AU2002251908A1

AU2002251908A1 - HID Lighting Fixture with Quick-Disconnect Light Source Mount

Info

Publication number: AU2002251908A1
Application number: AU2002251908A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Timothy J. Boyle; Myron K. Gordin
Original assignee: Musco Corp
Current assignee: Musco Corp
Priority date: 2001-02-07
Filing date: 2002-02-07
Publication date: 2003-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-02-07

Description

TITLE: HIGH-INTENSITY LIGHTING FIXTURE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to high intensity lighting fixtures, and in particular, to unjacketed, double-ended high intensity discharge (HID) lamps and fixtures for wide area lighting of relatively distant targets, such as in sports lighting.

Problems in the Art

High intensity discharge lamps, such as used in sports lighting, require high operating electrical power to operate lamps that usually are on the order of 1000 watts or greater. Also, HID lamps such as metal halide or mercury HID lamps generate ultraviolet (UN) radiation. Both of these characteristics of such HID lamps create safety issues, particularly for persons that install, maintain or repair such fixtures.

Some HID fixtures address these issues by utilizing screw-in lamps so that there are no directly exposed current-carrying parts. These lamps also usually have glass envelopes surrounding the arc tube. The glass absorbs a sufficient amount of UN radiation so that it does not pose a serious risk to workers, even if in close proximity to the lamps when operating.

A particular type of HID lamp does not have any glass envelope surrounding the arc tube. It also has opposite ends usually with short leads with exposed ends that are connected to exposed electrical connection posts in the fixture. Although such fixtures usually have glass lens over the front of the reflector for the fixture, which blocks UN radiation, when the lens is opened, that UN protection is removed. Also, the exposed current carrying surfaces pose risk.

Entities such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) have standards for such fixtures (also sometimes called luminaires), which directly address the safety concerns with high-powered electricity and UN radiation relative to double-ended unjacketed HID lamps. See, for example, UL standards 1598. Sections 3.4, 6.4, and 6.5 require each fixture to have safety interlock switches which automatically disconnect electrical power to the fixture when the lens assembly is removed. The automatic disconnection of power is not only intended to prevent any risk of electrical shock, even if normally current carrying exposed surfaces are touched, but also, is intended to prevent any risk of UN exposure.

The state of the art follows these standards by either jacketing HID lamps or utilizing some type of automatic power disconnect, usually by some type of switch or switches. Some embed electrically conducting wire or ribbon in the lens. If the lens is broken, the wire or ribbon is broken and causes an automatic disconnect of power to the fixture, or at least to the exposed current- carrying parts or surfaces. The problems with these types of state of the art solutions include the risk of failure of the automatic switches. The environment of these switches, in fixtures operating at high power and putting out significant heat, can result in unreliability for the automatic power disconnect switches or other automatic power disconnect structure (s). Also, such switch(es) and structure(s) add to the complexity and cost of such fixtures. They can also add to the difficulty in accessing, working on, and replacing or repairing parts in the fixture.

Many types of the state of the art fixtures require use of tools to install and remove the lamps or other parts. Many times these fixtures are elevated to substantial heights in the air (e.g. on poles 35 feet to over 100 feet tall) or in rafters or on other elevated structures. It is cumbersome and adds additional risk to the worker to have to handle tools as well as be careful about not dropping anything, avoiding electrical shock and avoiding burns.

Therefore, there is a real need in the art for improvement. It is therefore a principle object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve upon the state of the art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a lighting fixture which improves upon the state of the art in at least the following ways. It shields the lamp lead connections to electrical power from direct exposure to a worker by utilizing connections that even when separated, do not allow direct contact by even the fingers of a worker.

It associates a UN block with the arc tube so that even if a worker is exposed to the arc tube when the fixture lens is removed, UN attenuation occurs at or near the arc lamp and UN radiation of a risky level is blocked from reaching the worker.

It does not require automatic power disconnect switches or other structure for automatic disconnect of power.

