Dual Distribution Lens for Lighting Fixtures

Abstract

The lighting fixture includes a housing, a light source, and a lens. The lens has a first side and a second side, and at least one of the first side and the second side has an optical feature. The lens can be positioned in the lighting fixture in a first position with the first side facing up and a second position with the second side facing up. Two options for positioning the lens within the lighting fixture provide two different distributions of light exiting the lighting fixture.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE Embodiments of the present technology relate generally to lighting fixtures and, more particularly, to a dual distribution lens for a lighting fixture. [Background technology]

[0002] A lighting fixture (or light fixture) often includes multiple components, such as a housing, a light source, a reflector, lenses, trim, etc. Among the various components of a lighting fixture, a seller may offer customers various component options. For example, a lighting fixture seller may offer customers different types of trim that provide different looks. Also, a lighting fixture seller may offer different types of lenses that provide different light distributions. For example, a seller may offer a customer a first type of lens that provides a wide light distribution from the lighting fixture. However, if a customer desires a narrower light distribution or a particular environment requires a narrower light distribution, the seller may offer a second type of lens that modifies the light exiting the lighting fixture to achieve the narrower light distribution. In some cases, a seller may offer various lenses with each lighting fixture to provide a variety of different distributions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, selling a variety of different lenses with a lighting fixture increases costs because the manufacturer must create tooling to make each different lens. Additionally, selling a variety of lenses with a lighting fixture increases supply chain costs and challenges because the distributor must stock each different lens. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a solution that allows customers to select different light distributions while minimizing the number of different lenses that need to be manufactured and stocked for sale to customers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to lighting fixtures, and in particular to lenses that provide two different light distributions for the lighting fixture. In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting fixture includes a housing, a light emitting diode light source disposed within the housing, a reflector disposed within the housing, and a lens disposed within the housing. The reflector is oriented within the housing to reflect a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting diode light source. The lens has a first side and a second side, and at least one of the first side and the second side includes a pattern of optical features. Additionally, the lens includes an attachment feature configured to attach the lens to the lighting fixture in either a first position with the first side facing the light emitting diode light source and a second position with the second side facing the light emitting diode light source.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, a lighting fixture includes a housing, a light emitting diode light source disposed within the housing, and a lens disposed within the housing. The lens has a first side and a second side, and at least one of the first side and the second side includes a pattern of optical features. Further, the lens includes an attachment feature configured to attach the lens to the lighting fixture in either a first position where the first side faces the light emitting diode light source and a second position where the second side faces the light emitting diode light source.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features and embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a lighting fixture including a dual distribution lens according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates another cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a ray trace diagram illustrating a wide light distribution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a ray trace diagram illustrating a narrow light distribution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and therefore should not be considered limiting of the scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Moreover, certain dimensions or configurations may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, like reference numbers used in different figures indicate similar or corresponding elements, but do not necessarily indicate identical elements.

[0009] In the following paragraphs, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the figures. In the description, well-known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, references to various features of the embodiments do not imply that all embodiments must include the referenced features.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a luminaire having a housing and a lens disposed within the housing. The lens has two different broad surfaces. When the lens is oriented within the luminaire housing such that the first broad surface faces the light source, it emits light having a first distribution. However, when the lens is removed, turned over, and reinserted into the luminaire housing such that the lens is oriented with the opposite second broad surface facing the light source of the luminaire, the lens emits light having a second distribution that is different from the first distribution. The exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying figures relate to recessed luminaires. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein are representative and that the present disclosure may be applied to other types of light fixtures, including, but not limited to, surface mounted light fixtures, pendant light fixtures, troffer light fixtures, highbay light fixtures, outdoor light fixtures, and flood light fixtures.

[0011] In certain exemplary embodiments, the exemplary light fixture is subject to meeting certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEEE) set standards for electrical enclosures (e.g., light fixtures), wiring, and electrical connections. As another example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets various standards for light fixtures, including standards for heat dissipation. Use of the exemplary embodiments described herein meets such standards (and / or enables corresponding devices to meet such standards) as necessary.

