U.S. patent application number 10/679228 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for linear fluorescent high-bay.
Invention is credited to Buchanan, Dallas I., Haugaard, Eric J., Raleigh, Craig, Ruud, Alan J..
Application Number | 20050073838 10/679228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34394132 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050073838 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haugaard, Eric J. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2005 |
Linear fluorescent high-bay
Abstract
A method, for implementing lighting by utilizing a lighting
fixture having a plurality of laterally-spaced light source
locations and corresponding lateral reflector positions, may
include selectively installing a reflector of a first type or a
second type in respective ones of the plurality of lateral
reflector positions, the first type reflector having greater
uplighting capacity compared to the second type reflector, whereby
the selectively installing determines a proportion of uplight
versus downlight. For a plurality of tube positions disposed in a
plane, a method may include vertically positioning a reflector
assembly with respect to the plane. Individual reflector panels may
be replaced by flexing the panel. A method may include providing a
sensor switch operative to detect an occupant and connect an
electrical path when the occupant is detected, and providing a
selector for selecting ones of the ballasts to be connected to the
electrical path by the sensor switch.
Inventors: |
Haugaard, Eric J.; (Kenosha,
WI) ; Raleigh, Craig; (Racine, WI) ; Ruud,
Alan J.; (Racine, WI) ; Buchanan, Dallas I.;
(Evanston, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JANSSON, SHUPE & MUNGER, LTD
245 MAIN STREET
RACINE
WI
53403
US
|
Family ID: |
34394132 |
Appl. No.: |
10/679228 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 17/16 20130101;
F21V 14/04 20130101; F21V 7/24 20180201; F21V 29/502 20150115; F21Y
2103/00 20130101; F21V 7/005 20130101; Y02B 20/386 20130101; F21V
7/10 20130101; F21V 15/015 20130101; F21V 14/02 20130101; F21V
17/104 20130101; F21V 7/0091 20130101; F21V 23/02 20130101; F21V
23/0471 20130101; F21S 8/06 20130101; F21Y 2113/00 20130101; Y02B
20/30 20130101; F21V 17/002 20130101; F21V 7/0016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/225 |
International
Class: |
F21S 004/00 |
Claims
1. A method for implementing lighting by utilizing a lighting
fixture having a plurality of laterally-spaced light source
locations and corresponding lateral reflector positions, the method
comprising selectively installing a reflector of a first type or a
second type in respective ones of the plurality of lateral
reflector positions, wherein the first type reflector has a greater
uplighting capacity compared to the second type reflector, whereby
the selectively installing determines a proportion of uplight
versus downlight.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the lighting fixture includes at
least one socket at each of the plurality of lateral reflector
positions, the method further comprising providing a switch member
for connecting or disconnecting electricity to selected ones of the
plurality of sockets.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising interchanging a
reflector of the first type and a reflector of the second type for
at least one of the reflector positions.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising referring to a chart
for selecting between the first type reflector and the second type
reflector for installation at a given one of the plurality of
reflector positions.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on the number
of lateral reflector positions and the respective translucences of
the first type reflector and the second type reflector.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on lighting
requirements for given areas within a facility.
7. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on a number and
proximity of other lighting fixtures.
8. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on operational
logic of at least one motion sensor.
9. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on at least one
lighting switch pattern being implemented for the plurality of
reflector positions.
10. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is based on at least
one lighting switch pattern being implemented for a plurality of
lighting fixtures.
11. The method of claim 4 wherein the chart is a program product
implemented on a computer.
12. A method for implementing lighting comprising: providing a
lighting fixture having a plurality of lateral reflector positions;
and providing a plurality of reflectors of a first type and a
second type, the reflectors for being selectively installed in
respective ones of the plurality of lateral reflector positions,
wherein the first type reflector has a greater uplighting capacity
compared to the second type reflector, and wherein selective
installation of the reflectors determines a proportion of uplight
versus downlight.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising providing a chart
that is referenced for selecting between the first type reflector
and the second type reflector for installation at a given one of
the plurality of reflector positions.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the chart is based on the number
of lateral reflector positions and the respective translucences of
the first type reflector and the second type reflector.
15. A method for achieving a desired proportion of uplight versus
downlight utilizing a lighting fixture having a plurality of
laterally-spaced light source locations and corresponding lateral
reflector positions, the method comprising providing a program
product operative for selecting between a first type reflector and
a second type reflector for installation at a given one of a
plurality of reflector positions, wherein the first type reflector
has a greater uplighting capacity compared to the second type
reflector.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the program product is adaptable
to assist the selecting according to a user input that includes at
least one of: identifying component parts in the fixture;
identifying operational parameters of the fixture; identifying
lighting requirements for given areas to be lighted; identifying a
number, type, illumination level and/or proximity of other lighting
fixtures; identifying an implementation being used in conjunction
with a motion sensor; and identifying lighting switch patterns.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the implementation being used in
conjunction with a motion sensor includes a time delay for
disconnecting an electrical connection to the fixture.
18. An illuminating system comprising: a fluorescent lighting
fixture having a plurality of reflector positions; and a plurality
of reflectors of a first type or a second type, wherein the first
type reflector has a greater uplighting capacity compared to the
second type reflector, and each of the plurality of reflector
positions is adapted to install either the first type reflector or
the second type reflector therein.
19. The system of claim 18 wherein the first type reflector is
formed of an acrylic.
20. The system of claim 18 wherein the plurality of reflectors are
prismatic.
21. The system of claim 18 wherein the first type reflector is
formed by vacuum metallizing.
