WO2019177528A1

WO2019177528A1 - A method and a system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire

Info

Publication number: WO2019177528A1
Application number: PCT/SE2019/050226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlén RIKARD
Original assignee: Strihl Scandinavia AB
Current assignee: Strihl Scandinavia AB
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2019-03-13
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-16
Also published as: SE1850296A1

Abstract

A method for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire (50) on a luminaire support (400) with replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprising the steps: - remotely controlling one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the air space of a luminaire support (400); - operating (1100) an UAV (500) to remove existing lighting luminaire (50) from the luminaire support (400); - providing (1200) by means of an UAV (500) replacement lighting luminaire (100) at the luminaire support (400); - operating (1300) an UAV (500) to arrange replacement lighting luminaire (100) on the luminaire support (400); - connecting (1400) the modular lighting luminaire (100) to an electrical source.

Description

A method and a system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a method for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire. The present disclosure also relates to a system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire.

Background art

Replacement of light bulbs in street light fittings are traditionally handled by a person that is lifted to the street light fitting and by hand opens up the light fitting and next replaces the light source. This is problematic in several aspects. The most obvious aspect is that the person performing this operation is exposed to risks of injury due to that the work is carried out at significant height. Another problem with having personnel lifted at a height in the vicinity of lampposts is, in those cases these lampposts are found in the vicinity of overhead lines. Overhead lines are generally uninsulated and thus are highly dangerous to contact. A further disadvantage is that manual replacement of the light sources is time consuming.

Recently, modular street light luminaire has been developed. Such modular street light luminaire may comprise a socket module which is attached to a lamppost and a lighting module with a protective housing that encloses a light source. The lighting module is removable attachable to the socket module so that it may be removed and replaced with a new lighting module in few actions. An example of a modular street light luminaire is disclosed in WO2013115722A1.

Many existing street lighting luminaire are old and based on technology that consumes a lot of energy. Replacement of existing street lighting luminaire with replacement luminaire, such as modular lighting luminaire poses a problem since it to date may be performed by a robot that is carried on an extendable arm on a lorry. The system is described in WO2013115721A1. The lorry present an obstruction to the traffic in the street where it operates. It may further be complicated to manoeuvre the lorry in narrow streets or residential areas. The system is also relatively costly since it involves an expensive vehicle and several expensive components such as the robot and the extendable arm.

Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire that solves or at least mitigates one of the problems of the prior-art. In particular it is an object of the present to provide an effective and flexible method for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire. Yet a further object of the present disclosure it to provide a method for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire that may be performed at low cost.

It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire. Summary of the disclosure

According to the present disclosure, at least one of these objects is achieved by a method for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire on a luminaire support with replacement lighting luminaire comprising the steps:

- remotely controlling one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the air space of a luminaire support;

- operating an UAV to remove existing lighting luminaire from the luminaire support;

- providing by means of an UAV replacement lighting luminaire at the luminaire support;

- operating an UAV to arrange replacement lighting luminaire on the luminaire support; - connecting the replacement lighting luminaire to an electrical source. By the employment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), existing lighting luminaire may be replaced in essentially any position or location without obstructing traffic or exposing working personnel to risks. Another advantage is that replacement of existing lighting luminaire may be performed at a substantially lower cost compared to known methods.

In an embodiment of the method, the UAV comprises removing means configured to remove existing lighting luminaire from the luminaire support. The removing means of the first UAV are thereby operated to remove existing lighting luminaire from the luminaire support. The removing means are preferably a cutting device which may be operated to cut off the luminaire support at the existing lighting luminaire. Typically existing lighting luminaire are attached to luminaire support by bolts (not shown). However, over time the bolts have often corroded so the most practical option to remove existing lighting luminaire is to cut off the luminaire support at the level of the existing lighting luminaire.

In a further embodiment, the UAV comprises holding means for holding the first UAV to the lighting luminaire support, wherein the method comprises the step of operating the holding means to hold the first UAV at the luminaire support. Preferably, the holding means is a first and a second grip claw configured to grip the lighting luminaire support. It is advantageous to hold the UAV steady to the luminaire support since the existing lighting luminaire thereby may be removed easier and with greater precision. Claw shaped holding means may advantageously be configured to grip a luminaire support in the form a cylindrical lamp post.

