The present disclosure relates generally to light fixtures and trim for such fixtures.
A luminaire is a system for producing, controlling, and/or distributing light for illumination. For example, a luminaire can include a system that outputs or distributes light into an environment, thereby allowing certain items in that environment to be visible. Luminaires are sometimes referred to as “light fixtures.” Traditional light fixtures include a frame and/or platform that attaches to a ceiling or wall structure. A trim-reflector element can be mounted to the frame for decorative or light control purposes. The types and styles of trims are typically more numerous than the fixtures that luminaires they are designed to attached to. This is because the trims are, at time, the only portion of the luminaire visible within the room being illuminated. As such there is a significant market for providing trims that couple to luminaires. At times these trims have not been specifically designed for the particular luminaire. This can result in a perceived lack of performance from the luminaire, when the real issue is the trim that is being used with the luminaire. As such, providing a mechanism for ensuring proper trims and/or proper orientation of the trim on the luminaire would limit this perceived lack of performance.
According to one exemplary aspect, a luminaire can include a light emitting diode (LED) light source, a heat sink, and a trim. The heat sink can be coupled to the LED light source and can include an alignment feature protruding from a bottom end of the heat sink. The trim can include a first aperture, a second aperture and a wall disposed between the first and second aperture, such than an inner surface of the wall can define a light passageway for receiving light emitted by the LED light source. The trim can also include an alignment aperture at a top end of the wall of the trim, the alignment aperture corresponding to the size and shape to the alignment feature of the heat sink. The heat sink can be removably coupled to the trim when the alignment feature matingly engages the alignment aperture.
According to another exemplary aspect, a trim for a recessed light fixture can include a top wall, a bottom wall and a trim body. The top wall can be at an upper end of the trim and can include a first aperture for receiving a LED light source and an alignment feature for engaging a corresponding heat sink alignment feature. The bottom wall can be at a lower end of the trim and can include a second aperture for emitting light received at the first aperture and a trim ring extending laterally outward from the lower end adjacent to the bottom wall. The trim body can be disposed between the upper end and the lower end of the trim, the trim body.
According to still another exemplary aspect, a luminaire can include a heat sink and a trim element. The heat sink can include a flange at a bottom end of the heat sink, a notch at a bottom surface of the flange, and a ramped surface at the flange proximate the notch. The trim can include a light receiving aperture at a top end of the trim, a light emitting aperture at a bottom end of the trim, and an alignment feature extending in the direction between the top end and the bottom end of the trim, the alignment feature corresponding in size and shape to the notch. The heat sink can be coupled to the trim when a bottom surface of the alignment feature engages the ramped surface.
These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
For a more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are described below.
The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
The exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to systems and devices for a light fixture assembly and a method of assembling the same. The exemplary luminaire systems described herein include a LED lamp module and a trim/reflector removably coupled to the LED lamp module. As described herein the exemplary LED lamp module includes a heat sink having cavities on the top and bottom end. The cavity on the bottom end includes one or more LEDs coupled to a surface of the heat sink. LEDs can include discrete LEDs, LEDs disposed on a printed circuit board, or chip-on-board LEDs as that term is used by those of ordinary skill in the art. The cavity on the bottom end of the heat sink can also include a lens that covers a majority of the cavity and the LEDs. The lens can be transparent, translucent or shaded a particular color. The cavity on the top end can include an LED driver or other electrical components for providing power and control signals to the LEDs.
Certain of the various components described herein are designed such that only a “qualified” trim, i.e., a trim having appropriate features to properly mate with the LED module, can be coupled to the heat sink of the LED module. An exemplary light fixture also includes a directional trim element, e.g., gimbal trim mount, for directing the light beam emitted by the LEDs in the light fixture. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are generally for recessed lighting fixture applications, it should be understood that the disclosure and each of the exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to recessed configurations.
Exemplary embodiments of lighting systems now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of lighting systems and components are shown. The lighting systems may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of lighting systems to those or ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.
