Suspension cable assembly for lighting fixtures

Abstract

A lighting fixture (100) is disclosed. The lighting fixture (100) includes a housing (10), a reflector pan (11) coupled to the housing (10) and an endcap (12) coupled to one end of the housing (10). The lighting fixture (100) further includes a guide key (20), and a cable gripper (30) coupled to the guide key (20) and which can couple to a suspension cable (14) for hanging the lighting fixture (100). At least one of the guide key (20) or the cable gripper (30) is coupled to the housing. The guide key (20) has a center slot (21) formed by a center portion (22) and a bend portion (23) which creates a slanted surface so that the suspension cable (14) can be inserted and guided towards the endcap (12) and around the reflector pan (11).

Description

[0001] 2024PF80411

[0002] 1

[0003] Suspension cable assembly for lighting fixtures

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates generally to suspended lighting fixtures, and in particular, to lighting fixture hanger assemblies for suspended lighting fixtures.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Modem interior architectural design utilizes large open spaces with high ceilings. These open spaces can be reconfigured quickly and easily using modular and moveable walls. In this manner, enclosures and semi-open areas can be re-created, even on demand, meeting both aesthetics and functional requirements. This approach to interior design, however, creates a challenge to lighting professionals. Special lighting systems have to be provided that can be configured and reconfigured in the field quickly and easily as required, and yet provide aesthetically pleasing but proper lighting for both working and living spaces and their surroundings. Lighting for such interior architectural spaces is often provided by lighting fixtures suspended from overhead ceiling structures. Examples of ceiling suspended architectural lighting fixtures include linear fluorescent, or LED fixtures comprised of linear fixture housings having a uniform cross-sectional shape. Such lighting fixtures are typically suspended by steel aircraft cables or rigid hollow stems and have power cords that would have to be run up through the ceiling for connection to an electrical junction box.

[0008] Other construction designs often involve drywall or other aesthetic ceilings installed below the structural members of the building. These ceilings are well suited for recessed lighting fixtures. However, since the dry wall is not a structural ceiling, these recessed lighting fixtures require structural support from the building’s frame or other members. This is often achieved by using steel aircraft cables or steel wire rope. These structural supports are hidden behind the dry wall ceiling, which create a minimalist aesthetic for the user. In summary, regardless of the ceiling type, lighting fixtures are generally suspended with aircraft cables for structural support.

[0009] The construction of such conventional suspended luminaires usually involves a “box” housing with a reflector pan placed into it. The housing is the main structure of the2024PF80411

[0010] 2

[0011] suspended luminaire. The reflector pan generally includes / encloses the suspension assembly and one or more electrical components. Further, the reflector pan generally needs to span the full length of the housing to ensure uniform light output for the full fixture length. Installation of such conventional recessed luminaires require the removal of the reflector pan to allow for connections via the aircraft cable to the support surface, e.g., a structural beam above the dry wall ceiling. In this regard, conventional suspended luminaires necessitate the removal of the reflector pan during installation so that the aircraft cable can be routed and tensioned or for the installation of the mounting screws (whichever is applicable to the specific lighting fixture).

[0012] Having to remove the reflector pan from the lighting fixture during installation is inconvenient and can reduce customer satisfaction. This added step may also introduce or increase the possibility of installation error as compared to not having to remove the reflector pan.

[0013] CN 210035260 U relates to a panel light with a hoist and mount adapter and panel light mounting structure.

[0014] WO 2021 / 144348 Al relates to a securing system for a luminaire that includes a first cable that is configured to be disposed at least partially within a cavity of the luminaire. The securing system can also include a first securing mechanism that receives a first portion of the first cable, where the first securing mechanism is coupled to a first component of the luminaire, where the first securing mechanism has a motile setting and a non-motile setting. The securing system can further include a second securing mechanism that receives a second portion of the first cable, where the second securing mechanism is coupled to a second component of the luminaire. The first securing mechanism, when in the non-motile setting, can secure the first component and the second component in a fixed position relative to each other using the first cable.

[0015] CN 214790775 U relates to a line type lamp with an easily-disassembled light-emitting module, which relates to the technical field of lamps, wherein the two ends of the upper light-emitting module are provided with fixing pieces, and the fixing pieces are detachably connected with the upper side of a shell module, so that the upper light-emitting module is detachably arranged on the upper side of the shell module and is electrically connected with the upper side of the shell module; the downside of shell module is provided with mounting groove, and lower light emitting module detachably assembles in mounting groove, and the power input line is connected with the shell module to be connected with last light emitting module and lower light emitting module electricity simultaneously.2024PF80411

[0016] 3

[0017] KR 200444556 Y1 relates to a light unit to be mounted on the indoor ceiling of a house, an office, and a public facility. More particularly, to a ceiling lighting lamp which is suspended by wires from a ceiling bottom surface, and is mounted on an installation bracket embedded in the ceiling bottom surface.