Preferably, the replacement lighting luminaire comprises a socket module comprising a holder part with a hollow space and an opening configured to receive an upper end of the luminaire support. The UAV may thereby easily be operated remotely to arrange the replacement lighting luminaire from above onto the upper end of the luminaire support such that the upper end of the luminaire support is received in the hollow space of the socket module. Preferably the replacement lighting luminaire comprises an electrical cable for connecting the replacement lighting luminaire to an electrical source and the method for replacing existing lighting luminaire comprising the steps of:

- feeding a cable pulling device from the lower end of the luminaire support to the upper end of the luminaire support;

- connecting, at the upper end of the luminaire support, an end of the electric cable with an end of the cable pulling device;

- pulling, by means of the cable pulling device the end of the electric cable to the lower end of the luminaire support. This allows for easy and efficient electrical connection of the replacement lighting luminaire to an electrical source because the UAV, from above, easily access the cable pulling device. This solution is particularly suitable to be executed in combination with an UAV that is operated remotely. The present disclosure also relates to a system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire on a lighting luminaire support with replacement lighting luminaire comprising: replacement lighting luminaire having a socket configured to be attached to a luminaire support, characterized in comprising:

one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) configured to be controlled remotely in an air space of a luminaire support, wherein a first UAV comprising a holding means configured to hold the (UAV) at the lighting luminaire support and a removing means for removing existing lighting luminaire from a luminaire support.

Preferably, the replacement luminaire is modular replacement lighting luminaire comprising a modular lighting luminaire comprising a lighting module having a light source and a socket module configured to be attached to a luminaire support, wherein the lighting module and the socket module are configured to be releasable connected to each other. This type of replacement lighting luminaire is advantageous in combination with an UAV since the UAV first may arrange the socket module on the luminaire support and then return with the lighting module and arrange this on the socket module. The advantage is that the UAV needs to lift less weight and thus a smaller and more maneuverable UAV may be employed. It is further easier to firstly arrange only the socket module on the luminaire support since accurate maneuvering is required to align the socket module and the end of the lamppost. It is easier to accurately maneuver an AUV remotely that carries a small load, i.e. the socket module.

Preferably, an electrical cable extending from the socket and comprises a cable end with an engagement body which is configured to engage a cable receiver of the cable pulling device. The engagement body, which may be a hook and the cable receiver, which may be a loop are easy to connect even by an UAV that is operated remotely.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 : A schematic drawing of an existing lighting luminaire and an UAV for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure.

Figures 2 - 6 Schematic drawings showing steps of the method for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure.

Figure 7: A schematic drawing of a replacement modular lighting luminaire and an UAV of the system for replacing existing lighting luminaire with modular lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure.

Figures 8 - 10: Schematic drawings of modular replacement lighting luminaire.

Figures 11, 12: Schematic drawings of an UAV configured to be used in the method and the system for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure.

Figure 13: A flowchart showing steps of the method for replacing existing lighting luminaire.

Detailed description of embodiments

The method and the system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter. The method and the system for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire according to the present disclosure may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those persons skilled in the art. In the following description the method and the system for replacing existing lighting luminaire with replacement lighting luminaire are referred to as“the method according to the present disclosure” and the“the system according to the present disclosure” to avoid burdening of the text. In the following description of the method of the present disclosure reference may be made to the flow chart of figure 13.

In the method according to the present disclosure (see figure 1) one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) 500 is/are controlled remotely in the air space of a luminaire support 400 having existing lighting luminaire 50. By“controlled remotely” is meant that

UAV/s are controlled to operate in various ways in the air space around the luminaire support. For example, fly towards or away from the luminaire support 400. Or to interact with the luminaire support, such as engaging the luminaire support 400 by gripping, cutting etc. Remote control of the UAV/s is described in detail hereinafter. Thus, the step 1000 of controlling the UAV 500 remotely in the air space of a luminaire support 400 applies to several of the steps of the method according to the present disclosure.

