WO2022008737A1

WO2022008737A1 - Modular luminaire head and gear module for a luminaire head

Info

Publication number: WO2022008737A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/069216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elizabeth FERNANDES
Original assignee: Schreder S.A.
Priority date: 2020-07-09
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: AU2021303527A1

Abstract

1. A luminaire head comprising: an optical unit (200, 200', 200") comprising a light source (250); a cover structure (100, 100', 100") connected to said optical unit; and a gear module (300, 300') arranged between the optical unit and the cover structure, said gear module comprising a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly (600) including a driver (610, 610') arranged in said sealed gear housing, and said sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly.

Description

MODULAR LUMINAIRE HEAD AND GEAR MODULE FOR A LUMINAIRE HEAD

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to modular luminaire heads, in particular to modular luminaire heads for outdoor luminaires, and to a gear module for use in such luminaire heads.

BACKGROUND

Luminaires, in particular outdoor or industrial luminaires, comprise a luminaire housing in which a support with at least one light source is arranged. Typically, the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, a luminaire may comprise a luminaire pole and a luminaire head formed by the luminaire housing. In other luminaires, the luminaire head may be connected to a wall or suspended to a cable. A drive means for the at least one light source, typically in the form of a LED driver, may be arranged in or on the luminaire head, in or on the luminaire pole, or in any other suitable location of the luminaire system. Further, outdoor or industrial luminaires may typically use control modules containing different control blocks and/or sensors, e.g. a light sensor for sensing the light level of ambient light to automatically control the light sources.

Luminaires, in particular outdoor luminaires are often designed for a particular purpose and/or for a specific customer, and many different luminaires have to be kept in stock for different applications. For example, a luminaire head can be fixed to a pole end following two main configurations. The first configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, referred to as side-entry configuration in the following. The second configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially vertical direction, referred to as top-mount configuration in the following. A problem with some outdoor luminaires is that luminaire heads are designed either to be fixed according to the top-mount configuration, or according to the side-entry configuration, thereby also increasing the manufacturing costs. Indeed, currently several components of a luminaire head are not adapted for being used in both side-entry and top-mount configurations, and said components are not meant to serve a large range of different products.

Generally, the modularity of a luminaire is limited.

SUMMARY The object of embodiments of the invention is to provide luminaire heads which can be modular. The object of more particular embodiments is to provide luminaire heads allowing the use of one or more external control modules.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire head comprising an optical unit comprising a light source, a cover structure connected to said optical unit, and a gear module arranged between the optical unit and the cover structure. The gear module comprises a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly including a driver arranged in said sealed gear housing, and said sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly.

Embodiments of the invention are based inter alia on the insight that luminaire heads, and especially luminaire heads of outdoor or industrial luminaires as explained below, often require high Ingress Protection ratings, or IP ratings. IP ratings are defined in international standard EN 60529 (British BS EN 60529:1992, European IEC 60509:1989). They are used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (tools, dirt, etc.) and moisture. Typically, an outdoor luminaire head may require an IP66 rating, where the first digit indicates the protection of enclosed equipment from foreign bodies, and the second digit defines the protection level that the enclosure enjoys from various forms of moisture (drips, sprays, submersion, etc.). In particular, an IP66 rating means that the enclosure is totally dust tight, and enjoys full protection against dust and other particulates, is tested against continuous airflow, and is protected against direct high pressure jets.

In the luminaire head of embodiments of the invention, the gear module comprises a sealed gear housing and an electronic assembly including a driver arranged in said sealed gear housing.

In this way, the achievement of high IP rating for the luminaire head of embodiments of the invention is enabled by providing the luminaire head with a sealed gear housing comprising electronic equipment such as a driver, without the need to provide a sealed cover structure of the luminaire head. In other words, the cover structure which forms the external housing of the luminaire head need not be sealed with the same IP rating thanks to the provision of a gear module comprising a sealed gear housing including an electronic assembly to be protected from foreign bodies and moisture. Hence, thanks to the provision of such a gear module, a basic seal may be used for the external housing of the luminaire head. Therefore, the provision of such a sealed gear housing enables to improve the ease of installation of the luminaire head, and to facilitate the manufacture of the cover structure of the luminaire housing, since said cover structure itself need not achieve high IP ratings. In this way, manufacture costs are saved, as well as installation time of the luminaire head.

Moreover, in the luminaire head of embodiments of the invention, the sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly. The at least one receptacle may be integrated with the sealed gear housing. Alternatively, during installation the at least one receptacle may be first mounted in a sealed manner on the sealed gear housing, and then the gear module with the at least one receptacle mounted thereon may be arranged inside the cover structure of the luminaire head, the at least one receptacle being accessible from outside the sealed gear housing, e.g. via an opening provided to the cover structure. In yet an alternative embodiment, during installation the gear module may be first arranged inside the cover structure of the luminaire head without the at least one receptacle, and then the at least one receptacle may be mounted in a sealed manner on the sealed gear housing, e.g. via an opening provided to the cover structure.

In this way, the at least one receptacle provided to the sealed gear housing enables the electrical connection of an external module to the electronic assembly in an easy and safe manner, without requiring that the cover structure itself achieve high IP ratings. Also, the at least one receptacle may be integrated with or mounted on the sealed gear housing before the sealed gear housing is arranged inside the cover structure of the luminaire housing. In this way, installation of the at least one receptacle may be realized at the factory, and installation on site of the luminaire head may be facilitated.

Therefore, the provision of such a sealed gear housing enables to guarantee a safe electrical connection of an external module to the electronic assembly of the luminaire head, without requiring the cover structure itself to achieve high IP ratings. In this way, manufacture costs are saved, while safe electrical connections of external modules to the luminaire head are enabled.

Preferred embodiments relate to luminaire heads of outdoor or industrial luminaires. By outdoor luminaires, it is meant luminaires which are installed on roads, tunnels, industrial plants, stadiums, airports, harbors, rail stations, 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. Such outdoor luminaires may be provided with a side -entry configuration or with a top-mount configuration. As will be further set out below, embodiments of the invention allow to assemble both side-entry and top-mount luminaires. Industrial luminaires can be used e.g. in warehouses, industry halls, etc.

Luminaires for roadways, parking lots, industrial areas and other outdoor areas typically use plug twist-lock external modules containing different control blocks and/or sensors, e.g. a light sensor for sensing the light level of ambient light to automatically control the light sources of the lighting equipment. For uniformity throughout the lighting industry, receptacles for receiving such external modules are mostly made according to specific standards such as standards approved by American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI).

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one receptacle is accessible from outside the luminaire head. Preferably, the at least one receptacle protrudes through an opening in the luminaire head or is accessible through an opening in the luminaire head, such that an external module can be plugged in the at least one receptacle from an external side of the luminaire head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one receptacle comprises a receptacle protruding through an opening in the cover structure or accessible through an opening in the cover structure, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the cover structure.

