阅读说明：本技术 用于控制灯具的传感 (Sensor for controlling a luminaire ) 是由 叶建良 李肖寅 于 2020-03-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种灯具组装套件、灯具、和灯具装置,包括传感器条(30),该传感器条(30)包括：柔性印刷电路板(31),具有相对的主表面(32,33)和嵌入柔性印刷电路板(31)中的多个导电迹线(34)；传感器(20)；和用于所述传感器(20)的驱动器(22)。传感器(20)和驱动器(22)通过所述导电迹线(34)中的至少一些彼此导电耦合,并且安装在柔性印刷电路板(31)的相对端处的所述主表面(32,33)之一上。该灯具组装套件或灯具进一步包括透光主体和框架(11)。在组装期间,柔性印刷电路板(31)的一部分缠绕在透光主体的边缘(15)周围,使得该部分位于框架(11)和透光主体之间中。(A luminaire assembly kit, a luminaire, and a luminaire arrangement comprising a sensor strip (30), the sensor strip (30) comprising: a flexible printed circuit board (31) having opposing major surfaces (32, 33) and a plurality of conductive traces (34) embedded in the flexible printed circuit board (31); a sensor (20); and a driver (22) for the sensor (20). The sensor (20) and the driver (22) are conductively coupled to each other by at least some of said conductive traces (34) and are mounted on one of said major surfaces (32, 33) at the opposite end of the flexible printed circuit board (31). The luminaire assembly kit or luminaire further comprises a light transmissive body and a frame (11). During assembly, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) is wrapped around the edge (15) of the light transmissive body such that the portion is located in between the frame (11) and the light transmissive body.)

1. A luminaire assembly kit, comprising: a light transmissive body; a frame (11) comprising at least one frame element (11 a, 11 b) for fitting around an edge (15) of the light transmissive body; and a sensor strip (30) comprising:

a flexible printed circuit board (31) having opposing major surfaces (32, 33) and a plurality of conductive traces (34) embedded in the flexible printed circuit board (31);

a sensor (20); and

a driver (22) for the sensor, wherein the sensor and the driver are conductively coupled to each other by at least some of the conductive traces and mounted on one of the major surfaces at the opposite end of the flexible printed circuit board;

wherein the frame is dimensioned such that the frame fits around the edge, wherein a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) is wrapped around the edge in between the light transmissive body and the frame.

2. Luminaire assembly kit according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (20) and the driver (22) are mounted on the same main surface (32) of the flexible printed circuit board (31) or the sensor (20) and the driver (22) are mounted on opposite main surfaces (32, 33) of the flexible printed circuit board (31).

3. Luminaire assembly kit according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein said sensor (20) is a motion sensor or an ambient light sensor.

4. Luminaire assembly kit according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the flexible printed circuit board (31) has a thickness (T) of not more than 0.5 mm and/or wherein the flexible printed circuit board (31) has a length (L) of at least 50 mm.

5. The luminaire assembly kit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the light transmissive body comprises a light panel (10), optionally wherein the light panel is a laminated panel comprising a light guide layer (14) in between a reflector layer (16) and a diffuser layer (12).

6. A luminaire assembly kit according to any one of claims 1-5, further comprising at least one light source (25).

7. A luminaire (1) comprising:

a light transmissive body;

a frame (11) arranged around at least one edge of the light transmissive body;

at least one light source (25) arranged to produce a luminous output through the light transmissive body; and

a sensor strip, comprising:

a flexible printed circuit board (31) having opposing major surfaces (32, 33) and a plurality of conductive traces (34) embedded in the flexible printed circuit board (31);

a sensor (20); and

a driver (22) for the sensor, wherein the sensor and the driver are conductively coupled to each other by at least some of the conductive traces and mounted on one of the major surfaces at the opposite end of the flexible printed circuit board;

wherein:

a first portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) carrying the driver (22) is hidden from view behind the light transmissive body;

an intermediate portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) in between the first portion and a second portion carrying the sensor (20) is wrapped around one of the at least one edges of the light transmissive body such that the intermediate portion is located in between the frame and the light transmissive body; and is

The second portion carrying the sensor extends beyond the frame in front of the light transmissive body.

