Lighting device with adjustable optics and uplighting

Abstract

The lighting device may include a plurality of light sources that emit light along a range of radiation paths. The lighting device may also include a reflective component disposed proximate at least a portion of the first inner side surface in a first portion of the range of radiation paths, where the light in the first portion of the range of radiation paths reflects from the reflective component. The lighting device may further include a housing having an optical feature adjacent to the reflective component, where the light in the first portion of the range of radiation paths passes through the optical feature into the first portion of the ambient environment after reflecting from the reflective component. The reflective component may be adjacent to an opening through which a second portion of the range of radiation paths passes into the second portion of the ambient environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to lighting devices, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for lighting devices having uplighting that includes adjustable optics.

Background Art

[0002] Many different types of lighting devices, such as linear light fixtures, use louvers and / or other optical features for downlighting and / or do not use optical features. Such lighting devices are typically suspended from a structure (e.g., ceiling, overhang, beam) at a distance such that there is a physical separation between the structure and the lighting device.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] As a result of such lighting devices being suspended from a structure, there is an opportunity to provide not only downlighting but also uplighting.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In general, in one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a lighting device comprising a housing having a plurality of walls forming a cavity, the walls comprising optical features. The lighting device also comprises a plurality of light sources emitting light along a range of radiation paths within the cavity, the range of radiation paths comprising a first portion and a second portion. The lighting device further comprises a plurality of louvers positioned at a first location within the cavity, the first location being within a first portion of the range of radiation paths, and the light in the first portion of the range of radiation paths passing around the louvers into a first portion of the surrounding environment. The lighting device also comprises a reflective component positioned at a second location within the cavity, the second location being within a second portion of the range of radiation paths, and the light in the second portion of the range of radiation paths reflecting from the reflective component. The lighting device may also include a plurality of adjustable optical devices that at least partially surround a plurality of light sources, wherein the plurality of adjustable optical devices include two or more optic / lens portions coupled to form a plurality of adjustable optical devices that provide a predetermined light distribution. Light in a second portion of the range of the radiation path can, after being reflected from the reflective components, enter a second portion of the ambient environment through the optical features. The second portion of the ambient environment may be elevated relative to the first portion of the ambient environment.

[0005] In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a lighting device comprising a housing having a plurality of walls forming a cavity, the walls comprising optical features. The lighting device also comprises a plurality of light sources emitting light within the cavity along a range of radiant paths, the range of radiant paths of light comprising a first portion and a second portion. The lighting device further comprises a reflective component positioned at a first location within the cavity within the first portion of the range of radiant paths of light, the reflective component from which light in the first portion of the range of radiant paths is reflected toward an optical feature and then enters the first portion of the ambient environment through the optical feature. Light in the second portion of the range of radiant paths can enter the second portion of the ambient environment through an opening at a second location within the cavity. The first portion of the ambient environment may be elevated relative to the second portion of the ambient environment.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the disclosure relates to an uplight assembly for a lighting device, the uplight assembly including an optical feature integrated with the housing of the lighting device. The uplight assembly may also include a reflective component positioned in a location which is within a cavity formed by the housing of the lighting device, the location which is near the inner surface of the side of the housing. The reflective component may be positioned at an acute angle to the optical feature. The reflective component may be positioned adjacent to an opening in a second location within the cavity of the housing, so that some of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device enters a first portion of the ambient environment through the opening. The reflective component may be configured to reflect at least the remaining portion of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device. The optical feature may be configured so that at least the remaining portion of the light enters a second portion of the ambient environment through the optical feature, the second portion of the ambient environment may be higher than the first portion of the ambient environment.

[0007] These and other aspects, purposes, features and embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] The drawings only illustrate exemplary embodiments, and therefore should not be considered limiting in scope, as other equally valid embodiments may be recognized. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, beam-adjustable optics are used to provide desired optical effects, such as wide beams, narrow beams, skewed beams, etc. Additionally, certain dimensions or locations may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference figures indicate elements that are similar or corresponding, but not necessarily identical. [Figure 1] Figures 1A to 1C show various diagrams of a lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the range of the radiation path of the light source of the lighting devices in Figures 1A to 1C. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows another lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows yet another lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows yet another lighting device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a beam-tunable optic according to one exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Generally, exemplary embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for lighting devices having uplighting. Exemplary embodiments can offer many advantages. Such advantages may include, but are not limited to, more efficient and effective light distribution of the lighting device, ease of maintenance, a smaller footprint, and flexible functionality. Exemplary embodiments can be used in new lighting devices (e.g., luminaires, light fixtures) or retrofitted to existing lighting devices. Exemplary lighting devices having uplighting discussed herein can be used in any of many different types of lighting devices, including, but not limited to, linear light fixtures, tropha light fixtures, and circular light fixtures. The lighting devices discussed herein provide general lighting. Lighting devices having uplighting can be located in any one or more of many environments. Examples of such environments may include, but are not limited to, indoor, outdoor, commercial, industrial, educational, retail, residential, healthcare applications, office spaces, manufacturing plants, bathrooms, closets, kitchens, break rooms, warehouses, and storage facilities, both temperature- and humidity-controlled and non-temperature- and humidity-controlled.

[0010] An exemplary lighting device (including its components) with uplighting can be made of one or more of many suitable materials to maintain durability in light of one or more conditions under which the lighting device and / or other related components of the lighting device may be exposed, while enabling the lighting device to meet certain standards and / or regulations. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, ceramic, and rubber. In addition, or alternatively, one or more components of an exemplary lighting device with uplighting may have a special coating (e.g., a reflective coating).

