U.S. patent application number 16/256258 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for lamp with battery backup capability.
The applicant listed for this patent is ENERGY FOCUS, INC.. Invention is credited to Todd Arthur Cannon, Jeremiah A. Heilman, Dmitri Dmitrievich Kourennyi.
Application Number | 20190157902 16/256258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58668989 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190157902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cannon; Todd Arthur ; et
al. |
May 23, 2019 |
LAMP WITH BATTERY BACKUP CAPABILITY
Abstract
A lamp includes a first pair of primary electrical contacts
configured to be electrically connected to a AC mains, a second
pair of primary electrical contacts configured to be electrically
connected to a non-switched emergency mains, and a battery charge
controller in electrical communication with the second pair of
electrical contacts. The lamp also includes a battery pack in
electrical communication with the battery charge controller, an AC
mains driver electrically connected to the first pair of primary
electrical contacts, an emergency driver electrically connected to
the battery pack, and an LED array in electrical communication with
the AC mains driver and the emergency driver.
Inventors: |
Cannon; Todd Arthur;
(Mantorville, MN) ; Kourennyi; Dmitri Dmitrievich;
(Shaker Heights, OH) ; Heilman; Jeremiah A.;
(Rochester, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ENERGY FOCUS, INC. |
Solon |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58668989 |
Appl. No.: |
16/256258 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15493216 |
Apr 21, 2017 |
10236716 |
|
|
16256258 |
|
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|
62326261 |
Apr 22, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21K 9/275 20160801;
H02J 9/00 20130101; F21Y 2103/10 20160801; Y02B 20/30 20130101;
Y02B 20/383 20130101; H02J 9/065 20130101; F21V 23/06 20130101;
H05B 45/00 20200101; F21K 9/27 20160801; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
H05B 33/08 20130101; H02J 7/0013 20130101; F21S 9/022 20130101;
F21K 9/278 20160801; H02J 7/02 20130101; H02J 9/061 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 9/06 20060101
H02J009/06; H02J 7/00 20060101 H02J007/00; F21K 9/275 20060101
F21K009/275; H05B 33/08 20060101 H05B033/08; H02J 7/02 20060101
H02J007/02; F21V 23/06 20060101 F21V023/06; F21K 9/278 20060101
F21K009/278; F21S 9/02 20060101 F21S009/02; F21K 9/27 20060101
F21K009/27 |
Claims
1. A lamp, comprising: a first pair of primary electrical contacts
to be electrically connected to a AC mains; a second pair of
primary electrical contacts to be electrically connected to a non
switched emergency mains; a battery charge controller in electrical
communication with the second pair of primary electrical contacts;
a battery pack in electrical communication with the battery charge
controller; an AC mains driver electrically connected to the first
pair of primary electrical contacts; an emergency driver
electrically connected to the battery pack; an LED array in
electrical communication with the AC mains driver and the emergency
driver; and a microcontroller that is electrically connected to the
AC mains driver, the emergency driver, and the battery charge
controller, wherein an electrical connection between the
microcontroller and the battery charge controller allows a presence
and an absence of electrical power from the second pair of primary
electrical contacts to be sensed by the microcontroller, and
wherein the microcontroller instructs only the AC mains driver to
supply electrical power to the LED array when power is present at
the second pair of primary electrical contacts and instructs only
the emergency driver to supply power to the LED array when power is
absent from the second pair of primary electrical contacts.
2. The lamp of claim 1, further comprising: a first base associated
with the first pair of primary electrical contacts and configured
to be mechanically connected to a first lampholder, wherein the
first lampholder is electrically connected to the AC mains; and a
second base associated with the second pair of primary electrical
contacts and configured to be mechanically connected to a second
lampholder, wherein the second lampholder is electrically connected
to the non-switched emergency mains.
3. The lamp of claim 2, further comprising a housing that extends
between the first base and the second base, the housing including a
frame and a lens that cooperate to define a housing cavity, wherein
the emergency driver and the battery pack are located in the
housing cavity, and wherein the first base and the second base are
disposed at opposite ends of the lamp such that the LED array is
disposed between the first base and the second base.
4. The lamp of claim 2, further comprising a battery-connect
element that electrically connects the battery pack to the
emergency driver.
5. The lamp of claim 3, wherein the lens is configured to permit
light from the LED array to pass therethrough and the frame is
configured to prevent the light from the LED array from passing
therethrough.
5. The lamp of claim 3, wherein the battery charge controller and
the AC mains driver are located within the housing cavity.
7. The lamp of claim 3, further comprising: a mounting board that
extends between the first base and the second base, the mounting
board including an upper face that faces toward the lens and a
lower face that is opposite the upper face, wherein the upper face
receives the LED array and the lower face directly contacts the
frame.
8. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the AC mains is switched.
9. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller controls the
battery charge controller to supply electrical power to the battery
pack when the presence of electrical power from the second pair of
primary electrical contacts is sensed.
10. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the AC mains is not switched.
11. The lamp of claim 1, further comprising: an offline power and
isolation module that is electrically connected to the second pair
of primary electrical contacts so as to electrically isolate the
first pair of primary electrical contacts and the second pair of
primary electrical contacts from one another.
12. The lamp of claim 2, wherein the first pair of primary
electrical contacts are a pair of first line pins and the second
pair of primary electrical contacts are a pair of second line pins,
and wherein the pair of first line pins are electrically isolated
from the pair of second line pins.