8. The luminaire (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sensor (20) and the driver (22) are mounted on the same main surface (32) of the flexible printed circuit board (31), or the sensor (20) and the driver (22) are mounted on opposite main surfaces (32, 33) of the flexible printed circuit board (31).

9. The luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the sensor (20) is a motion sensor or an ambient light sensor, and wherein the flexible printed circuit board (31) has a thickness (T) of not more than 0.5 mm and/or wherein the flexible printed circuit board (31) has a length (L) of at least 50 mm.

10. A luminaire (1) according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the light transmissive body comprises a light panel (10) having a first main panel surface (17) acting as a light exit window (13), a second main panel surface (19) opposite the first main panel surface, and the at least one edge (15) extending from the first main panel surface to the second main panel surface; wherein:

the frame (11) is arranged to fix the light panel (10);

the at least one light source (25) is arranged to inject its luminous output into the light panel via one of the at least one edges; and is

A first portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) carrying the driver (22) is attached to the second major panel surface.

11. The luminaire (1) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a second portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) carrying the sensor (20) is attached to the first main panel surface (17) or the frame (11).

12. The luminaire (1) according to any of claims 7-11, wherein the first and/or second part of the flexible printed circuit board (31) is attached with double-sided adhesive tape.

13. A luminaire arrangement comprising a luminaire (1) as claimed in any one of claims 7-10 mounted in a support frame (50), said support frame (50) being attached to an arrangement surface, wherein a second portion of said flexible printed circuit board (31) carrying said sensor (20) is attached to said support frame.

14. A method of assembling a luminaire (1) according to the luminaire assembly kit of claim 5 or 6, the method comprising:

attaching a first portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) carrying the driver (22) to a main panel surface of the light panel (10) opposite to a light exit surface of the light panel;

-wrapping an intermediate portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) in between the first portion and a second portion carrying the sensor (20) around an edge (15) of the light panel (10); and

-clamping the light panel (10) in the frame (11) such that a middle portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) is located in between the edge (15) and the frame.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising attaching a second portion of the flexible printed circuit board (31) to a light exit surface of the light panel (10).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sensor strip for a luminaire, comprising a flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of electrically conductive tracks embedded therein, a sensor, and a driver for said sensor, wherein the sensor and the driver are conductively coupled to each other by at least some of said electrically conductive tracks.

The invention further relates to a luminaire assembly kit comprising such a sensor strip.

The invention still further relates to a luminaire comprising such a sensor strip.

The invention still further relates to a luminaire arrangement comprising such a sensor strip.

The invention still further relates to a method of assembling a luminaire comprising the use of such a sensor strip.

Background

Today, there is a clear desire to reduce the power used by light fixtures, such as to reduce their energy consumption. Several strategies are being undertaken to achieve this goal. For example, the introduction of solid state lighting (e.g., LEDs) helped to reduce this energy consumption, since typical LEDs have approximately 80-90% lower energy consumption than incandescent lumen equivalents such as solid state lighting elements. Additionally, sensor technology can be added to the light fixtures to provide lighting on demand, such that the light fixtures are turned on only when needed, further reducing their energy consumption.

It is known to add sensors to light fixtures in order to control the operation of the light fixtures. For example, the sensor may be a motion sensor, such as a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, a camera sensor, or the like, such that when presence is detected with the motion sensor, the light fixture is turned on. In another example, the sensor may be an ambient light sensor, such that the luminaire is turned on when the sensed light level falls below a defined threshold. Typically, the power supply to the one or more light sources of the luminaire is controlled directly or indirectly by such a sensor (e.g. by a driver of the one or more light sources responsive to the sensor) such that upon detection of a particular trigger of the sensor, the generated sensor signal activates the driver of the one or more light sources, which results in the one or more light sources being turned on. An example of such an arrangement can be found in US 2013/0207552 a1, which discloses a sensor system electrically connected to and controlling at least one recessed light fixture. The sensor system housing is externally connected to the light fixture and includes a flexible member protruding therefrom. The flexible member supports detection electronics spaced apart from the sensor system housing, or the coupled harness and sensor system housing. The flexible member allows the sensor to be positioned both horizontally and vertically with respect to the sensor system housing.

