Asymmetrical total internal reflection lens

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an asymmetric total internal reflection (TIR) ​​lens and a lighting fixture including multiple asymmetric TIR lenses designed to provide an asymmetric distribution within each TIR lens and enhanced control of spill light, without requiring a secondary optic disposed at the exit face of the TIR lens. The TIR lens disclosed herein utilizes a refractive member having multiple portions, each portion including a mid-longitudinal edge, a mid-lateral edge, and a mid-corner formed between the mid-longitudinal edge and the mid-lateral edge. The TIR lens also includes a collimator disposed about the refractive member, the collimator including an inner surface configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the refractive member and reflect or refract it through the exit face of the TIR lens.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lighting systems, and more particularly to lighting systems including one or more total internal reflector (TIR) lenses.

Background Art

[0002] Wall grazer light fixtures typically utilize round TIR lenses that generate narrow light beams of 8 to 10 degrees. Additionally, rounded TIR lenses usually use secondary optics to spread the light beam generated along the fixture plane and generate asymmetric beams for different applications.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The secondary optics can take the form of a spread film, a spread lens, or in some cases, lenslets on the surface of the TIR optic itself. This typically results in low optical efficiency due to the addition of an extra lens for spreading light, limited light control by the spread lens or film, generation of non-controllable high-angle light, light streaks and flare or hot spots in the generated light, and overall requires a larger optic as it is necessary to over-design to account for the extra spread of the secondary lens or film.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] This disclosure relates to an asymmetric TIR lens and a lighting fixture comprising a plurality of asymmetric TIR lenses designed to provide increased control of the distribution and spill light within each TIR lens and not requiring a secondary optic positioned at the exit surface of the TIR lens. The TIR lens disclosed herein utilizes a refractive member having a plurality of parts, each part comprising an intermediate longitudinal edge, an intermediate transverse edge, and an intermediate corner formed between the intermediate longitudinal edge and the intermediate transverse edge. The TIR lens also includes a collimator positioned with respect to the refractive member, which includes an inner surface configured to receive and reflect or refract light rays or electromagnetic radiation from the refractive member and pass them through to the exit surface of the TIR lens.

[0005] In one example, a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​lens is provided, the TIR lens comprising: a refractive member having a body projecting in a first direction with respect to an electromagnetic source, the refractive member being configured to receive and reflect or refract electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic source, the refractive member comprising a first portion having a first length and a first width, the first width being less than the first length, and the first portion comprising a first intermediate longitudinal edge, a first intermediate transverse edge, and a first intermediate corner formed between the first intermediate longitudinal edge and the first intermediate transverse edge; and a collimator disposed with respect to the refractive member, the collimator comprising an inner surface configured to receive and reflect or refract at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected or refracted from the refractive member and to pass the electromagnetic radiation through the exit surface of the TIR lens.

[0006] In one embodiment, the bending member further includes a second portion having a first length and a first width, the second portion including a second intermediate longitudinal edge, a second intermediate transverse edge, and a second intermediate corner formed between the second intermediate longitudinal edge and the second intermediate transverse edge.

[0007] In one embodiment, the bending member further includes a central edge positioned between a first intermediate lateral edge and a second intermediate lateral edge, and arranged substantially parallel to the first intermediate longitudinal edge and the second intermediate longitudinal edge.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first intermediate longitudinal edge and the first intermediate transverse edge are straight edges.

[0009] In one embodiment, the bending member further includes a first bottom longitudinal edge, a first bottom transverse edge, and a first bottom corner formed between the first bottom longitudinal edge and the first bottom transverse edge.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first bottom longitudinal edge and the first bottom transverse edge are straight edges.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bending member further includes a second bottom longitudinal edge, a second bottom transverse edge, and a second bottom corner formed between the second bottom longitudinal edge and the second bottom transverse edge.

[0012] In one embodiment, the collimator further includes a first vertical vertex edge of the vertex, a first vertex lateral edge of the vertex, and a first vertex corner formed between the first vertical vertex edge of the vertex and the first vertex lateral edge of the vertex.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first top corner is filled, and the fillet is selected from a range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm.

[0014] In one embodiment, the collimator further includes a second vertical top edge, a second lateral top edge, and a second top corner formed between the second vertical top edge and the second lateral top edge.

