System and method for controlling humidity and pressure in a lighting device

Abstract

A lighting device includes a housing, an air valve, and a chamber. The housing includes a sealed lid and a beam exit component. The air valve is in air connection between the housing and the chamber. The chamber includes a desiccant and has an opening that is completely covered by a membrane. The membrane allows air to pass while reducing the passage of water droplets in the air. The air valve blocks the air passage between the housing and the chamber when closed. A method of performing a test to determine adequate sealing of a housing of a lighting device includes closing an air valve to seal the housing from outside air, activating a heat generating component, determining whether air pressure in the housing has increased by more than a threshold pressure change value, and sending a signal indicating the determination. The method includes deactivating the heat generating component and opening the air valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to lighting devices, and more specifically, to methods for controlling humidity and pressure inside lighting devices. Background Technology

[0002] Automated and remotely controllable lighting fixtures (often referred to as automated lighting fixtures) are well-known in the entertainment and architectural lighting markets. These products are commonly used in theaters, television studios, concert halls, theme parks, nightclubs, and other venues. Typical automated lighting fixtures control the translation and tilting functions of the fixture from a remote location, allowing operators to control the direction the fixture is pointing and thus the position of the beam on a stage or in a studio. Many automated lighting fixtures also, or alternatively, control other parameters from a remote location, such as the intensity, focus, zoom, beam size, beam shape, and / or wave pattern of the light beam emitted from the fixture. For example, in theme parks or concert halls, such automated lighting fixtures are often used outdoors. Maintaining a dry, controlled physical environment inside the automated lighting fixture is important for its continuous operation. Attached Figure Description

[0003] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar features.

[0004] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lighting system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0005] Figure 2 A first view of a lighting device including a humidity and pressure control system according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0006] Figure 3 show Figure 2 Overview of the lighting fixture in its fully assembled state;

[0007] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a humidity and pressure control system for a lighting device according to this disclosure is shown;

[0008] Figure 5 show Figure 2 Second view of the lighting device;

[0009] Figure 6 A block diagram of the control system according to this disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 7 A first view of a lighting device including a second lighting device humidity and pressure control system according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 8 show Figure 7A schematic diagram of the humidity and pressure control system for the second lighting device;

[0012] Figure 9 A flowchart is shown showing a first process for testing the seals in the humidity and pressure control system of the second lighting device of this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 10 A flowchart is shown showing a second process for testing the seals in the humidity and pressure control system of the second lighting device of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In a first embodiment, a lighting device includes: a housing, a remotely operable air valve, and a chamber. The housing includes one or more lighting components configured to alter and emit a light beam. The housing also includes a sealed cap and a first opening; otherwise, the housing is sealed relative to outside air. The air valve includes a second and a third opening, the air valve being connected to the first opening of the housing at the second opening via a sealed air connector. The chamber includes a desiccant, a fourth opening, and a fifth opening; otherwise, the chamber is sealed relative to outside air. The chamber is connected at the fourth opening to the third opening of the air valve via a sealed air connector. The fifth opening includes a membrane completely covering the fifth opening, the membrane comprising a material configured to allow air passage while reducing the passage of water droplets in the air. The air valve is configured to block the air passage between the housing and the chamber when closed.

[0015] In a second embodiment, a method for performing a test to determine whether the enclosure of a lighting device is adequately sealed includes: closing an air valve to seal the enclosure relative to external air; and determining an initial air pressure within the enclosure. The method further includes activating a heating element of the enclosure and waiting for a predetermined time period. The method further includes: determining whether the current air pressure within the enclosure has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value; and sending a signal indicating the result of determining whether the current air pressure within the enclosure has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding the threshold pressure change value. The method further includes deactivating the heating element and opening the air valve. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The preferred embodiment is shown in the figures, in which similar markers are used to indicate similar and corresponding parts in the various views.

[0017] If lighting fixtures (or luminaires) are used outdoors or in other areas affected by rain, weather, or high humidity, it is important to protect any lighting components and optical systems from moisture and humidity. Some luminaires may have a sealed housing or a pressure-equalizing semi-sealed housing. Such luminaires may be affected by the effects of thermal operating cycles, as follows: When an automatic lighting fixture is turned on, internal systems such as the light source, electronics, power supply, and motor generate heat, causing the temperature inside the luminaire to rise. This temperature rise leads to a corresponding increase in air pressure inside the lighting fixture.

[0018] In some lighting fixtures, this pressure is contained within the lighting unit using hermetic seals. The increased pressure within the lighting unit can place a significant load on these hermetic seals, making their repair and maintenance potentially costly and / or difficult. Failure of such seals can allow water to enter the lighting unit, potentially causing damage or deterioration to the lighting mechanism and / or optical system.

