LOH, Kheng Boon (149 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas,Fasa 1 , Bayan Lepa, Pulau Pinang ., 11900, MY)
LAI, Kong Yeow (149 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas,Fasa 1 , Bayan Lepa, Pulau Pinang ., 11900, MY)
SANSON, Gilles (149 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas,Fasa 1 , Bayan Lepa, Pulau Pinang ., 11900, MY)
LOH, Kheng Boon (149 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas,Fasa 1 , Bayan Lepa, Pulau Pinang ., 11900, MY)
LAI, Kong Yeow (149 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah,Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas,Fasa 1 , Bayan Lepa, Pulau Pinang ., 11900, MY)
| Claims [Claim 1] A motion sensor unit (10) comprising a hemispherical lens assembly (11) and a cylindrical cover (12) carrying a plurality of openings (13) on its side and including a sensor printed circuit board (16) mounted with at least one passive infrared motion sensor (15) thereon, is characterized in which an internal masking mechanism (20) is disposed inside the motion sensor unit (10) before and in the detection range of the passive infrared motion sensors (15), and can suspendedly move in a substantially up and down direction, such that the passive infrared motion sensors (15) are unblocked or blocked selectively. [Claim 2] A motion sensor unit (10) including the internal masking mechanism (20) as in Claim 1 in which the internal masking mechanism (20) is essentially L-shaped or inverted T-shaped, where opposite edges of two parallel vertical rack elements (22) are geared with a space in between, and a horizontal element (23) at the bottom of the two geared vertical rack elements (22), with a gear knob (21) disposed in between the two geared vertical rack elements (22) and being operable from an external adjustment knob (14) through an adjustment opening (13) on the cylindrical cover (12), whereby the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) selectively unblocks or blocks the passive infrared motion sensors (15). [Claim 3] A motion sensor unit (10) including the internal masking mechanism (20) as in Claim 2 in which the external adjustment knob (14) serves as a pivot from which the entire internal masking mechanism (20) is suspended therefrom. [Claim 4] A motion sensor unit (10) including the internal masking mechanism (20) as in Claim 1 in which a hole (211) is provided at one side of the horizontal element (23); a reflector (24) is inclinedly disposed facing the hole (211); and a light emitting diode (31) is disposed on the sensor printed circuit board (16), such that light ray from the light emitting diode (31) is directed towards the reflector (24) and through the hole (211) when motion is detected, whereby a visual means for distance indication is provided with the substantially up and down direction of the internal masking mechanism (20). [Claim 5] A motion sensor unit (10) including the internal masking mechanism (20) as in Claim 2 in which the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) can be suspendedly moved up to unblock the passive infrared motion sensor (15) mounted on the sensor printed circuit board (16) as in a long distance operation zone. [Claim 6] A motion sensor unit (10) including the internal masking mechanism (20) as in Claim 2 in which the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) can be suspendedly moved down to block the passive infrared motion sensor (15) mounted on the sensor printed circuit board (16) as in a short distance operation zone. |
Title of Invention: AN INTERNAL MASKING MECHANISM FOR
A MOTION SENSOR UNIT
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates generally to a masking mechanism for a motion sensor unit. It relates specifically to an internal masking mechanism movable suspendedly in a substantially up and down direction, operable from an external adjustment knob and preferably equipped with a visual means for long or short distance indication.
Background Art
[2] Prior art motion sensor units are used to detect movement in order to switch
equipment on and off, usually outdoor or indoor lighting. They generally employ a passive infrared motion sensor and often include a photo-electric cell which prevents operation during daylight hours. Furthermore, the detection range of the passive infrared motion sensor unit is often set as 'long distance operation zone' or 'short distance operation zone'. A prior art motion sensor unit comprises an arc lens assembly, a control module equipped with at least one passive infrared motion sensor and electrical circuitry, as well as a module cover. Normally, three passive infrared motion sensors are set to face front, left and right directions.
[3] In European patent publication number 1847822A1, the invention discloses an
internal masking means to cover each pyro sensor. The masking means is made of opaque material and assumes substantially a L-shape. Its long arm is intermediately disposed in between the arc lens assembly and the pyro sensors. The free end of its short arm carries a serrated turning knob which is affixed to and protrudes through the module cover above the pyro sensor. An external turning force from a screwdriver is applied to the turning knob to turn the masking means. The long arm of the masking means at various positions either free or obstructs partially or completely infrared rays following the optical paths from the arc lens assembly to the pyro sensors.
[4] Other internal masking means are also taught in European patent publication
numbers 1120763A9 and 1398742A1, and German patent publication number
4023341A1.
Summary of the Invention
[5] The present invention has therefore as a primary object to provide an alternative internal masking mechanism for a motion sensor unit, so that passive infrared motion sensors can be unblocked or blocked selectively, as in long distance or short distance operation zone respectively.
[6] Another object of the present invention is to allow the substantially up and down movement of the internal masking mechanism to be operable from an external adjustment knob on the motion sensor unit.
[7] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a visual means for long or short distance indication for the motion sensor unit.
[8] These objects can be achieved in that the internal masking mechanism is disposed inside the motion sensor unit and is movable suspendedly in a substantially up and down direction, such that the passive infrared motion sensors are unblocked or blocked selectively, as in long distance operation zone or short distance operation zone respectively.
[9] The internal masking mechanism is essentially L-shaped or inverted T-shaped where opposite edges of two parallel vertical rack elements are geared with a space in between and a horizontal element at the bottom of the two geared vertical rack elements, with a gear knob disposed in between the two geared vertical rack elements. The gear knob is operable from an external adjustment knob through an adjustment opening on a cylindrical cover of the motion sensor unit.