13. The lamp of claim 12, the first base including a first base
face that faces away from the second base and the second base
includes a second base face that faces opposite the first base
face, wherein one of the pair of first line pins is spaced from and
extends so as to be generally parallel to the other of the first
line pins, and wherein the pair of first line pins extends from the
first base face in a direction away from the second base and the
pair of second line pins extends from the second base face in a
direction away from the first base.
14. The lamp of claim 2, wherein the first base and the second base
are identical in shape, and wherein an indicia is provided to
differentiate between the first base and the second base.
15. The lamp of claim 14, wherein the first base is of a first
color and the second base is of a second color, and wherein the
first color is different from the second color.
16. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the lamp defines a normal mode in
which power is selectively received at the first pair of primary
electrical contacts from the AC mains and continuously received at
the second pair of primary electrical contacts from the
non-switched emergency mains, wherein the lamp defines an emergency
mode in which the power is not received at the first pair of
primary electrical contacts from the AC mains and nor at the second
pair of primary electrical contacts from the non-switched emergency
mains, and wherein the battery charge controller does not supply
electrical energy to the battery pack during the emergency
mode.
17. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the lamp defines a normal mode in
which power is selectively received at the first pair of primary
electrical contacts from the AC mains and continuously received at
the second pair of primary electrical contacts from the
non-switched emergency mains, wherein the lamp defines an emergency
mode in which the power is not received at the first pair of
primary electrical contacts from the AC mains and nor at the second
pair of primary electrical contacts from the non-switched emergency
mains, wherein the AC mains driver selectively supplies electrical
power to the LED array in the normal mode such that the LED array
outputs a first light output and the emergency driver supplies
electrical power to the LED array in the emergency mode such that
the LED array outputs a second light output, and wherein the first
light output is equal to the second light output.
18. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the non-switched emergency mains
is associated with the AC mains such that a non-switch related
outage of the AC mains would also result in an outage of the
emergency mains.
9. A method of operating a TLED lamp, comprising the steps of:
positioning the TLED lamp such that a first base of the TLED lamp
is electrically and mechanically connected to a first lampholder
and a second base of the TLED lamp is electrically and mechanically
connected to a second lampholder, wherein the first lampholder is
electrically connected to a switched electrical mains and the
second lampholder is electrically connected to a non-switched
electrical mains; sensing a presence and an absence of electrical
power supplied to the second base; charging a battery pack of the
TLED lamp with the electrical power supplied to the second base;
illuminating an LED array of the TLED lamp with electrical power
supplied to the first base when the presence of the electrical
power at the second base is sensed; illuminating the LED array of
the TLED lamp with electrical power from the battery pack when the
absence of the electrical power at the second base is sensed; and
isolating the electrical power supplied to the first base from the
second base, wherein the electrical power that is supplied to the
first base is isolated from the second base before the TLED lamp is
positioned and the isolation occurs during the sensing, the
charging, and both of the illuminating steps.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of:
installing a battery-connect element onto the TLED lamp to
electrically connect the battery pack to the LED array, wherein the
battery-connect element is installed before the step of sensing the
presence and the absence of the electrical power supplied to the
second base.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Traditional electrical power (hereinafter AC mains) supplied
by the utility company is occasionally unavailable because of power
outages. Power outages may be due to local disruptions because of
building emergencies or more widespread outages due to grid
overloading. Thus, it is desirable to have backup lighting. This
backup lighting can be used to provide building occupants
sufficient light to allow egress from the building until the AC
mains is restored.
[0002] A variety of techniques can be used to supply backup
lighting. However, the known techniques are either overly
complicated, thereby increasing equipment and installation costs
and/or do not meet building code requirements. Further, the known
techniques may not be aesthetically pleasing or elegant. Thus,
there is room for improvement.
SUMMARY
[0003] In view of the foregoing, a novel lamp with battery backup
capability is provided. The lamp includes a first pair of primary
electrical contacts configured to be electrically connected to a AC
mains, a second pair of primary electrical contacts configured to
be electrically connected to a non-switched emergency mains, and a
battery charge controller in electrical communication with the
second pair of electrical contacts. The lamp also includes a
battery pack in electrical communication with the battery charge
controller, an AC mains driver electrically connected to the first
pair of primary electrical contacts, an emergency driver
electrically connected to the battery pack, and an LED array in
electrical communication with the AC mains driver and the emergency
driver.
[0004] A method of operating a TLED lamp includes the step of
positioning the TLED lamp such that a first base of the TLED lamp
is electrically and mechanically connected to a first lampholder
and a second base of the TLED lamp is electrically and mechanically
connected to a second lampholder. The first lampholder is
electrically connected to a switched electrical mains and the
second lampholder is electrically connected to a non-switched
electrical mains. The method also includes the step of sensing a
presence and an absence of electrical power supplied to the second
base, charging a battery pack of the TLED lamp with the electrical
power supplied to the second base, illuminating an LED array of the
TLED lamp with electrical power supplied to the first base when the
presence of the electrical power at the second base is sensed, and
illuminating the LED array of the TLED lamp with electrical power
from the battery when the absence of the electrical power at the
second base is sensed.