22. The system of claim 18 wherein the first type reflector has a
multi-faceted partial polygon profile.
23. A method for implementing lighting comprising: providing a
fluorescent lighting fixture having a plurality of tube positions
disposed in a plane; and providing a reflector assembly vertically
positionable with respect to the plane.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein positioning the reflector
assembly closer to the plane narrows a distribution of light from
the lighting fixture.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein positioning the reflector
assembly farther from the plane widens a distribution of light from
the lighting fixture.
26. The method of claim 23 wherein the providing of a reflector
assembly includes providing a spacer member for securing the
reflector assembly at a predetermined vertical position with
respect to the plane.
27. The method of claim 23 further comprising providing a chart for
determining a vertical displacement of the reflector assembly based
on a light distribution pattern desired for the fluorescent
lighting fixture.
28. A method for implementing lighting comprising: providing a
fluorescent lighting fixture having a plurality of tube positions
disposed in a plane; and vertically positioning a reflector
assembly with respect to the plane, at a selected one of a
plurality of vertical reflector positions.
29. A linear fluorescent lighting fixture comprising: a plurality
of tube positions disposed in a plane; and a
vertically-positionable reflector assembly, the reflector assembly
having a plurality of reflectors corresponding to the plurality of
tube positions and structured to be vertically positionable with
respect to the plane.
30. The fixture of claim 29 wherein the reflector assembly includes
at least one spacer for positioning the reflector assembly at a
predetermined vertical height with respect to the plane.
31. The fixture of claim 30 further comprising a ballast channel
assembly disposed in parallel with the plane, wherein a bottom side
of the spacer is disposed on a top side of the ballast channel
assembly.
32. The fixture of claim 31 further comprising at least one socket
mounting plate for holding a plurality of tubes at the plurality of
tube positions, the socket mounting plate being disposed on a top
side of the spacer.
33. The fixture of claim 32 wherein the plurality of reflectors is
connected to the ballast channel assembly.
34. A method for implementing lighting with a linear fluorescent
lighting fixture having a plurality of ballasts comprising:
providing a sensor switch operative to detect an occupant within a
view and to connect an electrical path when the occupant is
detected; and providing a selector for selecting ones of the
ballasts to be connected to the electrical path by the sensor
switch.
35. A linear fluorescent lighting system comprising: a plurality of
ballasts; a sensor switch operative to detect an occupant within a
view and to connect an electrical path when the occupant is
detected; and a selector for selecting ones of the ballasts to be
connected to the electrical path by the sensor switch.
36. The system of claim 35 further comprising a controller for
remotely controlling the selector.
37. The system of claim 35 wherein the ballasts are disposed in a
plurality of individual lighting fixtures.
38. The system of claim 35 wherein the selector is disposed on an
exterior portion of a lighting fixture containing at least some of
the plurality of ballasts.
39. The system of claim 35 further comprising a plurality of
reflector panels each formed to have a concave portion facing in a
downward direction and disposed so that a lateral gap is formed
between bottom-most end portions of adjacent ones of the plurality
of reflector panels.
40. A linear fluorescent lighting fixture comprising: a plurality
of fluorescent tube locations; a plurality of pairs of tube
sockets, one pair of sockets being disposed at each of the
plurality of fluorescent tube locations; a pair of socket mounting
plates for holding the plurality of tube sockets; a plurality of
laterally-flexible reflector panels, one of the reflector panels
being disposed at each of the plurality of fluorescent tube
locations; and a pair of endcaps each having a plurality of
horizontal slots for receiving edges of ones of the reflector
panels, wherein at least one of the reflector panels is removable
and insertable with respect to ones of the horizontal slots by
laterally flexing the reflector panel.
41. The fixture of claim 40 wherein gaps are formed between
bottommost edges of adjacent ones of the reflector panels.
42. The fixture of claim 40 wherein each of the reflector panels
has a faceted profile.
43. The fixture of claim 40 wherein at least one of the reflector
panels is formed of one of a translucent and a transparent
material, has a faceted smooth inner reflector surface, and has a
prismatic outer reflector surface.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to lighting systems and, more
particularly, to reflector type fixtures optimized for use in an
industrial facility.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Fluorescent lighting fixtures are used in various
applications such as being recessed in hung ceilings or being used
as stand-alone units hung, for example, from the rafters of an
industrial or commercial building. Traditionally, fluorescent
lighting fixtures have been used in such recessed applications
because they generate much less heat than other types of lighting
units, e.g., high intensity discharge, and because they may have a
physical package with a short height and/or a small width
(depending on the number of tubes in the fixture).
[0005] Many areas in stores, warehouses, and commercial buildings
are illuminated by various free-standing types of lighting fixtures
that may be suspended from the ceiling, such lighting fixtures
typically containing lamps such as mercury vapor, metal halide, or
sodium types. Industrial or commercial lighting may be classified
as being high bay or low bay, depending on a nominal height of the
fixture above the floor of the room being illuminated. In most
lighting applications it is desirable to direct the light downward,
for example, to illuminate aisles in a store or warehouse, as
necessary in a building having a high bay. As a low-power, low-cost
alternative to expensive high intensity discharge (HID) type lamps
that may generate excessive heat, require expensive and heavy
ballasts, or that may be of a design not readily adaptable to
different lighting applications, many commercial lighting
installations utilize fluorescent lamp fixtures. Such fluorescent
fixtures may have a lower wattage requirement and cost. Other
reasons may dictate choosing fluorescent fixtures, for example,
lower temperatures, smaller and lighter ballasts, power
distribution requirements, lower intensity, etc. Although it may be
advantageous to provide fluorescent lighting in these applications,
it may be difficult to provide the necessary efficiency and
directivity. A higher efficiency is desirable, for example, to
reduce the number of luminaries to produce the necessary level of
illumination. In addition, traditional luminaries may be
inadequate, for example, in buildings such as warehouses, which
have high ceilings necessary to accommodate high stacking and
shelving of items.