Moreover, in the following specification reference is sometimes made to“a first UAV” and“a second UAV”. However it is possible that only one UAV is utilized in the method of present disclosure or that more than two UAV:s are utilized. It is further appreciated that the steps of the method of the present disclosure, where appropriate, may be performed in different order or repeated.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the luminaire support 400 is a lamp pole. That is, an elongated hollow tube of circular cross-section that is attached to the ground. The lower end 420 of the luminaire support 400 comprises a service opening 421, which may be covered by a cover 422. The upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400 comprises an existing lighting luminaire 50. The denomination“existing lighting luminaire” is here within used to distinguish lighting luminaire that is to be replaced by replacement lighting luminaire. In the described embodiment, replacement lighting luminaire is in the form of modular replacement lighting luminaire. The lamp post 400 and the existing lighting luminaire 50 are configured for outdoor use. For example in the form of street lighting.

The UAV 500, is described more in detail hereinafter, comprises a holding means 560 for holding the UAV 500 at the luminaire support 400. The holding means 560 may also be denominated“UAV holder for holding the UAV at the luminaire support”. In the shown embodiment, the holding means 560 comprises a first and a second claw 561, 562 which are configured to grip around the luminaire support 400. The claws are therefor of semi circular shape. However, other holding means 560 are feasible, for example electromagnets. The UAV 500 further comprises a removing means 570 for removing existing luminaire 50 from the luminaire support 400. The removing means 570 may also be denominated“existing luminaire remover” The removing means 570 is typically a cutting device, configured to cut off the luminaire support 400. For example a circular electric saw. The removing means 570 may be arranged on a rotatable turret 571 which moves the removing means 570 towards and through the luminaire support 400 (see figure 2). The holding means 560 and the removing means 570 may be arranged on bracket 580 which extends from the UAV 500. The bracket 580 is configured such that the UAV 500 may be held at a distance from the luminaire support 400 so that the rotors 510 do not touch the luminaire support 400. In figure 1, only the holding means 560 and the removing means 570 are shown. However, it is also possible that the UAV 500 carries a modular replacement lighting luminaire which will be attached to the luminaire support 400 in a later step of the method according to the present disclosure. The replacement lighting luminaire and engagement means on the UAV for holding modular lighting luminaire will be described under further under figures 8 -12. Figure 2 shows a step 2000 of the method according to the disclosure in which the holding means 560 is operated to hold the UAV 500 at the luminaire support 400. The first and second grip claw 561,562 thereby grips around the luminaire support.

Figure 3 shows a step 2500 of the method according to the disclosure in which the removing means 570 have been operated to remove the existing lighting luminaire 50 from the luminaire support 400. The removing means 570 have thereby cut off the luminaire support 400, in the upper end 410, below the lighting luminaire 50 which has fallen to the ground. After removing the existing lighting luminaire 50, an opening 415 in the upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400 is exposed (see figure 4).

Figure 4 shows a step 3000 of the method according to the disclosure in which a modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 is provided a by means of an UAV 500 at the luminaire support 400. The modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 may be provided by the same UAV 500 that removed the existing lighting luminaire 50 (in the following “the first UAV”. The first UAV 500 may thereby provide a modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 that it already carries (as described above). Alternatively, the first UAV 500 may be controlled to fly to a storage area (not shown), collect a modular replacement lighting luminaire at the storage area and return to the luminaire support 400). According to a further alternative, a second UAV 500 (not shown) provides a modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 at the luminaire support 400.

Figure 8 shows the modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 in detail. Thus, the lighting luminaire 100 comprises a lighting module 200 and a socket module 300. The socket module 300 (see figure 10) comprises a holder part 313 with a hollow space 314 and an circular opening 315. The socket module 300 further comprises a electrical connection 360 for electrically connecting the socket module 300 to an electrical source (not shown) and to the lighting module 200.

Returning to figure 4, the holder part 313 is configured to receive the upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400. The socket module 300 further comprises a electrical cable 370 with an engagement body 371 in the form of a hook at is end. The other end of the electrical cable is connected to electrical connection means 360 of the socket module (not shown in figure 4). The electrical cable 370 extends out form the circular opening 315 of the holder part 313 of the socket module 300.