[0018] A need exists for a suspension hanger system that can be used to suspend luminaires that is simpler than the conventional method described above. Such a simpler installation method may lead to improved customer satisfaction and reduced customer service complaints.

[0019] A need further exists for a suspension hanger system (i.e., a coupling / mounting assembly) that allows wires to be pulled through the hanger system assembly relatively easily without the requirement of removing the reflector pan.

[0020] Yet another need exists for a coupling / mounting assembly that is relatively easy to install and does not compromise the reflector pan’s effectiveness or aesthetics of the light output from the suspended luminaire.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0022] Aspects, objects, and embodiments of the present invention address the shortcomings discussed above.

[0023] In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a luminaire comprising a lightguide with end caps and cable guides on respective ends of the lightguide that allow for the routing of an aircraft cable so that the reflector pan does not need to be removed during installation of the luminaire. Each of the end cap may include a slot to allow for the aircraft cable to pass therethrough. A guide key is used to help route the aircraft cable and through the slot in the end cap and around the reflector pan. The guide key can also serve a second function in releasing the cable by pulling on it in case adjustments are required.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a housing, a reflector pan coupled to the housing and an endcap coupled to one end of the housing. The lighting fixture further includes a guide key, and a cable gripper coupled to the guide key and which can couple to a suspension cable for hanging the lighting fixture. At least one of the guide key or the cable gripper is coupled to the housing. The guide key has a center slot formed by a center portion and a bend portion which creates a slanted surface so that the suspension cable can be inserted and guided towards the endcap and around the reflector pan.2024PF80411

[0025] 4

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a suspension cable hanger assembly for a lighting fixture including a housing, a reflector pan coupled to the housing and, an endcap coupled to one end of the housing. The assembly includes a guide key, and a cable gripper coupled to the guide key and which can couple to a suspension cable for hanging the lighting fixture. At least one of the guide key or the cable gripper can be coupled to the housing. The guide key has a center slot formed by a center portion and a bend portion which creates a slanted surface so that the suspension cable can be inserted and guided towards the endcap and around the reflector pan.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further details, aspects, and embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings. Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. In the figures, elements which correspond to elements already described may have the same reference numerals. In the drawings,

[0029] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example suspended lighting fixture in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of an example suspended lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view for a guide key in accordance with certain example embodiments;

[0032] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the guide key coupled to a cable gripper in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the guide key coupled to a cable gripper in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.2024PF80411

[0036] 5

[0037] In the following, for the sake of understanding, elements of embodiments are described in operation. However, it will be apparent that the respective elements are arranged to perform the functions being described as performed by them.

[0038] Further, the invention is not limited to the embodiments, and the invention lies in each and every novel feature or combination of features described herein or recited in mutually different dependent claims.

[0039] In the following paragraphs, the present disclosure will be described in further detail by way of examples with reference to the attached drawings. In the description, well known components, methods, and / or techniques are omitted or briefly described so as not to obscure the disclosure. As used herein, the "present disclosure" and / or “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the disclosure described herein and any equivalents. Furthermore, the reference to various feature(s) of the "present disclosure" is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0040] The disclosure provides example embodiments of suspended luminaires that comprise a lightguide with an end cap and cable guide on respective ends of the lightguide that allow for the routing of the aircraft cable. Each cable guide assembly can comprise a contact block for receiving a suspension cable for suspending the luminaire from a ceiling, grid, or other structure. At least one pair of the suspension cables can also be used to deliver electrical power to the luminaire. The suspension cables can receive electrical power from a configurable power supply box that can either be mounted to a ceiling or above a drop ceiling. The embodiments described herein are merely examples and variations on the examples provided herein are encompassed within this disclosure.

[0041] The example suspended luminaires described in this disclosure use a lightguide for transmitting light. A lightguide can comprise a panel, slab, plate, or related form that can be flat or curved and that comprises two major faces that are internally reflective. Light can be introduced into the lightguide from a first edge of the lightguide, so that the major faces guide the light towards a second edge. One or both of the major faces can have features that provide a controlled release of light flowing through the lightguide, to illuminate an area. Light can thus propagate in the lightguide via internal reflection from the two major faces, traveling from the light-source edge towards an opposing edge, and illumination light can escape from the lightguide through the major faces and the opposing edge. A light source can be positioned adjacent the first edge of the lightguide, so that the light source emits light into the lightguide via the first edge. LEDs are an example of the light2024PF80411

[0042] 6

[0043] source that can be used with the lightguide, including but not limited to discrete LEDs, arrays of LEDs, and chip-on-board LEDs.

