U.S. patent application number 15/455872 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-29 for lighting assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Autronic Plastics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Timothy J. Keuning, Daniel A. Lax, Agjah I. Libohova.
Application Number | 20170184280 15/455872 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46064234 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170184280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lax; Daniel A. ; et
al. |
June 29, 2017 |
LIGHTING ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A modular lighting assembly uses LED banks as the light sources.
The assembly allows the power supply and LED banks to be
independently replaced. The assembly uses a power supply that is
separated from the LED banks and electrically connected to the LED
banks with a plug connector that may be unplugged and plugged back
in to allow the power supply or LED bank to be independently and
readily replaced. The assembly provides for easy replacement of the
different components of the assembly. One feature that makes the
components easier to replace is that the light modules and/or the
power supply may be carried by the housing that is removable from
the base mount that is secured to a mounting structure such as a
wall or ceiling.
Inventors: |
Lax; Daniel A.; (Roslyn,
NY) ; Libohova; Agjah I.; (East Setauket, NY)
; Keuning; Timothy J.; (Northport, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Autronic Plastics, Inc. |
Central Islip |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46064234 |
Appl. No.: |
15/455872 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13271115 |
Oct 11, 2011 |
9625139 |
|
|
15455872 |
|
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|
|
61391608 |
Oct 9, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 2/005 20130101;
F21V 21/30 20130101; F21V 23/06 20130101; F21V 29/76 20150115; F21K
9/20 20160801; F21S 8/04 20130101; F21Y 2113/00 20130101; F21V
23/026 20130101; F21V 17/002 20130101; F21V 21/08 20130101; F21V
23/02 20130101; F21W 2131/40 20130101; F21V 19/04 20130101; F21V
21/02 20130101; F21V 17/164 20130101; F21V 19/001 20130101; F21W
2131/101 20130101; F21Y 2105/10 20160801; F21S 8/033 20130101; F21S
8/043 20130101; F21V 17/104 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V
23/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21V 17/00 20060101
F21V017/00; F21V 23/02 20060101 F21V023/02; F21S 8/00 20060101
F21S008/00; F21V 21/08 20060101 F21V021/08; F21V 17/16 20060101
F21V017/16; F21S 2/00 20060101 F21S002/00; F21V 19/04 20060101
F21V019/04; F21V 21/30 20060101 F21V021/30; F21V 23/06 20060101
F21V023/06; F21S 8/04 20060101 F21S008/04 |
Claims
1. A lighting assembly, comprising: an elongate base comprising a
first channel formed along a first elongate base edge of and a
second channel formed along a second elongate base edge; an
elongate housing having a first projection formed along a first
elongate housing edge and adapted to be received within the first
channel to engage the elongate base; a first LED module carried by
the housing; and a power supply covered by the elongate base and
the elongate housing when the elongate base is coupled to the
elongate housing, wherein the power supply is electrically coupled
to the first LED module.
2. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first
projection comprises a flange.
3. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first
LED module has a length substantially equal to a length of the
housing.
4. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongate
housing includes a plurality of snap fit connectors adapted to
engage the first LED module.
5. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first
channel includes a first lip projecting toward the second channel
and adapted to engage first projection.
6. The lighting assembly according to claim 5, wherein, when the
first lip is engaged with the first projection, the elongate
housing is pivotable relative to the elongate base.
7. The lighting assembly according to claim 5, wherein the elongate
housing comprises a second projection formed along a second
elongate housing edge and adapted to align with the second
channel.
8. The lighting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second
projection includes a mechanical connector for coupling the
elongate housing to the elongate base.
9. The lighting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
mechanical connector releasably locks the elongate housing to the
elongate base.
10. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the power
supply is secured to the elongate base.
11. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the power
supply is secured to the elongate housing.
12. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:
a second LED module carried by the housing.
13. The lighting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the first
LED module is disposed at a first angle relative to the elongate
base for emitting light in a first direction, and the second LED
module is disposed at a second angle relative to the elongate base
for emitting light in a second direction, different than the first
direction.
14. The lighting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the
elongate housing includes a first opening axially aligned with a
second opening such that the first LED module is disposed over the
first opening and the second LED module is disposed over the second
opening.