The UAV 500 may further comprises a fixating apparatus 590 which may be arranged on a bracket 591. The fixating apparatus 590 may be denominated“lighting luminaire fixator”. The fixating apparatus 590 is configured to fixate the lighting luminaire 100 onto the luminaire support 400. In the shown embodiment, the fixating apparatus 590 is an electrical screw driver or bolt driver configured to engage at least one fixating means 316 in the form of a screw or bolt of the socket module 300. The fixating apparatus 590 thus drives the fixating means 316 into clamping contact with luminaire support 400.

Figure 4 shows also a step 5100 of the method according to the disclosure in which the modular replacement lighting luminaire is electrically connected to an electrical source. Thus, figure 4 shows a cable pulling device 600, i.e. a cable puller, which is introduced through the service opening 421 and fed from the lower end 420 to the upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400 (fig 10, step 5100). The cable pulling device 600, which may be a steel wire, comprises a cable receiver 610 at its end which is configured to connect with the engagement body 371 at end of the electric cable 370. The cable receiver 610 extends through the opening 415 in the upper end 410 in the luminaire support 400. A human operator 60 may handle the cable pulling device 600. For example the cable receiver 610 is a ring or loop. Figure 5 and 6 shows a further step 4000 of the method according to the disclosure in which an UAV 500 is operated to arrange the modular lighting luminaire 100 on the luminaire support 400.

Turning to figure 5. the UAV 500 is thereby operated such that the UAV 500 is positioned approximately above the upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400. The UAV 500 is further operated such that the engagement body 371 at the end of the electrical cable 370 is connected with the cable receiver 610 at the end of the cable pulling device 600. That is the hook shaped engagement body 371 is inserted in the loop 610. (fig 10, step 5200)

Turning to figure 6. The UAV 500 is operated to descend until the upper end 410 of the luminaire support 400 is received in the holder part 313 of the socket module 300.

Simultaneous, the electrical cable 370 is fed from the upper end 410 to the lower end 420 of the luminaire support 400 (fig 10, step 5400). This may be achieved in the human operator pulls the cable pulling device 600 out of the service opening 421 so that the end 610 of the electrical cable 600 is pulled from the upper end 410 to the lower end 420 of the luminaire support 400 (fig 10, step 5300).

In a further step 4300 of the method according to the disclosure, the fixating apparatus 590 may be operated to fixate the modular lighting luminaire 100 to the luminaire support 400.

In a further step 5000 of the method according to the disclosure the modular lighting luminaire 100 is connected to an electrical source (not shown). Typically by connecting the electrical cable 600 to electrical terminals present in the luminaire support 400 (not shown).

In figure 7, the UAV 500 releases the modular lighting luminaire 100 and takes off.

Following is a description of the modular lighting luminaire 100 with reference to figures 8 - 10.

Figure 8 shows a modular street lighting luminaire 100 comprising a lighting module 200 and a socket module 300 that are connected to each other. Also indicated in figure 1 is a portion of a luminaire support 400 to which the socket module 300 is attached. The lighting module 200 comprises an elongate housing 210 having an upper side 213, a lower side 214 and a front portion 211 which comprises a light source (not shown) in the form of one or more lightbulbs or LED or the like. The light source is arranged on the lower side 214 of the elongate housing. The rear portion 212 of the housing 210 is connected to the socket module 300. Thus in operation, as shown in figure 1, the lower side 214 of the housing 210 is directed towards the luminaire support 400 and thus towards the ground so that light from the light source is directed towards the ground. The upper side 214 of the housing 210 is directed oppositely away from luminaire support 400 and thus away from the ground.

