CN106662712B - Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for use in lighting large open spaces such as parking lots or parking garage platforms, comprising: the system includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relation and together defining a closed path, and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.

Description

Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED lighting device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No.14/583,415(Cree case No. P2238US2) entitled "Outdoor and/or closed Structure LED luminescence" filed on 26.12.2014.

The present application claims us provisional patent application No.61/922,017(Cree No. p2143us0) entitled "Optical Waveguide systems and lumines each using blue" filed on 30.12.2013, us provisional patent application No.62/005,955(Cree No. p2238us0) entitled "park Structure LED Light" filed on 30.5.2014, us provisional patent application No.62/009,039(Cree No. p2238us0) entitled "park Structure LED Light" filed on 6.6.2014, U.S. provisional patent application No.62/005,965 entitled "lumineire finishing Waveguide" filed on 30/5/2014 (Cree No. p2237us0), U.S. provisional patent application No.62/025,436 entitled "lumineire finishing Waveguide" filed on 16/7/2014 (Cree No. p2237us0-2), and U.S. provisional patent application No.62/025,905 entitled "lumineire finishing Waveguide" filed on 17/7/2014 (Cree No. p2237 us0-3). The present application also includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical waveguiding" U.S. patent application No.13/842,521 (create application No. p1946us1) filed on 15.3.2013, and also includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical waveguiding and lampassociating Same" U.S. patent application No.13/839,949 (create application No. p1961us1) filed on 15.3.3.15.2013, and also includes a partial continuation application entitled "us 13/840,563 (create application No. p 5us1) filed on 15.3.2013, and also includes a partial continuation application entitled" us patent application No. cre 13/840,563 (create application No. p 5us1) filed on 3.15.2013, and a partial continuation application entitled "Optical waveguiding and lumine associating Same" and also includes a partial continuation application No.13/938,877 (create application No. p 2027.7.7.7.7.7.7.7.3 filed on 10.2013, and a partial continuation application No. p 2022 filed on 2023.12 included application No. p 2027.7,12, and a partial continuation application No. 2027,12 filed on 3,7.7,12, and further includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical Waveguide Assembly and LightEngine Incorporating Same" U.S. patent application No.14/101,099(Cree docket No. P2129US1) filed on 9.12.2013, and further includes a partial continuation application entitled "Simplified Low Profile Wide Light Guide pending, Surface Mount, Wall Mount and Stand AloneLuminaire" U.S. patent application No.14/101,129(Cree docket No. P2141) filed on 9.12.2013, and further includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical Waveguide and Lamp Incorporating Same" U.S. patent application No.14/101,051(Cree docket No. P2141) filed on 9.12.2013, and further includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical waveguiding and Lamp Incorporating Same" U.S. application No.14/101,051 (PCT patent application No. PCree docket No. 1) filed on 9.12.11.2013, and further includes a partial continuation application entitled "Optical waveguiding and Lamp Incorporating Same" U.10 and U.10 incorporated by WO 30 application No. WO 35 and U.10 application entitled "U.36 and U.10 13931(Cree docket No. P2126WO), and also includes the partial continuation of International application No. PCT/US14/30017(Cree docket No. P2225WO) entitled "Optical Waveguide Body" filed on month 3 and 15 of 2014, and also includes the partial continuation of U.S. application No.14/462,426(Cree docket No. Cre Cre8US1) entitled "outer and closed Structure LED luminescence for General Illumination Applications, Suchas Parking Lots and Structures", filed on month 8 and 18 of 2014, and also includes the partial continuation of U.S. application No.14/462,391(Cree docket No. P6P6No. US1) entitled "Optical compositions for luminescence Applications filed on month 8 and 18 of Sa2014, and also includes the partial continuation of U.S. application No.14 (U.S. 10 patent application No. 10 (P docket No. 10) filed on month 8 and 18 of Save, and also includes the partial continuation of U.S. application No. 10 patent application No. 368 (Ujour application No. 10) entitled" Optical compositions for luminescence Applications, and 2 filed on month 18 of 2014, and also includes the partial continuation of U.6 patent application No. 36 (Ujour application No. 36) entitled "filed on month 18 of 2014 and No. 36, and also includes a continuation-in-part application entitled "Luminaire Utilizing waveform" U.S. patent application No.14/485,609(Cree docket No. P2237US1) filed on 12/9/2014, and also includes a continuation-in-part application entitled "optical waveform compositions and Luminaire Utilizing Same" U.S. patent application No.14/577,730(Cree docket No. P2143US1) filed on 19/12/2014, all of which are owned by the assignee of the present application, and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present application also claims U.S. patent application No.14/671,512 entitled "Outdoor and/or Enclosed Structure LED Luminaire" filed on 27.3.2015 (Cree No. P2238US3), International application No. PCT/US14/13408 entitled "Optical Waveguides" filed on 1.28.2014 (Cree No. P1946WO), International application No. PCT/US14/13934 entitled "Optical waveguiding and lubricating Same" (Cree No. P2025WO), International application No. PCT/US14/13934 entitled "Optical waveguiding and lubricating Saminaire" filed on 30.2014.2014.2014.2015.2015.2015.2015.10, International application No. PCT/US14/13854 (WO 2015.2015 2015 WO 2015) filed on Waveguide Assembly and pH 1.20610, International application No. PCT/WO 1/WO 97 international application No. WO 97/WO 97) filed on 10.2014, International application No. PCT/WO 1/WO 97 patent application No. WO 1/WO 1 entitled "filed on 1 and International patent application No. WO 1/3698/3610 and No. WO2 filed on 1 and No. WO 2/97 (PCT/97) filed on 1/97).