[0044] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein can apply to a variety of luminaires. For example, the embodiments can be used with luminaires located in different types of environments, e.g., commercial or residential. Further, the luminaires described herein can use one or more of a number of different types of light sources, including but not limited to various light-emitting diode (LED) lighting modules such as discrete LEDs, LED bars, LED arrays, chip on board LEDs, and organic LED light sources, as well as other types of light sources. Therefore, the example luminaires described herein should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source.

[0045] Terms such as “first”, “second”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “distal”, “proximal”, and “within” are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation, and are not meant to limit the embodiments described herein. In the following detailed description of the example 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 instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0046] The example recessed luminaires with cable suspension above the aesthetic ceiling described herein can comprise a variety of components. Such components can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to adhesives, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, removeably, slidably, and threadably. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and / or features within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and / or feature. For example, a feature described as “coupled to” or a “coupling feature” can be coupled, secured, fastened, and / or perform other functions aside from merely coupling. In addition, each component and / or feature described herein (including each component of an example flow-through luminaire) can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal, ceramic, rubber, and plastic.2024PF80411

[0047] 7

[0048] In some embodiments, suspended lighting fixtures according to the present disclosure can have various connection configurations, with some being self-connecting or self-coupling. That is, components can be mounted in their operational location in the lighting fixture without the need for mounting mechanisms or bonding materials. One such self-connecting configuration can be a “snap-fit” feature that cooperates with a connection structure of the lighting fixture.

[0049] Referring now to Figs. 1 and 2, an example suspended luminaire 100 is illustrated. The suspended luminaire 100 includes a housing 10, a reflector pan 11 and an endcap 12. Although the housing 10 has a rectangular shape in the examples of Figs. 1 and 2, in alternate embodiments the housing 10 can have a variety of other shapes. The reflector pan 11 is coupled to the housing 10. The reflector pan 11 includes one or more components necessary for proper operation of the luminaire 100 such as an LED array, a reflector, and a diffusing lens. For example, the LED array may include a plurality of LED light elements disposed to generate light outwardly in a line or bar type LED configuration. The LED array is powered by one or more drivers. A power input, usually solder pads or a connector, can receive electric power for the other components. As shown in Fig. 3, the endcap 12 may have a slot 13 to allow for a cable 14 to pass therethrough. The suspended luminaire 100 can be suspended from a ceiling or other structure by the cable 14. The cable 14 should have sufficient strength to support the suspended luminaire 100. The cable 14 can also be referred to as an aircraft cable.

[0050] The end caps 12 shown in Fig. 3 are only one type of end cap 12 that can be used and is only one of the many structures that can be included at the distal ends of the housing 10. In an alternate embodiment, the end cap 12 may include a guide pathway (e.g., formed by a valley-like structure) to help guide the cable 14 instead of the slot 13. In other embodiments the distal end can have connection or coupling structures that can allow for the interconnection of a plurality of housings 10. These can include electrical connections between the bodies to carry the emitter drive signal and covers or connectors to hold the housings 10 to together and to cover the junction between the housings 10. Different covers or connectors could hold the housings 10 in an end-to-end linear configuration or can hold the bodies at an angle to one another, with some angled configurations.

[0051] Referring now to Fig. 4 and 5, the suspended luminaire 100 also includes a guide key 20 and a cable gripper 30. The guide key 20 may be coupled to the housing 10 and / or the cable gripper 30 may be coupled to the housing to secure the guide key 20 and / or the cable gripper 30 to the housing 10. The guide key 20 has a center slot 21 formed by a2024PF80411

[0052] 8

[0053] center portion 22 to allow for the cable 14 pass therethrough and to wrap back into the suspended luminaire 100 around the reflector pan ll(as shown in Figs. 1 and 2). A bend portion 23 creates a slanted surface to guide the cable 14 towards the endcap 12 of the suspended luminaire 100 (and through the slot 13 of the endcap 12). As shown in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the bend portion 23 has two strait bends but in alterative embodiments the guide portion 23 may be formed with more than two strait bends, and / or curved bends to act as a guide for the cable 14 around the reflector pan 11. The guide key 20 may also have coupling feature 24 at the bottom, which is used to clip / couple to the cable gripper 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the coupling feature 24 is partially circular but other shapes may be used depending on the type of cable gripper 30 used. A tab 25 at the top of the guide key 20 may be used to improve the ergonomics during release of the cable 14 (i.e., the guide key 20 may need to be pulled up to release the cable 14 from the cable gripper 30).

