GB2499233A - Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling - Google Patents
Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2499233A GB2499233A GB1202294.3A GB201202294A GB2499233A GB 2499233 A GB2499233 A GB 2499233A GB 201202294 A GB201202294 A GB 201202294A GB 2499233 A GB2499233 A GB 2499233A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- light fixture
- lower assembly
- installation
- fixture according
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 title 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 title 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 title 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 title 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 41
- 239000012777 electrically insulating material Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005674 electromagnetic induction Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 15
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003760 hair shine Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011505 plaster Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008571 general function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010445 mica Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052618 mica group Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000246 remedial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/096—Magnetic devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
- F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/02—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The light fixture comprises a first assembly which includes induction coils 5, electronic components 3 and permanent magnets 6, and is arranged to be installed on one side of an insulating panel, such as a ceiling. The fixture has a second assembly which is installed on the opposite side of the panel, and includes induction coils 7, electronic control components 9, and permanent magnets 8. A lamp and optics 10 are connected to the second assembly. The permanent magnets align and hold the two assemblies together. The light fixture can be installed without drilling holes through the panel, and without connecting cables between the power source on one side of the panel and the lighting components on the other side of the panel.
Description
1
A fixture for an electronically controlled light source, electronic control circuits, power transmission components and associated methods
DESCRIPTION DEFINITION OF TERMS
Downlight fitting - The receptacle portion of a downlight fixture to which a lamp is attached and comprised of a receptacle and associated parts and electrical wiring.
Downlight fixture - The entirety of a downlight, comprised of one or more fittings, one or more lamps, associated parts, electrical wiring and electrical or electronic control mechanisms.
Fire-rated recessed downlight - A lighting fixture that meets the building safety standard for a light fixture recessed into a fire resistant ceiling structure.
LED - Light-emitting diode.
Recessed downlight fixture - A lighting fixture intended to be mounted in a hole recessed into a ceiling or wall in such a way that the lamp of the fixture shines out into the space to be illuminated while all or a substantial portion of the fixture is hidden from view.
2
Surfaces of installation - The planar surfaces on either side of an approximately flat, thin structure, such as a plaster board ceiling panel, against which the invention is installed.
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recessed downlight fixtures are well known in the art. These light fixtures are usually fitted to a ceiling in such a manner that the fixture is wholly or partially set within a hole made at a suitable location and to a suitable depth in the plane of the ceiling. The light emitted by the lamp component of the downlight fixture shines through the hole to illuminate the space below it. The lower most extremity of a recessed downlight fixture is approximately aligned with the plane of the ceiling, the fixture and its components parts being recessed into the space above the material comprising the ceiling such as the roof space above the room in which the downlight fixture is installed. Suitable wiring for electrical power and other components of the downlight fixture are connected to the downlight fitting and made a part of it, all of which being recessed within the space above the ceiling. In this way the components of a recessed downlight fixture other than the lamp, a surrounding flange and any translucent covering over the lamp and any facia covering fitted over the flange are hidden above the ceiling from view by persons in the room below. Electrical power is supplied to a downlight fitting and to the lamp component of the downlight fixture through wiring installed in the
3
space above the ceiling and connected to the portion of the fitting recessed into that space.
Modern building safety codes and regulations require that the ceilings of the individual floors within buildings be constructed of such materials and in such manners as to provide minimum standards of protection for the floors above from fires burning in the floors below. The hole required to be made in a ceiling to mount a recessed downlight fixture lessens the fire resistance of that ceiling by providing an access to the space above the ceiling for fires burning in the room below. From this space fire, heat and smoke may propagate from the floor below, allowing fires to spread between the floors of a builiding.