The problems associated with integrating such sensor functionality in a luminaire are schematically depicted in fig. 1 and 2, fig. 1 showing a perspective view of a part of a luminaire 1, the luminaire 1 here comprising a light panel 10, fig. 2 depicting a cross-sectional view of the luminaire 1. In order to position a sensor 20, such as a motion sensor or an ambient light sensor, in the light panel 10, the opening 18 has to be made through the light panel 10, typically close to the frame 11 around the light panel 10, so that the sensor 20 can be accommodated in the luminaire 1. The sensor 20 is typically electrically connected to the sensor driver 22 by a connection arrangement 24 extending through the light panel 10. One or more light sources 25 (e.g. one or more solid state lighting elements) of the luminaire 1 may be arranged in between the frame 11 and the light panel 10 along the edges of the light panel 10 such that light emitted by the one or more light sources 25 may be coupled into the light panel 10, such as into the light guide 14 of the light panel 10. The light guide 14 may be sandwiched between a reflective layer 16 and a diffuser 12 to control the optical performance of the luminaire 1. The diffuser 12 may serve as a light exit window 13 of the luminaire 1. In order to prevent light passing through the light panel 10 from leaking out of the light panel 10 around the edge(s) of the opening 18, it is often necessary to arrange a light shielding member 26 in between the light panel 10 and the sensor 20, which light shielding member 26 extends beyond the edge(s) of the opening 18.

In summary, there are a number of disadvantages associated with placing such a sensor 20 with the luminaire 1. First, this arrangement requires the light panel 10 to be disassembled, which adds a complex process step to the production of the luminaire 1. In addition, an additional light shielding member 26 is required to protect the optical performance of the luminaire 1, which increases the overall cost of the luminaire.

US 20180238535 a1 discloses a film-like lighting device for mounting on walls, ceilings, floors and the like, having at least one film element and a plurality of light emitting diodes integrated into the film element and/or the laser beam generating device, which light emitting diodes are operatively connected to a control unit and can be controlled individually or in groups by means of the control unit.

US 20170167670 a1 discloses one or more signals indicative of a shape formed by a flexible lighting strip, which may be obtained, for example, from one or more sensors (110) fixed to the flexible lighting strip. One or more deformations in the flexible illumination strip may be detected based on the one or more signals.

US 20190150766 a1 discloses a modular light panel comprising: a transparent substrate on a first surface of which a light source array is mounted; a transparent protective layer arranged to encapsulate the light source on the first surface.

US 20150219825 a1 discloses an edge fed waveguide luminaire comprising an optical waveguide having a planar body, a waveguide edge support structure, and an anchoring opening in the planar body of the optical waveguide, which anchoring opening is displaced from the waveguide edge support structure. The sensor is fixed in an anchoring opening of said optical waveguide so as to respond to conditions in the space below the lamp.

EP 2644975 a1 discloses a lamp having a lamp housing arranged to accommodate a lighting unit. A partially transparent cover is provided to enclose the lamp housing. The cover is provided with an opening for receiving a replaceable electrical structure, such as a sensor (e.g., a light sensor or motion sensor) or an LED.

KR 1020080098265 a discloses a lighting block configured to reduce power consumption due to a housing and maintain a constant lighting effect by forming a light-transmitting area on the upper side of lighting.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a sensor strip for a luminaire which can be used in conjunction with such a luminaire without having to disassemble the luminaire and without requiring a light shield member for its placement.

The present invention further seeks to provide a luminaire assembly kit with such a sensor strip, in which kit a luminaire can be assembled without having to disassemble the luminaire, and without having to use such a shading member.

The present invention still further seeks to provide a luminaire comprising such a sensor strip.

The present invention still further seeks to provide a luminaire arrangement comprising such a sensor strip.

The present invention still further seeks to provide a method of assembling a light fixture using such a sensor strip.

