Bi-level light fixture for public transportation tunnels

Abstract

A light fixture usable in train tunnels provides normal mode downlighting for track and walkway lighting and a selective task lighting mode where higher-lumen lighting is provided in at least the same downlighting direction as the track and walkway lighting. The normal lighting illumination level is at least 0.25 to 2.00 foot-candles at the illuminated surfaces. The task lighting mode provides at least 5.00 foot-candles to the same illuminated surfaces. The task lighting mode is achieved with the same light source that provides the normal mode lighting or with additional light sources that are activated together with or instead of the normal lighting mode light sources. The light sources can be a plurality light emitting diode (LED) engines that include a plurality of LEDs. The task lighting mode can also use another light source to provide additional task lighting up from the fixture.

Claims

1. A light fixture for use in a train tunnel for track lighting; the light fixture comprising: a first light source having normal downlighting mode and a task lighting mode; the first light source includes a first plurality of LEDs; the task lighting mode using the same first plurality of LEDs as the normal downlighting mode; the task lighting mode of the first light source outputting more lumens in the task lighting mode than when operating in the normal downlighting mode.

2. The light fixture of claim 1, further comprising a fixture housing having a top and a bottom; the first light source disposed to direct light from the bottom of the fixture housing.

3. The light fixture of claim 2, further comprising a second light source disposed to selectively direct light up from the top of the fixture housing; the second light source outputting more lumens than the first light source when the first light source is operating in the normal downlighting mode.

4. The light fixture of claim 2, wherein the fixture housing shades light from projecting laterally along the tunnel.

5. The light fixture of claim 1, further comprising a switch that changes the first light source between the normal downlighting mode and the task lighting mode.

6. The light fixture of claim 5, wherein the switch is magnetically activated.

7. The light fixture of claim 1, further comprising a timer that switches the first light source from the task lighting mode to the normal downlighting mode.

8. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the first light source can be switched between the normal downlighting mode and the task lighting mode from a remote location.

9. A light fixture for use in a train tunnel for track lighting; the light fixture comprising: a first light source having normal downlighting mode and a task lighting mode; the first light source includes a first plurality of LEDs; the task lighting mode using the same first plurality of LEDs as the normal downlighting mode; the task lighting mode of the first light source outputting more lumens in the task lighting mode than when operating in the normal downlighting mode; a fixture housing having a top and a bottom; the first light source disposed to direct light from the bottom of the fixture housing; a second light source disposed to selectively direct light up from the top of the fixture housing; the second light source outputting more lumens than the first light source when the first light source is operating in the normal downlighting mode; and the second light source is being activated when the first light source is switched to the task lighting mode.

10. An LED light fixture for providing pathway light for a train tunnel wherein the LED light fixture mountable to a surface to provide downwardly-directed light for the train track of a train tunnel; the LED light fixture comprising: a first LED light engine that includes a first plurality of LEDs; an LED power supply for selectively powering the first LED light engine in a normal downlighting mode and a task lighting mode; the task lighting mode using the same first plurality of LEDs as the normal downlighting mode; the normal downlighting mode providing 0.25 to 2.00 foot candles of illumination on a horizontal surface disposed six to fourteen feet below the first LED light engine; the task lighting mode providing at least 5.00 foot candles of illumination on the horizontal surface; and a light fixture housing that carries the first LED light engine and the LED power supply; the light fixture housing having a bottom and carrying the first LED light engine within the light unit housing in a position to shine light down from the bottom of the light unit housing when the LED light fixture is mounted to the surface to provide track lighting.

11. The light fixture of claim 10, wherein the first LED light engine powers more LEDs in the task lighting mode than when in the normal downlighting mode.

12. The light fixture of claim 10, wherein the LEDs of the first LED light engine are powered at a higher current in the task lighting mode than when in the normal downlighting mode.

13. The light fixture of claim 10, further comprising a second LED light engine that provides 5.00 to 50.00 foot candle of illumination in an uplighting configuration to a surface four to twelve feet away from the second LED light engine when the light fixture is in the task lighting mode.

14. The light fixture of claim 10, further comprising a bracket for mounting the light unit housing to the surface.

15. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the bracket includes an upwardly projecting flange; the fixture housing hanging on the upwardly projecting flange.

16. The light fixture of claim 15, wherein the fixture housing includes a hook the projects rearwardly from the fixture housing; the hook defining a hook opening the opens downwardly; the hook disposed over the upwardly projecting flange to support fixture housing on the mounting bracket.