[0005] According to an embodiment, the TLED lamp includes a
housing, an LED array disposed within the housing, a first base
disposed at a first end of the housing, and a second base disposed
at a second end of the housing. The first end and the second end
are at opposite ends of the housing. The first base and the second
base are electrically isolated from one another. The TLED lamp also
includes an AC mains driver disposed within the housing and in
electrical communication with the first base.
[0006] The AC mains driver receives electrical power from an AC
mains. The TLED lamp also includes a battery charge controller
disposed within the housing and in electrical communication with
the second base. The battery charge controller receives electrical
power from an emergency mains. The TLED lamp also includes a
battery pack disposed within the housing and in electrical
communication with the battery charge controller. The battery pack
is charged by the battery charge controller.
[0007] The TLED lamp further includes an emergency driver disposed
within the housing and in electrical communication with the battery
pack, and a microcontroller disposed within the housing that senses
a presence and an absence of power from the second base. The
microcontroller instructs the AC mains driver to supply power to
the LED array when power is present at the second base and supply
power from the battery pack to the LED array when power is absent
from the second base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a lamp;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lamp;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic of the lamp;
[0011] FIGS. 4A-48 are schematic views of the lamp in an installed
state; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a
TLED lamp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] With reference to FIGS. 1-48, a lamp 10, 10' with battery
backup capability is depicted. For reference, like elements will
use like reference numbers throughout the disclosure. Where there
are pertinent differences, the elements will be identified with an
apostrophe appended to the reference number. The lamp 10, 10 is
designed to operate in a normal mode (i.e., power being supplied
from an emergency mains 12) and, alternatively, in an emergency
mode (i.e., power not being supplied from the emergency mains 12).
For reference, the emergency mains 12 would not be a switched
supply.
[0014] It is noted that during the normal mode, power is
selectively supplied from an AC mains 14 to a wall switch 15 (see
FIG. 4). Then, if the wall switch 15 is set to on (i.e., closed
circuit), power is eventually supplied to the lamp 10, 10'. In
contrast, power is not supplied from the AC mains 14 to the lamp
10, 10' during the emergency mode. It will be appreciated that the
references to AC mains throughout could instead be DC mains or
other forms of mains power without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. For example, the AC mains 14 could be referred to as a
switched electrical mains.
[0015] During either the normal mode or the emergency mode, the
lamp 10, 10' outputs light sufficient to comply with regulatory
requirements for lighting, In most situations, the power supplied
from the AC mains 14 passes through the wall switch 15 (i.e., is a
switched mains). However, it is envisioned that there may be
limited situations where the AC mains is not switched (i.e.,
electrical power is always supplied to the lamp 10, 10' without
input from an end user). These limited situations may include some
schools, offices, and hospitals to prevent deep darkness that could
result in a dangerous environment.
[0016] The lamp 10, 10' can be a TLED (tubular light emitting
diode) lamp and may be of any number of lengths, without departing
from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the lamp 10, 10'
could be two foot, four feet, or six foot in length. These lengths
ensure compatibility during retrofit operations in which existing
linear fluorescent lamps are replaced with the present lamp 10,
10'.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-2 and 4A-4B, the lamp 10 may
include a first, end 16 and a second end 18 that are at opposite
ends of the lamp 10. A first base 20 can be disposed at the first
end 16 and a second base 22 can be disposed at the second end 18.
The first base 20 and the second base 22 can be compatible with
conventional installations that accept G-13 medium bi-pin bases. It
is noted that the first base 20 and the second base 22 could be
replaced with any number of bases without departing from the scope
of this disclosure. For example, the bases 20, 22 could be
traditional G-13 medium bi-pin bases. As will be appreciated that
if the second base 22 were replaced with a traditional G-13 medium
bi-pin base, an alternate battery connect/disconnect type device
would be utilized. Alternatively, the bases 20, 22 could be
combined into a single component (i.e., a single base).
[0018] The lamp 10, 10' can include a first pair of primary
electrical contacts 24a, 24b and a second pair of primary
electrical contacts 26a, 26b. The first pair of primary electrical
contacts 24a, 24b may be associated with the first base 20 and the
second pair of primary electrical contacts 26a, 26b may be
associated with the second base 22. The first pair of primary
electrical contacts 24a, 24b may be a first pair of line pins 24a,
24b and the second pair of primary electrical contacts 26a, 26b may
be a second pair of line pins 26a, 26b.
[0019] Notably, the term primary electrical contacts can be used
interchangeably with the term line, pins without departing from the
scope of the disclosure. As will be appreciated, the pins 24a, 24b,
26a, 26b are electrically conductive. However, as will be described
in more detail hereinafter, the first pair of line pins 24a, 24b
are electrically isolated from the second pair of line pins 26a.
26b. Further, one of the first pair of line pins 24a is spaced from
the other of the first pair of line pins 24b and pins 24a, 24b are
generally parallel to one another. Further still, one of the second
pair of line pins 26a is spaced from the other of the second pair
of line pins 26b and the pins 26a, 26b are generally parallel to
one another.
[0020] The first base 20 can also include a first base face 20a
that faces away from the second base 22 and the second base may
include a second base face 22a that faces opposite the first base
face 20a, As illustrated in the figures, the first pair of line
pins 24a, 24b extend from the first base face 20a in a direction
away from the second base 22. Further, the second pair of line pins
26a, 26b can extend from the second base face 22a in a direction
away from the first base 20.