It provides easy and quick disconnection of power to the lamp, removal and replacement of the lamp as well as other parts, all without tools.

It thus reduces the cost and complexity of such fixtures, and the risk of malfunction of some switch or other structure, while retaining safety standards.

These and other features, objects, or advantages of the invention will become more apparent with reference to the other parts of this application and description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1A-D, and IF are assembled perspective views of an embodiment according to the present invention. Figure IE is an exploded view of those other Figures. In some circumstances, hidden lines are not used, but structure which would otherwise be hidden is indicated by solid lines.

Figures 2A-B are various plan and sectional views of component 12 (the cone or bulb cone or mounting mogul) of Figures 1A-F. Figures 3A-C are plan views and details of reflector 18 of Figures 1A-F and a reinforcing ring 130 (see also Figure 6A) that can be used with reflector 18.

Figures 4A-I are isometric views of a box assembly 16 of Figures 1A-F for an ignitor circuit.

Figures 5A-J are isometric views and details of an HID arc tube assembly 14 of Figures 1A-F.

Figures 6A1, 6A2, 6B-M are isometric views and details of lamp holder assembly 22 of Figures 1A-F. Figures 7A-W are isometric and details of parabolic reflector assembly

16 of Figures 1A-F and how it mounts in reflector 18.

Figures 8A-D are isometric and details of connector assembly 28 of Figures 1A-F.

Figures 9A and B are exploded views of parts from Figures 1A-F. Figure 9C is plan views of a firewall 120.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

General Environment of One Embodiment

To achieve a better understanding of the invention, one embodiment will now be described and illustrated in detail. Frequent reference will be made to the appended drawings. Reference numerals will be used to indicate certain parts and locations in the drawings. The same reference numbers will be used to indicate the same or similar parts and locations throughout the drawings, unless otherwise indicated.

The general environment of the embodiment described below will be that of sports lighting. Examples include outdoor lighting of football, soccer, baseball, softball, and other sports fields where banks or arrays of HID fixtures are elevated from poles or structures (e.g. >35 feet tall). Examples also include indoor lighting where banks or arrays are suspended from rafters or beams or other structures. Sports lighting of this type generally utilizes HID lamps of at or above 1000 watts rating. Reflectors are used to generate relatively narrow beams (especially in the vertical plane) that can be controlled and concentrated substantial distances (many times over a hundred feet) to a target area such as a playing field.

In this embodiment, unjacketed double-ended HID lamps of 2000 watt rating are used.

Detailed Description of One Embodiment

Fixture Generally

Figures 1A-F illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a fixture 10, according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the major sections or parts of fixture 10 include a cone 12 enclosing a connector assembly 28 and providing a connection to an adjustable mounting elbow 14 on one end and a reflector /lens assembly 18/20 on the other. A box assembly 16 is mounted to cone 12 and houses an igniter. A lamp holder assembly 22 is connected to the base of reflector 18 and provides for snap-in and out of lamp assembly 24. A parabloid assembly 26 is also removably mounted to the lamp holder assembly 22, and serves to reflect light energy from lamp 24, but is removably to allow access to cone 12 for installation and maintenance.

Figure IA shows fixture 10 substantially assembled, but in a type of see- through illustration that shows how the interior parts are positioned. Figures IB- ID are similar to Figure IA, but in line drawing form. Figure IC illustrates in more detail how leads 102L (left) and 102R (right) are generally positioned in assembled form between lamp or arc tube 100 and connection assembly 28, which is in operative communication with an electrical power source (not shown).

Figure IE illustrates the major parts of fixture 10 in exploded fashion. As can be appreciated, when installing fixture 10, connection assembly 28 is mounted inside cone 14, and reflector 18 to cone 14 by means known within the art using the reinforcing ring shown at Figure 3C. Lamp holder 22 is also mounted to the reinforcing ring. Parabloid reflector assembly 26 has mounting structure that allows it to be removably locked into a holding position in lamp holder assembly 22. Likewise lamp assembly 24 is removably mountable into lamp holder assembly 22.

