IES85071Y1 - Lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A lighting apparatus (1,2) comprising optical elements (3), electrical elements and an attachment device (4), the optical elements (3) comprising a refractor unit (10) attachable to the attachment device (4), the refractor unit (10) having an interior surface which has a generally concave shape along its longitudinal axis, with alight source (1 1) mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit (10) by means of a lampholcler(11a) positioned in the attachment device (4), the optical elements (3) further comprising a rotatable reflector unit (12) mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit (10) by means of a fixing device (5) wherein the reflector unit (123) is positioned between the refractor unit (10) and the light source (11). The position of the rotatable reflector unit (12) can be altered to achieve one or more light distrubution effects.

Description

LIGHTING APPARATUS The present invention relates to an electrical lighting apparatus and in particular to an electrical lighting apparatus suitable for commercial and industrial environments.

Irish patent 883099 discloses a luminaire apparatus comprising a housing containing optical and electrical elements. The optical element included a reflector unit that has a generally concave shape along its longitudinal axis with a bulb mounted centrally along the longitudinal axis in the interior of the reflector unit. The interior surface of the reflector unit has a plurality of reflective facets that greatly increase the reflective capacity of the apparatus over known prior art such as conventional high bay and fluorescent lighting installations. Illumination of warehouses and large warehouse type stores where the lighting apparatus is mounted at heights of 6m and higher have improved significantly.

However in order to achieve optimum energy savings and the most effective illumination using the disclosed luminaire apparatus it has been found that the luminaire apparatus needs to be mounted at heights of 6m to 14m.

Traditionally in domestic premises or conventional retail environments ceilings are lower than 6m. Surface mounted or recessed lighting apparatus are normally used on said lower ceilings to illuminate the area beneath the ceiling. The lighting apparatus disclosed in 883099 does not operate efficiently in these types of environments. The lighting apparatus disclosed in S83099 only illuminates in a downward plane thus above the actual light fitting is dark, creating a tunnel effect. This type of light is not suitable for domestic or conventional retail environments as it does not provide an aesthetically pleasing surrounding especially for shoppers in retail environments.

It is the object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the aforementioned problems.

The present invention provides a lighting apparatus comprising optical elements, electrical elements and an attachment device, the optical elements comprising a refractor unit attachable to the attachment device, the refractor unit having an interior surface which has a generally concave shape along its longitudinal axis, with a light source mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit by means of a lampholder positioned in the attachment device, the optical elements further comprising a rotatable reflector unit mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit by means of a fixing device wherein the reflector unit is positioned between the refractor unit and the light source.

Advantageously the lighting apparatus comprises one or more optical elements.

In a first embodiment the lighting apparatus comprises a pair of optical elements positioned at opposing sides of the attachment device forming an elongate linear structure.

In a second embodiment the lighting apparatus comprises two pairs of optical elements, each optical element in a pair positioned at opposing sides of the attachment device forming an overall cruciform shaped structure.

Ideally the attachment device further comprises support means. Preferably the refractor unit is supported by support means when attached to the attachment device. Conveniently the support means and refractor unit can be held in position in the attachment device by fixing means.

Preferably the attachment device accommodates all necessary electrical and power control infrastructures of the lighting apparatus. Optionally the attachment device has a plurality of air vent openings to prevent overheating of the lighting apparatus.

Ideally the reflector unit is attached to the attachment device by means of a fixing device.

The fixing device enables the reflector unit to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the lighting apparatus. Optionally the fixing device comprises a cam system within a cradle harness. It is of course understood that the invention is not limited to this type of fixing device which is given by way of example only. Any suitable fixing device that enables the reflector unit to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the lighting apparatus known to the person skilled in the art can be used.

Optionally a further fixing device can be placed at the opposite end of the reflector unit remote the attachment device.

Ideally the position of the rotatable internal reflector unit can be altered to achieve one or more of the following light distribution effects; down-lighting, wherein the illuminating light from the apparatus is focussed away from the ceiling towards the ground; up-lighting wherein the illuminating light from the apparatus is focussed towards the ceiling away from the ground; asymmetric lighting wherein the light is directed at an angle.