Recessed downlight fixtures have been created to provide a means by which they may provide an element of fire protection to the ceilings in which they are installed. These fixtures typically utilize fittings consisting of a cylindrical metal can, closed at one end and open at the other. Downlight fixtures have been arrange so that the lamp faces the open end of the can and is connected through the closed end by electrical conductors to an electrical connection block mounted on the fitting or fixture adjacent to the closed end. A flange is provided around the open end of can such that when the fixture is inserted into a hole of the same or slightly larger diameter as that of the can, the flange fits tightly against the downward surface of the ceiling over the whole. In this way, the ceiling, the flange and the can of a downlight fixture form a continuous or nearly continuous surface, acting as a fire shield to eliminate or diminish access for fire otherwise
4
created by the hole in the ceiling into with the fixture is installed. A recessed downlight fixture is said to be fire-rated when the installed fixture can compensate for the lessening of the fire-resistant qualities of the ceiling into which it is installed caused by the necessity of making a hole in that ceiling to accommodate the fixture do so to such a degree that the combination of ceiling and installed fixture meets the minimum standards for fire resistance applicable to a particular installation under consideration.
A facia of some utilitarian or decorative design and so constructed as to permit the passage of light from the lamp to the room below may be fitted over the intersection of the flange, the fitting and the ceiling to further obscure the hole and the area of contact between the downlight fixture and the ceiling.
Such recessed downlight fixtures and fittings as are known in the art must be held in place by some means so that they do not become dislodged and fall downwardly from the ceiling and so that the flange and can may maintain a tight seal over the hole into which the fixture is installed. Heretofore, such a means has been provided by spring loaded clamps attached to the outer surfaces of downlight fixtures that engage with the upper surface of the ceiling materials into which the fixtures are installed. Once engaged, these clamps hold the fixture in place by applying a clamping pressure on the upper surface of the ceiling material in conjunction with the flange opposing the further vertical movement of the fixture through contact between the flange and the corresponding area of the lower surface of the ceiling. These clamps are activated by the act of inserting a fixture
5
into a ceiling. During this action contact between the fixture and ceiling releases the spring action and the spring then forces the clamps against the ceiling in the manner described. Once activated, the clamps are automatically and permanently deployed.
The present art has several disadvantages. The spring loaded clamps may not deploy correctly or to a sufficient extent to hold a recessed fixture firmly to the ceiling, or if deployed correctly and to the desired full extent, the springs maintaining the clamping pressure may weaken and thus permit a gap to form between the flange and the ceiling such that the function of the fixture as a fire shield is diminished. Even where the spring clamps are deployed correctly, the flange and ceiling might not form a perfect seal due to irregularities in the shape of one or the other or both.
Heat generated by the lamp component of such a fixture builds up within the can unless a means of ventilation is provided. This means of ventilation is typically provided by an arrangement of holes in the upper most surface of the can. These holes provide apertures for fire to transit through the fixture from the floor below the fixture to the space and then the floor above it.
This problem has been partially addressed through the inclusion of intumescent materials in downlight fixtures, as is taught by GB24222191. These nonflammable materials, commonly mica powder incorporated and formed to shape in a thermoplastic base, are intended to react to the heat generated by a fire by
6
expanding and so to seal openings in and around a fixture in which it is incorporated. Intumescent materials are commonly placed around ventilation holes in the can of a fixture and around the upper surface of the flange. Should such an installed fixture be exposed to fire in the room below it, the heat of the fire would cause the intumescent material in the fixture to expand to fill the spaces around it. Provided that the intumescent material in properly fitted to the fixture and provide further that it is securely anchored in place so that upon expansion it does not dislodge itself from its intended position, the expansion of the intumescent material may form an effective fire seal. However, the fitting of the intumescent material and the securing it to the appropriate positions within or upon a recessed downlight fixture substantially increases the complexity of the design of such a fixture and the cost of its manufacture
A further advance in the art is taught by GB1010302.6 where a plate formed of intumescent material is used to form the upper or closed end of the can portion of a recessed light fixture and the ventilation necessary to dissipate heat from the lamp portion of the fixture is provided by one or more holes or slots made directly in the intumescent plate, such that the correct and secure placement of the intumescent material is insured. According to the art, the internal structure of the can is simplified by an arrangement whereby the receptacle fitting for the lamp and the lamp itself is housed inside of the can and electrical or electronic components are housed in an abutment to the outer surface of the fixture.
7
There remains in the art several problems related to fire-rated, recesses downlight fixture. Specifically, those problems are:
The complexity of the fitting component, whether containing the electrical or electronic components within the can or mounted as an abutment to the outer surface of the fixture make the manufacture more difficult than it would otherwise be and the resulting fixtures more costly.