15. The lighting assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising: a first electrical connector coupling the power supply
to the first LED module and a second electrical connector coupling
the first LED module to the second LED module.
16. The lighting assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising: a first electrical connector coupling the power supply
to the first LED module and a second electrical connector coupling
the power supply to the second LED module.
17. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the power
supply is adapted to receive power from at least two power
sources.
18. The lighting assembly according to claim 17, wherein the at the
least two power sources includes a first power source and a second
power source, wherein the second power source is a higher voltage
than the first power source.
19. The lighting assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first
power source is at least 110V and the second power source is at
least 480V.
20. The lighting assembly according to claim 18, wherein the at
least two power sources includes a third power source.
21. A lighting assembly, comprising: an elongate base comprising a
first channel formed along a first elongate base edge, wherein the
first channel includes a lip; an elongate housing having a first
projection formed along a first elongate housing edge and adapted
to be received within the first channel, wherein the first
projection is pivotably connected to the first lip; a first LED
module carried by the housing; and a power supply within the
elongate housing and covered by the elongate base and the elongate
housing when the elongate base is coupled to the elongate housing,
wherein the power supply is adapted to receive power from at least
two power sources.
22. The lighting assembly according to claim 21, wherein the at the
least two power sources includes a first power source and a second
power source, wherein the second power source is a higher voltage
than the first power source.
23. The lighting assembly according to claim 22, wherein the first
power source is at least 110V and the second power source is at
least 480V.
24. The lighting assembly according to claim 23, wherein the at
least two power sources includes a third power source.
25. A lighting assembly, comprising: an elongate base; an elongate
housing releasbly coupled to the elongate base; a first LED module
carried by the elongate housing; and a power supply electrically
coupled to the first LED module, wherein the power supply is
adapted to receive power from a first power source of at least 110V
and a second power source of at least 480V.
26. The lighting assembly according to claim 25, wherein the power
supply is adapted to receive power from a third power source.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application claiming
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/271,115 filed Oct.
11, 2011, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/391,608 filed Oct. 9, 2010; the disclosures
of both are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The disclosure generally relates to LED lighting devices
and, more particularly, to modular LED lighting units that may be
uniquely configured by the user at the location where the lighting
is desired.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Although the benefits of upgrading traditional lighting to
efficient lighting based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) is known,
additional LED lighting configurations are desired in the
marketplace.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The disclosure provides a modular lighting assembly using
LED banks as the light sources. The assembly allows the power
supply and LED banks to be independently replaced. The assembly
uses a power supply that is separated from the LED banks and
electrically connected to the LED banks with a plug connector that
may be unplugged and plugged back in to allow the power supply or
LED bank to be independently and readily replaced.
[0007] The disclosure provides an assembly that provides for easy
replacement of the different components of the assembly. One
feature that makes the components easier to replace is that the
light modules and/or the power supply may be carried by the housing
that is removable from the base mount that is secured to a mounting
structure such as a wall or ceiling. This configuration allows the
replacement to occur at ground level rather than requiring the
worker to be positioned up on a ladder.
[0008] The disclosure also provides a mount that allows the power
supply and LED banks to be placed at different locations and allows
for the LED banks and power supplies to be removed and
replaced.
[0009] The mount allows the light generated from the system to be
directed in different directions based on the installation position
of the LED banks. The housing that mounts the light modules is
angled at different directions with respect to its base to cast the
light generated by the light modules in desired directions.
[0010] The disclosure also provides a lighting assembly that has a
low power mode that may be activated to reduce power consumption.
The low power mode may be activated manually, automatically, or
remotely.
[0011] The disclosure also provides a lighting assembly that may be
used in underground applications including underground train
systems.
[0012] The disclosure provides a LED lighting assembly that may be
powered from a 480V, three phase input.
[0013] The disclosure provides a lighting assembly with improved
efficiency.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is perspective view of an exemplary modular light
assembly.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing how the power
supply and LED banks interact with the mount.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing an alternative
configuration for the modular light and mount.
[0018] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] An exemplary configuration of a lighting assembly is
indicated generally by the numeral 2 in the accompanying drawings.
