embodiment, one incline gauge is configured for moving in one chamber around the first and second incline axes, and is used to evaluate the inclination of the luminaire head relative to both axes. The one chamber may be designed such that the one incline gauge is used to evaluate the inclination of the luminaire head relative to both axes at once, e.g. via a rectangular, oval-, circular-shaped chamber or the likes. In another embodiment, the one chamber, e.g. a cross-shapedchamber, may be designed to evaluate the inclination alternatively relative to the first or to the second incline axis. In yet another embodiment, each of the first and second incline axes has a corresponding chamber and incline gauge installed on the luminaire head. In yet other embodiments, one of the at least one chamber may be an at least partially cylindrical volume, at least partially spherical, ovoid, lens-shaped, parallelepiped, and the likes.

According to a preferred embodiment, the indicating means is configured for indicating a levelled inclination of the luminaire head relative to the second incline axis.

In this manner, the luminaire head may be positioned precisely at the horizontal with respect to the second incline axis. This may be useful in the cases where the user has to position the luminaire head parallel to a levelled surface as seen with respect to the second incline axis. Indeed, since generally a luminaire head is illuminating transversely respective to the main direction of the path it is installed next to, the luminaire head may be positioned precisely such that the path is illuminated symmetrically.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second incline axis is substantially perpendicular to the first incline axis.

In this way, a desired two dimensional inclination of the luminaire head may be more easily and precisely attained by its division in two distinct components relative to the first and second incline axis, respectively.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the at least one incline gauge is further configured to move within the at least one chamber based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head around the first and second incline axes.

In this manner, a single chamber may be conveniently used to evaluate the inclination of the luminaire head around two incline axes, which is more practical and allows implementing a more compact system.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire head is rotatable around a third incline axis different from the first and second incline axes, preferably substantially orthogonal to the first and second incline axes, and one of the at least one incline gauge is configured for being able to move within the at least one chamber based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head around thethird incline axis. The associated indicating means is configured for indicating at least one inclination level of the luminaire head relative to the third incline axis. In this way, the angular inclination of the luminaire head may be evaluated in three dimensions 5 which further improves the user’s ability to position it in conformity with a desired inclination. Preferably, the first, second, and third incline axes are orthogonal axes and the lighting plane of the luminaire head is substantially parallel to a plane defined by two of these three incline axes. According to a preferred embodiment, the plurality of walls delimiting the at least one chamber comprises a portion made of a transparent material, said portion being configured for allowing the at least one incline gauge to be viewed by a user in a plurality of positions corresponding to the at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head.

In this manner, the indicating means is simplified and more efficiently carried out. Thus the user may directly evaluate the inclination level of the laminaire head along the first incline axis. In another embodiment, the plurality of walls is fully made of a transparent material. In still another embodiment, the transparent portion of the plurality of walls may allow the user to view the position of the at least one incline gauge relative to the first incline axis, and relative to the second and/or third incline axis. The transparent portion may be made of plastic or glass, preferably of plastic, more preferably of PMMA or PC.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the at least one chamber is included in a spirit level device and the corresponding at least one incline gauge includes a gas bubble.

In this way, the evaluation of the luminaire head angular inclination is achieved in a reliable way. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one incline gauge is a float instead of a gas bubble. According to a preferred embodiment, the indicating means comprises a level indicator located on a surface of the transparent portion of the plurality of walls.

In this manner, the incline indicator system may be designed in a more compact manner. Preferably, the plurality of walls is fully made of a transparent material and the at least one gauge may be seen through the transparent material such that its position is evaluated against the level 5S indicator. In one embodiment, the level indicator comprises angular gradations. In another embodiment, the level indicator comprises letters and/or numbers corresponding to predetermined inclination levels. The at least four inclination levels may each be indicated by a single mark with respect to which the corresponding position of the at least one gauge is centered upon, or by a double mark between which the corresponding position of the at least one gauge is moved to.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicating means comprises a level indicator located on a surface of the luminaire head housing. In this way, the relevant inclination range is indicated on the associated luminaire head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the indicating means associated to the at least one incline gauge is configured for being viewed from outside the luminaire head by the user. In this manner, it is possible to evaluate and potentially adjust an inclination of the luminaire head without looking within the housing of the luminaire head. It may allow a user to more easily obtain a measure of the luminaire head inclination while adjusting its orientation at the same time. In an embodiment, the incline indicator system comprises at least one chamber outside the housing of the luminaire head, and at least one chamber inside the housing of the luminaire head, said chambers being configured for the same or different incline axes. In another embodiment, the at least one chamber may be located inside the housing of the luminaire head, and an opening in the housing allows viewing the at least one incline gauge and the associated indicating means from outside the luminaire head.

