NL2033045B1

NL2033045B1 - Lantern apparatus and method for assembling the same

Info

Publication number: NL2033045B1
Application number: NL2033045A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Dupond Julien
Original assignee: Schreder Sa
Priority date: 2022-09-15
Filing date: 2022-09-15
Publication date: 2024-03-22

Abstract

A lantern apparatus comprising a first module having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first peripheral surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, a second module facing said first module, said second module having a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a second peripheral surface extending between the third surface and the fourth surface, and at least one rod, preferably a plurality of rods, extending between said first module and said second module, and configured to maintain the first module and the second module at a fixed distance from each other. The first module is a sealed module comprising a first light unit and a first light unit driving means. The second module is a sealed module comprising a functional unit, or the second module is an orifice flange.

Description

LANTERN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to lantern apparatuses, luminaires, and methods. Particular embodiments relate to a lantern apparatus, a luminaire comprising such a lantern apparatus, and a method for assembling the lantern apparatus.

BACKGROUND

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.

In the commonly used outdoor luminaires, a lantern apparatus is usually manufactured, e.g. molded, as a single piece. Alternatively, if the lantern apparatus is manufactured by assembling different components, said components are often inconvenient to unmount from each other for the purpose of maintenance or replacement. Indeed. often lantern apparatuses are designed with a particular design which is fixed, or which can only be changed to a limited extent.

Therefore, conventional lantern apparatuses lack modularity, or have limited modularity. Hence, it is necessary to manufacture lantern apparatuses for different applications, thereby increasing the manufacturing costs. In addition, a large number of components are needed to address the needs of different customers, with a lot of different components requiring different molds.

Generally, a lantern apparatus can be fixed to a pole end following two main configurations. The first configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially vertical direction, referred to as “post-top” configuration. The second configuration corresponds to a pole end oriented in a substantially horizontal direction, referred to as “side-entry” configuration.

The current problem occurring in the industry of outdoor luminaires is that lantern apparatuses are designed either to be fixed according to the post-top configuration, or according to the side-entry configuration, thereby also increasing the manufacturing costs. Indeed, currently several components of a lantern apparatus are not adapted for being used in both side-entry and post-top configurations, and said components are not meant to serve a large range of different products.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a lantern apparatus. More in particular, embodiments of the invention aim at providing a modular lantern apparatus which can be assembled at a factory or directly on site in a convenient and robust way, depending on the site to be illuminated and/or the specific application, and which can be secured to a support, such as a wall or a luminaire pole, in a convenient and robust way. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a method for assembling such a lantern apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lantern apparatus comprising a first module having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first peripheral surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, a second module facing said first module, said second module having a third surface, a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, and a second peripheral surface extending between the third surface and the fourth surface, and at least one rod, preferably a plurality of rods, extending between said first module and said second module, and configured to maintain the first module and the second module at a fixed distance from each other. The first module is a sealed module comprising a first light unit and a first light unit driving means. The second module is a sealed module comprising a functional unit, or the second module is an orifice flange.

The at least one rod may correspond to a central rod, i.e., a rod configured to connect a central portion of said first module to a central portion of said second module. Alternatively, the at least one rod may correspond to a peripheral rod, i.e, a rod configured to connect a peripheral portion of said first module to a peripheral portion of said second module.

Preferably, the functional unit comprises any one or more of the following: a functional unit driving means, a second light unit, an image sensing means such as a camera, a communication means such as an antenna, a sensing means such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio-frequency, RF, sensor, a loudspeaker, a light projecting means such as a projector, a display, or a laser. The camera may correspond to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. The light projecting means may be configured to project images, logos, photos, texts, and the like. Signals may be sent to and/or from the communication means via a wireless network operating over short-range or long-range communication, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LORA (ToT), IR, cellular, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI DMX, RS485, USB.

In the case where the functional unit comprises a second light unit as mentioned above, the second light unit may be driven by the first light unit driving means of the first module, wherein at least one electrical cable may extend between the first module and the second module. Alternatively, the second module may comprise a second light unit driving means for driving the second light unit.

In the context of the invention, the term “orifice flange” should be construed as a second module having the same or similar external shape and dimensions as the first module, but which is provided with an orifice extending between the third surface and the fourth surface of the second module, through which light emitted from the first light unit of the first module can pass. In other words, an overall shape of the orifice flange may correspond to a shape of the first module to which said orifice has been provided. For example, the orifice flange may have a toroidal shape.

The orifice flange may be a sealed module, like the first module, or may not be sealed. The orifice flange may comprise a functional unit as defined above, or the orifice flange may be empty. In the former case, the orifice flange may be a sealed module as described above. In the latter case, the orifice flange may not be sealed, as there is no functional unit therein to protect from water or dust.

In some embodiments of the invention, the orifice flange may comprise a ring-shaped second light unit, e.g. a plurality of light emitting diodes, LEDs, arranged on a ring-shaped substrate. The ring- shaped second light unit may be driven by the first light unit driving means of the first module, wherein at least one electrical cable may extend between the first module and the orifice flange.

Alternatively, the orifice flange may comprise a second light unit driving means for driving the ring-shaped second light unit. In the latter case, the orifice flange may be a sealed module.

In particular, the second peripheral surface of the orifice flange may have the same or similar shape and configuration as the first peripheral surface of the first module. Preferably, the orifice flange has a central orifice defining a third peripheral surface extending between the third surface and the fourth surface and opposite to the second peripheral surface. Preferably, the orifice flange has a rotational symmetric shape, such as a toroidal shape. In other words, the above-mentioned hole may confer an annular shape to the orifice flange.

Embodiments of the invention are based infer alia on the insight that a modularity of conventional lantern apparatuses is inexistent or limited, said lantern apparatuses being designed with a particular design which is fixed, or which can only be changed to a limited extent. In addition, in conventional lantern apparatuses a large number of components are needed to address the needs of different customers, with a lot of different components requiring different molds.

In the lantern apparatus of embodiments of the invention, the first module and the second module are individual modules spaced apart and connected via plurality of rods extending between said first module and said second module, said at least one rod, preferably said plurality of rods, being configured to maintain the first module and the second module at a fixed distance from each other.

The at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, enables to confer sufficient rigidity to the lantern apparatus. Therefore, the lantern apparatus of embodiments of the invention offers increased modularity whilst providing sufficient robustness to the lantern apparatus, compared to conventional lantern apparatuses, which are manufactured as a single piece or whose components are inconvenient to unmount from each other for maintenance/replacement.

Moreover, at least the first module of the lantern apparatus is a sealed module comprising a first light unit and a first light unit driving means. Therefore, the lantern apparatus of embodiments of the invention offers water and/or dust tightness whilst allowing a compact lantern apparatus, compared to conventional lantern apparatuses, which often comprise a light unit, e.g. in the form of alight bulb, and a separate light unit driving means arranged outside the lantern apparatus, e.g. in a separate compartment arranged on the lantern apparatus, or arranged near the lantern apparatus, such as in a pole, and connected to the light unit via electrical wires.

In addition, in the lantern apparatus of the invention, the second module is either another sealed module comprising a functional unit and optionally a functional unit driving means, or the second module is an orifice tlange, or the second module is an empty module, i.e, a module, sealed or not, which does not comprise any functional unit. The lantern apparatus enables the selection of various types of second modules, comprising different types of functional units as described above.

Moreover, the lantern apparatus enables the selection of an orifice flange as defined above, instead of the above-described sealed module comprising said functional unit. Furthermore, the lantern apparatus enables the selection of an empty module as defined above, instead of the above- described sealed module and orifice flange. Therefore, the lantern apparatus of embodiments of the invention offers further increased modularity compared to conventional lantern apparatuses, which do not enable a large variety of functional units.

Furthermore, since an external shape and dimensions of the first module and the second module may be the same or similar, whether the second module is a sealed module comprising said functional unit or is an orifice flange, said first and second modules can indifferently be placed at an upper or a lower position in the lantern apparatus, without having to design and keep in stock different shapes of modules for different applications and/or different positions in the lantern apparatus. Further, thanks to the same or similar shapes of the first and second modules and their indifferent relative position one above the other, the lantern apparatus further enables its fixation to a support, such as a pole, in both post-top and side-entry configurations. Therefore, the lantern apparatys of embodiments of the invention offers further increased modularity compared to conventional lantern apparatuses, which do not enable interchange of the position of their modules 5 and only allow fixation of the lantern apparatus according to one of the two above configurations.

It is noted that in the case where the second module is a sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the second module may be identical to the first module. By “identical”, it is meant that the second light unit may be the same as the first light unit, and that the second light unit driving means may be the same as the first light unit driving means. The second light unit may comprise the same light source, e.g. LEDs, as the first light unit.

In addition, the second light unit may comprise the same optical elements as the first light unit.

Said optical elements may be associated with the LEDs of the first and second light units.

Also, an external shape and dimensions of the second module may be the same or similar as an external shape and dimensions of the first module, whether the second module comprises said second light unit, or another kind of functional unit, or even said orifice flange, or is an empty module.

Preferred embodiments relate to a lantern apparatus for an outdoor luminaire. By outdoor luminaire, 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, access roads to private building infrastructures, warehouses, industry halls, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lantern apparatus further comprises at least one skirt configured to be removably mounted on the at least one rod, preferably on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods and extending between said two adjacent rods. Preferably, the at least one skirt extends between the first module and the second module.

