KR20140023404A - Apparatus, method, and system for independent aiming and cutoff steps in illuminating a target area - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting fixture is provided that includes a plurality of modular devices, each including one or more light sources and one or more light directing or light redirecting devices. Methods of adjusting one or more components of the lighting fixture about one, two, or three axes are presented, whereby illumination requirements of the target area (even one of the complex shapes) sacrifice the transmission efficiency of the light sources. Can be handled in a manner that encourages concise instrument design with a low effective projected area (EPA).

Description

FIELD, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT AIMING AND CUTOFF STEPS IN ILLUMINATING A TARGET AREA} for independent aiming and cutoff steps in illuminating the target area

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 492,426, filed Jan. 2, 2011, under 35 USC § 119, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention generally relates to means and methods in which the target area is sufficiently illuminated by one or more lighting fixtures. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling the light projected from the light fixtures to obtain better flexibility in handling the lighting needs of a particular application without adversely affecting the size, effective projected area, or efficiency of the light fixtures. It is directed to improvements in the design and use of luminaires that allow aiming and cutoff to be separated.

Target area—In order to sufficiently illuminate a target area of a particularly complex shape, it is necessary to combine a combination of light directing (eg aiming, collimating) and light redirecting (eg blocking, reflecting) efforts. See, for example, US Application No. 7,458,700, which is well known and incorporated herein by reference. This concept is generally illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C for an example of a sports field illuminated by a plurality of raised flood-type instruments. As can be seen from FIG. 1A, in the non- aimed state, the instrument 4 is not limited to some parts of the target area 5 (typically a horizontal plane comprising a sports field as well as a finite space above and near the field). Including; This illumination is illustrated schematically by the projected beam 7, where the shaded part of the beam 7 is considered to be preferred. Adjusting the instrument 4 relative to the pole 6 (eg by rotating about its attachment point) aims the beam 7 towards the top portion of the target area 5 as desired (see FIG. 1B). Of course, this results in illumination of unwanted areas, such as the outfield stones 515. Such light, often referred to as spill light, is wasteful and potentially cumbersome (e.g. to the audience of the outfield seat 515) or dangerous (to drivers on the road closer to the target area 5). . In order to sufficiently remove the glare, a visor or similar device can be added to the instrument 4 (see FIG. 1C) to provide the desired cutoff. Some visors, such as those disclosed in US Pat. No., incorporated herein by reference, are mounted on internal reflective surfaces to cut off the light and redirect the light back to the target region 5 so that the light is not absorbed, or Otherwise it is not wasted.

There are limitations to the approaches illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. For example, the adjustment of the instrument 4 to the pole 6 and the addition of the visor can adversely affect the effective projected area (EPA) of the instrument, which can increase wind loading. have. Increased EPA may require more robust means of attaching a stronger pole or mechanism to the poles, both of which can add cost. If a typical wide area or sports lighting application utilizes multiple poles with multiple instruments per pole (see, for example, US Pat. No. 7,458,700, above), the costs added even from a nightly change to EPA Can also be significant.

As another example, the approach in FIGS. 1A-1C is most appropriate for instruments including a single light source, such as the high wattage HID lamps used in US Pat. Nos. 7,458,700 and 7,789,540, above. Do. There is a need in the industry to create more efficient, more efficient luminaires that are more efficient in kanji while the instruments themselves obtain more light from the instrument housing and on the target area and the light sources themselves show comparable or higher efficiency. It is well known. This means that when multiple smaller light sources (eg, LEDs) are housed in the instrument 4, a single visor sufficiently redirects all the light to the target area 5 or provides a unique cutoff. Has the problem of not being able to; This can result in uneven lighting, shadowing effects, or glare that can be annoying or potentially dangerous (eg, affecting performance on the field).