[0011] An exemplary lighting device, or part thereof, as described herein, may be made from a single piece (e.g., from a molding, injection molding, die casting, or extrusion process). In addition, or alternatively, an exemplary lighting device (or its components) may be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically joined together. In such cases, the multiple pieces may be mechanically joined together using one or more of many joining methods, including, but not limited to, epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fitting, mating thread, snap fitting, and slotted fitting. One or more pieces that are mechanically joined together may be joined together in one or more of many ways, including, but not limited to, fixed, hinged, removable, slidable, and screwed.

[0012] The components and / or functions described herein may include elements described as coupling, fastening, fixing, contacting, communicating, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish different elements and / or functions within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capabilities or actions of any particular element and / or function. For example, a function described as “coupling function” may, in addition to physical coupling, serve to fix, fasten, contact, and / or perform other roles.

[0013] The coupling functions described herein (including complementary coupling functions) can enable one or more components and / or parts of an exemplary lighting device to be coupled directly or indirectly to another component of the lighting device. Coupling functions may include, but are not limited to, clamps, hinge parts, openings, recesses, protrusions, holes, slots, tabs, detents, and mating threads. A part of an exemplary lighting device may be coupled to another component of the lighting device by the direct use of one or more coupling functions.

[0014] In addition, or alternatively, a portion of an exemplary lighting device may be coupled to another component of the lighting device using one or more separate devices that interact with one or more coupling functions located on the components of the lighting device. Examples of such devices may include, but are not limited to, pins, hinges, fastening devices (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets), epoxy, adhesives, tacks, and springs. A coupling function described herein may be the same as, or different from, one or more other coupling functions described herein. A complementary coupling function described herein may be a coupling function that mechanically couples directly or indirectly with another coupling function.

[0015] In the foregoing figures showing exemplary embodiments of a lighting device having uplighting, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and / or substituted. Thus, exemplary embodiments of a lighting device having uplighting should not be considered to be limited to a particular configuration of components shown in any one figure. For example, features shown in one or more figures, or described with respect to one embodiment, can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting device described herein is conditional upon 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), the Energy Star program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the DesignLights Consortium (DLC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) define standards regarding electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. The use of the exemplary embodiments described herein meets such standards (and / or enables the lighting device to meet such standards) as necessary.

[0017] Although the components of the figures are described, if they are not explicitly shown or labeled in the figure, the labels used for the corresponding components in another figure can be analogized to such components. Conversely, if the components of the figure are labeled but not described, the description for such components can be substantially the same as the description for the corresponding components in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components of the figure is such that each component is a three-digit number and the corresponding components in other figures have the same last two digits.

[0018] Furthermore, a reference to a particular embodiment (such as shown in the figures) not having a particular feature or component does not mean that such an embodiment cannot have such a feature or component, unless explicitly stated. For example, for the purposes of current or future claims, features or components described as not being included in the exemplary embodiments shown in one or more particular drawings can be included in one or more claims corresponding to such one or more particular drawings.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of a lighting device having uplighting are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of a lighting device having uplighting are shown. However, a lighting device having uplighting may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of a lighting device having uplighting to those skilled in the art. Similar, but not necessarily the same, elements (sometimes referred to as components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

[0020] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “up,” “down,” “inside,” “outside,” “distal,” “proximal,” “end,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” and “inside” are used simply to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another component. Such terms do not imply preference or a particular orientation. Such terms do not imply limiting embodiments of lighting devices having uplighting. In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are given in order to provide a more complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known features are not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0021] Figures 1A to 1C show various views of a lighting device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1A shows a top-front-side isometric view of the lighting device 100. Figure 1B shows a front view of the lighting device 100 with one of the end caps 110 (specifically, end cap 110-1) missing. Figure 1C shows a cross-sectional side view of the lighting device 100. The lighting device 100 in Figures 1A to 1C is in the form of a linear light fixture comprising multiple parts. For example, the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A-1C includes a housing 105 having a top wall 106, two side walls 108 (side wall 108-1 and side wall 108-2), an intermediate wall 109, two end caps 110 (end cap 110-1 and end cap 110-2), and optionally two bottom walls 107 (bottom wall 107-1 and bottom wall 107-2). All of these walls of the housing 105 may be referred to as having housing walls in this specification.

[0022] The lighting device 100 is positioned in the surrounding environment 140. In particular, the surrounding environment 140 has multiple parts adjacent to different components of the lighting device 100. In this case, surrounding environment part 140-1 is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 152 of the optional louver 150, surrounding environment part 140-2 is positioned adjacent to the optical feature 120-1, and surrounding environment part 140-3 is positioned adjacent to the optical feature 120-2. In this case, surrounding environment parts 140-2 and 140-3 are higher than surrounding environment part 140-1.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 100 includes one or more optical features 120 integrated with one or more portions of the housing 105. Examples of optical features 120 may include, but are not limited to, a diffuser, a prism lens, a polycarbonate lens, and an unobstructed opening in one or more walls of the housing (e.g., a side wall 108). In this case, there are two optical features 120. Optical feature 120-1 is integrated with the side wall 108-1 of the housing 105 and its distal half (starting from the intermediate wall 109 of the housing 105), and optical feature 120-2 is integrated with the side wall 108-2 of the housing 105 and its distal half. In alternative embodiments, the housing 105 may have only one optical feature 120 integrated with the housing 105, or three or more optical features 120.

[0024] In this case, the bottom wall 107 is used to help secure the optical feature 120 and the louver 150. Specifically, the bottom wall 107-1 is used to secure the bottom end of the optical feature 120-1 and at least one surface of the louver 150 (e.g., vertical side 153-1, bottom surface 152) (e.g., using one or more coupling functions (e.g., clips, recesses, slots, detents, fastening devices)). Similarly, the bottom wall 107-2 is used to secure the bottom end of the optical feature 120-2 and at least one surface of the louver 150 (e.g., vertical side 153-2, bottom surface 152). Furthermore, the end cap 110-1 can be used to help secure the ends of the optical feature 120-1 and optical feature 120-2 (e.g., using one or more coupling functions (e.g., clips, recesses, slots, detents, fastening devices)). Similarly, the end caps 110-2 are used to help secure the opposite ends of optical features 120-1 and 120-2.