The amount of heat generated by the electrical and electronic components of a recessed fixture requires a means of dissipating that heat to avoid damage to the fixture. Where ventilation holes or slots are used to dissipate heat, the holes or slots create a means for fire to pass through the fixture, requiring the remedial addition of intumescent materials. Where LED lamps are used in recessed downlight fixtures, or any other sort of heat sensitive lamps are used, heat sinks must be employed to avoid damage to the LED optics from heat generated by the electronic control circuits mounted within or upon the can portion of the fixture.
To maintain a seal between the flange and the lower surface of the ceiling around a recessed downlight fixture, spring-loaded clamps are used to hold the fixture in place. The installation of such fixtures is difficult and requires skilled workers resulting in higher installation costs than would be incurred if the fixtures were easier to install.
The lamps and facia of fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures cannot be replaced without disconnecting the fixtures from the electrical supply and removing the
8
fixtures from the ceiling in which they are installed. This removal is difficult because of the spring-loaded clamps holding the fixtures in place and because of the complex shapes of the fixtures, requiring skilled workers to what would otherwise be simple tasks, such as replacing faulty lamps.
The removal of recessed fixtures often results in damage to the ceiling around the hole from which a fixture is extracted caused by the spring-loaded clamping appendages being drawn through the ceiling. This damage to a ceiling further reduces its effectiveness as a fire barrier and may create additional apertures for the transmission of fire and for which a replaced fixture is not designed to compensate.
The use of induction coils to transmit electrical power has long been known in the art, as is demonstrated by US0405859 and US0447920, but this teaching has not been applied to fire-rated downlight fixtures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTON
The present invention relates to a fire-rated downlight fixture for an electronically controlled light source comprised of a lighting receptacle, one or more lamps, optical components appropriate to the lamp or lamps used, a kit of parts for a lighting receptacle or to another electrical or electronic device, electrical wiring, electronic control circuits for controlling lighting, electrical power transmission
9
and reception components, permanent magnets and a methods for arranging these components and connecting them together so as to provide a fire-rated downlight fixture for LED, compact fluorescent, halogen or similar lamps utilizing electronic control circuitry. More particularly, aspects of the invention relate to a light fixture comprised of two assemblies arranged so that the upper assembly of the invention, containing a ridged frame of electrically insulating material, electronic control and power transmission components and associated parts and permanent magnets may be installed on one side of the surfaces of installation such as the upper surface of a ceiling panel. The lower assembly containing a ridged frame of electrically insulating material, power reception and electronic control components, a lamp or lamps, optical components, associated parts and permanent magnets may be installed on the other side of that surface, such as the downwardly facing side of a ceiling panel, and in the direction in which it is desired that the light from the lamp component of the lower assembly is to shine. The two assemblies are positioned so as to be directly opposite each other on either side of the surfaces of installation and are held in place by the magnetic attraction of magnets of sufficient strength to hold the two assemblies in place without requiring that a hole be made in the surfaces of installation or that other means of attachment be used. Power to operate the lamp component of the lower assembly is transmitted through the surfaces of installation from the upper assembly to the lower assembly by means of electro-magnetic induction. The resulting fixture is simplified so as not to require a high degree of skill for its installation nor to require that the upper assembly be removed from the position in
10
which it is installed in order to change, remove or replace the lower assembly or the components within or on that lower assembly.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 depicts a cutaway elevation view of the invention installed against a ceiling panel as a downlight fixture.
Figure 2 depicts the upper assembly of the invention viewed from below.
Figure 3 depicts a plan view of the upper assembly.
Figure 4 depicts the lower assembly of the invention viewed from below.