[0006] Fluorescent lighting systems may be implemented as so-called
"compact" fluorescent devices, as well as conventional "linear"
fluorescent fixtures. The newer compact devices typically utilize
smaller diameter, shorter fluorescent tubes that may be formed in a
"U". For lighting fixtures of both the compact and linear
fluorescent type it may be difficult to adapt to various lighting
requirements and applications in a high bay. Traditional high bay
lighting may not be optimized because, although it is important
that light be efficiently directed downwardly from a high location
onto an illuminated surface, many high bay lighting situations may
include areas that require less light some or all of the time.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved
linear type fluorescent lighting fixture that overcomes some of the
problems and shortcomings of the prior art, including those
referred to above.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus and
method for selectively configuring a fluorescent lighting fixture
for customizing a proportion of uplight versus downlight emitted by
the fixture.
[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a modular
linear fluorescent lighting fixture and method where individual
reflector panels of the fixture may be replaced without removing
the lighting fixture from its installed location and without
disassembling the lighting fixture.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
fluorescent lighting fixture that is configurable between a narrow
lighting distribution pattern and a wider light distribution
pattern.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide apparatus
and method for externally configuring a step dimming of a
multiple-lamp fluorescent lighting fixture.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent
lighting fixture having a low profile.
[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a system for
fluorescent lighting and method for implementing various lighting
control in a master/slave configuration.
[0014] How these and other objects are accomplished will become
apparent from the following descriptions and the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method
is provided for implementing lighting by utilizing a lighting
fixture having a plurality of lateral reflector positions, the
method including selectively installing a reflector of a first type
or a second type in respective ones of the plurality of lateral
reflector positions, where the first type reflector has a greater
uplighting capacity compared to the second type reflector, whereby
the selectively installing determines a proportion of uplight
versus downlight.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a method for
implementing lighting includes providing a lighting fixture having
a plurality of lateral reflector positions, and providing a
plurality of reflectors of a first type and a second type, the
reflectors for being selectively installed in respective ones of
the plurality of lateral reflector positions, where the first type
reflector has a greater uplighting capacity compared to the second
type reflector, and wherein selective installation of the
reflectors determines a proportion of uplight versus downlight.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
achieving a desired proportion of uplight versus downlight includes
providing a program product operative for selecting between a first
type reflector and a second type reflector for installation at a
given one of a plurality of reflector positions, where the first
type reflector has a greater uplighting capacity compared to the
second type reflector.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, an illuminating system
includes a fluorescent lighting fixture having a plurality of
reflector positions, and a plurality of reflectors of a first type
or a second type, where the first type reflector has a greater
uplighting capacity compared to the second type reflector, and each
of the plurality of reflector positions is adapted to install one
of the first type reflector and the second type reflector
therein.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a method for
implementing lighting includes providing a fluorescent lighting
fixture having a plurality of tube positions disposed in a plane,
and providing a reflector assembly vertically positionable with
respect to the plane.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a method for
implementing lighting includes providing a fluorescent lighting
fixture having a plurality of tube positions disposed in a plane,
and vertically positioning a reflector assembly with respect to the
plane, at a selected one of a plurality of vertical reflector
positions.
[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, a linear
fluorescent lighting fixture includes a plurality of tube positions
disposed in a plane, and a vertically-positionable reflector
assembly, the reflector assembly having a plurality of reflectors
corresponding to the plurality of tube positions and structured to
be vertically positionable with respect to the plane.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a method for
implementing lighting with a linear fluorescent lighting fixture
having a plurality of ballasts includes providing a sensor switch
operative to detect an occupant within a view and to connect an
electrical path when the occupant is detected, and providing a
selector for selecting ones of the ballasts to be connected to the
electrical path by the sensor switch.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a linear fluorescent
lighting system includes a plurality of ballasts, a sensor switch
operative to detect an occupant within a view and to connect an
electrical path when the occupant is detected, and a selector for
selecting ones of the ballasts to be connected to the electrical
path by the sensor switch.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a linear fluorescent
lighting fixture includes a plurality of fluorescent tube
locations, a plurality of pairs of tube sockets, one pair of
sockets being disposed at each of the plurality of fluorescent tube
locations, a pair of socket mounting plates for holding the
plurality of tube sockets, a plurality of laterally-flexible
reflector panels, one of the reflector panels being disposed at
each of the plurality of fluorescent tube locations, and a pair of
endcaps each having a plurality of horizontal slots for receiving
edges of ones of the reflector panels, where at least one of the
reflector panels is removable and insertable with respect to ones
of the horizontal slots by laterally flexing the reflector
panel.
[0025] As a result of implementing some of the various aspects of
the invention, different areas in stores, warehouses, and
commercial buildings may be illuminated by use of lighting fixtures
that may be easily adapted for changing a proportion of uplighting
versus downlighting, replacing reflector panels, altering a
directivity of lighting, providing selectable step dimming,
utilizing motion or similar detection switching, and others. A
switching of individual ballasts provides an energy savings and a
lower temperature of operation. A high efficiency is provided by
utilizing optimized reflector designs. A low profile design allows
use where available vertical height is limited.
