Side-emitting luminaire without waveguide

Abstract

The side light fixture (100) may include a housing (140) having a side wall (141) and a top wall (142) forming a cavity (145). The lamp can further comprise a circuit board assembly (120) arranged on the side wall (141) of the shell. The luminaire may also include an optical device (130) coupled to the distal end of the housing sidewall (141), wherein the optical device (130) encloses the open bottom end of the cavity. The luminaire may also include a reflector (110) disposed in the cavity, where the reflector (110) has a convex curvature (115) along a height (114) between the top end (117) and the bottom end (116), where the bottom end (116) of the reflector (110) is positioned proximate the junction of the optical device (130) and the distal end of the sidewall (141), where the top end (117) of the reflector is positioned in the cavity (145) at a horizontal distance (192) from the circuit board (121).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to lighting systems, and more particularly to systems, methods and apparatus for edge-lit luminaires without waveguides. Background Technology

[0002] Side-emitting luminaires (a type of luminaire that is part of a lighting system) use waveguides (sometimes called light guides) to direct light emitted from a light source into a spatial volume to provide general illumination. Waveguides are expensive components because of their thin profile (e.g., 3mm, 5mm) and because of all the optical properties they combine (e.g., reflective and refractive qualities) to receive light from their sides and redirect the light downwards in a substantially uniform distribution pattern. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a side-emitting luminaire comprising a housing having sidewalls and a top wall forming a cavity with an open bottom end. The side-emitting luminaire may further include a circuit board assembly disposed on the sidewall of the housing, wherein the circuit board includes a circuit board and a light source coupled to the circuit board, wherein the light source is oriented on the circuit board to direct light into the cavity. The side-emitting luminaire may further include an optical device coupled to a distal end of the sidewall of the housing, wherein the optical device closes the open bottom end of the cavity. The side-emitting luminaire may further include a reflector disposed within the cavity, wherein the reflector has a convex curvature along a height between a top end and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end of the reflector is positioned near the junction of the optical device and the distal end of the sidewall, and wherein the top end of the reflector is positioned within the cavity at a horizontal distance from the circuit board.

[0004] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and should therefore not be considered limiting, as the exemplary embodiments may allow for other equivalent embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to aid in visually conveying such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different figures may denote similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0006] Figures 1A-1E Various views of a waveguide-less side-emitting luminaire according to certain example embodiments are shown.

[0007] Figure 2 The illustration shows some example embodiments. Figures 1A-1E Bottom view of a sub-assembly of a side-emitting luminaire without waveguides.

[0008] Figure 3A and Figure 3B various views of a reflector of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1A-1E

[0009] Figure 4A and Figure 4B various views of a housing of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1A-1E

[0010] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of another portion of a housing of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another portion of a housing of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of another portion of a reflector of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another portion of a reflector of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0014] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of another optical device of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0015] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of another portion of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0016] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another portion of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0017] Figure 12A and Figure 12B various views of a light distribution pattern of a side-emitting luminaire, in accordance with certain example embodiments. Figures 1A-1E DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] ​​​Generally, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for side-emitting luminaires without waveguides. Example embodiments can provide a number of benefits. These benefits can include, but are not limited to, reduced parts in inventory, reduced costs, modularity, ease of installation, increased configurable options, extended life of optical apparatuses, reduced weight, reduced use of plastic, increased user control, and increased reliability. Example embodiments can be used with new side-emitting luminaires, as well as retrofitted with existing side-emitting lighting luminaires. Example embodiments described herein can be used with side-emitting luminaires having any of a variety of shapes (e.g., circular, square, oval, rectangular, triangular) when viewed from above. Further, example embodiments described herein can be used with side-emitting luminaires having any of a variety of sizes (e.g., 2 inch diameter, 3 inch width, 4 inch long axis, 1 inch height, 6 inch diameter, 5 inches per side, 10 inch diameter).

[0019] Example side-emitting luminaires without waveguides can be located in any one or more of a variety of environments. Examples of such environments can include, but are not limited to, indoor, outdoor, parking garages, kitchens or cooking spaces, hallways, entertainment rooms, office spaces, manufacturing plants, warehouses, and storage facilities, any of which can be climate controlled or non-climate controlled. In some cases, example embodiments discussed herein can be used in any type of hazardous environment, including, but not limited to, airplane hangars, drilling rigs (for oil, gas, or water), production rigs (for oil or gas), refineries, chemical plants, power plants, mining operations, wastewater treatment facilities, and steel mills.

[0020] Example side-emitting luminaires without waveguides can be mounted directly or indirectly on any of a variety of different structures. Such structures can include, but are not limited to, the underside of a cabinet, drywall, wood joists, and ceiling tiles. Indirect mounting of example side-emitting luminaires without waveguides can involve the use of electrical cables, brackets, conduits, and spacers. A user can be any person that interacts with a lighting system. Examples of users can include, but are not limited to, engineers, electricians, instrumentation and control technicians, operators, property managers, homeowners, tenants, employees, consultants, contractors, and manufacturer representatives.

[0021] Example side-emitting luminaires without waveguides (including portions thereof) can be made from one or more of a variety of suitable materials to allow the side-emitting luminaire (or portions thereof) to meet certain standards and / or regulations, while also allowing for durability under one or more conditions in which the side-emitting luminaire and / or other associated components of the side-emitting luminaire can be exposed. Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, silicone, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, polymer, ceramic, and rubber.

[0022] The example side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, or portions thereof, described herein can be made from a single piece (e.g., made from a mold, an injection mold, a die cast, a 3D printing process, and / or an extrusion process). Additionally, or in the alternative, the example side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide, including portions thereof, can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to one another. In such cases, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to one another using one or more of a variety of coupling methods, including but not limited to, epoxy, welding (e.g., sonic welding, soldering), crimping, clinching, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, snap fittings, and slotted fittings. The piece or pieces that are mechanically coupled to one another can be coupled to one another in one or more of a variety of ways, including but not limited to, fixedly, hingedly, removably, slidably, and threadably.

[0023] The components and / or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupled, fastened, secured, abutted, in communication, or other similar terms. Such terms are intended to mean a broadening of the various elements and / or features within a component or device, and are not intended to limit the capability or functionality of that particular element and / or feature. For example, a feature described as a “coupling feature” can couple, fasten, secure, abut, and / or perform other functions in addition to merely coupling.

[0024] The coupling features, including complementary coupling features, as described herein can allow one or more portions of the example side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide to become directly or indirectly coupled to one or more other components and / or structures of the side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide (e.g., a cabinet bottom). The coupling features can include, but are not limited to, a clamp, a portion of a hinge, a hole, a recessed area, a protrusion, a hole, a slot, a pull ring, a detent, and a mating thread. By directly using one or more coupling features, a portion of the example side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide can be coupled to a component and / or structure of the side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide.

[0025] Additionally, or in the alternative, a portion of the example side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide can be coupled to another component and / or structure of the side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide using one or more separate devices that interact with one or more coupling features provided on the side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a peg, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), an epoxy, a glue, an adhesive, and a spring. One coupling feature described herein can be the same as or different from one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature, as described herein, can be a coupling feature that is directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to another coupling feature.