Figure 5 depicts a plan view of the lower assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists of two assemblies intended to be arranged in a column with one assembly referred to here as the upper assembly positioned above and one assembly referred to here as the lower assembly positioned below a thin, flat surface such as a plaster board ceiling panel and separated from each other by that surface. The upper assembly forms an electrical connection with or is in electrical
11
contact with an electrical power supply current of a suitable voltage and frequency through the electrical wiring components necessary to power a lamp or other electrical device of suitable composition and construction for use in a building and at a minimum is comprised of this wiring, an electrical connector structure such as a connector block, electronic circuitry as is necessary to power and control a lamp or other device and other electronic components as are necessary for the desired operation of such a lamp or device and may include an electrical power transformer, LED driver and a LED dimmer circuit if an LED lamp is used with the invention, an induction coil of a suitable orientation and of a suitable number of windings, a frame of non-conducting material to electrically insulate the upper assembly from the surface against which that assembly is placed and containing one or more permanent magnets that are deployed in a plane parallel to the plane formed by that surface. Optionally, the upper assembly may contain a mechanical attachment means such as a screw and bracket or clamp mechanism allowing the assembly to be mechanically attached to the surfaces of installation. Optionally, the upper assembly may be glued or attached with adhesive to the surface to which it is installed or moulded into that surface.
The lower assembly is comprised in part of a frame of non-conducting material to electrically insulate the assembly from the surface against which the fixture is placed and containing one or more permanent magnets deployed in a plane parallel to the plane formed by that surface and which magnets are arranged in positions so as to match the positions of the magnets contained in the frame of the upper assembly and are of sufficient strength so that with the permanent magnets
12
contained in or on the upper assembly together they are able to support the weight of the lower assembly and hold that assembly in place on the downwardly facing surface of the surfaces of installation. The lower assembly is further comprised of an induction coil of a suitable orientation and of a suitable number of windings, electronic circuitry to receive electrical power through the induction coil and power the lamp or lamps or other electrical or electronic devices affixed to the lower assembly, a lamp or lamps together with their housings and optics posited so as to shine in a downwardly direction and unimpeded by the other components of the lower assembly, the necessary wiring and a kit of parts appropriate to the uses for which the invention is used. Optionally, lower assembly may contain one or more electrical or electronic devices other than or in addition to a lamp such as smoke detectors or similar devices that are capable of functioning while being supplied with electrical power from the upper assembly through an arrangement of induction coils contained in both the upper and lower assemblies, together with the necessary wiring, control components and fitments. Optionally, the lower assembly may contain a manual electrical switch. Optionally, the lower assembly may contain a mechanical attachment means such as a screw and bracket or clamp mechanism allowing the assembly to be mechanically attached to the surface against which it is placed. Optionally, the lower assembly may be glued or attached with adhesive to that surface. Desirably, the lower assembly may contain a decorative facia covering attached to the lower assembly by some suitable means either as a removable fitment or permanently so attached.
13
In operation, the upper assembly is placed on one side of the surfaces of installation such as the upwardly facing surface of a ceiling panel and connected to a supply of electrical power through wiring by the usual methods well known in the art. The electronic circuitry components of the upper assembly are connected electrically to the supply of electrical power. The flow of electrical current through the upper assembly is regulated and modified by electronic circuitry within the upper assembly in a manner appropriate to the function of the invention, such as to provide illumination from a lamp. The electrical current is caused to fluctuate in a manner and to a degree dependent on the function of the invention and is passed through the electronic circuitry and through an induction coil incorporated into the upper assembly. This fluctuating electrical current causes the induction coil component of the upper assembly to generate a varying electro-magnetic field of a particular form, amplitude and frequency and determined by the power supplied to the upper assembly, the internal electronic circuitry of the upper assembly including the induction coil itself and the position of the upper assembly against the surfaces of installation.
The lower assembly is position on the opposite side of the surfaces of installation against which the upper assembly is positioned. The permanent magnets affixed to the frame of the lower assembly act to correctly align the lower assembly to the upper assembly through magnetic attraction to and repulsion from the permanent magnets affixed to the upper assembly. It is not necessary that the person installing the lower assembly against the surfaces of installation know the exact location or orientation of the upper assembly installed on the opposite side of that
14
structure. It is sufficient for the correct installation and operation of the invention that the approximate location of the upper assembly be known, such that when the lower assembly is applied to the downwardly facing surface of the surfaces of installation and then moved across that surface in the approximate vicinity of the upper assembly, the permanent magnets of the two assembly will attract and repel each other according to their polar orientation and so align the lower assembly in the correct position and in the correct orientation relative to the upper assembly.