[0021] In addition to the illustrated pins 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, the
lamp 10, 10' can include a pair of first auxiliary contacts 24c,
24d. The first auxiliary contacts 24c, 24d can be disposed on, or
associated with, the first base 20. The lamp 10, 10' can also
include a pair of second auxiliary contacts 26c, 26d. The second
auxiliary contacts 26c, 26d can be disposed on, or associated with
the second base 22.
[0022] It will also be appreciated that these auxiliary contacts
24c, 24d, 26c, 26d could be used for a variety of functions,
including for example, dimming control or with the
connection/disconnection of a battery pack 52, 52'. Notably, the
battery pack 52 may be located within the lamp 10, as shown in FIG.
4A or the battery pack 52' may be external to the lamp 10', as
shown in FIG. 4B. As illustrated, the auxiliary contacts 24c, 24d,
26c, 26d are shown as pins. However, it will be appreciated that
the auxiliary contacts 24c, 24d, 26c, 26d could be in many
different formats including, for example, recessed or flush. For
example, these auxiliary contacts 24c, 24d, 26c, 26d could protrude
from the respective bases 20, 22, be recessed within the bases 20,
22, or structured as sockets.
[0023] However, the auxiliary contacts 24c, 24d, 26c, 26d do not
extend from the bases 24, 26 a sufficient distance so as to
interfere with installation of the lamp 10, 10' into a pair of
traditional sockets. Further, the battery pack 52, 52' as will be
described in more detail hereinafter, may connect with these
auxiliary contacts 26c, 26d. In particular, a battery-connect
element 60 can be interfaced with the auxiliary contacts to make
electrical connection between the auxiliary contacts and providing
connection between the battery pack 52, 52' to a battery charge
controller 54, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
[0024] The first base 20 may be of a first color and the second
base 22 may be of a second color, where the first color is
different from the second color. For example, the second base 22
may be red in color, while the first base 20 could be white in
color. This differentiation in color could aid in installation of
the lamp 10, 10' to ensure that the lamp 10, 10' is oriented such
that the first base 20 is electrically connected with and
mechanically associated with the AC mains 14 and the second base 22
is electrically connected with and mechanically associated with the
emergency mains 12.
[0025] With reference to FIGS. 2-4B, the first pair of primary
electrical contacts 24a, 24b are for electrical connection with AC
mains contacts 28 and the second pair of primary electrical
contacts 28a, 26b are for electrical connection with emergency
mains contacts 30. As will be appreciated, the emergency mains
contacts 30 are in electrical communication with the emergency
mains 12 and the AC mains contacts 28 are in electrical
communication with the AC mains 14.
[0026] As illustrated, the emergency mains contacts 30 and the AC
mains contacts 28 are shown as a first lampholder and a second
lampholder, respectively. Thus, the first base 20 and the second
base 22 can connect or interface with the contacts 28, 30,
respectively. It will be understood that the terms emergency mains
contacts and first lampholder may be used interchangeably without
departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, the terms AC
mains contacts and second lampholder may also be used
interchangeably.
[0027] It will also be appreciated that the emergency mains
contacts 30 and the AC mains contacts 28 could be incorporated into
a single component or one general location without departing from
the scope of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the first
lampholder and second lampholder could be different colors from one
another. It is also envisioned that the first lampholder and second
lampholder could be of the first color and the second color,
respectively, so as to match the color selection of the first base
20 and the second base 22 to aid in proper installation of the lamp
10, 10'.
[0028] The first base 20 and the second base 22 can be disposed at
opposite ends of the lamp 10, 10' and may be identical in shape.
The AC mains contacts 28 can be electrically connected to the AC
mains 14 through the wall switch 15 and the emergency mains
contacts 30 are electrically connected to the emergency mains 12.
As noted hereinbefore, an alternative system environment could be
one in which the AC mains 14 does not travel through a switch.
[0029] The emergency mains 12 is a non-switched circuit, but
associated with the AC mains 14. Notably, a non-switch related
outage of the AC mains 14 would also result in an outage of the
emergency mains 12. As will be appreciated, the first base 20 and
the second base 22 are designed to interface with non-shunted
lampholders. Because of the shape and locations of the first base
20 and the second base 22, compatibility with the traditional
lampholders already commonly utilized is ensured.
[0030] By arranging the first base 20 and the second base 22 such
that they receive electrical power from a switched mains (i.e., AC
mains 14) and a non-switched mains (i.e., emergency mains 12),
respectively, the emergency function of the lamp 10, 10' may be
periodically tested to meet UL 924. For reference, UL 924 is
entitled "Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment." As
will be appreciated, UL approval may be required for many
commercial installations and a UL approved product can provide
commercial viability. Further, this capability, and hence
regulatory approval, is lacking with the traditional tubular LED
lamps.
[0031] A housing 32 can extend between the first base 20 and the
second base 22. The housing 32 may include a frame 34 and a lens 36
that cooperate to define a housing cavity 38. The frame 34 can have
a U-shaped cross-section. It is envisioned that the frame 34 could
be made of any number of materials that would be of sufficient
strength and rigidity to minimize deformation of the lamp 10, 10',
including for example, aluminum. Further, the frame 34 may be made
of heat resistant materials. As illustrated, the frame 34 is not
transparent or translucent, thereby preventing light being emitted
from the lamp 10 from passing therethrough. As such, light from the
lamp 10, 10' can more efficiently be directed to the desired
locations.