In certain exemplary embodiments, an upper reflector 130 is positioned at least partially within the lower cavity. The upper reflector 130 has an upper opening at a first end and a lower opening at a distal second end. In certain exemplary embodiments, the upper opening is disposed about the LED light source 152, with the first end of the upper reflector 130 being coupled to the mounting surface of the heat sink 150. Alternatively, the upper reflector 130 is coupled to a lens 120. The upper reflector 130 may be coated with a reflective material. The reflective material of the upper reflector 130 may be the same material or different material from the reflective material used for the trim 110. The upper reflector 130 may be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including but not limited to aluminum, alloy, and glass.
The exemplary lens 120 is at least partially disposed within the lower cavity of the heat sink 150 and coupled to the heat sink 150 adjacent to a bottom surface of the heat sink 150. Alternatively, the lens 120 is coupled to or against the upper reflector 130 using the trim 110, the heat sink 150, and/or a separate fastening mechanism (not shown). The exemplary lens can be transparent, translucent or tinted a particular color. The lens 120 may be constructed of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, glass and plastic. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lens 120 is constructed of plastics such as polycarbonate and acrylic.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the trim 110 receives light emitted from the LED 152 through the lens 120 and directs that light into an area to be illuminated. As a byproduct of converting electricity into light, LEDs generate a substantial amount of heat that raises the operating temperature of the system 100 if allowed to accumulate. As such, the LED light sources 152 are thermally coupled, and in certain exemplary embodiments directly coupled, to the heat sink 150. The heat sink 150 conducts heat away from the LEDs and the LED driver dispose in the upper cavity of the heat sink 150, even when the system 100 is installed in an insulated ceiling environment. In addition to the heat sink 150, the trim 110 may also be used as part of the thermal management system.
The exemplary trim 110 includes a top mounting flange 122 that is disposed adjacent to or abuts a corresponding bottom surface of a mounting flange of the heat sink 150 and places the trim in thermal communication with the heat sink 150. The trim 110 also includes a side wall (see
The lower end of the trim 110 (i.e., the end furthest away from the heat sink 150) may be approximately flush with a mounting surface (e.g., ceiling, wall). Alternatively, the lower end of the trim 110 may extend beyond the mounting surface or be recessed behind the mounting surface. The trim 110 can be composed of a material for reflecting, refracting, transmitting, or diffusing light emitted by the LED light source 152. The trim may be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials, including but not limited to aluminum, plastic, and glass. Further, the trim 110 may be decorative, having one or more of a number of colors or designs to increase the aesthetic value of the system 100. For example, the trim 110 may be in a color that matches the décor of an environment in which the system 100 is placed. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the trim 110 may have a reflective coating or material (e.g., white paint, glass).
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the heat sink 150 receives heat from the LED light sources and the LED driver and dissipates the heat partially behind the wall and partially into the area to be illuminated, by way of the trim 110. The heat sink 150 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., aluminum, metal alloy) adapted to absorb and dissipate heat. The exemplary heat sink 150 is a single piece construction (e.g., die cast). Alternatively, the heat sink 150 is an assembly of multiple pieces. The heat sink 150 may include a top plate 158, which may be removable to allow access to the LED driver 154 and/or other components that are positioned within the upper cavity that is defined by an inner surface of an outer wall of the heat sink 150. The top plate 158 may be coupled to the outer wall of heat sink 150 using one or more of a number of fastening methods, including but not limited to threaded couplings, a clamp, and threaded fasteners.
In one or more exemplary embodiments, the LED driver 154 provides power and/or control signals for the LED light source 152. Specifically, the LED driver 154 receives power from an AC power source, processes the power, and delivers the processed power to the LED light source 152, typically in the form of direct current (DC) power. In addition, the LED driver 154 may also receive, process, and/or deliver control signals to the LED light source 152. While the exemplary LED driver 154 is shown coupled to the heat sink 150 and positioned within the upper cavity, alternatively, the LED driver 154 may be located remote from the heat sink 150 or coupled to an exterior surface of the heat sink 150.
The heat sink 150 may also include a friction clip mounting post 156 and/or torsion springs 190. The friction clip mounting post 156 and/or torsion springs 190 may be configured to secure the LED-based lighting system 100 to a housing (not shown) inside of which the LED-based lighting system 100 is mounted.
