The present invention relates to the field of luminaires, and in particular, luminaires utilized for perimeter lighting.
A luminaire may be utilized to provide perimeter lighting. In one example, a luminaire configured for perimeter lighting may be positioned within a recess, or a cove structure. As such, one or more recesses, or cove structures, may be positioned around a perimeter of a space into which a luminaire is configured to provide lighting. In one example, recesses, or cove structures, may be configured with a variety of different dimensions (lengths, widths and/or heights). As such, a luminaire configured for recessed lighting may include features configured to adjust one or more lighting parameters (directionality, and the like) of the luminaire. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides for improved systems and methods for adjusting one or more lighting parameters associated with a luminaire configured for perimeter lighting.
The following presents a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description provided below.
In one aspect, this disclosure describes a luminaire configured for perimeter lighting, and having improved features for adjusting one or more lighting characteristics of said luminaire. The luminaire may comprise a light bar structure positioned between a pair of bracket structures within a housing structure, and the light bar structure may rotate relative to the housing structure. The luminaire may also have a reflector structure that redirects a portion of light emitted from the light bar structure. The reflector structure may have a light scoop and a spine or pivot structure about which the reflector structure may rotate relative to the housing structure. The luminaire may further allow for an angle of rotation of the light bar structure to be adjustable independently of an angle rotation of the reflector structure.
In another aspect, a luminaire is described as having a housing structure that is positioned within a recessed cove. The housing structure may have a light bar structure for emitting visible light, and a hinge or pivot structure on the light bar structure that allows the light bar structure to rotate relative to the housing structure. The luminaire also has a reflector structure for redirection of light emitted from the light bar structure. Additionally, the reflector structure has a light scoop and a hinge or pivot structure, configured to rotate relative to the housing structure, and independently of the light bar structure. In yet another aspect, this disclosure includes a luminaire having a housing structure. The housing structure of the luminaire has a linear light source array and a light scoop, and each of the linear light source array and the light scoop are configured to rotate independently, relative to the housing structure.
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
As discussed above, there is need for improved luminaire designs. Furthermore, as is apparent from the Figures described above and the description provided below, various components are disclosed below, wherein said components may be mounted to other components. Mounting may be direct or indirect and this disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this respect. It is noted that various components are described below as separate components. Two or more of these components may be combined to form a single component as appropriate, and this disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this respect.
In addition, various features are described below in greater detail. It should be noted that different combinations of these features may be combined as desired to generate luminaires with more or less features, depending on the features that are needed. Thus, it is envisioned that additional luminaires using combinations of the below described features are within the scope of the present invention.
In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein are directed towards one or more embodiments of a luminaire having improved features for adjusting one or more lighting characteristics of said luminaire. Accordingly,
In one example, light source array 202 comprises a structure that includes electrical circuitry (wiring, electrical components, and the like) configured to deliver electrical energy to the array of light sources (elements 208a, 208b and the like). Additionally, light source array 202 may comprise a structure having one or more heatsink elements configured to dissipate heat generated from one or more of light sources 208a and 208b, and the like. In one example, light source array 202 comprises a lens structure 207, wherein said lens 207 may comprise a transparent, partially-transparent, or translucent structure configured to shield one or more internal components of the light source array 202. In one implementation, said lens 207 may be configured to focus, diffuse, or transmit substantially unchanged, a portion of light energy (luminous flux) emitted from one or more light source elements 208a and 208b.
In one example, light scoop structure 204 may be configured to redirect a portion of light emitted from the light source array structure 202. Accordingly, the light scoop structure 204 may comprise a substantially reflective surface. In one example, light scoop structure 204 is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation 210. Accordingly, in one implementation, light source array structure 202 is configured to rotate independently of light scoop structure 204 such that a directionality (or a lighting “envelope,” or area of illumination) of light emitted from light source array 202 may be adjusted.
In one implementation, light scoop structure 204 comprises a substantially concave structure facing towards light source array 202. Accordingly, surface 203 may be a substantially concave surface of light scoop structure 204, and may comprise, in one example, a reflective material configured to reflect a portion of light emitted from light source array 202.