With the two assemblies placed in the correct positions on the surfaces of installation and correctly orientated to each other on opposite sides of that surface, an electrical current may be supplied to the upper assembly through electrical wiring suitable for use in a building. This current is modified by the electrical circuitry of the upper assembly in accordance with the general function the invention is intended to serve and passed through the induction coil of the upper assembly. The varying current passing through the induction coil of the upper assembly causes that coil to generate a varying electro-magnetic field. This varying electro-magnetic field extends through the surfaces of installation and interacts with the induction coil of the lower assembly. The varying electromagnetic field interacting with the induction coil of the lower assembly causes that coil to generate an electrical current through that coil and through the electronic circuitry of the lower assembly connected electrically to the lower assembly induction coil. The electronic circuitry of the lower assembly modifies the electrical current so produced for use in powering the lamp component of the lower assembly. The electrical current so produced and modified is supplied to the
15
lamp component causing it to shine in a downwardly direction through optical components suitable for use with the particular type of lamp incorporate into the lower assembly so situated and configured that the light so generated is unimpeded by any other component of the lower assembly. In this way, the space downwardly of the lower assembly is illuminated by the lamp.
The lower assembly may be removed from the surfaces of installation by the action for pulling it away from the downwardly facing surface with only sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the two assemblies, that magnetic attraction being determined by the strength of the permanent magnets attached to the frames of the upper and lower assembly. For the construction of the invention, the combined strengths of the permanent magnets used for that construction are sufficient to hold the two assemblies firmly in place against the surfaces of installation, or where some other or additional attachment means is optionally used to anchor the upper assembly to the surfaces of installation in place of or in addition to the magnetic attraction provided by the permanent magnets, the strength of the permanent magnets as used is sufficient to hold the lower assembly firmly in place. The force needed to overcome the magnetic attraction between the two assemblies and so to pull the lower assembly away from the surfaces of installation is in this way limited by the light weight of the lower assembly.
The invention overcomes the problem existing in the art wherein fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures are complex and costly to manufacture. The
16
invention overcomes this problem by providing a simplified design that does not require the clamping, heatsink, flange, gasket or intumescent material components commonly employed in existing fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures and making the manufacture of the invention less difficult and costly than the manufacture of previously existing fixtures providing the same function.
The invention overcomes the problem existing in the art whereby various heatsink arrangements are necessary to protect the heat-sensitive electronic control components of a downlight fixture from the heat generating lamp components of such a fixture. The invention overcomes this problem by separating those components in such way that the heat-sensitive control components are made part of the upper assembly and the heat-generating lamp components are made part of the lower assembly. As the assemblies are not in direct physical contact with each other, the heat is not readily transferred between them. The structure of the surfaces of installation, such would be provided by installation of the invention upon a fire-rated ceiling panel, being positioned between the two assemblies, provides thermal insulation and a barrier to heat transfer from the lower assembly to the upper assembly eliminating the need for a dedicated heatsink to draw heat away from the heat-sensitive electronic control components.
The invention overcomes the problem existing in the art wherein the complexity of fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures and the need to fit a tight seal between the recessed fixtures and the surfaces into which the fixtures are installed require that such fixtures be installed by skilled workers with the attendant higher costs of
17
installation. The invention overcome this problem by providing a simplified design that is easier to install than existing fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures, does not require a hole be made in the surface of installation to install the invention, does not rely on springs to hold the invention in place, and does not require that a tight seal be maintained between the invention and the surfaces of installation, and so does not require skilled workers to install the lower assembly of the invention.
The invention overcomes the problem existing in the art wherein the lamps and facia of fire-rated recessed downlight fixtures cannot be replaced without disconnecting the fixtures from the electrical supply and removing the fixtures from the ceiling in which they are installed, requiring skilled workers to perform what would otherwise be simple tasks, such as replacing faulty lamps. The invention overcomes this problem by providing a simplified design whereby the invention is divided into two assemblies that are not in physical contact with each other and are held in place by permanent magnets mounted on the assemblies such that the lower assembly may be easily removed from the surfaces of installation by the simple action for pulling it away from the downwardly facing surface with only sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the two assemblies in an action that does not require the participation of skilled workers.