Thus, once assembled, to work on fixture 10, a worker can disconnect the finger safe connections 102L/R and 304L/R to disconnect electrical power to lamp 100. This can be done easily, without risk that even the workers fingers can contact live electrical surfaces. Finger safe connections are available commercially. Those shown in the Figures are specially made to allow a worker to grip and manipulate them, and so that they can handle and have longevity in the environment of fixture 10 and the electrical power and heat experienced by it. An example of such finger safe connections can be found at co-pending U.S. Serial Number 09/076,278, commonly-owned by the owner of this application, and incorporated by reference herein.

Cone

Cone 12 is shown and dimensioned at Figures 2A-B. It functions conventionally, except that ignitor box 16 is attachable as discussed below.

Elbow

Likewise, elbow 14 is substantially shown in detail at Figures 2A-B. It too functions conventionally.

Box Assembly

Box assembly 16 is shown in detail at Figs. 4A-I. Note particularly that it encloses and houses an igniter for fixture 10. But also, note that it does not have to include ballast for fixture 10. In this embodiment, ballast for fixture 10 is located remotely (e.g. down at the bottom of the pole elevating fixture 10). This allows for much easier access to the ballasts and removes the ballast from the fixture, and its weight and bulk. Box 16 is connected to cone 12 by screws, bolts, or other means (see through-channels in corners of box 16). An ignitor circuit (not shown), such as are known in the art therefore can be placed relatively closely to the arc lamp 100, but away from the heat generated interiorly of reflector 18. For this power rating of HID lamp, the ignitor is pulsing a very high voltage level (e.g. 5000 volts), but at relatively low amperage. Therefore, electrical power of this nature tends to dissipate over distance more quickly than if at higher amperage. Placing housing 16 close to lamp 100 reduces or eliminates this problem. It also allows the ballast(s) for lamp 100 to be placed at a different location. For example, the ballast(s) can be placed in an enclosure nearer the base of the pole. They are easier to reach and repair and this would reduce weight and wind load at the lighting fixture. An appropriate opening can be made in cone 12 to allow wiring or cables from an ignitor circuit in housing 16 to pass into cone 12.

Reflector and Lens Assembly

Reflector 18 and its reinforcing ring are shown at Figures 3A-C and function conventionally. The reflecting properties of reflector 18 can be selected according to need.

Lamp Assembly

By referring to Figures 5A-J, the HID arc lamp or tube 100 is illustrated in detail. It is a 2000 watt lamp, double-ended and unjacketed. Note that electrical leads 102L and R are completely covered along their lengths by an electrically insulating sleeving 103 (see Figure 5E), are electrically insulated at the ends of lamp 100 by ceramic or other insulating members and have finger-safe male connectors at opposite ends. Therefore, there are no electrically conducting surfaces that a worker can directly contact with his/her fingers. Further note spring clamps 106L and R at opposite lamp ends which cooperate with lamp holder assembly 22 to essentially allow lamp assembly 24 to be snapped in and out, quickly and easily and without tools (see particularly Figure 5J).

The specific structure of finger safe connections 104 are shown at Figures 5F-H. The nature of these "finger-safe" connections is that they do not expose electrically conducting surfaces that can contacted directly by human fingers. Thus, even if the connections are electrically live, they will not shock a human even if the human handles them with his/her hands. Further description of finger-safe connections is set forth in U.S. Serial Number 09/076,278, owned by the owner of the present application, and incorporated by reference herein.

As can be seen in the Figures, particularly Figures IA, IC, and IE, connector assembly 28 mounts (by screws, bolts, or other means) into the interior of cone 12. As shown, see particularly Figures 8A-D, two male finger- safe connections 304L and R (left and right) can be integrally formed in a block that can be screwed, bolted or otherwise fixed to a plate or base of assembly 28. Each male connection 304 is raised from the plate or base, is rectangular or square in cross-section, and has raised tabs basically centered on three or all of its sides, and have distal ends that point generally in parallel towards the opening in cone 12 to reflector 18. Electrical leads from an electrical power source enter the opposite ends of connections 304, are fixed therein, and have exposed conducting surfaces internally of connections 304.