In other words, the first module and the second module, together with the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, extending between the first module and the second module, form the “skeleton” of the lantern apparatus, on which the at least one skirt, which defines the outer appearance of the lantern apparatus, may be removably mounted. In this way, the outer appearance of the lantern apparatus may be customized by removing the at least one skirt and replacing it with another one. Different skirts may have different designs, e.g. may comprise different patterns. This adds to the above-mentioned modularity of the lantern apparatus, since its visual appearance from outside may be easily modified using various designs for the at least one skirt.

In an embodiment, a plurality of skirts may be removably mounted on the plurality of rods. One skirt may have a different design from another one, e.g. a different pattern. Alternatively, the plurality of skirts may have the same design, e.g. the same pattern.

In another embodiment, only a single skirt may be removably mounted on the plurality of rods. In other words, the skirt may be manufactured as an integral skirt.

In both above-mentioned embodiments, said at least one skirt may be configured to surround the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, and to at least partially surround the first module and/or the second module. This confers an aesthetic appearance to the lantern apparatus, and may serve to at least partially hide components inside the lantern apparatus, between the first module and the second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, comprises at least one protrusion, and the at least one skirt is provided with at least one corresponding slit configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the at least one skirt comprises at least one protrusion, and the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, is provided with at least one corresponding slit configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion.

In this way, the at least one skirt may be removably mounted on the at least one rod, preferably on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods, in an easy manner by e.g. simply clipping the at least one protrusion of the rod(s) or the skirt to the at least one corresponding slit of the skirt or the rod(s), respectively.

In another embodiment, the at least one skirt may be removably fixed to the first module and/or the second module, in particular to at least one of a plurality of protruding portions (see below) of the first module and/or the second module, e.g. by clipping or screwing.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one skirt forms a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape.

In other words, the external visual appearance of the lantern apparatus may have a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape.

In another embodiment, the at least one skirt may form a polyhedral shape, preferably a parallelepipedal shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of rods comprises at least four rods, and the at least one skirt comprises at least four skirts, each skit extending between two adjacent rods. The at least four rods and the at least four skirts are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module and the second module.

In other words, the at least four rods and the at least four skirts may be arranged at a constant angle, e.g. 90° in the case of four rods and four skirts, of each other with respect to a center of the first module and a center of the second module.

It should be clear to the skilled person that in other embodiments the amount of rods and/or the amount of skirts may vary. In another embodiment, the lantern apparatus may comprise only two rods and only two skirts, each skirt extending between the two rods. In yet another embodiment, the lantern apparatus may comprise only two rods and only one skirt, made as an integral skirt (see above), surrounding the two rods. The integral skirt may form a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one skirt comprises a frame provided with a window or a plurality of holes or slits forming a regular or irregular pattern.

In this way, as the at least one skirt enables at least a portion of light to pass through it, the external visual appearance of the lantern apparatus may be easily modified, e.g. by replacing at least one skirt having a frame provided with a window with at least one skirt having a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits forming a regular or irregular pattern. or e.g. by replacing at least one skirt having a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits forming a regular pattern with at least one skirt having a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits forming an irregular pattern, and vice versa, or by replacing at least one skirt having a first color with at least one skirt having a second color different from the first color.

According to a preferred embodiment, each of the first peripheral surface and the second peripheral surface comprises at least one protruding portion, preferably a plurality of protruding portions, and the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, is provided with at least one through- hole at each end thereof. The lantern apparatus further comprises a fastening means configured to tix each end of the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, to a corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions.

In this way, sufficient rigidity and robustness is conferred to the lantern apparatus. The at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, may be removably fastened to the respective plurality of protruding portions of the first module and the second module, so as to enable easy replacement or maintenance of the rod(s) and/or the first and/or second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions is arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module and the second module.

In other words, the plurality of protruding portions may be arranged at a constant angle. e.g. 90° in the case of four protruding portions, of each other with respect to a center of the first module and a center of the second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the fastening means comprises a plurality of screws, each configured to extend through the at least one through-hole of each end of the at least one rod, preferably of the plurality of rods, and through the corresponding at least one protruding portion, preferably through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions.

According to a preferred embodiment, two first screws are configured to extend through two respective first through-holes of a first end of the plurality of rods and through each corresponding protruding portion of the first peripheral surface, and two second screws are configured to extend through two respective second through-holes of a second end of the plurality of rods and through each corresponding protruding portion of the second peripheral surface.

In this way, a rigidity and robustness of the lantern apparatus are further increased. Indeed, as said two first screws are separated from each other by a given distance, i.e., do not coincide on said first end, and as said two second screws are separated from each other by a given distance, i.e, do not coincide on said second end, a torque with respect to only one rotational point is prevented.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, comprises two parallel rod elements. The lantern apparatus further comprises a spacing means configured to maintain said two rod elements at a fixed distance from each other.

In this way, a rigidity and robustness of the at least one rod, preferably of the plurality of rods, is ensured, whilst weight is saved with respect to a rod made as a single piece. Preferably, the spacing means is releasably attached to each of the two rod elements, e.g. by means of screws, or by means of a bolt and an associated nut. The spacing means may have a substantially cylindrical or parallelepipedal shape, and the screws may respectively extend through a corresponding rod element and within the spacing means. Alternatively, the bolt may extend through the rod elements and through the spacing means. This enables replacement of only one of the two rod elements, for example in case of damages undergone by said rod element.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the two first screws is configured to extend through one of the two respective first through-holes of a first end of the first rod element, and the other one of the two first screws is configured to extend through the other one of the two respective first through-holes of a first end of the second rod element.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the two second screws is configured to extend through one of the two respective second through-holes of a second end of the first rod element, and the other one of the two second screws is configured to extend through the other one of the two respective first through-holes of a second end of the second rod element.

This confers the above-mentioned technical advantage of increased rigidity and robustness of the lantern apparatus, whilst saving weight thanks to the use of two spaced apart rod elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one rod, preferably at least one of the plurality of rods, is configured to accommodate a cable, said cable extending between the first module and the second module.

In an embodiment, the at least one rod, preferably at least one of the plurality of rods, is configured to accommodate a cable between the two rod elements.

In another embodiment, if rods made as single pieces are used instead of two spaced apart rod elements forming each rod, hollow rods may be used in order to accommodate said cable. The use of two spaced apart rod elements forming each rod is advantageous because it is easier to manufacture than hollow rods accommodating cables. Indeed, with the use of two rod elements different cables having different diameters may be accommodated between said two rod elements.

With the use of hollow rods, this would imply to manufacture different rods corresponding to different diameters of the cables to be accommodated therein.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first light unit comprises a light support. such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as light emitting diodes, LEDs, is mounted.

According to an embodiment wherein the second module is said sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the second light unit comprises a light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, is mounted.

According to a preferred embodiment, one or more optical elements are associated with the first light unit and/or the second light unit. 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 addition, the first light unit and/or the second light unit may comprise an optical frame on which said one or more optical elements are mounted. Alternatively or in addition, the first light unit and/or the second light unit may enable an individual fixation of the one or more optical elements, e.g. on the optical frame. 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. Further, the first light unit and/or the second light unit may comprise additional optical elements like anti-glare louvers, a ribbed frame, etc. Anti-glare louvers have been described in detail in PCT publications WO 2020/058282 Al and WO 2020/249684 Al in the name of the applicant, which are included herein by reference.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first light unit and/or the second light unit 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 a preferred embodiment, the first module and the second module comprise different types of light units and/or optical elements. In an example, the first module may comprise a first light unit having at least one LED of a first color, and the second module may comprise a second light unit having at least one LED of a second color different trom said first color. In another example, the first module may comprise a first light unit associated with at least one first optical element, such as a collimating element, and the second module may comprise a second light unit associated with at least one second optical element, such as an asymmetrical lens. More generally, each of the first module and the second module may possess its own light distribution, its own light color temperature, its own light intensity. etc., and the aforementioned lighting characteristics may be controlled separately for the first module and for the second module. Such a separate control of lighting characteristics has been described in detail in PCT publication WO 2019/020366 Al in the name of the applicant, which is included herein by reference.

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

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first module further comprises a transparent or translucent portion facing the first light unit. Optionally, a color filter arranged between the first light unit 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 first light unit in specific wavelength ranges so as to change the color of the light emitted by the first module. Preferably, the color filter is accessible by opening the first module. 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 above applies equally to embodiments wherein the second module is said sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, mutatis mutandis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first module comprises any one or more of the following: a first light unit dimming means, surge protection circuitry, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse. a metering circuitry, a driving and/or control circuitry.

According to an embodiment wherein the second module is said sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the second module comprises any one or more of the following: a second light unit dimming means, surge protection circuitry, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a metering circuitry, a driving and/or control circuitry.

Surge protection circuitry is provided to absorb energy and protect the light unit driving means, typically including a LED driver circuit, and optionally a light unit dimming means. The role of an

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 a side of the first and/or second module, around the light unit. In addition or alternatively, an inner surface of said side 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. Such a flux exhauster has been described in detail in PCT publication WO 2021/116441 Al in the name of the applicant, which is included herein by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first module is provided with a heat sink including a plurality of cooling fins. A heat sink enables dissipation of heat generated by the first light unit towards the outside of the first module.

According to an embodiment wherein the second module is said sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the second module is provided with a heat sink including a plurality of cooling fins. A heat sink enables dissipation of heat generated by the second light unit towards the outside of the second module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first light unit comprises a first light source contigured to emit light towards the second module, and/or a second light source configured to emit light away from the second module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first light source is configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light, and/or the second light source is configured to emit any one of ambiance light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K.

By “ambiance light”, it is meant in the context of the invention decorative light, i.e., light whose color (or color temperature) and intensity are suitable to confer a decorative ambiance to the lantern apparatus. For example, the first light source may comprise a plurality of LEDs controlled according to the Digital Multiplexing (DMX) standard, or DMX LEDs, which is used e.g. for lighting control and scene effects in live shows.