18
The invention overcome the problem existing in the art wherein the removal of recessed fixtures often results in damage to the ceiling around the hole from which a fixture is extracted, further reducing the effectiveness of such a fixture as a fire barrier and creating additional apertures for the transmission of fire and for which a replaced fixture is not designed to compensate. The invention overcomes this problem by eliminating the need to make a hole in the surfaces of installation in order for the invention to be installed. The lower assembly of the invention may be removed from the place of its installation without disturbing the installation of the upper assembly and without damage to the surfaces of installation. Where the ceiling comprising the surfaces of installation is a fire-rated ceiling intended to provide a barrier to heat, flame and smoke, the invention overcomes the disadvantage in the existing art by being so designed and constructed so as to not compromise or degrade the fire-barrier integrity of a fire-rated ceiling to which the invention is installed.
The invention will now be described in relation to the drawings.
Figure 1 depicts a cutaway elevation view of the invention. The invention is comprised of two assemblies, one positioned on the upwardly facing surface and one positioned on the downwardly facing surface of a flat, thin structure 13 such as a plasterboard ceiling panel. The upper most assembly is comprised of a ridged frame 12 of a suitable electrically insulating material. While the frame 12 is shown in the drawings as being circular in form it is understood that the frame 12 may be of other shapes, such as square or rectangular. To this frame is affixed
19
electrical connection fittings 2 such as a connection block. The electrical current of a suitable value is supplied to the invention through electrical wiring 1 connected to the connection fitting 2. Electrical current is distributed from the connection fitting 2 to electronic control circuitry 3 affixed to the frame 12. The electronic control circuitry 3 supplies a fluctuating electrical current through appropriate wiring 4 to induction coils 5 arranged around a circumference about the central axis of the frame 12. Affixed to the downward most facing side of the frame 12 are permanent magnets 6 of a polarity such as to attract or repel corresponding magnets 8 affixed to the frame 13 of the lower assembly and in this manner to determine the correct fit or otherwise of the two assemblies on opposite sides of the structure 13. While the permanent magnets 6 are shown in the drawings in a configuration placing them to the inside of the circumference of the induction coils 5 it is understood that the induction coils 5 may be constructed of a lesser circumference than that of the frame 12 and the permanent magnets 6 may be positioned on the frame 12 at a greater circumference than that of the induction coils 5 provided that this configuration in respect of the upper assembly corresponds with the configuration of the lower assembly.
The lower assembly is comprised of a ridged frame 11 of a suitable electrically insulating material to which is attached permanent magnets 8 arranged so as to correspond to the arrangement of the permanent magnets 6 of the upper assembly, of induction coils 7 arranged to correspond to the induction coils 5 of the upper assembly. While frame 11 is shown in the drawings as being circular in form it is understood that the frame 11 may be of other shapes, such as square or
20
rectangular. The induction coils 7 of the lower assembly are electronically connected to electronic control circuitry 9 which in turn proves electrical power to lamps shining downwardly through the appropriate optics 10. While the permanent magnets 8 are shown in the drawings in a configuration placing them to the inside of the circumference of the induction coils 7 it is understood that the induction coils 7 may be constructed of a lesser circumference than that of the frame 11 and the permanent magnets 8 may be positioned on the frame 11 at a greater circumference than that of the induction coils 7 provided that this configuration in respect of the lower assembly corresponds with the configuration of the upper assembly.
When electrical current is supplied to the upper assembly a fluctuating current passing through the induction coils 5 causes those coils to generate a fluctuating electro-magnetic field that extends through the structure 13 to induce a corresponding fluctuating current in the induction coils 7 component of the lower assembly. The current so induced is supplied through suitable electrical connections from the induction coils 7 to the electronic control circuits 9 and to then lamps powered thereby causing them to shine through the optics 10 and so illuminate the space downwardly of the lower assembly.
Figure 2 depicts the upper assembly of the invention viewed from below.
The permanent magnets 6 affixed to the frame 12 of the upper assembly are arranged so as to provide their magnetic field of attraction or repulsion to
21
corresponding permanent magnets 8 affixed to the frame 11 of the lower assembly. While the quantity of permanent magnets 6 shown in the drawings is four in number it is understood that they may total any convenient number so long as they are of a quantity, strength and size to suit the purpose of holding the assemblies of the invention in place without interfering with the operation of the invention and provided that they correspond in their number, alignment and orientation with the permanent magnets 6 of the upper assembly.