Figures 5A-J illustrate in detail complementary mating finger-safe female connections 104L and R having proximal ends connected to electrical leads 102L and R to opposite ends of arc tube 100. Connection 104 are identical and each has a distal end that matingly slides over a corresponding distal end of a connection 304. Note that the distal ends of connections 104L and R have medial axial slots on two opposite sides that extend from distal- most open ends a distance inwardly and then stop, and have holes on the other two opposite sides. These slots and holes align with the raised tabs on the exterior surfaces of the sides of connections 304 such that when connections 104 are first brought over connections 304, the shape of the connections help guide them together, and then, the raised tabs of 304 enter and slide in the slots of 104 until the other raised tabs of 304 reach the holes in two sides of 104. Those raised tabs enter the holes and basically snap in place and lock connections 104 and 304 together, resisting axial separation. Connections 104 have internally exposed, but finger-safe conduction surfaces that are configured to frictionally engage or contact exposed conducting surfaces internal of 304 to create an electrical connection through each mated set 104R/304L and 104R/304L.

Note also that guides or tunnels 306L and R are aligned with the longitudinal axes of 304L and R respectively, are fixed to the plate or base of assembly 28, and are configured to allow passage of a connection 104, but closely conforms to the exterior shape of connection 104. Thus, guides 306 force the distal ends of 104 to be aligned with the distal ends of 304 when they come into close proximity, to ensure 104 is correctly oriented for mating with 304. None of the surfaces or pieces have electrically conducting surfaces accessible to human fingers.

Note that connections 104 are quite elongated. This allows the proximal ends of 104 (those nearest to the opening between cone 12 and reflector 18, to be close to that opening for easier access and gripping by a worker, but also allows the actual electrical junction between connectors 104 and 304 to be farther away from that opening; and thus farther away from heat generated inside reflector 18 during operation of lamp 100, some of which is conducted to the exterior of reflector 18 and cone 12. This is beneficial to deter or reduce any effect of such significant heat on these connections. Figures 5H and I illustrate in detail structure associated with lamp 100.

In particular in Figure 5H, lamp 100 can include a coating 110 all around lamp 100 that blocks and/or absorbs UN radiation generated in lamp 100. Such coatings are available from commercial entities, as indicated in Figure 5H. Coatings to block UN radiation are also disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Serial Number 09/076,277, incorporated by reference herein. Such coatings do not allow any more UN radiation from lamp 100 than glass lenses do in conventional fixtures. They are also formulated to adhere to lamp 100 and remain for a useful life even in the high temperatures created by HID lamps. Additionally, lamp 100 could also have another coating 112 on or near a portion of its body. Here coating 112 is a reflective coating that, when lamp 100 is installed, is positioned on the outer facing side of lamp 100. It reflects or returns light that otherwise would travel directly out fixture 10 through lamp 100 and to reflectors 18 and/or 26. This light energy can then be collected and directed by those reflectors. Reflective coating 112 therefore can assist in diminishing glare that otherwise might be caused by light emanating directly out of fixture 10 without being controlled by any reflector.

It is believed that use of UN coating 110 and/or reflective coating 112, and the resulting redirection of light energy back through lamp 100 may increase lamp life for lamp 100. It is believed that the reason is that there is a more uniform heating of the arc generated by the HID lamp. Other details of lamp 100 in this embodiment are shown at Figures 5A-