According to an aspect, there is provided a sensor strip for a luminaire, the sensor strip comprising: a flexible printed circuit board having opposing major surfaces and a plurality of conductive traces embedded therein; a sensor; and a driver for the sensor, wherein the sensor and the driver are conductively coupled to each other through at least some of the conductive traces and are mounted on one of the major surfaces at the opposite end of the flexible printed circuit board. The invention is based on the recognition that: a sensor strip is provided in which sensors (e.g., motion sensors or ambient light sensors) and their drivers are each mounted on a major surface of a flexible printed circuit board of such a sensor strip, which can be wrapped around the edges of a light panel, thereby eliminating the need to disassemble the light panel and the need to use a light blocking element to prevent light from leaking from the light panel at such openings. Thus, such a sensor strip simplifies the manufacture and placement of sensors with luminaires, including but not limited to luminaires that include light panels.

In the context of the present application, it should be understood that the phrase "the sensor and the driver are conductively coupled to each other by at least some of said conductive traces, and mounted on one of said major surfaces at opposite ends of the flexible printed circuit" does not necessarily indicate that the sensor and/or the driver are mounted at opposite edges of the flexible printed circuit. For example, there may be other elements (such as electrical contacts) in between the sensor or driver and the edge of the flexible printed circuit board proximate to the sensor or driver. When it is mentioned that the sensor and the driver are mounted at opposite ends of the flexible printed circuit board, this means that most of the length of the flexible printed circuit board is located in between the sensor and the driver.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is a motion sensor (such as a PIR sensor) or an ambient light sensor.

In one embodiment, the sensor and the driver are mounted on the same major surface of the flexible printed circuit board. For example, such sensor bars may be used in a scenario where: wherein the driver and the sensor are to be mounted on opposite major panel surfaces of a light panel of the luminaire.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor and driver are mounted on opposite major surfaces of a flexible printed circuit board. For example, such sensor bars may be used in a scenario where: wherein the driver is to be mounted on a main panel surface of a light panel of the luminaire and the sensor is to be mounted on a frame of the luminaire or on a ceiling element for mounting the luminaire.

In the sensor strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board may have a thickness of not more than 0.5 mm, and preferably not more than 0.2 mm, so that the sensor strip may be easily fitted in between the light panel and the frame of the luminaire.

In a sensor strip according to an embodiment of the invention, the flexible printed circuit board may have a length of at least 50 mm, so that the sensor strip is wrapped around the light panel of the luminaire.

According to another aspect, a luminaire assembly kit is provided, comprising a light transmissive body, a frame, and the sensor strip in any of the embodiments described herein, the frame comprising at least one frame element for fitting around an edge of the light transmissive body, wherein the frame is dimensioned such that the frame fits around said edge, wherein a portion of the flexible printed circuit board is wrapped around said edge in between the light exit window and the frame. Such a luminaire assembly kit facilitates assembly of a luminaire including a sensor (such as a motion sensor or an ambient light sensor) without requiring disassembly of the luminaire to position the sensor.

The light transmissive body may comprise a light panel, which may be a laminated panel comprising a light guide layer in between a reflector layer and a diffuser layer. This provides a light panel with particularly good optical properties.

The luminaire assembly kit may further comprise at least one light source, e.g. for injecting its luminous output into said edge of the light panel. Such light sources are preferably solid state elements (such as LEDs) in order to limit the energy consumption of the luminaire and to increase its operational lifetime and robustness.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a luminaire comprising: a light transmissive body; a frame disposed around at least one edge of the light transmissive body; at least one light source arranged to produce a luminous output through the light exit window; and the sensor strip of any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the first portion of the flexible printed circuit board carrying the driver is hidden from view behind the light transmissive body; an intermediate portion of the flexible printed circuit board in between the first portion and the second portion carrying the sensor is wrapped around one of the at least one edge of the light transmissive body such that this intermediate portion is located in between the frame and the light transmissive body; and the second portion carrying the sensor extends beyond the frame in front of the light transmissive body. Such luminaires benefit from the presence of a sensor for controlling the luminaire without requiring the sensor to be mounted through the light exit window, thereby reducing the complexity of the manufacturing and assembly process as well as the cost of such luminaires. In the context of the present application, when it is mentioned that the driver is hidden from view behind the light transmissive body, this is to be understood that the driver is not (clearly) visible to an observer of the luminaire when the luminaire is in normal use. For example, in case the luminaire comprises a closed housing defined by a light transmissive body portion, this may mean that the driver is located within this housing. In the case of an open luminaire (i.e. without a closed housing), this may mean that the driver is located near a further surface of the light transmissive body opposite to the light exit surface of the light transmissive body. For this purpose, the light-transmitting body is preferably opaque. Further, when referring to a light-transmitting body, such a body generally includes a light incident surface, a light exit surface, and a light path between the light incident surface and the light exit surface, but the light incident surface and the light exit surface are not required to be opposing surfaces.