17. The light fixture of claim 15, wherein the mounting bracket includes a main body that defines a rear surface of mounting bracket adapted to contact the structure upon which the mounting bracket is mounted; the upwardly projecting flange disposed forward of the rear surface.

18. The light fixture of claim 17, wherein the main body of the mounting bracket defines a front surface; the mounting bracket including an upper rail and a lower rail that both project forward from the front surface of main body to provide space between the fixture housing and the front surface of main body.

19. The light fixture of claim 18, further comprising a lower flange projecting down from the lower rail; the lower flange defining a fastener channel adapted to receive fasteners that secure the fixture housing to the mounting bracket.

20. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein the fixture housing is selectively pivotable mounted to the mounting bracket.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary bi-level light fixture of the disclosure.

(2) FIG. 2 is a front elevation thereof.

(3) FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof.

(4) FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof.

(5) FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view thereof.

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting bracket.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 is an end view of FIG. 6.

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture mounted to the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the light fixture of FIG. 9 being removed from the bracket of FIG. 6.

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture mounted to the bracket of FIG. 6.

(12) FIG. 12 is a front elevation of FIG. 11.

(13) FIG. 13 is an end view of FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12.

(15) FIG. 15 is a bottom view of FIG. 11.

(16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture mounted to the bracket of FIG. 6.

(17) FIG. 17 is a front elevation of FIG. 16.

(18) FIG. 18 is an end view of FIG. 16.

(19) FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17.

(20) FIG. 20 is a bottom view of FIG. 16.

(21) FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture mounted to the bracket of FIG. 6.

(22) FIG. 22 is a front elevation of FIG. 21.

(23) FIG. 23 is an end view of FIG. 21.

(24) FIG. 24 is a section view taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 22.

(25) FIG. 25 is a bottom view of FIG. 21.

(26) FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting bracket.

(27) FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of FIG. 26.

(28) FIG. 28 is an end view of FIG. 26.

(29) FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an exemplary light fixture mounted to the bracket of FIG. 26.

(30) FIG. 30 is a front elevation of FIG. 29.

(31) FIG. 31 is an end view of FIG. 29.

(32) FIG. 32 is a section view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 30.

(33) FIG. 33 is a bottom view of FIG. 29.

(34) FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket for the light fixture.

(35) FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a light fixture mounted to the mounting bracket of FIG. 34.

(36) FIG. 36 is an exploded view of FIG. 35.

(37) Similar reference numbers refer to similar elements in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

(38) Exemplary configurations for bi-level light fixtures for a public transportation tunnel are indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 in the accompanying drawings. The exemplary configurations of the light fixture, the systems, and the methods described herein are with reference to a public transportation facility such as a train tunnel. Fixtures 10, the systems, and the methods also can be used in other applications where selective task lighting is desired. Fixtures 10, the systems, and the methods can be used in architectural applications. In general, light fixture 10 provides normal mode downlighting for track and walkway lighting and a selective task lighting mode where higher-lumen lighting is provided in at least the same downlighting direction as the track and walkway lighting. Fixtures 10 optionally include a lighting source that provides selective uplighting in the task lighting mode. Fixtures 10 can be mounted to the sidewalls that define the train tunnel where fixtures 10 provide light down onto the train tracks as well as onto the walkways along the sides of the tracks. The sidewalls can be vertical, angled, or curved.

(39) Each configuration of fixture 10 can be mounted on a bracket 12 that supports a fixture housing 14. Each fixture housing is IP (Ingress Protection) 65 rated and IK10 impact resistant. Fixture 10 has an operating temperature range of −20 deg F to 130 deg F.

(40) In FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary mounting bracket 12 is used to mount light fixture 10 to a facility wall or other structure which will carry fixture 10 during use. Mounting bracket 12 allows light fixture 10 to be quickly mounted and dismounted. The connection between the fixture and the mounting bracket can be a frictional connection, a snap fit connection, a connection secured with one or more fasteners, gravity, or a combination of these. Mounting bracket 12 is often directly connected to concrete walls with suitable anchors. Mounting bracket 12 can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, or a polymer. The housing 14 of light fixture 10 can be made from steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, or a different polymer. When made from aluminum, direct contact between stainless steel and aluminum is undesirable especially in hot humid environments because of galvanic corrosion. In these situations, a spacer may be used to prevent direct contact between the two metals while also providing a shock absorber against the repeated vibration forces to which fixture 10 is subjected. The spacer can be made from an insulating material such as a polymer, a rubber, fiberglass, PVC, or other insulating material.

(41) In one exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 1-5, a light fixture housing 14 includes spaced upper mounting tabs 16 and a lower mounting tab 18 that slide into channels 20 defined by mounting bracket 12. A stop 22 projects forwardly from the rear wall of mounting bracket 12 to stop light fixture housing 14 from sliding all the way through mounting bracket 12. A lock tab 24 supports a removable second stop which may be a threaded connector or a rubber knob supported by a threaded connector to lock light fixture housing 14 in between stop 22 and the second stop.

(42) FIGS. 6-8 depict another exemplary mounting bracket 112 that provides an upwardly projecting flange 114 upon which fixture housing 14 hangs. A spacer or vibration damper can be carried by flange 114. Mounting bracket 112 can be extruded and can be made from aluminum. Mounting bracket 112 includes a main body 116 that defines the rear surface of bracket 112 that contacts the structure upon which bracket 112 is mounted. Main body 116 defines a plurality of openings 118 for fasteners that secure bracket 112 to the structure that can be a wall of tunnel to another mounting structure such as mounting rails. Mounting bracket 112 includes an upper rail 120 and a lower rail 122 that project forward from the front surface of main body 116 to provide space between the rear of fixture housing 14 and the front surface of main body 116. This space provides room for the fasteners and allows air to flow behind fixture housing 14. The rear surface of fixture housing 14 engages the front surfaces of rails 120 and 122. Flange 114 projects up from the top of upper rail 120 with its front surface disposed behind the front surface of rail 120 and its rear surface disposed in front of at least the rear surface of main body 116 so provide room for a portion of fixture housing 14 to fit behind flange 114 when fixture housing 14 is installed. The rear surface of flange 114 can be disposed in front of the front surface of main body 116 as depicted in the drawings.

(43) A lower flange 130 projects down from lower rail 122 and defines a fastener channel 132 that receives fasteners 134 that secure fixture housing 14 to bracket 112. The rear surface of lower flange 130 is co-planar with the rear surface of main body 116 so that it will also engage a flat mounting structure such as a flat wall. The front surface of lower flange 130 is disposed behind the front surface of lower rail 122 to define a shoulder 136 that helps locate fixture housing 14 during installation. Fixture housing 14 can be mounted to and dismounted from bracket 112 by sliding it over the end of bracket 112 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Fixture housing 14 can also be removed in an upward direct after fasteners 134 are removed.

(44) FIGS. 11-15 depict an exemplary light fixture 10 mounted to mounting bracket 112. This configuration of light fixture 10 has its fixture housing 14 configured to cooperate with mounting bracket 112. A hook 140 projects rearwardly from the top of fixture housing 14 with the hook opening downwardly. Hook 140 fits over flange 114 to support fixture housing 14 on mounting bracket 112. Hook 140 has open ends so that fixture housing 14 can slide off of flange 114. Fixture body 14 also includes a downwardly projecting fastener wall 142 having a rear surface disposed behind the rear surface of fixture housing 14 such that it engages the front surface of lower flange 130. Fastener wall 142 defines openings that receive fasteners 134 in alignment with channel 132. The front of fastener wall 142 is accessible so that fasteners 134 can be installed, removed, and reinstalled without opening fixture housing 14. A ledge is defined between the top rear surface of fastener wall 142 and the rear surface of fixture housing 14. That ledge engages shoulder 136 when fixture housing 14 is correctly seated against bracket 112.

(45) Fixture housing 14 is extruded and defines an open interior sized to receive LED power supplies 148 that use electrical quick connects. Optional batteries can be carried within fixture housing 14. The front of fixture housing defines plurality of cooling fins 150. The ends of the extruded body are closed with end caps 152. End caps 152 are connected to the extruded main body with fasteners that are receives in fastener channels 154 formed integral with the main body. Downwardly projecting end shades 156 can be connected to limit light shining laterally from fixture 10 toward a train conductor.

(46) The LED circuit boards are mounted to portions of the main body of fixture housing 14 which allows the main body to function as a heat sink. Protective lens are disposed over the LEDs.

(47) The configurations of FIGS. 16-25 include a fixed conduit 160 for the power input to light fixture 10. The configuration of FIGS. 21-25 include a wireless communication module 162 that allows light fixture 10 to be remotely controlled.