Accordingly, the benefits of many smaller light sources such as LEDs (eg, long life, high efficiency, while preserving the desired characteristics of the device (eg low EPA, high utilization coefficient, etc.) Design of a luminaire that can realize the ability to aim at multiple points, greater flexibility in generating light uniformity, and undesirable lighting effects (e.g., non-uniform lighting, shadowing effects, There is a need in the art for a method of operating to handle lighting needs of a target area while avoiding glare and the like.

Complex target areas with increased glare control, reduced EPA and increased illumination uniformity compared to at least most conventional flood-type fixtures for concise luminaires and sport lighting applications designed to accommodate multiple light sources. Methods for independent light directing and light redirecting are envisioned to be sufficiently illuminated.

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, advantage or aspect of the present invention to improve the state of the art and / or address problems, issues or shortcomings in the art.

According to one aspect of the invention, a modular apparatus comprises a plurality of light sources (with associated optical elements) included in a housing with a visor. The modular device is designed such that the plurality of light sources and the visor rotate about one, two or three axes and, if desired, are independently rotatable about at least one of the axes.

According to another aspect of the invention, a luminaire comprising a plurality of said modular devices is adjusted relative to its rise point above the target area to provide some aiming of the light projected therefrom. Each modular device can then be adjusted relative to its point of attachment to the luminaire to provide further aiming of the light projected therefrom. Subsequently or additionally, each visor of each light source and each modular device can be selectively and independently adjusted to provide the desired aim and cutoff. In this way, the light projected from each modular device contributes to the portion of the total illumination of the target area; This allows flexibility in handling such things as antiglare and illumination uniformity.

These and other objects, features, advantages or aspects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the appended specification and claims.

Occasionally, reference will be made to the figures identified in the description by reference numerals and summarized below.

1A-1C schematically illustrate a general process in which a target area is illuminated by a light fixture. FIG. 1A illustrates a non- aimed light fixture, FIG. 1B illustrates that the instrument from FIG. 1A is aimed at, and FIG. 1C illustrates that the instrument from FIG. 1A is illuminated and cut off.
2A-2F illustrate multiple views of a modular apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 2A-2D illustrate a perspective view, FIG. 2E illustrates a front view and FIG. 2F illustrates a cross sectional view along the cut line AA of FIG. 2E.
3A and 3B illustrate multiple exploded perspective views of the modular apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F.
4A-4C illustrate the section AA of the modular apparatus of FIG. 2F in a non- aimed state (FIG. 4A) and after independent rotation (FIGS. 4B and 4C).
5A-5D illustrate one possible pole and lighting fixture in accordance with aspects of the present invention that includes a plurality of modular devices illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2F. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the pawl and the instrument and FIGS. 5C and 5D are enlarged perspective views of the instrument.
6A-6D diagrammatically illustrate the general process by which a target area is illuminated by a luminaire via three-axis rotation. FIG. 6A illustrates the non-aimated lighting fixture, FIG. 6B illustrates the fixture from FIG. 6A rotated about a first axis, and FIG. 6C illustrates the fixture from FIG. 6B rotated about a second axis. 6D illustrates the mechanism from FIG. 6C being rotated about a third axis.
7A and 7B illustrate one possible way of providing a third axis of rotation through modification of the structural components of the modular apparatus of FIGS. 2A-2F; FIG. 7 illustrates an assembled perspective view, and FIG. 7B illustrates a partially exploded perspective view.
FIG. 8 illustrates, in flow chart form, one possible method of handling lighting needs of a particular device using the instrument 10 comprising a plurality of modular devices 12.
9 illustrates one possible design of an optical device for use with the LEDs 27 to prevent horizontal spreading.

A. Overview

For a further understanding of the invention, certain exemplary embodiments according to the invention will be described in detail. Reference will be made frequently to the figures in this signature. Reference numerals will be used to indicate specific parts in the drawings. Unless stated otherwise, like reference numerals will be used to denote like parts throughout the figures.