[0026] In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of side-emitting luminaires without waveguides, one or more of the illustrated components can be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted. As such, the example embodiments of side-emitting luminaires without waveguides should not be construed as limited to the specific arrangements illustrated in any one of the attached drawings. For example, features illustrated in one or more drawings or described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different drawing or description.

[0027] In certain example embodiments, including lighting systems with example side-emitting luminaires without waveguides are subject to meeting certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards regarding electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. Where applicable, use of the example embodiments described herein meet (and / or allow the lighting systems to meet) such standards.

[0028] If a component of a figure is described but not explicitly shown or labeled in that figure, the label for the corresponding component used in another figure can be inferred for that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described with respect to that figure, the description of such component can be substantially the same as the description of the corresponding component in another figure. In this document, the numbering scheme for the various components in the figures is such that each component is a three or four digit number, and the corresponding component in other figures has the same last two digits.

[0029] Further, the recitation of a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in the figures herein) having a particular feature or component does not mean that such embodiment cannot also have other features or components. For example, for the purposes of the present or future claims herein, a feature or component described as not included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular figures can be included in one or more claims corresponding to such one or more particular figures herein.

[0030] Example embodiments of side-emitting luminaires without waveguides will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of side-emitting luminaires without waveguides are shown. The side-emitting luminaires without waveguides may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the side-emitting luminaires without waveguides to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals in the drawings and in the description herein are used to depict like, but not necessarily identical, elements. Illustrative embodiments of the side-emitting luminaires without waveguides are shown with reference to the following drawings beginning on page 1.

[0031] When present, terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "distal," "proximal," "end," "top," "bottom," "up," "down," "side," "left," "right," "front," "back," and "inner" are used only to distinguish one component (or portion of a component or state of a component) from another component, but do not otherwise limit or otherwise indicate any particular orientation or configuration. Such terms do not imply a limitation on the embodiments of side-emitting luminaires without waveguides. In the following detailed description of example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the present application can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0032] Figures 1A-1E Various views of a side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments are shown. Specifically, Figure 1A A bottom perspective view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is shown. Figure 1B A top perspective view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is shown. Figure 1C A side view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is shown. Figure 1D A cross-sectional side view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is shown. Figure 1E A detailed cross-sectional side view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A bottom view of a subassembly 299 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figures 1A-1E A bottom view of a subassembly 299 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figure 3A A bottom view of a subassembly 299 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figure 3B A bottom view of a subassembly 299 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figures 1A-1E A side view and a bottom view of a reflector 110 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments are shown. Figure 4A A side view and a bottom view of a reflector 110 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments are shown. Figure 4B A cross-sectional side view of a housing 140 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown. Figures 1A-1E A cross-sectional side view of a housing 140 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 without waveguides according to certain example embodiments is shown.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1A-4B , the side-emitting luminaire 100 does not have waveguides. To compensate for the lack of waveguides, the side-emitting luminaire 100 can include one or more components and / or features, as described below. Figures 1A-1E The side-emitting luminaire 100 shown in Figures 1A-1Eany one or more of a number of other components (e.g., a power supply) not shown.

[0035] The housing 140 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 (examples of which are shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B may have any of a number of shapes and / or features. For example, in this case, the housing 140 is generally cylindrical (i.e., has a circular shape when viewed from below) with a top wall 142 and at least one side wall 141 that form a cavity 145 with an open bottom end. The housing 140 can be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal, thermoplastic) that allows the housing 140 to act as a heat sink, absorbing heat generated within the cavity 145 (e.g., by one or more light sources 125) and subsequently dissipating the heat to the ambient environment outside of the cavity 145.

[0036] When viewed from below, the housing 140 has a different shape (e.g., square, octagonal), the housing 140 can have multiple side walls 141 instead of a single curved side wall 141 as in this case. Some or all of the interior surface of the side wall 141 and / or some or all of the interior surface of the top wall 142 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material (e.g., coated with a glossy acrylic made of a highly polished light-colored metal). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the interior surface of the side wall 141 and / or some or all of the interior surface of the top wall 142 can be a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) color (e.g., bright white). The housing 140 has a height 104 (e.g., 5 mm, 10 mm, 1 inch) and a width 103 (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches). In this case, the width 103 is also a diameter since the housing 140 is cylindrical. The housing 140 (or portions thereof) can be made by any one or more of a number of manufacturing methods, including but not limited to extrusion, 3D printing, and injection molding.

[0037] The interior surface of the side wall 141 and / or the top wall 142 can have one or more coupling features (e.g., slots, recesses, protrusions) disposed therein to allow coupling of another component (e.g., the circuit board 121, the example reflector 110, the optical device 130) within the cavity 145. For example, as Figure 4BAs shown in FIG. 1, in the inner surface of the sidewall 141, along the entire perimeter of the sidewall 141, a recess 144 is provided at its distal end (i.e., bottom). Other examples of such coupling features provided in the sidewall 141 and / or the top wall 142 of the housing 140 are discussed below. The outer surface of the top wall 142 of the housing 140 can include one or more coupling features (e.g., slots, recesses, tabs, channels) that can be used to allow the housing 140 to be coupled, directly or indirectly, to a structure (e.g., underside of a cabinet, mounting structure).

[0038] In certain example embodiments, the example reflector 150 can be integrated into the inner surface of the sidewall 141 and / or the top wall 142 of the housing 140. In this case, the reflector 150 is a curved transition along the inner surfaces of the proximal end (i.e., top) of the sidewall 141 and the outer perimeter of the top wall 142. Some or all of the reflector 150 can be or coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material, which can be the same or different from the reflective material of the inner surfaces of the sidewall 141 and / or the top wall 142 of the housing 140. In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the reflector 150 can be a reflective color.

[0039] In alternative embodiments, the reflector 150 can be a separate component coupled to the housing 140 towards the top of the cavity 145, rather than integrated with the housing 140. When present, the reflector 150 can have a curvature 155 between its top end 157 and bottom end 156. The curvature 155 can be concave (as in this example), convex, or zero degrees (i.e., the reflector 150 is planar). The curvature 155 of the reflector 150 can be radial, parabolic, elliptical, or have some other defined curvature. In this case, the curvature 155 of the reflector 150 is parabolic, with a focal point that substantially coincides with the center of the optical device 130, which also coincides with the center 109 of the bottom of the housing 140. Alternatively, the focal point of the curvature 155 of the reflector 150 can be at some point along the vertical axis 108 that passes through the center 109 of the bottom of the housing 140. The reflector 150 also has a height 154 (e.g., true vertical height) across the top end 157 and the bottom end 156 of the reflector 150.

[0040] In certain example embodiments, the reflector 150 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 150 can be continuous along its length. The bottom end 156 of the reflector 150 can have a shape and size that corresponds to a perimeter formed by a portion of the inner surface of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140 that couples with the bottom end 156. The reflector 150 can have an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent sidewalls 141 and the top wall 142 of the housing 140) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The reflector 150 can be an optional feature of the housing 140 and / or an optional component of the side-emitting luminaire 100.