[0015] In one embodiment, the angle formed between the first intermediate longitudinal side edge and the first intermediate lateral side edge is obtuse.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first intermediate corner is chamfered, filleted, or curved.

[0017] In one example, a lighting fixture is provided having a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) ​​lenses, each of the plurality of TIR lenses being a refractive member having a body projecting in a first direction with respect to an electromagnetic source, the refractive member being configured to receive and reflect or refract electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic source, the refractive member including a first portion having a first length and a first width, the first width being less than the first length, and the first portion including a first intermediate longitudinal edge, a first intermediate lateral edge, and a first intermediate corner formed between the first intermediate longitudinal edge and the first intermediate lateral edge; and a collimator disposed with respect to the refractive member, the collimator including an inner surface configured to receive and reflect or refract at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation reflected or refracted from the refractive member and to pass the electromagnetic radiation through the exit surface of the TIR lens.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first intermediate longitudinal edge and the first intermediate transverse edge are straight edges.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lighting fixture is a wall grazer.

[0020] These and other aspects of various embodiments will become apparent and clarified by reference to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] In drawings, similar reference letters generally refer to the same part throughout different drawings. Furthermore, drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the focus is generally on illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Figure 1]It is a schematic diagram of a lighting fixture in an environment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] It is a cross-sectional view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] It is a cross-sectional view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a top view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] It is a top view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] It is a top view of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] It is a top view of a TIR lens using ray tracing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] It is a top view of a TIR lens using ray tracing according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a longitudinal cross-sectional profile of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a lateral cross-sectional profile of a TIR lens according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] It is the polar distribution according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] It is the polar distribution according to the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] This disclosure relates to asymmetric TIR lenses and illuminators comprising a plurality of asymmetric TIR lenses designed to provide enhanced control of asymmetric distribution and spill light within each TIR lens and not requiring a secondary optic positioned at the exit surface of the TIR lenses. The TIR lenses disclosed herein utilize a refractive member having a plurality of parts, each part comprising an intermediate longitudinal edge, an intermediate transverse edge, and an intermediate corner formed between the intermediate longitudinal edge and the intermediate transverse edge. The TIR lenses also include a collimator positioned with respect to the refractive member, which includes an inner surface configured to receive and reflect or refract electromagnetic radiation from the refractive member through the exit surface of the TIR lens.

[0023] The following description should be read with reference to Figures 1-11B. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the lighting fixture 100 in environment E according to this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the lighting fixture 100 is intended to be a wall glazer, i.e., a lighting fixture installed close to wall W and configured to face wall W and / or the floor below the lighting fixture, so that environment E can be illuminated through wall W and subsequent reflection from wall W. It should be understood that the lighting fixture 100 may be configured as a recessed cove lighting fixture, a wall wash lighting fixture, an indirect pendant lighting fixture, a direct pendant lighting fixture, a wall sconce, an under-cabinet lighting fixture, or any other lighting fixture configuration, positioned to provide substantially direct illumination to a plane in environment E. Environment E is intended to be an indoor location, such as an office, residence, or commercial space, having at least one wall W or other substantially planar object that the user wishes to illuminate. It should be understood that Environment E may also be an outdoor location. As described below, the luminaire 100 includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) ​​lenses 102 and a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources 104. Each electromagnetic radiation source 104 is configured to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation 106, and each TIR lens 102 is configured to receive, reflect, and / or refract the electromagnetic radiation 106 generated by the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources 104 and enter Environment E in a specific asymmetric beam shape.

[0024] As described herein, the lighting fixture 100 includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources 104 configured to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic radiation 106. In one example, each electromagnetic radiation source 104 is a light-emitting diode (LED) or a cluster of LEDs. It should be understood that various LEDs may be used, such as organic LEDs and phosphor-based LEDs. In the examples provided herein, the electromagnetic radiation sources 104 are arranged to provide electromagnetic radiation 106 to the environment E, and the electromagnetic radiation 106 is visible light, or light having a wavelength in the visible light range, for example, 380 to 700 nm.

[0025] For clarity, it should be understood that the lighting fixture 100 may include multiple TIR lenses 102 and multiple electromagnetic radiation sources 104, but the following description will refer to these components singularly. However, it should be understood that the components, structure, function, etc., provided for the TIR lenses 102 and electromagnetic radiation sources 104 discussed below apply to all of the above-mentioned TIR lenses 102 and electromagnetic radiation sources 104.