Alternatively a combination of down-lighting, up-lighting or asymmetric lighting at various levels can be used. Advantageously it is possible to programme movement of the reflector unit, hence programme the direction of light emitted.

Conveniently the reflector unit is formed from a highly reflective material, for example, high polished high purity aluminium. It is of course understood that any suitable reflective material known to the person skilled in the art can be used. Advantageously the reflector unit can also be used to reflect heat away from the surface of the refractor unit.

Conveniently the refractor unit is formed from a highly refractive material, for example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the refractor unit is made from a machined acrylic material which contains prismatic optics within the highly polished refractive surface of the material. Ideally to achieve the prismatic optics the acrylic material is formed in a vacuum.

Examples of such material are known to persons skilled in the art.

Conveniently the lighting apparatus accommodates multi—wattage and/or multl-light SOUl'C9S.

Preferably in the first embodiment of the lighting apparatus, the light source comprises linear surface mounted and/or recessed luminaire, capable of accommodating a plurality of light sources, for example, a 35W, 36W or 54W light source typically 1200mm in length or a 49W, 58W or 80W light source typically 1500mm in length.

Preferably in the second embodiment of the lighting apparatus, the light source comprises a range of compact fluorescent light sources, for example, varying from 36W, 40W, 55W and 80W.

Advantageously a plurality of different wattage light sources can be contained within one apparatus.

Such a range of light sources offers the user the ability to tailor the lighting design criteria all the while using the same lighting apparatus. It is of course to be understood that the lighting apparatus is not limited to this type of light source, the aforementioned wattages or the aforementioned length of the light source, indeed any suitable light source, wattage or length can be used in the apparatus of the invention.

Preferably the lighting apparatus is designed to provide focussed illumination, in particular when using either a standard 26mm diameter linear tube known as a T8 or a standard 16mm diameter linear tube known as a T5 or compact multi-wattage single ended lamps.

Ideally the T8 and T5 are used in the first embodiment of the lighting apparatus and the compact mu|ti—wattage single ended lamps are used in the second embodiment lighting apparatus.

Optionally the light source comprises a photometric light source.

Conveniently it is also possible to adjust the illumination levels emitted from the lighting apparatus. Advantageously this can be achieved using a building management system whereby the lighting apparatus can be remotely programmed to achieve different lighting levels.

A further embodiment of the lighting apparatus of the present invention is fitted with an integrated intellect system which allows for each apparatus to track the presence of natural light and react accordingly to predetermined light levels. Alternatively this is achieved by programming levels on an integrated sensor which then track daylight availability.

Optionally the lighting apparatus comprises an integrated address system which facilitates programming of the apparatus and enables the apparatus to readily accept a command and reflect the lighting aspiration i.e. mood settings, optical changes, colour changes, etc.

Conveniently the apparatus can be programmed using a remote PC at commissioning stage or alternatively while in place to set different lighting programmes for example during a specific retailing and commercial event. Further examples include fashion displays or typical merchandising fares which are tailored in terms of lighting aesthetics.

Optionally a program can be uploaded and addressed to either individual lighting apparatuses or globally to all of the apparatuses in place.

Ideally the lighting apparatus comprises one or more sensors, for example, PS425A sensors which detect levels of light within the building and indeed external influences which would affect the level of illumination required within the building. Ideally the user is able to program the intellect system so that when the illuminated area is unoccupied, illumination levels are reduced to a minimum light level. The advantage of this system for the user is that the intellect system provides background lighting while offering a minimal energy consumption e.g. after businesses have shut, retail, commercial or otherwise, it may be preferable to offer background lighting for cleaning of work areas or general highlight of merchandising.

Optionally the lighting apparatus further comprises one or more integrated LEDs.

Conveniently the system can track the visible light spectrum and pay particular attention to areas of notable interest for example, shop displays at night or decorative and valued commercial displays during the day. Advantageously when the light levels are reduced the integrated LEDs can be programmed to scroll the visible spectrum from blue to red and offer a pleasing aesthetic lighting, for example, to passers by where buildings have visible frontages. Advantageously LEDs have a lifecycle of between 5 to 10 years. This means that if the LEDs remain on for long periods of time, for example, overnight there will not be any consequences to the effective lifecycle of the lighting apparatus of the present invention.