[0054] Referring to Fig. 5, the cable gripper 30 is coupled to the coupling feature 24 of the guide key 20. The cable gripper 30 allows for the adjustment of the height of the suspended luminaire 100 without utilizing tools. As the cable 14 slides through the cable gripper 30 a plunger and balls within the cable gripper 30 surround the outside diameter and catch the cable 14 as it passes through the cable gripper 30. When mounted and weight is applied to the cable gripper 30, the tension forces the balls to grab the cable 14 in a pinching movement. The cable gripper 30 may include a release mechanism to allow the cable 14 to be released while the cable gripper 30 is coupled to the housing 10. In one embodiment, when a portion of the cable gripper 30 is pulled up, the cable 14 is released. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other type of cable grippers may also be used.

[0055] During installation of the suspended luminaire 100, the cable 14 is inserted into the cable gripper 30. The cable 14 may then be routed, via the guide key 20, out the slot 13 of the end cap 12. The cable 14 may then be reinserted into the slot 13 around the reflector pan 11 into the housing 10. At this point, the cable 14 is routed around the end of the reflector pan 11 through the guide key 20. It is noted that the routing of the cable 14 may be done without considerable gaps in the reflector pan 11. In alternative embodiments, the reflector pan 11 may include a through hole or a grove slot at ends to allow for the cable 14 to pass therethrough or around. During tightening, the cable 14 may rub on the end of the reflector pan 11, but it is acceptable since this will only take place once per installation. In another embodiment, an underlying support plate (or shield plate at the ends of the reflector pan 11) may be used, which holds / protects the reflector pan 20 and accommodates the cable rubbing without damaging the cable 14 or the reflector pan 11.2024PF80411

[0056] 9

[0057] The foregoing detailed description has set forth a few of the many forms that the invention can take. The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and / or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present invention and the annexed drawings. In particular, with regard to the various functions performed by the above described components, the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated to any component, such as hardware or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (i. e. , that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the disclosure.

[0058] Although a particular feature of the present invention may have been illustrated and / or described with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, references to singular components or items are intended, unless otherwise specified, to encompass two or more such components or items. Also, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and / or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising".

[0059] The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations. It is only the claims, including all equivalents that are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

[0060] In the claims references in parentheses refer to reference signs in drawings of exemplifying embodiments or to formulas of embodiments, thus increasing the intelligibility of the claim. These references shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

2024PF8041110CLAIMS:

1. A lighting fixture (100), comprising:a housing (10);a reflector pan (11) coupled to the housing (10);an endcap (12) coupled to one end of the housing (10);a guide key (20); anda cable gripper (30) coupled to the guide key (20) and which can couple to a suspension cable (14) for hanging the lighting fixture (100),wherein at least one of the guide key (20) or the cable gripper (30) is coupled to the housing (10), andwherein the guide key (20) has a center slot (21) formed by a center portion (22) and a bend portion (23) which creates a slanted surface so that the suspension cable (14) can be inserted and guided towards the endcap (12) and around the reflector pan (11).

2. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 1, wherein the end cap (12) includes a slot (13) so that the suspension cable (14) may pass out and back into the slot (13) to allow the suspension cable (14) to go around the reflector pan (11).

3. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 1, wherein the bend portion (23) of the guide key (20) is formed by two strait bends to act as a guide for the suspension cable (14) to be inserted around the reflector pan (11).

4. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 1 wherein the bend portion (23) of the guide key (20) is formed with more one or more strait bends, and / or curved bends to act as a guide for the suspension cable (14) to be inserted around the reflector pan (11).

5. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 1, wherein the cable gripper (30) further includes a cable release mechanism that will release the suspension cable (14) when a portion of the cable gripper (30) is pulled up.2024PF80411116. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 5, wherein the guide key further includes a tab (25) that may be used to help pull up the guide key (20) to release the suspension cable (14) from the cable gripper (30).

7. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 1, wherein the reflector pan (11) includes one or more components necessary for proper operation of the lighting fixture (100).

8. The lighting fixture (100) of claim 7, wherein the reflector pan (11) includes include a through hole or a grove slot at one end to allow for the suspension cable (14) to pass therethrough or around as guided by the guide key (20).

Images