Light fixture comprising environmental intrusion protection device

Abstract

A lighting fixture (100) is disclosed comprising an upper housing (101) comprising an electrical component (107) and a lower housing (102) comprising a lighting module (104) electrically coupled to the electrical component (107) using a wire positioned in a wire channel. Comprising a wire passage (201) and a slit (202) may be positioned in the wire channel (110) in a first orientation and allow wire to pass through the first seal using the wire passage (201) and the slit (202). When the first seal (200) is positioned in the wire channel (110) in the first orientation, the likelihood of water penetrating through the wire channel (110) into one or both of the upper housing (101) or the lower housing (102) is reduced. The first seal (200) may be positioned in the wire channel (110) in a second orientation such that the wire path (201) is perpendicular to the wire channel (110) when the wire is not needed. The lighting fixture (100) may also include a wire channel (109) formed between the upper housing (101) and the lower housing (102) and including a hole (111) at one end through which a wire passes. A second seal may be positioned in the hole (111) and allow the wire to pass through the hole (111). The electric wire is pressed between the side surface of the second sealing member (300) and the hole (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to lighting fixtures, and more particularly to outdoor lighting fixtures including environmental intrusion protection devices using seals. Background Art

[0002] Sealing lighting fixtures from environmental intrusion (e.g., water and dust) is important for reliability and safety reasons. When electrical devices are exposed outdoors, components of the electrical device may present a safety risk if water travels to exposed electrical contacts. Preventing water from entering the device and preventing exposure of the internal electrical devices is achieved by different methods. For lighting fixtures, intrusion protection must meet various safety standards, such as UL 1598 and ANSI C136.

[0003] When considering installing outdoor luminaires that require strong waterproof capabilities, such luminaires usually have an IP65 or IP66 rating. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has published IP (Ingress Protection) regulations, which describe the amount of water and dust that a mechanical housing or electrical enclosure can withstand, especially the protection capabilities. Outdoor luminaires have electrical connectors and electronic devices in an IP66 or IP65 housing that cannot be exposed to water drops. Luminaires with an IP66 waterproof level are able to withstand high pressures of water during testing and under real life conditions. If the luminaire can be divided into sub-parts (i.e., the main body is separated from the lighting LED module), or can have various configurations (i.e., the number of lighting LED modules), then this requires that all seals between the housing and the lighting LED modules are also IP-rated.

[0004] Outdoor environment lighting often requires configurable luminaires, including, for example, street lights, parking lighting, pathway lighting, etc. Such luminaires can be configured with various configurations (i.e., scalable) to provide different light distributions according to various regulations and requirements. Moreover, based on the application, different installation requirements may be involved.

[0005] Environmental protection is especially important for high mast luminaires. Such luminaires are lifted high to minimize ground obstructions and produce uniform illumination over a large area. The high mounting height combined with a multi-luminaire configuration makes high mast luminaires the most efficient and effective way to illuminate large areas. Such high mast luminaires must have the strength and resistance required to withstand the most challenging outdoor environments.

[0006] A conventional high mast luminaire includes three main sub-assemblies: a mast structure, a head frame, and a lighting module. The head frame can be further divided into a fixed type and a mobile type. In a system with a mobile head frame, the mast structure has a winch mechanism that allows the head frame to be lowered to the ground for maintenance. The mobile head frame is provided with a locking mechanism that holds the entire weight of the head frame. The mobile head frame and the fixed head frame can be configured to contain one or more lighting modules to provide different light distributions as required by a particular application. However, in such conventional high mast luminaires, a potential disadvantage is that water, dust, etc. may enter the head frame and the lighting module and cause damage if the connection points (mechanical connection points and electrical connection points) are not properly protected from such environmental factors. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects, objects and embodiments of the present invention address the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0008] In this regard, one aspect of the present invention proposes a sealing device that can use a combination of two seals that can be combined in different configurations to achieve IP66 and / or IP65 ratings. The first seal may include a pressure relief function and the second seal includes a lower pressure relief function. The first seal and the second seal can work independently or in combination. In particular, the first seal acts as a pressure relief member to prevent water from penetrating into the internal compartment by reducing the water pressure and preventing the water jet from penetrating with a force exceeding the first sealing barrier. In other configurations, the second seal can be used in combination with the first seal to prevent water intrusion from penetrating, for example, the connecting wire path between the lower shell and the upper shell or between the head frame and the lighting module.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention allows the sealing component to be used in two different situations. In the first situation, when one or more wires are required to pass through the wire passage to establish a selective connection, the sealing component can be installed parallel to the one or more wires in the wire passage. In the second situation, when no wires are present or required, the sealing component is installed in the wire passage at a 90-degree orientation from the wire passage to completely seal the wire passage. In this regard, multiple aspects of the present invention allow for sealing the lower portion of the luminaire housing to prevent water intrusion from traveling to the upper portion of the luminaire housing by removing water velocity and water pressure.