[0032] The lens 36 could also be from a plurality of materials,
including for example, plastic, and more specifically,
polycarbonate. The lens 36 allows light to pass from within the
housing cavity 38 to outside of the housing 32. The lens 36 may be
transparent, thereby allowing the light to escape the housing
cavity 38. Alternatively, the lens 36 may be translucent without
departing from the scope of this disclosure. It is also possible
that the lens 36 could be omitted from the lamp 10, 10'.
[0033] An LED (Light Emitting Diode) array 40 can be disposed on a
mounting board 42 within the housing cavity 38. The mounting board
42 can include an upper face 42a and a lower face 42b. The upper
face 42a faces toward the lens 36 and the lower face 42b faces in a
direction that is opposite the direction that the upper face 42a
faces. The upper face 42a receives the LED array 40 and the lower
face 42b directly contacts the frame 34. This compact assembly of
the frame 34, the LED array 40, and the mounting board 42 allows
the lamp 10 to have a reduced diameter to allow for installation in
a variety of new and retrofit installations.
[0034] As will be appreciated, the array 40 can include a plurality
of LEDs. The LED array 40 may be disposed so as to extend in a
single column format between the bases 20, 22. Placement of the LED
array 40 in such a format between the bases 20, 22 ensures
compatibility with existing installations. For example, because the
LED array 40 is disposed as described, the reflectors in existing
light fixtures will be oriented so as to properly direct light from
the lamp 10, 10'.
[0035] It will also be appreciated that the LED array 40 will have
a sufficient number of LEDs to provide for general purpose
illumination. For example, it is envisioned that the LED array 40
could provide at least 900 lumens, and even greater values, for
example 1800 lumens. These light output values would be attainable
when the lamp 10, 10' is being operated in the normal mode or the
emergency mode.
[0036] With attention to FIG. 2, an indicator light 44 is shown.
The indicator light 44 may be located on the mounting board 42 to
provide a visual indicator of the status of the lamp 10. For
example, the indicator light 44 could indicate a strength, charging
condition, and/or fault(s) of the battery pack 52, 52' or a quality
of the electricity that is being supplied by the mains 12, 14. The
placement of the indicator light 44 on the mounting board 42 allows
for the lens 36 to protect the indicator light 44 from damage.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 3, the lamp 10 can also include an AC
mains driver 46, an emergency driver 48, a microcontroller 50, the
battery pack 52, a battery charge controller 54, and an offline
power and isolation module 56. All of these components can be
disposed within the lamp 10, and particularly, within the housing
cavity 38 of the housing 32. As will be appreciated, these
components 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 could be incorporated into a
single component or a plurality of components without departing
from the scope of this disclosure. It will also be appreciated that
while the components are illustrated as being connected to one
another with lines, and presumably, electric wires, alternative
methods of connection, including for example wireless connection,
are contemplated and possible.
[0038] The AC mains driver 46 is electrically connected to the AC
mains 14 through the AC mains contacts 28. As noted hereinbefore,
the AC mains 14 may be switched. The AC mains driver 46 is also
electrically connected to the LED array 40. As such, the LED array
40 of the lamp 10, 10' will output light in the normal mode when
the wall switch 15 is in the on position (i.e., closed circuit) and
the AC mains 14 is supplying electrical power through the AC mains
contacts 28 to the first pair of primary pins 24a, 24b and the
emergency mains 12 is supplying electrical power through the
emergency mains contacts 30 to the second pair of primary pins 26a,
26b.
[0039] Further, the LED array 40 of the lamp 10, 10' will not
output light when the wall switch 15 is in the off position (i.e.,
open circuit) and when the emergency mains 12 is supplying
electrical power through the emergency mains contacts 30 to the
second pair of primary pins 26a, 26b. Finally, the LED of the lamp
10, 10' will output light in the emergency mode when the emergency
mains 12 does not supply electrical power to the emergency mains
contacts 30, and hence the second pair of primary pins 26a, 26b,
regardless of the presence or absence of the AC mains 14 at the
first pair of primary pins 24a, 24b. That is to say, the lamp 10,
10' will enter emergency mode when the emergency mains 12 does not
supply electrical power regardless of the position of the wall
switch 15.
[0040] The AC mains driver 46 converts the AC voltage from the AC
mains 14 to DC voltage which is suitable for operating the LED
array 40. In the normal mode, the AC mains driver 46 receives a
form of mains power, which for example could be 100-277 V AC (50/60
Hz), from the AC mains 14 and converts it to a lower DC voltage
which is supplied to the LED array 40. This results in the LED
array 40 emitting light which can subsequently be discharged
through the lens 36.
[0041] The emergency mains 12 also supplies a form of unswitched
mains power, which for example could be 100-277 V AC (50/60 Hz),
during the normal mode. Further, the emergency mains 12 and the AC
mains 14 may be of the same or different phases. While it is
typical that a power outage event is characterized by a loss of AC
mains 14 and simultaneously a loss of emergency mains 12, it will
be appreciated that an electrical fault or a test condition may
cause the loss of only the AC mains 14 or the emergency mains 12.
In such a condition, the loss of emergency mains 12 will always
take priority and the lamp 10, 10' will enter emergency mode.
