Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
  • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
  • G01J1/02—Details
  • G01J1/0271—Housings; Attachments or accessories for photometers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
  • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
  • F24F2120/00—Control inputs relating to users or occupants
  • F24F2120/10—Occupancy
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
  • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
  • G01J1/10—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void
  • G01J1/20—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle
  • G01J1/28—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source
  • G01J1/30—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source using electric radiation detectors
  • G01J1/32—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle using variation of intensity or distance of source using electric radiation detectors adapted for automatic variation of the measured or reference value
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
  • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
  • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
  • H05B47/11—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
  • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
  • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
  • H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
  • H05B47/115—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
  • F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
  • F21V23/0442—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
  • G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
  • G01J1/42—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
  • G01J2001/4247—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors for testing lamps or other light sources
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
  • Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a detector unit for a control system, preferably a lighting control system, and to methods of installing and maintaining a detector unit in a control system.
• Lighting control systems comprise detector units having sensors (for example an occupancy sensor and/or photo sensor) . These lighting control systems seek to reduce power consumption by ensuring optimum use of luminaires by sensing occupancy and current light level and controlling the light levels as appropriate. Such lighting control systems are typically installed in commercial buildings/offices,
• the sensor (s) in detector units tend to be installed between switch/mains and the light source (s) and when the detector unit is being installed or is subsequently removed for service or repair, the connection to the light source (s) (through the detector assembly) is broken. It is therefore necessary to either use emergency lighting, or to manually re-wire the connection. This can be disruptive and/or time consuming.
• HVAC heating and ventilation and air-conditioning
• a lighting control system comprising:
• a luminaire comprising a light source
• a detector unit having a first part detachably coupled to a second part
• the lighting control system being operable between:
• the lighting control system is arranged such that in the maintenance configuration the power source is electrically connected to the luminaire through the first part, such that the light source is on despite the second part being de-coupled from the first part.
• a detector unit requires servicing or repair, it is often the sensor that needs to be accessed.
• a first part can be arranged to connect the power source and luminaire even when the sensor (in the second part) is removed.
• the luminaire is able to remain powered when the sensor is removed, thereby removing the need for emergency lighting, or manual re-wiring of the connection .
• the luminaire comprises the light source.
• the two elements are therefore different (the luminaire being the light fixture itself and typically comprising the light source (e.g. bulb), the body of the light fixture and the light socket) , it will nevertheless be appreciated that in many embodiments of the invention the references to > light source' and luminaire' may be interchangeable.
• the light source being powered may be synonymous with the
• the luminaire is preferably located remotely from the detector unit. Other than the electrical connection between them, the detector unit and the luminaire may be independent of one another.
• the luminaire and detector are preferably structurally independent.
• the lighting system may be automatically operable to the operating configuration upon coupling the first part and the second part.
• the lighting system may be automatically
• the lighting system is preferably operable such that the connection between the power source and the luminaire in the maintenance configuration is effected, and more preferably automatically effected, by the de-coupling of the second part from the first part.
• the lighting system may be operable such that the light source is automatically illuminated upon adopting the maintenance configuration.
• the first part of the detector unit may comprise a live- in terminal connected to the power source and a live-out terminal connected to the light.
• the detector unit may be arranged such that in the operating configuration the live-in and live-out terminals are connected through the second part, but in the maintenance configuration the live-in and live-out terminals are short circuited.
• the lighting control system may control power in response to an output of the sensor, by virtue of the second part being connected across the live-in and live-out
• the luminaire and power source are directly connected through the first part .
• the detector unit may comprise a movable contact.
• the detector unit may be arranged such that in the maintenance configuration the movable contact short circuits the live-in and live-out terminals, and in the operating configuration the movable contact is moved such that it does not short circuit the live-in and live-out terminals.
• the detector unit may be arranged such that the movement of the movable contact from its position in the operating configuration to its position in the maintenance configuration is effected by de-coupling the second part of the detector from the first part.
• the detector unit may be arranged such that the movement of the movable contact from its position in the maintenance configuration to its position in the operating configuration is effected by coupling the second part of the detector to the first part.
• the second part of the detector may be arranged to push the movable contact from its position in the maintenance
• means may be provided (for example a mechanism such as a finger) to push the movable contact from its position in the operating configuration to its position in the maintenance configuration during de-coupling of the second part from the first part.
• the first and second parts of the detector may be any suitable material.
• connection between the power source and the light in the maintenance configuration is preferably effected by relative rotation during the de-coupling of the second part from the first part.
• the de-coupling may also comprise an additional component of movement (such as a translation away from the first part) .