For example, in a preferred embodiment, the light transmissive body comprises a light panel having a first major panel surface acting as a light exit window, a second major panel surface opposite the first major panel surface, and the at least one edge extending from the first major panel surface to the second major panel surface, wherein the frame is arranged around the at least one edge of the fixed light panel; at least one light source arranged to inject its luminous output into the light panel via one of the at least one edges; and the first portion of the flexible printed circuit board carrying the driver is attached to the second major panel surface. In such an arrangement, the at least one edge may act as a light entrance surface for the light transmissive body.

The second portion of the flexible printed circuit board carrying the sensor may be attached to the first major panel surface, such as adjacent (e.g., abutting) the frame. Alternatively, the second part of the flexible printed circuit board carrying the sensor may be attached to the frame, which means that a part of the light exit surface of the luminaire is not obscured by the sensor, thereby improving the optical efficiency and the appearance of the luminaire to some extent.

Each of the first and second portions of the flexible printed circuit board may be mounted on its receiving surface in any suitable manner, such as by gluing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and/or second portions of the flexible printed circuit board are attached to their respective receiving surfaces with double-sided adhesive tape.

According to yet another aspect, a luminaire device is provided, comprising a luminaire according to one embodiment mounted in a support frame attached to a device surface, wherein the second part of the flexible printed circuit board carrying the sensor is attached to the support frame. This is advantageous, for example, in case it is not preferred to mount the sensor on the light exit window of the luminaire, and the frame of the luminaire is not sufficiently exposed in the support frame to allow mounting the sensor on this frame.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of assembling a luminaire according to a luminaire assembly kit comprising light panels in any of the embodiments described herein, the method comprising: attaching a first portion of a flexible printed circuit board carrying a driver to a main panel surface of the light panel opposite to a light exit surface of the light panel; wrapping an intermediate portion of the flexible printed circuit board in between the first portion and the second portion carrying the sensor around an edge of the light panel; and clamping the light panel in the frame such that the middle portion of the flexible printed circuit board is located between the edge and the frame. Assembling such a luminaire in this way has the advantage that the sensor does not have to be mounted through the luminaire, thereby simplifying the assembly process and the costs of the luminaire, since no shading elements for preventing light from leaking from such mounting openings through the luminaire are required.

The method may further comprise attaching a second portion of the flexible printed circuit board to the light exit surface of the light panel.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a perspective view of a portion of a prior art luminaire;

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a prior art luminaire;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a front view of a sensor strip according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a sensor bar according to another embodiment;

fig. 5 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembly method of a luminaire by means of a luminaire kit according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of an assembled luminaire according to an alternative embodiment; and

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a luminaire device according to an embodiment.

Detailed Description

It should be understood that the figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a sensor strip 30 according to one embodiment of the invention. The sensor strip 30 includes a flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) 31. In the context of the present application, a flexible PCB may be any flexible structure in which one or more conductive traces 34 are embedded. For example, the flexible PCB may comprise a laminate of a pair of electrically insulating polymer layers with such conductive traces 34 positioned therebetween. Alternatively, the flexible PCB 31 may be manufactured using a photolithography technique. Such techniques are well known per se and are therefore not explained in further detail for the sake of brevity only. Suitable electrically insulating polymers include polyimide, PEEK, polyester, silicone, PET, and the like. Suitable conductive materials for forming the conductive traces 34 include copper, aluminum, silver, gold, suitable metal alloys, and the like. The choice of material for the flexible PCB 31 is not particularly critical so that any suitable material may be used.