In one example, luminaire 100 comprises a lock mechanism 212 comprising a structure configured to selectively prevent rotation of one or more of light scoop structure 204 and/or light source array structure 202 relative to housing structure 206. As such, lock mechanism 212 may be rigidly coupled to housing structure 206, and rotatably coupled to one or more of light scoop structure 204 and/or light source array structure 202. In order to selectively prevent rotation of one or more of light scoop structure 204 and/or light source array structure 202, thumb screw 214 may be actuated to rigidly couple light scoop structure 204 and/or light source array structure 202 to lock mechanism 212. This selective rigid coupling is described in further detail in relation to
In one implementation, luminaire 100 comprises an electrical supply 216, wherein electrical supply 216 represents one or more components configured to supply electrical energy to the one or more light sources (e.g. 208a and 208b) that make up the light source array 202. In this way, electrical supply 216 may comprise one or more components (transformers, and the like) configured to step-up or step-down a voltage supplied to luminaire 100 from an external electrical energy supply (not pictured). Additionally, electrical supply 216 may comprise one or more components configured to condition a supply of electrical energy to luminaire 100 (A.C. to D.C. conversion, current limiting and the like). Furthermore, electrical supply 216 may comprise one or more components configured to dissipate heat generated within luminaire 100. In yet another implementation, electrical supply 216 may comprise wiring configured to allow a pair of luminaires, such as a pair of luminaire 100 to be positioned end-to-end such that end 250 of luminaire 100 may be positioned in contact with the corresponding end (not pictured) of another luminaire. In this way, two or more luminaires 100 may be positioned along a longitudinal length 104 of a recessed cove structure 102. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various additional or alternative components that may be utilized within electrical supply 216 to provide electrical energy to light source array 202.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that luminaire 100 may be utilized with any power rating/lighting intensity rating/luminous flux of light sources, such as light sources 208a and 208b, and without departing from the disclosures described herein.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various structural materials that may be utilized in luminaire 100, wherein selection of a material may be based upon one or more of a specific properties, or structural properties including, among others, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength. As such, one or more components of luminaire 100 may comprise, among others, a metal, an alloy, a ceramic, a polymer, a fiber-reinforced material, a wooden material, or combinations thereof. In one specific example, housing structure 206 comprises a sheet metal structure, and the like. In one specific example, light scoop 204 may comprise a metallized polymer configured to reflect light.
In particular, luminaire 100 is depicted as having a light source array structure 202 and a light scoop structure 204 in respective first orientations. As depicted, the light source array structure 202 is hingedly-coupled to the bracket structure 303 by a first hinge arm 305. Similarly, the light scoop structure 204 is hingedly-coupled to the bracket structure 303 by a second hinge arm 307. In one example, bracket structure 303 comprises a symmetrical cross-sectional area, and is configured to receive the first hinge arm 305 and the second hinge arm 307 to form a first nested circular hinge and a second nested circular hinge, respectively. Accordingly, the nested circular hinges are described in greater detail in relation to
In one implementation,
In one example, the hinge channel 604 comprises a center of curvature 606. Furthermore, the hinge channel 604 may comprise a hook structure 608 having an open end 610 and a tangential end 612. The hinge channel 604 further comprises a linear backstop structure 614 having a proximal end, corresponding to the tangential end 612, and a distal end 616. The hinge channel 604 further comprises an outer sleeve structure 618 with a first end corresponding to the distal end 616 of backstop structure 614, and a second end 620. Additionally, bracket structure 303 may comprise a support structure 630 configured to rigidly couple the bracket structure 303 to a support surface of a housing structure, such as housing structure 206. Furthermore, it will be apparent that one or more surfaces may make up a structure, as described herein, and such that the terms “structure” and “surface” may be used interchangeably in certain instances.
In one implementation, the first hinge channel 602 and/or the second hinge channel 604 from the bracket structure 303, as depicted in
In one example, a hinge arm, such as hinge arm 307, is configured to be received into a hinge channel, such as hinge channel 604 of bracket structure 303, with an interference fit. In another example, a hinge arm 307 is configured to be received into hinge channel 604 with a loose fit, and such that an angle of rotation of, in one example, a light scoop 204 relative to a bracket structure 303, is maintained by selectively coupling the light scoop 204 to the bracket structure 303 using a lock mechanism to rigidly couple the light scoop 204 to the bracket structure 303. In one example, this selective coupling may be facilitated by lock mechanism 212 from
In one example, pivot structure 704 is configured to rotate about a center of curvature 702 and slide relative to hook structure 608. Additionally, circular arm structure 712 is configured to rotate about the same center of curvature 702 and slide relative to outer sleeve structure 618 of hinge channel 604. In a first configuration, and as schematically depicted in
In one example, and as previously described, an orientation/rotation angle of one or more of light source array 202 and/or light scoop 204 may be adjustable to provide for variable directionality for a portion of light emitted from light source array 202. In another example, the orientation/rotation angle of one or more of the light source array 202 and/or light scoop 204 may be adjusted to provide for adjustable lighting “envelopes,” or areas of illumination, and the like. As such, lines 812 and 814 schematically depict bounds of an area of illumination by luminaire 100. As such, area 816 represents an area illuminated by a one or more light sources (such as light sources 208a and 208b) associated with light source array 202. Accordingly,
In one implementation, luminaire 1000 comprises a first bracket 1006a coupled to a first end 1008a, and a second bracket 1006b coupled to a second end 1008b of the housing structure 1002. The luminaire 1000 may further have a light bar structure 1010 comprising a plurality of light sources. As such, light bar structure 1010 may be similar to light source array 202. Further, light bar structure 1010 may comprise a plurality of light sources configured into a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional array. In one specific example, light bar structure 1010 may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In one embodiment, the light bar structure 1010 may comprise a lens structure 1012, and configured to adjust the light emitted from the light bar structure 1010. In this way, the lens structure 1012 may be similar to lens structure 207, previously described.