[10] Additionally, a hole is provided at one side of the horizontal element and a reflector is inclinedly disposed facing the hole. A light emitting diode is disposed on a sensor printed circuit board, such that a light ray from the light emitting diode is directed towards the reflector and through the hole when motion is detected. This provides a visual means for long or short distance indication.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[11] In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, the following description is given, by way of example, of two preferred embodiments of an internal masking mechanism in accordance with the present invention for a motion sensor unit. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[12] Figure la is a perspective view of a motion sensor unit.
[13] Figure lb is a side view of the motion sensor unit as shown in Figure la.
[14] Figure 2 is a to-be-assembled view of a motion sensor unit with a first preferred embodiment of an internal masking mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
[15] Figure 3a is a front partial cross-section view of a motion sensor unit including a first preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism, with its detection range set at a long distance operation zone.
[16] Figure 3b is a side partial cross-section view of the motion sensor unit as shown in Figure 3a, illustrating the disposition of its various components.
[17] Figure 4a is a front partial cross-section view of a motion sensor unit including a first preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism, with its detection range set at a short distance operation zone.
[18] Figure 4b is a side partial cross-section view of the motion sensor unit as shown in Figure 4a, illustrating the disposition of its various components.
[19] Figure 5 is a to-be-assembled view of a second preferred embodiment of an internal masking mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
[20] Figure 6a is a front partial cross-section view of a motion sensor unit including a second preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism, with its detection range set at a long distance operation zone.
[21] Figure 6b is a side partial cross-section view of the motion sensor unit as shown in
Figure 6a, illustrating the disposition of its various components.
[22] Figure 7a is a front partial cross-section view of a motion sensor unit including a second preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism, with its detection range set at a short distance operation zone.
[23] Figure 7b is a side partial cross-section view of the motion sensor unit as shown in
Figure 7a, illustrating the disposition of its various components.
Detailed Description
[24] To facilitate explanation, like numerals are used to denote same component or
element.
[25] Figures la and lb show the outward appearance of the present invention which looks like a prior art motion sensor unit.
[26] The motion sensor unit (10) comprises a hemispherical lens assembly (11) and a cylindrical cover (12) which carries a plurality of openings (13) on its side. In this disclosure, at least one such opening (13) carries an external adjustment knob (14) which engages an internal masking mechanism (20) inside the motion sensor unit (10). The external adjustment knob (14) serves as a pivot from which the entire internal masking mechanism (20) is suspended therefrom. Furthermore, the internal masking mechanism (20) is movable suspendedly in a substantially up and down direction.
[27] A first preferred embodiment of an internal masking mechanism (20) of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4b.
[28] Figure 2 shows a to-be-assembled view of a motion sensor unit (10) with a first preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism (20) in accordance with the present invention. The internal masking mechanism (20) is essentially L-shaped or inverted T-shaped where opposite edges of two parallel vertical rack elements (22) are geared with a space in between, and a horizontal element (23) at the bottom of the two geared vertical rack elements (22). A gear knob (21) is disposed in between the two geared vertical rack elements (22), being operable from the external adjustment knob (14) through the adjustment opening (13) on the cylindrical cover (12). The external adjustment knob (14) also serves as a pivot from which the entire internal masking mechanism (20) is suspended therefrom. The internal masking mechanism (20) is movable suspendedly in a substantially up and down direction. The horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) is thus disposed before and in the detection range of a passive infrared motion sensor (15) mounted on a sensor printed circuit board (16). The passive infrared motion sensor (15) faces dotted lens (not indicated) of the hemispherical lens assembly (11). Normally, there are three passive infrared motion sensors, set to face front, left and right directions. Only one passive infrared motion sensor (15) is shown in the drawing.
[29] Figures 3a and 3b show schematically the internal masking mechanism (20) at a suspendedly moved up position. At this position, the passive infrared motion sensor (15) is not blocked by the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) and its detection range is set at 'long distance operation zone'. The internal masking mechanism (20) is suspendedly moved up by turning the external adjustment knob (14) in one direction.
[30] Figures 4a and 4b show schematically the internal masking mechanism (20) at a suspendedly moved down position. At this position, the passive infrared motion sensor (15) is blocked by the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) and its detection range is set at 'short distance operation zone'. The internal masking mechanism (20) is suspendedly moved down by turning the external adjustment knob (14) in the opposite direction.
[31] According to the teaching of the present invention, a second preferred embodiment of the internal masking mechanism (20) is illustrated in Figures 5 to 7b, where a visual means for long or short distance indication is additionally provided.
[32] Figure 5 shows schematically the same essentially L-shaped or inverted T-shaped internal masking mechanism (20) equipped with the visual means. A light emitting diode (31) is disposed on the sensor printed circuit board (16) as seen in Figure 6a. One side of the horizontal element (23) is internally disposed with an inclined reflector
(24) facing a hole (211). When motion is detected, light ray from the light emitting diode (31) is directed towards the reflector (24), so that the light ray can be reflected through the hole (211). This reflected light is visible through the hemispherical lens assembly (11). This reflected light provides a distance indication of the detection view, as the internal masking mechanism (20) is moved up or moved down.
[33] Figures 6a and 6b show schematically the second preferred embodiment of the
internal masking mechanism (20) at a suspendedly moved up position. At this position, the passive infrared motion sensor (15) is not blocked by the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) and its detection range is set at 'long distance operation zone'. The internal masking mechanism (20) is suspendedly moved up by turning the external adjustment knob (14) in one direction.
[34] Figures 7a and 7b show schematically the internal masking mechanism (20) at a suspendedly moved down position. At this position, the passive infrared motion sensor (15) is blocked by the horizontal element (23) of the internal masking mechanism (20) and its detection range is set at 'short distance operation zone'. The internal masking mechanism (20) is suspendedly moved down by turning the external adjustment knob (14) in the opposite direction.