[0025] In this case, optical features 120-1 and 120-2 are continuous along the entire length of the housing 105. In an alternative embodiment, one or more optical features 120 may have a length and / or width smaller than the entire length and width of the wall (e.g., side wall 108-1) of the housing 105 into which such optical features 120 are integrated. Furthermore, in this case, optical features 120-1 and 120-2 each have a thickness greater than the thickness of side walls 108-1 and 108-2. Viewed from above, optical features 120 may have any of many shapes, including, but not limited to, rectangles, circles, ellipses, triangles, hexagons, and random shapes (as in this case).

[0026] In this case, optical features 120-1 and 120-2 are planar along their length, width, and height, respectively. In alternative embodiments, optical features 120 may be nonplanar in one or more of their dimensions (e.g., having curvature, having variable thickness along their length, width, and / or height). Each optical feature 120 is configured to allow light emitted by the light source 170 to pass through. Optical features 120 can (partially) reflect and / or refract light. Optical features 120 can be clear, translucent, semi-transparent, and / or have some other type of light transmission properties. Optical features 120 may have uniform or variable features (e.g., speckling, etching, lack of features, refractive elements, coloring) along their length, width, and / or height.

[0027] The side walls 108, top wall 106, intermediate wall 109, and end cap 110 of the housing 105 form an enclosed cavity 160 in which one or more components of the lighting device 100 (e.g., a driver, battery, controller, sensor device) can be housed. In some cases, as shown in Figure 3 below, the cavity 160 and at least a portion of the wall used to form the cavity 160 can be excluded from the housing 105. The housing 105 may also be open-ended (at least at the bottom) and may include another cavity 190 having multiple parts (e.g., cavity part 190-1, cavity part 190-2, cavity part 190-3).

[0028] One or more light sources 170 can be positioned on the bottom surface of the intermediate wall 109 of the housing 105 (and thus within the cavity 190). In this case, there are four separate rows of light sources 170, each row having multiple light sources 170. In alternative embodiments, the light sources 170 can be arranged in any of many other configurations (e.g., concentric circles, random, multiple clustered groups). The light sources 170 can be any of many different lighting technologies, including but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lamps, and halogen bulbs. If the light sources 170 are LEDs, any type of LED technology can be utilized, including but not limited to chip-on-board and surface-mount diodes.

[0029] Optionally, the lighting device 100 may include one or more optical devices 180. In this case, there are four optical devices 180 located within the cavity 190, one for each row of light sources 170. These optical devices 180 are positioned against or near the bottom surface of the intermediate wall 109 of the housing 105 and at least partially surround the light sources 170 so that substantially all of the light emitted by the light sources 170 passes through the optical devices 180. If the lighting device 100 includes one or more optical devices 180, the light emitted by the light sources 170 can be refracted and / or otherwise manipulated (e.g., color-changed) within the cavity 190 before it leaves the cavity 190. If there are no optional optical devices 180, the light emitted by the light sources 170 travels through the cavity 190 without manipulation before reaching the reflector 130 (also referred herein as the reflective component 130), the optical feature 120, and / or the louvers 150.

[0030] In this case, there are multiple louvers 150 positioned in the cavity portion 190-1 of the cavity 190, located at the bottom (open end) of the cavity 190. One louver 150 can be configured the same as or different from one or more of the other louvers 150 (e.g., length, height, thickness, cross-sectional shape, orientation, material, light transmission, texture, color). The spacing between adjacent louvers 150 (e.g., 1 inch, 2 centimeters) can be uniform or variable throughout. One or more of the louvers 150 can be fixed, adjustable, and / or interchangeable. In this case, all of the louvers 150 are configured identically to one another, positioned parallel to one another, and fixed within the cavity portion 190-1.

[0031] Each louver 150 in Figures 1A-1C has a planar top surface 151 and a bottom surface 152 that are parallel to each other. The bottom surface 152 of each louver 150 is longer than the length of the top surface 151 of the louver 150. The top surface 151 of each louver 150 is vertically centered with respect to the bottom surface 152 of the louver 150. There are small vertical sides 153 extending upward from both ends of the bottom surface 152 of the louver 150, with vertical side 153-1 extending upward from one end of the bottom surface 152 and vertical side 153-2 extending upward from the other end of the bottom surface 152. There are also oblique sides 154 extending from the top of each vertical side 153 to the end of the top surface 151. In this case, the oblique side surface 154-1 extends from the top of the vertical side surface 153-1 to one end of the top surface 151, and the oblique side surface 154-2 extends from the top of the vertical side surface 153-2 to the other end of the top surface 151. The various surfaces of each louver 150 (e.g., the top surface 151) have a small width when the thickness of the louver 150 is small.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 100 includes one or more reflective components 130. Each reflective component 130 is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light directed to it. In this case, there are two reflective components 130, where reflective component 130-1 is located near optical feature 120-1 in cavity portion 190-2 of cavity 190, and reflective component 130-2 is located near optical feature 120-2 in cavity portion 190-3 of cavity 190. In some cases, as in this example, the optical feature 120 can be positioned on part or all of the surface (in this case, oblique side surface 154) of the louver 150. Specifically, in this case, the optical feature 120 coincides with (contacts) all oblique side surfaces 154 of the louver 150. Alternatively, the optical feature 120 can be positioned near one or more of the louver 150, but without actually contacting them.