[0026] Additional advantages and a more complete understanding of
the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed
description of preferred embodiments and claims when considered in
connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer
to similar items throughout the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a view showing an upper portion of a lighting
fixture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a view showing a bottom portion of the lighting
fixture of FIG. 1
[0029] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a six-tube fixture showing a
location of various components including those of a ballast channel
assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a inner view of an endcap for a lighting fixture
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 is an outer view of the endcap of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a reflector mounting portion of
the endcap of FIG. 4.
[0033] FIG. 7 is an end view of a cell of a lighting fixture that
contains a faceted first type reflector, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 is an end view of a cell of a lighting fixture that
contains a faceted prismatic second type reflector, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIGS. 9A and 9B are reflector positioning charts used to
configure lighting fixtures to provide a desired proportion of
uplighting versus downlighting, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a view of a ballast connected to a socket
mounting plate for a lighting fixture in a narrow light
distribution configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a view of a spacer used for configuring a
lighting fixture in a medium light distribution mode according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a view of a ballast connected to a socket
mounting plate for a lighting fixture in a medium light
distribution configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a view of a ballast channel assembly showing the
respective locations of a ballast, a rocker switch, and an infrared
detector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a view of a rocker switch used in the
configuration of FIG. 13.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a view of an infrared detector assembly used in
the configuration of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] FIGS. 1-2 show a linear fluorescent high-bay fixture 1
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Individual
cells 10 are formed to each include a linear fluorescent tube 12
and a pair of tube sockets 11. The fluorescent tube 12 is typically
a tubular discharge vessel made of glass, into the end caps of
which thermionic cathodes are melted. The tube 12 is typically
formed by being evacuated and filled with argon and mercury. At
both end caps of the tube 12, the thermionic cathodes are routed to
the outside as two terminals each. Therefore, the tube 12 generally
has two electrical terminals (not shown) at each lengthwise end,
and the pairs of sockets 11 are each located so that a
corresponding tube 12 may be inserted into a respective pair of
sockets 11 by moving the tube 12 into position where the terminals
slide into a lateral slot (not shown), whereupon the tube 12 is
rotated until the terminals are engaged with the socket 11 in a
known manner. The tube 12 typically has a standard length in
increments of one foot (e.g., four feet) and has a standard
diameter in increments of one-eighth inch (e.g., T5=5/8 inch
diameter; T8=one inch diameter). Tubes may have a variety of
properties such as, for example, those pertaining to their ability
to withstand being turned on and off, their light output, their
efficiency, etc. A suitable 54 watt T5 type tube is the model 90209
available from General Electric Co. A suitable socket is a model
109541.01 available from Vassloh. Each cell 10 has at least one
reflector panel 40 located so that a respective tube 12 is
positioned in a concave portion with respect to the reflector 40.
In a fixture 1, 100, a gap may be provided (e.g., .about.{fraction
(1/4)} inch) between bottom-most portions of adjacent ones of the
reflector panels 40, 140, and/or between bottom-most portions of
adjacent ones of the reflector panels 40, 140 and the ballast
channel assembly 50. By comparison, conventional multi-lamp
fluorescent fixtures typically utilize a structure where adjacent
reflectors touch. Although such a conventional structure may
provide a narrower lighting fixture, this does not consider other
parameters that are important to proper operation of a lighting
fixture. The present inventors have determined that by providing
the above-described gaps, a convection type cooling of the fixture
may be provided. It is important that components of a lighting
fixture such as the tubes 12 maintain a desired ambient temperature
for long life and proper operation. For example, an optimum ambient
temperature for a fluorescent lamp may be about 25 degrees C.,
where a lower or higher ambient temperature causes a less than
optimum performance of the lamp. In addition, such gaps allow dust
and other foreign materials to pass through the fixture rather than
attaching and causing a reduced cooling of the fixture or unhealthy
environment. Further, as discussed further below, the gaps may be
used for reaching a lateral side of a reflector panel 40, 140 for
laterally urging the reflector panel 40, 140 in order to disengage
the flange portions 41, 141 of the reflector 40, 140 from the
corresponding slot portions of the endcaps 30, for removing and
replacing reflector panels 40, 140 without a need to disassemble
the fixture 1, 100.
[0043] The tube sockets 11 at each end of the light assembly 1 are
mounted on a respective socket mounting plate 80 that extends in a
widthwise direction. The socket mounting plates 80 are attached to
respective lengthwise ends of a ballast channel assembly 50 that
has a lengthwise dimension located along the center longitudinal
axis of the lighting fixture 1. The ballast channel assembly 50
receives electrical conductors such as wires (not shown) from the
sockets 11 for connection to wires or terminals of one or more
ballasts 55 mounted to an interior wall of the ballast channel
assembly 50. The ballast 55 receives an AC line voltage. For
example, in the U.S., ballast line voltage options include 120,
208, 240, 277 or 480 volts, whereas in Canada, ballast options
include 120, 277 and 347 volts. The ballast 55 preferably has a
circuit arrangement for the operation of a number (e.g., two) of
fluorescent tubes, the circuit including an alternating current
supply, with a reactance coil and a glow discharge igniter, simply
referred to as starter, being required for striking the gas
discharge. The reactance coil and the starter may be replaced by
using an electronic ballast (elektronisches Vorschaltgerat) ("EVG")
for an energy-saving operation that has a high efficiency. Many
different types of ballast may be substituted depending on, for
example, weight, heating, cost considerations, type of tubes, etc.