The flexible PCB 31 generally has a flat structure with a thickness T of not more than 1.0 mm, preferably not more than 0.5 mm, and further preferably not more than 0.2 mm. This ensures the desired flexibility of the flexible PCB 31. For example, the sensor strip 30 may take the form of a strip or the like. Thus, the flexible PCB 31 has opposite major surfaces 32 and 33. The sensor strip 30 further comprises a sensor 20 for controlling the operation of the luminaire. In one embodiment, the sensor 20 is a motion sensor, such as a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor or any other suitable type of motion sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 20 may be an ambient light sensor, an image sensor (such as a CMOS or CCD sensor), or any other suitable type of sensor that may be used to control the operation of a light fixture. The sensor strip 30 further comprises a driver 22 for driving the sensor 20. Both the driver 22 and the sensor 20 are mounted on one of the major surfaces 32, 33 of the flexible PCB 31 such that the driver 22 is conductively coupled to the sensor 20 by at least one conductive trace 34. The driver 22 is responsive to the sensor 20 such that when detection of activation of the sensor 20 results in generation of an electrical signal by the sensor 20, which is transmitted to the driver 22 by at least one conductive trace 34 interconnecting the driver 22 to the sensor 20, the driver 22 is activated by this electrical signal to generate a control signal for a further driver of the one or more light sources of the luminaire 10 to turn on the one or more light sources. In the case where the sensor 20 is a motion sensor or image sensor, the sensor trigger may be motion; or in the case of an ambient light sensor, the sensor trigger may be a light level. Other suitable sensor triggers will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The sensor 20 and driver 22 are typically mounted at opposite ends of the sensor strip 30. In other words, the sensor 20 is typically mounted on a first portion of the flexible PCB 31, and the driver 22 is typically mounted on a second portion of the flexible PCB 31, wherein the first and second portions are separated by a middle portion of the flexible PCB 31. Sensor strip 30 has an overall length L, and sensor 20 and driver 22 are spaced a distance of at least ZAL. As will be explained in further detail below, this ensures that a large portion (i.e., the middle portion) of the flexible PCB 31 can bend (flex) while the respective first and second portions of the flexible PCB 31 are typically mounted on a mounting surface. However, it should be understood that when it is mentioned that the sensor 20 and driver 22 are to be mounted at opposite ends of the sensor strip 30, this does not mean that the sensor 20 or driver 22 must be mounted against the edge of the sensor strip 30. For example, the flexible PCB 31 of the sensor strip 30 may carry additional structure (such as, for example, one or more contacts 36) that may be located in between one of the sensor 20 and the driver 22 and the proximal edge of the sensor strip 30. Of course, the sensor strip 30 may carry additional electrical components, for example, electrical components required for operation of a light fixture in which the sensor strip 30 is to be used.

In fig. 3, both the sensor 20 and the driver 22 are mounted on the same major surface 32 of the flexible PCB 31. For example, this arrangement is applicable to scenarios in which: where the sensor strip 30 will be wrapped around the edge of the luminaire and the sensor 20 and driver 22 will be attached to the opposite major surface of the luminaire, i.e. the sensor strip will take a U-shape. In FIG. 4, which schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a sensor strip 30 according to an alternative embodiment, the sensors 20 are mounted on a first major surface 32 of the sensor strip 30 and the drivers 22 are mounted on an opposing second major surface 33 of the sensor strip 30. For example, this arrangement is applicable to scenarios in which: wherein the sensor strip 30 will be wrapped around one edge of the luminaire and around the other edge, i.e. the sensor strip 30 will adopt an S-shape.

The foregoing embodiment of the sensor strip 30 may further comprise a metal backing member 35 on the major surface of the flexible PCB 31 opposite the sensor 20 in order to enhance the mechanical strength or rigidity of the strip at the location of the sensor 20, for example to facilitate mounting of the sensor 20 on a receiving surface. The metal backing member 35 may be a metal sheet or the like that may be attached to the back side of the flexible PCB 31 in any suitable manner (e.g., using hot melt adhesive or the like). The metal used for the metal backing member 35 (such as aluminum or the like) preferably has excellent thermal conductivity to dissipate any heat generated by the sensor 20. An additional metal backing member (not shown) may be laminated to the major surface of the flexible PCB 31 opposite the driver 22.