[0042] As will be appreciated, the emergency mains 12 is not
switched. Thus, the emergency mains 12 supplies power to the
battery charge controller 54 and the offline power and isolation
module 56 independent of position (i.e., on--closed circuit,
off--open circuit) of the wall switch 15. Thus, the battery charge
controller 54 can supply electrical power to the battery pack 52,
52' at all times that emergency mains 12 is present, even though
the wall switch is 15 may be off and the lamp 10, 10' may not be
emitting light. As is considered apparent, the battery charge
controller 54 is in electrical communication with the second pair
of primary electrical contacts 26a, 26b. The only time when power
would not be supplied to the offline power and isolation module 56
from the emergency mains 12 would be when there is a power outage
of the circuit at the facility in which the lamp 10, 10' is
installed.
[0043] The emergency driver 48 supplies DC voltage from the battery
pack 52, 52' to the LED array 40 when the lamp 10, 10' is in the
emergency mode, thereby causing the LED array 40 to emit light.
Thus, the emergency driver 48 is electrically connected to the
battery pack 52, 52' and the LED array 40. As such, battery pack
52, 52' selectively supplies electrical power to the LED array 40
to cause the LED array 40 to emit light.
[0044] The battery pack 52, 52' can be of NiMH construction and can
contain sufficient electrical energy to power the LED array 40,
through the emergency driver 48, for a period of at least 90
minutes to comply with various regulatory requirements. As will be
appreciated, other rechargeable battery types, different than NiMH,
for example, lithium-ion, are possible and contemplated.
[0045] The battery charge controller 54 is in electrical
communication with the emergency driver 48, and hence, through the
second pair of primary electrical contacts 26a, 26b, the emergency
mains 12. Further, the battery charge controller 54 is in
electrical communication with the battery pack 52, 52' to
selectively charge the battery pack 52, 52' during the normal mode.
This is accomplished by the battery charge controller 54 supplying
DC voltage to the battery pack 52, 52'. As will be appreciated, the
battery charge controller 54 does not supply electrical energy to
the battery pack 52, 52' during the emergency mode.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the microcontroller 50 is in electrical
communication with the AC mains driver 46, the emergency driver 48,
and the battery charge controller 54. Any and/or all of the
following components: the AC mains driver 46, the emergency driver
48, the microcontroller 50, the battery pack 52, the battery charge
controller 54, and the offline power and isolation module 56 may be
located within the housing cavity 38. As will be appreciated,
locating these components within the housing cavity 38 offers
numerous advantages. For example, retrofitting existing fixtures
that previously housed linear fluorescent lamps with the TLED lamp
10, 10' is greatly simplified. This can be especially apparent with
installations involving TLED linear lamps with a length of
approximately four feet or longer.
[0047] As will be appreciated, the battery pack 52 may be large and
require a substantial amount of space within the lamp 10, 10'. For
example, a four foot or longer lamp can incorporate the battery
pack 52 within the housing cavity 38, as shown in FIG. 4A. However,
the battery pack 52' could be located outside of the housing cavity
38, as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, a TLED linear lamp with a
length of approximately four feet or less may have the battery pack
be outside of the housing cavity due to space constraints. The
battery pack 52' may be located outside of the housing cavity 38 to
accommodate a battery pack with sufficient electrical capacity to
power the LED array for an extended period of time or at a greater
brightness.
[0048] The microcontroller 50 senses the presence and absence of
power being supplied from the emergency mains 12 through the
emergency mains contacts 30 to the second pair of primary
electrical contacts 26a, 26b. Notably, an electrical connection
between the microcontroller 50 and the battery charge controller 54
allows a presence and an absence of electrical power from the
emergency mains contacts 30 to be sensed by the microcontroller 50.
Thus, when the microcontroller 50 senses that power is being
supplied to the emergency mains contacts 30 (i.e., the normal
mode), operation of the lamp 10, 10' (i.e., whether the LED array
40 emits light) is dictated by position of the wall switch 15.
[0049] As such, during the normal mode, when the wall switch 15 is
in the on position, the LED array 40 is powered by AC mains driver
46, thereby resulting in a discharge of light from the LED array
40. Whereas, also during the normal mode, when the wall switch 15
is in the off position, the LED array 40 is not powered and light
is not discharged from the LED array 40.
[0050] Alternatively, when the microcontroller 50 senses that power
is not being supplied to the emergency mains contacts 30 (i.e., the
emergency mode), the lamp 10, 10' is powered by the battery pack
52, 52'. More particularly, the battery pack 52, 52' provides
electrical power to the emergency driver 48 and the emergency
driver 48 outputs electrical power to the LED array 40, resulting
in the LED array 40 emitting light.
[0051] Notably, operation of the lamp 10, 10' in the emergency mode
is independent of the position of the wall switch 15. Stated
plainly, the LED array 40 of the lamp 10, 10' will be lit even if
the wall switch 15 is in the off position during the emergency
mode. This ensures that building occupants are supplied sufficient
light for egress should there be a power failure, even if the wall
switch 15 was previously in the off position.
[0052] The microcontroller 50 also allows tailoring of the
operation of the lamp 10, 10' to specific situations, regulations,
and model disparities as well as providing smart control of the
lamp 10, 10'. For example, the microcontroller 50 can be programmed
to charge the battery pack 52, 52' at a pre-determined rate
according to the capacity of the battery pack 52, 52'. Further, the
microcontroller 50 can monitor voltage of the battery pack 52, 52'
to avoid over-charging of the battery pack 52, 52' by ceasing
charging operation.