[0041] The circuit board assembly 120 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is disposed on (e.g., coupled to) the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. Any of the plurality of light sources 125 can be coupled to the circuit board 121 of the circuit board assembly 120. In some cases, as in this example, the circuit board 121 can be flexible such that the shape of the circuit board 121 (or portions thereof) can have and maintain a three-dimensional shape. In such cases, the circuit board 121 (or portions thereof) can be made of an elastic or flexible material. As such, the circuit board 121 can be inserted into the cavity 145 of the housing 140 and conform to the inner perimeter of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. When the circuit board 121 is flexible, the circuit board 121 can maintain its altered shape or return to its default shape when the force used to alter the shape of the circuit board 121 is no longer applied. Alternatively, the circuit board 121 can be rigid or mostly rigid, in which case the circuit board 121 can be shaped during manufacturing to conform to the shape and size of the inner perimeter of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140.

[0042] The circuit board 121 can be coupled to the sidewall 141 of the housing 140 using any of a variety of coupling features in any of a variety of ways. For example, the sidewall 141 of the housing 140 can include one or more coupling features (e.g., recesses, clips, pull tabs, threaded holes) to allow the circuit board 121 to be coupled directly or indirectly to the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. As another example, epoxy can be used to adhere the circuit board 121 to the sidewall 141 of the housing 140.

[0043] As described above, one or more light sources 125 can be coupled to the circuit board 121. Each of the light sources 125 can be oriented on the circuit board 121 in such a way as to direct light emitted by the light sources 125 into the cavity 145 of the housing 140. Each light source 125 can use any type of lighting technology. Examples of such lighting technologies can include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma, bioluminescence, and organic LEDs (OLEDs). When the circuit board assembly 120 includes multiple light sources 125, the spacing between two adjacent light sources 125 can be the same or different than the spacing between two other adjacent light sources 125 of the circuit board assembly 120. Furthermore, when the circuit board assembly 120, the light sources 125 can be arranged on the circuit board 121 in any of a variety of ways. For example, all of the light sources 125 can be arranged in a single row along the middle of the circuit board 121 along the length of the circuit board 121. As another example, the light sources 125 can be arranged in two parallel rows along the length of the circuit board 121, where the light sources 125 in each row are equally spaced apart from one another.

[0044] The optical device 130 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 has a body 131 and can be removably coupled to the distal end (i.e., the bottom) of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. When the optical device 130 is coupled to the housing 140, the optical device 130 encloses the open bottom end of the cavity 145 formed by the housing 140. The optical device 130 can include one or more features and / or components. For example, the optical device 130 can have a coupling feature (e.g., mating threads, a protruding portion, a pull tab, a hole) that is complementary to a corresponding coupling feature of the housing 140 to allow the optical device 130 to be directly or indirectly coupled to the housing 140. The optical device 130 can also include one or more optical features (e.g., reflectors, refractors) disposed in the body that are configured to manipulate light emitted by the light sources 125 as the light propagates from the cavity 145 to a volume of space outside of the cavity 145 to provide general illumination or illumination for some other purpose for which the optical device 130 is designed to provide. The optical device 130 can have a shape and size that prevents light from leaking between the optical device 130 and the sidewall 141 of the housing 140.

[0045] An example reflector 110 of the side-emitting luminaire 100 is disposed in the cavity 145 formed by the housing 140 and the optical device 130. The reflector 110 can be configured to serve one or more purposes. For example, the reflector 110 can be configured to conceal the light source 125 from being seen by a user positioned below the side-emitting luminaire 100. Some or all of the reflector 110 can lack vertical and / or horizontal orientation along its true vertical height 114. For example, the reflector 110 can have a body 111 that has a convex curvature 115 along its true vertical height 114 between its top end 117 and bottom end 116. Various characteristics of the reflector 110 (e.g., the curvature 115, the true vertical height 114, the material, the color) can be the same as or different from corresponding characteristics of the reflector 150, provided that the side-emitting luminaire 100 includes the reflector 150.

[0046] In certain example embodiments, the example reflector 110 is positioned toward the bottom of the cavity 145. For example, the bottom end 116 of the reflector 110 can be positioned near the junction of the optical device 130 and the distal end (bottom) of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. In this case, the top end 117 of the reflector 110 can be positioned in the cavity 145 a horizontal distance 192 from the circuit board 121, as shown in Figure 1E Additionally, or alternatively, the top end 117 of the reflector 110 can be positioned in the cavity 145 a vertical distance 191 below the bottom end of the light source 125, as shown in Figure 1E

[0047] The curvature 115 of the reflector 110 is between the top end 117 and the bottom end 116 of the reflector 110. The curvature 115 can be concave (as in this example), convex, or zero degrees (i.e., the reflector 110 is planar). The curvature 115 of the reflector 110 can be radial, parabolic, elliptical, or have some other defined curvature. In this case, the curvature 115 of the reflector 110 is parabolic, with a focal point that substantially coincides with the center of the optical device 130, which also coincides with the center 109 of the bottom of the housing 140. Alternatively, the focal point of the curvature 115 of the reflector 110 can be some other point along the vertical axis 108 that passes through the center 109 of the bottom of the housing 140. The reflector 110 also has a height 114 (e.g., true vertical height) that spans between the top end 117 and the bottom end 116 of the reflector 110.

[0048] ​In certain example embodiments, the reflector 110 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 110 can be continuous along its length. The bottom end 116 of the reflector 110 can have a shape and size corresponding to a perimeter of the bottom end 116 of the reflector 110 that is coupled by portions of the inner surface of the side walls 141 of the housing 140. The reflector 110 can have an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent side walls 141 of the housing 140) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface (i.e., facing the optical device 130). In some cases, the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the reflector 110 can have a reflective color and / or material.

[0049] The reflector 110 and its various properties (e.g., curvature 115, color, coating, true vertical height 114), as well as the properties of the inner surfaces of the side walls 141 and the top wall 142 of the housing 140 (e.g., color, coating), and optionally the reflector 150 (e.g., curvature 155, color, coating, true vertical height 154), can redirect light through the optical device at the bottom end of the housing 140 that is substantially uniformly distributed without hot or dead spots. As such, the side-emitting luminaire 100 can operate without a waveguide or light guide. Moreover, the reflector 110 prevents a user from looking through the optical device 130 into the cavity 145 without seeing any light source 125. In alternative embodiments, the reflector 110 can be integrated with the housing 140 rather than as a separate component.

[0050] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of another housing 540 of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, Figures 1A-5 , except as described below, Figure 5 The housing 540 of FIG. 6 is substantially the same as the housing 140 described above. For example, Figure 5 The housing 540 of FIG. 6 is generally cylindrical (i.e., has a circular shape when viewed from below) with a top wall 542 and side walls 541 forming a cavity 545 with an open bottom end. The housing 540 can be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal, thermoplastic) that allows the housing 540 to act as a heat sink.

[0051] Some or all of the inner surface of the side walls 541 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 542 can be or coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material (e.g., coated with a glossy acrylic made of a highly polished light-colored metal). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the inner surface of the side walls 541 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 542 can be a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) color (e.g., bright white).