[0010] Therefore, the proposed embodiments can be used to seal electrical or mechanical connection points in a receiving compartment to prevent the intrusion of foreign contaminants that may damage electrical components or circuits.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a lighting fixture including an upper shell and a lower shell. The upper shell includes an electrical component, and the lower shell includes a light emitting module electrically coupled to the electrical component using wires disposed in a wire channel. A first seal has a wire channel, and a slit can be positioned in the wire channel in a first orientation, and allows the wire to pass through the first seal using the wire channel and the slit. When the first seal is positioned in the wire channel in a first orientation, the possibility of water penetrating into one or both of the upper shell or the lower shell via the wire channel is reduced. The first seal can be positioned in the wire channel in a second orientation so that when the wire is not needed, the wire channel is perpendicular to the wire channel. The lighting fixture may also include a wire channel formed between the upper shell and the lower shell and including a hole at one end, through which the wire passes. A second seal can be positioned in the hole and allows the wire to pass through the hole. The wire is compressed between the side of the second seal and the hole.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lighting fixture having a housing including an electrical component and a lighting module electrically coupled to the electrical component using electrical wires positioned in a wire channel. A first seal includes a wire channel and a slot that can be positioned in the wire channel in a first orientation and allows the wires to pass through the first seal using the wire channel and the slot. When the first seal is positioned in the wire channel in the first orientation, the likelihood of water penetrating into the housing via the wire channel is reduced. The first seal can be positioned in the wire channel in a second orientation such that the wire channel is perpendicular to the wire channel.

[0013] In another embodiment, the lighting fixture further comprises a wire channel formed between the electrical component and the lighting module, the wire channel comprising a hole at one end through which the wire passes. A second seal may be disposed in the hole to allow the wire to pass through the hole. The wire is compressed between a side of the second seal and the hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, elements corresponding to elements already described may have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1a and 1b shows a perspective view of an exemplary light emitting diode based lighting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an exemplary light emitting diode based lighting fixture configured with a plurality of LED modules according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary light emitting diode based lighting fixture according to certain exemplary embodiments;

[0018] Figure 4 showing details of a first seal according to certain exemplary embodiments;

[0019] Figure 5 showing details of a second seal according to certain exemplary embodiments;

[0020] Figure 6 shows a first seal inserted into an exemplary light emitting diode based lighting fixture according to certain exemplary embodiments;

[0021] Figure 7a and 7b The second seal is shown inserted and not inserted into an exemplary light emitting diode based lighting fixture according to certain exemplary embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] While the present invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, one or more specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.

[0023] Hereinafter, for the sake of understanding, the elements of the embodiments are described in operation. However, it will be apparent that the corresponding elements are arranged to perform the functions described as being performed by them.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the invention lies in each and every novel feature or combination of features described herein or recited in mutually different dependent claims.

[0025] In the following paragraphs, the present disclosure will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, well-known components, methods and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. As used herein, "the present disclosure" and / or "the present invention" refers to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein and any equivalent. In addition, reference to different features of the "present disclosure" does not indicate that all embodiments must include the referenced features.