Fig. 5 schematically depicts an assembly method of a luminaire 1 using a luminaire assembly kit comprising a sensor strip 30 according to an embodiment of the invention. The luminaire assembly kit further comprises a light transmissive body, such as a light panel 10 having opposing main panel surfaces 17, 19, and an edge arrangement comprising at least one edge 15 extending between the opposing main panel surfaces 17, 19. For example, when the light panel 10 has a circular shape, the edge arrangement comprises a single continuous edge 15, whereas for light panels 10 having a polygonal shape, such as a rectangular shape, the edge arrangement typically comprises a plurality of edges 15, wherein each edge further extends between a pair of adjacent corners of the polygonal shape. The light panel 10 generally comprises a light guide 14. The light guide 14 is adapted to guide light coupled into the light guide 14 via one of the edge arranged edges 15 through the light guide 14 by means of total internal reflection, wherein a pattern of light out-coupling structures is typically provided on or in the light guide 14 to break this total internal reflection and cause light to escape from the light guide 14 through one of the main surfaces of the light guide 14 (the light exit surface of the light guide 14). Since the operating principle of such a light guide is well known per se, it will not be explained in further detail for the sake of brevity only. The light guide 14 may be made of any suitable material, for example, an optical grade polymer (such as polycarbonate, PMMA, PET, etc.), or glass. The light panel 10 may have a laminated structure with a layer of light guides 14 sandwiched between a layer of diffuser 12 and a layer of reflector 16. The diffuser 12 may act as a light exit window 13 of the luminaire 1, which ensures that light exiting the light guide layer 14 is further diffused, e.g. to adjust the optical performance of the luminaire 1, while the reflector 16 ensures that light escaping through the main surface of the light guide 14 opposite its intended light exit surface is reflected back into the light guide 14, thereby reducing light losses from the luminaire 1. The diffuser 12 and reflector 16 may take any suitable shape. For example, the reflector 16 layer may be a foil or the like, or may be a reflective coating applied over the light guide 14. Many other suitable embodiments will be immediately apparent to the skilled person.

The luminaire assembly kit further comprises a frame 11 for clamping the light panel 10. Such a frame 11 is typically arranged around an edge arrangement (e.g. one or more edges 15) of the assembled luminaire 1 and may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, metal alloy, composite material, polymer, etc. The frame 11 may be composed of a pair of frame elements 11a, 11b, which pair of frame elements 11a, 11b may be designed to cooperate with each other, e.g. by snapping them together or the like, in order to form the frame 11. Typically, the frame 11 is dimensioned such that when the frame is positioned around the edge arrangement of the luminaire 1, at least a portion of the frame may accommodate the middle portion of the sensor strip 30 as it wraps around the edge 15 of the light panel 10. In other words, the frame 11 has at least one portion that fits closely around the edge 15, with the sensor strip 30 in place around this edge. This may require aligning the sensor strip 30 with the portion of the frame 11. Alternatively, when the sensor strip 30 is sufficiently thin, the sensor strip 30 may be clamped in between the frame 11 and the edge 15, without the frame 11 requiring a dedicated portion for accommodating the sensor strip 30.

Although not specifically shown for clarity only, the luminaire assembly kit may further comprise one or more light sources, such as solid state lighting elements (e.g. LEDs), for example for arrangement along at least a portion of the edge of the luminaire 1, such that the light output of these light sources may be coupled into the light guide 14 of the light panel 10. Such light sources may be mounted in any suitable way arranged against the edge, for example on the frame 11, or as lighting strips or the like attached to the light panel 10. As such edge-lit arrangements are well known per se, it suffices to state that any suitable arrangement of one or more light sources arranged along the edge of the luminaire 1 may be used.