In an exemplary embodiment, the luminaire head comprises a plurality of light sources and an optical clement plate, such as a lens plate, overlying the plurality of light sources. By optical elements it is meant lenses, reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like. The at least one chamber of the incline indicator system may be formed by a cavity within the thicknessof a transparent portion of the optical element plate such that the at least one incline gauge and the associated indicating means are viewed from outside the luminaire head by the user. The at least one incline gauge may be a gas bubble formed when injecting a fluid within the internal cavity. In another exemplary embodiment, the luminaire head comprises an outer cover comprising a transparent portion overlying a plurality of light sources; the at least one chamber may be formed by a cavity within the thickness of the transparent portion of the cover such that the at least one incline gauge and the associated indicating means are viewed from outside the luminaire head by the user. By integration to the optical element plate and/or to the cover, it is easier for the user to have a measure of the inclination of the luminaire head directly with respect to the lighting plane.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the associated indicating means is configured for being viewed from underneath the luminaire head by a user. In this way, checking whether a luminaire head has a correct or incorrect inclination is easier and the user may save time when inspecting luminaires. It is to be noted that depending on the height of the luminaire head with respect to the ground, the user may view the associated indicating means from the ground or from an elevating means such as a cherry-picker. According to a preferred embodiment, the first incline axis corresponds to the pitch axis of the luminaire head. In this manner, since generally a luminaire head is illuminating transversely respective to the main direction of the path it is installed next to, the improved range of the incline indicator system is positioned around an incline axis perpendicular to the main emission direction of the light. Given the importance of the spread of light respective to the proportions and use of the path, having the first incline axis correspond to the pitch axis is more practical since, generally, one may need an improved positioning precision along that incline axis. According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicating means is configured for indicating a levelled inclination of the luminaire head relative to the first incline axis.

In this manner, the range of inclination levels is conveniently centered around a reference horizontal inclination. According to an exemplary embodiment, the indicating means associated with the at least one incline gauge is further configured for indicating the inclination of the luminaire head relative to the first incline axis over a range between -5° and 5°, preferably over a range between -10° and 10°, more preferably over a range between -20° and 20°, most preferably over a range between - 30° and 30°.

In this way, the angular inclination of the luminaire head may be evaluated and potentially adjusted over a defined angular range relevant to a broad spectrum of luminaire head arrangements. Preferably the angular inclination may be evaluated in steps of 1°, more preferably in steps of 0.5°, even more preferably in steps of 0.1°.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the at least one chamber comprises an elongate chamber extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first incline axis.

In this manner, the at least one gauge has a greater range of movement which may improve the accuracy of the inclination measurement relative to the first incline axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, an inner portion of the plurality of walls defining the at least one chamber has an at least partially circular section substantially parallel or perpendicular to the first incline axis.

In this manner, the at least one incline gauge moving within that at least partially circular section has a movement with increased regularity around the incline axis perpendicular to the at least partially circular section. In an embodiment, one of the at least one chamber comprises a partially cylindrical portion. In another embodiment, one of the at least one chamber comprises a partially spherical portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the incline indicator system further comprises a lighting means configured for illuminating the indicating means.