Lighting assembly 2 may be used in a wide variety of environments
and is particularly configured for underground utility or
underground transportation applications. Assembly 2 may be used for
tunnel lighting, subways, parking garages, harsh-environment
conditions, architectural and industrial operations including
petroleum, mining, and power generation. Assembly 2 is configured
to function in damp environments and is configured to be impervious
to dust such as steel dust and corrosion. Assembly 2 is configured
to have an operating temperature in the general range of
-20.degree. to 50.degree. C.
[0020] Assembly 2 uses a plurality of light emitting diode (LED)
light sources grouped to function as a single light source referred
to herein as an LED banks or LED light module 4. Module 4 provides
the desired light from assembly 2. Assembly 2 allows the individual
elements of the assembly to be replaced and reconfigured as desired
by the end user. Assembly 2 allows the user to select the type of
light module 4 used at different locations. For example, the user
may install large and small light modules 4, different color light
modules 4, light modules 4 having different shapes, or light
modules 4 of differing lumen output. The LEDs are configured with
an automotive-grade polycarbonate lens assembly. The injection
molded components are low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH). Each module 4
includes a die-cast aluminum heat sink. Each module 4 has a LED
Driver operating voltage of 100-277 VAC, 480 VAC. Alternate
high-voltage AC/DC input may be provided. The power consumption for
one exemplary configuration is 60 Watts. The LEDs may be
high-output bright white LED's (.about.4700K). The LEDs have a
rated life of 70% lumen maintenance at 50,000 hours. Modules 4 use
the proprietary, precision Opticlear.TM. Engine to maximize light
distribution to target area while minimizing glare.
[0021] Assembly 2 generally includes at least one LED module 4, a
mount 6, and a power supply 10. Mount 6 is configured to carry at
least one module 4 and a power supply 10. A plurality of identical
or different light modules 4 may be carried by mount 6. Mount 6 may
be provided in different configurations to direct the light
produced by assembly 2 in different directions. Each module 4 and
supply 10 may be readily mounted and dismounted to mount 6 and may
be connected and disconnected from each other to allow each
individual element to be replaced as needed.
[0022] Power supply 10 transforms the alternating current from
commonly available electrical power sources such as 110V or 220V or
a high voltage source such as 480V-three phase, to a low voltage
direct current power supply that is delivered to module 4 with a
supply cord 12. Supply cord 12 (shown disconnected in FIG. 1 and
connected in FIG. 4), power supply 10, and/or module 4 include
connectors 14 configured to allow cord 12 to be readily connected
and disconnected from supply 10 and/or module 4. Connectors 14 may
be waterproof and locking. A waterproof IP67 connector may be used.
As shown in FIG. 4, modules 4 may be connected together with a
secondary electrical connector 16 such that the electrical supply
flows through one module 4A to the second module 4B. Alternatively,
power supply 10 may include multiple outlets 18 with an independent
supply cord 12 used with each module 4. Power supply 10 may include
a plug that allows assembly 2 to be plugged into the available
electrical source or assembly 2 may be hard wired into the
electrical source. Power supply 10 may be configured to function
with a wide range of input voltages and may be configured to
withstand power spikes. In the exemplary configuration, power
supply 10 outputs a 24V to each supply cord 12. Power supply 10 may
be double fused.
[0023] Assembly 2 may be provided with a low power feature that may
be activated to reduce the amount of power consumed by assembly 2.
In one configuration, the low power mode reduces power consumption
by 75 percent. The low power mode may be activated and deactivated
with a button or switch on power supply 10. Other configurations
allow the low power mode to be activated or deactivated remotely
through a wireless connection, through a computer network
connection such as an Internet connection, and/or through a
powerline network. These activation methods also may be used to
turn assembly 2 on and off. Communication between power supply 10
and the controlling device (which may be a computer or a timer) may
be through a computer network such as the Internet or an intranet,
through a telephone network, through a wireless communication
channel, or through any other suitable communication channel.
[0024] Mount 6 includes a base 20 and a housing 22. Base 20 is
configured to be secured to a structure such as a wall or ceiling
while housing 22 carries module 4 or modules 4. Modules 4 may be
secured to housing 22 with connectors, a snap fit connection, or
the like. Housing 22 defines an opening for each bank of LEDs in
module 4. In other configurations, housing 22 is configured to
carry or at least cover power supply 10. Housing 22 is readily
removably from base 20 so that module 4, modules 4, or supply 10
may be replaced, reconfigured, or serviced. When module 4 is to be
replaced, module 4 is unplugged from supply 10 and housing 22 and
module 4 are removed together so that the replacement module 4 may
be inserted into housing 22 in a location separate from the
location where base 20 remains mounted.