In this regard, it is noted that although in the preferred embodiment the luminaire 1 comprises a light panel 10, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The teachings of the present invention can be applied to any type of luminaire (such as a downlight luminaire, etc.) having a light transmissive body comprising a light exit window 13 clamped in a frame 11. In such a luminaire, the one or more light sources 25 may be positioned in any suitable position within the luminaire 1 such that the luminous output of such one or more light sources 25 is directly or indirectly incident on the light exit window 13. For example, the light transmissive body may comprise a light entrance surface opposite the light exit surface, in which case one or more light sources of the luminaire 10 are arranged in the vicinity of the light entrance surface. Such a light transmissive body is preferably translucent or diffusely transparent in order to obscure the one or more light sources (and driver 22) from direct view.

In step (a) of the luminaire assembly method, wherein the luminaire 1 comprises, as a non-limiting example, a light panel 10, the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensors 20 is attached to a main panel surface 17 of the light panel 10, which main panel surface 17 serves as the light exit surface of the luminaire 1. This portion of the sensor strip 30 may be adhered to the main panel surface 17 using, for example, an adhesive or double-sided tape. The sensor 20 may be positioned such that, when the luminaire 1 is assembled, the sensor 20 is arranged flush against the frame 11 around the edge comprising the edge 15 of the luminaire 1.

Next, as shown in step (b), the middle portion of the sensor strip 30 (i.e. the flexible PCB 31) is wrapped around the edge 15 of the light panel 10 and the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the driver 22 is attached to the opposite major panel surface 19 of the light panel 10. This portion of the sensor strip 30 may be adhered to the opposing major panel surface 19 using, for example, an adhesive or double-sided tape. Of course, steps (a) and (b) may be interchanged without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

In step (c), the frame 11, here represented by frame elements 11a and 11b, is positioned around the edge arrangement comprising the edges 15 of the light panel 10. This may be achieved, for example, by snapping the frame elements 11a and 11b together, thereby forming a frame 11 that clamps or otherwise secures the light panel 10 such that an intermediate portion of the sensor strip 30 in between the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensors 20 and the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the driver 22 wrapped around the edge 15 is clamped in between the frame 11 and the light panel 10, thereby resulting in the assembled luminaire 1 as shown in step (d).

Of course, many variations of this assembly method will be immediately apparent to the skilled person. For example, it is not necessarily required that the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensor 20 and/or the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the driver 22 is attached to the light panel 10 before the frame 11 is positioned around the edge arrangement comprising the edge 15 of the light panel 10, as these portions may also be attached after the frame 11 has been positioned around this edge arrangement. Furthermore, as already explained before, the part of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensors 20 does not necessarily need to be fixed against the light panel 10 (or more generally the light exit window 13). For example, fig. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a luminaire 1, wherein the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensor 20 has been fixed against the exposed surface portion of the frame 11, such that the sensor 20 can sense within the space where the luminaire 1 has been placed, without reducing the effective area of the light exit surface of the luminaire 1.

However, in some arrangements of the luminaire 1, for example for aesthetic reasons, the frame 11 of the luminaire 1 may not be exposed. This may be the case, for example, in the following scenario: wherein the luminaire 1 is arranged in a support frame 50, such as schematically depicted in fig. 7. In such a scenario, instead, the portion of sensor strip 30 carrying sensor 20 may be attached to the exposed surface portion of support frame 50. For example, such a support frame 50 may form part of a surface installation such as a suspended ceiling, wherein surface tiles are supported by the support frame 50 (e.g., T-bars, etc.). As the skilled person will readily understand, the luminaire 1 may be dimensioned to fit without the recess of the support frame 50. In such a luminaire arrangement, during assembly of the luminaire 1 according to the aforementioned assembly method, the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the motion sensor 20 may be left unattached, so that the portion of the sensor strip 30 carrying the sensor 20 may be attached to the support frame 50, for example using an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape, when the luminaire 1 is placed in the support frame 50. Thus, providing the sensors 20 and drivers 22 of the luminaire 1 on the flexible sensor strip 30 facilitates the placement of the sensors 20 on a range of different surfaces without having to disassemble the light panel 10 of the luminaire 1. This therefore facilitates a cost-effective and easy way to effectively extend the functionality of such a luminaire 1 with sensor functionality, such as motion or light sensitivity.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.