In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 116 of the trim 110 includes a bottom flange 124 (i.e., trim ring) that extends from the side wall 118 orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the beam path of the LED light source 152. Alternatively, the bottom flange extends upward from the bottom edge of the side wall 118 at an angle between 1 and 30 degrees. All or a portion of the bottom flange 124 can be flush with the mounting surface (e.g., ceiling, wall) when the lighting system 100 is installed. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom flange 124 is recessed behind the mounting surface. In another alternative embodiment, the bottom flange 124 extends beyond the mounting surface and covers any gap or imperfection in the mounting surface proximate the trim 110. For example, the bottom flange 124 can cover the edge of the hole formed in the ceiling/wall for receiving the trim 110.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first end 114 of the of the trim 110 includes a top flange 122 that extends from the side wall 118 orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the beam path of the LED 152. The top flange 122 include one or more alignment holes 130. An exemplary alignment hole 130 aligns and holds the trim 110 in place with respect to a corresponding alignment key 160 that extends out from a bottom surface of the mounting flange of the heat sink 150. In certain exemplary embodiments, the alignment hole 130 is a through-hole. In an alternate embodiment, the alignment hole 130 does not extend through the entire thickness of the top flange 122. Instead, the alignment hole 130 comprises a hollow or depression in the surface of the top flange 122.
In an exemplary embodiment, top flange 122 can include more than one alignment hole 130. In this embodiment, the spacing, number, and/or shape of the various alignment holes can differ. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the top flange 122 can include two differently-shaped alignment holes 130, spaced apart 10 degrees from one-another around the circumference of the top flange 122. In an alternate embodiment, the shape and spacing of the alignment holes 130 may be consistent. For example, the top flange 122 can include three identically-shaped or differently-shaped alignment holes 130, each spaced apart 120 degrees from one-another around the circumference of the top flange 122.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The gimbal trim unit 610 includes a bottom flange 624 (i.e., trim ring), a rotational collar 626, an inner collar 628, and a gimbal mounting flange 630. As illustrated in the perspective view of the exemplary gimbal trim unit 610 depicted in
The bottom flange 624 includes a gimbal mounting flange 630 extending in a direction orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the surface of the bottom flange 624. The rotational collar 626 is coupled to the gimbal mounting flange 630 such that the rotational collar 626 can freely rotate in the circumferential direction of the bottom flange 624. The heat sink 650 is mounted to the gimbal inner collar 628 and a gimbal mounting is provided that permits the heat sink 650 and LED to tilt and swivel in relation to the bottom flange 624.
In an exemplary embodiment, the inner collar 628 includes a bottom wall 632 that extends from the side wall of the inner collar 628 in the direction towards the centerline of gimbal trim unit 610 orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the direction of the beam path. The bottom wall 632 can include one or more alignment holes 634. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment holes 634 correspond to a coordinating alignment key of the heat sink 650. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment holes 634 can include a channel and/or slot configured to receive the corresponding alignment key of the heat sink 650 such that the alignment key can move within the slot-shaped alignment hole 634 as the heat sink 650 rotates within the inner collar 628.
An exemplary inner collar 628 can include one or more columns 636 extending from the interior surface of the inner collar 628 for alignment with the heat sink 650. In an exemplary embodiment, the column 636 is sized and shaped to engage a corresponding notch 652 in the bottom flange 654 of the heat sink 650 (see
The column 636 extends along interior surface of the inner collar 628 in a direction parallel to the light path of the LED and/or the centerline of the gimbal trim unit 610. In an exemplary embodiment, the column 636 does not extend fully to the bottom wall 632. Instead, a gap is provided between the bottom wall 632 and the bottom surface of the column 636. In an exemplary embodiment the gap provided between the bottom wall 632 and the bottom surface of the column 636 is sized and shaped to engage a ramped surface 656 of the heat sink 650.
The particular embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of the teachings herein. While numerous changes may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, such changes are encompassed within the spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
This non-provisional patent application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,779, filed on May 7, 2012 and titled “Reflectors and Reflector Orientation Feature to Prevent Non-Qualified Trim,” the entire contents of which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13465779 | May 2012 | US |
Child | 15073395 | US |