In this way, since an opening is provided to the cover structure, the latter need not be sealed since the sealed gear housing fulfills the requirement of high IP ratings. Therefore, an easy electrical connection access is provided through the opening while a safe electrical connection is guaranteed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one receptacle comprises a receptacle protruding through an opening in the optical unit or accessible through an opening in the optical unit, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the optical unit.

In this way, since an opening is provided to the optical unit, at least one portion thereof need not be sealed since the sealed gear housing fulfills the requirement of high IP ratings. Therefore, as for the opening provided to the cover structure, an easy electrical connection access is provided through the opening provided to the optical unit while a safe electrical connection is guaranteed. According to an embodiment, the sealed gear housing is provided with two receptacles which are accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and are each configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly. The first receptacle may protrude through an opening in the cover structure or be accessible through an opening in the cover structure, such that a first external module can be plugged in the first receptacle from an external side of the cover structure. The second receptacle may protrude through an opening in the optical unit or be accessible through an opening in the optical unit, such that a second external module can be plugged in the second receptacle from an external side of the optical unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the optical unit comprises a sealed optical housing and the light source is arranged in the sealed optical housing.

In this way, since the light source corresponds to electronic equipment to be protected from foreign bodies and moisture, the provision of a sealed optical housing guarantees a high IP rating to at least the portion of the optical unit that includes the light source, while another portion of the optical unit, which e.g. may be provided with an opening, may not need to achieve high IP ratings.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealed optical housing delimits a sealed compartment including the light source and wherein the sealed optical housing is provided with a flange portion outside the sealed compartment, said flange portion comprising the opening in the optical unit.

In this way, easy and safe access to the light source is provided thanks to the sealed compartment, while the flange portion outside the sealed compartment need not achieve high IP ratings since it comprises the opening in the optical unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealed optical housing is shaped substantially as a closed disk or tray with a first side facing the gear module and a second side including a transparent or translucent portion. Preferably, a seal is arranged between the second side and the first side.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first side is provided with a heat sink including a plurality of cooling fins. A heat sink enables dissipation of heat generated by the light source towards the outside of the luminaire head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the optical unit is connected via a hinge mechanism to the cover structure. In this way, easy access is provided to the sealed gear module without requiring high IP ratings for the cover structure, especially for the connection between the optical unit and the cover structure.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection between the optical unit and the cover structure is performed in a tool-less manner, preferably by means of any one or more of the following elements: clamps, clips, quarter-turn screws.

According to a preferred embodiment, a receptacle of the at least one receptacle has a front side and a rear side, said front side being configured for receiving electrical contacts of an external module, preferably an external control module of a lighting equipment. The rear side is electrically connected to the electronic assembly, said receptacle accommodating a plurality of receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact being provided, at a front end, with a front contact portion configured for being electrically connected with a contact of the external module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each receptacle contact is provided, at a rear end, with at least one wire receiving contact portion connected to a wire connected to the electronic assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cover structure comprises an upper cover arranged around the gear module.

As already mentioned above, the upper cover need not achieve high IP ratings, since the sealed gear housing of the gear module achieves such a rating.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover structure comprises a lower cover, preferably a ring shaped lower cover, attached to a lower end of the upper cover. The optical unit is connected to the lower cover.

As already mentioned above, the lower cover need not achieve high IP ratings, and especially the connection between the optical unit and the lower cover may be sealed, but need not be sealed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sealed gear housing comprises a housing portion delimiting a compartment with a bottom opening which is closed by a lower door. The lower door is configured such that it is accessible when the optical unit is moved away or hinged away from the cover structure. In this way, easy access is provided to the interior of the sealed gear module thanks to the lower door. Also, easy access is provided to the lower door before opening it, since the optical unit may be easily moved away or hinged away from the cover structure thanks to the above hinge mechanism connecting the optical unit to the cover structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lower door is connected to the housing portion via a hinge mechanism.

In this way, easy access is provided to the interior of the sealed gear module thanks to the hinge mechanism.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connection between the lower door and the housing portion is performed in a tool-less manner, preferably by means of any one or more of the following elements: clamps, clips, quarter-turn screws.

According to a preferred embodiment, the housing portion is provided with at least one cable gland for connecting an electrical cable.

As for the rest of the sealed gear housing, the cable gland enables to achieve high IP ratings, thereby providing a safe electrical connection between the electrical cable and the electronic assembly arranged inside the gear module, e.g. the driver.

According to a preferred embodiment, a seal is provided between the lower door and the housing portion.

Contrary to the connection between the optical unit and the cover structure, the connection between the lower door and the housing portion of the sealed gear housing enables to achieve high IP ratings thanks to the provision of the above-mentioned seal.

According to a preferred embodiment, the light source comprises a support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is mounted.

According to a preferred embodiment, the luminaire head further comprises a connection part connected to the cover structure, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure. The connection part is configured for a side-entry connection or for a top-mount connection to a pole or base. In this way, the luminaire head can be fixed to the pole or base following two main configurations. The first configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, referred to as the side-entry configuration. The second configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially vertical direction, referred to as the top-mount configuration. The luminaire head is designed to be fixed according to the top-mount and side-entry configurations, thereby decreasing the manufacturing costs and improving the modularity of the luminaire head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic assembly comprises any one or more of the following: a light source dimming means, surge protection circuitry, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a driving and/or control circuitry for any electrical components of the luminaire head.

Surge protection circuitry is provided to absorb energy and protect the driver, typically including a light-emitting diode (LED) driver circuit, and optionally a light source dimming means. The role of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuitry is to reduce the risk of accumulating electrostatic charge to a critical level so as to avoid that ESD happen through an insulation layer and damage semiconductor components such as LEDs.