• the lighting control system may also be operable to a second maintenance configuration in which the second part of the detector unit is de-coupled from the first part of the
• the lighting control system is no longer arranged to control power to the luminaire in response to the output from the sensor, and in which the power source is disconnected from the luminaire, such that the light source is off.
• the power source is preferably connectable to the luminaire through the first part, such that the light source may be switched on (despite the second part being de-coupled from the first part) .
• the lighting control system may be arranged to be switchable between (A) being operable between the operating configuration and the (first) maintenance configuration, and
• the detector assembly may comprise a switch for setting whether the user wishes the lighting control system to adopt the first or second maintenance configuration when the second part of the detector unit is decoupled from the first part.
• the lighting control system may be operable between the first maintenance configuration and the second maintenance configuration and vice versa.
• the lighting control system may be operable from the operating configuration to the second maintenance configuration and then operable to the first maintenance configuration.
• the lighting system may be automatically operable to the second maintenance configuration by de-coupling the second part from the first part .
• the first part preferably comprises a mounting structure for mounting the detector unit on, or in, a surface (for example a ceiling or wall) .
• a surface for example a ceiling or wall
• the mounting structure may be plastic and house wiring arranged to connect the live-in and live-out terminals of the first part.
• First part may comprise a housing for coupling with a housing on the second part.
• Embodiments of the present invention are especially advantageous in lighting control systems which control a luminaire in dependence on occupancy of an area.
• the sensor in the second part may be an occupancy sensor for detecting occupancy of a room.
• the lighting control system in an operating configuration, may be arranged to control power to the luminaire in dependence on whether the room is occupied.
• the second part of the detector unit may comprise a further sensor. In the operating configuration the lighting control system may also be arranged to control power to the luminaire in response to an output from the further sensor.
• the further sensor is a preferably a photo sensor for detecting the illumination level in the room.
• the photo sensor is preferably arranged to provide feedback to the control system on the current level of illumination in the room.
• Embodiments of the present invention are particularly suited for use in areas (for example rooms) having a
• the lighting control system may comprise a plurality of luminaires, and more preferably a multiplicity of luminaires. Each luminaire may comprise at least one light source. In the operating configuration, the lighting control system may be arranged to control power to the luminaires in response to an output from the sensor in the second part of the detector unit. In the maintenance
• the lighting control system may no longer be arranged to control power to the luminaires in response to the output from the sensor.
• the lighting control system may be arranged such that in the maintenance configuration the power source is electrically connected to the luminaires through the first part.
• the lighting control system may comprise a plurality or a multiplicity of detector units as described herein. Each detector is preferably associated with more than one
• the luminaire (s) in the lighting control system may be independently operable by a switch (for example a wall switch) .
• the lighting control system may be used in
• the light source may already be switched off at the switch, when the lighting control system is changed to the maintenance configuration.
• the power source is still electrically connected to the luminaire because the light source may be turned on (at the switch) despite the second part of the detector having been de- coupled.
• the lighting control system may be arranged to override the switch.
• the light source may already be
• the power source is preferably electrically connected to the luminaire through the first part, such that the luminaire remains operational despite the second part being de-coupled from the first part. It will be appreciated that the light source may remain operational if it is ' on ' or if it is ' o f f but operable to ' on ' (for example using a switch) .
• the detector unit preferably comprises a first part detachably coupled to a second part, the second part comprising a detector, wherein
• the first part comprises means for connecting a power source to a light through the first part when the second part is de-coupled from the first part,
• the detector unit may comprise means for disconnecting the connection between the power source and light through the first part, when the second part is coupled to the first part
• a method of maintaining a lighting control system arranged to control power to a light source in a luminaire in response to an output from a sensor the lighting system comprising the luminaire, a power source, and a detector unit having a first part detachably coupled to a second part, the second part comprising the sensor,
• Maintaining the lighting control system may involve various acts (such as repair, replacement, inspection etc. of the detector unit, and more preferably of the second part of the detector unit) .
• the lighting control system is instead arranged to control power to the luminaire in response to an output from the sensor in the second part of the detector unit.
• the method of installing preferably comprises the step of wiring the first part of the detector such that the live-in terminal of the first part is connected to the power source, and the line-out terminal is connected to the luminaire.
• the method of installing may further comprise the step of wiring the first part of the detector unit such that when it is coupled to the second part, the lighting control system is arranged to control power to the luminaire in response to an output from a sensor in the second part of the detector unit.
• HVAC heating, ventilation or air conditioning
• a detector unit having a first part detachably coupled to a second part
• the HVAC control system being operable between:
• the HVAC control system is arranged such that in the maintenance configuration the power source is electrically connected to the HVAC apparatus through the first part, such that the HVAC apparatus is powered despite the second part being de-coupled from the first part.