[0026] The exemplary embodiments discussed herein relate to high mast luminaires, such as luminaires mounted above a roadway. Although the exemplary embodiments described herein are conducted in the context of high mast luminaires, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein may be applied to a variety of luminaires. For example, the embodiments may be used with luminaires located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous, non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, sterile, high vibration). In addition, the luminaires described herein may use one or more of a variety of different types of light sources, including but not limited to various light emitting diode (LED) light sources, such as discrete LEDs, LED arrays, chip-on-board LEDs, and organic LED light sources, as well as other types of light sources. Therefore, the exemplary luminaires described herein should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source.

[0027] In certain exemplary embodiments, the exemplary luminaires are subject to certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards for electrical enclosures (e.g., lamps), wiring, and electrical connections. As another example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets various standards for lamps, including standards for heat dissipation. Use of the exemplary embodiments described herein satisfies (and / or allows corresponding devices to satisfy) these standards, where necessary.

[0028] Any illuminator or component thereof (e.g., housing) described herein may be made from a single piece (e.g., such as by a mold, injection mold, die casting, 3-D printing process, extrusion process, stamping process, or other typical methods). Additionally or alternatively, the illuminator (or component thereof) may be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In this case, the multiple pieces may be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a variety of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy resin, welding, fastening devices, press fit, mating threads, and slotted fit. The single piece or multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other may be coupled to each other in one or more of a variety of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, removably, slidably, and threadedly coupled ways.

[0029] Coupling features, including complementary coupling features, may allow one or more parts and / or portions of an exemplary housing or other component of a luminaire to be coupled directly or indirectly to another portion of an exemplary housing or other component of a luminaire. Coupling features may include, but are not limited to, snaps, Velcro, clamps, portions of hinges, holes, recessed areas, protrusions, seams, spring clips, tabs, detents, and matching threads. A portion of an exemplary housing may be coupled to a luminaire by directly using one or more coupling features.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the luminaire may be coupled using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component of the housing. Examples of such devices may include, but are not limited to, pins, hinges, fastening devices (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets), epoxies, glues, adhesives, tapes, and springs. A coupling feature described herein may be the same as or different from one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature (also sometimes referred to as a corresponding coupling feature) as described herein may be a coupling feature that is mechanically coupled directly or indirectly to another coupling feature.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "side," "distal," "proximal," and "within" are used only to distinguish one component (or portion of a component, or state of a component) from another component. Such terms are not meant to express a preference or a particular orientation and are not meant to be limited to the embodiments described herein. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0032] refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b , bottom and top perspective views of an exemplary luminaire 100 are shown. The exemplary luminaire 100 includes an upper housing 101 connected to a lower housing 102. The luminaire 100 may be attached to a pole 103 for mounting above a road, for example.

[0033] The illuminator 100 may be used as Figure 1a One or more lighting modules 104 shown in the figure provide scalable, variable, configurable lighting. The luminaire 100 can use a "mix and match" type system of different groups of lighting modules 104 to meet a number of different lighting requirements. The light output and characteristics of the lighting modules 104 can vary. Preferably, the lighting modules 104 are sealed to provide IP66 level ingress protection to prevent water and dust penetration. The lighting modules 104 can be mechanically coupled to the lower housing 102 via the coupling features described above.

[0034] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , the lighting module 104 is an LED module 104 including a base 105 to which are attached a plurality of LED light elements 106 configured to generate light outwardly from the LED lighting module 104. Any type of LED light element 106 may be utilized that is powered to generate light. The LED light elements 106 are powered by one or more drivers (not shown) that may be disposed in the upper housing 101 (as shown) or in the lower housing 102. As is known in the art, each driver is configured to convert alternating current into direct current to power the LED light elements 106. A lens or other optical device may be provided with each of the LED lighting modules 105 to diffuse or otherwise act on the light generated by the LED light elements 106.

[0035] As an example, Figure 2 and attached Figure 7a As shown, a selection of 2-9 LED lighting modules 105 can be used, which enables lighting designers to make the best configuration. Each of the lighting modules 105 can include a high-performance LED with a correlated color temperature. The lower housing 102 including the lighting modules 105 can be rotatable, allowing precise asymmetric distribution.