Optionally, a flux exhauster may be arranged at the second side of the sealed optical housing, around the light source. In addition or alternatively, an inner surface of the second side of the sealed optical housing may be painted or coated to fulfill the function of flux exhauster itself. A flux exhauster in the context of the present invention is typically plate-like and has a surface with good reflective properties. This optional feature may be present in embodiments according to any one of the above disclosed aspects.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealed optical housing, preferably the first side thereof, is made of a heat conductive material and is shaped to form a heat sink. In this way, the sealed optical housing itself is a heat sink, thereby saving space inside the luminaire head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heat sink is partially in contact with the cover structure. This improves and accelerates the dissipation of heat generated by the light source towards the outside of the luminaire head.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source comprises a plurality of LEDs, preferably arranged on a LED support, such as a PCB. The LEDs may be arranged in an array of multiple columns and rows. According to a preferred embodiment, one or more optical elements are associated with the light source. The one or more optical elements may comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of LEDs, e.g. grouped in a lens plate. However, also other types of optical elements may be additionally or alternatively present, such as reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like. In the context of the invention, a lens element may include any transmissive optical element that focuses or disperses light by means of refraction. It may also include any one of the following: a reflective portion, a backlight portion, a prismatic portion, a collimator portion, a diffusor portion. For example, a lens element may have a lens portion with a concave or convex surface facing a LED, or more generally a lens portion with a flat or curved surface facing the LED, and optionally a collimator portion integrally formed with said lens portion, said collimator portion being configured for collimating light transmitted through said lens portion. Also, a lens element may be provided with a reflective portion or surface or with a diffusive portion.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source may comprise a plurality of first light elements such as LEDs and one or more associated first optical elements configured to output a first light beam having a first color temperature according to a first intensity distribution within a first solid angle, and a plurality of second light elements such as LEDs and one or more associated second optical elements configured to output a second light beam having a second color temperature according to a second intensity distribution within a second solid angle. The second intensity distribution may be different from the first intensity distribution. Also, the second color temperature may be different from the first color temperature. Exemplary embodiments of such light sources are disclosed in Dutch patent application with application number NL2024571 in the name of the applicant which in included herein by reference.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the light source may comprise RGB and/or RGBW and/or RGBA LEDs and associated control circuitry for controlling the color emitted by the light source.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sealed optical housing further comprises a color filter arranged between the light source and the transparent or translucent portion. For example, the color filter may be a sheet arranged above the transparent or translucent portion. The color filter is configured to absorb a portion of the light emitted by the light source in specific wavelength ranges so as to change the color of the light emitted by the luminaire head. Preferably, the color filter is accessible by opening the sealed optical housing. In that way, the color filter can be easily changed, e.g. when it is desirable to change the color of the emitted light for a special occasion or festivity. The features described in this paragraph may be implemented in any one of the aspects mentioned above and below.

According to a preferred embodiment, the receptacle may establish a connection with the electronic assembly using one or more wired or wireless communication protocols.

Also, it is noted that it is possible to provide one or more functionalities in a receptacle, preferably in the receptacle protruding through the opening provided to the cover structure and/or the receptacle protruding through the opening provided to the optical unit, such as a sensor, communication circuitry, control circuitry, protection circuitry (e.g. an SPD or a fuse), an actuator, display unit, an antenna unit, a speaker unit, an air cleaning unit such as a UV light source, etc.

Further, an external module placed in a receptacle, preferably the above-mentioned receptacles, may comprise any one or more of the following: a sensor (e.g. a light sensor, a motion sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a sound sensor, a pollution sensor such as a C02, NOx and SOx sensor, a smoke sensor, a biological threat sensor, a thermal sensor, an image capturing sensor such as a camera, a humidity sensor, a visibility sensor, a temperature sensor, a radar sensor, a voice recorder, etc.), communication circuitry, control circuitry, protection circuitry (e.g. an SPD or a fuse), an actuator, etc. More generally, the external module may comprise any component that needs to be powered, any component involved in the transmission and/or reception of signals, any component completing the circuitry inside the luminaire head, such as protection circuitry, etc. It is further noted that the external module may be configured to receive a further external module. In other words, a stack of interconnected external modules may be arranged in the receptacle, wherein some functionalities may be included in a first external module and other functionalities in a second external module. In that manner, the luminaire head is given an extra degree of modularity.

An external module typically comprises at least three standard prongs or plug contacts which are inserted into corresponding apertures in the receptacle. Preferably, the receptacle and the external module fulfil the requirements of the ANSI C136.10-2017 standard or of the ANSI C136.41-2013 standard or of the Zhaga Interface Specification Standard (Book 18, Edition 1.0, July 2018, see https://www.zhagastandard.0rg/data/downloadables/l/O/8/l/book 18.pdf).

According to embodiments of the invention, the luminaire head can have an overall round shape, i.e., any one or more of the components of the luminaire head such as the cover structure may have a round shape. In other embodiments, the luminaire head may have an overall polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. Thus, any one or more of the components of the luminaire head such as the upper cover and the optional lower cover of the cover structure may have a polygonal shape. Also mixed shapes are possible.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gear module for use in a luminaire according to any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The gear module comprises a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly including a driver arranged in said sealed gear housing, and said sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly.

The skilled person will understand that the technical considerations and advantages described above in connection with the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention apply to the embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire head comprising an optical unit comprising a light source, a cover structure connected to said optical unit, and an electronic assembly preferably including a driver arranged in between the optical unit and the cover structure. The optical unit is connected via a hinge mechanism to the cover structure, said hinge mechanism being configured such that the optical unit is translated away from the cover structure and rotated.

In this way, an easy access may be provided to the optical unit and to the electronic assembly thanks to the hinge mechanism between the optical unit and the cover structure, while enabling the optical unit to have various shapes, such as a round shape. Indeed, in the case of a round shape, the opening of the optical unit may be hindered by the shape of the corresponding opening provided to the cover structure. Hence, using a hinge mechanism capable of translating away the optical unit from the cover structure whilst rotating the optical unit with respect to the cover structure enables to improve the ease of access to interior components of the cover structure. In this way, an operator may replace or perform maintenance on said interior components in a more reliable way.

Also, providing such a hinge mechanism is advantageous in the case where the at least one receptacle of the sealed gear housing comprises a receptacle protruding through an opening in the optical unit or accessible through an opening in the optical unit, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the optical unit. In this way, since the receptacle is protruding through the opening provided to the optical unit, the opening of the optical unit may be hindered by the presence of the protruding receptacle. By providing such a hinge mechanism, the optical unit is translated away from the cover structure whilst being rotated, thereby avoiding that the opening of the optical unit be hindered by the presence of the protruding receptacle. Hence, using a hinge mechanism capable of translating away the optical unit from the cover structure whilst rotating the optical unit with respect to the cover structure enables to improve the ease of access to interior components of the cover structure.

The skilled person will understand that the technical considerations and advantages described above in connection with the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention apply to the embodiments of the third aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge mechanism is configured such that a hinge axis thereof moves away from the cover structure whilst allowing the optical unit to gradually pivot around the hinge axis.

In this way, the ease of access to interior components of the cover structure is improved, because the hinge mechanism provides a large pivot angle of the optical unit around the hinge axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the hinge mechanism comprises a first hinge structure having a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, and a second hinge structure having a third pivot axis and a fourth pivot axis.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first pivot axis is connected to one of the cover structure and the optical unit, and the second pivot axis is connected to the other one of the cover structure and the optical unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first hinge structure comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting element between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg comprise free end parts configured for forming the first pivot axis and the connecting element is configured for forming the second pivot axis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first hinge structure is substantially U-shaped. According to a preferred embodiment, the third pivot axis is connected to one of the cover structure and the optical unit, and the fourth pivot axis is connected to the other one of the cover structure and the optical unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second hinge structure comprises a first leg, a second leg, and a connecting element between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg comprise free end parts configured for forming the third pivot axis and the connecting element is configured for forming the fourth pivot axis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second hinge structure is substantially U-shaped.