[0033] Each reflective component 130 is made of and / or coated with a reflective material that reflects light emitted by the light source 170. This reflective property may be part of the outer and / or inner surface of the reflective component 130. In some cases, the reflective component 130 reflects all light directed to it. In other cases, the reflective component 130 may be made of a material that allows some of the light directed to it to pass through (e.g., be refracted) and the rest of the light to be reflected from it. As yet another alternative, one or more parts of the reflective component 130 may allow light directed to it to pass through (with or without reflection), while other parts of the reflective component 130 reflect the light directed to it.

[0034] In some cases, if the optical feature 120 is a physical component (i.e., not simply an opening in the wall of the housing 105), the optical feature 120 and the associated reflective component 130 may be part of a single extruded piece or separate pieces joined together. In yet another alternative embodiment, the reflective component 130 may be part of a single extruded piece with a portion of the housing 105, or separate pieces joined to a portion of the housing 105.

[0035] Furthermore, each reflective component 130 may have a specific orientation within the cavity 190 (or part thereof) relative to one or more other components of the lighting device 100. The reflective component 130 may be integrated with a part of the housing 105 (e.g., the bottom wall 107) (e.g., by extrusion molding). Alternatively, the reflective component 130 may be a separate piece (e.g., an insert) positioned on and / or bonded to a part of the housing 105. As shown in Figure 2 below, the purpose of the orientation of each reflective component 130 is to redirect a portion of the light emitted by the light source 170 toward nearby optical features 120 for uplighting.

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 1B, the reflective component 130-1 forms an angle 135-1 with the extension of the top surface 151 of the louver 150, which is also equal to the angle between the reflective component 130-1 and the bottom surface 152 of the louver 150, since the top surface 151 and the bottom surface 152 of the louver 150 are parallel to each other. Similarly, the reflective component 130-2 forms an angle 135-2 with the extension of the top surface 151 of the louver 150, which is also equal to the angle between the reflective component 130-2 and the bottom surface 152 of the louver 150.

[0037] Due to the specific configuration of the louver 150 in this case, as described above, angle 135-1 is equal to angle 135-2. In an alternative embodiment, if there are two reflective components 130, angles 135-1 and 135-2 can differ from each other based on one or more of any number of factors, including but not limited to the configuration of the louver 150, the relative position of the light source 170, the presence and characteristics of the optical device 180, and the configuration of the reflective component 130. Angle 135 can be fixed. Alternatively, angle 135 can be adjustable, for example, based on the configuration of the coupling function used to couple the reflective component 130 and the bottom wall 107 of the housing 105 together.

[0038] As in this example, when the lighting device 100 includes multiple reflective components 130, one reflective component may have the same or different properties (e.g., material, coating, shape, size, orientation to nearby optical features 120, orientation to the light source 170) as one or more corresponding properties of the other reflective components 130. In this example, the properties of reflective component 130-1 are substantially the same as the corresponding properties of reflective component 130-2.

[0039] Each reflective component 130 may also have a specific orientation in that portion of the cavity 190 with respect to a nearby optical feature 120. For example, in this case, reflective component 130-1 forms an angle 137-1 with optical feature 120-1, and reflective component 130-2 forms an angle 137-2 with optical feature 120-2. As those skilled in the art will understand, other angles may be established between the reflective component 130 and another component (or part thereof) of the lighting device 100 to define the orientation of the reflective component 130 and / or another component of the lighting device 100 (e.g., optical feature 120). In some cases, the angle 137 may be fixed. Alternatively, the angle 137 may be adjustable, for example, based on the configuration of a coupling function used to connect the reflective component 130 and the bottom wall 107 of the housing 105 to each other. In this example, angles 137-1 and 137-2 are fixed acute angles to encourage the light reflected from the reflective component 130 to be directed through the optical feature 120.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2 below, the angle 135 formed between the reflective component 130 and a portion of the louver 150, and the angle 137 formed between the reflective component 130 and a nearby optical feature 120, are designed to direct a portion of the light emitted by the light source 170 towards a portion of the ambient environment that is higher (for uplighting) than the ambient environment portion 140-1 (for downlighting) to which the other light emitted by the light source 170 is directed (for downlighting) (e.g., ambient environment portion 140-2, ambient environment portion 140-3).

[0041] Figure 2 shows the radiation path range 195 of the light source 170 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A-1C. Figure 2 shows a portion of Figure 1B, which is a front view of the lighting device 100 without the end cap 110-1. Referring to Figures 1A-2, the radiation path range 195 is shown to be emitted from the row of light sources 170 closest to the side wall 108-1 and optical feature 120-1. The optical device 180, located near the light sources 170, has no refractive properties. As a result, the radiation path range 195 traveling through the optical device 180 does not change as it enters the cavity 190 of the housing 105.

[0042] One portion of the radiation path range (e.g., the first portion) 195-1 travels through the optical device 180, then through the cavity portion 190-1, around the louvers 150, and is emitted to the ambient environment portion 140-1 to provide downlighting. Another portion of the radiation path range (e.g., the second portion) 195-2 travels through the optical device 180, then through the cavity portion 190-2, is reflected from the reflective component 130-1, passes through the optical feature 120-1, and is emitted to the ambient environment portion 140-2 to provide uplighting. With respect to the radiation path range 195-2, some of the radiation passes directly through the optical feature 120-1 after being reflected from the reflective component 130-1, while other portions of the radiation pass through the optical feature 120-1 and undergo internal reflection from multiple internal surfaces (e.g., the bottom surface of the intermediate wall 109, the bottom wall 107-1, and the reflective component 130-1) before entering the surrounding environment portion 140-2.