[0036] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary luminaire 100 is shown. As shown above, the upper housing 102 may include one or more drivers. The upper housing 102 may include various other electronic components 107, such as a dimming controller, a digital wireless control system, and a surge protection circuit. These electronic components 107 must be protected from natural elements such as water and dust penetration.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, one or more coupling features 108 connect the lower housing 102 to the upper housing 101. In addition, one or more wiring channels 109 can be used to provide a path for electrical wires to electrically couple the lighting module 105 to the electronic components 107 in the upper housing 101 (as may be required). The coupling features 108 and / or wiring channels 109 must not allow, for example, water to penetrate into the upper housing 101 or the lower housing 102.

[0038] Figure 4 and Figure 5Details of the first seal 200 and the second seal 300 according to certain exemplary embodiments are shown to prevent or reduce the possible penetration of water into the upper shell 101 or the lower shell 102. The first seal 200 and the second seal 300 can be made of silicone and / or rubber and / or other waterproof / resistant materials and / or lined with silicone and / or rubber and / or other waterproof / resistant materials. Other such waterproof materials that can be used include polyurethane, cement-coated EPDM rubber, thermoplastics, asphalt membranes, waterproof / resistant fabrics and materials (such as styrene foam). In one embodiment, the first seal 200 and the second seal 300 should have a certain flexibility or compressibility to allow it to be inserted / matched in the hole so that it fits in the hole in a tight or confirmed manner. In other embodiments, the first seal 200 and the second seal 300 are formed of semi-rigid materials and are sized to fit tightly in the hole. In another embodiment, the first seal 200 and the second seal 300 are designed to be assembled in the hole in a manner similar to a plug or a cork of a bottle.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the first seal 200 may have a U-shape so that the first seal 200 can be removably inserted / fitted into one or more wiring channels 110 ( Figure 6 ). The first seal 200 may have other shapes to accommodate other configurations / shapes so as to be inserted into / matched with the corresponding configurations / shapes of the wiring channel 110. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first seal 200 may also include a U-shaped, circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical, or octagonal cross-section or other cross-sections. The first seal 200 includes a wire passage 201 to allow wires to pass through the first seal 200. The wires may be inserted into the wire passage 201 via a slit 202 at the top of the first seal 200. When the first seal 200 is inserted / fitted into the wiring channel 110, pressure is applied to the outside of the first seal 200 so that the slit is forced to close to prevent / reduce the possibility of water penetration.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the first seal 200 is inserted / fitted into the wiring channel 110 in two different positions / orientations. In the first position, the wire passage 201 is parallel to the wiring channel 110. In the second position, the wire passage 201 is perpendicular to the wiring channel 110. The vertical position can be used when it is not necessary to pass the wires through the first seal 200. In the vertical position, the length of the first seal 200 is designed to fit tightly in the wiring channel 110 to prevent / reduce the possibility of water penetration.

[0041] like Figure 5As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the second seal 300 may have a circular, disc-like shape and be made of a semi-flexible material. However, it should be understood that other shapes may be used. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second seal 300 may also include a circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical or octagonal cross-section or other cross-sections. The shape of the second seal 300 is designed to match the hole 111 formed at one end of the wiring channel 109 and is used to allow the wire to pass through the wiring channel 109 between the upper housing 101 and the lower housing 102. The second seal 300 is as shown in FIG. Figure 7a removably insertable / fitted into hole 111 as shown, or as Figure 7b When inserted / fitted into the hole 111, the second seal 300 forms a seal between the side of the second seal 300 and the hole 111 while allowing the wires to pass through the hole 111. The wires are compressed between the side of the second seal 300 and the hole 111.

[0042] The second seal 300 may be used alone or as an additional water protection after the first seal 200. In this regard, the first seal 200 may be used as a pressure relief to prevent water from penetrating the first barrier by reducing the water pressure and preventing the water jet from penetrating through the first seal 200 by force. If any water is able to penetrate the first seal 200, the second seal 300 may be used in conjunction with the first seal to prevent water from intruding into the central connecting wire path (i.e., wiring channel 109) between the lower housing 102 and the upper housing 101.