Benchmarks for federally sponsored research or development

Not applicable to

Sequence listing

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Technical Field

The present subject matter relates to lighting in general and more particularly to outdoor and/or enclosed structure lighting devices such as may be used in parking lots and parking buildings.

Background

Large areas of open space, such as platforms for parking lots or garages, require sufficient lighting to allow vehicles and people to safely pass through the space whenever it is time, including periods of reduced natural lighting, such as nighttime, rainy, or foggy weather conditions. A lighting device for an outdoor parking lot or a roofed parking platform must illuminate a large area space near the lighting device while controlling glare so as not to distract a driver. Still further, such lighting devices are versatile in the sense that the lighting device may be mounted in various closed and non-closed positions, on poles or on surfaces (such as garage ceilings), and preferably present a uniform appearance.

Furthermore, lighting devices for illuminating parking lots or parking structures must be of robust construction to withstand wind and other forces and to resist weathering, yet light enough to allow easy installation. In addition, such a lighting device should be aesthetically pleasing.

Advances in Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology have LED to the widespread adoption of lighting devices that include such devices. Although LEDs can only be used to produce light without the need for secondary optics, it has been found that optical modifiers (such as lenses, reflectors, light guides, and combinations thereof) can significantly improve the illumination distribution for particular applications.

The optical waveguide mixes and directs light emitted by one or more light sources, such as one or more LEDs. A typical optical waveguide includes three main components: one or more coupling elements, one or more distribution elements, and one or more extraction elements. The coupling component(s) direct light into the distribution element(s) and condition the light to interact with subsequent components. One or more distribution elements control how light passes through the waveguide and depends on the waveguide geometry and material. The extraction element(s) determine how to remove the light by controlling where and in what direction the light exits the waveguide.

In designing the coupling optics, the main considerations are: maximizing the efficiency of light transfer from the source to the waveguide; controlling a position of light injected into the waveguide; and controlling the angular distribution of light in the coupling optics. One way to control the spatial spread and angular spread of the injected light is by fitting each source with a dedicated lens. The lenses may be arranged with an air gap between the lenses and the coupling optics, or the lenses may be manufactured from the same piece of material that defines the distributed element(s) of the waveguide. Discrete coupling optics allow many advantages such as higher efficiency coupling, controlled overlap of the light flux from the source, and angular control of how the injected light interacts with the rest of the waveguide. Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into a waveguide.

After the light is coupled into the waveguide, it must be guided and adjusted to the extraction position. The simplest example is a fiber optic cable designed to transport light from one end of the cable to the other with minimal loss therebetween. To achieve this, the fiber optic cable is only bent gradually and abrupt bends in the waveguide are avoided. According to well-known principles of total internal reflection, light traveling through a waveguide is reflected back into the waveguide from the outer surface of the waveguide, provided that the incident light does not exceed a critical angle with respect to the surface. In particular, the light ray continues to travel through the waveguide until such ray strikes the index interface surface at a particular angle that is less than the angle measured with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface point at which the light ray is incident (or, equivalently, until the light ray exceeds the angle measured with respect to a line tangent to the surface point at which the light ray is incident), and the light ray escapes.

In order for an extraction element to remove light from the waveguide, the light must first contact the component that includes the extraction element. By appropriately shaping the waveguide surface, one can control the flow of light through the extraction feature(s). In particular, the spacing, shape, and other feature(s) of the extraction features are selected to affect the appearance of the waveguide, its resulting distribution, and efficiency.

Us patent No.5,812,714 to huls discloses a waveguide bending element configured to change the direction of travel of light from a first direction to a second direction. The waveguide bend element includes a collector element that collects light emitted from the light source and directs the light into an input face of the waveguide bend element. Light entering the curved element is internally reflected along the outer surface and exits the element at the output face. The outer surface comprises an angled or curved surface oriented such that a substantial portion of the light entering the curved element is internally reflected until the light reaches the output face.

U.S. patent No.5,613,751 to Parker et al discloses a light-emitting panel assembly including a transparent light-emitting panel having a light input surface, a light transition region, and one or more light sources. The light sources are preferably embedded or bonded in the light transition region to eliminate any air gaps, thereby reducing light loss and maximizing emitted light. The light transition region may comprise reflective and/or refractive surfaces around and behind each light source to reflect and/or refract light more efficiently and to focus through the light transition region into the light input surface of the light-emitting panel. The pattern of light extraction deformers or the panel surface and/or any change in shape or geometry of the coating that causes a portion of the light to be emitted may be provided on one or both sides of the panel member. The variable pattern of the deformer may disperse the light rays such that the internal reflection angle of a portion of the light rays will be large enough to cause the light rays to emanate from the panel or reflect back through the panel and emanate from the other side.