Certain example embodiments refer to transmission-type instruments for a sports lighting application; This is done by way of example and not by way of limitation. For example, compared to sports lighting applications, typically a lower overall light level (eg 3 horizontal fc (footcandles) vs 50 horizontal fc), lower illumination uniformity (eg 10: 1 max / min Other wide area lighting applications requiring a large 2: 1 maximum / minimum, and a reduced setback (eg, several feet to tens of feet) may still benefit from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention. As another example, downlight-type fixtures (eg, those that are typically not tilted or rotated relative to their poles) may still benefit from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention. As another example, flood-type instruments that are not raised and are not used for sports lighting (eg, named mounted flood-type instruments used for front lighting) are still from at least some aspects in accordance with the present invention. May be advantageous.

B. Exemplary Methods and Apparatus Example 1

Specific examples of the modular devices described above are illustrated in FIGS. 2A-7B. With reference to FIGS. 2A-2F, the modular device 12 will generally be understood as including a housing 22 formed to receive both the visor 23 and the enclosure 24, of which the enclosure 24 is It is adapted to house a plurality of optical sources 24 having an associated optical system 28 (see, eg, FIG. 3A). The outer lens 29 is against the open face of the enclosure 24 (see FIG. 2F) to protect the light sources against dust, vandalism or other undesirable ones, for example by gluing or taping it. It may be sealed and, if desired, included an antireflective coating to preserve transmission efficiency.

The visor 23 is formed from a highly reflective material (eg, aluminum processed with high reflectance) and attached to an inner surface of the housing 22 (ie, an unbent surface); See Figure 2F. The visor 23 may be bolted to, adhered to, or otherwise directly attached to the inner surface of the housing 22, or bolted to a frame that is additionally attached to the inner surface of the housing 22. Can be glued or otherwise attached; An example of a reflective material attached to a frame that is further attached to a housing for use as a visor is discussed in US Patent Application No. 7,789,540, supra. Alternatively, the interior surface of the housing 22 may be metallized (eg, through dipping, painting, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, etc.) to achieve the desired finish. The exact shape of the visor 23 can vary depending on the needs of the application and the material can be processed (e.g., to produce diffuse reflections as opposed to specular reflections) to produce the desired lighting effect. For example, it may be peened or otherwise modified.

In this embodiment, the enclosure 24 has nine multi-chips with nine associated optics or lenses 28 as discussed in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 539,166, which is incorporated by reference herein. Housing the LEDs 27-perhaps the "quad" form illustrated in FIG. 6 of the above-mentioned application-this is done by way of example and not by way of limitation. For example, enclosure 24 may include nine model XM-L LEDs and nine narrow beam lenses available from Cree, Inc. of Durham, NC, USA (eg, from Fraen Corporation of Reading, MA, USA). Similar to the available model FC-N2-XR79-0R). Of course, other models of LEDs, other types of light sources, and other numbers of light sources are possible and configured. Likewise, optics 28 include lenses designed to project light in any distribution manner (eg, media, ellipse, side bladder, bubble, etc.) and have sufficient light directing and / or to achieve the desired lighting effect. It may take other forms (eg reflectors) or include additional provisions (eg diffusers, color gels, etc.) to provide light redirecting means. The optics 28 may be bonded, bolted or otherwise secured to the circuit board of the light sources 27; Alternatively, optics 28 may be secured with pressure, such as described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 751,519, incorporated herein by reference, or a holder (such as commonly provided by a manufacturer). Can be attached in place. Ultimately, the cost and size of each modular apparatus 12 must be balanced against the light level and uniformity required for the target area; For sports lighting applications that require a higher overall light level than other wide area lighting applications, multi-chip LEDs (with associated optics) are more conventional light sources, such as the high wattage HID lamps described above. May be required to demonstrate competitive alternatives to