[0019] In other luminaires, the fixture is sealed, but pressure is allowed to escape through a pressure-reducing valve. However, when such a fixture is powered off and cooled, the pressure inside the fixture drops relative to atmospheric pressure outside, and outside air (or external air) and moisture may be drawn back into the lighting unit through seals, pressure-reducing valves, or other pathways. This can also cause water to enter the lighting unit or condense inside, leading to damage or deterioration of the lighting mechanism and / or optical system.

[0020] The lighting device according to this disclosure is sealed, but it is also ventilated to the outside air through a system that removes excessive humidity from the incoming air and reduces condensation inside the lighting device. This has the advantage of reducing moisture ingress into the lighting device and reducing condensation inside the lighting device, and also reduces damage or deterioration to the lighting mechanism and / or optical system.

[0021] The lighting device according to this disclosure is divided into several enclosures, which are sealed and interconnected to allow air to pass between them. The interconnected enclosures are connected to each other by a separate water and humidity reduction system, thereby allowing ventilation with outside air. In these embodiments, the enclosures are connected by air channels rotatably attached to them, which has the advantage of allowing one or more enclosures to rotate relative to each other while reducing water ingress into the lighting device and reducing condensation within the lighting device. Optical, mechanical, and electrical components of the lighting device can be positioned within the individual enclosures depending on the design and function of the lighting device.

[0022] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a lighting system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The lighting system 10 includes a plurality of lighting devices 12 according to the present disclosure. Each lighting device 12 includes an on-board light source, one or more color-changing systems, a light modulation device, and a translational and / or tilting system for controlling the head orientation of the lighting device 12. The mechanical transmission system for controlling the parameters of the lighting device 12 includes a motor or other suitable actuator connected to the control system, as shown in reference [reference needed]. Figure 6 In more detail, the control system is configured to control the engine or other actuators.

[0023] In addition to being directly or via a power distribution system connected to the main power supply, the control system of each lighting fixture 12 is connected in series or parallel to one or more control consoles 15 via a wired data link 14. Upon operator initiation, the control console 15 sends control signals (e.g., commands) via the data link 14, and the control systems of one or more lighting fixtures 12 receive these control signals. The control systems of the one or more lighting fixtures 12 receiving the control signals can respond by changing one or more parameters of the receiving lighting fixture 12. The control signals are transmitted to the lighting fixtures 12 via the control console 15 using DMX-512, ArtNet, ACN (Control Network Architecture), Streaming ACN, or other suitable communication protocols.

[0024] The illumination head of the illumination device 12 includes an optical system comprising one or more illumination mechanisms. Each illumination mechanism includes one or more optical devices, such as gobo wheels, effects wheels, and color mixing (or other color-changing) systems, as well as prisms, apertures, shutters, and lens movement systems. The illumination mechanism further includes translation and tilting mechanisms configured to move the illumination head relative to a fixed portion of the illumination device 12. Some or all of the illumination mechanisms may include stepper motors or other rotary actuators to move their associated optical devices.

[0025] Figure 2 A first view of a lighting device 200 is shown, including a lighting device humidity and pressure control system according to this disclosure. Figure 2The lighting device 200 is shown with some components removed to facilitate easier viewing and description of the humidity and pressure control system. The lighting device 200 may include multiple separate housings capable of being protected by the humidity and pressure control system. The lighting device 200 includes a base housing 202, an engine housing 204, and a head housing 206. The base housing 202 is part of the lighting device and is typically fixedly attached to or placed on a support structure and remains stationary. The base housing 202 may include power supply, interface electronics, and other control devices. The engine housing 204 may include an engine and associated electronics controlling the translational and / or tilting movement of the lighting head. The head housing 206 may include lighting device components, such as optics and associated engine, as well as electronics and other control electronics. The light source 220 may be located inside the head housing 206, or it may be outside the head housing 206 but optically connected to it, as shown in the reference. Figure 4 In more detail, the light source 220 and the illumination device components generate and modify the light beam emitted from the head cover 206. The head cover 206 moves in an inclined direction relative to the engine cover 204, and the engine cover 204 moves in a translational direction relative to the base cover 202. Therefore, the head cover 206 is rotatably mounted to the base cover 202 via the engine cover 204.

[0026] Although the lighting device 200 includes three housings, in some other embodiments, any number of housings may be included. For example, a light bar or cyclorama lighting device may have only a head housing 206 mounted for tilting movement relative to the base housing 202. The motor and associated electronics controlling the tilting movement of such a lighting device may be located in one or both of the base housing 202 and / or the head housing 206. Other embodiments may include only one housing or include three or more housings. The ability to increase the number of housings in the lighting device according to this disclosure provides the advantage of increasing the number of lighting device components that can be protected from damage or deterioration caused by water ingress and / or condensation, while also allowing additional components to rotate relative to each other. It should be understood that when the phrase "connected housings" is used in this specification, it refers to one or more housings.