By “functional light”, it is meant in the context of the invention light whose color (or color temperature) and intensity are suitable for effective illumination of an area of interest, e.g. a ground surface such as a road surface, a pedestrian area, and the like, or a surface of a building and the like. In other words, in the context of the invention functional light and ambiance light have different lighting purposes. In particular, functional light may have an intensity higher than an intensity of ambiance light. In addition, functional light and ambiance light may have different colors or color temperatures.

According to an exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is an upper module and the second module is a lower module. The first light source faces the first surface and/or the second light source faces the second surface.

According to another exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is a lower module and the second module is an upper module. The first light source faces the second surface and/or the second light source faces the first surface.

In other words, the first module and the second module can indifferently be placed at an upper or a lower position in the lantern apparatus, thereby contributing to its modularity.

According to a preferred embodiment wherein the second module is said sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the second light unit comprises a third light source configured to emit light towards the first module, and/or a fourth light source configured to emit light away from the first module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the third light source is configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light, and/or the fourth light source is configured to emit any one of ambiance light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K.

According to an exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is an upper module and the second module is a lower module. The third light source faces the fourth surface and/or the fourth light source faces the third surface.

According to another exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is a lower module and the second module is an upper module. The third light source faces the third surface and/or the fourth light source faces the fourth surface.

The technical advantages described with respect to the first module apply to the second module, mutatis mutandis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lantern apparatus further comprises a functional module arranged between the first module and the second module, and comprising any one or more of the following: an image sensing means such as a camera, a communication means such as an antenna, a sensing means such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio-frequency, RF, sensor, a loudspeaker, a light projecting means such as a projector, a display, or a laser. The camera may correspond to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. The light projecting means may be configured to project images, logos, photos, texts, and the like. Signals may be sent to and/or from the communication means via a wireless network operating over short- range or long-range communication, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, LORA (loT), IR, cellular, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB. Alternatively, the functional module may be arranged on the first module or on the second module. For example, the functional module may be arranged on an external surface of the first module facing away from the second module, or on an external surface of the second module facing away from the first module.

In this way, a further functional module, comprising a further functional unit, may be arranged between the first module and the second module. According to an embodiment wherein the second module is a sealed module comprising a functional unit different from said second light unit, the functional unit of the further functional module and the functional unit of the second module may be the same or may be different.

According to an exemplary embodiment, said functional module may be arranged on the lower module amongst the first module and the second module. Alternatively or in addition, said functional module may be fixed to the upper module amongst the first module and the second module, e.g. by means of protrusions and corresponding slits such as for the fixation of the at least one skirt on the at least one rod, preferably on the plurality of rods. As another example, said functional module may be fixed to the upper module amongst the first module and the second module by means of screws or the like. According to another exemplary embodiment, said functional module may be fixed to the lower module amongst the first module and the second module, using the above means.

According to another exemplary embodiment, said functional module may be configured and shaped as the first module and/or the second module. In other words, the functional module may correspond to a third, intermediate, module, arranged between the first module and the second module, whose configuration, shape, and dimensions are the same or similar to those of the first module and/or the second module. In particular, the functional module. as a third module. may be provided with at least one protruding portion, preferably a plurality of protruding portions, on a third peripheral surface, as for the first peripheral surface of the first module and the second peripheral surface of the second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lantern apparatus further comprises a transparent or translucent diffusor body arranged between the first module and the second module. Said transparent or translucent diffusor body may be arranged on the lower module amongst the first module and the second module. Alternatively or in addition, said transparent or translucent diffusor body may be fixed to the upper module amongst the first module and the second module, e.g. by means of protrusions and corresponding slits such as for the fixation of the at least one skirt on the at least one rod, preferably on the plurality of rods. As another example, said transparent or translucent diffusor body may be fixed to the upper module amongst the first module and the second module by means of screws or the like. According to another exemplary embodiment, said transparent or translucent diffusor body may be fixed to the lower module amongst the first module and the second module, using the above means.

Said diffusor body allows to create an ambiance effect by diffusing light emitted from at least the first light unit of the first module. The diffusor body may be attached to the first module and/or the second module, in particular to the first peripheral surface and/or the second peripheral surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lantern apparatus further comprises a receptacle arranged in or on the first module and/or in or on the second module, i.e, at least partially extending in the first module and/or in the second module, or arranged on the first module and/or on the second module, said receptacle being configured for receiving an external module. The external module may be plugged in the receptacle, and may be removably fixed to the first module and/or the second module. The external module may comprise different functionalities, such as control functionalities and/or sensing functionalities and/or communication functionalities.

Providing an external module to a luminaire has been described in detail in at least PCT applications PCT/EP2021/07 1616 and PCT/EP2022/050240 in the name of the applicant, and in

PCT publications WO 2017/133793 A1, WO 2020/212515 Al, and WO 2021/001544 Al in the name of the applicant, which are included herein by reference. Preferably, the receptacle. also called a socket, is one of a NEMA or Zhaga receptacle, and the external module is a control module configured to be plugged in such receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle may be implemented as described in the above-mentioned PCT publication WO 2017/133793 Al. Optionally, the receptacle and the external module may be configured and/or mounted as described in the above-mentioned PCT publications WO 2020/212515 Al and WO 2021/001544 A1. The receptacle and the control module may be configured to be coupled through a twist-lock mechanism, e.g. as described in ANSI C136.10-2017 standard or ANSI C136.41-2013 standard or Zhaga Interface Specification Standard (Book 18, Edition 1.0, July 2018, interface between indoor luminaires and sensing/communication modules), which are included herein by reference.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first peripheral surface and/or the second peripheral surface comprises a flat portion provided with a hole configured to accommodate a cable.

Said cable may extend between the first module and the second module, or between a support such as a luminaire pole (see below) and the first module, or between said support and the second module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first module or the second module comprises a fixation means configured to fix the lantern apparatus to a support, such as an end of a luminaire pole.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fixation means comprises a channel configured to accommodate a cable extending between the outside of the lantern apparatus and the inside of the first module and/or the second module.

As mentioned above, said cable may extend between said support and the first module, or between said support and the second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is an upper module and the second module is a lower module. The second surface or the third surface comprises a central fixation portion configured to be fastened to the fixation means.

In other words, if the second surface comprises said central fixation portion, the lantern apparatus may be fixed to said support according to the side-entry configuration, also called “suspended” configuration. Alternatively, if the third surface comprises said central fixation portion, the lantern apparatus may be fixed to said support according to the post-top configuration.

According to another exemplary embodiment, seen in an axial direction of the lantern apparatus, the first module is a lower module and the second module is an upper module. The first surface or the fourth surface comprises a central fixation portion configured to be fastened to the fixation means.

In other words, if the first surface comprises said central fixation portion, the lantern apparatus may be fixed to said support according to the post-top configuration. Altematively, if the fourth surface comprises said central fixation portion, the lantern apparatus may be fixed to said support according to the side-entry configuration.

In this way, thanks to the same or similar shapes of the first and second modules and their indifferent relative position one above the other, the lantern apparatus further enables its fixation to a support, such as a pole, in both post-top and side-entry configurations.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first module comprises a housing and a cover, and a seal is arranged between the housing and the cover.

According to an embodiment wherein the second module is said sealed module, the second module comprises a housing and a cover, and a seal is arranged between the housing and the cover.

In the case where the second module is a sealed module comprising a second light unit and optionally a second light unit driving means, the housing and the cover of the second module may be identical to the housing and the cover of the first module. Also, an external shape and dimensions of the housing and the cover of the second module may be the same or similar as an external shape and dimensions of the housing and the cover of the first module, whether the second module comprises said second light unit or another kind of functional unit.

The above-mentioned transparent or translucent portion facing the first light unit and/or the second light unit may be part of the cover. In some embodiments, the lantern apparatus can have an overall round shape, i.e., any one or more of the components of the lantern apparatus may have a round shape, In other embodiments, the lantern apparatus may have an overall polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. Thus, any one or more of the components of the lantern apparatus may have a polygonal shape. Also mixed shapes are possible.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lantern apparatus may correspond to an outdoor lantern apparatus, with suitable ingress protection (IP) rating such as IP66 or IP67, or an indoor lantern apparatus, with suitable IP rating such as IP22-IP24 or more.

According to an embodiment wherein the second module is said orifice flange, the orifice flange has a central orifice defining a fourth peripheral surface extending between the third surface and the fourth surface. Preferably, the orifice flange has a rotational symmetric shape. such as a toroidal shape.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a luminaire comprising a support, such as a luminaire pole, and the lantern apparatus of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for the lantern apparatus embodiments of the first aspect also apply to the corresponding luminaire embodiments of the second aspect, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling the lantern apparatus of any one of the above-mentioned embodiments. The method comprises the following steps: fixing the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, to the first peripheral surface of the first module, and fixing the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, to the second peripheral surface of the second module.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises providing the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, with at least one through-hole at each end thereof, and a fastening means, wherein the first fixing step comprises fixing the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods, to at least one protruding portion, preferably to a corresponding plurality of protruding portions of the first peripheral surface using the fastening means, and wherein the second fixing step comprises fixing the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods to at least one protruding portion, preferably to a corresponding plurality of protruding portions of the second peripheral surface using the fastening means.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for the lantern apparatus embodiments of the first aspect also apply to the corresponding method embodiments of the third aspect, mutatis mutandis.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second fixing steps comprises fastening each of a plurality of screws through each through-hole of each end of the at least one rod, preferably of the plurality of rods, and through each corresponding protruding portion, preferably through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the first and second fixing steps comprises fastening two first screws through two respective first through-holes of a first end of the plurality of rods and through each corresponding protruding portion of the first module, and fastening two second screws to through two respective second through-holes of a second end of the plurality of rods and through each corresponding protruding portion of the second module.