The housing 22 is in such a way as to permit the rotation of the enclosure 24 (and thus the LEDs 27 and the housing 22 (and thus the visor 23)) independently of one another about the axis 26. One possible way of hanging the yoke 21 (see Fig. 2e) and configuring the modular device to achieve this is illustrated in Figs. 3a and 3b.The enclosure 24 is seated in a complementary groove in the housing 22. 2F and 3B) and restrict the enclosure 24 to its groove in the housing 22 but extend through the axis of rotation 26 (extending along the length of the enclosure 24, see FIG. 2E). It is held in place via the plate 30 and associated threaded fasteners 101 in a manner that does not prevent rotation of it .. Insert into the complementary end of the enclosure 24 via the yoke 21 and the housing 22. The portion 34 being made independent of the enclosure 24 by the length of the arcuate aperture of the portion 34. Define a degree of rotation; in this example, rotation of 0 to 45 degrees is allowed, but this is done by way of example and not by way of limitation.The complementary ends of the enclosure 24 are mostly cylindrical blind bores with corresponding planes. Therefore, when the portions 34 slide over the complementary ends of the enclosure 24, they are held together by the fastener 101 (threaded bores in the complementary ends of the enclosure 24). Into), when the desired rotational position (ie aiming angle) of the enclosure 24 is achieved, further rotation sets the threaded fastener 101 in the arcuate aperture and This can be prevented by tightening the threaded fastener into the threaded bore on the side, in a similar manner, the housing 22 via the axis of rotation 26 (extending horizontally through the housing 22). 22 In a way that does not prevent the former through the portion 34 and the bushing (bushing) (32) it is fixed in place between the arms of the yoke 21. The bushing 32 has a flat outer lateral side mating to a side opening having a flat side of the wall of the housing 22; The bushing 32 thus rotates with the housing 22. Independent rotation of the housing 22 is defined by the length of the arcuate aperture of the yoke 21 (see left side on FIG. 3A); The threaded fastener 101 is tightened through the arcuate aperture of the yoke 21 into the threaded bore in the left side of the housing 22 to clamp the housing 22 to its rotational position. In this example, rotation of the housing 22 from 0 to 45 degrees is allowed, but this is done by way of example and not by way of limitation.

Independent rotation of enclosure 24 and housing 22 to achieve independent light directing and light redirecting steps is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C; For clarity, FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a modular device 12 as taken along cut line A-A of FIG. 2E. 4A shows a beam in which the synthesis of light projected from each LED 27 in enclosure 24 is generally concentrated around a major axis 31 coinciding with the principal axis 33 of the housing 22. Illustrates a first state of formation, the major axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 25. Assuming that the overall length of the visor 23 is approximately several inches and the angle offset from the axis 33 is approximately several degrees, the cutoff angle in this first state is approximately six degrees; The cutoff angle as described herein is defined as the angle between the main axis 31 and the visor 23. Rotation of enclosure 24 about axis of rotation 26 causes rotation of main axis 31 (see FIG. 4B); This results in an increase in cutoff angle (eg, up to approximately 35 degrees) and movement of the composite beam across the target area (ie light directing). Rotation of the housing 22 about the rotation axis 26 causes rotation of the main axis (see FIG. 4C); This causes cut off and redirecting of the light projected from the LEDs 27 and a change in the shape of the beam pattern in the target area (ie light redirecting). The aspect of rotation of both the enclosure 24 and the housing 22 around the point of movement remains concise and the EPA is low regardless of the degree of light being directed or redirected or the cutoff angle. To remain. In addition, the use of the reflective visor 23 allows this to provide a unique cutoff without sacrificing efficiency (because light is reflected rather than absorbed).