[0043] The radiation path range 195 of light emitted by the other rows of light sources 170 may similarly have different portions, with a portion of the radiation path range 195 passing around the louvers 150 to radiate to the ambient environment portion 140-1, while the other portion of the radiation path range 195 passes through optical feature 120 (in this case, optical feature 120-1 or optical feature 120-2)-1 and is reflected at least once from a reflective component 130 (in this case, reflective component 130-1 or reflective component 130-2) before entering the ambient environment portion 140 (ambient environment portion 140-2 or ambient environment portion 140-3) which is higher than the ambient environment portion 140-1.

[0044] The range 195 of the radiation path generated by the light source 170 located near the center of the lighting device 100 (from the front view provided in Figures 1B and 2) tends to proceed towards ambient environment portion 140-1 rather than ambient environment portion 140-2 or ambient environment portion 140-3, while a relatively large portion of the range 195 of the radiation path generated by the light source 170 located near the side of the lighting device 100 (from the front view provided in Figures 1B and 2) tends to proceed towards ambient environment portion 140-2 or ambient environment portion 140-3 rather than ambient environment portion 140-1.

[0045] Figure 3 shows another lighting device 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3 shows a bottom-front-side isometric view of the lighting device 300. Referring to Figures 1A to 3, the lighting device 300 and its various components in Figure 3 are substantially the same as the lighting device 100 and its corresponding components in Figures 1A to 2, except as described below. Specifically, the lighting device 300 is a linear light fixture, but the housing 305 of the lighting device 300 in Figure 3 lacks the upper part (e.g., side wall 108, top wall 106, cavity 160) which is part of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A to 2. Components of the lighting device 100 (e.g., driver, battery) located in the cavity 160 are located remotely from the housing 305 in Figure 3 and / or can be integrated with the light source of the lighting device 300. In all cases, the intermediate wall 109 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A and 2 corresponds to the top wall of the lighting device 300 (which is hidden in Figure 3).

[0046] Optical feature 320-1 functions as one side wall of the housing 305 of the lighting device 300, and optical feature 320-2 functions as the opposite side wall of the housing 305 of the lighting device 300. In this case, optical feature 320 is a clear lens. The lighting device 300 in Figure 3 also lacks the bottom wall 107 of the housing 105 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A-2. Thus, the optical feature 320 in Figure 3 can be configured to be directly coupled to one or more surfaces of the louver 350.

[0047] The lighting device 300 in Figure 3 is another form of linear light fixture comprising multiple parts. For example, the lighting device 300 in Figure 3 includes a housing 305 having a top wall (hidden), two end caps 310 (end cap 310-1 and end cap 310-2), and two optical features 320 (optical feature 320-1 and optical feature 320-2). The lighting device 300 is positioned in an ambient environment 340 having multiple parts (in this case, ambient environment part 340-1, ambient environment part 340-2, and ambient environment part 340-3). Ambient environment part 340-1 is positioned adjacent to the louver 350, ambient environment part 340-2 is positioned adjacent to optical feature 320-1, and ambient environment part 340-3 is positioned adjacent to optical feature 320-2. In this case, surrounding environment portion 340-2 and surrounding environment portion 340-3 are higher than surrounding environment portion 340-1.

[0048] The process of distributing various parts of the radiation path range within the cavity 390 from the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device 300 in Figure 3 is substantially the same as the process of distributing various parts of the radiation path range 195 within the cavity 190 from the light emitted by the light source 170 of the lighting device 100, as described above with respect to Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 4 shows yet another illumination device 400 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 shows a front view of illumination device 400 without a front end cap (which would be labeled element 410-1). Referring to Figures 1A to 4, the illumination device 400 and its various components in Figure 4 are substantially the same as the illumination device 100 and its corresponding components in Figures 1A to 2, except as described below. Specifically, the illumination device 400 in Figure 4 lacks the optical device 180 of the illumination device 100 in Figures 1A to 2.

[0050] The lighting device 400 in Figure 4 is in the form of a linear light fixture having a housing 405 that includes a top wall 406, two side walls 408 (side wall 408-1 and side wall 408-2), an intermediate wall 409, two end caps 410 (only one end cap 410-2 is shown in Figure 4), and two bottom walls 407 (bottom wall 407-1 and bottom wall 407-2). The lighting device 400 is positioned in the ambient environment 440. In particular, the ambient environment 440 has multiple parts adjacent to different components of the lighting device 400. In this case, ambient environment part 440-1 is positioned adjacent to the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450, ambient environment part 440-2 is positioned adjacent to the optical feature 420-1, and ambient environment part 440-3 is positioned adjacent to the optical feature 420-2. In this case, surrounding environment portion 440-2 and surrounding environment portion 440-3 are higher than surrounding environment portion 440-1.

[0051] The lighting device 400 includes two optical features 420. Optical feature 420-1 is integrated with the side wall 408-1 of the housing 405 and its distal half (starting from the intermediate wall 409 of the housing 405), and optical feature 420-2 is integrated with the side wall 408-2 of the housing 405 and its distal half. The bottom wall 407 is used to help secure the optical features 420 and the louvers 450. Specifically, the bottom wall 407-1 is used to secure the bottom end of optical feature 420-1 and at least one surface of the louvers 450 (e.g., vertical side 453-1, bottom surface 452). Similarly, the bottom wall 407-2 is used to secure the bottom end of optical feature 420-2 and at least one surface of the louvers 450 (e.g., vertical side 453-2, bottom surface 452). Furthermore, the end cap 410 can be used to help secure the ends of optical features 420-1 and 420-2 (for example, using one or more coupling functions (e.g., clips, recesses, slots, detents, fastening devices)).

[0052] In this case, optical features 420-1 and 420-2 are continuous along the entire length of the housing 405. Furthermore, in this case, optical features 420-1 and 420-2 each have a thickness greater than the thickness of sidewalls 408-1 and 408-2. In this case, optical features 420-1 and 420-2 are planar along their length, width, and height, respectively.