[0027] All three enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are sealed relative to external air, preventing external air from passing through the seals. However, enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are connected together and ventilated by drying pipes 212 and 214 that allow air to flow in and out of the enclosures, ensuring that the internal air pressure in enclosures 202, 204, and 206 is not significantly higher or lower than the external atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing the pressure on the enclosure seals. In the lighting device 200, the base enclosure 202 is ventilated to the engine hood 204 by a pipe 208 connecting the opening of the base enclosure 202 to the opening of the engine hood 204.

[0028] Duct 208 provides a rotatable, sealed air connection between the base cover 202 and the engine cover 204. This connection is an air connection because it allows airflow from the base cover 202 to the engine cover 204. The connection is a sealed air connection because it is sealed relative to outside air. This connection is a rotatable sealed air connection because it includes a swivel flange, gasket, seals, and / or other elements configured to allow the base cover 202 and engine cover 204 to rotate relative to each other while still allowing airflow. A sealed air connection that does not allow duct 208 to rotate relative to the base cover 202 or engine cover 204 may be referred to as a sealed air connection or a fixed sealed air connection. The conduit 208 provides a rotatable sealed air connection configured to allow air to pass through a rotational translation system at the bottom of the engine hood 204 from the base hood 202 to the engine hood 204, which is sealed relative to the external air and rotates relative to the base hood 202 via the rotational translation system.

[0029] Next, the engine hood 204 is vented to the head hood 206 via a conduit 217. The conduit 217 includes a sealed air connector at a first end 216 connected to an opening in the engine hood 204, and a rotary sealed air connector at a second end 218 connected to an opening in the head hood 206. The conduit 217 is configured to allow air to pass from the engine hood 204 to the head hood 206 through a rotary tilting system on one side of the head hood 206.

[0030] Therefore, the three enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are connected together via pipes 208 and 217 to form a combined enclosure with pressure and humidity control. This combined enclosure is ventilated to outside air via a ventilation duct 209 through an opening in the head enclosure 206. The ventilation duct 209 includes a rotary-sealed air connector at its first end that connects to the opening in the head enclosure 206. The ventilation duct 209 also includes a sealed air connector at its second end that connects to a drying tube (or chamber) 212, which is airtightly connected to a drying tube 214. Drying tubes 212 and 214 contain a desiccant, such as silica gel or other suitable desiccant material. The outlet of the drying tube 214 includes a membrane 210 that provides air communication between the drying tube 214 and outside air.

[0031] Membrane 210 may comprise a hydrophobic membrane material, such as GORE-TEX (a registered trademark of WLGORE & Associates, Newark, Delaware) or other suitable material that allows air to pass through but reduces or prevents water and / or moisture from passing through in the form of droplets. Therefore, membrane 210 is configured to remove water droplets from the incoming air, while the desiccants in drying tubes 212 and 214 are configured to remove water vapor (or moisture) from the incoming air.

[0032] During operation, when the lighting device 200 is initially powered on, the temperature and internal air pressure within the three enclosures 202, 204, and 206 increase. This increase in pressure forces air to exit the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 through ventilation ducts 209 and drying ducts 212 and 214 before it leaves the lighting device 200 from the membrane 210. When the lighting device 200 is powered off, the temperature and internal air pressure within the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 decrease, allowing outside air to be drawn back into the lighting device 200 through the membrane 210, reducing or eliminating liquid water and / or moisture in the drawn-in air. The drawn-in air then passes through drying ducts 212 and 214. Drying ducts 212 and 214 remove water vapor from the drawn-in air, resulting in reduced humidity for the air entering the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 through ventilation duct 209. This process of forcing air out of enclosures 202, 204 and 206 and then drawing air back into enclosures 202, 204 and 206 can be referred to as the “air circulation path” of the humidity and pressure control system of the lighting device of this disclosure.

[0033] Because the volume of air entering and exiting the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 through the drying tubes 212 and 214 is relatively small, the drying tubes 212 and 214 have the ability to remove moisture during multiple on / off cycles of the lighting fixture 200. In some embodiments, the drying tubes 212 and 214 contain sufficient desiccant to dehumidify 400 on / off cycles of the lighting fixture 200 before requiring regeneration or replacement by a service technician. The term “regeneration” refers to the drying process that removes absorbed moisture from the desiccant, restoring or regenerating the desiccant’s ability to continue absorbing moisture. The term “life” of the desiccant can be used to refer to the time from the first use of the desiccant to the point where its effectiveness as a desiccant decreases to the point where regeneration or replacement by a service technician is required. Although the illustrated embodiment uses two drying tubes 212 and 214, in other embodiments, one drying tube (or drying chamber) or two or more drying tubes may be included. Similarly, although some embodiments use silica gel as a desiccant, in other embodiments, the drying tubes or drying chambers may additionally or alternatively include other desiccants.