According to a preferred embodiment, seen in a plane perpendicular to the first to fourth pivot axes, the second and fourth pivot axes describe trajectories that intersect each other from an open position to a closed position of the optical unit with respect to the cover structure.

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 and IB illustrate a side view and an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head;

Figure 2 illustrates exemplary embodiments of different components of a luminaire head;

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an optical unit for use in a luminaire head;

Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head in its closed and open states; Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a gear module for use in a luminaire head;

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part; Figure 7A illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part and a receptacle;

Figures 7B-7D illustrate different interior views of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head; Figures 8A and 8B respectively illustrate a perspective view, a side view, and an enlarged side view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a hinge mechanism;

Figure 9 illustrates a top view and an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part and a receptacle; Figures 10A and 10B illustrate two enlarged perspective views of a luminaire head comprising a hinge mechanism;

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate two schematic side views of a luminaire head comprising the hinge mechanism of Figures 10A and 10B; and

Figure 12 illustrates a schematic side view of a hinge mechanism for use in the luminaire head of Figures 10A-11B.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1A and IB illustrate a side view and an exploded side view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head.

As illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, a luminaire head comprises an optical unit 200 comprising a light source 250, a cover structure 100 connected to said optical unit 200, and a gear module 300 arranged between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100. The gear module 300 comprises a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly (not shown; see Figure 5) including a driver (not shown) arranged in said sealed gear housing. The sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle 500a which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module (not shown) to the electronic assembly. The at least one receptacle may comprise a receptacle 500a protruding through an opening 110 in the cover structure 100 or accessible through the opening 110 in the cover structure 100, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the cover structure 100. The cover structure 100 may comprise an upper cover 100a arranged around the gear module 300. The cover structure 100 may comprise a ring shaped lower cover 100b attached to a lower end of the upper cover 100a. The optical unit 200 may be connected to the ring shaped lower cover 100b.

The luminaire head may further comprise a connection part 400 connected to the cover structure 100, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure 100, said connection part 400 being configured for a side -entry connection or for a top-mount connection to a pole or base.

Figure 2 illustrates exemplary embodiments of different components of a luminaire head.

As illustrated in Figure 2, three different optical units 200, 200’, 200” are shown. Each of the three optical units 200, 200’, 200” is provided with an opening 210. The at least one receptacle may comprise a receptacle (not shown; see Figure 4) protruding through the opening 210 in the optical unit 200, 200’, 200” or accessible through the opening 210 in the optical unit 200, 200’, 200”, such that an external module (not shown) can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the optical unit 200, 200’, 200”. The first optical unit 200 may correspond to a 50 W optical unit, while the two other optical units 200’, 200” may correspond to 100 W optical units. Optical units with other power values may be provided. For example, more powerful optical units may be provided, such as a 150 W or a 200 W optical unit.

As illustrated in Figure 2, two different gear modules 300, 300’ are shown. The first gear module 300 may correspond to a 50-100 W gear module, while the second gear module 300’ may correspond to a 100-150 W gear module. Gear modules with other power ranges may be provided. For example, more powerful gear modules may be provided, such as a 150-200 W gear module.

As illustrated in Figure 2, three different cover structures 100, 100’, 100” are shown. The cover structures 100, 100’, 100” may comprise an upper cover 100a arranged around the gear module 300, 300’, and optionally a ring shaped lower cover 100b attached to a lower end of the upper cover 100a. The optical units 200, 200’, 200” may be connected to a lower end of the upper cover 100a or to the ring shaped lower cover 100b. The first cover structure 100 may correspond to a large-size shade. In this case, the optical units 200, 200’, 220” may be connected to the ring shaped lower cover 100b, due to the relatively large size of the first cover structure 100. The second cover structure 100’ may correspond to a medium-size shade. The third cover structure 100” may correspond to a small-size shade. In these cases, the optical units 200, 200’, 220” may be connected to the lower end of the upper cover 100a without requiring the use of a ring shaped lower cover 100b attached to the lower end of the upper cover 100a, due to the smaller sizes of the second and third cover structures 100’, 100” in comparison with the first cover structure 100.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the luminaire head can have an overall round shape, i.e., any one or more of the components of the luminaire head such as the cover structure 100, 100’, 100” may have a round shape, e.g. the shape of a bell as illustrated in Figures 1A and 2. The gear module 300, 300’ may have a round shape, e.g. the shape of a bell as illustrated in Figures 1A and 2, that is complementary to the shape of the cover structure 100, 100’, 100”, so that the cover structure 100, 100’, 100”, in particular the upper cover 100a, may be arranged closely around the gear module 300, 300’. In other embodiments, the luminaire head may have an overall polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. Thus, any one or more of the components of the luminaire head such as the upper cover and the optional lower cover of the cover structure may have a polygonal shape. As illustrated in Figure 2, two different connection parts 400, 400’ are shown. The connection parts 400, 400’ may be connected to the cover structure 100, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure 100, such as the upper cover 100a. The first connection part 400 may correspond to a side-entry connection to a pole or base, while the second connection part 400’ may correspond to a top-mount configuration to a pole or base.

Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an optical unit for use in a luminaire head.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the optical unit 200 may comprise a sealed optical housing 220a, 220b, 220c. The light source 250 may be arranged in the sealed optical housing 220a, 220b, 220c. The sealed optical housing 220a, 220b, 220c may delimit a sealed compartment 225 including the light source 250. The sealed optical housing 220a, 220b, 220c may be provided with a flange portion outside the sealed compartment 225, said flange portion comprising the opening 210 in the optical unit 200. The sealed optical housing 220a, 220b, 220c may be shaped substantially as a closed disk or tray with a first side 201 facing the gear module (not shown) and a second side 202 including a transparent or translucent portion 220c. Preferably, a seal 260 may be arranged between the second side 202 and the first side 201. The first side 201 may be provided with a heat sink 230 including a plurality of cooling fins (not shown; see Figures 7C and 7D). The light source 250 may comprise a support 251, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 252 may be mounted. The LEDs may be arranged in an array of multiple columns and rows. Further, one or more optical elements may be associated with the light source 250. The one or more optical elements may comprise a plurality of lens elements associated with the plurality of LEDs, e.g. grouped in a lens plate. However, also other types of optical elements may be additionally or alternatively present, such as reflectors, backlights, prisms, collimators, diffusors, and the like. The light source 250 may comprise a plurality of first light elements such as LEDs and one or more associated first optical elements configured to output a first light beam having a first color temperature according to a first intensity distribution within a first solid angle, and a plurality of second light elements such as LEDs and one or more associated second optical elements configured to output a second light beam having a second color temperature according to a second intensity distribution within a second solid angle. The second intensity distribution may be different from the first intensity distribution. Also, the second color temperature may be different from the first color temperature. Exemplary embodiments of such light sources are disclosed in Dutch patent application with application number NL2024571 in the name of the applicant which in included herein by reference. Also, the light source 250 may comprise RGB and/or RGBW and/or RGBA LEDs and associated control circuitry for controlling the color emitted by the light source 250. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head in its closed and open states.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the at least one receptacle may comprise a receptacle 500b protruding through an opening 210 in the optical unit 200 or accessible through the opening 210 in the optical unit 200, such that an external module (not shown) can be plugged in the receptacle 500b from an external side of the optical unit 200. The optical unit 200 may be connected to the cover structure 100 via a hinge mechanism (not shown; see element 240 of Figure 8A). The opening 210 for receiving the receptacle 500b may be arranged in the optical unit 200 at a location opposite the hinge mechanism. The at least one receptacle may also comprise a receptacle 500a protruding through an opening 110 in the cover structure 100 or accessible through the opening 110 in the cover structure 100, such that an external module (not shown) can be plugged in the receptacle 500a from an external side of the cover structure 100. A receptacle of the at least one receptacle 500a, 500b may have a front side and a rear side. The front side may be configured for receiving electrical contacts of an external module, preferably an external control module of a lighting equipment. The rear side may be electrically connected to the electronic assembly 600. The receptacle may accommodate a plurality of receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact being provided, at a front end, with a front contact portion configured for being electrically connected with a contact of the external module. Each receptacle contact may be provided, at a rear end, with at least one wire receiving contact portion connected to a wire connected to the electronic assembly 600. The electronic assembly 600 includes a driver 610 arranged in the sealed gear housing. The electronic assembly 600 may further comprise any one or more of the following: a light source dimming means, surge protection circuitry 620, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a driving and/or control circuitry for any electrical components of the luminaire head.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the sealed gear housing may comprise a housing portion 320 delimiting a compartment with a bottom opening which is closed by a lower door 330. The lower door 330 may be configured such that it is accessible when the optical unit 200 is moved away or hinged away from the cover structure 100. The lower door 330 may be connected to the housing portion 320 via a hinge mechanism (not shown; see element 340 of Figure 7D). A seal 360 may be provided between the lower door 330 and the housing portion 320.

Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a gear module for use in a luminaire head. As illustrated in Figure 5, the gear module 300 comprises a sealed gear housing and an electronic assembly 600 including a driver 610, 610’ arranged in the sealed gear housing. The sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle 500a, 500b which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly 600. The at least one receptacle may comprise a receptacle 500b protruding through an opening 210 in the optical unit 200 or accessible through the opening 210 in the optical unit 200, such that an external module (not shown) can be plugged in the receptacle 500b from an external side of the optical unit 200. The at least one receptacle may also comprise a receptacle 500a protruding through an opening 110 in the cover structure 100 or accessible through the opening 110 in the cover structure 100, such that an external module (not shown) can be plugged in the receptacle 500a from an external side of the cover structure 100. Two different types of receptacles 500b, 500b’ are shown in Figure 5. The first receptacle 500b may correspond to a Zhaga receptacle, while the second receptacle, larger than the first one, may correspond to a NEMA receptacle, as described below in the summary of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 5, the receptacle 500a may correspond to a Zhaga receptacle.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the sealed gear housing may comprise a housing portion 320 delimiting a compartment with a bottom opening which is closed by a lower door 330. The lower door 330 may be configured such that it is accessible when the optical unit 200 is moved away or hinged away from the cover structure 100. The lower door 330 may be connected to the housing portion 320 via a hinge mechanism (not shown; see Figure 7D). A seal 360 may be provided between the lower door 330 and the housing portion 320. The housing portion 320 may be provided with at least one cable gland 350 for connecting an electrical cable. The electronic assembly 600 includes a driver 610, 610’ arranged in the sealed gear housing. The electronic assembly 600 may further comprise any one or more of the following: a light source dimming means, surge protection circuitry 620, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a driving and/or control circuitry for any electrical components of the luminaire head.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part.

As illustrated in Figure 6, the luminaire head may further comprise a connection part 400, 400’ connected to the cover structure 100, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure 100 such as the upper cover 100a, said connection part 400, 400’ being configured for a side -entry connection or for a top-mount connection to a pole or base. Two different connection parts 400, 400’ are shown. The first connection part 400 may correspond to a side-entry connection to a pole or base, while the second connection part 400’ may correspond to a top-mount configuration to a pole or base.

Figure 7A illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part and a receptacle. Figures 7B-7D illustrate different interior views of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head.

As illustrated in Figure 7A, the luminaire head may comprise a connection part 400 connected to the cover structure 100, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure 100 such as the upper cover 100a, said connection part 400 being configured for a top-mount connection to a pole or base. The sealed gear housing may be provided with a receptacle 500a which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module (not shown) to the electronic assembly.

As illustrated in Figures 7B-7D, the cover structure 100 may comprise an upper cover 100a arranged around the gear module 300. The cover structure 100 may comprise a ring shaped lower cover 100b attached to a lower end of the upper cover 100a. The optical unit 200 may be connected to the ring shaped lower cover 100b. The optical unit 200 may comprise a sealed optical housing. The light source may be arranged in the sealed optical housing. The sealed optical housing may delimit a sealed compartment including the light source. The sealed optical housing may be shaped substantially as a closed disk or tray with a first side 201 facing the gear module 300 and a second side 202 including a transparent or translucent portion (see Figure 7B). Preferably, a seal (not shown; see Figure 3) may be arranged between the second side 202 and the first side 201. The first side 201 may be provided with a heat sink 230 including a plurality of cooling fins 231. The light source may comprise a support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light emitting diodes may be mounted.

As illustrated in Figures 7C and 7D, the optical unit 200 may be connected via a hinge mechanism 240 to the cover structure 100. The hinge mechanism 240 may be configured such that the optical unit 200 is translated away from the cover structure 100 and rotated. The hinge mechanism 240 may be configured such that a hinge axis thereof moves away from the cover structure 100 whilst allowing the optical unit 200 to gradually pivot around the hinge axis. The connection between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100 may be performed in a tool -less manner, preferably by means of any one or more of the following elements: clamps, clips, quarter-turn screws. In the embodiment of Figures 7B-7D, the connection between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100 is performed in a tool-less manner by means of three quarter-turn screws 203a, 203b, 203c. As illustrated in Figures 7C and 7D, the sealed gear housing may comprise a housing portion 320 delimiting a compartment with a bottom opening which is closed by a lower door 330. The lower door 330 may be configured such that it is accessible when the optical unit 200 is moved away or hinged away from the cover structure 100. The lower door 330 may be connected to the housing portion 320 via a hinge mechanism 340. A seal (see Figure 5) may be provided between the lower door 330 and the housing portion 320. The connection between the lower door 330 and the housing portion 320 may be performed in a tool-less manner, preferably by means of any one or more of the following elements: clamps, clips, quarter-turn screws. In the embodiment of Figures 7B-7D, The connection between the lower door 330 and the housing portion 320 is performed in a tool-less manner by means of two quarter-turn screws 303a, 303b.

