Solid-state lighting fixtures with socket connections for accessories and accessories for use therewith

A solid-state lighting fixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured to receive a plug associated with one or more accessories to allow for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g., controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The socket may be internally electrically connected to an auxiliary power output of a driver and/or to a battery power pack within the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-current voltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signal transmission to and from the accessory. Each accessory includes one or more sensors and communication components to provide the connected lighting fixture assembly with specific capabilities including, but not limited to, motion detection, ambient light level detection, ambient temperature measurement and wireless communications. The wireless communication can also be used to control one or a group of lighting fixtures and transmit sensor data associated with, for example, monitoring space utilization and asset tracking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solid-state lighting fixtures are well known in the prior art, particularly in connection with light emitting diodes (LED). Many of these lighting fixtures are provided with accessories, such as, sensors for detecting ambient conditions in controlling light output from the fixtures. The sensors may detect an ambient level of darkness, e.g., detecting dusk or dawn, in determining whether light output is required. In addition, sensors may detect motion, thus causing light activation upon detection of movement of an individual or object (e.g., a vehicle) in an area.

Sensors must be wired and properly connected to a driver of a light fixture to provide power to the sensor and to allow signal transmission to the driver to respond to sensor readings. Since internal wiring is required, sensors are generally factory mounted, with customers pre-specifying the sensors upon ordering light fixtures. Later in-field retrofitting of light fixtures to add sensors, or other accessories, is costly and time intensive due to the typical need to disassemble the light fixtures, possibly even requiring the dismounting of the fixture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the subject invention provides a solid-state lighting fixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured to receive a plug associated with one or more accessories. The subject invention allows for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g., controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The plug and socket may be configured to provide together a connection in accordance with set standards. The socket may be internally electrically connected to an auxiliary power output of the driver and/or to a battery power pack within the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-current voltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signal transmission. Various plug/socket combinations may be utilized including, but not limited to, audio plug/jack combinations and USB connector/port combinations. Advantageously, the subject invention provides for a low-cost arrangement for in-field accessory retrofitting of solid-state lighting fixtures without disassembly of the fixtures.

As used herein, the term “socket” covers any opening or hollow configured to hold and electrically couple with a plug or connector. By way of non-limiting examples, a “socket” may be a jack or a port.

These and other features of the subject invention will be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, a solid-state lighting fixture assembly10is shown which generally includes a solid-state lighting fixture12and a socket14. The solid-state lighting fixture12may be of any configuration which utilizes solid-state lighting elements for generating light, such as LEDs, OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes), and QLEDs (quantum light emitting diodes), and a driver16for AC/DC power conversion and control of the lighting elements. The driver16, as is known in the art, may include auxiliary power output connections to allow for electrical output to be provided as direct current voltage in the range of 10-12 volts DC. In addition, or alternatively, the solid-state lighting fixture assembly10may include a battery power pack18, to provide direct-current power from storage, in the range of 10-12 volts DC. The driver16may include: standard controls for activating and deactivating the lighting elements; lighting controls (e.g., dimmer); and/or, battery back-up connections.

The solid-state lighting fixture12may be of any known type.FIGS. 1 and 2show a troffer-type lighting fixture for illustrative purposes. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, any type of solid-state lighting fixture may be utilized. By way of non-limiting example, the solid-state lighting fixture12may be for industrial or residential use in any form, including, but not limited to a troffer, wall pack, high bay light fixture, canopy luminaire, linear light fixture, flood luminaire, area luminaire, bollard, pendant light fixture, and so forth, which may be mounted in any manner, including, but not limited to, ceiling mounted, wall mounted, pole mounted, suspended, and so forth. In addition, the lighting fixture12may be for indoor or outdoor use.