Figure 9 shown the lighting module 200 in perspective view from below. The elongate housing has a rear end 217, a front end 218 and two opposite elongate sides 215, 216 extending between the rear end 217 and the front end 218. The front portion of the housing 210 comprises the light source 220 which may be covered by a protective transparent layer, e.g. glass. The rear portion of the housing 210 comprises a receiving space 250 for receiving a receiving part 320 of the socket module 300 (as will be described hereinafter). The receiving space 250 is a recess which is limited by two opposite side walls 252, 253, which extends parallel with the elongate sides 215, 216 of the housing, and a rear wall 251 in the rear end 217 of the housing 210. The receiving space 250 may further be limited by a front wall 254 which extends between the opposite side walls 252, 253 and parallel with the rear wall 251. The receiving space 250 is open towards the lower side 214 of the housing 210 to allow the receiving part 320 of the socket module 300 to be received in the receiving space 250. The upper side 213 of the housing 210 forms an upper wall of the receiving space 250. A first electric contact 260 is arranged in the engagement recess 250. The first electrical contact is electrically connected to the light source. The modular lighting luminaire 100 may further comprises an engagement means 230 for engagement with a corresponding engagement means 530 on an UAV 500. The engagement means 230, 530 may be denominated“retainer”. In the embodiment disclosed embodiment of figure 1, the engagement means 230 is provided on the lighting module 200 and comprises at least a first and a second lifting eye 231 that are arranged on the opposite elongate sides 215, 216 of the housing. In the shown embodiment two lifting eyes 231 are arranged on each opposite side 215, 216 of the housing 210. The lifting eyes 231 may be formed by an openings in metal sheets 232 that extends parallel with the elongate sides 215, 216 of the housing 210. It is appreciated that engagement means 230 also or alternatively may be provided on the socket module 300. In another embodiment (not shown) the lifting eyes 231 may be omitted. In that case, the UAV may comprise engagement means in form of elongated bars arranged on opposite sides of the UAV. The engagement means may be arranged to be pivoted around a vertical rotation axis from a position in which the engagement means extend outside the lower side of the lighting module to a position in which the engagement at least partially extend over the lower side of the lighting module and thereby engages the lighting module.

This type of engagement means are shown in Applicant's application PCT/SE2018/050741, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 10 shows the socket module 300 which comprises a socket 310 having a lower side 312 with a holder part 313 which may be attached to a luminaire support, such as a lamppost. The holder part 313 comprises a hollow space 314 and an opening 315. The holder part 313 is configured to receive at least a portion of the upper end 410 of a luminaire support 400 in the form of a lamp post. The holder part 313 comprises two openings for fixating means 316 for fixating socket module 300 to a luminaire support 400. A receiving part 320 for releasable engagement with the lighting module 200 is attached to the socket 310. The receiving part 320 further has a flat lower side 322. The receiving part 320 is configured such that its contour and dimensions approximately corresponds to the contour and the dimensions of the receiving space 250 in the lighting module 200. Thus, the receiving part 320 and the receiving space 250 are configured with regards to each other such that the receiving part 320 may be received with a form fit in the receiving space 230. Notable is that the receiving part 320 comprises a protruding part 323 which is configured to contact the rear wall 251 of the engagement space 250 to guide the movement of the lighting module 200 during connection of the lighting module 200 and the socket module 300. The socket module 300 further comprises a second electric contact 360, which may be connected to a source of electric current. The electric contact 360 may be electrically connected to an end of the electric cable 370 (see figure 5). When the lighting module and the socket module are connected, the first electric contact 260 in the lighting module 200 and the second electric contact in the socket module 300 are in electrical contact and electric current may be supplied to the light source 220 in the lighting module 200. When the lighting module and the socket module are connected weight and dimensions of the lighting module and the socket module keep them sufficiently bound together to allow the lighting luminaire to be transported through the air. However the lighting module 200 further comprises a locking means 240 (not shown) for releasable locking the lighting module 200 to the socket module 300 when the first and the socket modules are connected.

The housing 210 of the lighting module 200 and the socket 310 and the receiving part 320 of the socket module 300 preferably made of metal, such as alumina. Since the modular lighting luminaire is intended for outdoor use, the housing 310 and socket module 300 are of robust dimensions and weight. The housing 310 may weigh 5 - 10 kg.

Following is a description of an UAV used in the method of the present disclosure with reference to figures 11 and 12.