[0052] The inner surface of the side wall 541 and / or the top wall 542 of the housing 540 can have one or more coupling features (e.g., slots, recesses, protrusions) disposed therein to allow coupling of another component (e.g., the circuit board 121, the example reflector 110, the optical device 130) within the cavity 545. For example, in this case, a coupling feature 544 in the form of a recess is disposed in the inner surface of the side wall 541 along the entire perimeter of the side wall 541 at its distal end (i.e., the bottom). The coupling feature 544 is configured to receive and couple to an optical device (e.g., the optical device 130).

[0053] As another example, a coupling feature 548 in the form of a wedge-shaped recess is disposed in the inner surface of the side wall 541 toward its distal end (i.e., the bottom) just above the coupling feature 544 along the entire perimeter of the side wall 541. The coupling feature 548 is configured to receive and couple to a bottom end (e.g., the bottom end 116) of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 110) when the bottom end of the reflector is tapered, having a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the coupling feature 548.

[0054] As yet another example, a coupling feature 546 in the form of a recess is disposed in the inner surface of the side wall 541 toward its proximal end (i.e., the top) just above the location where the circuit board (e.g., the circuit board 121) of the circuit board assembly (e.g., the circuit board assembly 120) is configured to be positioned along the entire perimeter of the side wall 541. The coupling feature 546 is configured to receive and couple to a bottom end (e.g., the bottom end 156) of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 150) when the bottom end of the reflector is square and where the reflector is a separate component rather than an integrated part of the housing 540.

[0055] As yet another example, a coupling feature 547 in the form of a recess is disposed in the inner surface of the top wall 542 toward the location where the top wall 542 intersects the side wall 541 in the full circle. The coupling feature 547 is configured to receive and couple to a top end (e.g., the top end 157) of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 150) when the top end of the reflector is square and where the reflector is a separate component rather than an integrated part of the housing 540. In this way, an example reflector (e.g., the reflector 150) as a standalone component can be coupled to the inner surfaces of the side wall 541 and the top wall 542 of the housing 540.

[0056] Figure 6 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of yet another housing 640 of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to Figures 1A-6 , except as described below, Figure 6 the housing 640 is substantially the same as the above-described housing. For example, Figure 6The housing 640 is generally cylindrical (i.e., has a circular shape when viewed from below) with a top wall 642 and a side wall 641 forming a cavity 645 with an open bottom end. The housing 640 can be made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal, thermoplastic) that allows the housing 640 to act as a heat sink.

[0057] Some or all of the inner surface of the side wall 641 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 642 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material (e.g., coated with a glossy acrylic made from a highly polished light-colored metal). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the inner surface of the side wall 641 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 642 can be a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) color (e.g., bright white).

[0058] The inner surface of the side wall 641 and / or the top wall 642 of the housing 640 can have one or more coupling features (e.g., slots, recesses, protrusions) disposed therein to allow coupling of another component (e.g., the circuit board 121, the example reflector 110, the optical device 130) within the cavity 645. For example, in this case, there are coupling features 644 in the form of recesses disposed in the inner surface of the side wall 641 at its distal end (i.e., bottom) along the entire perimeter of the side wall 641 (similar to the recesses 144 described above). The coupling features 644 are configured to receive and couple to an optical device (e.g., the optical device 130).

[0059] As another example, there are coupling features 648 in the form of recesses disposed in the inner surface of the side wall 641 toward its distal end (i.e., bottom) just above the coupling features 644 along the entire perimeter of the side wall 641. The coupling features 648 are configured to receive and couple to a bottom end (e.g., the bottom end 116) of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 110) when the bottom end of the reflector includes a lateral extension having a shape and size that is complementary to that of the coupling features 648.

[0060] As yet another example, there are coupling features 646 in the form of protrusions extending from the inner surface of the side wall 641 toward its proximal end (i.e., top) just above the location where a circuit board (e.g., the circuit board 121) of a circuit board assembly (e.g., the circuit board assembly 120) is configured to be positioned along the entire perimeter of the side wall 641. The coupling features 646 are configured to receive and couple to (abut) a bottom end (e.g., the bottom end 1056 in the reflector 1050 below) of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 110 below Figure 10 Figure 10

[0061] ​​As yet another example, there are coupling features 647 in the form of protrusions that extend from the inner surface of the top wall 642 toward where the top wall 642 intersects the side wall 641 in a full circle. The coupling features 647 are configured to receive and couple to (abut against) the top end of a reflector (e.g., the reflector 1050 in Figure 10 below) when the top end of the reflector is square and where the reflector is a separate component rather than an integrated part of the housing 640. In this way, an example reflector (e.g., the reflector 1050 in Figure 10 below) that is a standalone component can be coupled to the inner surface of the side wall 641 and the top wall 642 of the housing 640. Figure 10

[0062] Figure 7 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of another reflector 710 of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to Figures 1A-7 , the reflector 710 of Figure 7 is substantially the same as the reflector 110 described above, except as described below. For example, the reflector 710 is configured to be disposed in a cavity (e.g., the cavity 545) formed by a housing (e.g., the housing 540) and an optical device (e.g., the optical device 130). The reflector 710 has a body 711 that has a convex curvature 715 along its true vertical height 714 between its top end 717 and its bottom end 716. Various characteristics (e.g., the curvature 715, the true vertical height 714, the material, the color) of the reflector 710 can be the same as or different from the corresponding characteristics of another reflector (e.g., the reflector 150) of a side-emitting luminaire (e.g., the side-emitting luminaire 100).

[0063] The example reflector 710 can be configured to be positioned within the cavity 545 of the housing 540 of Figure 5 . For example, the bottom end 716 of the reflector 710 can include a wedge-shaped protrusion 718 that is complementary to the coupling feature 548 in the form of a wedge-shaped recess in the side wall 541 of the housing 540 in Figure 5 . In this way, when the wedge-shaped protrusion 718 is inserted into the coupling feature 548 in the form of a wedge-shaped recess, the reflector 710 becomes positioned within the cavity 545, similar to the way the reflector 110 is positioned in the cavity 145 in Figure 1E . In this case, the top end 717 of the reflector 710 can be positioned in the cavity 545 at a horizontal distance 792 from the side wall 541 and / or a circuit board (e.g., the circuit board 121), similar to what is shown in Figure 1E . Furthermore, the top end 717 of the reflector 710 can be positioned in the cavity 545 at a vertical distance (e.g., the vertical distance 191) below the bottom end of a light source (e.g., the light source 125), similar to Figure 1E ​as shown in

[0064] The curvature 715 of the main body 711 of the reflector 710 is between the top end 717 and the bottom end 716 of the reflector 710. In this case, the curvature 715 of the reflector 710 is parabolic. The reflector 710 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 710 is continuous along its length. The reflector 710 has an outer surface (e.g., facing the adjacent sidewall 541 of the housing 540) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface and / or the outer surface of the reflector 710 can have a reflective color and / or material.