Electrical connections from the ballast 55 to the individual
sockets XX may be accomplished by using well-known wire nuts (not
shown) or similar connection devices, or by wires that run directly
from individual sockets 11 to push-type terminals located in a
terminal strip portion of the ballast 55. Suitable wire nuts, for
example, are a model 773-104 available from Wago, and a suitable
ballast for powering a pair of T5 tubes is a model ICN-2S54-90C
available from Advance. The wires from the ballast 55 may
alternatively be provided as a harness type assembly having a
connector that plugs into a corresponding connector on the ballast
55 itself. Such a harness may also be used when connecting to a
ballast having wires instead of terminals, so that the ballast may
be replaced without a need to rewire the lighting fixture 1.
[0044] The lighting fixture 1 includes a hanger assembly 60 for
suspending the lighting fixture 1 from a ceiling, rafters, etc. The
hanger assembly 60 may include metal "V" shaped rods that fit into
holes or recesses formed in the ballast channel assembly 50 or in
the endcaps 30. A wire or chain may then be passed through or
attached to the V-shaped rod. Alternatively, a rigid metal member
may be securely attached to the ballast channel assembly in order
to provide electrical grounding and/or a more secure structure. The
endcaps 30 may be provided with inner panels 35 that may be used to
cover any exposed portion of the top or upper side portion of the
fixture 1. An additional top cover plate (not shown) may be
provided to cover the top of the lighting fixture 1 in order to
provide a nicer appearance.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows a positioning of three individual two-lamp
ballasts 55 in the ballast channel assembly 50, for an exemplary
embodiment of a lighting fixture 100 having six tubes 11. As can be
seen, the narrow profile of the ballasts 55 allows for placing the
ballasts 55 adjacent one another while maintaining a ballast
channel 50 having a small width. It is noted that the ballast
channel 50 being provided in a same plane as the cells 10 allows
either lighting fixture 1 or 100 to have a short vertical height
compared with conventional fixtures that position a ballast atop a
tube position.
[0046] The ballast channel 50 and socket mounting plates 80 are
preferably formed of suitable metal(s) or similar lightweight
conductive materials. An endcap 30 is located at each end of the
lighting fixture and is connected to the ballast channel assembly
50 and/or to the corresponding socket mounting plate 80. Referring
to FIGS. 4-8, the end caps 30 may be formed of a plastic,
lightweight metal, or similar material, and having slots 32, 33
formed in ribs 36 located on an inner surface 31 of the endcap 30,
the slots 32, 33 for receiving flanged end portions 41 of reflector
panels 40. The end cap 30 is preferably removably attached to the
ballast channel assembly 50 and/or the socket mounting plate 80 so
that the endcaps 30 and reflector panels 40 may be removed for
cleaning, replacement, or interchanging. As shown in FIG. 5, the
endcap 30 has an outer portion 37 that prevents any of the inner
parts of the fixture 1 from being exposed. The outer portion 37 has
a lateral endmost portion that may be curved or faceted in order to
provide an attractive appearance.
[0047] The reflector panel 40 may be formed having a flexible
structure that maintains a preformed shape. The flanged end
portions 41 are placed in corresponding notches 32, 33 formed in
the end caps 30 so that the reflector panels 40 `float` without a
need for attachment members to hold the reflector panel 40 to the
lighting fixture 1. Where required, a grounding strap or similar
structure for grounding a metal reflector panel 40 may be provided.
Preferably, the grounding strap may be easily connected or
disconnected to a convenient grounding location such as, for
example, to a lug or terminal located at a convenient position
along a metal surface of the fixture 1. It is further preferred
that the grounding strap and terminal location be accessible yet
hidden from view when the fixture is installed for operation. The
aforementioned preformed shape may include facets and/or
prism-shaped sections, discussed below, that help maintain the
shape while also being formed to direct the light in a
predetermined manner.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the ribs 36 include at each reflector
attachment location a narrow horizontal slot 33 and a wider
horizontal slot 32, where a projection member 34 constitutes a
lateral end stop for the wider horizontal slot 32 and constitutes
an upper surface for the narrow horizontal slot 33. The horizontal
slots 32, 33 provide for interchangeability of reflector panels 40,
140 into the same endcap 30.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 7, the reflector 40 may be formed as a
multi-faceted structure of a thin gauge (e.g., 0.020 inch) metal
such as aluminum or similar metal, where the thin flanged end
portions 41 of the reflector 40 fit into the narrow horizontal
slots 33 of the endcaps 30. As shown in FIG. 4, a lengthwise end
space 45 is formed between an inner wall 38 of the endcap 30 and a
reflector stop location 39 where the lengthwise ends of the
reflectors 40 are located when the reflectors 40 are installed in
the endcap 30. This space 45 allows a user to reach inside the
lighting fixture and push the reflector panel 40 at outer sides
thereof as shown by the arrows marked as "A" in FIG. 7. By such
pushing of the side(s) of the reflector 40, the flanged end
portions 41 of the reflector 40 are disengaged from the slots 33 in
a direction "B," allowing the user to remove the reflector panel 40
from the lighting fixture 1. In a same manner, as shown in FIG. 8,
the reflector 140 formed of a thicker acrylic material may be
removed from ribs 36 of the endcaps 30 by pushing the reflector 140
in a direction "A" which causes the flanged end portions 141 of the
reflector 140 to become disengaged from the slots 33 in a direction
"B." It can be seen that the metal reflector 40 has thinner longer
flanges 41 compared to those corresponding flanges 141 of reflector
140. Parameters such as a retention length of the flanges 41, 141
and a stiffness of the reflector 40, 140 may be varied depending
upon a particular fixture design.