The UAV may be a single-, dual- or multirotor UAV (such as is known in the art) and may be controlled remotely by a human operator or a computer on the ground. Turning to figure 11, a control unit 600 may be provided which may have an operator interface 610 which is configured to allow a human operator to control or operate the UAV. For example to control the flight path and actuation of various means on the UAV such as the holding means 560 and the removing means 570 and the fixating means 590. Conventional UAVs typically comprises these types of control systems and the control system will therefore only be briefly described. The operator interface 610 may for example comprise a joystick and/or a keyboard that allows a human operator to input manual control commands to steer and control functions of the UAV. The operators interface 610 may also comprise a display. The operator interface 610 is connected to a transmitter/receiver unit 620 for wireless communication with a transmitter/receiver unit 630 on the UAV. The transmitter/receiver unit 630 is further connected to an electronic controller 640 on the UAV which in turn is connected to operational features of the UAV such as navigational systems and motors for rotors and rudders or actuators for engagement means. The electronic controller 640 is configured to receive information from the operator interface and in dependency thereof control the performance of operational features of the UAV. The UAV may also comprise camera 650, such a digital video camera which allows the operator to visually see the surroundings of the UAV on the display on the operator interface 610. This makes possible for the operator to control the UAV from a further remote position during replacement of existing lighting luminaire

50 with modular lighting luminaire 100. The operator of the UAV may also be in a remote position in which the operator has direct visual contact with the UAV during replacement of existing lighting luminaire 50 with modular lighting luminaire 100. Figure 12 shows an UAV 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The UAV is a multi-rotor UAV and comprises eight rotors 510. It is advantageous that the UAV has several rotors since it increases lifting strength and maneuverability of the UAV. The multi-rotor UAV is capable of hovering in the air above an object and to move in any direction through the air. The UAV 500 comprises a first engagement means 530 for engaging the aforementioned engagement means 230 on the lighting module 200. In the described embodiment the first engagement means 530 of the UAV comprises at least first and second lifting hooks 531 that are configured to engage with the lifting eyes 231 on the lighting module 200. The first and the second lifting hook 531 extend vertically from a respective carrier 532 that is coupled to an actuator 550 that is attached in the center of UAV. The actuator 550, such as linear actuator, e.g. linear pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuator, may move the respective carriers 532 towards or away from each other in horizontal direction as indicated by arrow X. This enables the lifting hooks 531 of the UAV to enter the lifting eyes 231 of the lighting module. The UAV may further comprise a second engagement means 540 which is configured to engage the rear end 217 and the front end 218 of the lighting module 200. The UAV may further comprise a first and a second landing gear 520. The UAV 500 may further comprise actuators (not shown) such as linear actuators of electrical motors for operating the holding means 560 and the removing means 570 and the fixating means 590.

Although a particular embodiment has been disclosed in detail this has been done for purpose of illustration only, and is not intended to be limiting. In particular it is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, in the embodiment shown in figures 4 - 6, the UAV 500 carries both the lighting module 200 and the socket module 300. However, it is possible that the UAV 500 solely carries the socket module 300. Thus, the step of 3000 of providing modular replacement lighting luminaire at the luminaire support may comprise a step 3100 of first providing the socket module 300 at the luminaire support 400 and then a step 3200 of providing the lighting module 200 at the luminaire support 400. Accordingly, the step 4000 of operating an UAV to arrange modular replacement lighting luminaire at the luminaire support may comprise a step 4400 of first operating an UAV 500 to arrange a socket module 300 on the luminaire support 400 and then a step 4500 of arranging the lighting module 200 on the socket module 200. Moreover, while the disclosed embodiment shows modular replacement lighting luminaire 100 it is possible employ the disclosed method for non-modular replacement lighting luminaire (not shown). In such replacement luminaire, the socket and the lighting housing are integral.

Claims

1. A method for airborne replacement of lighting existing lighting luminaire (50) on a luminaire support (400) with replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprising the steps: - remotely controlling (1000) one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the air space of a luminaire support (400);

- operating (2500) an UAV (500) to remove existing lighting luminaire (50) from the luminaire support (400);

- providing (3000) by means of an UAV (500) replacement lighting luminaire (100) at the luminaire support (400);

- operating (4000) an UAV (500) to arrange replacement lighting luminaire (100) on the luminaire support (400);

- connecting (5000) the replacement lighting luminaire (100) to an electrical source.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first UAV (500) comprises removing means (570) configured to remove existing lighting luminaire (50) from the luminaire support (400), wherein the removing means (570) of the first UAV (500) are operated to remove existing lighting luminaire (50) from the luminaire support (400)

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the removing means (570) is a cutting device, wherein the removing means (570) are operated to cut off the luminaire support (400) at the existing lighting luminaire (50).

