CN106414872B

CN106414872B - Industrial lighting equipment support system

Info

Publication number: CN106414872B
Application number: CN201480073906.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·J·格兰特; A·库格勒; M·沃尔顿; J·凯恩
Original assignee: Eaton Corp
Current assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-25
Filing date: 2014-11-24
Publication date: 2020-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-24
Also published as: CA2931712C; EP3074579A4; EP3074579A1; CA2931712A1; CN106414872A; EP3074579B1

Abstract

A pole support system suitable for a lighting fixture. The system comprises: a lower support; a guide member or wiring chamber located inside the lower support; a telescopic upper support located inside said lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in an annular space between the lower support and the guide member or wiring chamber; a biasing member biasing the upper support member to an extended position; and a locking assembly partially surrounding the lower support at one end thereof. The locking assembly may include: a body having a passageway through which the upper bearing slides and closing the passageway at a first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the lower bearing; and a lock configured to engage the upper support to constrain movement of the upper support.

Description

Industrial lighting equipment support system

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a telescopic light pole having an internal passage for electrical wiring and configured for a telescopic function to facilitate worker access to remote equipment.

Background

Lighting systems are used in many applications, with different structures being provided for different environments. Lighting devices are particularly important in industrial applications where it is often desirable to work in low light conditions (e.g., at night). However, due to environmental conditions, access to pole-mounted light fixtures can be difficult and often dangerous. Adjustable lighting systems have been developed for industrial applications. Due to accidents caused by the use of ladders in industrial environments, systems have been developed for safely lowering the far end (top end) of a light pole.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects of the invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a rod support for a lighting fixture. General embodiments may include: a rod support system comprising a tubular lower support; a guide member located inside the lower support, the guide member extending substantially along the length of the lower support; a telescopic upper support located inside the lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in an annular space between the lower support and the guide member; a biasing member biasing the upper support member to an extended position; and a locking assembly partially surrounding the lower support at one end thereof. The locking assembly may include: a body having a passageway through which the upper support slides, the body being attached to the lower support to close the passageway at a first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the lower support; and a lock configured to selectively engage the upper support to constrain axial movement of the upper support.

The biasing member may include a spring in an annular space between the lower support and the housing. The body may be attached to the lower support by at least one selectively sealingly engageable fastener. The guide member may comprise a fluid tight tube. The system may include a base configured to couple with the fluid-tight tubing and the lower support at respective ends opposite the locking assembly and configured to isolate an interior of the fluid-tight electrical conduit from an annular space between the lower support and the housing. The base may include a passage between the first end of the base and the second end of the base, the passage being fluid-tight with the fluid-tight tubing. The passageway may be an axial passageway. The lock includes a translation member configured to translate into the passage through an opening transverse to the axial passage to abut the upper support. The locking assembly may include a raised surface in the passageway opposite the translating member. The raised surface may be a ledge. The system may include a harness, wherein a portion of the harness within the upper support is configured to conform to a length of a portion of the upper support above the locking mechanism. The system may include a wiring seal. The guide member may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the lower support.

Other general embodiments may include: a rod support system comprising a tubular lower support; a fluid-tight wiring chamber located inside the lower support, the wiring chamber extending substantially along the length of the lower support; a telescopic upper support located inside the lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in an annular space between the lower support and the wiring chamber; a biasing member biasing the upper support member to an extended position; and a locking assembly partially surrounding the lower support at one end thereof. The locking assembly may include: a body having a passageway through which the upper support slides, the body being attached to the lower support to close the passageway at a first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the lower support; and a lock configured to selectively engage the upper support to constrain axial movement of the upper support. The tubular lower support may have an interior, an upper end, and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end has a connector configured to connect with a pre-existing feature. A fluid-tight wiring chamber may be disposed within the biasing member and may block fluid flow from an interior of the lower support to a location exterior to the lower support. The pre-existing feature may be an electrical enclosure, such as a junction box or an electrical fitting for industrial electrical plumbing. The pole support system may include a wiring assembly having a first portion disposed in the upper support and a second portion disposed in the lower support, wherein a tubular wiring chamber seals around the second portion at an opening in the lower support to prevent fluid flow into the electrical enclosure through the opening. The pole support system can include an adapter coupled to the tubular wiring chamber and a wiring seal coupled to the adapter, wherein the wiring seal and the adapter cooperate to block fluid flow to an interior of the fluid-tight wiring chamber.