The solid-state lighting fixture12includes a body20to which is mounted the socket14. Preferably, the socket14is factory-installed during manufacturing of the solid-state lighting fixture12. Preferably, the socket14is located on a surface of the body20which is externally accessible without the need for removal of surrounding structure or elements, such as wall panels, ceiling tiles, brackets, and so forth. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the socket14may be located on a downward facing surface of the body20, with the solid-state lighting fixture12being a troffer, thus, being accessible without need for removing ceiling tiles or accessing a rear portion of the solid-state lighting fixture12. To limit vandalism or theft of an accessory, the socket14may be located on an external surface of the body20but hidden from view in normal use, e.g., in the rear of the solid-state lighting fixture12, above a ceiling. Alternatively, the socket14may be located internally of the body20, e.g., where the solid-state lighting fixture12is intended for outdoor use. This protects the socket14from exposure to moisture. Preferably, with internal mounting, it is preferred that the socket14be accessible with removal of minimal parts, such as being located behind an access panel that can be removed without disassembly of the solid-state lighting fixture12.

As shown inFIG. 3, an exemplary driver16is schematically shown having power inputs for receiving alternating-current power (line, neutral) and power outputs (positive, negative) for providing direct-current power to light generating elements of the solid-state lighting fixture12. As is known in the art, the driver16may include an integrated circuit chip, acting as a microprocessor, to control the driver16. Electrical components, such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, and so forth may be provided to configure the driver16to have a constant-voltage output or a constant-current output, as needed. One or more sets of auxiliary power outputs (aux) may be provided with positive and negative direct-current power outputs. The auxiliary power outputs may provide power in the range of 10-12 volts DC for external use. Electrical conductor19may be provided electrically connected to one of the auxiliary power outputs to convey direct-current electrical power to the socket14. The driver16may be configured to respond to signals (electrical, data) received via the auxiliary power outputs, e.g., to turn on/off the solid-state lighting fixture12, to dim/brighten the solid-state lighting fixture12, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the battery power pack18may be connected to the socket14by electrical conductor24to provide power thereto. As is known in the art, the battery power pack18may be connected to alternating-current power to provide charge to the battery power pack18.

As shown inFIGS. 4-6one or more accessories26may be mounted to the socket14using a plug22. The accessory26may be a type of controller for sending electrical signals to the driver16to control light output, e.g., causing light to switch on/off, causing light to dim/brighten, etc. The accessory26may be in the form of a sensor for detecting ambient conditions, including being configured to detect level of light, or to detect motion of an object or person. Any sensor type may be utilized, including, but not limited to, bi-level microwave sensors and bi-level PIR sensors. In addition, or, alternatively, the accessory26may be a networked controller, e.g., being web-enabled to interact as a device on the Internet-of-things (TOT), having a wireless receiver for receiving wireless control signals from a separate controller, such as a smartphone, computer, network hub, and so forth. This allows for wireless control of the solid-state lighting fixture12, on an individual level and/or on a network level. Any wireless configuration may be utilized, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and so forth. The accessory26may also include a wireless transceiver to allow for two-way communication between other elements, in or outside the network. The plug22is provided on the accessory26to transmit power thereto and to transmit electronic signals to and from the accessory26via the socket14. The plug22is electrically coupled to components of the accessory26using any technique (e.g., wiring) to convey power thereto and/or to uni- or bi-directionally convey electronic signals thereto/therewith.

As will be appreciated by the those skilled in the art, the wireless transmitter of the accessory26may allow for data to be transmitted to the driver16and/or other devices, including remote cloud storage. This allows for data collection and/or data transmission, e.g., regarding the operation of the solid-state lighting fixture12, ambient conditions, maintenance of the solid-state lighting fixture12, and so forth. For example, data may be collected which allows for review of on/off states, frequency and timing of on/off, etc. of the solid-state lighting fixture12. In addition, with use of the accessory26, ambient conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and acidity, may be also collected and transmitted for storage and review. Web-enabling software for the driver16and/or the accessory26may be included with a computing processing unit (CPU) that may be provided with the solid-state lighting fixture12. Any such CPU may be wirelessly coupled with the accessory26and/or hard-wired coupled to the socket14for connection with the accessory26via the plug22. Note that the above-described data collection and/or transmission can be used for many purposes such as controlling one or a group of light fixtures—on/off/dim based on a set of preprogrammed instructions using a remote or applications on connected smart device, controlling other aspects of the light fixture such as color modulation and human centric lighting, and for transmitting the collected data to remote analysis to provide, for example, space utilization monitoring and/or asset tracking.