[0012] Any of the light fixture components described herein (e.g., housing, reflector, lens, trim assembly) can be made from a single piece (e.g., from a mold, injection molding, die casting, 3D printing process, extrusion process, stamping process, or other prototyping method, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a lighting fixture (or its components) 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 many coupling methods, including, but not limited to, epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fits, mating threads, and slotted fittings. The one or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to one another can be coupled to one another in one or more of many ways, including, but not limited to, fixedly, hingedly, releasably, slidably, and threadedly.

[0013] The attachment features described herein (including complementary attachment features) can enable one or more components and / or portions of an exemplary lens, reflector, housing, or other component of a light fixture to be coupled, directly or indirectly, to another portion of the light fixture or other component. Attachment features can include, but are not limited to, flanges, snaps, Velcro, clamps, portions of hinges, openings, recesses, protrusions, slots, spring clips, tabs, detents, and mating threads. A portion of an exemplary lens can be coupled to a light fixture through direct use of one or more attachment features.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, certain portions of the light fixture can be coupled using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more attachment features located on a component of the lens, the light fixture, or other components of the light fixture. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, pins, hinges, fastening devices (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets), epoxies, glues, adhesives, tapes, and springs. An attachment feature described herein may be the same as or different from one or more other attachment features described herein. A complementary attachment feature described herein (sometimes referred to as a corresponding attachment feature) can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, with another attachment feature.

[0015] Terms such as "first," "second," "upper," "lower," "lateral," "distal," "proximal," and "inner" are used merely to distinguish one component (or a portion of a component or the state of a component) from another component. Such terms are not intended to indicate a preference or a particular orientation, and are not intended to limit the embodiments described herein. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0016] 1-3, an exemplary lighting fixture 100 is shown that includes a dual distribution lens. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the lighting fixture 100 looking up into the light emitting aperture 112. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture 100 taken along a vertical plane through the lighting fixture 100. FIG. 3 shows another cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture 100 taken along another vertical plane through the lighting fixture 100. The exemplary lighting fixture 100 is a recessed lighting fixture for installation in a ceiling. Although not shown in FIGS. 1-3, the recessed lighting fixture 100 can be mounted using any of a variety of known methods, including, but not limited to, fasteners, torsion springs, friction clips, and mounting brackets.

[0017] The main components of the exemplary lighting fixture 100 include a housing 102, a light source 125, a reflector 130, and a lens 106. The housing 102 has an inner surface 114 that is reflective to reflect light incident on the inner surface 114. A lower edge of the inner surface 114 defines a light emitting opening 112. Additionally, the housing 102 includes a housing flange 118 that extends from a lower edge of the inner surface 114 of the housing 102. The housing flange 118 can cover a gap that may exist between the lighting fixture 100 and a surface (e.g., a ceiling) to which the lighting fixture 100 is mounted. The housing 102 of the exemplary lighting fixture 100 also includes an optional service opening 104. The service opening 104 provides access to the interior of the housing 102 and can be used, for example, to make wiring connections during installation of the lighting fixture 100.

[0018] 2 is a chip-on-board LED light source 125 mounted on the interior top surface of the housing 102. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, other types of light sources can be implemented, including but not limited to a single LED, an array of LEDs, and one or more organic LEDs. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, the light source can be located in other locations within the lighting fixture.

[0019] In the example of FIGS. 1-3, the reflector 130 is mounted within the housing 102 near the interior top surface and near the light source 125. The reflector 130 is generally conical in shape and has an entrance opening proximal to the light source 125 and an exit opening distal to the light source 125. The reflector 130 receives a portion of the light emitted by the light source 125 and reflects the incident light downward toward the light emitting opening 112. Although the housing 102 and the reflector 130 are shown as separate components in the example of FIGS. 1-3, it should be understood that the dual distribution lens can be implemented in a variety of lighting fixtures that may have different housings and may or may not include a reflector. As an example, in an alternative embodiment, the separate reflector can be omitted and the interior of the housing can have a reflective surface. In yet another alternative embodiment, a reflective surface within the lighting fixture may not be necessary.