According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises removably mounting at least one skirt on the lantern apparatus.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: providing the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods, with at least one protrusion, providing the at least one skirt with at least one corresponding slit configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion, and clipping the at least one corresponding slit of the at least one skirt to the at least one protrusion of the at least one rod. preferably of two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

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

Figures 1A-1C respectively illustrate a perspective top view, a side view, and a perspective bottom view of a lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figures 2A and 2B respectively illustrate a bottom view and a top view of a lantern apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A-1C;

Figures 3A-3D respectively illustrate one rod element of a lantern apparatus, an enlarged view of a connection area between a rod, a skirt, and a protruding portion of the lantern apparatus, a perspective view of the inside of the lantern apparatus, and an enlarged view of a skirt of the lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figures 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a perspective view of at least one skirt of a lantern apparatus according to different exemplary embodiments;

Figures 5A-5C respectively illustrate an exploded view of a first module, a perspective view of a first module and a second module, and a perspective view of a fixation means of a lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment;

Figures 6A and 6B respectively illustrate a side view of a luminaire comprising a luminaire pole and a lantern apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment, and a perspective view of an orifice flange of a lantern apparatus according to two exemplary embodiments; and

Figures 7A and 7B respectively illustrate a perspective view of a luminaire comprising a luminaire pole and a lantern apparatus according to two exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1A-1C respectively illustrate a perspective top view, a side view, and a perspective bottom view of a lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 2A and 2B respectively illustrate a bottom view and a top view of a lantern apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1A-1C.

As illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, there is provided a lantern apparatus 10. The lantern apparatus 10 comprises a first module 100 having a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, and a first peripheral surface 103 extending between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The lantern apparatus 10 further comprises a second module 110 facing said first module 100, said second module 110 having a third surface 111, a fourth surface 112 opposite to the third surface 111, and a second peripheral surface 113 extending between the third surface 111 and the fourth surface 112. The lantern apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of rods 120a-120d (see Figures 2A and 2B; more details can be seen in

Figures 3A-3D) extending between said first module 100 and said second module 110, and configured to maintain the first module 100 and the second module 110 at a fixed distance from each other. The first module is a sealed module 100 comprising a first light unit L1 and a first light unit driving means. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, the second module is a sealed module 110 comprising a second light unit L2 and optionally a second light unit driving means. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, the second module is an orifice flange 110°. Further details on the orifice flange 110° will be provided with respect to

Figures 6A and 6B. It should be clear to the skilled person that the description of the embodiments below applies equally to alternative embodiments wherein the second module is said orifice flange 110°, except from features purely related to the lighting function of the second light unit L2.

A housing of the first module 100 and/or a housing of the second module 110; 110° may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel or aluminum. Alternatively, a housing of the first module 100 and/or a housing of the second module 110; 110° may be made of plastic, preferably rigid plastic.

The plurality of rods 120a-120d may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel or aluminum.

Alternatively, the plurality of rods 120a-120d may be made of plastic, preferably rigid plastic.

In yet other embodiments, the second module is a sealed module 110 comprising a functional unit instead of or in addition to the second light unit L2, i.e., whose function is different from a lighting function, and optionally a functional unit driving means. The functional unit may comprise any one or more of the following: an image sensing means such as a camera, a communication means such as an antenna, a sensing means such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio-frequency, RF, sensor, a loudspeaker, a light projecting means such as a projector, a display. or a laser. The camera may correspond to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. The light projecting means may be configured to project images, logos, photos, texts, and the like.

Signals may be sent to and/or from the communication means via a wireless network operating over short-range or long-range communication, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi. Zigbee, LORA (IoT), IR, cellular, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI, DMX, RS485, USB.

It should be clear to the skilled person that the description of the embodiments below applies equally to alternative embodiments wherein the second module is a sealed module comprising a functional unit instead of or in addition to the second light unit L2, except from features purely related to the lighting function of the second light unit L2.

As illustrated in Figures 1C and 2A, the first light unit Ll may comprise a light support, such as a

PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as light emitting diodes, LEDs, may be mounted.

Similarly, the second light unit L2 may comprise a light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The LEDs may be arranged as an array of multiple columns and rows. The first light unit L1 and/or the second light unit L2 may comprise

RGB and/or RGBW and/or RGBA LEDs and associated control circuitry for controlling the color and/or the color temperature emitted by the light unit L1, L2. The number (e.g., 6, 12, 16, 24, 28, 36, 52, etc.) and/or the arrangement (e.g. square(s), (concentric) circle(s), etc.) of the LEDs on the light support may vary. Thus, the overall light color and/or light pattern and/or light intensity of the lantern apparatus 10 may vary. The first module 100 and the second module 110 may each comprise any one or more of the following: a light unit dimming means, surge protection circuitry, electrostatic discharge protection circuitry, connecting means, a fuse, a metering circuitry, a driving and/or control circuitry.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the first light unit Ll comprises a first light source LS1 configured to emit light towards the second module 110, i.e. at least a portion of the total light emitted by the first light source LS] is emitted towards the second module 110. The remainder of the total light emitted by the first light source LS1 may e.g. pass through at least one skit 130a-130d, as described below. The first light source LS1 may comprise a first light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The first light source LS] may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light. By “ambiance light”, it is meant in the context of the invention decorative light, i.e, light whose color (or color temperature) and intensity are suitable to confer a decorative ambiance to the lantern apparatus 10. For example, the first light source LS1 may comprise a plurality of LEDs controlled according to the Digital Multiplexing (DMX) standard, or DMX LEDs, which standard is used e.g. for lighting control and scene effects in live shows.

In another embodiment, the first light unit L1 may comprise a second light source (not shown; see second light source LS2 in Figure 7B) configured to emit light away from the second module 110, preferably towards a surface of a building or the like. The second light source LS2 may comprise a second light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The second light source LS2 may be configured to emit any one of ambiance light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K. By “functional light”, it is meant in the context of the invention light whose color (or color temperature) and intensity are suitable for effective illumination of an area of interest. e.g. a ground surface such as a road surface, a pedestrian area, and the like, or a surface of a building and the like. In other words, in the context of the invention functional light and ambiance light have different lighting purposes. In particular, functional light may have an intensity higher than an intensity of ambiance light. In addition, functional light and ambiance light may have different colors or color temperatures.

In yet another embodiment, the first light unit L1 may comprise a first light source LS1 configured to emit light towards the second module 110, as well as a second light source LS2 configured to emit light away from the second module 110. The first light source LS1 and the second light source

LS2 may comprise respective supports, such as PCBs, on which a respective plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. Alternatively, the first light source LS1 and the second light source LS2 may share the same support, such as a PCB, on which a respective plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted on each side of the PCB.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the second light unit L2 comprises a fourth light source LS4 configured to emit light away from the first module 100, preferably towards a ground surface. The fourth light source LS4 may comprise a fourth light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The fourth light source LS4 may be configured to emit functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K.

In another embodiment, the second light unit L2 may comprise a third light source (not shown; see third light source LS3 in Figure 7B) configured to emit light towards the first module 100. The third light source LS3 may comprise a third light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The third light source LS3 may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light.

In yet another embodiment, the second light unit L2 may comprise a third light source LS3 configured to emit light towards the first module 100, and a fourth light source LS4 configured to emit light away from the first module 100. The third light source LS3 and the fourth light source

LS4 may comprise respective supports, such as PCBs, on which a respective plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. Alternatively, the third light source LS3 and the fourth light source LS4 may share the same support, such as a PCB, on which a respective plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted on each side of the PCB.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 1B) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. The first light source LS1 faces the first surface 101. The fourth light source LS4 faces the third surface 111. Alternatively or in addition, a second light source LS2 may face the second surface 102. Alternatively or in addition, a third light source LS3 may face the fourth surface 112.

In other embodiments, seen in the axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be a lower module and the second module 110 may be an upper module. The first light source LS1 may face the second surface 102. The fourth light source LS4 may face the fourth surface 112. Alternatively or in addition, a second light source LS2 may face the first surface 101.

Alternatively or in addition, a third light source LS3 may face the third surface 111.

As illustrated in Figures 1A-1C, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise at least one skirt 130a-130d configured to be removably mounted on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods 120a- 120d and extending between said two adjacent rods. The at least one skirt 130a-130d may be configured to at least partially surround the first module 100 and the second module 110. The at least one skirt 130a-130d may be made of metal, preferably stainless steel or aluminum.

Alternatively, the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be made of plastic, preferably rigid plastic.

Each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may comprise at least one protrusion 122a-122c (see more details in Figures 3A and 3B), and the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be provided with at least one corresponding slit 13 1a-131c (see more details in Figures 3C and 3D) configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion 122a-122c. The at least one skirt 130a-130d may form a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical shape as illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A- 2B, or a tronconical shape.

In another embodiment, the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be removably fixed to the first module 100 and/or the second module 200, in particular to at least one of a plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d (see below) of the first module 100 and/or the second module 200, e.g. by clipping or screwing.

As illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the plurality of rods 120a-120d may comprise at least four rods 120a-120d, and the at least one skirt 130a-130d may comprise at least four skirts 130a- 130d, each skirt extending between two adjacent rods. The at least four rods 120a-120d and the at least four skirts 130a-130d may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module 100 and the second module 110. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, four skirts 130a-130d respectively extend between two adjacent rods of four rods 120a-120d. The four rods 120a-120d and the four skirts 130a-130d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module 100 and the second module 110, i.e, are arranged at 90° of each other with respect to a center of the first module 100 and a center of the second module 110. It should be clear to the skilled person that in other embodiments the amount of rods and/or the amount of skirts may vary, In another embodiment, the lantern apparatus may comprise only two rods and only two skirts, each skirt extending between the two rods. In yet another embodiment, the lantern apparatus may comprise four rods and two skirts, each skirt extending between two non-adjacent rods. In yet another embodiment, the lantern apparatus may comprise only two rods and only one skirt, made as an integral skirt (see Figure 6A), surrounding the two rods. The integral skirt may form a rotational symmetric shape. preferably a cylindrical shape as illustrated in Figure 6A, or a tronconical shape.

As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, each of the first peripheral surface 103 and the second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d, and each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may be provided with at least one through-hole (not shown; see through-holes 121a, 121b; 121c, 121d in Figures 3A-3D) at each end thereof. The plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module 100 and the second module 110. In the embodiment of Figares 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the four protruding portions 104a-104d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module 100, ie. are arranged at 90° of each other with respect to a center of the first module 100, and the four protruding portions 114a-114d are arranged symmetrically with respect to the second module 110, i.e., are arranged at 90° of each other with respect to a center of the second module 110.

In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may comprise at least one protrusion 122a-122¢, and the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be provided with at least one corresponding slit 131a-131c configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion 122a-122c. In another embodiment. the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be removably fixed to the protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d, e.g. by clipping or screwing.

The lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a fastening means configured to fix each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d to a corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d. The fastening means may comprise a plurality of screws (see

Figures 3B-3D), each configured to extend through the at least one through-hole (see Figures 3A- 3D) of each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d (see Figures 3B-3D). In another embodiment, the fastening means may comprise a plurality of bolts and associated nuts instead of the screws, each bolt configured to extend through the at least one through-hole of each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d.

As illustrated in Figures 1A and 2B, the first module 100 may comprise a fixation means 107 configured to fix the lantern apparatus 10 to an end of a luminaire pole (not shown; see luminaire pole P in Figure 7A). The fixation means 107 may comprise a channel (not shown; see channel C in Figure 5C) configured to accommodate a cable extending between the outside of the lantern apparatus 10 and the inside of the first module 100. In the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C and 2A- 2B, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 1B) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. The second surface 102 comprises a central fixation portion 106 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 107. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole P according to a “side-entry”, or “suspended”, configuration.

In another embodiment, such as the embodiment of Figure 7B, seen in an axial direction D (see

Figure 1B) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. The second module 110 may comprise a fixation means 117 configured to fix the lantern apparatus 10 to an end of a luminaire pole P. The third surface 111 may comprise a central fixation portion 116 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 117. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole P according to a “post- top” configuration.

In yet other embodiments, seen in the axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be a lower module and the second module 110 may be an upper module, contrary to the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C, 2A-2B and Figure 7B. The first surface 101 or the fourth surface 112 may comprise a central fixation portion 106; 116 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 107; 117. In other words, in said embodiments the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the laminaire pole P according to said side-entry configuration or to said post-top configuration.

With respect to dimensions of the lantern apparatus 10, a height H (see Figure 1B) of the lantern apparatus 10, which is defined as the distance between the second surface 102 of the first module 100 and the third surface 111 of the second module 110, may be comprised between 250 mm and 750 mm, for example between 450 mm and 550 mm. As illustrated in Figure 1B, said height H may substantially correspond to a height of the at least one skirt 130a-130d. A diameter D1 (see

Figure 2A). which is defined as the diameter of the second module 110 excluding the plurality of protruding portions 114a-114d, and which may also correspond to the diameter of the first module 100, may be comprised between 200 mm and 400 mm, for example between 330 mm and 360 mm.

A diameter D2 (see Figure 2B), which is defined as the diameter of the at least one skirt 130a- 130d, may be comprised between 250 mm and 500 mm, for example between 300 mm and 400 mm. As illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, a shape and dimensions of the first module 100 may be substantially the same as a shape and dimensions of the second module 110. In particular, the diameter D1 of the first module 100 may be substantially equal to the diameter D1 of the second module 110. In addition, a height of the first module 100 may be substantially equal to a height of the second module 110. It should be clear to the skilled person that the same applies to alternative embodiments wherein the second module is said orifice flange 110° (see Figures 6A and 6B) or wherein the second module is a sealed module 110 comprising a functional unit different from the second light unit L2. Further, a weight of the lantern apparatus 10 may be comprised between 5 kg and 25 ke, for example between 10 kg and 20 kg, for the version in stainless steel.

Although not illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a functional module arranged between the first module 100 and the second module 110.

Alternatively, the functional module may be arranged on an upper surface (the second surface 102) of the first module 100 or on a lower surface (the third surface 111) of the second module 110. The functional module may comprise any one or more of the following: an image sensing means such as a camera, a communication means such as an antenna, a sensing means such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio-frequency, RF, sensor, a loudspeaker, a light projecting means such as a projector, a display, or a laser. The camera may correspond to a closed- circuit television (CCTV) camera. The light projecting means may be configured to project images, logos, photos, texts, and the like. Signals may be sent to and/or from the communication means via a wireless network operating over short-range or long-range communication, e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,

Zigbee, LORA (ToT), IR, cellular, or via a wired network, e.g. Ethernet, DALI DMX, RS485,

USB.

Although not illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a transparent or translucent diffusor body arranged between the first module 100 and the second module 110.

Although not illustrated in Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a receptacle arranged in or on the first module 100 and/or in or on the second module 110, i.e, at least partially extending in the first module 100 and/or in the second module 110, or arranged on the first module 100 and/or on the second module 110. The receptacle may be configured for receiving an external module. The external module may be plugged in the receptacle, and may be removably fixed to the first module 100 and/or the second module 110. The external module may comprise different functionalities, such as control functionalities and/or sensing functionalities and/or communication functionalities.

Providing an external module to a luminaire has been described in detail in at least PCT applications PCT/EP2021/071616 and PCT/EP2022/050240 in the name of the applicant, and in

PCT publications WO 2017/133793 Al, WO 2020/212515 Al, and WO 2021/001544 Al in the name of the applicant, which are included herein by reference. Preferably, the receptacle, also called a socket, is one of a NEMA or Zhaga receptacle. and the external module is a control module configured to be plugged in such receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle may be implemented as described in the above-mentioned PCT publication WO 2017/133793 Al. Optionally, the receptacle and the external module may be configured and/or mounted as described in the above-mentioned PCT publications WO 2020/212515 Al and WO 2021/001544 Al. The receptacle and the control module may be configured to be coupled through a twist-lock mechanism, e.g. as described in ANSI C136.10-2017 standard or ANSI C136.41-2013 standard or Zhaga Interface Specification Standard (Book 18, Edition 1.0, July 2018, interface between indoor luminaires and sensing/communication modules), which are included herein by reference.

Figures 3A-3D respectively illustrate one rod element of a lantern apparatus, an enlarged view of a connection area between a rod, a skirt, and a protruding portion of the lantern apparatus, a perspective view of the inside of the lantern apparatus, and an enlarged view of a skirt of the lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, each of the plarality of rods 120a-120d may comprise two parallel rod elements 1201, 1202. The lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a spacing means

123 configured to maintain said two rod elements 1201, 1202 at a fixed distance from each other.

The spacing means 123 may be releasably attached to each of the two rod elements 1201, 1202, e.g. by means of screws, or by means of a bolt and an associated nut. The spacing means 123 may have a substantially cylindrical or parallelepipedal shape, and the screws may respectively extend through a corresponding rod element 1201; 1202 and within the spacing means 123. Alternatively, the bolt may extend through the rod elements 1201, 1202 and through the spacing means 123.

Figure 3A illustrates one rod element 1201; 1202 of the two parallel rod elements 1201, 1202. The two rod elements 1201; 1202 may be identical. Each of the first peripheral surface 103 (see Figure 3C) and the second peripheral surface 113 (see Figures 3B and 3C) may comprise a plurality of protruding portions (see protruding portions 104a, 104b in Figure 3C; see also protruding portion 114a in Figure 3B and protruding portions 114a, 114b in Figure 3C), and each of the plurality of rods (see rod 120a in Figure 3B: see also rods 120a-120d in Figure 3C) may be provided with at least one through-hole 121a, 121b; 121c, 121d (see also Figure 3A) at each end thereof. In particular, each rod element 1201, 1202 of each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may be provided with at least one through-hole 1214, 121b; 121c, 121d at each end thereof, In the embodiment of

Figures 3A-3D, each rod element 1201, 1202 of the plurality of rods 120a-120d is provided with two through-holes 121a, 121b at a first end thereof, and with two through-holes 121¢-121d at a second end thereof. The two through-holes 121a, 121b are spaced apart from each other by a given first distance, and the two through-holes 121c, 121d are spaced apart from each other by a given second distance. The first distance may be substantially equal to the second distance.

As illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, each of the first peripheral surface 103 and the second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a first portion having a first diameter, and a second portion above the first portion and having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The first diameter may correspond to the diameter D1 illustrated in Figure 2A. The plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d may be provided to the first portion. A length of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d may be comprised between 10 mm and 50 mm, for example 30 mm. Each of the first peripheral surface 103 and the second peripheral surface 113 may further comprise a reinforcing portion between the first portion and the second portion, for example having the shape of a triangle (see Figure 3B).

As illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C, at least one of the plurality of rods 120a-120d (corresponding to the rod 120a in Figures 3B and 3C) may be configured to accommodate a cable (not shown) between the two rod elements 1201, 1202. Said cable may extend between the first module 100 and the second module 110. Each of the first peripheral surface 103 and the second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a flat portion 103’; 113° provided with a hole 105; 115 configured to accommodate said cable. Said holes 105; 115 may be provided to the second portion of the first peripheral surface 103 and the second peripheral surface 113, respectively.

As illustrated in Figures 3B-3D, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a fastening means configured to fix each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d to a corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d. The fastening means may comprise a plurality of screws SC1, SC2, each configured to extend through the at least one through-hole 121a, 121b; 121c, 121d (see also Figure 3A) of each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d. Two first screws SCI may be configured to extend through two respective first through-holes 121a, 121b of a first end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion 104a-104d of the first peripheral surface 103. One of the two first screws SC1 may be configured to extend through one of the two respective first through-holes 121a; 121b of a first end of the first rod element 1201, and the other one of the two first screws

SCI may be configured to extend through the other one of the two respective first through-holes 121b; 121a of a first end of the second rod element 1202. Two second screws SC2 may be configured to extend through two respective second through-holes 121c, 121d of a second end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion 114a-114d of the second peripheral surface 113. One of the two second screws SC2 may be configured to extend through one of the two respective second through-holes 121c; 121d of a second end of the first rod element 1201, and the other one of the two second screws SC2 may be configured to extend through the other one of the two respective first through-holes 121d; 121c of a second end of the second rod element 1202.

As illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise at least one skirt (see skirts 130b-130d in Figure 3C; see also skirt 130a in Figure 3D) configured to be removably mounted on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and extending between said two adjacent rods. Four rods 120a-120d are illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 3C, and four skirts 130a-130d are illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 3C and 3D. Figure 3C shows three skirts 130b-130d and Figure 3D shows the fourth skirt 1304, which has been removed in

Figure 3C for accessing the inside of the lantern apparatus 10. Each of the plurality of rods 120a- 120d may comprise at least one protrusion 1224-1220 (see also Figures 3A and 3B), and the at least one skirt 130a-130d may be provided with at least one corresponding slit (sce slit 131a in Figure 3D; see also slits 131a-131c in Figure 3C) configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion 1224-1220. As illustrated in Figure 3D, the slit 131a may have a L-shape such that the corresponding protrusion 122a (having the same shape as the shape of protrusion 122c in Figure

3C) may be removably accommodated in the slit 1314, e.g. by clipping the protrusion 122a into the slit 131a. The protrusion is first inserted into the vertical portion of the L-shaped slit 131a, and then moved towards the horizontal portion of the L-shaped slit 131a. The same mounting method applies to the slits 131b and 131c and to the corresponding protrusions 122b and 122¢, such that the skirt 130a may be removably mounted on the rod 120a. The skirt 130a may be removably mounted on the adjacent rod 120b using the same mounting method, such that the skirt 130a may be removably mounted on the lantern apparatus 10. Three slits 131a-131c are illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 3C, and three corresponding protrusions 122a-122¢ are illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3C. It should be clear to the skilled person that, in other embodiments, the amount of slits and corresponding protrusions may vary (e.g. only two slits and two corresponding protrusions, or only one slit and one corresponding protrusion). It should also be clear to the skilled person that, in other embodiments, the shape of the at least one slit 131a- 131c may vary (e.g. T-shaped or I-shaped at least one slit).

As illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, the at least one skirt 130a-130d may comprise a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits 132° forming an irregular pattern. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, the at least one skirt 130a-130d may comprise a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits 132’ forming a regular pattern, such as the fish-scale pattern illustrated in Figures 1A-1C.

As illustrated in Figure 3C, the first light unit L1 may comprise a first light source LS1 configured to emit light towards the second module 110. The first light source LS1 may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light. Optionally, the first light unit Ll may comprise a second light source LS2 configured to emit light away from the second module 110. The second light source LS2 may be configured to emit any one of ambiance light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K.

Although not illustrated in Figure 3C, the second light unit L2 may comprise a fourth light source

LS4 configured to emit light away from the first module 100. The fourth light source LS4 may be configured to emit functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K. Optionally, the second light unit L2 may comprise a third light source LS3 configured to emit light towards the first module 100. The third light source LS3 may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light.

In the embodiment of Figure 3C, seen in an axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. The first light source LS1 faces the first surface 101. The fourth light source LS4 faces the third surface 111.

Figures 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a perspective view of at least one skirt of a lantern apparatus according to different exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the skirt 130a may be provided with at least one slit 131a- 131c configured to removably accommodate the corresponding at least one protrusion (not shown; see protrusion 122c in Figure 3B and protrusions 122a-122¢ in Figures 3A and 3C) of the plurality of rods. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the skirt 130a comprises a frame provided with a rectangular window 132. In other embodiments, the window 132 may be square. In the embodiment of Figure 4B, the skirt 130a comprises a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits 132’ forming different irregular patterns. The irregular pattern illustrated in the top sub-figure of Figure 4B corresponds to the irregular pattern illustrated in Figure 3C. The irregular pattern illustrated in the middle and bottom sub-figures of Figure 4B represents decorative elements such as flowers, plants, and the like. The irregular pattern illustrated in the bottom sub-figure of Figure 4B is centered with respect to the skirt 130a, whereas the irregular pattern illustrated in the middle sub-figure of Figure 4B is not centered with respect to the skirt 130a. Since the skirt 130a is removably mounted on two adjacent rods of the lantern apparatus 10, different skirts 130a provided with different regular or irregular patterns may be provided to the lantern apparatus 10.

Figures SA-5C respectively illustrate an exploded view of a first module, a perspective view of a first module and a second module, and a perspective view of a fixation means of a lantern apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As illustrated in Figure 3A, the first module 100 may comprise a housing 1001 and a cover 1002.

The housing 1001 and the cover 1002 may have a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape. A seal S may be arranged between the housing 1001 and the cover 1002. Similarly, the second module 110 may comprise a housing 1101 and a cover 1102. The housing 1101 and the cover 1102 may have a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape. A seal S may be arranged between the housing 1101 and the cover 1102. A shape and dimensions of the housing 1001 and the cover 1002 may be substantially the same as a shape and dimensions of the housing 1101 and the cover 1102.

As illustrated in Figure 5B, the first module 100 (bottom sub-figure of Figure 5B) has a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, and a first peripheral surface 103 extending between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The first peripheral surface 103 may comprise a plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d. The first peripheral surface 103 may comprise a flat portion 103 provided with a hole 105 configured to accommodate a cable.

The first module 100 may comprise a fixation means 107 configured to fix the lantern apparatus to an end of a luminaire pole (not shown; see luminaire pole P in Figure 7A). In the embodiment of

Figure 5B, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 1B) of the lantern apparatus, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. The second surface 102 may comprise a central fixation portion 106 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 107. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole P according to said side- entry configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 5B, the second module 110 (top sub-figure of Figure 5B) has a third surface 111, a fourth surface 112 opposite to the third surface 111, and a second peripheral surface 113 extending between the third surface 111 and the fourth surface 112. The second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a plurality of protruding portions 114a-114d. The second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a flat portion 113 provided with a hole 115 configured to accommodate a cable. Contrary to the second surface 102 of the first module 100, The fourth surface 112 of the second module 110 may not comprise a central fixation portion 106.

As illustrated in Figure 5C (top sub-figure), the fixation means 107 may comprise a channel C configured to accommodate a cable extending between the outside of the lantern apparatus and the inside of the first module 100. As illustrated in Figure 5B, the central fixation portion 106 may be provided with a central hole aligned with the channel C of the fixation means 107, and with a plurality of peripheral holes, e.g. three peripheral holes, configured to receive a corresponding plurality of screws in order to secure the fixation means 107 to the second surface 102 of the first module 100. As illustrated in Figure 5C (bottom sub-figure), a flange 109 may be provided between the fixation means 107 and the central fixation portion 106. Said flange 109 may be provided with a plurality of peripheral holes aligned with the above-mentioned plurality of peripheral holes.

Figures GA and 6B respectively illustrate a side view of a luminaire comprising a luminaire pole and a lantern apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment, and a perspective view of an orifice flange of a lantern apparatus according to two exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in Figare 6A, the luminaire 1000 comprises a luminaire pole P and a lantern apparatus 10. The lantern apparatus 10 comprises a first module 100 having a first surface 101, a second surface 102 opposite to the first surface 101, and a first peripheral surface 103 extending between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The lantern apparatus 10 further comprises a second module 110° facing said first module 100, said second module 110" having a third surface 111, a fourth surface 112 opposite to the third surface 111, and a second peripheral surface 113 extending between the third surface 111 and the fourth surface 112. The lantern apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of rods 120a-120d (the rod 120d is not visible in Figure

GA) extending between said first module 100 and said second module 110°, and configured to maintain the first module 100 and the second module 110" at a fixed distance from each other. The first module is a sealed module 100 comprising a first light unit L1 and a first light unit driving means. The first module 100 of the embodiment of Figure 6A may correspond to the first module 100 of the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C. Contrary to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, in the embodiment of Figure 6A, the second module is an orifice flange 110°.

