Sensor modules for light fixtures

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10260722-B2
Application number	US-201715723931-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Oct 3, 2017
Priority date	Dec 2, 2016
Publication date	Apr 16, 2019
Grant date	Apr 16, 2019

Abstract

A lighting system can include a light fixture located in a hazardous environment, wherein the light fixture comprises a controller. The light fixture can also include a sensor module communicably coupled to the controller of the light fixture, wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor module housing and a sensor disposed within the sensor module housing, wherein the sensor module housing comprises a first coupling feature that couples to a hazardous location enclosure. The hazardous location enclosure and the sensor module, when coupled to each other, can comply with applicable standards for the hazardous environment.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A lighting system, comprising:
a light fixture located in a hazardous environment, wherein the light fixture comprises a controller; and
a sensor module communicably coupled to the controller of the light fixture, wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor module housing and a sensor disposed within the sensor module housing, wherein the sensor module housing comprises a first coupling feature that is configured to couple to a second coupling feature of a hazardous location enclosure, wherein the first coupling feature comprises at least one sealing member disposed within at least one first channel in an exterior surface of the sensor module housing,
wherein the hazardous location enclosure and the sensor module, when coupled to each other, comply with applicable standards for the hazardous environment,
wherein the at least one sealing member is configured to contact the hazardous location enclosure without engaging the second coupling feature of the hazardous location enclosure when the sensor module is coupled to the hazardous location enclosure.

2. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor module is intrinsically safe to allow reliable operation of the sensor module in the hazardous environment.

3. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the hazardous location enclosure is a light fixture housing of the light fixture, wherein the light fixture housing comprises the second coupling feature, wherein the first coupling feature of the sensor module couples to the second coupling feature.

4. The lighting system of claim 3 , further comprising:
a safety barrier that limits an amount of power delivered from the light fixture housing to the sensor device.

5. The lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the safety barrier is a capacitive barrier.

6. The lighting system of claim 3 , wherein the light fixture continues to operate as the sensor module is coupled to and decoupled from the light fixture housing of the light fixture.

7. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor module further comprises an extension that forms a channel, wherein the channel has disposed therein an electrical connection between the hazardous location enclosure and the sensor module, wherein the channel is encapsulated.

8. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein a mounting feature of the hazardous location enclosure comprises a second channel, wherein the second channel has disposed therein an electrical connection between the hazardous location enclosure and the sensor module, wherein the second channel is encapsulated.

9. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor module housing is configured to withstand impact requirements for the hazardous location enclosure.

10. The lighting system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a mechanical bridge device disposed between the light fixture and the sensor device.

11. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first coupling feature of the sensor module comprises a retention rib that engages a first channel of the mounting feature, wherein the retention rib, when engaged with the first channel, allows for rotational movement of the sensor module relative to the housing and prevents decoupling of the sensor module from the first mounting feature.

12. The lighting system of claim 11 , wherein the first coupling feature of the sensor module further comprises at least one spring tab that engages a platform and a second channel of the first mounting feature, wherein the at least one spring tab, when engaged with the platform, limits the rotational movement of the sensor module relative to the first fixture housing.

13. The lighting system of claim 12 , wherein the first coupling feature of the sensor module further comprises at least one sealing member that engages an inner surface of a second coupling feature of the first mounting feature, wherein the at least one sealing member, when engaged with the inner surface of the second coupling feature, uses friction to maintain a position of the sensor module relative to the first fixture housing.

14. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first coupling feature of the sensor module comprises a first aperture that engages a spring-activated pin of the first mounting feature, wherein the spring-activated pin, when engaged with the first aperture, prevents the sensor module from decoupling from the first fixture housing.

15. The lighting system of claim 14 , wherein the first mounting feature further comprises a second aperture that traverses therethrough, wherein the second aperture receives a securing member that abuts against the sensor module to prevent the sensor module from rotating relative to the first fixture housing.

16. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor module is coupled to, decoupled from, and adjusted relative to the first fixture housing without tools.

17. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor module is decoupled from the first fixture housing and coupled to a second mounting feature of a second light fixture, wherein the sensor module, when coupled to the second mounting feature, provides measurements of at least one parameter to the first light fixture and the second light fixture for operation of the first light fixture and the second light fixture.

18. A lighting system, comprising:
a light fixture located in a hazardous environment, wherein the light fixture comprises a controller and a first coupling feature disposed on a light fixture housing; and
a sensor module communicably coupled to the controller of the light fixture, wherein the sensor module is also electrically and mechanically coupled to the light fixture housing, wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor module housing and a sensor disposed within the sensor module housing, wherein the sensor module housing comprises a second coupling feature that electrically and mechanically couples to the first coupling feature,
wherein the first coupling feature comprises a physical barrier and an electrical connector, wherein the physical barrier prevents the light fixture from being compromised if the sensor module fails when the sensor module is coupled to the light fixture, wherein the electrical connector protrudes through the physical barrier.

19. A lighting system, comprising:
a light fixture located in a hazardous environment, wherein the light fixture comprises a controller and a first coupling feature disposed on a light fixture housing; and
a sensor module communicably coupled to the controller of the light fixture, wherein the sensor module is also electrically and mechanically coupled to the light fixture housing, wherein the sensor module comprises a sensor module housing and a sensor disposed within the sensor module housing, wherein the sensor module housing comprises a second coupling feature that electrically and mechanically couples to the first coupling feature,
wherein the first coupling feature couples to and decouples from the second coupling feature without use of tools,
wherein the first coupling feature and the second coupling feature allow for a user to adjust a position of the sensor module relative to the light fixture housing within a range of positions when the sensor module is coupled to the light fixture while still complying with applicable standards for the hazardous environment.

Assignees

• Cooper Technologies Co
• Eaton Intelligent Power Ltd

Inventors

• Treible Jr Daniel Robert
• Scarlata Andrew Francis
• Manahan Joseph Michael

Classifications

• F21V29/83

  the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes · CPC title

• F21V29/74

  with fins or blades · CPC title

• F21V23/002

  Arrangements of cables or conductors inside a lighting device, e.g. means for guiding along parts of the housing or in a pivoting arm · CPC title

• F21V17/107

  using hinge joints · CPC title

• F21V15/01 Primary

  Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts (F21V15/02 takes precedence {housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04}) · CPC title