[0026] In one example, as shown in Figures 2-7, the TIR lens 102 includes a refractive member 108 (described later), a collimator 110, and an imaginary exit plane 112. The collimator 110 includes a contoured inner surface 114 configured to receive electromagnetic radiation 106 (hereinafter referred to as "radiation 106") and to reflect and / or collimate the received radiation 106 substantially along the optical axis OA of the TIR lens 102 through the exit plane 112. In Figures 2-7, for example, the collimator 110 is illustrated as a hollow body in which the volume inside the inner surface is substantially empty space, but it should be understood that the collimator 110 may also be a substantially solid body made of a transparent or translucent material, such as silicon or polycarbonate glass. During operation (described later), the radiation 106 is configured to pass through the geometry of the refractive member 108 and be refracted, for example, toward the inner surface 114 of the collimator 110. The radiation 106 can then be reflected from the inner surface 114 toward the exit surface 112 of the TIR lens 102 along the optical axis OA. Figure 2 shows that the refractive member 108 has a body 116 projecting in a first direction DR1 relative to the bottom of the TIR lens 102 (for example, the side of the TIR lens 102 opposite the exit surface 112). Similar to the collimator 110, the refractive member 108 may be a hollow body or a substantially solid body made of a transparent or translucent material, such as silicon or polycarbonate. As will be discussed below, the body 116 of the refractive member 108 can conceptually be divided into several parts, namely parts 118A to 118D corresponding to each conceptual quadrant of the TIR lens 102 as provided herein. Furthermore, although described as two bodies, it should be understood that the refractive member 108 and the collimator 110 are formed as a single body, that is, each component is intended to be integrated with the others.

[0027] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a single quadrant of the TIR lens 102 for clarity. As shown, the refractive member 108 includes a first portion 118A corresponding to the first quadrant of the TIR lens 102. The first portion 118A of the refractive member 108 includes a bottom longitudinal edge 120A, a bottom lateral edge 122A, and a bottom corner 124A. The bottom longitudinal edge 120A is intended to represent the boundary edge between the bottom of the TIR lens 102 and the bottom of the first portion 118A of the refractive member 108. In one example, as shown in Figure 3A, both the bottom longitudinal edge 120A and the bottom lateral edge 122A are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The first portion 118A has a first length L1 represented by the bottom long lateral edge 120A and a first width W1 represented by the bottom lateral edge 122A, wherein the first width W1 is smaller than the first length L1. Furthermore, the bottom long lateral edge 120A and the bottom lateral edge 122A are intended to be coplanar, i.e., to be on the same flat plane shared with the bottom of the TIR lens 102. The first portion 118A also includes a bottom corner 124A positioned between the bottom long lateral edge 120A and the bottom lateral edge 122A. The bottom corner 124A can be a sharp corner (e.g., the vertex between two straight lines represented by the bottom long lateral edge 120A and the bottom lateral edge 122A), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the angle between the straight line formed by the long lateral edge 120A of the base and the straight line formed by the lateral edge 122A of the base is obtuse. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form a 90-degree angle or an acute angle.

[0028] The first portion 118A of the refractive member 108 includes a middle longitudinal edge 126A, a middle lateral edge 128A, and a middle corner 130A. The middle longitudinal edge 126A is intended to represent the upper boundary edge of the refractive member 108 of the TIR lens 102. In one example, as shown in Figure 3A, both the middle longitudinal edge 126A and the middle lateral edge 128A are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The first portion 118A also includes a middle corner 130A positioned between the middle longitudinal edge 126A and the middle lateral edge 128A. The middle corner 130A can be a sharp corner (for example, the vertex between the two straight lines represented by the middle longitudinal edge 126A and the middle lateral edge 128A), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the angle between the straight line formed by the intermediate longitudinal edge 126A and the straight line formed by the intermediate transverse edge 128A is obtuse. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form a 90-degree angle or an acute angle. Furthermore, the intermediate transverse edge 128A may be skewed or angled with respect to a plane substantially parallel to the exit surface 112. In other words, the intermediate longitudinal edge 126A and the intermediate transverse edge 128A are not coplanar, and the intermediate transverse edge 128A extends downward in direction DR2, away from the intermediate corner 130A.