[0020] In the exemplary lighting fixture 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the reflector 130 includes a reflector flange 131 that extends outward from a bottom edge of the reflector 130. The reflector flange 131 retains the dual distribution lens 106 within the housing 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the dual distribution lens 106 includes a first broad surface (or first side) 122, a second broad surface (or second side) 120, and a rim 107 about the periphery of the lens 106. The rim 107 of the lens 106 includes one or more attachment features for securing the lens 106 within the housing 102. In the example of FIGS. 1-3, the attachment features are tabs 110 and 111 that are disposed along the inner surface of the rim 107.

[0021] 3, the reflector flange 131 includes one or more gaps 132 through which the tabs 110 or 111 can pass. In a first orientation, the tabs 111 of the rim 107 are inserted into the gaps 132 of the reflector flange 131 and the lens 106 is rotated so that the tabs 111 rest on the top side of the reflector flange 131. Once the lens 106 is positioned so that the tabs 111 pass through the gaps 132 and the lens 106 is rotated, the lens 106 is secured by the reflector flange 131 within the luminaire in the first orientation.

[0022] The first wide surface 122 of the lens includes a pattern of optical features that make the first wide surface 122 different from the second wide surface 120. Thus, in the first orientation, the lens 106 provides a first light distribution that results from light from the light source 125 encountering the pattern of optical features on the first wide surface 122 before passing through the lens 106. The lens 106 may include an indicator 108, such as the word "WIDE," on one or both of the first wide surface 122 and the second wide surface 120 to indicate a type of light distribution associated with the orientation of the lens 106.

[0023] The light distribution emitted by the luminaire 100 can be changed by reorienting or flipping over the same lens 106 without the need for a separate lens. In other words, instead of having two lenses with different light distributions, two different light distributions can be achieved with a single lens with different surfaces on opposite broad surfaces of the lens. Continuing from the first orientation of the lens 106 described in the previous paragraph, the lens 106 can be rotated so that the tab 111 passes back through the gap 132 in the reflector flange 131 and the lens 106 can be removed from the housing 102. Once removed, the lens 106 can be flipped over so that the second broad surface 120 faces upwards towards the light source 125. The lens 106 can then be reinserted into the housing 102 so that the tab 110 on the second side of the lens 106 is inserted into the gap 132 in the reflector flange 131. Once tab 110 is inserted into gap 132, lens 106 is rotated so that tab 110 rests on top of reflector flange 131 and lens 106 is held in place in a second orientation within luminaire 100. Second broad surface 120 differs from first broad surface 122 such that a different light distribution is emitted by luminaire 100 when lens 106 is in the second orientation.

[0024] It should be understood that the tabs 110, 111 and the reflector flange 131 are merely examples of attachment features for securing the lens 106 within the lighting fixture 100. As an example, in an alternative embodiment, instead of multiple tabs 111 proximate the first side 122 and multiple tabs 110 proximate the second side 120 of the lens 106, there may only be a single attachment feature on each side of the lens. In another alternative embodiment, the tabs may be located on the outer surface of the rim 107, and the tabs may attach to a ledge on the inner surface of the housing 102. In yet another example, the bottom of the reflector may be wider than the lens with an inwardly extending reflector flange, and the tabs may be located on the outer surface of the rim 107 to rest on the inwardly extending reflector flange. In yet other examples, the tabs can be replaced with threads, detents, or various other types of attachment features that allow the lens to be easily attached and removed from the lighting fixture such that the lens can be easily flipped from a first orientation to a second orientation. It should also be understood that in alternative embodiments and types of light fixtures, the lens can be located in different positions relative to the lighting fixture. For example, while the example of Figures 1-3 shows the lens 106 recessed in the housing 102, in other embodiments the lens can be located adjacent the housing flange 118 at the light emitting opening 112.

[0025] 4 and 5, two ray trace diagrams are provided illustrating different light distributions that can be achieved by reorienting the lens 106 from a first orientation to a second orientation. For clarity, the ray trace diagrams shown in Figs. 4 and 5 have been simplified from the exemplary luminaire of Figs. 1-3 in that the housing 102, reflector 130, and lens rim 107 are not shown, the light source 125 has been simplified to a point source, and only a portion of the light beam is shown. Fig. 4 shows the lens 106 with the first broad surface 122 facing the light source 125 and the second broad surface 120 facing away from the light source 125. An axis 140 is shown passing through the center of the lens 106. The pattern of optical features on the first broad surface 122 diverges a significant portion of the light beam emanating from the light source 125. In the example shown in FIG. 4, diverging rays 144 make up the majority of the light rays and converging rays 142 make up the minority of the light rays, resulting in a relatively wide light distribution.