In this manner, the visibility of a measure of the inclination level is increased for the user. In one embodiment, the indicating means is located within the housing of the luminaire head and the lighting means is a light source illuminating the housing interior. In another embodiment, the indicating means is located next to a lighting unit of the luminaire head and a light source comprised in the lighting unit is configured for illuminating it sideways, such that a measure of the inclination level of the luminaire head is visible from the ground for example. According to an exemplary embodiment, the incline indicator system further comprises a sensing means configured for obtaining a measure of the inclination level of the luminaire head based on the position of one of the at least one incline gauge within the at least one chamber, and a communicating means configured for communicating based on the obtained measure. In this way, a measure of the inclination level of the luminaire head may be obtained by the user remotely. The communicating means may comprise a screen, a visual indicator, a speaker, and/or may be configured for communicating wirelessly or in a wired manner. For example, the communicating means may communicate wirelessly with a portable device of the user, or may communicate with a remote server. In an embodiment, the sensing means comprises sensors configured for detecting the position of the at least one gauge within the at least one chamber. In yet another embodiment, the communicating means may be configured for communicating with the user when the sensing means detects that the angular inclination of the luminaire head is past a predetermined inclination level. In another embodiment, the luminaire head may comprise another sensing means including an accelerometer to complement or supplement the incline indicator system. The skilled person will understand that diverse sensing means to complement or supplement the incline indicator system may be used to acquire a measure of the luminaire head inclination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.

Figures 1A-1C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a luminaire; Figure 2 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system; Figures 3A-3B depict a top view and a cut front view, respectively, of a further exemplary embodiment of an incline indicator system integrated in a luminaire head; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figures 1A-1C schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of a luminaire. Fig. | A represents a side view of an embodiment of the luminaire. Fig.1B represents a front view of an embodiment of the luminaire. Fig. 1C represents a top view of an embodiment of the luminaire. The luminaire may comprise a luminaire head 110 and a mounting base 120. The luminaire head 110 may be provided to the mounting base 120. The mounting base 120 may be a pole, a wall, a ceiling, or any other support apt to bear the luminaire head 110. The mounting base 120 may be used to bear one or more luminaire heads 110. The luminaire head 110 is supported by the mounting base 120, e.g. a pole. As illustrated in the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, an angular positioning of the luminaire head 110 with respect to the mounting base 120 may be defined by three angles representing each an angular inclination respective to three orthogonal incline axes, namely the pitch angle (8) relative to the pitch axis PA, the yaw angle (vy) relative to the yaw axis YA, and the roll angle (9)

tl relative to the roll axis RA. The angular positioning of the luminaire head 110 may be measured in its rest frame. Figure 2 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head 110 integrating an incline indicator system 100 according to the present invention. It is to be noted that in the following embodiments of Figs.2-5, the term “integrated” may be understood as an incline indicator system affixed to a luminaire head in any manner known to the skilled person. It may be affixed to a surface of the luminaire head using screws, glue, hooks, soldering and the likes. It may be integral to a portion of the luminaire head such as a portion of a compartment, and/or a portion of a housing or cover. Additionally it may be located within a housing of the luminaire head, and/or on an outer surface of the housing such as a top, bottom, front, back and/or lateral surface.

The incline indicator system 100 comprises at least one chamber 10, at least one incline gauge 20, and an indicating means 30. In the embodiment of Fig.2, the luminaire head 110 is supported by the mounting base 120 and may be rotated around a first incline axis Al. The first incline axis Al may correspond to the roll axis of the luminaire head 11. In other embodiments, the first incline axis Al may correspond to the pitch axis, the yaw axis, or any other axis around which the fuminaire head 110 is rotatable.

The incline indicator system 100 may comprise at least one chamber 10, one chamber in Fig.2. The chamber 10 may be defined by a plurality of walls. The chamber 10 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first incline axis A1 and be installed on an outer surface of the luminaire head housing via fixing means such as screws, or glue. The inner surfaces of the plurality of walls delimiting the chamber 10 may define a cylinder. Depending on the shape of the surface of the luminaire head 110 the chamber 10 is installed on, the chamber 10 may lie flat or curved, preferably flat. In other embodiments, the inner surfaces of the plurality of walls may comprise flat surfaces, convex surfaces, and/or concave surfaces.