[0053] The side walls 408, top wall 406, intermediate wall 409, and end cap 410 of the housing 405 form an enclosed cavity 460 in which one or more components of the lighting device 400 (e.g., a driver, battery, controller, sensor device) can be housed. The housing 405 is also open (at least at the bottom) and includes another cavity 490 having multiple parts (e.g., cavity part 490-1, cavity part 490-2, cavity part 490-3). One or more light sources 470 can be positioned at the bottom of the intermediate wall 409 of the housing 405 (and thus within the cavity 490). In this case, there are four separate rows of light sources 470, each row having multiple light sources 470.

[0054] There are several louvers 450 positioned in the cavity portion 490-1 of the cavity 490, which is located at the bottom (open end) of the cavity 490. In this case, all of the louvers 450 are identically constructed relative to each other, positioned parallel to each other, and fixed within the cavity portion 490-1. Each louver 450 in Figure 4 has a top surface 451 and a bottom surface 452 that are planar and parallel to each other. The bottom surface 452 of each louver 450 is longer than the length of the top surface 451 of the louver 450. The top surface 451 of each louver 450 is centered perpendicular to the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450. There are small vertical sides 453 extending upward from both ends of the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450, with vertical side 453-1 extending upward from one end of the bottom surface 452 and vertical side 453-2 extending upward from the other end of the bottom surface 452. Additionally, there are oblique sides 454 extending from the top of each vertical side 453 to the end of the top surface 451. In this case, oblique side 454-1 extends from the top of the vertical side 453-1 to one end of the top surface 451, and oblique side 454-2 extends from the top of the vertical side 453-2 to the other end of the top surface 451.

[0055] The lighting device 400 in Figure 4 includes two reflective elements 430, where reflective element 430-1 is positioned near optical feature 420-1 in cavity portion 490-2 of cavity 490, and reflective element 430-2 is positioned near optical feature 420-2 in cavity portion 490-3 of cavity 490. Each reflective element 430 matches (contacts) all oblique sides 454 of the louver 450. The orientation of each reflective element 430 redirects a portion of the light emitted by the light source 470 toward the nearby optical feature 420 for uplighting.

[0056] Reflective component 430-1 forms an angle 435-1 with the extension of the top surface 451 of the louver 450, which is also equal to the angle between reflective component 430-1 and the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450, since the top surface 451 and the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450 are parallel to each other. Similarly, reflective component 430-2 forms an angle 435-2 with the extension of the top surface 451 of the louver 450, which is also equal to the angle between reflective component 430-2 and the bottom surface 452 of the louver 450. In this case, angle 435-1 is equal to angle 435-2.

[0057] In this case, reflective component 430-1 forms an angle 437-1 with optical feature 420-1, and reflective component 430-2 forms an angle 437-2 with optical feature 420-2. In this example, angles 437-1 and 437-2 are acute to encourage the light reflected from reflective component 430 to be directed through the nearby optical feature 420.

[0058] Figure 5 shows yet another lighting device 500 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of the lighting device 500. Referring to Figures 1A to 5, the lighting device 500 and its various components in Figure 5 are substantially the same as the lighting devices and their corresponding components in Figures 1A to 4, except as described below. For example, the lighting device 500 in Figure 5 is a circular light fixture having a single reflective component 530, a single optical feature 520, and no louvers. Alternatively, the lighting device 500 in Figure 5 could be a linear light fixture having at least two reflective components 530, at least two optical features 520, and no louvers.

[0059] The lighting device 500 in Figure 5 has a housing 505 that includes a top wall 506, a single side wall 508, an intermediate wall 509, but does not include an end cap (such as the end cap 110 of the lighting device 100 in Figures 1A-2), and includes a single bottom wall 507. The lighting device 500 is positioned in the ambient environment 540. In particular, the ambient environment 540 has multiple parts adjacent to different components of the lighting device 500. In this case, ambient environment part 540-1 is positioned adjacent to the bottom of the lighting device 500 (adjacent to the open end bottom of cavity part 590-1 of cavity 590), and ambient environment part 540-2 is positioned adjacent to the optical feature 520. In this case, ambient environment part 540-2 is higher than ambient environment part 540-1.

[0060] The lighting device 500 includes one optical feature 520. The optical feature 520 is integrated with the side wall 508 of the housing 505 and its distal half (starting from the intermediate wall 509 of the housing 505) around the entire perimeter of the housing 505. In an alternative embodiment, there may be multiple optical features 520 spaced apart (e.g., equidistant, randomly) around the housing 505. The bottom wall 507 is used to help secure the bottom end of the optical feature 520. In this case, the optical feature 520 has a thickness greater than the thickness of the side wall 508.

[0061] The side walls 508, top wall 506, and intermediate wall 509 of the housing 505 form an enclosed cavity 560 in which one or more components of the lighting device 500 (e.g., a driver, battery, controller, sensor device) can be housed. The housing 505 also includes another cavity 590 which is open (at least at the bottom) and has multiple parts (in this case, cavity part 590-1 and cavity part 590-2). One or more light sources 570 can be positioned on the bottom surface of the intermediate wall 509 of the housing 505 (and thus within the cavity 590). In this case, there are two concentric circles of light sources 570, each circle having multiple light sources 570.

[0062] The lighting device 500 also includes a plurality of optical devices 580 located within the cavity 590, each optical device 580 covering one of the light sources 570. These optical devices 580 are positioned against or near the bottom surface of the intermediate wall 509 of the housing 505 and at least partially surround the corresponding light sources 570 so that substantially all of the light emitted by the light sources 570 passes through the optical devices 580.