Figure 3 depicts a plan view of the upper assembly.
Electrical current from an external source is supplied to the invention through electrical wiring 1 to an electrical connection fitting 2 affixed to the frame 12 of the upper assembly. From the connection fitting 2 electrical current is transmitted through appropriate wiring to the electronic control circuitry 3 which in turn supplies fluctuation electrical current through appropriate wiring 4 to induction coils 5 arranged around a circumference about the central axis of the frame 12.
Figure 4 depicts the lower assembly of the invention viewed from below.
The upwardly facing surface of the frame 11 is held in contact with the structure 13 such that the lamp components of the electrical control components 9 may shine downwardly through the optics 10.
Figure 5 depicts a plan view of the lower assembly.
22
The permanent magnets 8 affixed to the frame 11 of the lower assembly are arranged so as to provide their magnetic field of attraction or repulsion to corresponding permanent magnets 6 affixed to the frame 12 of the upper assembly. While the quantity of permanent magnets 8 shown in the drawings is four in number it is understood that they may total any convenient number so long as they are of a quantity, strength and size to suit the purpose of holding the assemblies of the invention in place without interfering with the operation of the invention and provided that they correspond in their number, alignment and orientation with the permanent magnets 6 of the upper assembly.
Claims (15)
1. A light fixture comprising an upper assembly which contains a frame of electrically insulating material, electronic control and power transmission components, and associated
5 parts, and permanent magnets, the upper assembly being arranged to be installed, in use, on one side of a surface of installation, such as the upper surface of a ceiling panel, the fixture further comprising a lower assembly containing a frame of electrically insulating material, power reception and electronic control components, a lamp, optical components, associated parts and permanent magnets, the lower assembly being arranged to be installed, in use, on a surface of 10 installation on the other side of the first said surface of installation, such as on the downwardly facing side of a ceiling of a panel, and in the direction in which is desired that light from the lamp is to shine.
2. A light fixture according to claim 1, in which the upper and lower assemblies are so 15 configured that, when the assemblies are positioned so as to be directly opposite each other on either side of the surfaces of installation, the two assemblies are held in place by the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnets of one of the assemblies and those of the other of the assemblies, said attraction being of sufficient strength to hold the two assemblies in place without requiring that a hole be made in the surfaces of installation or that other means of 20 attachment be used.
3. A light fixture according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which, in use, power to operate the lamp component of the lower assembly is transmitted through the surfaces of installation, from the upper assembly to the lower assembly, by means of electromagnetic induction.
25
4. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the frames of electrically insulating material are ridged.
5. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the upper assembly 30 contains a mechanical attachment means allowing the assembly to be mechanically attached to the surfaces of installation.
24
6. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the upper assembly is so configured that it may be glued or attached with adhesive to the surface on which it is installed.
5
7. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly is in part of a frame of non-conducting material for electrically insulating the assembly from the surface against which the fixture is placed, the permanent magnets of the lower assembly being deployed in a plane, which, in use, is parallel to that of the surface against which the fixture is placed, the magnets of the lower assembly being arranged in positions which match those of 10 the magnets contained in the frame of the upper assembly.
8 A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly further comprises an induction coil of a suitable orientation and of a suitable number of windings, electronic circuitry to receive electrical power through the induction coil and power 15 the lamp or lamps.
9. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly contains one or more electrical or electronic devices other than a lamp.
20
10. A light fixture according to claim 9 in which said device other than a lamp comprises a smoke detector.
11. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly contains a manual electrical switch.
25
12. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly contains a mechanical attachment means for allowing the assembly to be mechanically attached to the surface against which it is placed.
30
13. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the lower assembly is so configured that it may be glued or attached with adhesive to the surface against which it is placed, in use.
25
14. A light fixture according to any of the preceding claims, in which the light fixture is a fire-rated downlight fixture for an electronically controlled light source.