[0034] In some embodiments, the dry, hot air exhausted when the lighting device 200 is powered on will regenerate the desiccant in the drying tubes, extending the desiccant's lifespan. In further embodiments, a heater can be used inside or around one or both of the drying tubes 212 and 214. Figure 2 (not shown in the image) to enhance the drying and regeneration process.

[0035] In some embodiments, one or more of the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 may include one or more sensors configured to measure characteristics of the enclosure, wherein these characteristics are selected from, but not limited to, air pressure, air humidity, and / or air temperature. Data samples from such sensors may be acquired by the control system of the lighting device 200, and information associated with the acquired data samples may be sent (or transmitted) to the user via one or more communication means, such as a display included in the lighting device 200, a wired data link 14 using a protocol such as Remote Device Management (RDM), a network connection via data link 14, a cellular or WiFi wireless connection, or Near Field Communication (NFC) or other wireless communication links. Such information transmission has the advantage of allowing the user of the lighting device 200 to obtain information without turning on the lighting device 200 or to receive information at a remote location, without requiring access to the lighting device 200 to obtain information. In some embodiments, multiple such data samples may be stored in a service log of the lighting device 200, and the contents of the log may be sent to the user, service technician, or manufacturer via one or more of the aforementioned means. Such multiple data samples in the service log have the advantage of providing a historical record of the sensing characteristics within the lighting device. In some such embodiments, the service log may also include one or more timestamps associated with one or more corresponding data samples, wherein the timestamps indicate when the data sample was collected. This allows users, service technicians, or manufacturers to determine when the data sample of interest was collected.

[0036] Furthermore, in some such embodiments, the control system of the lighting fixture 200 can determine whether a sealed enclosure has been effectively sealed (or resealed after maintenance) based on data from such sensors. For example, when the lighting fixture 200 is powered on, if a pressure sensor shows that the internal pressure of one or more of the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 has not increased, while a temperature sensor simultaneously shows that the temperature inside the enclosure has increased, the control system can interpret this data as an indication that one or more of the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are not completely sealed relative to the outside air. Such a determination provides the advantages of (i) enabling service technicians to determine whether the enclosure has been effectively resealed after maintenance before restoring the lighting fixture 200 to use, and / or (ii) enabling users of the lighting fixture 200 to remotely determine whether the seal in a previously effectively sealed enclosure has failed.

[0037] Figure 3 show Figure 2 Overview of the lighting fixture 200 in its fully assembled state. The sealed housing and associated connecting pipes are shown. Figure 3 It is hidden by an external shell or cover.

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a humidity and pressure control system 400 for a lighting device according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 It is for reference. Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the lighting device humidity and pressure control system 400 of the described lighting device 200. The base cover 402 is ventilated via a duct 408 connecting it to the engine cover 404. Next, the engine cover 404 is ventilated via a duct 417 (with ends 416 and 418) connecting it to the head cover 406. Thus, the three covers 402, 404, and 406 are connected together via ducts to form a combined cover for pressure and humidity control. The head cover 406 is ventilated via a duct 409, which also ventilates covers 402 and 404. Finally, at the outlet of the drying duct 412, a membrane 410 connects the system to the outside atmosphere. The membrane 410 may be made of a microfiltration material (such as GORE-TEX) that allows air to pass through but reduces or prevents the passage of water or moisture. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, heater 422 is mounted around (or thermally connected to) the drying tube 412 and can be controlled by the control system of lighting device 200 to heat the desiccant during the hot air exhaust phase of the cycle and / or other desired time periods, providing the advantage of regenerating the desiccant and extending its lifespan. In some other embodiments, heater 422 may be mounted inside the drying tube 412. Still other embodiments may not include heater 422.

[0039] The headgear 406 includes a sensor 424 that measures one or more parameters, such as air pressure, air humidity, or air temperature. In other embodiments, one or more such sensors 424 may be included in headgear 402 and / or 404. In some embodiments, a plurality of such sensors 424 may be included in one or more headgear 402, 404, and 406.

[0040] Data samples from such sensors can be acquired by the control system of the lighting device 200. Control circuitry 426 is located in the base housing 402. In some other embodiments, control circuitry 428 may additionally or alternatively be located in the head housing 406. In still other embodiments, control circuitry ( Figure 4 (Not shown) may be located in the engine hood 404. One or more such control circuits may individually or collaboratively form the control system of the lighting device 200. Information associated with the collected data samples may be transmitted by the control system to the user via one or more communication means as described above. Also as described above, in various embodiments, the data samples may include timestamps and may be stored and transmitted to the user, service technician, or manufacturer.