[0043] like Figure 6 , Figure 7a and Figure 7b As shown, the first seal 200 and the second seal 300 may be removed and reused as needed to allow maintenance or repair of the luminaire 100 .

[0044] The foregoing detailed description has set forth some of the many forms that the invention can take. The above examples illustrate only several possible embodiments of various aspects of the invention, wherein equivalent changes and / or modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the invention and the accompanying drawings. Specifically, unless otherwise indicated, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-mentioned components, even if the structure is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the functions in the implementation shown in the present disclosure, the terms used to describe such components (including references to "devices") are intended to correspond to any component (such as hardware or a combination thereof) that performs the specified functions of the described components (i.e., functionally equivalent).

[0045] Although specific features of the invention may have been illustrated and / or described with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations that may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, reference to a singular component or item is intended to encompass two or more such components or items. Moreover, to the extent the terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "contains," "with," or variations thereof are used in the detailed description and / or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0046] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, after reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, others will think of modifications and changes. The present invention is intended to be interpreted as including all such modifications and changes. It should be emphasized that only the claims (including all equivalents) are intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0047] In the claims, reference numerals in parentheses refer to reference symbols in the drawings of exemplary embodiments, or to formulas of the embodiments, thereby increasing the intelligibility of the claims. These reference numerals should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A lighting device (100), comprising: An upper housing (101) comprising electrical components (107); a lower housing (102) comprising a lighting module (104) electrically coupled to the electrical component (107) using electrical wires positioned in a wire channel (110); a first seal (200) comprising a wire passage (201) and a slot (202) positionable in the wire channel (110) in a first orientation and allowing the wire to pass through the first seal using the wire passage (201) and the slot (202), wherein when the first seal (200) is positioned in the wire channel (110) in the first orientation, the likelihood of water penetrating into one or both of the upper housing (101) or the lower housing (102) through the wire channel (110) is reduced, and wherein the first seal (200) is positionable in the wire channel (110) in a second orientation such that the wire passage (201) is perpendicular to the wire channel (110), Wherein, with the first seal (200) positioned in the wire channel (110) in the second orientation, the likelihood of water penetrating into one or both of the upper housing (101) or the lower housing (102) is reduced.

2. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first sealing member (200) and / or the second sealing member (300) are: made of silicone and / or rubber and / or other waterproof or resistant materials; and / or lined with silicone and / or rubber and / or other waterproof or resistant materials.

3. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first seal (200) is removably positioned in the wiring channel (110), and / or the second seal (300) is removably positioned in the hole (111).

4. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: When the first seal (200) is positioned in the wiring channel (110), pressure is applied on the outside of the first seal (200) so that the seam (202) is forced closed to reduce the possibility of water penetrating into the seam (202).

5. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The first seal (200) is shaped to accommodate a corresponding shape of the wiring channel (110), and / or the second seal (300) is shaped to accommodate a corresponding shape of the hole (111).

6. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The first seal (200) is made of a compressible material to allow the first seal (200) to be positioned in the wire channel (110) in a positive manner.

7. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The first seal (200) is made of a semi-rigid material, thereby allowing the first seal (200) to be tightly positioned in the wire channel (110) using pressure.

8. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The first seal (200) is designed to be positioned in the wire channel (110) in a manner similar to a plug or a bottle cork.

9. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The first sealing member (200) has a U-shaped, circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical or octagonal cross-sectional shape.

10. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: an electric wire channel (109) formed between the upper housing (101) and the lower housing (102) and including a hole (111) at one end, through which the electric wire passes; as well as A second sealant, which can be positioned in the hole (111) and allows the wire to pass through the hole (111), the wire being compressed between one side of the second sealant (300) and the hole (111).

11. The lighting fixture (100) according to claim 10, wherein: The second sealing member (300) has a cross-sectional shape that is circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical or octagonal.

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