15. A fixture substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, the 5 accompanying drawings.
CM
CD O
CO
•.'????.• INTELLECTUAL
*.*. .V PROPERTY OFFICE
26
Application No: GB 1202294.3 Examiner: Dr Geoff Walker
Claims searched: 1-15 Date of search: 16 August 2012
Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17
Documents considered to be relevant:
Category
Relevant to claims
Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance
X
1-14
EP2034240A
(Hughes Sanoner et al) See figures 1, 2, 4 & 7, and paragraphs 4 - 8 & 13
X
1-4, 6-10,
US4538214 A
13,14
(Kenneth J Fisher & William R Miller) See figure 2, and column 1 line
50 - column 2 line 12
Categories:
X
Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive
A
Document indicating technological background and/or state
step
of the art.
Y
Document indicating lack of inventive step if
P
Document published on or after the declared priority date but
combined with one or more other documents of
before the filing date of this invention.
same category.
&
Member of the same patent family
E
Patent document published on or after, but with priority date
earlier than, the filing date of this application.
Field of Search:
Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKC :
International Classification:
Subclass Subgroup Valid From
None
Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1202294.3A GB2499233A (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2012-02-09 | Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1202294.3A GB2499233A (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2012-02-09 | Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201202294D0 GB201202294D0 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
| GB2499233A true GB2499233A (en) | 2013-08-14 |
Family
ID=45929906
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1202294.3A Withdrawn GB2499233A (en) | 2012-02-09 | 2012-02-09 | Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2499233A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT201800007228A1 (en) * | 2018-07-16 | 2020-01-16 | Electric power supply device for electrical loads in environments with risk of explosion |
Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4538214A (en) * | 1983-12-29 | 1985-08-27 | American Sterilizer Company | Magnetically supported surgical light |
| EP2034240A1 (en) * | 2007-09-07 | 2009-03-11 | Solar Wide Industrial Ltd. | Canopy light |
-
2012
- 2012-02-09 GB GB1202294.3A patent/GB2499233A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4538214A (en) * | 1983-12-29 | 1985-08-27 | American Sterilizer Company | Magnetically supported surgical light |
| EP2034240A1 (en) * | 2007-09-07 | 2009-03-11 | Solar Wide Industrial Ltd. | Canopy light |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT201800007228A1 (en) * | 2018-07-16 | 2020-01-16 | Electric power supply device for electrical loads in environments with risk of explosion | |
| WO2020016711A1 (en) * | 2018-07-16 | 2020-01-23 | Politecnico Di Milano | An electric device for supplying power to electric loads in explosion risk environments |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201202294D0 (en) | 2012-03-28 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US9784443B2 (en) | Fire rated recessed lighting assembly | |
| JP6881779B2 (en) | Connector system for lighting assembly | |
| US9633584B2 (en) | Electrical outlet cover plate with signage feature | |
| US9383090B2 (en) | Floodlights with multi-path cooling | |
| US20160238225A1 (en) | Fire rated recessed lighting assembly | |
| KR20110095863A (en) | Lighting unit | |
| US10378699B2 (en) | Light panel retro-fit kits | |
| CA2939719A1 (en) | Recessed downlight with integral junction box | |
| CA2995713A1 (en) | End cap for light fixture | |
| BR0205664A (en) | Quick connect mounting for mounting electrical installations | |
| US20160356430A1 (en) | Snap in retrofit panel | |
| KR102404581B1 (en) | Retrofit LED Lighting Panel | |
| US10077877B2 (en) | Lighting device with integral acoustic dampening | |
| US10018336B2 (en) | Engagement mechanism and method for mounting lighting fixture | |
| GB2499233A (en) | Magnetically located light fixture using inductive through-surface coupling | |
| GB2490956A (en) | Lighting unit with demountable lamp housing, fireproofing and removable waterproofing structure | |
| KR200484106Y1 (en) | Combination structure of lighting fixtures cover | |
| JP2021158100A (en) | Lighting fixture and luminaire | |
| KR20080004122U (en) | Ceiling type exit-guiding light | |
| JP4494176B2 (en) | Display device | |
| EP2577152A2 (en) | Lighting assembly for ceiling board | |
| JP2007157660A (en) | Embedded lighting apparatus | |
| CA2919802C (en) | Easy install light engine retrofit kit and method for using same | |
| JP2014235984A (en) | Lighting fixture | |
| KR200483750Y1 (en) | burial type led lamp in roof with circle type fixing body |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |