Various exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to luminaires.
Luminaires, or light fixtures, are used with electric light sources to provide aesthetic and functional housing in both interior and exterior applications. Various types of interior luminaires include overhead, troffer, ceiling, or suspended luminaires, which are designed to be positioned near, in, or suspended from, the ceiling or a drop ceiling. Interior luminaires require thermal management considerations to dissipate heat from the luminaires and the light sources.
According to an exemplary embodiment, reflector for a luminaire includes a central channel for receiving a light emitting element. A first side portion extends from the central channel in a first direction. A second side portion extends from the central channel in a second direction. A first end portion extends from the first side portion. A second end portion extends from the second side portion. A first set of apertures extends through the first side portion. A second set of apertures extends through the second side portion.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a luminaire includes a first end cap, a second end cap, a lens, and a reflector. The lens and the reflector extend between the first and second end caps. The reflector has a central channel, a first side portion extending from the central channel in a first direction, and a second side portion extending from the central channel in a second direction. A first set of apertures extends through the first side portion and a second set of apertures extending through the second side portion.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a reflector for a luminaire includes a central channel. A first side portion extends from the central channel in a first direction. A second side portion extends from the central channel in a second direction. A first end portion extends from the first side portion. A second end portion extends from the second side portion. A first set of apertures extends through the first side portion. A second set of apertures extends through the first side portion. A third set of apertures extends through the second side portion. A fourth set of apertures extends through the second side portion.
The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
The first and second end caps 12, 14 include a semi-circular central flange 20 for retaining the lens 16. The size, shape, and configuration of the central flange 20 can vary depending on the type of lens 16 and the type of light element. The first and second end caps 12, 14 also include side flanges 22 and a mounting feature (not shown), for example a protrusion or clip, for connecting the first and second end caps 12, 14 to the reflector 18.
In an exemplary embodiment, the central channel 24 includes a base 34, a first sidewall 36, and a second side wall 38. The base 34 includes a series of mounting features and openings to receive a light element and to allow for electrical connection to the light element from a power source, such as a driver or junction box.
The first and second side portions 26, 28 extend from the central channel 24 to the first and second ends 30, 32, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second side portions 26, 28 are curved, although any rectilinear or curvilinear configuration can be used. The first side portion 26 includes a first aperture set 40 and the second side portion 28 includes a second aperture set 40. The first and second aperture sets 40, 42 each include one or more apertures extending through the respective sides to allow airflow through the reflector. The apertures are shown as substantially obround, although any rectilinear, curvilinear, or combination shapes may be used. The size, spacing, and configuration of the apertures can also vary depending on the reflector, light element, and the desired airflow characteristics,
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
The position of the first and second aperture sets 40, allows sufficient airflow through the reflector 18, and can minimizing the aesthetic impact of the apertures, the amount of light lost through the apertures, and/or the impact on the reflective capabilities of the reflector 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second aperture sets 40, 42 are positioned closer to the central channel 24 than to the first and second end portions 30, 32 respectively. In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second aperture sets 40, 42 are positioned closer to the central channel 24 than to a midpoint of the first and second side portions 26, 28, respectively, measured from the central channel 24 to the first and second end portions 30, 32.
In another exemplary embodiment, the first and second aperture sets 40, 42 are positioned so that at least a portion of the first and second aperture sets 40, 42 are covered by the lens 16 when the luminaire is assembled. For example, as shown in
The first through fourth aperture sets 140-143 can be similarly positioned to the first and second aperture sets 40, 42 of the exemplary reflector shown in
The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims. The specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.
As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or “approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general tolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.
This application is based on U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/059,668, filed Oct. 3, 2104, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and to which priority is claimed.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62059668 | Oct 2014 | US |