J. An automatic location structure can be built in so that reflective coating 112 always ends up in the proper position.

One way to accomplish this is to utilize the spring clips 106L and R shown in detail in Figures 5A and J, for example. They are clamped to opposite ends of lamp 100 (other means or methods may be used to hold them in position once installed). Figure 5B and C show the clips in relation to arc tube 100, and in particular to the optional reflector 112. Figure 6a then shows in more detail receivers 134L and R at the distal ends of outwardly extending arms 132L and R connected to ring 130, all of which forms lamp holder assembly 22. Receivers 134 are u-shaped and have holes on opposite sides of the u-shape aligned along an transverse axis. Clips 106 have shoulders on opposite sides configured to snap into place in holes in receivers 134 when lamp 100 is brought into place in holder assembly 22. Clips 106 fixed in a predetermined way to lamp 100 such that when the shoulders enter the holes in receivers 134, the correct rotational position of lamp 100 is automatically assured. Thus, the worker that is installing or relamping the lighting fixture can do so without tools, and having rotational position of lamp 100, and for example reflector 112, automatic.

To remove lamp 100, simply, quickly and manually without tools, one simply grabs the outward extended ends of spring clips 106, and squeeze them together to release the shoulders of clips 106 from the holes in receivers 134.

Lamp Holder Assembly

Figures 6A-M detail lamp holder assembly 22. Note particularly how lamp brackets 132 extend outwardly angularly from ring 130 to lamp holders 134, which have rectangular openings to receive the spring clamp and releasably seat lamp 100 in place. Wire clips 136 allow leads 102 to be removably secured along brackets 132.

Parabloid Assembly

Figures 7A-W detail an embodiment of parabloid reflector 200. Vertical and horizontal brackets 202 and 204 cooperate with clamps 206 to grasp reflector 200. This structure insulates this glass reflector from metal to reduce the potential for breakage. Ceramic blankets can be placed on the back of reflector 200 to help insulate the interior of cone 12 from heat. Also, a firewall 210 can be mounted as shown. Assembly 26 along with spring clips 208 (see Figures 7M-O, allow reflector 200 to be quickly and easily installed and removed, without tools.

Fixture Connector Assembly

Lamp leads 102L and R are connectable and disconnectable to electrical power by releasable connection to the finger safe receivers 304L and R mounted on bracket 300 which in turn is mountable in the interior of cone 12 (see Figures 8A-D). Wires 302L and R are directed for connection to an electrical power source. Note guide 306 that assists a worker to line up and insert lead connections 102L and R into fixed connections 304L and R on bracket 300. Miscellaneous

Figures 9A and C illustrate in exploded or isolated fashion certain of the parts discussed above. Fixture or luminaire assembly 10 is assembled by installing connection assembly 28 into cone 12, and wiring electrical power leads to connections 304. Ignitor box 16 and its ignitor circuit are attached and connected electrically.

Lamp holder assembly 22 is mounted around the opening in the apex of reflector 18. Lamp 100 is snapped into assembly 22. Finger-safe connections 104 are manipulated into guides 306 and snapped over finger-safe connections 304. Parabolic reflector 26 is placed into position closing off the opening between reflector 18 and cone 12. Lens 20 is fixed in place by lens clips.

The assembly is finger-safe, even with power on, there is no UV threat because of the UV attenuation coating of lamp 100, the ignitor is in close proximity. Hooking up connections 104 and 304, installing parabolic reflector 28, mounting lamp 100 all are possible without tools and solely with a worker's hands.

Access to connections 104 and 304 is just the reverse. The lens is opened. A cable (Figure TV) could be fixed between the lens and the reflector to prevent it from falling to the ground. Parabolic reflector 26 can be manually removed (a cable could also be connected between it and the fixture). The worker need only pull axially outward gently but with enough force to overcome the capture of the raised tabs of 304 in the openings of 104, to separate connections 104 and 304 and cut off electrical power to lamp 100. This is efficient and economical and reliable. One can relamp quickly and easily.

It is noted that reflector 112 sends light that otherwise would leave lamp 100 back into lamp 100. It is believed that this might increase lamp life or lumen maintenance. It is believed that this promotes isothermal conditions in the arc tube 100. Options and Alternatives

It is to be understood and appreciated that the above embodiment is given by way of example only, and not by way of limitation to the invention. The invention can take many forms and embodiments. Variations obvious to one skilled in the art will be included within the invention.