Other general embodiments may include a locking assembly for use in a pole support system as described herein. For example, the locking assembly may include: a body having a passageway configured for sliding movement of the upper support therethrough, the body configured for selective sealing engagement with the tubular lower support to close the passageway at the first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the lower support; and a lock configured to selectively engage the upper support to constrain axial movement of the upper support.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generally represent like parts of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Drawings

The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to demonstrate certain aspects of embodiments of the present invention and are incorporated in the detailed description herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Fig. 1-3 illustrate a rod support system for an industrial lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate a locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5A-5D illustrate a base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a pole support system having a wiring compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A-7L illustrate embodiments configured for various usage modes, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows yet another rod support system for an industrial lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Bare wiring for lighting systems is susceptible to environmental hazards such as moisture. Some known systems have a passageway inside the rod that extends to the distal end and wiring (wires, cables, etc.) that extends through the passageway to the lighting fixture. The known system is less effective in protecting the installed wiring. Normal movement of the member typically damages the internal wiring (e.g., "pinching").

Furthermore, conventional industrial equipment, particularly equipment having a ballast hinge (ballast hinge), is configured for use on poles having a particular axis of operation (e.g., in use). Since most industrial equipment is not designed for use with a lowerable pole, changing the axis of operation causes instability of the equipment. One reason for instability is the additional force that is not present during normal operation when lowering the device. Forces having a component perpendicular to the axis of operation can be particularly problematic. Thus, conventional drop rods that use joints or the like to effect lowering may cause instability of the apparatus, particularly when the rod is offset from its operating axis. This instability can cause the device to separate prematurely and can cause a high fall, which is a safety hazard.

It is desirable to enhance protection of wiring of light poles in an industrial environment while still facilitating repair or maintenance of lighting fixtures atop the light poles by lowering the fixtures to ground level. It is also desirable to enable a worker to perform the lifting action of the apparatus while maintaining the rod on its operating axis, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with maintenance.

In general, embodiments of the invention may relate to a spring-assisted telescoping industrial light pole. As part of the telescoping feature of the present invention, the upper support (or upper pole) is slidably engaged with the lower support (or lower pole). The telescopic support together with the spring assist allows the top mounted lighting device to move up and down. Thus, the lighting device can be raised and lowered to the user's position along the same operating axis. Safety is thus improved, since the risk of accidents when moving the lighting device relative to the user is low. Aspects of the invention also relate to safety protection against wiring that powers the device. Other aspects relate to the overall robustness and longevity of the rod support system under environmental conditions that are easily experienced when installed in outdoor or offshore industrial environments (e.g., mines, offshore oil rigs). For example, depending on the particular materials used, a 10 foot pole support system of the present design may be rated for wind speeds above 300 miles per hour.

The principles of the present invention are illustrated by detailed descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods for facilitating access to industrial lighting. Aspects of the present invention are resistant to adverse conditions such as rain, high winds, impact, conditions associated with an industrial environment, and the like.

A general embodiment of the present invention includes a pole support system and a device for incorporation within the pole support system. The pole support system can be configured for use with conventional lighting fixtures and enables height adjustment of the fixture via the telescoping upper pole. More specific exemplary embodiments are described below. Embodiments relate to wire-equipped support systems (e.g., "wire-equipped poles"). The wired pole may include wiring or cables operatively coupled with the light fixture or other mounted item. Aspects of the present invention may allow for easier, safe, and/or quick switching between optimal orientations for maintenance and operation.