[0053] The microcontroller 50 can also monitor the voltage of the
battery pack 52, 52' to prevent over-discharging of the battery
pack 52, 52' by ceasing the lighting function (i.e., stop the
supply of electrical energy from the battery pack 52, 52' to the
emergency driver 48, thereby causing the lamp 10, 10' to not emit
light) once the battery pack 52, 52' is depleted. The
microcontroller 50 can also monitor voltage, current, and/or
temperature of the battery pack 52, 52' to adjust the
`fully-charged` voltage level to avoid damage to the battery pack
52, 52'.
[0054] As will be appreciated, actual measurement of the voltage,
current, and/or temperature of the battery pack 52, 52' could be
accomplished by a variety of devices and methods known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. The microcontroller 50 can also disable
the AC mains driver 46 while in emergency mode. Further still, the
microcontroller 50 can drive the emergency lighting function or
modify the power output and therefore brightness of LED array 40 to
conserve battery power.
[0055] The offline power and isolation module 56 is electrically
connected to the second pair of primary electrical contacts 26a,
26b so as to electrically isolate the first pair of primary
electrical contacts 24a, 24b from the second pair of primary
electrical contacts 26a, 26b. This ensures that no shock hazard
exists should one end be electrically charged while the other end
is touched by a person. For example, if the lamp 10, 10' was
partially installed into a fixture such that the first pair of
primary electrical contacts 24a, 24b of the lamp 10, 10' received
power from the AC mains 14 through the AC mains contacts 28, but
the individual installing the lamp 10, 10' touched the second pair
of primary electrical contacts 26a, 26b, the installer would not be
shocked. Electrical isolation between the first pair of pins 24a,
24b and second pair of pins 26a, 26b allows for the AC mains 14 and
the emergency mains 12 to be of different electrical phases without
creating an electrical conflict.
[0056] Thus, in the normal mode, as determined by the
microcontroller 50, power is supplied from the AC mains 14 through
the AC mains contacts 28. This AC electrical energy is then
converted by the AC mains driver 46 into a lower >DC voltage and
used to power the LED array 40, thereby resulting in the LED array
40 discharging light from the housing cavity 38. Simultaneously, in
the normal mode, power is also supplied by the emergency mains 12
through the emergency mains contacts 30.
[0057] The microcontroller 50 instructs the battery charge
controller 54 to charge the battery pack 52, 52', if deemed
necessary. The microcontroller 50 may make the determination of
whether the battery pack 52, 52' needs charged by evaluating a
number of variables relating to the battery pack 52, 52', including
for example, voltage of the battery pack 52, 52' with and without a
load being applied. However, as will be appreciated, power from the
battery pack 52, 52' is not used to power the LED array 40 during
the normal mode. As such, the battery pack 52, 52' of the TLED lamp
10, 10' is charged based upon instructions sent from the
microcontroller 50 to the battery charge controller 54 located
within the TLED lamp 10, 10'. In particular, the microcontroller 50
may instruct the battery charge controller 54 to charge the battery
pack 52, 52' at any time that the emergency mains 12 is
present.
[0058] As illustrated in. FIGS. 4A-4B, a normally closed test
button 44a is located so as to be remote from the lamp 10, 10'. The
test button 44a defines a normal operation position in which the
test button 44a is not depressed and the emergency mains 12 is
supplying electricity to the lamp 10, 10' through the second pair
of primary pins 26a, 26b. The test button 44a also defines a test
position in which the test button 44a is depressed and the supply
of electricity from the emergency mains 12 to the second pair of
primary pins 26a, 26b is interrupted. When the test button 44a is
in the test position, the microcontroller 50 permits only the
emergency driver 48 to supply the power to the LED array 40.
[0059] By depressing the test button 44a, an open circuit between
the emergency mains 12 and the microcontroller 50 is created. As
such, the lamp 10, 10' is operated as though in the emergency mode.
Thus, the lamp 10, 10' is then solely powered by the battery pack
52, 52' as described hereinbefore. It is also noted that,
independent of the position of the wall switch 15, the LED array 40
of the lamp 10, 10' will enter emergency mode when the test button
44a is depressed. By locating the test button 44a remote from the
lamp 10, 10', there is no risk of if the lamp 10, 10' were changed
with a dissimilar lamp that the "test" feature for the system is
lost. Further, this remote placement of the test button 44a allows
for easy access to the test button 44a for routine testing of the
lamp 10, 10'.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the lamp 10, 10' may be
supplied with a battery-connect element 60. The battery-connect
element 60 may be removably received on the second pair of
auxiliary contacts 26c, 26d so as to electrically connect the
battery pack 52, 52' to the emergency driver 48. The
battery-connect element 60 includes a core that is an electrical
conductor and an exterior that is of an electrical insulator (i.e.,
made of an electrical insulative material). The core allows for
electrical connection between the pins 26c, 26d, and hence,
electrical connection of the battery pack 52, 52' to the other
components of the lamp 10, 10'.
[0061] The battery-connect element 60 can be a removable item that
can be supplied with the lamp 10, 10' prior to installation, but is
not directly connected to the lamp 10, 10', prior to installation
of the lamp 10, 10'. Notably, by not installing the battery-connect
element 60 until the lamp 10, 10' is ready for installation, the
lamp 10, 10' does not attempt to operate with power from the
battery pack 52, 52'. This ensures that the battery pack 52, 52' is
not unnecessarily used prior to installation of the lamp 10, 10'.