For example, the reflective coating 112 is not required. It can be used when desired. It could also be a separate piece held near lamp 100.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A luminaire assembly comprising: a. A bulb cone; b. A mounting connection adapted to mount the bulb cone to a support; c. A reflector having a portion adapted for connection to the bulb cone and an opening adapted to be covered by a lens; d. A mount for a double-ended unjacketed HID light source, the mount adapted to be positioned interiorly of the reflector and including a member adapted to removably receive and hold a double-ended HID light source; and e. An electrical power connection adapted for connection to a source of electrical power.

2. The luminaire assembly of claim wherein the bulb cone includes an interior chamber in which is positioned a frame, the frame including a receiver adapted to fixedly hold a first finger-safe electrical connection and a guide adapted to guide a complementary second finger-safe connection into operative but manually releasable engagement with the second finger-safe connection.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising another receiver and guide adapted for a second set of first and second finger-safe connections.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second finger-safe connection has an elongated insulated body.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first finger-safe connection is positioned in the interior of the bulb cone and the second finger-safe connection, when engaged with the first finger-safe connection, extends towards the reflector.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising a removable portion of the reflector at the portion attached to the bulb cone to gain access to the finger- safe connections.

7. The luminaire assembly of claim 1 wherein said mount for said HID source comprises first and second spaced apart receivers, one for each of said double ends of the HID source; each receiver connected to an arm extending to a portion adapted for mounting to either the reflector or the bulb cone, such that the receivers are positioned to hold an HID source in a desired position interiorly of the reflector.

8. The luminaire assembly of claim 7 further comprising manually releasably members on one of the receivers or the HID light source adapted to releasably lock the HID source into the receivers.

9. The luminaire assembly of claim 8 wherein the manually releasable members comprise resilient devices that engage and lock into complementary structure in the receivers.

10. The luminaire assembly of claim 9 wherein the manually releasable members comprise spring clips attached to ends of the HID source, the spring clips in a normal state being expanded in at least one direction, and having manually manipulatable portions allowing retraction in said at least one direction.

11. The luminaire assembly of claim 8 further comprising structure to orient said HID source in a desired rotation orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of an HID source when mounted.

12. The luminaire assembly of claim 11 further comprising a reflective member on a portion of an HID source, the reflective member positioned to redirect light energy from the source interiorly of the source.

13. The luminaire assembly of claim 1 further comprising an ignitor circuit for the HID source, the ignitor circuit adapted to be segregated from a ballast circuit for the HID source, the ignitor circuit being closer to the HID source than to the ballast circuit.

14. The luminaire assembly of claim 13 further comprising a housing for the ignitor circuit adapted to be mounted on or adjacent to the luminaire assembly.

15. The luminaire assembly of claim 14 wherein the ignitor circuit housing is adapted to be mounted to the bulb cone of the luminaire assembly.

16. The luminaire assembly of claim 1 further comprising a UV attenuation applied to the HID source.

17. The luminaire assembly of claim 16 wherein the UV attenuation substantially attenuates UV radiation from any part of the HID source.

18. The luminaire assembly of claim 1 wherein the HID source is an arc tube having about 1000 watts or more rating.

19. The luminaire assembly of claim 1 where there is no exposed electrically conducting surface from the HID source to a connection to a source of electrical power when the electrical circuit is connected.

20. The luminaire assembly of claim 19 where there is no electrically conducting surface that can be accessed by human fingers when connections to electrical power at the luminaire assembly are disconnected.

21. A method of generating light from a luminaire assembly according to claim 1 having an HID light source comprising: positioning an HID light source in the form of an arc tube in a reflector; redirecting light from a portion of the HID light source that otherwise would leave the arc tube back towards a portion of the arc tube.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the light is redirected in a manner to encourage isothermal conditions in the arc tube.