In one example, the light bar structure 1010 has a first end 1014a spaced apart from a second end 1014b along the longitudinal length 1004. Further, the light bar structure 1010 may be rotatably-coupled to the first bracket 1006a at the first end 1014a by a first bearing element 1016a. Similarly, the light bar structure 1010 may be rotatably-coupled to the second bracket 1006b at the second end 1014b by a second bearing element 1016b. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the first bearing element 1016a and the second bearing element 1016b may comprise any bearing structure known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including, among others, a ball bearing, or a bearing comprising a sleeve (configured as part of the brackets 1006a and 1006b) configured to receive a shaft that is rigidly-coupled to the light bar structure 1010, and such that the shaft is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve through use of one or more low friction materials. In one example, the first bearing element 1016a and the second bearing element 1016b may be configured to form an interference fit with each of the first bracket 1006a and the second bracket 1006b. As such, this described interference fit may resist rotational motion of the light bar structure 1010, e.g. rotational motion of the light bar structure 1010 due to a weight of the light bar structure 1010. In one example, the described interference fit between the light bar structure 1010 and the first and second brackets 1006a and 1006b may resist rotational motion of the light bar structure 1010 relative to the brackets 1006a and 1006b until a manual rotational force is applied to the light bar structure 1010, thereby overcoming a friction force in the first and second bearing elements 1016a and 1016b.
In one implementation, the luminaire 1000 comprises a reflector structure 1018. As such, in one example, the reflector structure 1018 comprises a light scoop 1020 and a spine structure 1022, such that the spine structure 1022 is rigidly-coupled to a proximal side 1024 of the light scoop 1020. In one implementation, the spine structure 1022 has a first end 1026a configured to be rotatably-coupled to the first bracket structure 1006a by a third bearing element 1028a, and a second end 1026b configured to be rotatably-coupled to the second bracket structure 1006b by a fourth bearing element 1028b. Accordingly, in one example, the third and fourth bearing elements 1028a and 1028b may be similar to the first and second bearing elements 1016a and 1016b. As such, the third and fourth bearing elements 1028a and 1028b may be configured to resist rotational motion of the reflector structure 1018 due to a weight of the reflector structure 1018 exerted on the third and fourth bearing elements 1028a and 1028b. Accordingly, the reflector structure 1018 may be configured to rotate relative to the third and fourth bearing elements 1028a and 1028b upon application of a manual rotational force to the reflector structure 1018. Further, in one example, the light scoop 1020 may be similar to light scoop structure 204.
In one example, the reflector structure 1018 may have a uniform cross-sectional area along the longitudinal length 1004 of the housing structure 1002. Accordingly, in one example, the reflector structure 1018, and in particular, the spine structure 1022, may have a geometry similar to that described in relation to the second hinge arm 307 from
In one implementation, each of the reflector structure 1018 and the light bar structure 1010 may be configured to rotate relative to the housing structure 1002. As such, an angle of rotation of the light bar structure 1010 may be adjustable independently of an angle of rotation of the reflector structure 1018.
In one implementation, the first bracket 1006a comprises a first scale 1030a and a second scale 1030b configured to indicate an angle of rotation of the light bar structure 1010 and the light scoop 1020, respectively. Similarly, the second bracket 1006b may be configured with similar scales to those scales 1030a and 1030b, and the like. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the light bar structure 1010 and/or the light scoop 1020 may be configured to rotate through any rotational angle range, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein. For example, the light bar structure 1010 and/or the light scoop 1020 may be configured to rotate through an angular range of 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, or 110°. Further, an angular range through which the light bar structure 1010 may be rotated may be different to an angular range through which the light scoop 1020 may be rotated, without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.
In one implementation, a position of the light bar structure 1010 and/or the reflector structure 1018 may be selectively locked using a locking mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize various locking mechanisms that may be utilized with the disclosures of
Similar to the reflector structure 1106, the light bar structure 1104 may rotate utilizing a hinge structure 1114, similar to the hinge structure 1102. As such, the hinge structure 1114 may have a second opening 1112b configured to receive a second peg structure 1204 of the bracket structure 1200 depicted in
In one implementation, the light bar structure 1104 may comprise a heat sink structure 1130 that is configured to dissipate heat energy from one or more light sources within the light bar structure 1104, among others.
It is noted that, as used herein, the term “approximately” may indicate a value ranging by plus or minus (+/−) 20% from an indicated value, and the like.
The present invention has been described in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
7648261 | Ko | Jan 2010 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20160327250 A1 | Nov 2016 | US |