As illustrated in Figure 6A, the lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise at least one skirt 130 configured to be removably mounted on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and extending between said two adjacent rods. Each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may comprise at least one protrusion (not shown; see protrusion 122c in Figure 3B and protrusions 122a-122¢ in

Figures 3A and 3C), and the at least one skirt 130 may be provided with at least one corresponding slit (not shown; see slits 131a-131c in Figures 1A-1C and slit 131a in Figure 3D) configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion. The at least one skirt 130 may form a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape. The at least one skirt 130 may comprise a frame provided with a plurality of holes or slits 132° forming an irregular pattern.

As in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, in the embodiment of Figure 6A the plurality of rods 120a-120d comprise four rods 120a-120d (the rod 120d is not visible in Figure 6A). Contrary to the embodiment of Figures 1A-1C, in the embodiment of Figure GA the skirt 130 is made as an integral skirt 130. The four rods 120a-120d may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module 100 and the orifice flange 110°. The integral skirt 130 may surround the four rods 120a- 120d. The integral skirt 130 may form a rotational symmetric shape, preferably a cylindrical shape as illustrated in Figure 6A, or a tronconical shape.

As illustrated in Figure 6A, the first module 100 may comprise a fixation means 107 configured to fix the lantern apparatus 10 to an end of the luminaire pole P. The fixation means 107 may comprise a channel (not shown; see channel C in Figure 5C) configured to accommodate a cable extending between the outside of the lantern apparatus 10 and the inside of the first module 100.

Seen in an axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the orifice flange 110° is a lower module. The second surface 102 may comprise a central fixation portion 106 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 107. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole P according to said side-entry configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 6B, the orifice flange 110’ may have a central orifice 110°” defining a third peripheral surface 113b extending between the third surface 111 and the fourth surface 112 and opposite to the second peripheral surface 113. Preferably, the orifice flange 110” has a rotational symmetric shape, such as a toroidal shape, as illustrated in both sub-figures of Figure 6B. The second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a plurality of protruding portions 114a-114d, and each of the plurality of rods 120a-120d may be provided with at least one through-hole (not shown; see through-holes 121a, 121b; 12le, 121d in Figures 3A-3D) at each end thereof. The lantern apparatus 10 may further comprise a fastening means (not shown; see fastening means in Figures 3B-3D) configured to fix each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d to a corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 114a-114d. The second peripheral surface 113 may comprise a flat portion 113° provided with a hole 115 configured to accommodate a cable. Said cable may extend from the first module 100 to the orifice flange 110°.

In the embodiment of the left sub-figure of Figure GB, the orifice flange 110° corresponds to the oritice flange 110° of the embodiment of Figure 6A. Thus, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure

GA) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the orifice flange 110° is a lower module. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole P according to said side-entry configuration.

In another embodiment, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 6A) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be a lower module and the orifice flange 110° may be an upper module.

The first module 100 may comprise a fixation means 107 configured to fix the lantern apparatus 10 to an end of a luminaire pole. The first surface 101 may comprise a central fixation portion 106 configured to be fastened to the fixation means 107. In other words, in said other embodiment the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to the luminaire pole according to said post-top configuration.

In the embodiment of the right sub-figure of Figure 6B, the orifice flange 110° comprises a central fixation portion 116 connected to the second surface 112 of the orifice flange 110°. The central fixation portion 116 may be connected to the second surface 112 by means of a plurality of connected elements 118, for example three connecting elements 118 as illustrated in the right sub- figure of Figure 6B. The plurality of connecting elements 118 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the orifice flange 110°. The central fixation portion 116 may be configured to be fastened to a fixation means such as the fixation means 107 illustrated in Figure 7A. Thus, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 6A) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be a lower module and the orifice flange 110" may be an upper module. In other words, the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to a luminaire pole according to said side-entry configuration.

In another embodiment, the orifice flange 110° may comprises a central fixation portion 116 connected to the first surface 111 of the orifice flange 110°. In said embodiment, the central fixation portion 116 may be connected to the first surface 111 by means of a plurality of connected elements 118, for example three connecting elements 118. The central fixation portion 116 may be configured to be fastened to a fixation means such as the fixation means 117 illustrated in Figure 7B. Thus, seen in an axial direction D (see Figure 6A) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be an upper module and the orifice flange 110° may be a lower module. In other words, in said other embodiment the lantern apparatus 10 may be fixed to a luminaire pole according to said post-top configuration.

As illustrated in Figure 7A, the luminaire 1000 comprises a luminaire pole P and a lantern apparatus 10. The lantern apparatus 10 of the embodiment of Figure 7A corresponds to the lantern apparatus 10 of the embodiments of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2B. Hence, the configuration and arrangement of the different components of the lantern apparatus 10 will not be repeated in the following. In other words, seen in an axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an apper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. In said embodiment, the central fixation portion 106 is fastened to the fixation means 107, so that the lantern apparatus 10 is connected to the end of the luminaire pole P according to said side-entry configuration. In other embodiments, the second module 110 may be replaced with the orifice flange 110° illustrated in

Figure 6A and in the left sub-figure of Figure GB.

As illustrated in Figure 7B, the luminaire 1000 comprises a luminaire pole P and a lantern apparatus 10. Seen in an axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 is an upper module and the second module 110 is a lower module. In said embodiment, the central fixation portion 116 is fastened to the fixation means 117, so that the lantern apparatus 10 is connected to the end of the luminaire pole P according to said post-top configuration. In other embodiments, the second module 110 may be replaced with an orifice flange 110° comprising a central fixation portion 116 connected to the first surface 111 of the orifice flange 110°, as described above.

Although not visible in Figure 7B. the first module is a sealed module 100 comprising a first light unit Ll and a first light unit driving means. The first light unit L1 may comprise a light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The first light unit L1 may comprise a second light source LS2 configured to emit light away from the second module 110. The second light source LS2 may face the second surface 102. The second light source LS2 may be configured to emit any one of ambiance light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K. Alternatively or in addition, the first light unit L1 may comprise a first light source LS1 (not visible in Figure 7B; see Figures 1C and 3C) configured to emit light towards the second module 110. The first light source LS1 may face the first surface 101. The first light source LS1 may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light.

Although not visible in Figure 7B, the second module is a sealed module 110 comprising a second light unit L2 and optionally a second light unit driving means. The second light unit L2 may comprise a light support, such as a PCB, on which a plurality of light elements, such as LEDs, may be mounted. The second light unit L2 may comprise a third light source LS3 configured to emit light towards the first module 100. The third light source LS3 may face the fourth surface 112. The third light source LS3 may be configured to emit ambiance light corresponding to a colored light.

Alternatively or in addition, the second light unit L2 may comprise a fourth light source LS4 (not visible in Figure 7B) configured to emit light away from the first module 100. The fourth light source LS4 may face the third surface 111. The fourth light source LS4 may be configured to emit functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature comprised between 2200 K and 4500 K.

Common to all embodiments of Figures 1A-7B, there is provided a method for assembling a lantern apparatus 10 as described above. The method comprises providing each of a plurality of rods 120a-120d with at least one through-hole 121a, 121b at each end thereof, and a fastening means, fixing the plurality of rods 120a-120d to a corresponding plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d of the first peripheral surface 103 using the fastening means, and fixing the plurality of rods 120a-120d to a corresponding plurality of protruding portions 114a-114d of the second peripheral surface 113 using the fastening means.

With respect to the above-described method, seen in an axial direction D (see Figures 1B, 6A, and 7A-7B) of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be a lower module and the second module 110; 110° may be an upper module. Alternatively, seen in said axial direction D of the lantern apparatus 10, the first module 100 may be an upper module and the second module 110; 110° may be a lower module. The second module may be a sealed module 110 comprising a second light unit L2 and optionally a second light unit driving means, as illustrated in Figures 1A- 1C, 2A-2B, 5A-5B, and 7A-7B. Alternatively, the second module may be an orifice flange 110°, as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B.

With respect to the above-described method, each of the fixing steps may comprise fastening each of a plurality of screws SCI, SC2 through each through-hole 1214, 121b; 121e, 121d of each end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions 104a-104d; 114a-114d. Each of the fixing steps may comprise fastening two first screws SC1 through two respective first through-holes 121a, 121b of a first end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion 104a-104d of the first peripheral surface 103, and fastening two second screws SC2 through two respective second through-holes 121c, 121d of a second end of the plurality of rods 120a-120d and through each corresponding protruding portion 114a-114d of the second peripheral surface 113.

The method may further comprise removably mounting at least one skirt 130; 130a-130d on the lantern apparatus 10, comprising the following steps: providing each of the plurality of rods 120a- 120d with at least one protrusion 122a-122c, providing the at least one skirt 130; 130a-130d with at least one corresponding slit 131a-131c configured to removably accommodate the at least one protrusion 122a-122¢, and clipping the at least one corresponding slit 131a-131c of the at least one skirt 130; 130a-130d to the at least one protrusion 122a-122c¢ of two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods 120a-120d.

Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

A lantern device (10) comprising: a first module (100) having a first surface (101), a second surface (102) opposite the first surface (101), and a first edge surface (103) located between the first surface (101) and the second surface (102); a second module (110; 1107) facing the first module (100), and having a third surface (111), a fourth surface (112) opposite the third surface (111), and a second edge surface (113) located between the third surface (111) and the fourth surface (112): and at least one bar, preferably a plurality of bars (120a-120d), extending between the first module (100) and the second module (110; 1107); extends, and is configured to keep the first module (100) and the second module (110; 110”) at a fixed distance from each other; wherein the first module is a dense module (100) comprising a first light unit (L1) and a first light unit drive means; and wherein the first module is a closed module (110) comprising a functional unit, or wherein the second module is an opening flange (1107).