[0041] Figure 4 A light source 420 is further shown outside the head cover 406. The light source 420 is optically and physically connected to the head cover 406, but separated from and sealed relative to the head cover 406 by a transparent window and a gasket 421. The heat generated by the light source 420 can be significant; this arrangement provides the advantage of retaining the heat emitted from the light source 420 outside the head cover 406 and helping to reduce temperature and pressure rises within the head cover 406. This reduction has the advantage of reducing the volume of air leaving and re-entering the combined cover of the three covers 402, 404, and 406 during each on / off cycle, which helps to increase the lifespan of the desiccant in the drying tube 412.

[0042] Figure 5 Showing Figure 2 A second view of the lighting device 200. The lighting device 200 includes a drying chamber 226 in a base cover 202 and a drying chamber 228 in a head cover 206. In various embodiments, any cover of the lighting device humidity and pressure control system according to this disclosure may include zero or more drying chambers.

[0043] Drying ovens 226 and 228 are not references. Figure 2 This is part of the described air circulation path that occurs during the heating and cooling of the lighting fixture 200. Conversely, drying boxes 226 and 228 facilitate initial assembly and subsequent maintenance. When the lighting fixture 200 and its enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are first sealed during manufacturing, they will contain air from the factory, which may be humid. Drying boxes 226 and 228 include a desiccant (such as silica gel) and multiple openings on the box that expose the desiccant to the air inside the enclosure. Once the enclosure is sealed, these boxes remove some of the initial moisture trapped inside the enclosure, even before the lighting fixture is powered on. Drying boxes 226 and 228 also help ensure that the air inside the enclosure remains dry during storage and transportation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the desiccant within any of the drying chambers 226 and 228 and / or drying tubes 212 and 214 changes color upon absorbing moisture. In some such embodiments, the drying chambers 226 and 228 and / or drying tubes 212 and 214 are configured to allow this color-changing desiccant to be easily seen. In some such embodiments, the drying chambers 226 and 228 and / or drying tubes 212 and 214 may be at least partially made of a transparent or translucent material. In some other such embodiments, the drying chamber or drying tube may have easily removable chamber or tube portions to expose the desiccant for viewing. In still other embodiments, the size of one or more of the plurality of openings on the drying chamber may be set to allow viewing of the desiccant through the openings. This desiccant and drying chamber or drying tube provides the advantage of allowing a user or service technician to visually inspect whether the desiccant is ready or needs regeneration or replacement before the enclosures 202, 204, and 206 of the sealed lighting device 200.

[0045] The inclusion of drying chambers 226 and 228 provides the advantage of an additional initial drying cycle, which can be used to extend the life of the desiccant in the drying tubes within the lighting fixture. The inclusion of drying chambers 226 and 228 also allows the lighting fixture 200 to be put back into service more quickly without requiring external tools to dehumidify the sealed enclosure or to remove humid air from the sealed enclosure with nitrogen or dehumidified air.

[0046] Figure 6 A block diagram of a control system (or controller) 600 according to the present disclosure is shown. The control system 600 is adapted for controlling a system of lighting devices including a lighting device humidity and pressure control system according to the present disclosure. The control system 600 is also adapted to control light sources, optical devices, translation and / or tilting systems, and other control functions of lighting devices 12 and 200, as well as to connect to, respond to, and store data read from sensors installed in lighting devices 12 and 200.

[0047] The control system 600 includes a processor 602 electrically connected to a memory 604. The processor 602 is implemented in hardware and software. The processor 602 may be implemented as one or more central processing unit (CPU) chips, cores (e.g., multi-core processors), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and digital signal processors (DSPs).

[0048] The processor 602 is further electrically connected to and communicates with the communication interface 606. The communication interface 606 is connected to and configured to communicate via the data link 14. The processor 602 is also connected to one or more sensors 424, engines, actuators, controllers, heaters 422, and / or other devices via the control interface 608. The processor 602 is configured to receive control signals from the data link 14 via the communication interface 606 and, in response, control the system and mechanisms of the lighting device 12 via the control interface 608.

[0049] Through control interface 608, processor 602 is also electrically connected to and communicates with temperature, humidity, and / or pressure sensors (such as sensor 424). Processor 602 is configured to receive control signals from data link 14 via communication interface 606, and in response, measure, store, and transmit information related to data sampled from one or more sensors 424.

[0050] The control system 600 is suitable for performing processing, module control, optical device control, translation and tilt motion, parameter control, engine control, position sensor control, braking control, and other functions disclosed herein. It can be implemented as instructions stored in memory 604 and executed by processor 602. Memory 604 includes one or more disks and / or solid-state drives for storing instructions and data read and written during program execution. Memory 604 can be volatile and / or non-volatile, and can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), tri-state content-addressable memory (TCAM), and / or static random access memory (SRAM).