Ideally in addition to tracking of natural light, the intellect system also provides means for integrated occupancy dynamic detection.

Conveniently the intellect system further provides instantaneous responses to changes in occupancy and natural light which in turn provides for efficient use of the apparatus thus energy during periods of non-occupancy by either switching down or switching off the apparatus. Ideally the intellect system is provided with a default mechanism which enables the lighting apparatus to reduce their power consumption from 100% to 5%, thus maintaining lighting to all apparatus while enhancing lighting quality.

Ideally the lighting apparatus has a light output ratio range of approximately 92% to 98%.

Preferably the light output ratio is approximately 96% therefore the energy demands of each apparatus is particularly low. The light output ratio is determined by the efficiency of the lighting apparatus in a controlled laboratory environment. it is of course understood that this level will vary in accordance with different environments.

Preferably the lighting apparatus of the present invention is further provided with a height adjusting device wherein the lighting apparatus can be lowered from its position on the ceiling and subsequently returned to its starting position at ceiling level. This facility enables users to lower that apparatus to easily access the fittings for the purpose of changing the light source, for example, if a bulb has blown and then readily return to its original position. The advantage of this is that it allows relamping whilst reducing costs significantly. It also avoids the necessity for scaffolding or the hiring of access equipment and eliminates any safety issues pertaining to relamping.

Advantageously the lighting apparatus can be raised and lowered by remotely programming the integrated address system.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example only, two embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings; Figure 1 is a side view of the first embodiment of the lighting apparatus of the invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the lighting apparatus of the invention; Figure 3 is a side view of the refractor device of the apparatus of the invention; Figures 4a to 4d are cross-sectional side views of the reflector device of the apparatus of the invention in different positions showing different light distribution effects; Figure 5 is a side view of the fixing device of the apparatus of the invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of the metal fixing device of the second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional partial side view of the metal fixing device and support means of the lighting apparatus of the invention.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is shown a first embodiment of the lighting apparatus 1. In the first embodiment the lighting apparatus 1 comprises a pair of optical elements 3 positioned at opposing sides of the attachment device 4 forming an elongate linear structure. Figure 2 is a plan view of the second embodiment of the lighting apparatus 2, therein four optical elements 3 are attached to the attachment device 4 forming an overall cruciform shaped structure.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4a to 4d and 5, the optical elements comprise a refractor unit which is attachable at one end 10a to the attachment device 4. The refractor unit 10 has a highly polished refractive interior surface 10b which has a generally concave shape along its longitudinal axis. As seen in the cross sectional side view of Figure 4a, the refractor unit whilst being a single machined unit in effect comprises three members, two side members 101 and 102 which taper towards a third arcuate member 103 which connects the two tapering side members 101 and 102. The refractor unit is formed by manipulating a sheet of machined acrylic material to achieve the desired positions of the three members 101, 102 and 103. The taper angles and arcuate angle are predetermined to achieve maximum refraction and illumination in the desired direction. The refractor unit also contains prismatic optics within the highly polished refractive interior surface 10b.

Two tracking lines are provided on the interior surface of the third arcuate member 103 of each refractor unit 10 to ensure that the profile and rigidity of the refractor unit 10 is retained when the refractor unit is placed in position on the lighting apparatus 1, 2.

A light source 11 is also mounted on the attachment device 4 so that it is positioned centrally along the longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit 10 by means of a lampholder 11a (See Figures 6 and 7) positioned in the attachment device 4. The lighting apparatus 1 comprises either linear surface mounted or recessed luminaire, capable of accommodating a plurality of light sources 11, for example, a 35W, 36W or 54W light source typically 1200mm in length or a 49W, 58W or 58W light source typically 1500mm in length. in contrast the second embodiment of the lighting apparatus 2 comprises a range of compact fluorescent light sources 11, for example, varying from 36W, 40W, 55W and Bow.