[0029] Furthermore, the collimator 110 also includes a similar arrangement, namely, the collimator 110 includes a top longitudinal edge 132A, a top lateral edge 134A, and a top corner 136A. The top longitudinal edge 132A is intended to represent the upper boundary edge of the collimator 110 that meets the exit surface 112 of the TIR lens 102. In one example, as shown in Figure 3A, both the top longitudinal edge 132A and the top lateral edge 134A are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The collimator 110 also includes a top corner 136A positioned between the top longitudinal edge 132A and the top lateral edge 134A. The vertex corner 136A can be a sharp corner (e.g., the vertex between two straight lines represented by the vertex long lateral edge 132A and the vertex transverse edge 134A), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the vertex corner 136A is a filleted corner, and the fillet radius is selected from the range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm (0.1 inches to 0.25 inches). In some examples, the angle between the straight line formed by the vertex long lateral edge 132A and the straight line formed by the vertex transverse edge 134A is a right angle. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form an obtuse or acute angle. Furthermore, the vertex transverse edge 134A is coplanar with the vertex transverse edge 134A within the exit face 112.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3B and 4, the first quadrant of the TIR lens 102 is formed between two cross-sections, namely the longitudinal cross-section 138 and the transverse cross-section 140. The longitudinal cross-section 138 is positioned to pass through the optical axis OA and is substantially parallel to the bottom longitudinal edge 120A, the middle longitudinal edge 126A, and the top longitudinal edge 132A. The transverse cross-section 140 is positioned to pass through the optical axis OA and is substantially parallel to the bottom transverse edge 122A, the middle transverse edge 128A, and the top transverse edge 134A.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the two quadrants of the TIR lens 102, i.e., half of the TIR lens 102. The second quadrant, i.e., the quadrant closer to the viewer in Figure 4, is a mirror image of the first quadrant, with the longitudinal section 138 (shown in Figure 3B) in between. Therefore, as with the first quadrant, within the second quadrant, the refractive member 108 includes a second portion 118B. The second portion 118B includes a bottom longitudinal edge 120B, a bottom transverse edge 122B, and a bottom corner 124B. The bottom longitudinal edge 120B is intended to represent the boundary edge between the bottom of the TIR lens 102 and the bottom of the second portion 118B of the refractive member 108. In one example, as shown in Figure 4, both the bottom longitudinal edge 120B and the bottom transverse edge 122B are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. Since the second part 118B is a mirror image version of the first part 118A, the second part 118B has a length, for example, a first length L1 represented by the bottom long lateral edge 120B, and a first width W1 represented by the bottom lateral edge 122B, where the first width W1 is smaller than the first length L1. Furthermore, the bottom long lateral edge 120B and the bottom lateral edge 122B are intended to be coplanar, i.e., to be on the same flat plane shared with the bottom of the TIR lens 102. The second part 118B also includes a bottom corner 124B positioned between the bottom long lateral edge 120B and the bottom lateral edge 122B. The bottom corner 124B can be a sharp corner (e.g., the vertex between two straight lines represented by the bottom long lateral edge 120B and the bottom lateral edge 122B), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the angle between the straight line formed by the long lateral edge 120B of the base and the straight line formed by the lateral edge 122B of the base is obtuse. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form a 90-degree angle or an acute angle.

[0032] The second portion 118B of the refractive member 108 includes an intermediate longitudinal edge 126B, an intermediate transverse edge 128B, and an intermediate corner 130B. The intermediate longitudinal edge 126B is intended to represent the upper boundary edge of the refractive member 108 of the TIR lens 102, opposite to the intermediate longitudinal edge 126A. In one example, as shown in Figure 4, both the intermediate longitudinal edge 126B and the intermediate transverse edge 128B are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The second portion 118B also includes an intermediate corner 130B located between the intermediate longitudinal edge 126B and the intermediate transverse edge 128B. The intermediate corner 130B can be a sharp corner (for example, the vertex between the two straight lines represented by the intermediate longitudinal edge 126B and the intermediate transverse edge 128B), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the angle between the straight line formed by the intermediate longitudinal edge 126B and the straight line formed by the intermediate transverse edge 128B is obtuse. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form a 90-degree angle or an acute angle. Furthermore, the intermediate transverse edge 128B may be oblique or angled with respect to a plane substantially parallel to the exit surface 112. In other words, the intermediate longitudinal edge 126B and the intermediate transverse edge 128B are not coplanar, and the intermediate transverse edge 128B extends downward in direction DR2, away from the intermediate corner 130B.