As shown inFIGS. 3-8, the socket14and the plug22may be configured as an audio jack and plug combination. As an audio jack and plug combination, the socket14and the plug22may be formed in accordance with any known standard including, but not limited to, WE-309, WE-310, BP0316, EIA RS-453, and IEC 60603-11. As shown inFIG. 7, the plug22, as an audio jack plug, may be provided with two or more contacts, as is known in the art.FIG. 7shows a possible three-contact arrangement useable with the subject invention, with contacts A, B, C, useable as positive and negative contacts and a ground. Other jack plug arrangements, including at least two contacts (allowing for positive and negative electrical flow and data flow (e.g., signal over power data transmission)) may be utilized. The socket14is selected to correspond to the plug22, including the number of contacts provided on the plug22. As an audio jack, the socket14may be through-panel-mounted to the body20, as shown inFIG. 3, with the socket14having a socket body14aextending through an opening21in the body20. A collar14bmay be located about the socket opening21with a locking nut14cbeing threaded mounted onto the socket body14a. The collar14bmay have a polygonal, e.g., hexagonal, profile for engagement with a mounting tool, e.g., a wrench. With tightening of the locking nut14c, the collar14band the locking nut14cgenerate pressure against the body20about the opening21to hold the socket14in place. The locking nut14cand/or the body20may be configured to limit loosening, for example, by being provided with features on a face thereof intended to enhance frictional engagement between the locking nut14cand the body20(e.g., raised portions (ribs, detents) being provided). Washers, lock washers and/or adhesive may be provided between the locking nut14cand the socket body14aand/or the body20to limit loosening of the locking nut14cduring use, particularly due to vibration.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 9-20, the socket14and the plug22may be configured as a USB connector/port combination. The accessory26may be provided with the plug22configured as a USB connector, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 12. The socket14may be configured as a USB port, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11. The USB connector/port may be formed as any USB connector/port, including, but not limited to, any USB connector/port formed in accordance with specifications promulgated by the USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF, www.usb.org). The USB connector/port provides data lines in addition to power lines, thereby allowing data transmission, in addition to power transmission, between the accessory26and the driver16. This allows for linking with the driver16and/or any CPU provided with the solid-state lighting fixture12. By way of non-limiting example, the socket14and the plug22may be configured as a USB-C connector/port, providing for a double-sided twenty-four pin connection. Other multi-pin USB connection configurations may be utilized.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the socket14and the plug22may be configured to various recognized standards, including, but not limited to, Apple Lighting, Thunderbolt, MIDI, FireWire, and so forth.

A gasket or other rubber element may be provided about the socket14to minimize vibration in the accessory26when mounted. In addition, the gasket or other rubber element may provide a frictional interface against the accessory26which restricts inadvertent rearward movement and possible loss of connection.

In addition, a lock or other security measure may be provided to restrict removal of the accessory26once mounted and/or to resist loosening of the accessory26due to vibration or other external factors. With the accessory26being exposed in a mounted state, the accessory26may be subjected to vandalism or theft. A locking ring may be mounted about the socket14which allows insertion of the plug22into the socket14, but resists rearward removal thereof. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 8A, a threaded collar30may be provided about the plug22for threaded engagement with an internally-threaded ring31fixed to the body20about the socket14. The plug22, configured as an audio jack plug, may be rotated with insertion into the socket14, configured as an audio jack. Adhesive may be provided along the threaded connection to inhibit removal of the plug22.