[0050] The reflector panels 40, 140 may be formed of various
materials depending on whether it is necessary that they be
conductive, opaque, translucent, transparent, of a given weight or
structural strength, within a cost budget, fire retardant,
attractive, reflective or non-reflective, smooth or coarse, or with
any combination of properties or features. In a preferred
embodiment, various types of reflector panels are provided to be
interchangeable at a given reflector location in the lighting
fixture 1, or within a group of the fixtures 1. For example, in a
high bay facility it may be desirable to change locations of
aisles, heights of shelves, locations of equipment, cubicles,
assembly lines, etc. It may also be desirable to lease the facility
to new tenants who have a different use for the area having the
lighting fixtures 1. Therefore, the present inventor has determined
that the lighting fixture 1 or groups of same may be adaptable for
modifying a lighting being provided.
[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, it is desired to
utilize linear type fluorescent lighting fixtures for providing
uplighting as well as downlighting. In such a case, an individual
lighting fixture 1 may be customized for providing a desired
proportion of uplight versus downlight, by selecting a reflector
type for individual cells 10 of the lighting fixture 1. For
example, when it is desired that a particular cell 10 have nearly
100% of the usable light for the cell 10 be used as downlight,
solid metal type reflector panel(s) 40 may be installed for that
cell. The metal reflector panel 40 is preferably finished to have a
mirror-like reflectance property. It is noted that a portion of the
light emitted from the tube 12 may be absorbed by the reflector 40,
so that a remaining portion of the light is considered as being
usable. When it is desired that a proportion of the usable light
for a cell 10 be emitted as uplight, reflector panel(s) 140 may be
installed that have a known translucence, so that the proportion of
uplight is thereby controlled. In this manner, by selectively
installing individual reflector panels 40 or 140 at each of the
cells 10, the uplighting proportion of the fixture 1 having
multiple cells 10 can be customized. Further, the customizing can
be applied to multiple fixtures 1, and to fixtures 1 that can be
grouped according to various criteria such as, for example,
relative placement with respect to a reflective surface such as a
white wall, relative placement with respect to adjacent fixtures,
various photometric or testing information, dimming applications,
Visual Comfort Probability (VCP) parameters, dullness or brightness
of reflector panels, interior design and aesthetics, etc.
[0052] The present inventors has determined that a mixture of
different types of reflector may be used in a single fixture or in
a group of individual fixtures. Providing such a mixture allows the
manufacturer, user, or installer to customize the proportion of
uplight versus downlight. For example, a reflector made of a solid
aluminum material reflects nearly all of the incident light and
does not allow any light from the fluorescent tube to `seep`
through and become uplight. A reflector may alternatively be formed
of an acrylic material so that a percentage of the incident light
seeps through the reflector and becomes uplight. By consistently
forming such an acrylic reflector, the percentage of uplight for
the reflector is known and is controlled when manufacturing the
reflector. An illustrative example is now provided with reference
to FIGS. 9A and 9B.
[0053] In FIG. 9A, a chart is shown for customizing the proportion
of uplighting in a four tube T5 type lighting fixture. In FIG. 9B,
a chart is shown for customizing the proportion of uplighting in a
six tube T8 type lighting fixture. The symbols in the charts
represent either a Type I reflector panel or a Type II reflector
panel. In this example, the dark Type I symbols represent solid
metal reflectors such as reflector panels 40 discussed above. The
white symbols represent Type II reflectors such as acrylic
reflector panels 140. The mixing of different types of reflectors
according to their uplighting proportion may be simplified by use
of the chart which specifies a number of Type I reflectors, a
number of Type II reflectors, and locations where each type is to
be placed. Such a chart may be provided, for example, as a template
used by an assembly line worker or robot assembling the fixtures,
as a label affixed to a surface of the lighting fixture, as a
routine in a lighting design software program, and in various forms
in a lighting fixture manufacturer's product catalog. The chart may
present a relational database where a lighting designer inputs a
desired proportion of uplight versus downlight for an area of a
facility, inputs different desired proportions for different areas
in a room, or inputs different desired proportions for different
categories of space within a facility. Such a relational database
may automatically compute an optimum placement of individual Type I
or Type II reflectors, within individual fixtures or groups of
fixtures, in order to achieve the desired uplight/downlight
proportion(s). In the FIGS. 9A-B charts, it is seen that different
uplighting proportions are obtained by selectively placing
different type reflectors at particular cells 10 within a fixture
1, 100. Corresponding optic conditions are obtained for the
particular reflector arrangement and are classified according to
optic type. Such charts may be provided as labels affixed to a part
of the lighting fixture 1, 100 not seen when the fixture 1, 100 is
installed.
[0054] The present example is only illustrative, as any number of
different types of materials and shapes of reflectors may be
substituted for one another and a corresponding chart may utilize
degrees of freedom appropriate for the respective variables. In
other words, individual lighting fixtures may be customized in
consideration of the component parts used to build the fixture, the
lighting requirements for given areas, the number and proximity of
other lighting fixtures, time delays and other implementations
being used in conjunction with motion sensors, lighting switch
patterns, etc. In a preferred embodiment, reflectors 40, 140 have
the same general shape, where reflector 40 is formed of a highly
polished aluminum and reflector 140 is formed of an acrylic so that
reflector 140 has a light transfer function where a known amount of
light passes through reflector 140 and becomes uplight, for a known
incident light level and known dimensional relation of the light
source to the reflector 140 surface(s). More particularly, the
acrylic reflector panel 140 as shown in FIG. 8 has a flat inner
surface formed with a same facet pattern as is shown for the
reflector 40 of FIG. 7. This inner surface provides a first surface
reflection of incident light in a manner essentially the same as
the first surface reflection obtained from a metal reflector 40.