The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be embodied in numerous other devices, systems, and methods. For example, various aspects of the methods and apparatus may be combined in various ways or with various products, including existing products. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by the details of the exemplary embodiments described herein. The scope of the invention should be determined by studying the following claims.

Specific design details have been provided for the purpose of illustration, but should not be construed as limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations of the telescopic rod support system may be implemented consistent with the scope of the invention as described by the appended claims.

Fig. 1-3 illustrate a rod support system for an industrial lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the pole support system 100 includes a lower support 106, a telescoping upper support 102, and a locking assembly 104 attached to the locking assembly 104. The lower support 106 may be tubular. Tubular as used herein may include tubular having a cylindrical, rectangular, oval or irregular cross-section. The pole support system supports at least one lighting fixture 122. The lighting device 122 may be a conventional lighting device. The upper support 102 and the lower support 106 may be implemented as 2 inch tubes comprising aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel, or the like, or any other material as will occur to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the pole support system 100. Referring to fig. 3, the pole support system 100 further includes a guide member 108 located inside the lower support 106. The guide member 108 may extend substantially along the length of the lower support 106. As used herein, "substantially along the length of the lower support 106" may be defined as spanning a range from 18 inches longer than the lower support to 6 inches shorter than the lower support (at either end). Other embodiments may include a guide member 108 that extends more than 18 inches beyond the lower support 106.

The upper support 102 is located inside the lower support 106 and is axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The locking assembly 104 at least partially surrounds the lower support 106 at one end of the lower support 106. The upper support 102 may be at least partially received in an annular space 109 between the lower support 106 and the guide member 108. The guide member 108 may be concentric with the lower support 106 and/or the upper support 102. A biasing member 110 in the annular space 109 biases the upper support 102 to the extended position. The biasing member 110 may be embodied as a spring (as shown), an elastic member, a pneumatic or hydraulic system, or the like.

In operation, the attached lighting device 122 is accessible by adjusting the height of the pole support system via the upper support 102 retracted into the lower support 106. The telescopic connection between the upper support 102 and the lower support 106 is assisted by "spring assist" from the biasing member 110. The spring assist reduces the amount of force required to raise or lower the upper support to a desired height. The lighting device 122 is secured at a desired height by the locking assembly 104.

The locking assembly 104 includes a chamfered portion on the upper surface facing away from the upper support to block standing water while maintaining structural strength. Other embodiments may include an arcuate upper surface, a horizontal upper surface, or other designs. The lower surface may be the same or different from the upper surface. It is understood that different designs may have advantages and disadvantages that suit their use, and all such variations are within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 4A and 4B illustrate a locking assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The locking assembly 104 includes a body 114 having a passage 115 through which the upper support 102 (fig. 3) slides. The passages 115 may be customized for the upper support 102 to allow translation of the upper support 102 while preventing ingress of moisture and particulate matter. Body 114 is attached to lower support 106 to close passageway 115 at a first end while maintaining passageway 115 in fluid communication with the interior of lower support 106. The body 114 may be attached to the lower support 106 by at least one fastener that may be selectively sealingly engaged (e.g., via a threaded connection or mechanical seal), using an adhesive, epoxy or resin, or using other fasteners.

A lock 116 is configured to selectively engage the upper support 102 to constrain axial movement of the upper support 102. The locking assembly 104 also includes a raised surface 124 in the passageway. The lock 116 may be implemented using a variety of fasteners or biasing mechanisms.

Referring to fig. 4B, in an exemplary embodiment, the lock 116 'may be configured to translate into the passage 115 to abut the upper support 102 in response to the bolt 120 being tightened in a corresponding threaded channel (not shown) in the body 114'. The locking assembly 104 'also includes a raised surface 126 in the passage 115 opposite the translating member 117, which is implemented as a ledge (i.e., a flat surface against which the upper support 102 remains when engaged with the lock 116'). Other embodiments of the locking elements 116, 116' may employ corresponding nuts or the like, use clips or other fasteners, or operate using a rotational-translational motion. Any type of fastener may be used to engage the locking members 116, 116'.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the electrical system passes through the lower and upper supports and provides power to the attached lighting devices 122. Embodiments of the present invention may also include wiring 112 and guide members located within the upper and lower support members. The guide member 108 may be implemented as a fluid-tight electrical conduit or similar fluid-tight tubing. In addition to or instead of guide member 108, wiring chamber 160 may be located inside lower support member 106, as described below with reference to fig. 6.