[0063] The lighting device 500 in Figure 5 includes a single reflective element 530 positioned in the cavity portion 590-2 of the cavity 590 near the entire circumference of the housing 505 formed by the optical feature 520. The orientation of the reflective element 530 redirects some of the light emitted by the light source 570 toward the nearby optical feature 520 for uplighting. The reflective element 530 forms an angle 535 with the plane formed by the bottom of the bottom wall 507 of the housing 505. The angle 535 can be the same or variable around the entire circumference formed by the reflective element 530. The reflective element 530 also forms an angle 537 with the optical feature portion 520. In this example, the angle 537 is acute to encourage the light reflected from the reflective element 530 to be directed toward the nearby optical feature 520.

[0064] Figures 6–14 show various beam-tunable optics in which two or more optics / lenses are coupled together to form a final optic / lens that provides a predetermined light distribution. As further described below and shown in Figures 6–14, each optic / lens section 602, 604 has one or more characteristics, including different curvatures, radii of curvature, optical axes, grooves, and thicknesses.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an adjustable beam TIR optic for beam narrowing. The TIR optic / lens 602 includes an insert 604 to make a TIR optic / lens 606. As shown, the insert 604 is placed in the cavity of the optic 602 and can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The insert 604 can be completely or partially enclosed by the optic 602. The light beam distribution of the original optic 602 is shown in Graph 608 by element 610. The light beam distribution of the original optic 606 is shown in Graph 608 by element 612.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a beam-adjustable TIR optic with an adjustment on the top surface, where a bam is inclined on the side. The original optic / lens 702, having a top (703), is further equipped with a top lens 704 to make a TIR optic / lens 706. As shown, the top lens 704 is positioned on the top of the optic 702 and can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The light beam distribution of the original optic 702 is shown in Graph 708 by element 710. The light beam distribution of the original optic 706 is shown in Graph 708 by element 712.

[0067] Figure 8 shows an adjustable beam blob optic for beam narrowing. The original optic / lens 802 is fitted with a top lens 804 to make a blob optic / lens 806. As shown, the top lens 804 is placed on top of the optic 802 and covers the entire optic 802. The top lens 804 can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The light beam distribution of the original optic 802 is shown in graph 808 by element 810. The light beam distribution of the original optic 806 is shown in graph 808 by element 812.

[0068] Figure 9 shows a beam-adjustable blob optic for beam widening. The original optic / lens 902 is equipped with a top lens 904 to make a blob optic / lens 906. As shown, the top lens 904 is placed on top of the optic 902 and covers the entire optic 902. The top lens 904 can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The light beam distribution of the original optic 902 is shown in graph 908 by element 910. The light beam distribution of the original optic 906 is shown in graph 908 by element 912. Element 914 shows a top view of the optic 906.

[0069] Figure 10 shows a beam-adjustable blob optic. The base optic / lens section 1002 comprises a top lens section 1004 to form the blob optic / lens 1006. As shown, the top lens 1004 is placed on top of the optic 1002 and can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The size and shape of the top lens 1004 can be varied, while the base optic 1002 can be the same for all three versions shown. The light beam distributions of the three blob optics 1006 are shown in Graph 1006. In this way, for example, different street-side optic components are fitted into a single common house-side optic shape.

[0070] Figure 11 shows a beam-adjustable blob optic. The original optic / lens 1102 includes a top lens 1104. As shown, the top lens 1104 sits on top of the optic 1102 and covers a portion of it. The top lens 1104 can be fixed in place by mechanical or other known means. The light beam distribution of the original optic 1102 is shown in Graph 1106. The light beam distribution of the combined optic is shown in Graph 1108.

[0071] Figure 12 shows a beam-adjustable optic with an up-light kicker 1210. A first side lens section 1202 fits with a second side lens section 1204 to form the final lens 1206. Together with the up-light kicker 1210, the first side lens section 1202 provides the uplight. The first and second side lens sections are fixed by mechanical or other known means. As shown, the first and second side lens sections may have different curvatures and radii of curvature, optical axes, grooves, and thicknesses. The optical beam distribution of the combined optic and up-light kicker is shown in Graph 1212, where "1" indicates the uplight section and "2" indicates the downlight position.

[0072] Figure 13 shows a beam-adjustable extruded optic with an upright kicker 1314. The optic / lens 1302 includes an insert 1304 to make an optic / lens 1306. As shown, the insert 1304 is placed in the cavity of the optic 1302 and fits into the corresponding portion of the optic 1302. The insert 1304 can be fixed by mechanical or other known means. The insert 1304 can be completely or partially enclosed by the optic 1302. The light beam distribution of the optic 1302 is shown in graph 1308 by element 1310. The light beam distribution of the original optic 1306 is shown in graph 1308 by element 1312.

[0073] Figure 14 shows a beam-adjustable extruded optic with an upright kicker 1414. The optic / lens 1402 includes an insert 1404 to make an optic / lens 1406. As shown, the insert 1404 is placed in the cavity of the optic 1402 and fits into the corresponding portion of the optic 1402. The insert 1404 can be secured by mechanical or other known means. The insert 1404 can be completely or partially enclosed by the optic 1402. The light beam distribution of the optic 1402 is shown in graph 1408 by element 1410. The light beam distribution of the original optic 1406 is shown in graph 1408 by element 1412.