[0033] Furthermore, the collimator 110 includes a vertex long lateral edge 132B, a vertex lateral edge 134B, and a vertex corner 136B. The vertex long lateral edge 132B is intended to represent the upper boundary edge of the collimator 110 that intersects with the exit surface 112 of the TIR lens 102, opposite the vertex long lateral edge 132A. In one example, as shown in Figure 4, both the vertex long lateral edge 132B and the vertex lateral edge 134B are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The collimator 110 also includes a vertex corner 136B located between the vertex long lateral edge 132B and the vertex lateral edge 134B. The vertex corner 136B can be a sharp corner (e.g., the vertex between the two straight lines represented by the vertex long lateral edge 132B and the vertex lateral edge 134B), a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. In one example, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the vertex corner 136B is a filleted corner, and the fillet radius is selected from the range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm (0.1 inches to 0.25 inches). In some examples, the angle between the straight line formed by the vertex longitudinal edge 132B and the straight line formed by the vertex transverse edge 134B is a right angle. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form an obtuse or acute angle. Furthermore, the vertex transverse edge 134B is coplanar with the vertex transverse edge 134B within the exit surface 112.

[0034] Figure 5 shows the third and fourth quadrants of the TIR lens 102, i.e., the other half of the TIR lens 102. The third quadrant, i.e., the quadrant closest to the viewer in Figure 5, includes the third portion 118C of the refractive member 108. In the illustrated example, the third quadrant is a mirror image of the second quadrant across the transverse section 140 (shown in Figure 3B). Since the third quadrant is a mirror image of the second quadrant across the transverse section 140, the third quadrant includes similar structures and components having similar or identical functionality, features, and variations to those described above with respect to the components of the second quadrant. For example, the third portion 118C of the bending member 108 includes a bottom longitudinal edge 120C, a bottom transverse edge 122C, and a bottom corner 124C, where the bottom longitudinal edge 120C and the bottom transverse edge 122C are coplanar and both are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. Furthermore, the third portion 118C includes an intermediate longitudinal edge 126C, an intermediate transverse edge 128C, and an intermediate corner 130C, where the intermediate longitudinal edge 126C and the intermediate transverse edge 128C are coplanar and both are linear edges. The bottom corner 124C and the intermediate corner 130C can be formed as a sharp corner, a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. Furthermore, the angle between the straight line formed by the bottom longitudinal edge 120C and the straight line formed by the bottom transverse edge 122C is obtuse. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form a 90-degree angle or an acute angle. Similarly, the angle formed by the straight line formed by the intermediate longitudinal edge 126C and the intermediate transverse edge 128C is obtuse and can be selected from any angle greater than 90 degrees, for example. Furthermore, the intermediate transverse edge 128C may be oblique or angled with respect to a plane substantially parallel to the exit surface 112. In other words, the intermediate longitudinal edge 126C and the intermediate transverse edge 128C are not coplanar, and the intermediate transverse edge 128C extends downward in direction DR2, away from the intermediate corner 130C.

[0035] Furthermore, in the third quadrant, the collimator 110 includes a vertex long lateral edge 132C, a vertex transverse edge 134C, and a vertex corner 136C. As shown in the figure, both the vertex long lateral edge 132C and the vertex transverse edge 134C are linear edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. The vertex corner 136A can be a sharp corner, a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. As outlined with respect to vertex corners 136A and 136B, the vertex corner 136C is a filleted corner, and the fillet radius is selected from the range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm (0.1 inches to 0.25 inches). In some examples, the angle between the straight line formed by the vertex long lateral edge 132C and the straight line formed by the vertex transverse edge 134C is a right angle. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form an obtuse or acute angle.