As indicated above, the socket14and the plug22may be configured to allow for relative rotation therebetween, e.g., having a round interface such as that provided where the socket14and the plug22are configured as an audio jack/audio jack plug connection. It is further noted that the configuration of the socket14and the plug22may not permit relative rotation therebetween, for example, where the socket14and the plug22are configured as a USB connector/port. This may result from the socket14and the plug22having a non-round interface, such as that provided with a USB connector/port interface. Here, it is preferred that the accessory26be mounted to the body20to limit rotation of the plug22relative to the socket14, particularly post-mounting. With this arrangement, as shown inFIGS. 13-19, the socket14may be mounted to the body20, as described above, with the socket body14aextending through the opening in the body20with the locking nut14cthreadedly mounted to the socket body14a. As above, with tightening of the locking nut14c, the collar14band the locking nut14cgenerate pressure against the body20to hold the socket14in place. Washers, lock washers, and/or adhesive may be provided between the locking nut14cand the socket body14aand/or the body20to limit loosening of the locking nut14cduring use, particularly due to vibration. As shown inFIGS. 16, 18 and 19, the socket body14amay be provided with a notch14d, particularly above the collar14b, formed to receive a set screw28. The set screw28is formed to extend through a portion of a housing36or base portion42of accessory26. The interengagement of the set screw28and the notch14drestricts rotational movement of the accessory26relative to the socket14, thus, minimizing strain on the plug22when connected to the socket14. The set screw28may be provided as a threaded body, with no screw head, having an open end formed to receive a tool, such as an Allen wrench, for causing rotation thereof.

Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 20, the socket14may be provided with a non-circular profile for shape-mating engagement with a recess32in the accessory26. The shape of the non-circular profile and the recess32are selected to prevent rotation therebetween, e.g., being generally rectangular, polygonal, irregular, and so forth. With the socket14received in the recess32, rotation of the plug22, relative to the socket14, is limited. Optionally, one or more mounting screws34may be also provided, formed to pass through at least a portion of the accessory26, into engagement with the body20. The mounting screw(s)34may be sheet-metal screws formed to threadedly engage a panel of the body20. One or more caps or covers35may be provided to hide the mounting screw(s)34for aesthetic and security purposes.

In addition, as shown inFIG. 20, socket14may be provided with mounting detents14espaced below the collar14bto snap engage with a portion of the body20about the opening21. In this configuration, the locking nut14cis not required.

As shown inFIGS. 16-19, the accessory26may be formed of multiple components including a housing36formed to be mounted to an inner mounting plate38received in an outer mounting ring40. The outer mounting ring40may include a base portion42with an upstanding skirt44formed to circumscribe the inner mounting plate38. Preferably, the skirt44defines an inner diameter greater than the diameter of the inner mounting plate38to define an air gap46, which may be discontinuous or continuous so as to be annular. In addition, the inner mounting plate38may be formed with a tapered rear surface48, being angled downwardly towards the air gap46to allow for any water collected between the inner mounting plate38and the outer mounting ring40to run off.

Any electronic components50may be provided within the accessory26as needed, e.g., such as any of the sensors, communication components, and so forth, discussed above. The electronic components50may be secured to a plate or printed circuit board52, which in turn, may be secured to the inner mounting plate38with snap-fit arms54snap engaging slots56in plate or printed circuit board52, as shown inFIG. 18. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 19, the snap-fit arms54may be provided on the housing36formed to engage the slots56formed on the inner mounting plate38. Depending on the need for signal transparency, a lens58may be provided which is, at least, in part transparent to any signals necessary for detection, such as ambient light, infrared, and so forth. The lens58may be provided as a separate component or integral with the housing36. A fixture plate60may be provided for securing the plug22, which may be configured as a USB port. The fixture plate60may be secured to the inner mounting plate38by screws62.

As shown inFIGS. 18 and 19, the outer mounting ring40may be provided with an inner locking thread64for threaded engagement with thread66located on the inner mounting plate38, and with an outer locking thread68for threaded engagement with locking thread70, provided on the socket14. For assembly, the outer mounting ring40is secured to the socket14. The housing36, with the plug22and the electronic component(s)50mounted to the inner mounting plate38, is then secured to the outer mounting ring40with the set screw28thereafter being introduced to engage the notch14d. The set screw28restricts rotation of the accessory26, and components thereof, thereby resisting loosening due to vibration and providing an anti-theft measure. Points of connection, or open points, may be sealed, as known in art (e.g., with gasketing, silicone, etc.), particularly where the accessory26is exposed to humid conditions or temperature extremes. Industry standards may be followed in ensuring sealing of sufficient integrity. Vibration, anti-theft/vandal and environmental/weather resistant enclosure specifications and requirements are set forth in, and incorporated herein by reference, NEMA Enclosure Ratings, including, e.g., IP66 one of the highest NEMA Ingress Protection ratings for an enclosure that is (i) dust tight with no ingress of dust for two to eight hours and (ii) protected from water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets not entering the enclosure in harmful quantities, and other such enclosure standards that are or may become available.