For reflector 140, some of the incident light passes to the outer
prism-shaped surface where it encounters a second surface
reflection so that a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) of the
incident light allows for directivity and efficiency of the
resultant reflected light. The first surface reflection and the
second surface reflection combine to create the downlight from the
cell 10 in a highly efficient manner. A portion of the incident
light passes (seeps) through the prismatic acrylic reflector 140,
primarily at the `corners` of the prisms where adjacent sides meet.
Since it is difficult to form the prismatic surface with clean and
sharp angles at these corners, a curved portion at the corner
causes the incident light to pass through rather than be reflected.
Such light becomes scattering and uplight for the cell 10. The
light passing through the acrylic reflector panel 140 gets
refracted so that a direction of the light rays is slightly
altered. The angles between faces of the prism surface may be
altered depending on factors such as the position of a light source
creating angles of incidence, or for increasing a spread of light
from reflector panel 140.
[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 9A and 9B, it can be seen that the
Type I reflector panels 40 produce essentially only downlight,
inner Type II reflector panels 140 produce uplight and downlight,
and outer Type II reflector panels 140 produce uplight, downlight,
and sidelight. The sidelight may be further directed by additional
reflector panels (not shown) or may be utilized by removing
portions of the endcap 30 or the inner endcap panel 35 shown in
FIG. 1. The selective installation of either panel 40 or panel 140
in a cell therefore effects a controlling the proportion of uplight
versus downlight. Although this process has been described for a
single reflector panel per cell 10, the same process may be
employed for a lighting fixture having multiple reflector panels in
a single cell 10. In addition, the selection of reflector panels
may be influenced by an implementation of a switching scheme for
individual cells 10 of a fixture and/or for groups of cells 10
and/or groups of fixtures 1, 100. Although the present examples are
described for a particular type reflector panel 140 made of a clear
transparent or translucent acrylic, various other compositions and
forms may be used for providing reflector panels having known
seepage of light into uplight. For example, a reflector panel may
be formed by vacuum metallizing.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a preferred embodiment
provides a spacer 65 for selectively adjusting a vertical height of
the socket mounting plates 80 with respect to the ballast channel
assembly 50. The spacer 65, for example, has a projecting portion
or tab 66 that fits in a recess or slot formed in the upper surface
of the ballast channel assembly 50. In addition, holes 67 are
provided in the spacer 65 for attaching the spacer 65 to the
ballast channel assembly 50 using screws, bolts, nuts, washers, or
other fasteners. Further, holes 68 are provided in the top surface
of the spacer 65 for attaching the spacer 65 to the socket mounting
plate 80 as shown in FIG. 12. The illustration of FIG. 10 is
provided to show the ballast channel assembly 50 being attached to
the socket mounting plate 80 without using a spacer 65. Since the
endcap 30 having reflector panels 40, 140 in a preferred embodiment
is attached to the ballast channel assembly 50 using the two holes
51 provided in each end-facing wall of the ballast channel assembly
50, the use of a spacer 65 as shown in FIG. 12 positions the endcap
30 and reflector panels 40, 140 in a higher location with respect
to the socket mounting plate 80 and corresponding tubes 12.
Therefore, when a spacer 65 is used at each end of the ballast
channel assembly 50, the plane coincident with the tubes 12 is at a
higher location within the endcaps 30 and reflector panels 40, 140,
so that the resultant downlight light distribution pattern from the
fixture 1, 100 is narrowed. Similarly, when removing the spacers 65
from the ballast channel assembly 50, the endcap 30 and reflector
panels 40 become disposed at a lower location with respect to the
socket mounting plate 80 and corresponding tubes 12. Therefore,
when a spacer 65 is removed from each end of the ballast channel
assembly 50, the plane coincident with the tubes 12 is at a lower
location within the endcaps 30 and reflector panels 40, so that the
resultant downlight light distribution pattern from the fixture 1,
100 is widened into a medium distribution pattern. The distribution
patterns of the downlight in this respect are simply narrowed or
widened by the vertical relation of a tube 12 with respect to the
bottom opening of each cell 10, which in turn is defined by the
particular type of lamp 12, the width of the opening at the bottom
of an installed reflector panel 40, 140, the translucence of the
reflector panel 140, the position of the endcaps, etc. Spacing
criteria along and across individual reflectors or groups of
reflectors, a type of reflector, a distance between reflectors 40,
140 and endcaps 30, directivity, brightness, efficiency, reflector
profile, and other criteria may be taken into consideration when
determining whether a particular lighting location should have a
cell 10 configured in a narrow, medium, or other light distribution
pattern.