[0036] Furthermore, the top lateral edge 134C is coplanar with the top lateral edge 134C within the exit surface 112. As shown in Figure 5, the fourth quadrant is a mirror image of the first quadrant across the lateral section 140 (shown in Figure 3B). Since the fourth quadrant is a mirror image of the first quadrant across the lateral section 140, the fourth quadrant includes similar structures and components having similar or identical functionality, features, and deformations to those described above with respect to the components of the first quadrant. For example, the fourth portion 118D of the bending member 108 includes a bottom long lateral edge 120D, a bottom lateral edge 122D, and a bottom corner 124D, where the bottom long lateral edge 120D and the bottom lateral edge 122D are coplanar and both are straight edges, for example, forming a substantially straight line. Furthermore, the fourth portion 118D includes an intermediate longitudinal edge 126D, an intermediate transverse edge 128D, and an intermediate corner 130D, wherein the intermediate longitudinal edge 126D and the intermediate transverse edge 128D are coplanar and both are straight edges. The bottom corner 124D and the intermediate corner 130D can be formed as a sharp corner, a chamfered corner, a filleted corner, etc. Furthermore, the angle between the straight line formed by the bottom longitudinal edge 120D and the straight line formed by the bottom transverse edge 122D is obtuse, i.e., an angle greater than 90 degrees. Similarly, the angle formed by the straight lines formed by the intermediate longitudinal edge 126D and the intermediate transverse edge 128D is obtuse, i.e., any angle greater than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the intermediate transverse edge 128D may be oblique to a plane substantially parallel to the exit surface 112, or it may be angled. In other words, the intermediate longitudinal edge 126D and the intermediate transverse edge 128D are not coplanar; rather, the intermediate transverse edge 128D extends downward in direction DR2, away from the intermediate corner 130D.

[0037] Furthermore, in the fourth quadrant, the collimator 110 includes a vertex long lateral edge 132D, a vertex transverse edge 134D, and a vertex corner 136D. As shown in the figure, both the vertex long lateral edge 132D and the vertex transverse edge 134D are linear edges, for example, forming substantially straight lines. The vertex corner 136D can be a sharp corner, a chamfered corner, or a filleted corner. As outlined with respect to vertex corners 136A, 136B, and 136C, the vertex corner 136D is a filleted corner, and the fillet radius is selected from the range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm (0.1 inches to 0.25 inches). In some examples, the angle between the straight line formed by the vertex long lateral edge 132D and the straight line formed by the vertex transverse edge 134D is a right angle. However, it should be understood that this angle is fully adaptable and may form an obtuse or acute angle.

[0038] Furthermore, the top lateral edge 134D is coplanar with the top lateral edge 134D within the exit surface 112. Figure 6 shows a top view of the TIR lens 102 in which all four quadrants are present. As shown, the total width TW of the refractive member 108 is smaller than the total length TL of the refractive member 108. As shown, the total width TW is expressed as a combination of the width of the bottom lateral edge 122A (i.e., the first width W1) and the width of the bottom lateral edge 122B (i.e., the first width W1). Similarly, the total length TL of the refractive member 108 is expressed as a combination of the length of the bottom long lateral edge 120A (i.e., the first length L1) and the length of the bottom long lateral edge 120D (i.e., the first length L1). Thus, the total width TW of the refractive member 108 can be expressed as 2*W1, and the total length TL can be expressed as 2*L1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3A to 6, the downward-sloping intermediate lateral edges, i.e., intermediate lateral edges 128A to 128D, slope toward the central edge 142 shared by all four parts of the bending member 108, i.e., parts 118A to 118D. For example, intermediate lateral edges 128A and 128B slope downward from their respective intermediate corners until they merge at the first end of the central edge 142. Similarly, intermediate lateral edges 128C and 128D slope downward from their respective intermediate corners until they merge at the second end of the central edge 142. Thus, the central edge 142 is a substantially longitudinal edge positioned substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal edges 126A to 126D and the bottom longitudinal edges 120A to 120D. Furthermore, as shown, the central edge 142 is positioned to substantially coincide with the longitudinal section 138. The intermediate lateral edges 128A to 128D, extending from each of the intermediate corners 130A to 130D, can extend at an upward angle, a downward angle, or no angle with respect to the exit surface 112. Therefore, it should be understood that the central edge 142 may be positioned above, below, or parallel to the intermediate longitudinal edges 126A to 126D.