[0051] Figure 7 A first view of a lighting device 700 including a second lighting device humidity and pressure control system according to this disclosure is shown. The second lighting device humidity and pressure control system is... Figure 2 The displayed lighting device's humidity and pressure control system is very similar, but it also includes a remotely operable air valve 719, which is configured to allow air to pass through when open and block the air passage when closed. Valve 719 in... Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, it is positioned between drying tubes 212 and 214. Therefore, when closed, valve 719 is configured to block the air passage between the connected shrouds 202, 204, and 206 and the drying tubes 214 and membrane 210.

[0052] In this embodiment, the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are vented to outside air via valve 719. Valve 719 may be a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control system of the lighting device 200 (which may be configured to open and close valve 719). The access panels and covers of the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are equipped with seals, and when the seals are functioning as intended, air flows into and out of the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 only through valve 719. Therefore, when valve 719 is closed, if air flows into or out of the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206, it can be assumed that it has flowed through the seals.

[0053] Despite Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, valve 719 is positioned between drying tubes 212 and 214; however, in other such embodiments, valve 719 may be positioned anywhere in the air path from the connected housings 202, 204, and 206 to the membrane 210. However, positioning valve 719 such that at least one of drying tubes 212 and 214 is located between valve 719 and membrane 210 provides the benefit that, in such a position, the air flowing through valve 719 has already been dried, reducing the likelihood of condensation occurring within valve 719. The presence of such condensation can increase the likelihood that valve 719 will freeze and cease normal operation when ambient temperatures drop below freezing.

[0054] Figure 8 show Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the humidity and pressure control system for the second lighting device. Figure 8 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the humidity and pressure control system 800 for the second lighting device of the lighting device 700. (As for...) Figure 7 The described second lighting device humidity and pressure control system 800 is with Figure 4 The displayed lighting device humidity and pressure control system 400 is very similar, but system 800 also includes valve 819, in Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, valve 819 is positioned between head cover 406 and drying tube 412.

[0055] Valve 819 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control system of the lighting device 700 (which is configured to open and close valve 819). (See reference...) Figure 7 As described, the connected enclosures 402, 404, and 406 are sealed, and when the seals function as intended, air flows into and out of the connected enclosures 402, 404, and 406 only through valve 819. Therefore, when valve 819 is closed, air can only flow into or out of the connected enclosures 402, 404, and 406 (if any) through the seals. Although in Figure 8In the illustrated embodiment, valve 819 is positioned between head cover 406 and drying tube 412, but in other such embodiments, valve 819 may be positioned anywhere in the air path from the connected covers 402, 404, and 406 to membrane 410. However, as mentioned above, positioning valve 819 such that drying tube 412 is located between valve 819 and membrane 410 reduces the likelihood of condensation occurring within valve 819.

[0056] exist Figure 7 The embodiments shown (the following description also applies) Figure 8 Valve 719, and connected housings 402, 404, and 406, can be operated to seal connected housings 202, 204, and 206 relative to external air, thereby allowing measurement of pressure changes in one or more of connected housings 202, 204, and 206. This measurement provides a test to ensure that the seals of connected housings 202, 204, and 206 are sufficiently airtight to allow the lighting fixture humidity and pressure control system 400 (or 800) to operate as designed, minimizing water ingress into the lighting fixture.

[0057] When the lighting fixture 700 is first installed, such a test can be run to confirm that the lighting fixture 700 has been correctly assembled. This test can also be run after maintenance of the lighting fixture 700, which requires a technician (or other user) to remove and reattach the sealing cover (or the sealing panel in the cover, both collectively referred to herein as sealing cover) to access a component of the connected housing 202, 204, or 206.

[0058] The test can be initiated by a control signal (e.g., a command) received via data link 14 or via the input panel of the lighting device 700. In some embodiments, the user can initiate the test at any time the lighting device 700 is powered on. The control system 600 of the lighting device 700 can be configured to automatically perform the test when the lighting device 700 is initially powered on. This configuration can be set by the user via a control signal received via data link 14 or via the input panel of the lighting device 700.

[0059] Figure 9 and Figure 10 Flowcharts of a first process 900 and a second process 1000 for testing the seals in the humidity and pressure control system of the second lighting device of this disclosure are shown, respectively. Both processes 900 and 1000 begin with the following steps:

[0060] 1. Use one or more temperature sensors within one or more of the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206 to determine the initial temperature of the lighting device 700.

[0061] a. If the air in the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206 is above the maximum initial temperature of the threshold, the process is delayed until the temperature is reduced below the maximum initial temperature of the threshold by active or passive means.