[0057] Other structures may alternatively be employed for
vertically offsetting the plane of the tubes 12 from the reflector
panels 40, 140. For example, in a typical installation, a position
of the reflector panels 40, 140 is set by the position of the
endcaps 30 since the reflectors 40, 140 may be installed, for
example, by inserting the flanges 41, 141 of a reflector into slots
32, 33 of the endcaps 30. The positions of the endcaps 30 may be
fixed, so that the vertical adjusting may only consist of changing
a relative position of the socket mounting plates 80. In addition,
another method and structure for changing the vertical location of
the group of tubes 12 in a fixture 1, 100 may simply involve
swapping socket mounting plates 80. In other words, different
socket mounting plates 80 may be used that provide different
vertical offsets for the sockets 11 in relation to the endcaps 30
and/or ballast channel assembly 50. By using various socket
mounting plates 80, a manufacturer is able to offer fixtures having
preset lighting distribution patterns. It is also possible to allow
an end user to reconfigure her fixtures in such a manner at the
particular facility.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, in a preferred embodiment, the
lighting fixture 1 has a motion detector/switch 57 disposed in the
ballast channel assembly 50 and positioned so that the motion
detector/switch 57 views an area below the lighting fixture 1, 100
through a lens 157. A model CMRB-6 sensor available from Sensor
Switch, Inc. is suitable. The detector/switch 57 may be provided
with internal switching capabilities for turning on or off
electrical power being provided to the ballasts 55. The
detector/switch 57 turns on the power to the ballasts 55 when a
person or other being enters the area of interest beneath the
detector/switch 57. The detector/switch 57 uses Passive Infrared
(PIR) in combination with a Fresnel Lens. As an occupant moves
within the field-of-view, the sensor detects a change in motion and
temperature. Every time an occupant moves, an internal time delay
circuit may be reset. The detector/switch 57 may provide for an
adjustable time delay, for example, from 30 seconds to 20 minutes.
After a period of time the detector/switch 57 will automatically
time out, turning the electrical power to the ballasts 55 off. The
sensor's lens 157 typically views in separate 360.degree.
cone-shaped patterns, although this viewing window may be altered
by, for example, blocking particular radial portions. The separate
cones may be used for different applications according to a height
of the fixture 1, 100 above the facility's floor. For example, a
particular cone viewing at 54.degree. angle may only effective up
to a 12-15 foot mounting height, and is therefore not typically
considered in high bay applications. Other cones may be used to
view at particular angles so that the given cone may only be
effective, for example, up to 20 feet while other cones may
continually maintain their effectiveness up to 35 feet. In this
manner, the detector/switch 57 may be adapted to particular
applications. The detector/switch 57 in a preferred embodiment
effectively connects or disconnects electrical power to a second
switch 58 that controls the number of ballasts 55 to be switched by
the action of detector/switch 57. For example, switch 58 may be a
multiple position switch that allows a user to externally select
whether a motion detection by detector/switch 57 switches all,
some, or none of the ballasts 55. In other words, the
detector/switch 57 connects or disconnects electrical power to the
ballasts indirectly when the switch 58 is placed in series between
the detector/switch 57 and the ballasts 55.
[0059] An exemplary embodiment of the switch 58 is shown in FIG.
14. As shown, the switch 58 is a known rocker type switch having a
center-off type configuration. By way of example, when the switch
58 is used in a lighting fixture 100 having three ballasts 55 for
three corresponding pairs of tubes 12, the rocker switch 58 may be
placed in a first position to selectively allow the detector/switch
57 to connect/disconnect electrical power to a first one of the
three ballasts 55 according to whether the detector/switch 57 has
detected an occupant in its field of view. The rocker switch 58 may
instead be placed in the third position, whereby the user
selectively allows the detector/switch 57 to connect/disconnect
electrical power to both the first one of the three ballasts 55 and
a second one of the three ballasts 55. When the user places the
rocker switch 58 in the center-off position, the switching action
of the detector/switch 57 is not connected to the ballasts. In
practice, this center-off position may be used for assuring that a
third one of the three ballasts remains connected to electrical
power to provide a minimum lighting to a given location while
allowing the same fixture 100 to be changed for a step dimming type
action by the detector/switch 57. The ability to configure the step
dimming of a lighting fixture 1, 100 externally of the fixture is
highly advantageous for the user, who thereby avoids opening the
fixture for such a reconfiguring. The switch 58 may be chosen in
various forms and/or configurations for particular lighting
applications. For example, the switch 58 may be remote to the
fixture 1, 100, may be a DIP type, a rotary type, a paddle type, an
other type, may be connected and/or controlled by a timer or
ambient lighting sensor, may be temperature controlled, may be
controlled by wireless device, may be programmed, etc. In addition,
a master/slave relationship may be configured for one or more
groups of lighting fixtures 1, 100 so that, for example, one or
more of the switches 58 in a particular group may be used to
configure a step dimming for the group. Similarly, for example, one
or more of the detector/switches 57 may be used in a master/slave
configuration for causing electrical power to be connected to
various ones of the ballasts 55 for a given group of lighting
fixtures 1, 100. A lighting system may include a controller (not
shown) for remotely controlling one or more of the switches 58. For
example, a digitally addressable lighting interface (DALI) protocol
may be adapted for implementing such a control.
[0060] The placement of the ballast channel assembly 50 in a same
lateral plane with the cells 10 that contain the reflector panels
40, 140 and the tubes 12, allows the lighting fixture 1, 100 to
have a low profile, for example approximately less than 5 inches
high. An optional hook accessory (not shown) may be provided for
use in an alternate method of hanging the fixture 1, 100. The
lighting fixture 1, 100 may be configured for hard wiring or
provided with an optional cord accessory. The fixture may be formed
for adding lens and/or wire-guard accessories.
[0061] Other features that may be utilized with the lighting
fixtures 1, 100 include use of a programmed rapid-start ballast
system in order to optimize lamp life, increased structural
integrity for assuring an upgraded 90.degree. C. case temperature
rating, use of a ballast assembly for obtaining 0.degree. F. cold
starting capability, end of lamp life protection that removes lamp
power when a lamp is approaching a predetermined condition, design
changes that allow for use of different nominal operating
temperatures such as by use of different lens systems, various
types of lamp sockets, multiple level control of lighting
parameters and illumination, different numbers of lamps per
fixture, instant-start, high output ballast factors, and
others.
[0062] While the principles of the invention have been shown and
described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be
understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not
limiting.
* * * * *