The at least one incline gauge 20 is located in the at least one chamber 10 and is configured for being able to move within the at least one chamber 10 based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head around the first incline axis Al. In another embodiment, the luminaire head is rotatable around a second incline axis A2 different from the first incline axis Al, and the incline indicator system 100 may comprise a second chamber 10 comprising a second incline gauge 20 configured for being able to move within the second chamber 10 based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head 110 around the second incline axis A2. In yet another embodiment, the luminaire head is rotatable around a third incline axis different from the first and second inclineaxes Al, A2, and the incline indicator system 100 may comprise a third chamber 10 comprising a third incline gauge 20 configured for being able to move within the third chamber 10 based on an angular inclination of the luminaire head 110 around the third incline axis. In still yet another embodiment, one incline gauge 20 may be configured for being able to move around at least two incline axes in one chamber 10 and the associated indicating means 30 may be configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to one of the two incline axes and at least one inclination level relative to another other one of the at least two incline axes. Preferably, the at least one chamber 10 may be filled by a fluid, and the at least one incline gauge 20 may be a float or a gas bubble in the fluid. The skilled person will understand that the at least one incline gauge 20 may be realized via various manners and is endowed with different properties. Accordingly, the at least one incline gauge and the indicating means may be linked using diverse means, e.g. mechanically, electro-magnetically, optically, remotely via a sensor. In the embodiment of Fig.2, the at least one chamber 10 is included in a spirit level and the at least one incline gauge 20 is a gas bubble. The plurality of walls may comprise a portion made of a transparent material, e.g. of plastic or glass, preferably of plastic, more preferably of PMMA or PC, or may be fully made of a transparent material. The chamber 10 of Fig.2 is defined by a plurality of opaque walls with a transparent window 11 facing the front of the luminaire head 110. The transparent window 11 extends along a main direction of the chamber 10, substantially perpendicularly to the first incline axis Al. In another embodiment, the at least one chamber 10 may be arranged on a bottom surface of the luminaire head housing such that the indicating means 30 associated to the at least one incline gauge 20 is visible from underneath the luminaire head

110. The outer or inner surfaces of the plurality of walls defining the at least one chamber 10 may comprise marks as indicating means 30. The indicating means 30 is configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to the first incline axis Al, four inclination levels in Fig.2. Each of the inclination levels may be indicated by a single mark onto which the at least one incline gauge 20 may be centered. In another embodiment, each of the inclination levels may be indicated by a double mark between which the at least one incline gauge 20 may be moved to. In the embodiment of Fig.2, the marks are both on a wall surface defining the chamber 10, and on an outer surface of the luminaire head housing. The four inclination levels are indicated using four letters, A, B, C, and D, respectively, and may correspond to predetermined settings of the luminaire head 110. In other embodiments, the inclination levels may be indicated using numbers or symbols and, in addition or instead, the indicating means 30 may comprise graduations.

With respect to the luminaire head 110 depicted in Fig.2, rotating the luminaire head 110 towards the right will result in a shift of the incline gauge 20 towards the A and B inclination levels.

Rotating the luminaire head 110 towards the left will result in a shift of the incline gauge 20 towards the C and D inclination levels.

In this way, a user installing or modifying the inclination of the luminaire head 110 will be able to directly view a measure of its angular inclination relative to the first incline axis Al.

Figures 3A-3B depict different views of a further exemplary embodiment of an incline indicator system integrated in a luminaire head according to the present invention.

Fig.3A illustrates a top view, and Fig.3B illustrates a cut view A-A of an incline indicator system, as referred to accordingly in corresponding Fig.3A, The incline indicator system 100 of Fig.3A-3B comprises one chamber 10, one incline gauge 20, and an indicating means 30. The incline indicator system 100 may be integrated on an inner or outer surface of the housing of the luminaire head 110. The luminaire head 110 may be rotated around a first incline axis Al and a second incline axis A2. Preferably the first and second incline axes Al, A2 are substantially perpendicular to each other to allow a dissociation of the inclination components of the fuminaire head 110 angular positioning.

In a preferred embodiment, the first incline axis Al corresponds to the pitch axis, and the second incline axis A2 corresponds to the roll axis.

The chamber 10 of Fig.3A-3B extends in a direction perpendicular to the first incline axis Al and the inner surfaces of the plurality of walls defining the chamber 10 delimit a semi cylindrical section perpendicular to the second incline axis A2. In other embodiments, one of the at least one chamber 10 may be a cylindrical volume, a hemisphere, ovoid, lens-shaped, parallelepiped, and the likes.

The plurality of walls defining the chamber 10 may be fully made of a transparent material and the chamber 10 may contain a fluid inside of which a gas bubble, forming the at least one incline gauge 20, is able to move.