[0065] Figure 8 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of yet another reflector 810 of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 8, Figures 1A-8 except as described below, Figure 8 The reflector 810 is substantially the same as the reflectors described above. For example, the reflector 810 is configured to be disposed in a cavity (e.g., cavity 645) formed by a housing (e.g., housing 640) and an optical device (e.g., optical device 130). The reflector 810 has a main body 811 with a convex curvature 815 along its true vertical height 814 between its top end 817 and its bottom end 816. Various characteristics (e.g., curvature 815, true vertical height 814, material, color) of the reflector 810 can be the same as or different from corresponding characteristics of another reflector (e.g., reflector 150) of a side-emitting luminaire (e.g., side-emitting luminaire 100).

[0066] The example reflector 810 can be configured to be positioned within the cavity 645 of the housing 640 of Figure 6 For example, the bottom end 816 of the reflector 810 can include a lateral protrusion 818 that is complementary to a lateral recess 648 in the sidewall 641 of the housing 640 of Figure 6 In this way, when the lateral protrusion 818 is inserted into the lateral recess 648, the reflector 810 becomes positioned within the cavity 645, similar to the way the reflector 110 is positioned in the cavity 145 of Figure 1E In this case, the top end 817 of the reflector 810 can be positioned in the cavity 645 a horizontal distance 892 from the sidewall 641 and / or a circuit board (e.g., circuit board 121), similar to what is shown in Figure 1E In addition, the top end 817 of the reflector 810 can be positioned in the cavity 645 a vertical distance (e.g., vertical distance 191) below the bottom end of a light source (e.g., light source 125), similar to what is shown in Figure 1E

[0067] ​The curvature 815 of the body 811 of the reflector 810 is between the top end 817 and the bottom end 816 of the reflector 810. In this case, the curvature 815 of the reflector 810 is parabolic. The reflector 810 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 810 is continuous along its length. The reflector 810 has an outer surface (e.g., facing the adjacent sidewall 641 of the housing 640) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface and / or the outer surface of the reflector 810 can have a reflective color and / or material.

[0068] Figure 9 A cross-sectional side view of another optical device 930 of a side-emitting luminaire without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to Figures 1A-9 , except as described below, Figure 9 The optical device 930 is substantially the same as the optical device 130 described above. For example, the body 931 of the optical device 930 can include a coupling feature 939 in the form of a mating thread disposed along an outer periphery thereof to allow the optical device 930 to be directly removably coupled to a complementary coupling feature (also in the form of a mating thread) disposed along an inner periphery at a bottom of a sidewall (e.g., sidewall 141) of a housing (e.g., housing 140). When the optical device 930 is coupled to the housing, the optical device 930 closes an open bottom end of a cavity (e.g., cavity 145) formed by the housing.

[0069] The body 931 of the optical device 930 includes a coupling feature 938 in the form of a channel or recess formed in a top surface of the optical device 930 toward an outer periphery of the optical device 930 (which is also adjacent to the coupling feature 939). The coupling feature 938 allows the optical device 930 to be directly coupled to a reflector (e.g., reflector 110). The optical device 930 can also include one or more optical features (e.g., reflectors, refractors) to manipulate light emitted by a light source (e.g., light source 125) as the light propagates from the cavity (e.g., cavity 145) to a cavity-external spatial volume to provide general illumination. The coupling feature 938 of the optical device 930 prevents light from leaking between the optical device 930 and the sidewall of the housing.

[0070] Figure 10 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of another side-emitting luminaire 1000 without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to Figures 1A-10 , except as described below, Figure 10 The side-emitting luminaire 1000 (including components and / or features thereof) is substantially the same as the side-emitting luminaire 100 described above with respect to Figures 1A-9 , except as described below. For example, Figure 10The side-emitting luminaire 1000 includes a housing 1040, an optical device 1030, a circuit board assembly 1020, an example reflector 1010, and another example reflector 1050.

[0071] The circuit board assembly 1020 includes a circuit board 1021 and a plurality of light sources 1025 coupled to the circuit board 1021. The light sources 1025 are oriented outward into the cavity 1045. The circuit board assembly 1020 of the side-emitting luminaire 1000 is disposed on (e.g., coupled to) a sidewall 1041 of the housing 1040. The housing 1040 of the side-emitting luminaire 1000 is cylindrical, having a top wall 1042 and the sidewall 1041 that form the cavity 1045 having an open bottom end. The housing 1040 is made of a thermally conductive material that allows the housing 1040 to act as a heat sink.

[0072] Some or all of the inner surface of the sidewall 1041 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 1042 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material (e.g., coated with a glossy acrylic made from a highly polished light-colored metal). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the inner surface of the sidewall 1041 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 1042 can be a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) color (e.g., bright white).

[0073] The inner surface of the sidewall 1041 at the distal bottom portion of the sidewall 1041 includes a coupling feature 1049 in the form of a mating thread. The coupling feature 1049 is used to couple the optical device 1030 to the housing 1040. The inner surface of the sidewall 1041 also includes a coupling feature 1048 in the form of an inwardly recessed portion toward the bottom of the sidewall 1041. The coupling feature 1048 is just above the coupling feature 1049. The coupling feature 1048 of the housing 1040 is used to couple to the reflector 1010, as described below. The coupling feature 1048 and the coupling feature 1049 are disposed along the entire perimeter of the sidewall 1041.

[0074] In this case, the example reflector 1050 is a separate component that is coupled to (e.g., using epoxy, using sonic welding, using an adhesive) the housing 1040. Specifically, a top end 1057 of the reflector 1050 is coupled to the top wall 1042 of the housing 1040, and a bottom end 1056 of the reflector 1050 is coupled to the sidewall 1041 of the housing 1040. The reflector 1050 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material, which can be the same as or different from the reflective material of the inner surface of the sidewall 1041 and / or the top wall 1042 of the housing 1040. In addition, some or all of the reflector 1050 can be a reflective color (e.g., bright white).

[0075] The body 1051 of the reflector 1050 has a curvature 1055 between the top end 1057 and the bottom end 1056 of the reflector 1050. The curvature 1055 is concave and radial (e.g., a circular arc). The reflector 1050 has a height 1054 (e.g., a true vertical height) spanning between the top end 1057 and the bottom end 1056 of the reflector 1050. The reflector 1050 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 1050 is continuous along its length. The bottom end 1056 of the reflector 1050 can have a shape and size corresponding to a periphery of the bottom end 1056 that is formed by a portion of the inner surface of the side wall 1041 of the housing 1040 that the bottom end 1056 is coupled to. The reflector 1050 has an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent side wall 1041 and the top wall 1042 of the housing 1040) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface.