[0062] b. In some embodiments, if the air in the connected enclosure is below a minimum initial temperature threshold, one or more heating elements of the lighting device 700 are activated to actively raise the temperature in the connected enclosure. In some such embodiments, once the temperature rises above the minimum initial temperature threshold, the heating elements of the lighting device 700 are deactivated (until they are subsequently reactivated during the process). In other embodiments, the process is delayed until the temperature is passively raised above the minimum initial temperature threshold.

[0063] 2. Close valve 719 to seal the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206 against external air.

[0064] 3. Determine the initial air pressure in one or more of the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206.

[0065] 4. Increase the temperature within the connected housings 202, 204, and 206 by activating one or more heating components of the lighting device 700. The temperature can be increased by performing any or all of the following actions: activating the light source 220, applying a holding current to the engine in the engine housing 204, activating the electronics on the printed circuit board in the connected housing, activating the power supply in the base housing 202, or activating a separate heating element located in any or all of the connected housings. In some embodiments, a frame shutter or other light-blocking optical device may be involved to prevent the lighting device 700 from projecting a beam of light during this step of the process.

[0066] Process 900 continues with the following steps:

[0067] 5. After the scheduled time period,

[0068] a. Determine whether the current air pressure in one or more connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value.

[0069] b. Send a signal indicating whether the current air pressure in one or more connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206 has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value.

[0070] c. Disabling one or more heat-generating components of the lighting device 700 and the light-blocking optical devices (if used).

[0071] d. Open valve 719 and start (or resume) normal operation of lighting device 700.

[0072] Process 1000 continues with the following steps:

[0073] 5. Monitor the current air pressure inside the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206.

[0074] 6. If the current air pressure has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding the threshold pressure change value within a predetermined time period (e.g., if the threshold pressure change value is exceeded before the predetermined time period has elapsed), a signal indicating that the connected enclosure is adequately sealed is sent. If the current air pressure has not increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding the threshold pressure change value within a predetermined time period (e.g., if the predetermined time period has elapsed before the threshold pressure change value is exceeded), a signal indicating that one or more of the connected enclosures are not adequately sealed is sent.

[0075] 7. Regardless of whether the current air pressure has increased from the initial air pressure by more than the threshold pressure change value within a predetermined time period,

[0076] a. Disabling one or more heat-generating components of the lighting device 700 and the light-blocking optical devices (if used).

[0077] b. Open valve 719 and start (or resume) normal operation of lighting device 700.

[0078] In some embodiments, the threshold pressure change is 7 mbar and the predetermined time period is 5 minutes. In other embodiments, the threshold pressure change is 20 mbar and the predetermined time period is 30 minutes.

[0079] In some embodiments, the minimum initial threshold temperature in one or more of the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 is 0°C. In some embodiments, the maximum initial threshold temperature in one or more of the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 is 55°C. In such embodiments, the temperature can be raised to 70-75°C during testing. Generally, the maximum initial threshold temperature will be at least 10-15°C lower than the temperature reached once the heating element is activated. The maximum initial threshold temperature will be selected based on the location of one or more temperature sensors within the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206.

[0080] In some embodiments, the control system may also monitor temperature rise and correlate it with desired pressure rise to determine whether the connected enclosures 202, 204 and 206 are adequately sealed.

[0081] In some embodiments, a signal indicating a test result is transmitted as a message via a communication link (e.g., data link 14). In other embodiments, the signal is transmitted as an indicator or status display on the lighting device 700. In still other embodiments, both methods are used to transmit the signal.

[0082] In some embodiments, a test sequence is executed whenever the lighting device 700 is initially powered on. In some embodiments, the test sequence is executed in response to a signal received from the user, such as a command received via the input panel of the lighting device 700 or via a communication link (e.g., data link 14 or a wireless communication link). In some embodiments, as an option for the user, the control system of the lighting device 700 will not begin normal operation if the connected enclosures 202, 204, and 206 are not adequately sealed.

[0083] Although the lighting device 700 and the second lighting device humidity and pressure control system 800 include three enclosures, in other embodiments, any number of enclosures may be included.

[0084] While only some embodiments of this disclosure have been described herein, those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will recognize that other embodiments can be conceived without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Although this disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising: A housing, the housing including one or more lighting components configured to alter and emit a light beam, the housing including a sealed cover and a first opening, and in all other locations the housing is sealed relative to outside air; A remotely operable air valve, comprising a second opening and a third opening, wherein the air valve is connected to the first opening of the cover via a sealed air connector at the second opening; and The chamber, including a desiccant, a fourth opening, and a fifth opening, is sealed relative to the outside air in all other locations, wherein: The chamber is connected to the third opening of the air valve at the fourth opening via a sealed air connector; and The fifth opening includes a membrane that completely covers the fifth opening, the membrane comprising a material configured to allow air to pass through while reducing the passage of water droplets in the air. The air valve is configured to block the air passage between the shroud and the chamber when closed.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a first cover and further includes a sixth opening, the lighting device further comprising: A second enclosure, comprising electronic wiring electrically connected to a lighting component of the first enclosure, the second enclosure including a seventh opening and otherwise sealed relative to external air, wherein: The first cover is rotatably mounted onto the second cover; The second cover is connected to the sixth opening of the first cover via a rotatable, airtight connector at the seventh opening; and The air valve is configured to block the air passage between the first and second covers and the chamber when closed.