• a detector for use in such a system.
• a method of maintaining an HVAC control system arranged to control power to an HVAC apparatus in response to an output from a sensor the HVAC system comprising an HVAC apparatus, a power source, and a detector unit having a first part detachably coupled to a second part, the second part comprising the sensor, wherein the method comprises the step of: de-coupling the second part of the detector unit from the first part such that the power source is electrically
• HVAC apparatus connected to the HVAC apparatus through the first part, such that the HVAC apparatus is powered despite the second part being de-coupled from the first part.
• HVAC system arranged to control power to an HVAC apparatus in response to an output from a sensor, the HVAC system
• the method comprises the step of: installing the first part of a detector unit such that the power source is electrically connected to the HVAC apparatus through the first part, and subsequently coupling the second part of the detector unit to the first part, such that the power source is disconnected from the HVAC apparatus through the first part, and the HVAC control system is instead arranged to control power to the HVAC apparatus in response to an output from the sensor in the second part of the detector unit.
• any features described with reference to one aspect of the invention are equally applicable to any other aspect of the invention, and vice versa.
• any features described with reference to the lighting control system of the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the methods of maintaining/installing the lighting control system of the invention.
• any features relating to lighting control systems/methods are also applicable to the HVAC control systems/methods of another aspects of the invention, wherein references to light/lighting are replaced with references to HVAC apparatus as appropriate.
• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a lighting control system according to a first embodiment of the invention
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of first and second parts of a detector unit in the first embodiment of the invention
• Figure 3a is a perspective view of the first and second parts of the detector unit of Figure 2, with a close-up view of the live-in and live-out terminals;
• Figure 3b is a close-up view of the live-in and live-out terminals in Figure 3a showing the different positions of the moveable contact;
• Figure 4a is a perspective view of part of the first part of a detector unit of a second embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 4b is a perspective view of the first and second parts of the detector unit of the second embodiment of the invention, showing the first and second parts de-coupled;
• Figure 4c is a perspective view of the first and second parts of the detector unit in Figure 4b, showing the first and second parts coupled together.
• Figure 1 is a schematic of a lighting control system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• lighting control system 1 comprises a power source 2 (such as a mains power source, or local power source) , a detector unit 3 comprising a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor and a photo sensor, and a light 5.
• the detector unit 3 is mounted on the ceiling of a room 7 in which a luminaire containing the light source is also contained (labelled "light” in Figure 1) .
• the luminaire is located remotely from the detector unit 3.
• the lighting control system 1 is arranged to control the luminaire 5 in dependence on output signals from the PIR and photo sensor.
• the system thereby seeks to reduce power consumption by ensuring optimum use of the light 5 by sensing occupancy and current light level and controlling the light levels as appropriate.
• the lighting control system is installed in a commercial building to monitor the occupancy of the room 7.
• FIGS 2, 3a and 3b show the detector unit 3 of the first embodiment of the invention.
• the detector unit 3 comprises a first part 9 and a second part 11.
• the first part 9 has a mounting structure forming a circular base 13 and surrounding curtain wall 15.
• the circular base 13 has screw holes 17 (only one of which is visible in Figure 2) for receiving a screw to attach the mounting structure to the ceiling.
• the curtain wall 15 on the first part 9 is arranged to couple to a corresponding curtain wall 19 on the second part 11 of the detector unit 3.
• the curtain walls 15, 19 are arranged to inter-engage under relative rotation between the first and second parts 9, 11, thereby detachably coupling the first and second parts 9, 11 together.
• the circular base 13 of the first part 9 also includes six terminals 21a-f arranged in an arc.
• the terminals are best-shown in Figure 3a in which the terminal cover 23 is shown removed.
• the left-most terminals 21a, 21b (as shown in Figures 2 and 3a) are live-in and line-out terminals - Ir ⁇ respectively.
• the other terminals 21c-e are neutral, earth and dimmer terminals respectively (terminal 21f is redundant in the first embodiment of the invention) .
• the terminals 21a-f are wired onto corresponding conductors from/to the power source 2
• the live-in terminal 21a is
• the live-out terminal 21b is connected to the luminaire 5.
• the second part 11 of the detector unit 3 comprises the PIR and photo sensors.
• the sensors together with a PCB containing the associated electronics, is located in the upper region of the second part behind a floor 25, and these are therefore not visible in Figures 2 and 3a-b.
• the outer surface of the second part 11 includes a window (not visible in Figures 2 and 3a-b) through which the sensors are able receive appropriate signals.