Both the enclosure 24 and the housing 22 are further configured through the rotation of the yoke 21 about its connection point with respect to the further conceived light fixture 10 (see FIGS. 5A-5D) via the second axis 25. Can be further adjusted centered (see FIG. 2E); The point of attachment and the means for securing the modular device therefrom may be as described in US Patent Application No. 12 / 910,443, which is incorporated by reference herein. In this embodiment, the instrument 10 includes a center-mounted tubular portion 11 that slip-fits over the pole 6 or other raised structure; The structural members 13 help to stabilize and concentrate the instrument 10 on the pawl 6. To ensure suitability for outdoor use, the wiring from the LEDs 27 is along the channel outside the yoke 21 (see FIG. 3A) from the enclosure 24 into the busing 32 and into the yoke 21. And through the upper central annular aperture (see FIG. 3B) in the yoke 21 into the instrument 10; The protective cover 20 helps to shield the wiring from external effects. Wiring from each modular device is then routed along the interior of the arms 14, the tubular portion 11 and the pole 6 (all of which are generally hollow beams) until terminated in the electrical enclosure 1. In a similar manner, heat from the LEDs 27 is dissipated through the enclosure 24, the housing 22, the yoke 21 and the arm 14, all of which are (eg, aluminum or aluminum alloy configurations). Of thermal conductivity. One aspect of the design of the modular device 12 is that the wiring is shielded from environmental effects and the heat dissipation path is maintained independent of aiming and cutoff; Other designs of the modular device 12 are possible and envisioned. Since it is well known that the efficacy and life span of LEDs are adversely affected by increasing junction temperature, when it is desirable to provide a more substantial heat sink for the LEDs 27, the appliance 10 is actively Or liquid cooled; The methods of the active cooling mechanism 10 may be as described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 645,870, which is incorporated herein by reference.

If desired, a third axis of rotation can be provided; This allows greater flexibility for correcting the unwanted stretching or placement of the projected beam resulting from rotation about the axes 25 and 26 and for handling the lighting needs of a particular application. Reconsider the field 5 illuminated by one or more instruments 10 (see FIG. 6A); In this example, it is assumed that the projected beam 7 is rather wide and long (e.g. 30 degrees x 10 degrees) and is intended to illuminate the upper rightmost corner of the field 5 (preferably part of the beam 7). They are again shown shaded). Rotation of the modular device 12 about the rotational axis 25 by about 40 degrees shifts the beam 7 toward the desired corner (FIG. 6B) but does not allow the area 580 to be sufficiently illuminated (eg, For example, rotation of relative bleachers 515 occurs. Rotation of the housing 22 and / or enclosure 24 about the axis of rotation 26 by approximately 20 degrees extends the pattern 7 (see FIG. 6C) and fully illuminates the desired corner of the target area 5. Generates the glare 510. Rotation about the third axis of rotation by about 20 degrees is essentially essentially a beam pattern 7, as opposed to simply rotating the beam pattern as in FIG. 6B or changing the dimensions of the beam pattern as in FIG. 6C. The shape of is changed, and a beam pattern is generated which sufficiently illuminates a desired corner of the target area 5 with almost no glare (see Fig. 6D). It is said that additional rotation about the axes 25 and 26 illuminates much more light on the field 5 and further reduces the glare.

As envisioned, rotation about the third axis can be achieved through modification of the structural or optical components of the modular apparatus 12, but both approaches have their own advantages and considerations. For example, the rotation about the third axis through modification of the optical components can be as simple as rotating the lens 28 or applying a filter or diffuser to the lens 28, but with respect to the lens 28. Any loss of transmission efficiency caused by adding materials and the type of lens used must be taken into account (rotating the lens will only make the beam pattern recognizable if the lens is elliptical or otherwise asymmetrical about the axis. ). Rotation about the third axis (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) through the modification of the structural components of the modular device also allows the rotation of the visor 23 without restricting the selection of the lens time (which causes the visor to be rotated). Assuming that it is preferred over nothing, weight and cost can be added to the instrument 10. 7A and 7B, the rotary joint 120 includes a modular device mounting portion 121 and an instrument mounting portion 122, each of which has associated threaded fasteners 101, and nuts if desired. Associated with 102. In both cases (modification of optical systems or structural components), the rotation axis about the fields 25 and 26 is not damaged, and in a manner that does not significantly affect the size or EPA of the instrument 10 and the third axis of rotation ( Rotation about 35 is provided.