Figures 8A and 8B respectively illustrate a perspective view, a side view, and an enlarged side view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a hinge mechanism.

As illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, the luminaire head comprises an optical unit 200 comprising a light source (not shown; see Figure 7B), a cover structure 100 connected to said optical unit 200, and a gear module 300 arranged between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100. The gear module 300 comprises a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly (not shown; see Figure 5) including a driver (not shown) arranged in said sealed gear housing. The sealed gear housing is provided with a receptacle 500b which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module (not shown) to the electronic assembly. The receptacle 500b protrudes through an opening 210 in the optical unit 200 and is accessible through the opening 210 in the optical unit 200, such that the external module can be plugged in the receptacle 500b from an external side of the optical unit 200. The cover structure 100 may comprise an upper cover 100a arranged around the gear module 300. In the embodiment of Figures 8A and 8D, the optical unit 200 is connected to a lower end of the upper cover 100a.

As illustrated in Figures 8 A and 8B, the optical unit 200 may comprise a sealed optical housing. A light source may be arranged in the sealed optical housing. The sealed optical housing may delimit a sealed compartment 225 including the light source. The sealed optical housing may be provided with a flange portion outside the sealed compartment 225, said flange portion comprising the opening 210 in the optical unit 200. The sealed optical housing may be shaped substantially as a closed disk or tray with a first side 201 facing the gear module 300 and a second side 202 opposite the first side 201 and including a transparent or translucent portion. Preferably, a seal (not shown; see Figure 3) may be arranged between the second side 202 and the first side 201. The first side 201 may be provided with a heat sink 230 including a plurality of cooling fins 231. The light source may comprise a support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of LEDs may be mounted.

As illustrated in Figures 8 A and 8B, the optical unit 200 may be connected via a hinge mechanism 240 to the cover structure 100. In the embodiment of Figures 8 A and 8B, the opening 210 for receiving the receptacle 500b may be arranged in the optical unit 200 at a location near the hinge mechanism 240, contrary to the embodiment of Figure 4. The hinge mechanism 240 may be configured such that the optical unit 200 is translated away from the cover structure 100 whilst being rotated. The hinge mechanism 240 may be configured such that a hinge axis A2; A4 (see Figure 8B) thereof moves away from the cover structure 100 whilst allowing the optical unit 200 to gradually pivot around the hinge axis A2; A4. An easy access may be provided to the optical unit 200 and to the electronic assembly with the use of the hinge mechanism 240, while enabling the optical unit 200 to have various shapes, such as a round shape illustrated in Figure 8A. In the case of a round shape, the hinge mechanism 240 enables the opening of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100 without the optical unit 200 being hindered by the shape of the corresponding opening provided to the cover structure 100. Further connections between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100, i.e., connections at other locations than that of the hinge mechanism 240 may be performed in a tool-less manner, preferably by means of any one or more of the following elements: clamps, clips, quarter -turn screws. In the embodiment of Figures 8 A and 8B, the further connections between the optical unit 200 and the cover structure 100 are performed in a tool-less manner by means of three quarter-turn screws 203a, 203b, 203c.

As illustrated in Figure 8B, the hinge mechanism 240 may comprise a first hinge structure 241 having a first pivot axis A1 and a second pivot axis A2, and a second hinge structure 242 having a third pivot axis A3 and a fourth pivot axis A4. The first pivot axis A1 may be connected to one of the cover structure 100 and the optical unit 200, and the second pivot axis A2 may be connected to the other one of the cover structure 100 and the optical unit 200. The third pivot axis A3 may be connected to one of the cover structure 100 and the optical unit 200, and the fourth pivot axis A4 may be connected to the other one of the cover structure 100 and the optical unit 200. In the embodiment of Figure 8B, the first and third pivot axes Al, A3 are connected to the cover structure 100, and the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 are connected to the optical unit 200. In another embodiment, the first and third pivot axes Al, A3 may be connected to the optical unit 200, and the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 may be connected to the cover structure 100.

As illustrated in Figure 8A, the receptacle 500b is configured for protruding through the opening 210 provided to the optical unit 200. The hinge mechanism 240 comprising the first hinge structure 241 and the second hinge structure 242 as illustrated in Figures 8 A and 8B enables the optical unit 200 to be translated away from the cover structure 100 whilst being rotated, and avoids that the opening of the optical unit 200 be hindered by the presence of the protruding receptacle 500b.

Figure 9 illustrates a top view and an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a luminaire head comprising a connection part and a receptacle.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the luminaire head may comprise a gear module (not shown; se Figure 5) comprising a sealed gear housing and an electronic assembly (not shown) including a driver arranged in said sealed gear housing. The sealed gear housing is provided with a receptacle 500a which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module (not shown) to the electronic assembly. The at least one receptacle protrudes through an opening 110 in the cover structure 100 and is accessible through the opening 110 in the cover structure 100, such that the external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the cover structure 100. The cover structure 100 may comprise an upper cover 100a arranged around the gear module. The optical unit 200 may be connected to a lower end of the upper cover 100a. The luminaire head may further comprise a connection part 400 connected to the upper cover 100a of the cover structure 100, said connection part 400 being configured for a side -entry connection or for a pole or base.

In an embodiment, the receptacle 500a may be integrated with the sealed gear housing. In another embodiment, during installation the receptacle 500a may be first mounted in a sealed manner on the sealed gear housing, and then the gear module with the receptacle 500a mounted thereon may be arranged inside the cover structure 100, the receptacle 500a being accessible from outside the sealed gear housing, e.g. via an opening 110 provided to the cover structure 100. In yet another embodiment, during installation the gear module may be first arranged inside the cover structure 100 without the receptacle 500a, and then the receptacle 500a may be mounted in a sealed manner on the sealed gear housing, e.g. via the opening 110 provided to the cover structure 100. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the cover structure 100 may comprise a flat portion 120, wherein the opening 110 may be arranged. In the above embodiments, the receptacle 500a provided to the sealed gear housing enables the electrical connection of the external module to the electronic assembly of the gear module in an easy and safe manner, without requiring that the cover structure 100 itself achieve high IP ratings. Also, since the receptacle 500a may be integrated with or mounted on the sealed gear housing before the sealed gear housing is arranged inside the cover structure 100, installation of the receptacle 500a may be realized at the factory, and installation on site of the luminaire head may be facilitated. As illustrated in Figure 9, the receptacle 500a may have a front side 501a and a rear side (not shown, opposite the front side 501a). The front side 501a may be configured for receiving electrical contacts of the external module, preferably an external control module of a lighting equipment. The rear side may be electrically connected to the electronic assembly. The receptacle 500a may accommodate a plurality of receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact being provided, at a front end, with a front contact portion configured for being electrically connected with a contact of the external module. Each receptacle contact may be provided, at a rear end, with at least one wire receiving contact portion connected to a wire connected to the electronic assembly. The receptacle 500a may have a connection interface 502a located on an external side of the cover structure 100, so that the external module can be plugged into the receptacle 500a to provide control for the lighting equipment of the luminaire head.