[0076] The optical device 1030 of the side-emitting luminaire 1000 has a body 1031 and can include a coupling feature 1039 in the form of a mating thread disposed along an outer lateral surface of the body 1031, where the coupling feature 1039 is configured to removably couple to a complementary coupling feature 1049 in the form of a mating thread disposed in an inner surface at a distal end of the side wall 1041 of the housing 1040. When the optical device 1030 is coupled to the housing 1040, the optical device 1030 closes an open bottom end of the cavity 1045 formed by the housing 1040. The body 1031 of the optical device 1030 includes a coupling feature 1138 in the form of a recess along an outer periphery of the optical device 1030 on a top surface thereof. The coupling feature 1038, in combination with the coupling feature 1048 of the housing 1040 and the coupling feature 1018 of the reflector 1010 (discussed below), allows the reflector to be directly coupled to the housing 1040 and the optical device 1030. The optical device 1030 also includes one or more optical features (e.g., reflectors, refractors) for manipulating light emitted by the light source 1025 as the light propagates from the cavity 1045 to a volume of space outside of the cavity 1045 to provide general illumination.

[0077] The example reflector 1010 of the side-emitting luminaire 1000 is disposed in the cavity 1045 formed by the housing 1040 and the optical device 1030. The reflector 1010 conceals the light source 1025 from being seen by a user positioned below the side-emitting luminaire 1000. A majority of the reflector 110 lacks a vertical or horizontal orientation along its true vertical height 1014. The reflector 110 has a convex curvature 1015 along its true vertical height 1014 between its top end 1017 and its bottom end 1016. Various characteristics of the reflector 1010 (e.g., curvature 1015, true vertical height 1014, material, color) can be the same as or different from corresponding characteristics of the reflector 1050.

[0078] An example reflector 1010 is positioned toward the bottom of the cavity 1045. The bottom end 1016 of the reflector 1010 includes a coupling feature 1018 in the form of a lateral extension that couples to (fits within) the coupling feature 1048 of the housing and the coupling feature 1038 of the optical device 1030. As a result, the top end 1017 of the reflector 1010 is positioned in the cavity 1045 a horizontal distance 1092 from the circuit board 1021. In addition, the top end 1017 of the reflector 1010 is positioned in the cavity 1045 a vertical distance 1091 below the bottom end of the light source 1025.

[0079] The curvature 1015 of the body 1011 of the reflector 1010 is between the top end 1017 and the bottom end 1016 of the reflector 1010. The curvature 1015 is parabolic. The reflector 1010 has a true vertical height 1014 across the top end 1017 and the bottom end 1016 of the reflector 1010. The reflector 1010 forms a closed shape. The bottom end 1016 of the reflector 1010 has a shape and size that corresponds to a perimeter formed by a bottom portion of the inner surface of the sidewall 1041 of the housing 1040. The reflector 1010 has an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent sidewall 1041 of the housing 1040) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface of the reflector 1010 have a color (e.g., bright white) and / or a material (e.g., glossy acrylic) that is reflective (e.g., highly reflective).

[0080] The reflector 1010 and its various properties (e.g., the curvature 1015 of the body 1011, color, coating, true vertical height 1014), as well as the properties of the inner surfaces of the sidewall 1041 and the top wall 1042 of the housing 1040 (e.g., color, coating), and optionally the reflector 1050 (e.g., curvature 1055, color, coating, true vertical height 1054), can cause the light to be redirected through the optical device at the bottom end of the housing 1040 to be substantially uniformly distributed without hot or dead spots. In this way, the side-emitting luminaire 1000 can operate without a waveguide or light guide. In addition, the reflector 1010 prevents a user from looking into the cavity 1045 through the optical device 1030 and thus seeing any of the light sources 1025.

[0081] Figure 11 A cross-sectional side view of a portion of yet another side-emitting luminaire 1100 without a waveguide is shown in accordance with certain example embodiments. Referring to Figures 1A-11 , except as described below, Figure 11 the side-emitting luminaire 1100 (including its components and / or features) is substantially the same as described above with respect to Figures 1A-10 the side-emitting luminaire (including any corresponding components and / or features). For example, Figure 11The side-emitting luminaire 1100 includes a housing 1140, an optical device 1130, a circuit board assembly 1120, an example reflector 1110, and another example reflector 1150.

[0082] The circuit board assembly 1120 includes a circuit board 1121 and a plurality of light sources 1125 coupled to the circuit board 1121. The light sources 1125 are oriented outward into the cavity 1145. The circuit board assembly 1120 of the side-emitting luminaire 1100 is disposed on (e.g., coupled to) a sidewall 1141 of the housing 1140. The housing 1140 of the side-emitting luminaire 1100 is cylindrical, having a top wall 1142 and the sidewall 1141 that form the cavity 1145 having an open bottom end. The housing 1140 is made of a thermally conductive material that allows the housing 1140 to act as a heat sink.

[0083] Some or all of the inner surface of the sidewall 1141 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 1142 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material (e.g., coated with a glossy acrylic made of a highly polished light-colored metal). In addition, or in the alternative, some or all of the inner surface of the sidewall 1141 and / or some or all of the inner surface of the top wall 1142 can be a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) color (e.g., bright white).

[0084] The inner surface of the sidewall 1141 at the distal bottom portion of the sidewall 1141 includes a coupling feature 1149 in the form of a mating thread. The coupling feature 1149 is used to couple the optical device 1130 to the housing 1140. The inner surface of the sidewall 1141 also includes a coupling feature 1148 in the form of an inwardly recessed portion toward the bottom of the sidewall 1141. The coupling feature 1148 is just above the coupling feature 1149. The coupling feature 1148 of the housing 1140 is used to receive and couple to the bottom end 1116 of the reflector 1110, as described below. The coupling feature 1148 and the coupling feature 1149 are disposed along the entire perimeter of the sidewall 1141.

[0085] The top wall 1142 of the housing 1140 can also include a coupling feature 1147 in the form of a recessed portion in the inner surface of the top wall 1142 toward the location where the top wall 1142 meets the sidewall 1141. The coupling feature 1147 forms a complete circle in the top wall 1142. The coupling feature 1147 is configured to receive and couple to the top end 1157 of the reflector 1150, which is a separate component of the side-emitting luminaire 1100 and not an integrated part of the housing 1140.

[0086] The example reflector 1150 has a top end 1157 and a bottom end 1156. The top end 1157 of the reflector 1150 is coupled to the coupling feature 1148 in the top wall 1142 of the housing 1140 by insertion into the coupling feature 1148. In this case, the top end 1157 can be considered a coupling feature, such as the coupling feature 818 described above, as the top end 1157 is configured to directly couple to the coupling feature 1147 in the top wall 1142. The bottom end 1156 of the reflector 1150 is coupled to the side wall 1141 of the housing 1140 by being positioned in such a way that a bottom of the bottom end rests against a top of the circuit board 1121 and an adjacent outer surface of the reflector 1150 rests against the side wall 1141 of the housing 1140. The reflector 1150 can be or be coated with a reflective (e.g., highly reflective) material, which can be the same as or different from the reflective material of the inner surface of the side wall 1141 and / or the top wall 1142 of the housing 1140. Further, some or all of the reflector 1150 can be a reflective color (e.g., bright white).

[0087] The body 1151 of the reflector 1150 has a curvature 1155 between the top end 1157 and the bottom end 1156 of the reflector 1150. The curvature 1155 is concave and radial (e.g., a circular arc). The reflector 1150 has a height 1154 (e.g., a true vertical height) spanning between the top end 1157 and the bottom end 1156 of the reflector 1150. The reflector 1150 forms a closed shape. In other words, the reflector 1150 is continuous along its length. The bottom end 1156 of the reflector 1150 can have a shape and size corresponding to a perimeter of the bottom end 1156 coupled by a portion of the inner surface of the side wall 1141 of the housing 1140. The reflector 1150 has an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent side wall 1141 and top wall 1142 of the housing 1140) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface.