Due to the shape of the chamber, the incline gauge 20 of Fig.3 may move relative to both the first and second incline axes Al, A2. In other embodiments, other chamber shapes may be used which are adapted to a two-dimensional movement of the incline gauge, , €.g. via a rectangular-, oval-, circular-shaped chamber or the likes.

In another embodiment, the chamber may be cross-shaped and the incline gauge 20 may move either relative to the first incline axis Al, or relative to the second incline axis A2. In yet another embodiment, the incline indicator system 100 may comprise two chambers 10, each one corresponding to the inclination of the luminaire head 110 relative to the first or second incline axis Al, A2, respectively.

In the embodiment of Fig. 3A, the indicating means 30 comprises a first level indicator 31 on a surface of the housing of the luminaire head 110, and a second level indicator 32 on a surface of the plurality of walls defining the chamber 10, opposite the base of the chamber 10. The first level indicator 31 comprises angular graduations ranging from -12.5° to 12.5° in steps of 2.5° relative to an inclination around the first incline axis Al. In other embodiments the inclination of the luminaire head 110 relative to the first incline axis Al may be measured over a range between - 5° and 5°, preferably over a range between -10° and 10°, more preferably over a range between - 20° and 20°, most preferably over a range between -30° and 30°. In addition, the angular inclination may preferably be evaluated in steps of 1°, more preferably in steps of 0.5°, even more preferably in steps of 0.1°. The second level indicator 32 comprises two parallel marks extending along the direction of the second incline axis A2. The second level indicator 32 is configured for indicating a levelled inclination when the incline gauge 20 is located between the two marks. In another embodiment, the two marks of the second level indicator 32 may correspond to a predetermined inclination level different from a levelled inclination. In yet another embodiment, the indicating means 30 may be configured for indicating a plurality of inclination levels of the luminaire head 110 relative to the second incline axis A2.

Preferably, the first and second incline axes Al, A2 define a plane substantially parallel to the lighting plane of the luminaire head 110, the first incline axis Al corresponding to the pitch axis and the second incline axis A2 corresponding to the roll axis of the luminaire head 110.

Considering the incline indicator system 100 depicted in Fig.3A-3B installed on top of the housing of the luminaire head 110 on a flat surface substantially parallel to the lighting plane of the luminaire head 110, a user rotating the luminaire head 110 up or down would be able to view the inclination level of the luminaire head 110 using the first level indicator 31, and rotating the luminaire right or left using the second level indicator 32.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system according to the present invention. The luminaire head 110 may be rotated around a first incline axis Al and a second incline axis A2.

The luminaire head 110 comprises a lighting unit 111. The lighting unit 111 comprises a plurality of light sources provided to a flat substrate and defining a lighting plane. The incline indicator system 100 may comprise a first chamber 10a containing a first incline gauge 20a, and a second chamber 10b containing a second incline gauge 20b. The first chamber 10a may be installed on an outer surface of the luminaire head 110 housing. The second chamber 20b may be installed within the housing of the luminaire head 110.

The first chamber 10a may be included in a hemispherical transparent spirit level with a gas bubble as first incline gauge 20a. The first incline gauge 20a may move within the first chamber 10a relative to the first incline axis Al, corresponding to the pitch axis, and relative to the second incline axis A2 perpendicular to the first incline axis Al. The hemispherical spirit level may be installed on an outer surface of the housing being inclined with respect to the lighting plane of the luminaire head 110 relative to the first incline axis Al. The indicating means (not shown) associated to the first incline gauge 20a may be configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head 110 relative to the first and second incline axes Al, A2. The indicating means may comprise circular concentric lines as level indicator (not shown) on the surface of a wall delimiting the first chamber 10a. A user modifying the angular positioning of the luminaire head 110 may be able to view the first incline gauge 20a and the associated indicating means from outside the luminaire head 110.