As shown inFIG. 20, the inner mounting plate38may be formed with a rectangular shape with the snap-fit arms54formed to engage the slots56formed in the plate or printed circuit board52with the electronic components50being secured thereon. The housing36, the printed circuit board52, and the inner mounting plate38may be provided with openings72to allow passage therethrough of the screw(s)34into engagement with the body20.

As an additional feature, with the accessory26including a signal receiver, such as a wireless or infrared receiver, a remote control74may be provided for issuing various signal commands to the accessory26to control, or otherwise interact, with the solid-state lighting fixture assembly10. The remote control74, shown inFIG. 21, may be of any known configuration for transmitting signals wirelessly or by infrared transmission. The remote control74may be used for control (e.g., on/off, dimming, etc.), adjusting settings of the solid-state lighting fixture assembly10(e.g., setting “no motion” time period to turn off lights, dawn/dusk settings, etc.), and/or retrieving data from a Microcontroller Unit (“MCU”)100which may have been collected by accessory26. MCU100controls the overall operation and functionality of accessory26and, as known in the art includes a central processing unit (“CPU”), some memory for storing data and operational programs and circuitry to implement peripheral functionality. An example of MCU control circuitry100(e.g., using an STM8S003F3P6 from STMicroelectronics) is shown inFIG. 23.

FIG. 22shows a general block diagram schematic for various circuitry blocks that may be included in an accessory26of the subject invention with MCU control circuitry100at the core of the system to control all circuitry within accessory26as noted above.FIG. 24shows an example voltage regulation circuit101that provides accessory26with power (e.g., 3.3V and 12V) necessary for its overall operation and control with VIN being provided to accessory26from electrical conductor24either from an auxiliary power output connection on lighting fixture12or a battery power pack18within lighting fixture12, as shown inFIG. 3. Alternatively, battery power pack18may be included within accessory26and charged using power from electrical conductor24or by accessory26itself, if accessory26is fitted with conventional solar cells like those currently used to charge on-board batteries.

Examples of the other circuitry blocks inFIG. 22connected to MCU control circuitry100are shown inFIGS. 25-31and it should be understood that one or more of these circuitry blocks may be included in accessory26depending upon the functionality that is desired to be added to lighting fixture12. More particularly, communications in and out of accessory26can be provided using, for example, a USB connector102(FIG. 25), an infrared receiving circuit103(FIG. 26) and/or a Bluetooth (BLE) circuit108(any commercially available BLE Module device such as those from Cyprus, Fanstel or Microship Technology) (FIG. 31). Likewise, an ambient light receiving circuit104(FIG. 27) can be included for sensing light and a dimming switch105(FIG. 28) can be provided to adjust LED brightness of lighting fixture12based on the amount of ambient light sensed by ambient light receiving circuit104. In addition, as discussed above, accessory26can provide motion sensing functionality to lighting fixture12to monitor and record movement and/or turn lighting fixture12on and off using (i) a Passive Infrared (“PIR”) sensor circuit106(e.g., using a common LM258 series operational amplifier) like that shown inFIG. 29or a microwave sensor circuit107similar to the one shown inFIG. 30. Again, note that all of the circuitry blocks shown inFIGS. 23-31and described above are merely exemplary, as there are many such circuits available to provide these features in accordance with the current invention. In addition, note accessory26may take many forms and include any combination of the circuits discussed above including, but not limited to, the plug shape shown inFIGS. 4-8 and 12-19or the rectangular shape shown inFIGS. 9 and 20. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the subject invention is not limited to these arrangements or circuits.