[0088] The optical device 1130 of the side-emitting luminaire 1100 has a body 1131 and can include a coupling feature 1139 in the form of mating threads along an outer side surface of the body 1131, where the coupling feature 1139 is configured to removably couple to a coupling feature 1149 in the form of complementary mating threads disposed in an inner surface at a distal end of the side wall 1141 of the housing 1040. When the optical device 1130 is coupled to the housing 1140, the optical device 1130 encloses an open bottom end of the cavity 1145 formed by the housing 1140. The optical device 1130 also includes one or more optical features (e.g., reflectors, refractors) disposed within the body 1131 to manipulate light emitted by the light source 1125 as the light propagates from the cavity 1145 to a volume of space outside of the cavity 1145 to provide general illumination.

[0089] An example reflector 1110 of the side-emitting luminaire 1100 is disposed in the cavity 1145 formed by the housing 1140 and the optical device 1130. The reflector 1110 conceals the light source 1125 from being seen by a user positioned below the side-emitting luminaire 1100. A majority of the reflector 1110 lacks a vertical or horizontal orientation along its true vertical height 1114. The reflector 1110 has a convex curvature 1115 along its true vertical height 1114 between its top end 1117 and its bottom end 1116. Various properties of the reflector 1110 (e.g., the curvature 1115 of the body 1111, the true vertical height 1114, the material, the color) can be the same as or different from corresponding properties of the reflector 1150.

[0090] The example reflector 1110 is positioned toward the bottom of the cavity 1145. The bottom end 1116 of the reflector 1110 is coupled to the sidewall 1142 of the housing 1140 when the bottom end 1116 is inserted into the coupling feature 1148 in the sidewall 1142. In this case, the bottom end 1116 can be considered a coupling feature, such as the coupling feature 818 described above, because the bottom end 1116 is configured to directly couple to the coupling feature 1148 in the sidewall 1142. As a result, the top end 1117 of the reflector 1110 is positioned in the cavity 1145 a horizontal distance 1192 from the circuit board 1121. In addition, the top end 1117 of the reflector 1110 is positioned in the cavity 1145 a vertical distance 1191 below the bottom end of the light source 1125.

[0091] The curvature 1115 of the body 1111 of the reflector 1110 is between the top end 1117 and the bottom end 1116 of the reflector 1110. The curvature 1115 is parabolic. The reflector 1110 has a shape that spans the height 1114 (e.g., the true vertical height) between the top end 1117 and the bottom end 1116 of the reflector 1110. The reflector 1110 forms a closed shape. The bottom end 1116 of the reflector 1110 has a shape and size that corresponds to a perimeter formed by a bottom portion of an inner surface of the sidewall 1141 of the housing 1140. The reflector 1110 has an outer surface (i.e., facing the adjacent sidewall 1141 of the housing 1140) and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface of the reflector 1110 have a color (e.g., bright white) and / or a material (e.g., glossy acrylic) that is reflective (e.g., highly reflective).

[0092] The reflector 1110 and its various characteristics (e.g., curvature 1115, color, coating, true vertical height 1114), as well as the characteristics of the inner surfaces of the sidewalls 1141 and top wall 1142 of the housing 1140 (e.g., color, coating), and the characteristics of the optional reflector 1150 (e.g., curvature 1155, color, coating, true vertical height 1154), can redirect light through the optics at the bottom of the housing 1140, resulting in a substantially uniform light distribution without hot spots or dead spots. Thus, the side-emitting luminaire 1100 can operate without waveguides or light guides. Furthermore, the reflector 1110 prevents the user from looking into the cavity 1145 through the optics 1130, thereby obscuring any light source 1125.

[0093] Figure 12A and Figure 12B The illustration shows some example embodiments. Figures 1A-1E The light distribution pattern 1277 of the side-emitting luminaire 100. Specifically, Figure 12A use Figures 1A-1E A cross-sectional view of the side-emitting luminaire 100 shows some light distribution patterns 1277. Figure 12B use Figure 12A Detailed views show some light distribution patterns 1277. (Refer to...) Figures 1A-12B The luminaire 100 includes a reflector 110, a circuit board assembly 120, an optical device 130, and a housing 140 with an integrated reflector 150. The housing 140 has sidewalls 141 and a top wall 142 forming a cavity 145. The circuit board assembly 120 includes a circuit board 121 and a plurality of light sources 125 disposed on the circuit board 121. The reflector 110 has a convex curvature 115 and is positioned near the junction of the optical device 130 and the distal end of the sidewall 141 of the housing 140. The top end of the reflector 110 is positioned within the cavity 145, at a horizontal distance 192 from the circuit board 121.

[0094] The reflector 110 of the luminaire 100 can be used for one or more of a variety of purposes. For example, as described above, the reflector 110 can conceal the light source 125 so that the light source 125 is not visible to a user in the spatial volume 1296 when the light 1277 emitted by the light source 125 is directed into the spatial volume 1296. Specifically, because of the convex curvature 115 of the reflector, combined with its positioning within the cavity 145 relative to the light source 125 (e.g., the top of the reflector 110 is positioned at a horizontal distance 192 from the circuit board 121, and the top of the reflector 110 is positioned at a vertical distance 191 from the bottom of the light source 125), the light source 125 is concealed from the spatial volume 1296 by the inner surface of the reflector 110 (i.e., the surface facing the optical device 130) and is not visible. In other words, the inner surface of the reflector 110 is configured to provide a barrier that prevents the line of sight from the spatial volume 1296 outside the housing 140 through the optical device 130 to the light source 125.

[0095] This purpose can also have the opposite effect. Specifically, the reflector 110 can prevent light 1277 emitted by the light source 125 from being emitted directly through the optical device 130. Instead, due to the position, curvature 115, height, vertical distance 191 from the bottom of the light source 125, horizontal distance 192 from the circuit board 121, and / or other characteristics of the reflector 110, particularly the outer surface of the reflector 110 (i.e., the side opposite the inner surface), any light 1277 that passes through the main body 131 of the optical device 130 to the spatial volume 1296 is at least reflected once within the cavity 145 (e.g., by the outer surface of the reflector 110, by the top wall 142 of the housing 140, by the side wall 141 of the housing 140). As a result, any “hot spots” or “headlight effects” caused by the light fixture 100 and experienced by a user in the spatial volume 1296 can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

[0096] As another example, the reflector 110 can be used to distribute some of the light 1277 emitted by the light source 125. For example, as shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12B The outer surface of the reflector 110 can be made of or coated with a reflective material that redirects light 1277 that contacts the reflector 110. The configuration of the reflector 110 (e.g., curvature 115, height, material), particularly the outer surface of the reflector 110, can be designed to push light 1277 within the cavity 145 toward the top wall 142 and / or side wall 141 of the housing 140, such that the light 1277 propagates into the spatial volume 1296 toward the center of the main body 131 of the optical device 130. The effect of the outer surface of the reflector 110 on light 1277 emitted by the light source 125 is shown in part by way of example in Figure 12A and Figure 12B light rays 1277-3 and 1277-4.