Fig. 5A-5D illustrate a base according to an embodiment of the present invention. The base 130 includes a channel 140 between the base first end 132 and the base second end 134. The base 130 is configured for coupling with a fluid-tight tubing (e.g., electrical tubing) and the lower support 106 at respective ends of the fluid-tight tubing and lower support opposite the locking assembly 104. The channel is fluid-tight with the fluid-tight electrical conduit when coupled with the tubular. Threaded

connections

144 and 146 effect sealing engagement with the tubing and lower bearing 106, respectively. When connected, the base 130 is configured to isolate the interior of the fluid-tight electrical conduit from the annular space 109 between the lower support 106 and the guide member 108. The threaded connection 142 at the second end 134 provides a sealing engagement with the interior of the junction box 150. Drain holes 136 allow condensate or other moisture to drain from annular space 109.

Referring to fig. 6, the wiring chamber 160 may include electrical conduits or the like, but may not be necessary to guide the biasing member 110 or the upper support 102. The wiring compartment may include an adapter 162. In some embodiments, adapter 162 and wiring compartment 160 (or guide member 108) may be coupled by a threaded engagement. Wire seal 164 may be used to prevent moisture from entering wire chamber 160 (or guide member 108). The electric wire 112 includes an elastic coiled portion 166 configured to conform to the length of the portion of the upper support above the locking mechanism. The resilient coiled portion 166 is configured such that when the upper support 102 is lowered, the portion 166 will re-coil, thereby preventing bunching (buckling) of the wire 112 along the inner surface of the wire chamber 160 (or guide member 108).

A lighting device 122 is connected to the upper support 102. The illumination source of the illumination device 122 is powered through a connection to an electrical system that includes a power source and wiring 112. The power source may be supplied from the outside or provided in a base which may serve as a support for the first rod. The wires are protected within the support. More specifically, the electric wires are received in the guide member or wiring chamber of the lower support and the inner chamber of the upper support. This positioning decouples the wires from the spring assist system (e.g., biasing member 110). The provision of a separate housing for the wiring 112 prevents the wires from interacting with or being damaged by the spring assist device. Furthermore, the sealed conduit of the guide member or wiring compartment isolates the wires from moisture, which can also cause problems.

Figures 7A-7L illustrate various modes of use including wall mounting and spring mounting. As will be apparent, those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which the above-described pole support system may be installed.

Modifiers such as "upper" and "lower" have been used herein to recite features of the invention. These terms are used purely for convenience of description. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the elements of the present invention may be mounted and operated at different angles. Further, elements described above as upper, lower, top, lower, etc. may be reversed. Fig. 8 illustrates a rod support system for an industrial lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pole support system 800 includes an upper support 806 and a telescoping lower support 802 that retracts into the upper support 806 via a locking assembly. It is evident that this configuration will have related advantages and disadvantages different from the above configuration, but will operate in a similar manner by means of a telescopic support in combination with a spring assist.

The above discussion has focused primarily on embodiments of the invention for use with industrial light poles. Other embodiments may be used with other types of elongated objects or in other environments. It should be understood that many variations of the inventive concepts disclosed herein are possible. To the extent that such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, they are intended to be covered by this patent.