4. The method according to anyone of claims 1 - 3, wherein a first UAV (500) comprises holding means (560) for holding the first UAV (500) to the lighting luminaire support (400), wherein the method comprises the step of operating (2000) the holding means (560) to hold the first UAV (500) at the luminaire support (400).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the holding means (560) is a first and a second grip claw (561, 562) configured to grip the lighting luminaire support (400)

6. The method according to anyone of claims 1 - 5, wherein a first UAV (500) comprises engagement means (530, 540) for holding replacement lighting luminaire (100) and wherein the first UAV holds replacement lighting luminaire (100).

7. The method according to anyone of claims 1 - 6, wherein an UAV (500) comprises a fixating apparatus (560) configured to fixate replacement lighting luminaire (100) to the luminaire support (400) wherein the method comprises the step of operating (4300) the fixating apparatus (560) to fixate replacement lighting luminaire (100) to the luminaire support (100).

8. The method according to anyone of claims 1 - 7, wherein the luminaire support (400) is a lamp post.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprises a socket (300) comprising a holder part (313) with a hollow space (314) and an opening (315) configured to receive an upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400), wherein the UAV (500) is operated to arrange the replacement lighting luminaire (100) on the luminaire support (400) such that the upper end (410) of the luminaire support (410) is received in the hollow space (314) of the socket module (300).

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising the step:

- operating (4300) the UAE (500) to a position in the airspace of the luminaire support (400) in which the opening (315) of the holder part (313) is approximately above the upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400);

- operating (4400) the UAE (500) to descend until the upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400) is received in the hollow space (314) of the socket (300).

11. The method according to claim 8 - 10, wherein the replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprises an electrical cable (100) for connecting the replacement lighting luminaire (100) to an electrical source and wherein the method comprises the step of feeding (5400) the electrical cable (370) from an upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400) to a lower end (420) of the luminaire support (400).

12. The method according to claim 11 comprising the steps of:

- feeding (5100) a cable pulling device (600) from the lower end (420) of the luminaire support (400) to the upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400);

- connecting (5200), at the upper end (410) of the luminaire support (400), an end (371) of the electric cable (370) with an end (610) of the cable pulling device (600);

- pulling (5300), by means of the cable pulling device (600) the end (610) of the electric cable (600) to the lower end (420) of the luminaire support (400).

13. A system for airborne replacement of existing lighting luminaire (500) on a lighting luminaire support (400) with replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprising:

- replacement lighting luminaire (100) having a socket (300) configured to be attached to a luminaire support (400), characterized in comprising:

one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) (500) configured to be controlled remotely in an air space of a luminaire support (400), wherein a first UAV (500) comprising a holding means (560) configured to hold the (UAV) at the lighting luminaire support (400) and a removing means (570) for removing existing lighting luminaire (50) from a luminaire support (400).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the holding means (560) comprise a first and a second grip claw (561, 562) configured to grip a lighting luminaire support (400).

15. The system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the removing means (570) is cutting device configured to cut off a lighting luminaire support (400).

16. The system according to anyone of claims 13 - 15, wherein a first UAE (400) comprises engagement means (530, 540) configured to hold replacement lighting luminaire (100).

17. The system according to anyone of claims 12 - 16, wherein the socket (310) is configured to be attached to a luminaire support (400) and having a receiving part (320) and wherein the lighting module (200) comprises a housing (210) having an receiving space (230) for releasable receiving the receiving part (320) thereby connecting the lighting module (200) with the socket module (300).

18. The system according to anyone of claims 12 - 17, wherein the replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprises an electrical cable (370) extending from the socket (310) and comprising a cable end (371) configured to engage a cable pulling device (600).

19. The system according to anyone of claims 12 - 18, wherein the replacement luminaire is modular replacement lighting luminaire (100) comprising:

- a modular lighting luminaire (100) comprising a lighting module (200) having a light source (220) and a socket module (300) configured to be attached to a luminaire support (400), wherein the lighting module (200) and the socket module (300) are configured to be releasable connected to each other.