Subsequent to initial installation, and prior to usage of the lamp
10, 10', the battery-connect element 60 is applied to the pins 26c,
26d by the individual that is installing the lamp 10, 10'.
[0062] In particular, the battery-connect element 60 is placed on
the lamp 10, 10' such that there is continuity between the pins
26c, 26d of the second base 22 to electrically connect the battery
pack 52 with the rest of the lamp 10, 10'. By locating the pins
26e, 26d, and hence the battery-connect element 60 on the second
base 22, the size of the battery-connect element 60 can be of a
small size. Comparison between FIGS. 4A and 4B reveals that the
battery pack 52 is located within the lamp 10 in FIG. 4A, whereas
the battery pack 52' illustrated in FIG. 4B is disposed outside of
the lamp 10'.
[0063] The battery-connect element 60 can be in multiple different
forms without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For
example, the battery-connect element 60 may be integrated into the
lamp 10, 10' as a switch. Alternatively, the battery-connect
element 60 may be an insulating material that, when installed in
the lamp 10, 10', interrupts electrical contact between the battery
pack 52, 52' and the battery charge controller 54 and the emergency
driver 48. However, when removed, electrical contact is
enabled.
[0064] Thus, the only non-dimensional difference between the lamp
10 of FIG. 4A and the lamp 10' of FIG. 4B, is that the battery pack
52 of the lamp 10 is located within the lamp 10 and the battery
pack 52' of the lamp 10' is located exterior of the lamp 10'. As
such, there are no other differences between the lamps 10, 10' of
FIGS. 4A and 4B. Typically, FIG. 4A illustrates a lamp that is
approximately four feet in length, whereas FIG. 4B shows a lamp
that is approximately two feet in length.
[0065] With reference to FIG. 5, a method of operating a TLED lamp
is shown. At 100, any electrical power supplied to the first base
20 is isolated from the second base 22. This isolation continues
occurring any time that electrical power is supplied to the first
base 20. At 110, the battery-connect element 60 is installed on the
TLED lamp 10, 10' to electrically connect the battery pack 52, 52'
to the LED array 40. At 120, the TLED lamp 10, 10' is positioned
such that the first base 20 of the TLED lamp 10, 10' is
electrically and mechanically connected to the AC mains contacts 28
and the second base 22 of the TLED lamp 10, 10' is electrically and
mechanically connected to the emergency mains contacts 30. For
reference, the AC mains contacts 28 are electrically connected to a
first electrical circuit, that may be switched, and the emergency
mains contacts 30 are electrically connected to a second electrical
circuit that is not switched.
[0066] At 130, a presence and an absence of electrical power
supplied to the second base 22 is sensed. At 140, the LED array 40
of the TLED lamp 10, 10' illuminates due to electrical power
supplied to the first base 20 when the presence of the electrical
power at the second base 22 is sensed. Alternatively, at 150, the
LED array 40 of the TLED lamp 10, 10' illuminates due to electrical
power from the battery pack 52 when the absence of the electrical
power at the second base 22 is sensed. At 160, the battery pack 52,
52' of the TLED lamp 10, 10' is charged with the electrical power
supplied to the second base 22.
[0067] As will be appreciated, because of the similar construction
of the first base 20 and the second base 22, the lamp 10, 10' to be
incorrectly installed in the lampholders 28, 30 (e.g., backwards).
For example, the lamp 10, 10' could be installed such that the
first base 20 would incorrectly be in electrical communication to
with the AC mains contacts 28, while the second base 22 would
incorrectly be in electrical communication with the emergency mains
contacts 30. To prevent this scenario, an indicia is provided to
differentiate between the first base and the second base. For
example, the first base 20 may be a neutral color, such as white,
while the second base 22 could be a different color, such as red.
Further, labelling may be used to indicate or differentiate the
first base 20 from the second base 22.
[0068] When the lamp 10, 10' is incorrectly installed, the lamp 10,
10' will enter emergency mode when the wall switch 15 is in the off
position, rather than turning off, so as to notify the installer of
the error. Further, pressing the test button 44a will cause the LED
array 40 to turn off if the wall switch 15 is on, or stay in
emergency mode if the wall switch 15 is off. These atypical
responses help ensure proper installation, and provide easy
identification of improper installation to the installer or nearby
observer. Further, the first lampholder 28 can be such that it
mechanically prohibits receipt of the second base 22 with the
battery-connect element 60 installed from achieving electrical
communication.
[0069] As will also be appreciated, this method offers numerous
advantages. For example, the TLED lamp 10, 10' can be used in
retrofit installations and easily provide emergency lighting
whenever there is a failure of the main power system. Further,
operation and installation of the TLED lamp 10, 10' is simplified
due to the similar construction to traditional linear fluorescent
lamps.
[0070] A lamp with battery backup capability has been described
above with particularity. Modifications and alterations will occur
to those upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed
description. The invention, however, is not limited to only the
embodiments described above. Instead, the invention is broadly
defined by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that variations of the
above-disclosed components and other features and functions, or
alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into
many other different systems or applications. Also that various
presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,
variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by
those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed
by the following claims.
* * * * *