[0026] In contrast, Figure 5 shows lens 106 after it has been reoriented or flipped as described above, so that first broad surface 122 faces away from light source 125 and second broad surface 120 faces light source 125. In the second orientation shown in Figure 5, light rays emanating from light source 125 do not encounter the pattern of optical features on first surface 122 until after the light rays have passed through lens 106. As a result of this second orientation, there are more converging light rays 142 than diverging light rays 144, and lens 106 provides a narrower light distribution compared to the first orientation shown in Figure 4.

[0027] The exemplary dual distribution lens 106 shown in FIGS. 1-5 has a pattern of optical features on the first broad surface 122 and a smooth surface on the second broad surface 120. The pattern of optical features on the first broad surface 122 has features having a shape of a four-sided pyramid. However, to achieve other light distributions, the features can have other shapes, including but not limited to cones, tetrahedrons, or hexagons. Furthermore, in other exemplary embodiments, instead of a smooth surface, the second broad surface 120 of the lens 106 can have a pattern of optical features that is different from the pattern of optical features on the first broad surface 122. Having different patterns of optical features on opposing sides of the lens can also be used to achieve different light distributions. Although the pattern of optical features on the first broad surface 122 is shown extending from the lens 106, it should be understood that in other embodiments, other types of features that affect light distribution can be embedded within the lens proximate one or both of the first and second sides of the lens.

[0028] Although certain embodiments have been described in detail herein, the description is for illustrative purposes. The features of the exemplary embodiments described herein are representative, and alternative embodiments may add or omit certain features, elements, and / or steps. Moreover, modifications to aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. Housing and a light emitting diode light source disposed within the housing; a reflector disposed within the housing and oriented to reflect a portion of the light from the light emitting diode light source; a lens disposed within the housing; A lighting fixture comprising: the lens has a first side and a second side, at least one of the first side and the second side including a pattern of optical features, the lens includes an attachment feature for attaching the lens to the reflector, the attachment feature configured to attach the lens to the lighting fixture in a first position with the first side facing the light emitting diode light source and in a second position with the second side facing the light emitting diode light source; The attachment function is a first plurality of tabs proximate a first edge of a rim of the lens, the first plurality of tabs fitting into corresponding recesses in the reflector when the lens is attached to the lighting fixture in the first position; a second plurality of tabs proximate a second edge of the rim of the lens, the second plurality of tabs fitting into corresponding recesses in the reflector when the lens is attached to the lighting fixture in the second position; and Including, lighting fixtures.

2. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein when the lens is mounted in the first position, the lens causes a majority of the light from the light emitting diode light source to diverge as it passes through the lens.

3. The luminaire of claim 1 , wherein the reflector is integral with the housing.

4. The lighting fixture of claim 1 , wherein the attachment feature is located on the rim of the lens.

5. The luminaire of claim 4 , wherein the attachment features are located on an inner surface of the rim of the lens.

6. The lighting fixture of claim 4 , wherein the attachment features are located on an outer surface of the rim of the lens.

7. The lighting fixture of claim 1 , wherein the attachment feature further comprises one of a detent and a thread.

8. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the pattern of optical features is disposed on the first side of the lens and the second side of the lens is smooth.

9. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the lens, when mounted on the lighting fixture in the first position, causes a majority of the light from the light emitting diode light source to diverge as it passes through the lens.

10. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein each optical feature of the pattern of optical features has a shape selected from the group consisting of a pyramid, a cone, a tetrahedron, and a hexagon.

11. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the first side of the lens includes a first pattern of optical features and the second side of the lens includes a second pattern of optical features.

12. 10. The lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture includes an aperture, and wherein light from the light emitting diode light source exits the lighting fixture through the aperture after passing through the lens.

13. 13. The lighting fixture of claim 12, wherein the lens is disposed between the opening and the light emitting diode light source.

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