Claims

1. A pole support system, comprising:

a tubular lower support;

a guide member located inside the lower support, the guide member extending along a length of the lower support such that an annular space is formed between the lower support and the guide member, and the guide member is configured as a fluid-tight tube;

a base coupled to the guide member and the lower support, the base being coupled to the guide member such that an interior of the guide member is isolated from the annular space;

a telescopic upper support located within the lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in the annular space between the lower support and the guide member;

a biasing member biasing the upper support to the extended position; and

a locking assembly partially enclosing the lower support at an end of the lower support opposite the base, the locking assembly comprising:

a body having a passageway through which the upper support slides, the body attached to the lower support to close the passageway at a first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the lower support; and

a lock configured to engage the upper support to constrain axial movement of the upper support,

wherein the base is configured for fluid-tight coupling with the fluid-tight tubing and the lower support at respective ends opposite the locking assembly.

2. The pole support system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring in an annular space between the lower support and the housing.

3. The pole support system of claim 1, wherein the body is attached to the lower support by at least one sealably engageable fastener.

4. The pole support system of claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises a fluid-tight electrical conduit.

5. The pole support system of claim 4, the base configured to isolate an interior of a fluid-tight electrical conduit from an annular space between the lower support and the housing.

6. The pole support system of claim 5, wherein the base includes a channel between a first end of the base and a second end of the base, the channel being fluid-tight with the fluid-tight electrical conduit.

7. The pole support system of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a translating member configured to translate into the passageway to abut the upper support.

8. The rod support system of claim 7, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a raised surface in the passageway opposite the translating member.

9. The pole support system of claim 8, wherein the raised surface is a ledge.

10. The pole support system of claim 1, further comprising an electrical harness, wherein a portion of the electrical harness within the upper support is configured to conform to a length of a portion of the upper support above the locking mechanism.

11. The pole support system of claim 10, further comprising a wire seal.

12. The pole support system of claim 1, wherein the guide member is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the lower support.

13. A pole support system, comprising:

a tubular lower support;

a fluid-tight wiring chamber located inside the lower support, the wiring chamber extending substantially along the length of the lower support and configured as a fluid-tight tube, wherein the wiring chamber blocks fluid flow from the inside of the lower support to a location outside the lower support;

a telescopic upper support located inside the lower support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the upper support being at least partially received in an annular space between the lower support and the wiring chamber;

a biasing member biasing the upper support to the extended position; and

a locking assembly partially encircling the lower support at one end thereof, the locking assembly comprising:

a lock configured to engage the upper support to constrain axial movement of the upper support.

14. The pole support system of claim 13, wherein the body is configured to sealingly engage a tubular lower support.

15. A pole support system, comprising:

a tubular upper support;

a guide member located inside the upper support, the guide member extending substantially along a length of the upper support and the guide member configured as a fluid tight tube;

a telescopic lower support axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position;

a biasing member biasing the lower support to the extended position;

a base coupled to the upper support, the base configured to isolate an interior of an electrical conduit from an annular space formed between the upper support and a guide member;

a channel formed between a first end of the base and a second end of the base, wherein the channel is fluidly sealed from the electrical conduit; and

a locking assembly partially encircling the upper support at one end thereof, the locking assembly comprising:

a body having a passageway through which the lower support slides, the body attached to the upper support to close the passageway at a first end while maintaining the passageway in fluid communication with the interior of the upper support; and

a lock configured to engage with the lower support to constrain axial movement of the lower support,

wherein the base is configured for fluid-tight coupling with the fluid-tight tubing and the upper support at respective ends opposite the locking assembly.

16. The pole support system of claim 15, comprising a wiring chamber located inside the lower support.

17. The pole support system of claim 16, wherein the wiring chamber extends substantially along a length of the lower support.

18. A pole support system, comprising:

a tubular upper support;

a wiring chamber located inside the upper support, the wiring chamber extending substantially along a length of the upper support, and the wiring chamber configured as a fluid-tight tube, wherein the wiring chamber blocks fluid flow from inside the upper support to a location outside the upper support;

a telescopic lower support located inside the upper support and axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the lower support being at least partially received in an annular space between the upper support and the wiring chamber;

a biasing member biasing the lower support to the extended position; and

a lock configured to engage with the lower support to constrain axial movement of the lower support.