The second chamber 20b may be installed inside the housing of the huminaire head 110 next to the lighting unit 111. The second chamber 20b may be included in a transparent cylindrical spirit level. A cover comprising a transparent material may be placed over the lighting unit 111 and the cylindrical spirit level. In another embodiment, the second chamber 20b is integrated in the cover. The indicating means may be on a surface of the cylindrical spirit level and configured for indicating a levelled inclination relative to the first inclination axis Al. A user may be able to view the indicating means from the ground. In another embodiment, depending on the height of the luminaire head with respect to the ground, the user may view the associated indicating means from underneath the luminaire head 110 from an elevating means such as a cherry-picker.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the lighting unit 111 comprises an optical element plate, such as a lens plate, overlying the plurality of light sources. By optical elements it is meant lenses, reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like. One of the at least one chamber of the incline indicator system 100 may be formed by a cavity within the thickness of a transparent portion of the optical element plate such that the at least one incline gauge and the associated indicating means are viewed from outside the fuminaire head 110 by the user. The at least one incline gauge may be a gas bubble formed when injecting a fluid within the internal cavity. In still another exemplary embodiment, the luminaire head 110 comprises an outer cover comprising a transparent portion overlying the plurality of light sources; the at least one chamber may be formed by a cavity within the thickness of the transparent portion of the cover such that the at least one incline gauge and the associated indicating means are viewed from outside the luminaire head 110 by the user. By integration to the optical element plate and/or to the cover, it is easier for the user to have a measure of the inclination of the luminaire head 110 directly with respect to the lighting plane.

Additionally, a light source of the lighting unit 111 may be configured as a lighting means 40 to illuminate the cylindrical spirit level sideways.

Thus, the visibility of a measure of the huminaire head 110 inclination is improved.

In other embodiments, the second chamber 20b may be installed at a distance from the lighting unit 111 and the indicating means may be visible from an opening in the bottom surface of the housing.

In yet another embodiment, a light source may shine light through the second chamber 20b towards the ground to allow for an increased readability of the inclination level.

Furthermore, the incline indicator system 100 may comprise a sensing means 50 and a communicating means 60. The sensing means 50 is configured for obtaining a measure of the inclination level of the luminaire head 110 based on the position of one of the at least on incline gauge 20b within the at least one chamber 10b.

The communication unit 60 is configured for communicating with the user based on the obtained measure.

In the embodiment of Fig.4, the sensing means 50 are optical sensing means located at both ends on the elongate second chamber 20b.

The optical sensing means 50 may obtain a measure of the inclination level of the luminaire head 110 relative to the first incline axis A1 based on the position of the second incline gauge 20b within the second chamber 10b.

The skilled person will understand that depending on the properties of the chamber 10b and the incline gauge 20b, diverse means may be used to obtain a measure of the inclination level.

The communicating means 60 may comprise a screen, a visual indicator, a speaker, and/or may be configured for communicating wirelessly or in a wired manner.

For example, the communicating means may communicate wirelessly with a portable device of the user, or may communicate with a remote server.

In an embodiment, the communicating means 60 may be configured for communicating with the user when the sensing means 50 detects that the angular inclination of the luminaire head 110 is past a predetermined inclination level.

In another embodiment, the luminaire head 110 may comprise another sensing means (not shown) including an accelerometer to complement or supplement the incline indicator system 100. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head integrating an incline indicator system according to the present invention.

The luminaire head 110 may be rotated around a first incline axis Al and a second incline axis A2. The first incline axis Al may correspond to the pitch axis and the second incline axis A2 may correspond to the roll axis.

The luminaire head 110 may comprise a housing with an inner compartment and the incline indicator system 100 may comprise at least one chamber 10 integrated in that inner compartment on a surface substantially parallel to the light plane of the luminaire head 110.

The chamber 10 of Fig.5 may be included in a transparent cylindrical spirit level. The chamber 10 is delimited by a plurality of walls whose inner surfaces define a cylinder extending in a direction orthogonal to the first and second incline axes Al, A2. The indicating means 30 comprises circular concentric lines on a top surface of the chamber 10 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first and second incline axes A1, A2. The indicating means 30 is configured for indicating at least four inclination levels of the luminaire head relative to the first and second incline axes Al, A2. Preferably, the indicating means 30 comprises angular gradations relative to the first and second incline axes Al, A2.