An apparatus 10 using a plurality of modular devices 12 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D may be configured to handle one, two, or one or more of the lighting requirements of a particular application according to the method 2000 (see FIG. 8). Although adjustable around three axes, other methods are possible or envisioned. According to the method 2000, the first step 2001 is to define an illumination scheme for the application; Specifically any limited factors (e.g., overall illumination uniformity, minimum light level, required setback, size and shape of target area, etc.) and desired features (e.g. number of modular devices per instrument, color of LEDs) Temperature, etc.) and develop appropriate lighting schemes (also referred to as lighting schemes or aiming diagrams), which are then individual beam patterns, each of which can be assigned to one or more modular devices 12. The next step 2002 is to install the instruments in and / or around the target area identified according to the illumination scheme.The benefit of the instrument 10 is that it is center-mounted (FIGS. 5A-5D). Note the position of the tubular part 11) in that the modular devices 12 are aimed in any direction in the vicinity of the adjacent one and prevent shadowing effects from the pole 6. ; This may be advantageous when determining whether to place where the fixture to a target area.

The next step 2003 is to aim the luminaires that are installed such that each device 12 of the luminaire that is destined to produce an individual beam pattern to which it is assigned is aimed. Substantially step 2003 rotates the instrument 10 about the pole 6 and / or one or more components of each modular apparatus 12 about one or more of the axes of rotation 25, 26, 35. And rotating them. If desired, portions of modular apparatus 12 may be labeled with degree indices or other indicia well known in the art, so that the lighting designer or other users may be set to aim the angle more precisely. The final step 2004 is to assess the capabilities and illumination of the instruments 10 to satisfy the illumination. Often, lighting designers have not considered something (for example, a tree that blocks light from the appliance) or the customer may decide that the lighting scheme is insufficient (for example, the appearance of the lighting is too cold or too soft). ; In such situations, it may be necessary to adjust one or more characteristics of the instruments (see optional step 2005). Substantially, optional step 2005 adds optical components 28 to one or more modular devices 12 and changes the angle of rotation of one or more components of the instrument 10 (ie, changes of aiming angle). The operating power for the LEDs 27 to change the shape and / or size of the visor 23, add the modular devices 12 to the instrument 10, and generate more or less light. Adjusting, changing the number or type of light sources in the modular devices 12, and the like.

C. Options and Alternatives

The invention may take a number of forms and embodiments. The above examples are just some of them. In order to provide some points of some options and alternatives, some examples are given below.

Various means and methods of attaching one component to another component are most often discussed in terms of threaded fasteners. It should be noted that this device is not limited to bolts or screws, but should be considered to encompass various means of joining portions (eg, bonding, welding, clapping, etc.). Also discussed is a collection of modular devices referred to herein as an apparatus. It should be noted that the term "fixture" is often used interchangeably with "luminaire" and that neither term is intended to claim any limitation that is not expressly mentioned herein.

As envisioned, most of the components of both instrument 10 and modular apparatus 12 are formed in other ways from machining, punching, stamping or aluminum or aluminum alloys. As mentioned, this allows a unique and uninterrupted thermal path to dissipate heat from the LEDs 27. However, it is possible that the components do not depart from the inventive aspects described herein without forming from other materials and even realizing the benefits of heat dissipation. Likewise, most of the components in the pawl 6, instrument 10 and modular device 12 are formed with internal channels so that the wiring can be removed from the LEDs 27 without exposing the wiring to moisture or other adverse effects. It may extend to the bottom of the pawl 6. However, it is possible that the components are formed without these internal channels and do not depart from the inventive aspects described herein; Room lighting applications may not require environmental protection for wiring, for example.