(48) FIGS. 26-28 depict another exemplary mounting bracket 212 that provides an upwardly projecting flange 214 upon which fixture housing 14 hangs. A spacer, gasket, or vibration damper 215 can be carried by flange 214. Gasket 215 can be made from a polymer. Mounting bracket 212 includes a main body 216 that defines the rear surface of bracket 212 and includes feet 218 that contact the structure upon which bracket 212 is mounted to space the rear surface of main body 216 from the mounting structure. Main body 216 defines a plurality of openings 220 for fasteners that secure bracket 212 to the structure that can be a wall of tunnel to another mounting structure such as mounting rails. Feet 218 can be disposed adjacent each or some of openings 220. Main body 216 also defines openings 232 arranged to receive fasteners 134.

(49) FIGS. 29-33 depict an exemplary light fixture 10 supported by mounting bracket 212 with gasket 215 disposed in the opening of hook 140.

(50) FIGS. 34-36 depicts an exemplary mounting bracket 312 that allows the position of light fixture 10 to be adjusted if mounting bracket 312 is not mounted vertically. Mounting bracket 312 includes a main body 316 that defines a plurality of openings 320 for fasteners that secure mounting bracket 312 to a support structure such as a tunnel wall. Mounting bracket 312 includes a pair of spaced upper tabs 330 that each define a fastener opening sized to receive a mounting fastener 332 that secures light fixture 10 to mounting bracket 312 with a pivoting connection. Mounting bracket 312 includes a pair of spaced lower tabs 340 that define a plurality of fastener openings 342 disposed along an arc. Fixture housing 14 includes an upper closed hook 350 sized to fit between upper tabs 330. Closed hook 350 defines an opening that receives fasteners 332 to secure fixture housing 14 to mounting bracket 312. Fixture housing 14 also includes a pair of lower closed hooks 360 positioned to be disposed next to lower tabs 340. Closed hooks 360 define openings that receives fasteners 362 to lock the position of light fixture 10 with respect to mounting bracket 312.

(51) FIG. 36 depicts the electrical quick connect 370 between light fixture 10 and conduit 160.

(52) Light fixtures 10 include at least a first light source 30 that provides downlighting. Light source 30 includes one or more LED light engines that are powered by one or more power supplies that are either carried by fixture housing 14 or located remote from housing 14. First light source 30 can be a 3500K CCT rated at greater than 50,000 hours; LM79/LM80 compliant. First light source 30 provides 4560 Lumens at up to 40 Watts. In the exemplary configuration of FIGS. 1-5, light source 30 includes a plurality of LEDs (See FIG. 4 where fourteen LEDs are depicted as an example) that are all powered during the normal downlighting mode. During the normal mode, these LEDs provide 0.25 to 2.00 foot-candles of illumination to a target horizontal surface disposed six to fourteen feet below fixture 10. In a second configuration, only a portion of the LEDs in light source 30 are used during the normal downlighting mode. Substantially all of the light produced by light source 30 is directed downward so as to not shine directly at an oncoming train and to prevent any stroboscopic effect created when evenly spaced rings of light are viewed from a train moving through the lights.

(53) Light fixtures 10 have a task lighting mode where light source 30 is changed to produce higher lumens. The task lighting mode provides at least 5.00 foot-candles to the same target surface. The task lighting mode can provide 5.00 to 50.00 foot-candles to the same target surface and the exemplary embodiment supplies light in a range of 5.00 fc to 25.00 fc. In the first configuration, the task lighting mode is achieved with the same light source 30 by powering the same LEDs with more power to increase their lumen output. This is achieved by increasing the current applied to the same group of LEDs during the task lighting mode. In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the first configuration increases the power delivered to all fourteen LEDs of FIG. 4 such that each outputs more lumens and provides the desired illumination. In the second configuration, the task lighting mode powers another portion of the LEDs so that more LEDs are being used in the task lighting mode than in the normal mode. In the example depicted in the drawings, seven of the LEDs of FIG. 4 can be used in the normal lighting mode with seven remaining off. In the task lighting mode, the additional seven LEDs are powered to supply the task lighting at the desired illumination level. In the second configuration, an option is to also power the first portion (the first seven) of the LEDs used during the normal mode at the higher power level so that all (all fourteen) of the available LEDs are used during the task lighting mode.