[0040] Figures 7A and 7B show top views of two exemplary embodiments of the TIR lens 102. Figure 7A shows a top view of an example embodiment of the TIR lens 102 in which each top corner 136A to 136D is filleted, and each fillet has a first radius, for example, 0.635 cm (0.25 inches). Figure 7B shows a top view of another example embodiment of the TIR lens 102 in which each top corner 136A to 136D is filleted, and each fillet has a second radius, for example, 0.254 cm (0.1 inches). As described above, it should be understood that the radius of the fillet at each corner can be selected from any radius between 0.254 cm and 0.635 cm (0.1 inches and 0.25 inches). As will be discussed below, the size of the selected fillet radius acts to control the spread of the ray beam exiting the exit surface 112 of the TIR lens 102. Adjusting the fillet radius of the top corners 136A-136D controls the amount of light incident on the TIR profile with only small variations in the narrow portion of the beam. As seen in the top views shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the filleted corners 136A-136D, along with the top longitudinal edges 132A-132D and the top transverse edges 134A-134D, form a square-like shape, i.e., a substantially square shape with rounded corners. Furthermore, these figures also show that the intermediate longitudinal edges 126A-126D (shown in Figure 6) and the intermediate transverse edges 128A-128D (shown in Figure 6) form an irregular octagon, and the bottom longitudinal edges 120A-120D and the bottom transverse edges 122A-122D form an irregular hexagon. It should be understood that the intermediate edges may form an irregular hexagon, and the bottom edges may form an irregular octagon. The shape taken can be changed by changing the interior angle 144 of each corner (e.g., bottom corners 124A-124D and intermediate corners 130A-130D). In the illustrated example, the interior angle 144 is 100.98 degrees. However, it should be understood that the interior angle 144 can be any obtuse or right angle.

[0041] Figure 8A is a top view of a ray tracing lens in which the edges of the refractive member are curved. As shown, the use of curved or rounded edges causes flare F and streaks S in the ray tracing pattern of undesirable electromagnetic radiation 106. This is due to a lack of control over the light pattern or light distribution extending from the TIR lens 102. Figure 8B is a top view of the TIR lens 102 of the present disclosure, in which the longitudinal and transverse edges (bottom and middle) of the refractive member allow for greater control over the light distribution, resulting in significantly less or no noticeable flaring and visible streaks when the light rays travel along the wall W.

[0042] Figures 9–10 show the longitudinal and transverse lateral profiles of the TIR lens 102 of this disclosure using ray tracing. As shown, the ray-traced electromagnetic radiation 106 exiting the exit surface 112 (shown in Figure 2) is a controlled, substantially homogeneous beam with no significant flare, streaks, or shadows. In both the longitudinal and transverse lateral profiles shown, the linear transitions around the intermediate longitudinal edges 126A–126D and intermediate transverse edges 128A–128D allow for clean transitions between reflected / refracted rays or electromagnetic radiation 106, resulting in reduced or eliminated flare, streaks, and shadows.

[0043] Figures 11A and 11B show the polar distribution of visible light or electromagnetic radiation 106 of the TIR lens 102, illustrated and described with respect to Figures 7A and 7B, respectively, over a range of luminous intensity measured in candela (abbreviated as "cd"). As illustrated, over a range of luminous intensity, for example, from 100 cd to about 1000 cd, the light distribution is substantially smooth and homogeneous, without bulging, exhibiting substantial control over the polar distribution. Figures 11A and 11B represent asymmetric beam distributions of 10°x55° and 10°x75°, respectively.

[0044] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to govern dictionary definitions, definitions incorporated by reference in documents, and / or the ordinary meanings of the terms defined.

[0045] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," when used herein and in the claims, should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0046] When used herein and in the claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements thus combined, that is, elements that are sometimes conjunctive and sometimes disjunctive. Any elements listed in "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of the elements thus combined. Other elements other than those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may be present as optional, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0047] When used herein and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as inclusive, that is, including at least one, and optionally including two or more of several elements or lists of elements, as well as additional items not enumerated. Only terms such as “only one of the” or “exactly one of the” or, as used in the claims, “consisting of,” refer to including exactly one of several elements or lists of elements, where the opposite is clearly indicated. In general, when the term “or” is used herein, it shall be interpreted as indicating an exclusive choice (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”) only when it precedes an exclusive term such as “either of the” or “one of the” or “exactly one of the” or “exactly one of the”

[0048] When used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one” referring to a list of one or more elements means at least one selected from any one or more elements in that list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically enumerated in that list of elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in that list of elements. This definition also makes it possible that elements other than those specifically identified in that list of elements, referred to by the phrase “at least one,” may exist as optional elements, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0049] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it should be understood that in any method claimed herein, which includes two or more steps or actions, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are listed.