For modular devices 12, some examples of devices used for light directing and light redirecting are given; This is done by way of example and not by way of limitation. Any of these devices (eg lenses, diffusers, reflectors, visors, etc.) may be used individually or in combination for specific applications, but modular apparatus 12 may be used in any of the parts. It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to a combination, design, or installation method, but may include additional devices not already described where appropriate in creating a desired lighting scheme. For example, if the target area includes a finite space above the sport field, any number of modular devices 12 may be mounted upside down to provide upward illumination, or within portions 21 and 34. The arcuate apertures may extend to allow for greater angle rotation. As another example, if the lighting designer finds that the horizontal spread of the composite beam pattern is unacceptable, a new lens may be used, or an existing lens (assuming asymmetric lens) rotates about the axis of rotation 35. However, other solutions may be to install rails (not reflective or reflective) on the outer circumference of the visor 23 or otherwise modify the visor 23 to reduce horizontal spreading. Alternatively, one or more light sources 27 may each comprise a separate reflector 3000 (see FIG. 9) partially surrounding each of said light source (s); As envisioned, at least the surface partially enclosing the light source 27 will be reflected, but this is done by way of example and not by way of limitation. In this alternative, the inner chamber of the enclosure 24 may need to be expanded to provide sufficient clearance between the outer lens 29 and the distal tip of the reflectors 3000; This may limit the angle at which enclosure 24 may be rotated. The individual reflectors 3000 may be glued, bolted, or otherwise attached to the circuit board of the light sources 27; Alternatively, the individual reflectors 3000 may be held in pressure or fixed in place through a holder, as described in US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 751,519, mentioned above.

With respect to an illumination system that includes one or more instruments 10, power regulating components (eg, drivers, controllers, etc.) may be located remotely from the instrument 10, and in FIGS. 5A and 5B It may be housed in an electrical enclosure 1 secured to a lifting device as illustrated and discussed in US Pat. No. 7,059,572, incorporated herein by reference, or located somewhere in the instrument 10. In addition, control of power for the light sources 27 included in the instrument 10 may be accomplished remotely or locally, as described in US Patent No., incorporated herein by reference. Various approaches can be taken to power a lighting system incorporating modular devices 12 without departing from the inventive aspects described herein.

Claims (20)