The luminaire head 110 may further comprise a lighting means 40 configured to illuminate the chamber 10 and the associated indicating means such that a user can view the inclination of the tuminaire head 110 more distinctly. The lighting means 40 of Fig.4 is configured for a sideway illumination. Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS i. A light fixture head incorporating a tilt indicator system, the Light fixture head being rotatable about a first tilt axis (A1), the tilt indicator system {100) comprising: - at least one chamber (10) related to the light fixture head (110), the at least one chamber (10) is bounded by multiple walls; at least one inclinometer {20) located in the at least one chamber {10) and adapted to be able to move within the at least one chamber (10) based on an angular inclination of the light fitting head (110) about the first inclination axis ( Already); - an indication means (30) related to the at least one inclinometer (20) and corresponding to the position of the at least one inclinometer (20) within the at least one chamber (10); - wherein the indicating means (30) is arranged to indicate at least four tilt levels of the light fitting head (110) with respect to the first tilt axis (AD).

The light fixture head of claim 1, wherein the light fixture head is rotatable about a second tilt axis (A2) different from the first tilt axis (A1), one of the at least one tilt sensor (20) being arranged to move within the at least one chamber (10) based on the inclination of the light fitting head (110) about the second inclination axis (A2); and wherein the related indication means (30) is arranged to indicate at least one tilt level of the light armature head (110) relative to the second tilt axis (A2).

The light fixture head of claim 2, wherein the indicating means (30) is arranged to indicate a planar slope of the light fitting head (1) relative to the second tilt axis (A2).

The light fitting head of claim 2 or 3, wherein the second tilt axis (A2) is substantially perpendicular to the first tilt axis (A1).

The light fixture head according to any of claims 2-4, wherein one of the at least one inclinometer (20) is further arranged to move within the at least one chamber (10) based on an angular tilt of the light fixture head (1 10) around the first and second ramp axes (A1, A2).

The light fixture head of any of claims 2-5, wherein the light fixture head is rotatable about a third tilt axis (A3) different from the first and second tilt axes (A1, A2). preferably substantially perpendicular to the first and second tilt axes (A1, A2), wherein one of the at least one inclinometer (20) is arranged to be able to move within the at least one chamber (10) based on an angular tilt of the light fixture head (110 ) around the third slope axis (A3); and wherein the related indication means (30) is arranged to indicate at least one tilt level of the light fitting head (110) relative to the third tilt axis (A3).

The light fitting head of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of walls defining the at least one chamber (10) includes a portion made of a transparent material, the portion configured to allow the at least one inclinometer (20) ) can be viewed by a user in multiple positions corresponding to the at least four levels of tilt of the light fitting head (110).

The light fitting head of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least one chamber (10) is contained in a leveling device and the corresponding at least one inclinometer (20) comprises a gas bubble.

The light fitting head of claims 7-8, wherein the indicating means (30) includes a level indicator (32) disposed on a surface of the transparent portion of the plurality of walls.

The light fitting head of any preceding claim, wherein the indicating means (30) comprises a level indicator (31) disposed on a surface of the light fitting head housing.

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein the indication means (30) related to the at least one inclinometer (20) is arranged to be visible to the user from outside the light fixture head (110).

The light fixture head of the preceding claim, wherein the related indication means (30) is arranged to be visible to the user from beneath the light fixture head.

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein the first tilt axis {A1) corresponds to the transverse axis of the light fixture head (110).

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein the indicating means (30) is arranged to indicate a planar inclination of the light fixture head (110) with respect to the first tilt axis (A1).

The light fixture head according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the indicating means (30) related to the at least one inclinometer (10) is further configured to indicate the inclination of the light fixture head (110) relative to the first tilt axis ( A1) over a range between -5 ° and 5 °, preferably over a range between -10 ° and 10 °, further preferably over a range between -20 ° and 20 °, most preferably over a range between -30 ° and 30 °.

The light fitting head of any preceding claim, wherein one of the at least one chamber includes an elongated chamber (10) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first tilt axis (A1).

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein an inner portion of the plurality of walls defining the at least one chamber (10) has an at least partial circular section substantially parallel or perpendicular to the first slope axis (A1).

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein the tilt indicator system further comprises illumination means (40) adapted to illuminate the indication means (30).

The light fixture head of any preceding claim, wherein the tilt indicator system further includes a sensor means (50) arranged to obtain a measure of the tilt level of the fixture head (110) based on the position of one of the at least one tilt sensor. (20) within the at least one chamber (19), and includes a communication means (60) adapted to communicate based on the acquired measure.