[0050] In both the claims and the specification, all transitional phrases such as “equipped with,” “include,” “carry,” “have,” “contain,” “involved,” “hold,” and “composed of” should be understood as non-restrictive, meaning they include but are not limited to them. Only transitional phrases such as “consist of” and “essentially consist of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0051] While several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or benefits, and such variations and / or modifications will be considered within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will vary depending on the specific application in which the teachings of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize or confirm many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein by means of ordinary experimentation alone. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are presented only as examples, and other embodiments of the invention not specifically described and claimed may be put into practice within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The embodiments of the invention of this disclosure cover each individual feature, system, article, material, kit and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the inventions of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. A refraction member having a body that protrudes in a first direction relative to an electromagnetic source, wherein the refraction member is configured to receive and refract electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic source, and the refraction member is A bending member comprising a plurality of bottom longitudinal lateral edges and a plurality of bottom transverse edges, each bottom transverse edge forming a corner with at least one bottom longitudinal lateral edge, the corner creating an obtuse angle between the bottom transverse edge forming the corner and the bottom longitudinal lateral edge, and the total number of edges of the plurality of bottom longitudinal lateral edges being at least six, A collimator arranged with respect to the refractive member, wherein the collimator is A collimator, including an inner surface configured to receive at least a portion of the refracted electromagnetic radiation from the refractive member and to refract the electromagnetic radiation and allow it to pass through the exit surface of the lens, Includes, The collimator is The first vertex long-hand direction edge, The first vertical edge of the top, and A first vertex corner is formed between the first vertex long-range edge and the first vertex lateral edge, Lenses, including

2. The lens according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of bottom lateral edges and at least one of the plurality of bottom lateral edges is a straight edge.

3. The lens according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of bottom lateral edges and the plurality of bottom lateral edges is curved or rounded.

4. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the first apex corner is fitted with a fillet, the fillet being selected from a range of 0.254 cm to 0.635 cm.

5. The collimator is The second vertex, the long edge in the direction of the hand, The second vertical edge of the vertex, and A second vertex corner is formed between the second vertex long-range edge and the second vertex lateral edge, The lens according to claim 1, including the lens described in claim 1.

6. A refraction member having a body that protrudes in a first direction relative to an electromagnetic source, wherein the refraction member is configured to receive and refract electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic source, and the refraction member is A bending member comprising a plurality of bottom longitudinal lateral edges and a plurality of bottom transverse edges, each bottom transverse edge forming a corner with at least one bottom longitudinal lateral edge, the corner creating an obtuse angle between the bottom transverse edge forming the corner and the bottom longitudinal lateral edge, and the total number of edges of the plurality of bottom longitudinal lateral edges being at least six, A collimator arranged with respect to the refractive member, wherein the collimator is A collimator, including an inner surface configured to receive at least a portion of the refracted electromagnetic radiation from the refractive member and to refract the electromagnetic radiation and allow it to pass through the exit surface of the lens, Includes, A lens in which at least one corner is chamfered, filleted, or curved.

7. A lighting fixture having a plurality of all-internal reflective lenses as described in claim 1 or 6.

8. The lighting fixture is a wall glazing fixture, as described in claim 7.

9. The lens according to claim 1 or 6, wherein each of the plurality of bottom lateral edges abuts against another bottom lateral edge of the plurality of bottom lateral edges.

10. The lens according to claim 9, wherein the angle formed at the point where each bottom lateral edge contacts another lateral edge of the plurality of bottom lateral edges forms a right angle or an obtuse angle.

11. The lens according to claim 10, wherein each bottom lateral edge abuts against another lateral edge of the plurality of bottom lateral edges to form a corner, and the corner is chamfered, filleted, or curved.

12. The lens according to claim 1, wherein the lens includes a plurality of intermediate longitudinal edges and a plurality of intermediate lateral edges, the sum of the plurality of intermediate longitudinal edges and the plurality of intermediate lateral edges is greater than the sum of the plurality of bottom longitudinal edges and the plurality of bottom lateral edges.

13. The lens according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of intermediate longitudinal edges and the plurality of intermediate lateral edges is a straight edge.

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