3. The lighting device according to claim 2, further comprising a third cover, wherein: The first cover is rotatably mounted onto the third cover, and the third cover is rotatably mounted onto the second cover, thereby the first cover is rotatably mounted onto the second cover via the third cover; The third enclosure includes an eighth opening and a ninth opening, and the third enclosure is sealed relative to the outside air in all other locations. The second cover is connected to the eighth opening of the third cover through the seventh opening via a rotatable, airtight connector; The first cover is connected to the ninth opening of the third cover through a rotatable, airtight connector at the sixth opening; The second cover is connected to the sixth opening of the first cover through the third cover at the seventh opening; and The air valve is configured to block the air passage between the first cover, the second cover, and the third cover and the chamber when closed.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a control system configured to perform a test to determine whether the enclosure is adequately sealed, wherein: The enclosure further includes a heat-generating component and an air pressure sensor; and The control system is electrically connected to the air valve, the heating element, and the air pressure sensor, and the control system is configured to: Close the air valve to seal the enclosure relative to the external air entering through the chamber; The initial air pressure is determined by sensing the air pressure sensor. Activate the heat-generating component; Determine whether the current air pressure sensed by the air pressure sensor has increased by more than a threshold pressure change value from the initial air pressure within a predetermined time period; In response to the current air pressure having increased by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value within a predetermined time period, a signal indicating that the enclosure is adequately sealed is sent. In response to the current air pressure not increasing by more than a threshold pressure change value within a predetermined time period, a signal indicating that the cover is not adequately sealed is sent. Discontinue the heat-generating component; and Open the air valve.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein activating the heating component comprises one or more of the following: activating a light source, applying a holding current to a motor in the housing, activating electronic circuitry in the housing, activating a power source in the housing, or activating a freestanding heating element located in the housing.

6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: The cover further includes optical devices that block light; Activating the heat-generating component further includes activating the light-blocking optical device to prevent the illumination device from projecting a light beam when testing is being conducted to determine whether the enclosure is adequately sealed; and Disabling the heat-generating component further includes disabling the light-blocking optical device.

7. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein: The enclosure further includes a second sensor configured to measure the temperature of the enclosure; and The control system is electrically connected to the second sensor and is further configured to: Data is collected from the second sensor; and The shroud is only tested for a sufficient seal when the data indicates that the temperature is above the minimum initial temperature threshold but below the maximum initial temperature threshold.

8. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein: The enclosure further includes a third sensor configured to measure one or more of air humidity and air temperature; and The control system is electrically connected to the third sensor and is further configured to: acquire data from one or both of the air pressure sensor and the third sensor, and transmit information related to the acquired data to the user of the lighting device via a communication channel.

9. The lighting device of claim 4, wherein the control system is further configured to perform a test to determine whether the enclosure is adequately sealed, either (i) when the lighting device is initially powered on or (ii) in response to a signal received from a user of the lighting device.

10. A method for performing a test to determine whether the housing of the lighting device according to any one of claims 1-9 is adequately sealed, the method comprising: The air valve is closed by the control system of the lighting device to seal the enclosure relative to the outside air; The initial air pressure in the enclosure is determined by the control system. The heating components of the enclosure are activated by the control system. Waiting for a predetermined time period through the control system; The control system determines whether the current air pressure in the enclosure has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value. The control system sends a signal indicating whether the current air pressure in the enclosure has increased from the initial air pressure by an amount exceeding a threshold pressure change value. The heat-generating component is deactivated by the control system. as well as The air valve is opened via the control system.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The temperature of the enclosure is determined by the control system. as well as Perform tests so that the enclosure is only deemed adequately sealed if its temperature is above the minimum initial temperature of the threshold and below the maximum initial temperature of the threshold.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: In response to determining that the temperature of the enclosure is below a threshold minimum initial temperature, the heat-generating component is activated.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein activating the heat-generating component further comprises activating, via the control system, an optical device that blocks light from the shroud to prevent the illumination device from projecting a light beam when testing is being conducted to determine whether the shroud is adequately sealed.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The control system collects data related to one or more of the following: air pressure, air humidity, and air temperature within the enclosure. as well as The control system transmits information related to the collected data to the user of the lighting device via a communication channel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the collected data includes a plurality of data samples and one or more associated timestamps corresponding to one or more of the plurality of data samples.

Images