Either embodiment of the lighting apparatus 1 or 2 are designed to provide focussed illumination. One method of achieving this is by using either a standard 26mm diameter linear tube known as a T8 or a standard 16mm diameter linear tube known as a T5 or a compact multi-wattage single ended lamp. Ideally the T8 and T5 are used in the first embodiment of the lighting apparatus 1 and the compact multi-wattage single ended lamps are used in the second embodiment of the lighting apparatus 2.

The optical element 3 further comprise a rotatable reflector unit 12 mounted centrally along the longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit 10 by means of a fixing device 5 (Figure 5). The reflector unit 12 is formed from a highly reflective material, for example, high polished high purity aluminium. The fixing device 5 enables the reflector unit 12 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the lighting apparatus 1, 2. The fixing device comprises a cam system (not shown) within a cradle harness 5a. The reflector unit 12 is positioned between the refractor unit 10 and the light source 12 so that when the reflector unit 12 rotates it can achieve one or more of the following light distribution effects; (a) asymmetric lighting (Figures 4a and 4b) wherein the light is directed at an angle; (b) down-lighting (Figure 4c) wherein the illuminating light from the apparatus is focussed away from the ceiling towards the ground; and (c) up-lighting (Figure 4d) wherein the illuminating light from the apparatus is focussed towards the ceiling away from the ground.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, there is shown a cross sectional plan view of the attachment device 4 for the second embodiment 2 of the lighting apparatus. The attachment device 4 comprises a cruciform shaped central portion 6. It is appreciated that the attachment device for the first embodiment of the lighting apparatus of the invention comprises a linear shaped central portion instead of a cruciform shaped central portion 6.

The lampholders 11a are positioned at each end of the central portion 6. A quick release mains plug 6a is also positioned on the central portion 6.

Support means 7 are attached to the central portion 6. The refractor unit 10 is supported by support means 7 and secured to the attachment device by means of a securing pin 6b which inserts into the central portion 6. Each refractor unit 10 is fitted with a slot mechanism 100 (Figure 6) which allows the refractor unit 10 to be placed into the correct docking position in the central portion 6. Once the refractor unit 10 has reached the correct position a pim nut (not shown) locates the securing pin 6b. The tracking lines provided on the interior surface 10b of each refractor unit to ensure that the profile of the refractor unit 10 is retained and also provides rigidity to the refractor unit 10 once it is tightened into position using the pim nut.

The attachment device 4 accommodates all necessary electrical and power control infrastructures for the lighting apparatus 1, 2. The attachment device 4 has a plurality of air vent openings (not shown) to prevent overheating of the lighting apparatus 1, 2.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

MACLACHLAN & DONALDSON Applicant's Agents, Merrion Square, DUBLIN 2

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting apparatus comprising at least one optical element, electrical elements and an attachment device, the or each optical element comprising a refractor unit attachable to the attachment device, the refractor unit having an interior surface which has a generally concave shape along its longitudinal axis, with a light source mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit by means of a lampholder positioned in the attachment device , the or each optical element further comprising a rotatable reflector unit mountable centrally along the said longitudinal axis in the interior of the refractor unit by means of a fixing device wherein the reflector unit is positioned between the refractor unit and the light source.

2. A lighting apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lighting apparatus comprises one or more optical elements, optionally, the lighting apparatus comprises a pair of optical elements positioned at opposing sides of the attachment device forming an elongate linear structure, optionally, the lighting apparatus comprises two pairs of optical elements, each optical element in a pair positioned at opposing sides of the attachment device forming an overall cruciform shaped structure, optionally, the light source comprises a photometric light source, and optionally. the lighting apparatus further comprises one or more integrated light emitting diodes.

3. A lighting apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the fixing device comprises a cam system within a cradle harness, optionally a further fixing device is attached to the reflector unit at the end of the reflector unit remote from the attachment device, optionally the attachment device further comprises support means, and optionally the attachment device further comprises a plurality of air vent openings.

4. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting apparatus further comprises an integrated control system, optionally, the integrated control system comprises one or more integrated S€|'lSO|'S, optionally, the integrated control system further comprises means for integrated occupancy dynamic detection, optionally, the lighting apparatus further comprises an integrated address system, and optionally, the lighting apparatus further comprises a height adjusting device.

5. A lighting apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.