(54) Light fixtures 10 can optionally include a second light source 40 in the form of an uplighting lighting source 40 arranged for uplighting during the task lighting mode. Second light source 40 provides 1000 Lumens at up to 12 Watts. In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-5, uplighting lighting source 40 is carried on the top of fixture housing 14 and has a diffuser or a plurality of LEDs disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the vertical rear of fixture 10 to project light up and out away from fixture 10. This configuration is useful for lighting the spaces above the mounting location for fixture 10 and the ceiling of a tunnel which can be four to twelve feet above fixture 10. Light source 40 includes a plurality of LEDs that illuminate a ceiling at least 5.00 foot-candles during the task lighting mode of fixture 10. The uplighting can provide illumination in a range of 5.00 fc to 50.00 fc. The uplighting light source 40 is normally on by default when fixture 10 is switched to task lighting mode. An option allows uplighting lighting source 40 to be turned off during the task lighting mode.

(55) Light fixtures 10 can be switched between the normal lighting mode and its task lighting mode with a switch, for example switch 50, carried by fixture 10 and manually operated by the user. Switch 50 can be a push button or a switch operated with a magnet that is brought into proximity to a location on fixture 10. Each activation of switch 50 changes the mode of operation for fixture 10. In one configuration, a timer is used to automatically switch the mode of fixture 10 back to the normal mode after a set amount of time such as ten minutes or four hours. Fixture 10 has a manual override with a switch (such as a magnetically-activated switch), so that someone walking down the track with magnetic wand can manually set light fixture 10 to a work mode to provide task lighting without going through a wireless network or remote computer. In this exemplary model, the manual override switch provides a four or eight hour default for work mode task lighting before an automatic revert to emergency/standard mode. Each light fixture 10 can be optionally turned on and off as well as being switched between modes through a remote signal delivered through a wired connection or a wireless communications protocol. Using a signal from a remote location allows an entire section of tunnel to be lit in for task lighting without the need to push a button on each fixture. Each light fixture or a plurality of fixtures can be controlled through a graphic user interface running a remote computer to supply the signals to the light fixtures 10. The graphic user interface allows one or a plurality of light fixtures 10 to be turned to task lighting mode for an hour or up to a period of weeks or months.

(56) In work task lighting mode with task lighting being provided, light fixtures 10 include an option for an indicator light (which can be a yellow-colored light) either on the sides or front of fixture 10 to serve as a supplementary system to flagging to alert train conductors that work is occurring on the track for the conductor to drive slower.

(57) Light fixtures 10 can be controlled by an authorized user, the manager of the facility, or by the authority having jurisdiction over the maintenance, from a remote computer. The signals can be delivered through an Ethernet cable, a Power Line Communication protocol, or a data wire directly from the remote computer or through the Internet. The signal also may be delivered through any of a variety of wireless communications protocols including a mesh network such as a 915 MHz mesh network, WIFI, ZigBee, or RuBee (IEEE standard 1902.1). In order to communicate the data, each fixture can include a communications device that provides for the desired communications. For example, each fixture can include a network repeater, a Wifi chip, a ZigBee chip, or a RuBee transceiver. The remote computer can be a computer located in the same facility as the light fixture providing the reporting or a computer located in a location remote from the facility.

(58) Fixture housings 14 may be substantially hollow to contain a variety of components used with fixture 10. In one exemplary configuration, batteries and components of a self-testing battery backup system are carried within housing 14. One or more power supplies also may be carried within housing 14. In other configurations, the battery backup system and the power supply can be located in locations remote from housing 14. The remote location can be a few feet away or farther such as other locations within the building or facility.

(59) Light fixtures 10 are configured to be supplied by one of three line power sources in addition to the backup battery power source. In public transportation facilities, electrical power is available from the main power line which is typically between 110V to 277V alternating current. A second source of between 110V to 277V alternating current is often provided from a secondary power source. A third high voltage source of electrical power greater than 277V is the high voltage “third rail” power source from which train engines drawn power. The third source can be between 450V-1000V direct current or commonly about 600V. The power supply or power supplies for the LED light engines includes power inputs for each of these three power sources such that any of the three sources can be connected or a combination of two or all of the sources can be connected to allow whichever source is available to supply the power. The power input connections can be provided with quick connect and quick disconnect power connectors to allow fixture 10 to be readily removed and replaced. A switch is used to allow the user to manually select a power supply or to cause the power supply to automatically switch over to an available power supply in the event of a failure of another. For example, if the light fixture is being powered by the 600 Volt power supply and there is a failure of that power source, the power supply recognizes the voltage drop and automatically switches to the first of the 110-277 Volt power sources. If the first is not available, the power supply looks for the second 110-277 Volt power source. If all three of these power sources are not available, the power supply switches over to battery backup power where available.

(60) In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the above description and attached illustrations are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and “include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,” “includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to exclude additives, components, integers, or steps.