• connection pins 27a-f extend through the floor 25 in the second part 11.
• the pins are arranged such that when the first and second parts 9, 11 are coupled together, the pins 27a-f extend through slots 29 in the terminal cover 23 and make electrical contact with the terminals (via respective semi-circular recesses 31 on plates 32 extending from the respective terminals (see Figure 3a)) . Accordingly, the pins 27a-f are wired to the sensors and associated electronics for live-in, live-out, neutral, earth and dimmer signals
• the lighting control system 1 of the first embodiment of the invention is usually in the operating configuration.
• the live-in and live-out terminals 21a, 21b are connected only through the second part 11 such that the lighting control system 1 is arranged to control the luminaire 5 in dependence on output signals from the PIR and photo sensors.
• the system is also operable to a maintenance configuration in which the sensors of the detector unit 3 are disconnected from the lighting control system (for example for repair, inspection or other maintenance) .
• the maintenance configuration is adopted when the second part 11 of the detector is de-coupled from the first part 9. The manner in which the system is operable between these two configurations is described in more details below.
• the first part 9 of the detector unit 3 comprises a movable contact 33.
• the movable contact 33 is located radially outwardly of the terminals 21a- f and is slideably moveable along a short track parallel with the curtain wall 15.
• the position of the moveable contact 33 when the first and second parts of the detector are coupled together is shown in Figure 3b.
• the position of the moveable contact 33 when the parts are de-coupled is shown in the close-up in Figure 3a and is shown in phantom in Figure 3b.
• the moveable contact 33 when the two parts 9, 11 are coupled together (and the system is therefore in the operating configuration) the moveable contact 33 is positioned such that it does not contact any of the terminals. Insulating portions 35 ensure separation between the moveable contact and the semi-circular recesses 31 in the plates 32 when the moveable contact 33 is in this position.
• Movement of the moveable contact 33 between these two positions is effected by relative rotation of the first and second parts 9, 11 of the detector unit 3. More specifically the movement is effected by a finger 37 on the second part (see Figure 2) being engaged with a detent 39 in the moveable contact (see Figures 3a and 3bb) such that when the second part 11 of the detector unit is rotated to de-couple it from the first part 9, the finger 37 pushes the moveable contact from the open-circuit position in Figure 3b to the short- circuit position in Figure 3a.
• the power source 2 is therefore connected to the luminaire 5 through the first part 9, despite the second part 11 being decoupled from the first part.
• Movement of the moveable contact 33 from the maintenance configuration to, or back to, the operating configuration is achieved by (re) coupling the first and second parts of the detector. Movement of the moveable contact between its position in the operating and maintenance configurations is indicated by the double-ended arrow in Figures 3b, and the moveable contact shown in phantom.
• Figures 4a to 4c show a detector unit 103 for use in a lighting system according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• the same reference numerals are used, but with the prefix “1" or “10” as appropriate.
• the function of the detector unit 103 is broadly similar to that in the first embodiment and is therefore not described further. The primary differences are in the structure, and those are described below.
• the first part 109 of the detector unit 103 is for mounting on a surface such as a wall or ceiling.
• the first part 109 comprises terminals 121a-c for connecting to live-in, live-out and neutral.
• the second part comprises an insulating finger 133 (shown in phantom in Figure 4a as if the second part were coupled) .
• Figure 4b and 4c show the detector unit 103 being re ⁇ assembled after maintenance, and placed into an operating configuration ( Figures 4c) .
• the first part 109 is adapted to couple to the second part 111 under relative translational movement (indicated by the dashed arrow in Figures 4b) .
• L- shaped plate contacts 127a, 127b on the second part are arranged to touch the respective upper contacts 122a, 122b which are connected to the live-in and live-out terminals 121a, 121b on the first part, once the two parts 109, 111 of the detector unit are coupled together.
• the second part 111 also comprises the insulating finger 133 which is arranged to push between the upper and lower contacts 122a/124a, and
• connection to the light source is established through the second part.
• the detector unit is therefore arranged such that, when installed in a lighting control system, and when the first part is coupled to the second part, the system would control the luminaire(s) in response an output from the sensors in the second part 111 of the detector unit. However, if the second part is de-coupled, the connection with the main power source is re-established thereby continually powering the luminaires until the second part is re-coupled.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
• Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

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Citations (5)

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• 2012
  • 2012-07-24 GB GBGB1213146.2A patent/GB201213146D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2013
  • 2013-06-19 WO PCT/GB2013/051599 patent/WO2014016549A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2013-06-19 GB GB1502940.8A patent/GB2519892B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (5)

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