The external module may comprise at least three standard prongs or plug contacts which are inserted into corresponding apertures 503a, 504a in the receptacle 500a. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the corresponding apertures 503a, 504 a comprise three apertures 503a of a first type located at a central portion of the connection interface 502a and four apertures 504a of a second type surrounding the three apertures 503a. Two further apertures 505a are provided to the front side 501a of the receptacle 500a. The two further apertures 505a are configured for receiving screws in order to mount the receptacle 500a in a sealed manner on the sealed gear housing. In another embodiment, the receptacle 500a may be integrated with the sealed gear housing. Preferably, the receptacle 500a and the external module fulfil the requirements of the ANSI C136.10-2017 standard or of the ANSI C136.41-2013 standard or of the Zhaga Interface Specification Standard (Book 18, Edition 1.0, July 2018). The receptacle 500a may correspond to a Zhaga receptacle or to a NEMA receptacle. As illustrated in Figure 9, the receptacle 500a may correspond to a Zhaga receptacle. The external module may comprise any one or more of the following: a sensor (e.g. a light sensor, a motion sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a sound sensor, a pollution sensor such as a C02, NOx and SOx sensor, a smoke sensor, a biological threat sensor, a thermal sensor, an image capturing sensor such as a camera, a humidity sensor, a visibility sensor, a temperature sensor, a radar sensor, a voice recorder, etc.), communication circuitry, control circuitry, protection circuitry (e.g. an SPD or a fuse), an actuator, etc.

The receptacle 500a may establish a connection with the electronic assembly using one or more wired or wireless communication protocols. Also, it is noted that it is possible to provide one or more functionalities in the receptacle 500a itself, such as a sensor, communication circuitry, control circuitry, protection circuitry (e.g. an SPD or a fuse), an actuator, display unit, an antenna unit, a speaker unit, an air cleaning unit such as a UV light source, etc.

Figures 10A and 10B illustrate two enlarged perspective views of a luminaire head comprising a hinge mechanism.

As illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, the hinge mechanism 240 comprises a first hinge structure 241 having a first pivot axis A1 and a second pivot axis A2, and a second hinge structure 242 having a third pivot axis A3 and a fourth pivot axis A4. The first and third pivot axes Al, A3 are connected to the cover structure 100, and the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 are connected to the optical unit 200. In another embodiment, the first and third pivot axes Al, A3 may be connected to the optical unit 200, and the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 may be connected to the cover structure 100.

As illustrated in Figure 10B, the first hinge structure 241 may comprise a first leg 2411, a second leg 2412, and a connecting element 2413 between the first leg 2411 and the second leg 2412. The first leg 2411 and the second leg 2412 may comprise free end parts configured for forming the first pivot axis Al. The connecting element 2413 may be configured for forming the second pivot axis A2. The first hinge structure 241 may be substantially U-shaped, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 10B. In other embodiments, the first hinge structure 241 may only comprise a first leg 2411 and a second leg 2412, without connecting element 2413 between the first and second legs 2411, 2412.

As illustrated in Figure 10A, the second hinge structure 242 may comprise a first leg 2421, a second leg 2422, and a connecting element 2423 between the first leg 2421 and the second leg 2422. The first leg 2421 and the second leg 2422 may comprise free end parts configured for forming the third pivot axis A3. The connecting element 2423 may be configured for forming the fourth pivot axis A4. The second hinge structure 242 may be substantially U-shaped, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 10A. In other embodiments, the second hinge structure 242 may only comprise a first leg 2421 and a second leg 2422, without connecting element 2423 between the first and second legs 2421, 2422.

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate two schematic side views of a luminaire head comprising the hinge mechanism 240 of Figures 10A and 10B. Figure 11 A represents an open position of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100, while Figure 11B represents a closed position of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100. Figure 12 illustrates a schematic side view of a hinge mechanism 240 for use in the luminaire head of Figures 10A-11B. Figure 12 represents a transition between the open and closed positions of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100. The first and second hinge structures 241, 242 represented in bold solid lines in Figure 12 correspond to said open position, while the first and second hinge structures 241, 242 represented in bold dashed lines in Figure 12 correspond to said closed position. Figure 12 also illustrates trajectories of the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4, represented in dashed lines, from said open position to said closed position, and vice versa.

As illustrated in Figures 11 A, 11B, and 12, the hinge mechanism 240 is configured such that, from a closed position to an open position of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100, the optical unit 200 is translated away from the cover structure 100 whilst being rotated. The hinge mechanism 240 is configured such that the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 move away from the cover structure 100 whilst allowing the optical unit 200 to gradually pivot around the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4. Reversely, the hinge mechanism 240 is configured such that, from an open position to a closed position of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100, the optical unit 200 is translated towards the cover structure 100 whilst being rotated. The hinge mechanism 240 is configured such that the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 move towards the cover structure 100 whilst allowing the optical unit 200 to gradually pivot around the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4.

As illustrated in Figure 12, the first and third pivot axes Al, A3 are connected to the cover structure 100, and the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 are connected to the optical unit 200. The first to fourth pivot axes A1-A4 are all parallel to each other. Seen in a plane perpendicular to the first to fourth pivot axes A1-A4, i.e., seen in a vertical plane of the luminaire head, the third pivot axis A3 is connected to the cover structure 100 at a higher position than the first pivot axis Al. Seen in the plane perpendicular to the first to fourth pivot axes A1-A4, the fourth pivot axis A4 is situated at a lower position than the second pivot axis A2 when the optical unit 200 is in the open position with respect to the cover structure 100, and at a higher position than the second pivot axis A2 when the optical unit 200 is in the closed position with respect to the cover structure 100. Hence, seen in the plane perpendicular to the first to fourth pivot axes A1-A4, the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 describe trajectories that intersect each other from the open position to the closed position of the optical unit 200 with respect to the cover structure 100, and vice versa. A virtual straight line joining the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 represented by a solid straight line in said open position may be substantially perpendicular to a virtual straight line joining the second and fourth pivot axes A2, A4 represented by a dashed straight line in said closed position. The first and second legs 2411, 2412 of the first structure 241 may each have the shape of a curve between the first and second pivot axes Al, A2, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 11 A, 11B, and 12. The curves may each comprise a substantially flat portion starting from the first pivot axis Al and a curved portion starting from the second pivot axis A2. The flat and curved portions may join each other at a position closer to the second pivot axis A2 than to the first pivot axis Al. Likewise, the first and second legs 2421, 2422 of the second structure 242 may have the shape of a curve between the third and fourth pivot axes A3, A4, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 11 A, 11B, and 12. The curves may each have a substantially constant radius of curvature between the third and fourth pivot axes A3, A4. The above-mentioned curves of the first and second structures 241, 242 may have a curvature oriented towards the outside of the luminaire head, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 11 A, 11B, and 12. In other embodiments, the first and second legs 2411, 2412 of the first structure 241 may each have the shape of a straight line between the first and second pivot axes Al, A2 and/or the first and second legs 2421, 2422 of the second structure 242 may each have the shape of a straight line between the third and fourth pivot axes A3, A4.