[0097] Similarly, the reflector 150, when present (as in this case), can also serve one or more purposes. For example, the reflector 150 can be used to distribute some of the light 1277 emitted by the light source 125. For example, as shown in Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs shown in FIG. 1, the inner surface of the reflector 150 (i.e., the surface exposed to the cavity 145) can be made of or coated with a reflective material that redirects light 1277 that contacts the reflector 150. The configuration of the reflector 150 (e.g., convex curvature 155, height, material), and in particular the inner surface of the reflector 150, can be designed to push light 1277 within the cavity 145 toward the center of the body 131 of the optical device 130, into the spatial volume 1296. The effect of the inner surface of the reflector 150 on light 1277-2, light 1277-3, and light 1277-4 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, respectively. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The effect of the inner surface of the reflector 150 on light 1277-2, light 1277-3, and light 1277-4 is shown by way of example in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

[0098] These contributions of the reflector 150 and / or the reflector 110 can greatly reduce or eliminate the lighting contrast (e.g., "hot spots," "dead spots") between the perimeter of the luminaire 100 and the center of the luminaire 100. These contributions become more important as the size (e.g., diameter) of the luminaire 100 is large enough (e.g., 6 inches or more in diameter), as the larger size makes it more difficult to achieve a uniform lighting appearance. The reflectors 110 and / or 150 can be made of, for example, sheet metal (sometimes referred to as "spin-wares"), which can be manufactured using a relatively simple and low-cost process (e.g., when compared to high-pressure injection-molded plastic). Figure 12A and Figure 12B Light 1277-1 of FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 does not contact the reflector 110 or the reflector 150. Instead, the highly reflective surface of the top wall 142 of the housing 140 is used to redirect light 1277 within the cavity 145 toward the center of the body 131 of the optical device 130.

[0099] Example embodiments can be used to allow for side-emitting luminaires without waveguides or light guides. Example embodiments conceal the light sources (e.g., LEDs) within a cavity such that a person looking up at the side-emitting luminaire cannot see the light sources. Example embodiments can also redirect the light through the optical device at the bottom end of the housing in a substantially uniform distribution without "hot spots" or "dead spots." In some cases, at least a portion of an example embodiment can be integrated with the housing of a side-emitting luminaire. Example embodiments can be used with side-emitting luminaires having any of a variety of sizes, shapes, and / or features. Example embodiments can be used for new installations of side-emitting luminaires as well as retrofitting existing side-emitting luminaires. Example embodiments also provide a number of other benefits. Such other benefits can include, but are not limited to, easier maintenance, easier use, higher reliability, modularity, ease of installation, reduced cost, reduced weight, and compliance with industry standards applicable to linear luminaires.

[0100] While the embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application, and the embodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting. From the description of the example embodiments, those skilled in the art will perceive modifications and alterations of the mechanisms illustrated herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that future materials and processes alike can be developed which enable the application. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited to the examples described herein.

Claims

1. A side-emitting luminaire (100, 1000), comprising: a housing (140, 540, 640, 1040, 1140) having a side wall (141, 541, 641, 1041, 1141) and a top wall (142, 542, 642, 1042, 1142) forming a cavity (145, 545, 645, 1045, 1145) having an open bottom end; a circuit board assembly (120, 1020, 1120) disposed on the side wall of the housing, wherein the circuit board assembly includes a circuit board (121, 1021, 1121) and a light source (125, 1025, 1125) coupled to the circuit board, wherein the light source is oriented on the circuit board to direct light into the cavity; an optical device (130, 930, 1030, 1130) coupled to a distal end of the side wall of the housing, wherein the optical device encloses the open bottom end of the cavity; and a reflector (110, 710, 810, 1010, 1110) disposed in the cavity, wherein the reflector has a convex curvature (115, 715, 815, 1015, 1115) along a height (114, 1014, 1114) between a top end (117, 717, 817, 1017, 1117) and a bottom end (116, 716, 816, 1016, 1116), wherein the bottom end of the reflector is positioned proximate a junction of the optical device and the distal end of the side wall, wherein the top end of the reflector is positioned in the cavity a horizontal distance (192, 1092, 1192) from the circuit board, wherein the reflector has an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the inner surface of the reflector is configured to provide an obstruction that prevents a line of sight from outside the housing through the optical device to the light source.

2. The side-emitting luminaire of claim 1, wherein the top end of the reflector is further positioned a vertical distance (191, 1091, 1191) from the light source.

3. The side-emitting luminaire of claim 1, further comprising: an additional reflector (1050) disposed in the cavity, wherein the additional reflector has a top end (1057) and a bottom end (1056), wherein the top end of the additional reflector abuts the top wall of the housing, and wherein the bottom end of the additional reflector abuts the circuit board and is positioned above the light source.

4. The side-emitting luminaire of claim 1, further comprising: an additional reflector disposed in the cavity (150, 1150), wherein the additional reflector has a top end (157, 1157) and a bottom end (156, 1156), wherein the top end of the additional reflector abuts the top wall of the housing, and wherein the bottom end of the additional reflector abuts the side wall and is positioned above the light source.

5. The side-emitting luminaire of claim 4, wherein the side wall of the housing has a receiving feature (546, 646) disposed therein for receiving the bottom end of the additional reflector. ​ 6. The side emitting luminaire of claim 4, wherein the top wall of the housing has an additional receiving feature (547, 1147) disposed therein for receiving a top end of the additional reflector.

7. The side emitting luminaire of claim 4, wherein the additional reflector has a convex curvature (155, 1055, 1155) along its height between an additional reflector top end and an additional reflector bottom end.

8. The side emitting luminaire of claim 7, wherein the convex curvature is parabolic with a focal point substantially coincident with the center (109) of the optical device.

9. The side emitting luminaire of claim 7, wherein the height of the additional reflector is substantially the same as the height of the reflector.

10. The side emitting luminaire of claim 4, wherein the additional reflector is integrated with the side wall and the top wall of the housing.

11. The side emitting luminaire of claim 1, wherein the reflector is continuous along its length to form a closed shape corresponding to a perimeter formed by the side wall of the housing.

12. The side emitting luminaire of claim 1, wherein the side wall and the top wall of the housing have reflective inner surfaces.

13. The side emitting luminaire of claim 1, wherein the side wall of the housing has a first coupling feature (548, 648, 1048, 1148) that is complementary to a second coupling feature (718, 818, 1018, 1116) along the bottom end of the reflector, and wherein the first and second coupling features secure the reflector relative to the circuit board when engaged with one another.

14. The side emitting luminaire of claim 1, wherein the optical device has a first coupling feature (938, 1038) along its outer surface that is complementary to a second coupling feature (718, 818, 1018, 1116) along the bottom end of the reflector, and wherein the first and second coupling features secure the reflector relative to the optical device when engaged with one another.

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