The lantern device according to claim 1, wherein the functional unit comprises one or more of the following: a driving means of the functional unit, a second light unit (L2)}, an image sensor means such as a camera, a communication means such as an antenna, a sensor means such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio frequency, RF, sensor, a speaker, a light projection device such as a projector, a display, or a laser.

The lantern device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one shroud (130; 130a-130d) configured to be removably mounted on the at least one rod, preferably on two adjacent rods of the plurality of rods (120a-120d ) and extending between the two adjacent bars.

The lantern device of claim 3, wherein the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods (120a-120d), comprises at least one projection (122a-122¢), and wherein the at least one shroud (130; 130a-130d) is provided with at least one corresponding slot (131a-131c) configured to removably receive the at least one protrusion (122a-122c¢).

The lantern device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one shell (130; 130a-130d) forms a rotationally symmetrical shape, preferably a cylindrical or tronconical shape.

The lantern device according to any one of claims 3-5, wherein the number of rods (120a-120d) comprises at least four rods (1204-120d), and the at least one sheath (130; 130a-130d) comprises at least four sheaths ( 130a-130d), each sheath extending between two adjacent bars; and wherein the at least four bars (120a-120d) and the at least four jackets (130a-130d) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module (100) and the second module (110; 110°).

The lantern device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the at least one casing (130: 1304-130d) comprises a frame provided with a window (132) or with a number of holes or slots (132) that form a regular or irregular pattern.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first edge surface (103) and the second edge surface (113) comprises at least one protruding portion, preferably a plurality of protruding portions (104a-104d; 114a-114d), and the at least one bar, preferably each of the plurality of bars (120a-120d), has at least one through-hole (1214, 121b; 121c, 121d) at each end thereof; further comprising a fastener configured to attach each end of the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods (120a-120d), to a corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions (104a-104d; 114a-114d).

The lantern device according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of projecting portions (104a-104d; 114a-114d) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first module (100) and the second module (110; 110°).

The lantern device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the mounting means comprises a plurality of screws (SCI, SC2), each configured to pass through the at least one through-hole (1214, 121b; 121¢, 121d) of each of the at least one bar, preferably the plurality of bars (1204-1204), and extending through the corresponding at least one protruding portion, preferably through each corresponding protruding portion of the plurality of protruding portions (104a-104d; 114a-114d)

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rod, preferably each of the plurality of rods (120a-120d), comprises two parallel rod elements (1201, 1202); further comprising a spacer (123) configured to maintain the two bar elements (1201, 1202) at a fixed distance from each other.

The lantern device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one rod, preferably at least one of the plurality of rods (120a-120d), is configured around a cable extending between the first module (100) and the second module (110; 110°) extends.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light unit

(1.1) comprises a light support, such as a PCB, on which a number of light elements, such as light-emitting diodes, LEDs, are mounted; and/or wherein the second module is the closed module (100) comprising a second light unit (1.2) and optionally a second light unit drive means, wherein the second light unit

(1.2) comprises a light support, such as a PCB on which a number of light elements, such as LEDs, are mounted.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first module (100) comprises one or more of the following: a first light unit dimming means, an overvoltage protection circuit, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit, a connection means, a fuse, a measuring circuit, a driving and/or or control circuit; and/or wherein the second module is the closed module comprising a second light unit (L2) and optionally a second light unit driving means, wherein the second module (110) comprises one or more of the following: a second light unit dimming means, an overvoltage protection circuit, an electrostatic discharge protection circuit , a connection means, a fuse, a measuring circuit, a drive and/or control circuit.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light unit (L1) comprises a first light source (LS1) configured to radiate light to the second module (110; 110°), and/or a second light source ( LS2) configured to radiate light away from the second module (110; 110").

The lantern device according to claim 15, wherein the first light source (LSI) is configured to emit an ambient light corresponding to a colored light, and/or wherein the second light source (LS2) is configured to emit an ambient light corresponding to a colored light and to emit functional light similar to white light, preferably with a color temperature between 2200 K and 4500 K.

The lantern device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, viewed in an axial direction (D) of the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is an upper module and the second module (110; 1107) is a lower module , and wherein the first light source (LS1) is directed towards the first surface (101) and/or the second light source (LS2) is directed towards the second surface (102); or wherein, when viewed in an axial direction (D) of the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is a lower module and the second modal (110; 110") is an upper module, and wherein the first light source ( LS 1) is directed towards the second surface (102) and/or the second Light Source (LS2) is directed towards the first surface (101).

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module is the closed module (110) comprising a second light unit (1.2) and optionally a second light unit drive means, wherein the second light unit (L2) comprises a third light source (LS3) which is configured to radiate light toward the first module (100), and/or a fourth light source (LS4) configured to radiate light away from the first module.

The lantern device of claim 18, wherein the third light source (LS3) is configured to emit ambient light corresponding to a colored light. and/or wherein the fourth light source (LS4) is configured to emit one of atmospheric light corresponding to a colored light and functional light corresponding to white light, preferably with a color temperature between 2200 K and 4500 K.

The lantern device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein, viewed in an axial direction (D) of the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is an upper module and the second module (110) is a lower module, and wherein the third light source (LS3) is directed toward the fourth surface (112) and/or the fourth light source (LS4) is directed toward the third surface (111); or wherein, when viewed in an axial direction (D) from the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is a lower module and the second module (110) is an upper module, and wherein the third light source (LS3) faces the third surface (111) is directed and/or the fourth light source (LS4) is directed toward the fourth surface (112).

The lantern device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a functional module disposed between the first module (100) and the second modal (110; 110°), and comprising one or more of the following: an image sensor means, such as a camera, a communication device such as an antenna, a sensor device such as an air quality sensor or a smoke sensor or a microphone or a radio frequency, RF, sensor, a speaker, a light projection device such as a projector, a display, or a laser.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a transparent or translucent diffuser body arranged between the first module (100) and the second module (110; 1107).

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a socket arranged in or on the first module (100) and/or in or on the second module (110; 1107), wherein the socket is configured to connect an external module. received.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first edge surface (103) and/or the second edge surface (113) comprises a flat portion (103°; 113°) provided with a hole (105; 115) and which is configured to accept a cable.

The lantern device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first module (100) or the second module (110; 1107) includes a mounting means (107; 117) configured to secure the lantern device (10) to a support, such as an end of a light fixture post (P), to be attached.

The lantern device of claim 25, wherein the mounting means (107; 117) includes a channel (C) configured to receive a cable extending between the exterior of the lantern device (10) and the interior of the first module (100) and/or the second module (110; 1107).

The lantern device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein, viewed in an axial direction (D) of the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is an upper module and the second module (110; 110°) is a lower module and wherein the second surface (102) or the third surface (111) includes a central mounting portion (106; 116) configured to be attached to the mounting means (107; 117); or wherein, when viewed in a direction (D) from the lantern device (10), the first module (100) is a lower module and the second module (110; 110") is an upper module, and wherein the first surface (101 ) or the fourth surface (112) includes a central mounting portion (106; 116) configured to be attached to the mounting means (107; 117).

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first module (100) comprises a housing (1001) and a cover (1002), and wherein a seal (S) is between the housing (1001) and the cover (1002). applied; and/or wherein the second module is the closed module (110), wherein the second module (110) comprises a housing (1101) and a cover (1102), and wherein a seal (S) between the housing and the cover (1102) ) is applied.

The lantern device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second module is the opening flange (110°), the opening lens (110°) having a central opening (1107) forming a third edge surface (113b) located between the third surface (111) and the fourth surface (112) and opposite the second edge surface (113), wherein preferably the opening flange (110°) has a rotationally symmetrical shape, such as a toroidal shape.

A light fixture (1000) comprising a support, such as a light fixture post (P), and the lantern device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

A method of assembling the lantern device (10) according to any one of claims 1-29, the method comprising the following steps: attaching the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods (120a-120d), to the first edge surface (103) of the first module (100); and attaching the at least one bar, preferably the plurality of bars (1204-120d), to the second edge surface (113) of the second module (110; 110').

The method of claim 31, comprising: providing the at least one bar, preferably each of the plurality of bars (120a-120d), with at least one through hole (1214, 121b) at each end thereof, and a fastener; wherein the first mounting step involves attaching the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods (120a-120d), to at least one protruding portion, preferably to the corresponding number of protruding portions (104a-104d), of the first edge surface (103) by the use of the fastener; and wherein the second mounting step involves attaching the at least one rod, preferably the plurality of rods (120a-120d), to at least one protruding portion, preferably to the corresponding number of protruding portions (114a-114d), of the second edge surface (113) through the use of the fastener.

The method of claim 32, wherein each of the first and second fastening steps includes fastening each of a plurality of screws (SC1, SC2) through each through hole (121a, 121b; 121c, 121d) of each end of the at least one bar, preferably of the number of bars (120a-120d), and by each corresponding protruding portion, preferably by each corresponding protruding portion of the number of protruding portions (104a-1044d; 114a-114d),

The method of any one of claims 31-33, further comprising removably mounting the at least one shroud (130; 130a-130d) on the lantern device (10).

The method according to claim 34, comprising the steps of: providing the at least one bar, preferably each of the plurality of bars (120a-120d). of at least one projecting portion (1224-1220); providing the at least one sheath (130; 130a-130d) with at least one corresponding slot (131a-131c) configured to removably receive the at least one protruding portion (1224-1220); and clipping the at least the corresponding slot (131a-131¢) of the at least one sheath (130; 130a-130d}) to the at least one protruding portion (1224-1220) of the at least one rod, at preference of two adjacent bars of the number of bars (120a- 120d).