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

1. A luminaire head comprising: an optical unit (200, 200’, 200”) comprising a light source (250); a cover structure (100, 100’, 100”) connected to said optical unit; and a gear module (300, 300’) arranged between the optical unit and the cover structure, said gear module comprising a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly (600) including a driver (610, 610’) arranged in said sealed gear housing, and said sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly.

2. The luminaire head of claim 1, wherein the at least one receptacle comprises a receptacle (500a) protruding through an opening (110) in the cover structure or accessible through an opening in the cover structure, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the cover structure.

3. The luminaire head of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one receptacle comprises a receptacle (500b) protruding through an opening (210) in the optical unit or accessible through an opening in the optical unit, such that an external module can be plugged in the receptacle from an external side of the optical unit.

4. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the optical unit comprises a sealed optical housing (220a, 220b, 220c) and wherein the light source is arranged in the sealed optical housing.

5. The luminaire head of claims 3 and 4, wherein the sealed optical housing delimits a sealed compartment (225) including the light source and wherein the sealed optical housing is provided with a flange portion outside the sealed compartment, said flange portion comprising the opening in the optical unit.

6. The luminaire head of claim 4 or 5, wherein the sealed optical housing is shaped substantially as a closed disk or tray with a first side (201) facing the gear module and a second side (202) including a transparent or translucent portion (220c), wherein preferably a seal (260) is arranged between the second side and the first side.

7. The luminaire head of claim 6, wherein the first side is provided with a heat sink (230) including a plurality of cooling fins (231).

8. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the optical unit is connected via a hinge mechanism (240) to the cover structure.

9. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein a receptacle of the at least one receptacle has a front side and a rear side, said front side being configured for receiving electrical contacts of an external module, preferably an external control module of a lighting equipment, said rear side being electrically connected to the electronic assembly, said receptacle accommodating a plurality of receptacle contacts, each receptacle contact being provided, at a front end, with a front contact portion configured for being electrically connected with a contact of the external module.

10. The luminaire head of claim 9, wherein each receptacle contact is provided, at a rear end, with at least one wire receiving contact portion connected to a wire connected to the electronic assembly.

11. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the cover structure (100) comprises an upper cover (100a) arranged around the gear module.

12. The luminaire head of claim 11, wherein the cover structure comprises a lower cover (100b), preferably a ring shaped lower cover (100b), attached to a lower end of the upper cover, wherein the optical unit (200) is connected to the lower cover.

13. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the sealed gear housing comprises a housing portion (320) delimiting a compartment with a bottom opening which is closed by a lower door (330), said lower door being configured such that it is accessible when the optical unit is moved away or hinged away from the cover structure.

14. The luminaire head of claim 13, wherein the lower door (330) is connected to the housing portion via a hinge mechanism (340).

15. The luminaire head of claim 13 or 14, wherein the housing portion (320) is provided with at least one cable gland (350) for connecting an electrical cable.

16. The luminaire head of any one of clai s 13-15, wherein a seal (360) is provided between the lower door and the housing portion.

17. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the light source (250) comprises a support (251), such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (252) is mounted.

18. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, further comprising a connection part (400, 400’) connected to the cover structure, preferably to an upper portion of the cover structure, said connection part being configured for a side -entry connection or for a top- mount connection to a pole or base.

19. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the electronic assembly (600) comprises any one or more of the following: a light source dimming means, surge protection circuitry (620), electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a driving and/or control circuitry for any electrical components of the luminaire head.

20. The luminaire head of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) is accessible from outside the luminaire head.

21. The luminaire head of claim 20, wherein the at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) protrudes through an opening (110; 210) in the luminaire head or is accessible through an opening (110; 210) in the luminaire head, such that an external module can be plugged in the at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) from an external side of the luminaire head.

22. A gear module (300, 300’) for use in a luminaire according to any one of the previous claims, said gear module comprising a sealed gear housing, an electronic assembly (600) including a driver (610, 610’) arranged in said sealed gear housing, and said sealed gear housing is provided with at least one receptacle (500a, 500b) which is accessible from outside the sealed gear housing and is configured for receiving and electrically connecting an external module to the electronic assembly.

23. A luminaire head comprising: an optical unit (200, 200’, 200”) comprising a light source (250); a cover structure (100, 100’, 100”) connected to said optical unit; and an electronic assembly (600) including a driver (610, 610’) arranged in between the optical unit and the cover structure; wherein the optical unit is connected via a hinge mechanism (240) to the cover structure, said hinge mechanism being configured such that the optical unit is translated away from the cover structure and rotated.

24. The luminaire head of claim 23, wherein the hinge mechanism is configured such that a hinge axis (A2; A4) thereof moves away from the cover structure whilst allowing the optical unit to gradually pivot around the hinge axis.

25. The luminaire head of claim 23 or 24, wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a first hinge structure (241) having a first pivot axis (Al) and a second pivot axis (A2), and a second hinge structure (242) having a third pivot axis (A3) and a fourth pivot axis (A4).

26. The luminaire head of claim 25, wherein the first pivot axis is connected to one of the cover structure and the optical unit, and the second pivot axis is connected to the other one of the cover structure and the optical unit.

27. The luminaire head of claim 25 or 26, wherein the first hinge structure comprises a first leg (2411), a second leg (2412), and a connecting element (2413) between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg comprise free end parts configured for forming the first pivot axis and the connecting element is configured for forming the second pivot axis.

28. The luminaire head of any one of claims 25-27, wherein the first hinge structure is substantially U-shaped.

29. The luminaire head of any one of claims 25-28, wherein the third pivot axis is connected to one of the cover structure and the optical unit, and the fourth pivot axis is connected to the other one of the cover structure and the optical unit.

30. The luminaire head of any one of claims 25-29, wherein the second hinge structure comprises a first leg (2421), a second leg (2422), and a connecting element (2423) between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg comprise free end parts configured for forming the third pivot axis and the connecting element is configured for forming the fourth pivot axis.

31. The luminaire head of any one of claims 25-30, wherein the second hinge structure is substantially U-shaped.

32. The luminaire head of any one of claims 25-31, wherein, seen in a plane perpendicular to the first to fourth pivot axes, the second and fourth pivot axes describe trajectories that intersect each other from an open position to a closed position of the optical unit with respect to the cover structure.