As a lighting device,
a. An enclosure comprising a body having an interior and an opening into the interior, wherein the body is rotatable about a first axis of rotation extending along the length of the body, the enclosure having at least one interior therein; Adapted to receive and fix the light sources in place so that the one or more light sources generally project light along a first principal axis;
b. A housing comprising a first portion adapted to receive the enclosure and a second portion adapted to receive the reflective surface, the reflective surface angled relative to the first major axis when received by the second portion The second portion is rotatable about the first axis of rotation independent of the body of the enclosure; And
c. Yoke comprising a first portion adapted to receive the housing and a second portion adapted for connection to a mounting structure
Including the
The yoke is rotatable about a second axis of rotation extending through the connection point to the mounting structure and
d. The spread of light projected from one or more light sources in one direction with respect to the first major axis is limited by the angle at which the reflective surface is rotated relative to the body.
Lighting device. The method of claim 1,
A light transmissive material adapted to seal against an opening in the body of the enclosure
≪ / RTI >
Lighting device. 3. The method of claim 2,
Internal wiring from the enclosure to the second portion of the yoke
≪ / RTI >
Lighting device. The method of claim 3, wherein
Hollow pole operatively connected to the mounting structure
Further comprising:
The internal wiring runs through the mounting structure and the pole,
Lighting device. The method of claim 1,
One or more optical devices associated with each of the one or more light sources
≪ / RTI >
Lighting device. The method of claim 5, wherein
The one or more optical devices rotatable about a third axis of rotation coincident with the first major axis,
Lighting device. The method of claim 1,
A structure adapted to limit the diffusion of light projected from the one or more light sources in a different direction with respect to the first main axis
≪ / RTI >
Lighting device. A method of providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps in a luminaire,
a. Positioning a luminaire on a support structure, wherein the support structure is located at a predetermined position relative to the target area, the luminaire being i. A first subassembly comprising one or more light sources having one or more associated light directing devices; ii. A second subassembly comprising a light redirecting device; iii. A first mounting interface allowing attachment and independent adjustment of the first and second subassemblies; And iv. A second mounting interface allowing attachment and adjustment of the luminaire to the support structure;
b. Adjusting the position of one or more of the first and second subassemblies independently via the first mounting interface;
c. Whereby a portion of the light projected from the one or more light sources is directed to the target area, and the portion of the light projected from the one or more light sources is redirected to the target area,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. The method of claim 8,
The light redirecting device includes a visor,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. The method of claim 9,
The visor comprises a reflective surface,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. The method of claim 8,
The method comprises:
Applied to a plurality of lighting fixtures located on the support structure,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. The method of claim 11,
The support structure is raised above the target area,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. 13. The method of claim 12,
The plurality of lighting fixtures located on the support structure have an effective projected area, and step (b) of claim 8 does not substantially increase the effective projected area,
A method for providing independent light directing and light redirecting steps. As a lighting system,
a. Elevating structure;
b. An instrument frame attached to the raised structure relative to the target area;
c. A plurality of optical modules each attached to the instrument frame by an adjustable instrument frame mounting that allows each module to be adjusted and fixed in one of a range of panning positions relative to the target area;
The optical module,
i. The enclosure assembly attached to the module by an adjustable enclosure assembly mounting that allows the enclosure assembly to be adjusted and secured to one of a range of tilted positions relative to the target area;
ii. When the enclosure assembly is tilted to specific positions, the visor assembly is adjusted and independent of the enclosure assembly at least partially into at least some of the light outputs from the light sources and at one of a range of positions along the side of the enclosure assembly; And the visor assembly attached to the module by mounting an adjustable visor assembly that permits to be secured,
The enclosure assembly,
1. an elongated enclosure body comprising a light transmitting window,
2. a linear array of solid state light sources mounted to said enclosure body, each having a light output generally aimed out of a window;
d. Thus, for the target area, the light outputs of each light module of the instrument can be independently panned, tilted and cut-off for very flexible illumination from an illumination system, if necessary,
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
The optical module is flat and horizontal when substantially installed, substantially smaller than the instrument frame,
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
The elongated enclosure body has a longitudinal axis, and the linear array of windows and solid state light sources extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis,
Lighting system. 17. The method of claim 16,
Adjustable enclosure assembly mounting of the enclosure assembly includes rotational joints at opposing ends of the enclosure body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the enclosure end or the rotational joints about the enclosure about the axis of rotation. Allowing rotation of the assembly and thereby tilting of the light outputs from the enclosure assembly with respect to the target area,
Lighting system. 17. The method of claim 16,
The visor assembly,
a. An generally planar housing at least substantially as wide as the length of the window of the enclosure assembly;
b. A proximal portion at or near the enclosure assembly;
c. A distal end extending away from the proximal portion; And
d. A shading side that can be translated relative to the enclosure assembly,
Lighting system. 15. The method of claim 14,
The solid state light sources, the enclosure assembly and the visor assembly comprise a thermally conductive material and are in thermally conductive contact to promote dissipation of heat from the solid state light sources during operation,
Lighting system. A method of illuminating a wide target area that is substantially distanced from a plurality of solid solid state sources,
a. Raising the plurality of solid state sources relative to the target area;
b. Independently aiming the sub-sets of the plurality of solid state sources with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes and the target areas, each subset generating a light distribution output pattern along a general subset aiming direction; And
c. Individually adjusting the visor for one or more of the subsets to change the light distribution output pattern from the subset
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d. Accordingly, the distribution of collected light output from the plurality of solid state light sources can vary almost infinitely as needed or desired,
How to illuminate the wide target area.

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