[0074] All of the optics / lenses or lens components described above may be, depending on the application, biconvex, plano-convex, positive meniscus, negative meniscus, plano-concave, biconcave, aspherical, composite, Fresnel, lenticular, bifocal, refractive index distribution, axicon, etc., or may exhibit a portion thereof. In some cases, exemplary embodiments may include a lighting device which includes a housing which includes a plurality of walls forming a cavity, the plurality of walls which include optical features. Such a lighting device may also include a plurality of light sources which emit light within a cavity along a range of radiation paths, the range of radiation paths which includes a first portion and a second portion. Such a lighting device may further include a plurality of louvers which are arranged in a first location within the cavity, the first location which is within a first portion of the range of radiation paths, and the light in the first portion of the range of radiation paths passes around the plurality of louvers into a first portion of the surrounding environment. Such a lighting device may also include a reflective element located at a second location within the cavity, the second location being within a second portion of the range of the radiation path, and the light in the second portion of the range of the radiation path being reflected from the reflective element. In such a lighting device, the light in the second portion of the range of the radiation path, after being reflected from the reflective element, enters the second portion of the ambient environment through optical features. Furthermore, in such a lighting device, the second portion of the ambient environment is higher than the first portion of the ambient environment.

[0075] In some cases, exemplary embodiments may relate to an upright assembly for a lighting device. Such an upright assembly may include optical features integrated with the housing of the lighting device. Such an upright assembly may also include a reflective component positioned in a location which is within a cavity formed by the housing of the lighting device, the location which is near the inner surface of the side of the housing. In such an upright assembly, the reflective component is positioned at an acute angle to the optical feature and is configured to be positioned adjacent to an opening in a second location within the cavity of the housing, so that some of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device enters a first portion of the ambient environment through the opening. In addition, in such an upright assembly, the reflective component is configured to reflect at least the remaining portion of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device, and the optical feature is configured so that at least the remaining portion of the light can enter a second portion of the ambient environment through the optical feature, the second portion of the ambient environment being higher than the first portion of the ambient environment. In some cases, in this lighting assembly, the lighting device is a linear light fixture. In other cases, the lighting device in this lighting assembly is a circular light fixture.

[0076] The exemplary embodiments can be used to provide uplighting to various types of lighting devices, such as linear light fixtures and light fixtures with louvers. The exemplary embodiments use a combination of reflective components and optical features to provide uplighting. The exemplary embodiments can be used not only for new installations of lighting devices but also for retrofitting existing lighting devices. The exemplary embodiments also offer many other advantages. Such other advantages may include, but are not limited to, improved light distribution, ease of maintenance, a smaller footprint of the lighting device, and compliance with industry standards and regulations applicable to the lighting device.

[0077] The embodiments described herein are made with reference to exemplary embodiments, but it should be understood by those skilled in the art that there are plenty of modifications within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to any application specifically discussed, and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the components shown therein will naturally be suggested to those skilled in the art, and ways of constituting other embodiments using this disclosure will naturally be suggested to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a plurality of walls forming a cavity, wherein the plurality of walls include optical features, A plurality of light sources that emit light within the cavity along a range of radiation paths, wherein the range of the radiation paths of the light includes a first portion and a second portion, At least one adjustable optical device that is adjacent to the intermediate wall of the housing and at least partially surrounds at least one of the plurality of light sources within the cavity, The at least one adjustable optical device includes at least one adjustable optical device comprising two or more separate lens sections that can be coupled together to form a final optical device that provides a predetermined light distribution, Lighting devices, including

2. The lighting device in question is A reflective component is positioned at a first location within the cavity within the range of the emission path of the light, wherein light in the second portion of the range of the emission path is reflected from the reflective component toward the optical feature, and then passes through the optical feature into the second portion of the surrounding environment. Light in the first portion of the radiation path enters the first portion of the surrounding environment through an opening at a second location within the cavity, and the second portion of the surrounding environment has a reflective component that is higher than the first portion of the surrounding environment. An additional reflective component located in a third location within the cavity, wherein light in the third portion of the radiation path range is reflected from the additional reflective component, The lighting device according to claim 1, including the following:

3. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the housing includes an additional optical feature adjacent to the additional reflective component, and light in the third portion of the range of the radiation path, after being reflected from the additional reflective component, enters the third portion of the ambient environment through the additional optical feature, and the third portion of the ambient environment is higher than the first portion of the ambient environment.

4. The lighting device in question is A plurality of louvers arranged in the opening at a second location within the cavity, wherein light in the first portion of the range of the radiation path enters the first portion of the surrounding environment by passing around the plurality of louvers, The lighting device according to claim 2, including the following:

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the reflective component is arranged at a first angle with respect to the top surface of at least one of the plurality of louvers.

6. The lighting device in question is An additional reflective component located in a third location within the cavity, wherein the additional reflective component is within a third portion of the range of the radiation path, and light in the third portion of the range of the radiation path is reflected from the additional reflective component, The lighting device according to claim 5, including the following:

7. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein the housing includes additional optical features, and light in the third portion of the range of the radiation path is reflected from the additional reflective component and then enters the third portion of the ambient environment through the additional optical features, the third portion of the ambient environment being higher than the first portion of the ambient environment.

8. The lighting device according to claim 7, wherein the optical features and the additional optical features have substantially similar properties with respect to each other.

9. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the housing includes a first end cap for securing the reflective component and the plurality of louvers.

10. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the second portion of the surrounding environment is elevated relative to the housing.

11. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the optical feature is a clear lens disposed on the housing wall.

12. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the optical feature is an opening in the housing wall of the housing.

13. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one adjustable optical device includes one or more of the following: (1) a first lens portion having a cavity into which a second lens portion is inserted; (2) a first lens portion having a apex and a second lens portion coupled to the apex of the first lens portion; (3) a second lens portion covering the first lens portion and the first lens portion; and (4) a first side lens portion fitting with the second side lens portion.

14. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein each of the two or more lens portions has one or more characteristics including different curvatures, radii of curvature, optical axes, grooves, and thicknesses.

15. The illumination device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable optical device or lens portion is one or more of the following lens types: biconvex, plano-convex, positive meniscus, negative meniscus, plano-concave, biconcave, aspherical, composite, Fresnel, lenticular, bifocal, refractive index distribution, and axicon.

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