[0025] Housing 22 may be angled up, down, left, right, or parallel
with respect to base 20. When housing 22 carries multiple modules
4, housing 22 may be configured to hold modules 4 at different
angles with respect to base plate 28. In the exemplary
configuration, housing 22 is angled down with respect to base 20
such that the light produced by module 4 or modules 4 is angled
down. As such, when base 20 is mounted to a vertical surface such
as a wall, the light produced by assembly 2 is angled down toward
the floor. Also in the exemplary configuration, the center of
housing 22 is taller than the ends of housing 22 so that the two
different light modules 4 carried by housing 22 are angled away
from each other.
[0026] Housing 22 may define a plurality of openings to allow air
to circulate around module 4, modules 4, and power supply 10.
[0027] Base 20 includes a generally flat base plate 28 that defines
a plurality of mounting holes 30 that allow base 20 to be secured
to a wide variety of surfaces with a wide variety of connectors.
Each mounting hole is defined by a portion of plate 28 that
projects rearwardly from a planar rear surface portion of plate 28.
Base plate 28 has a first end 32, a second end 34, an upper edge
36, and a lower edge 38. Channels are defined along upper and lower
edges 36 and 38 with lips 40 and 42, respectively.
[0028] Flanges 44 projecting from housing 22 are sized to slide
within these channels between lips 40/42 and base plate 28 to
retain housing 22 with respect to base 20. Power supply 10 includes
its own flanges 46 that project from a power supply mounting plate
48 that mounts power supply 10 to base in the same manner. Flanges
44/46 may be freely slidable within the channels or may be tapered
to allow for easy insertion and frictional locking within the
channels. The frictional locking occurs when the tip-to-tip
distance from flange 44 to the opposite flange 44 is essentially
the same dimension - or just smaller than--the dimension from the
inside of one channel to the inside of the other channel. FIGS. 2
and 3 depict tapered ends on flanges 44 while FIG. 4 depicts
rounded ends. Flanges 44 also may be frictionally pinched by being
slightly thicker than the channels.
[0029] Power supply 10 may be connected to base 20 by sliding
flanges 46 into the open end of the channels behinds lips 40/42 at
second end 34 of base 20. A stop 50 projects forward from base
plate 28. Power supply 10 abuts stop 50 when in the proper
position. A connector, such as a screw or bolt, may be used to
secure power supply 10 in place. Supply cord 12 also holds power
supply 10 in place. Alternatively, flanges 46 may be configured to
lock into the channels with friction fits or snap fits. In other
configurations, power supply 10 is mounted within and carried by
housing 22.
[0030] Flanges 44 may be continuous such that housing 22 is slid
into the channels through first end 32 in the same manner as power
supply 10. In the exemplary configuration, flanges 44 are spaced
and lip 40 defines gaps 52 so that housing 22 may be installed by
resting its lower flange 44 behind lip 42 with the upper flanges 44
aligned with gaps 52. Housing 22 is then pivoted toward plate 28
until its upper flanges 44 are aligned with the channel behind lip
40. Housing 22 is then slid sideways until at least a portion of
the upper flanges 44 are disposed behind lip 40.
[0031] There are alternatives to lock housing 22 in place with
respect to base 20. Flanges 44 may be configured to lock into the
channels with snap fitting members. Alternatively, a mechanical
connector may be used between housing 22 and base 20.
[0032] In one configuration, gaps 52 are configured to allow
housing to be positioned behind lips 40/42 and slid to the right
until housing abuts stop flanges 54. In other configurations,
flanges 54 pivot out of the way or are configured to not interfere
with housing 22 during the installation of housing 22.
[0033] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the description
and illustrations provided herein are examples and the invention is
not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the
description and claims of this specification the words "comprise"
and "include" as well as variations of those words, such as
"comprises," "includes," "comprising," and "including" are not
intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.
* * * * *