U.S. patent No.3,532,871 to Shipman discloses a combination operating light reflector having two light sources, each of which, when illuminated, produces light that is directed onto the polished surface of the projection. The light is reflected onto the conical reflector. The light is reflected laterally into the body and impinges on a prism that directs the light out of the body.

U.S. patent No.5,897,201 to Simon discloses various embodiments of architectural lighting distributed from included radially collimated light. The quasi-point source produces light that is collimated in a radially outward direction, and the exit means of the distribution optics directs the collimated light out of the optics.

U.S. patent No.8,430,548 to Kelly et al discloses a lighting fixture that uses various light sources, such as incandescent light bulbs, fluorescent light tubes, and a plurality of LEDs. The volumetric diffuser controls the spatial brightness uniformity and angular spread of the light from the lighting fixture. The volumetric diffuser includes one or more regions of volumetric light scattering particles. A volume diffuser may be used in conjunction with the waveguide to extract the light.

U.S. patent No.8,506,112 to Dau et al discloses a lighting device having a plurality of light emitting elements, such as LEDs arranged in a row. A collimating optical element receives light generated by the LED, and a light guide directs the collimated light from the optical element to an optical extractor that extracts the light.

Lighting Components of the a.l.p. company of niles (illinois) manufactures waveguides having a wedge shape with a thick end, a narrow end and two major faces therebetween. Pyramidal extraction features are formed on both major faces. The wedge waveguide acts as an exit sign such that the thick end of the sign is located adjacent the ceiling and the narrow end extends downwardly. Light enters the waveguide at the thick end and is directed by the pyramidal extraction features down and away from the waveguide.

Low profile LED-based lighting devices (e.g., General Electric ET series panel troffers) have recently been developed that utilize a string of LED assemblies directed into the edge of a waveguide element ("edge-lit" approach). However, such illumination devices typically suffer from inefficiencies due to losses inherent in coupling light emitted from a predominantly lambertian emission source (such as an LED assembly) into the narrow edge of the waveguide plane.

U.S. patent nos. 7,083,313 and 7,520,650 to Smith disclose light directing devices for use with LEDs. In one embodiment, the light directing device comprises a plurality of opposing collimators arranged around a plurality of LEDs on one side of the device. Each collimator collimates light generated by the LED and directs the collimated light through an output surface of the collimator toward a corner reflector disposed on a second side opposite the first side of the device. The collimated light reflects off the reflector and exits the device from a side perpendicular thereto. In another embodiment, the collimator is integrated with a waveguide having a reflective surface disposed on the second side of the waveguide and directs collimated light toward the reflective surface. As in one embodiment, light incident on the reflective surface is directed from one side of the device.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment, a lighting device for use in lighting a large open space, such as a parking lot or parking garage platform, comprises a plurality of light guides arranged in a side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path. At least one LED associated with each optical waveguide is disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.

According to another embodiment, a lighting device includes a main frame and a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in the main frame. Each optical waveguide includes opposing first and second waveguide ends, a coupling portion disposed at the first waveguide end, and a light emitting portion disposed between the first and second waveguide ends. At least one waveguide is disposed at an angle relative to at least one other waveguide. The coupling portion of the waveguide is disposed adjacent a first lighting device end, and a second waveguide end is disposed adjacent a second lighting device end opposite the first lighting device end. At least one LED element is associated with each light guide.

According to yet another embodiment, a lighting device includes a main frame having a plurality of receptacles and a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in the receptacles of the main frame in a side-by-side relationship, wherein the optical waveguides all have substantially the same size and shape. The gasket frame has a peripheral recess and upper and lower gaskets, and a plurality of optical coupling portions are disposed in the recess of the gasket frame, wherein each optical coupling portion is associated with an associated optical waveguide and adapted to guide light into the associated optical waveguide. A plurality of LEDs are associated with each optical coupling portion and are disposed in the recesses of the gasket frame and adapted to direct light into the associated optical coupling portion. The circuit element interconnects the plurality of LEDs and is disposed in the recess of the gasket frame. The cover plate is disposed on the main frame such that the gasket frame is disposed therebetween and such that the upper and lower gaskets are sealingly abutted against the cover plate and the main frame, respectively.

Other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like structures throughout the specification.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an illumination device from which an illumination sensor is omitted, as viewed from below;

fig. 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lighting device from above;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the main frame of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the main frame taken generally along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the subframe of FIGS. 1 and 2 from above;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the subframe of FIG. 7 from below;

fig. 10 is an isometric front view of one of the optical waveguides and coupling members of the lighting device of fig. 1 and 2;

fig. 11 is a rear isometric view of one of the optical waveguides and coupling members of the lighting device of fig. 1 and 2;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged fragmentary view of the optical waveguide of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are enlarged fragmentary views of the coupling member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12C is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the optical waveguide of FIG. 10;

fig. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting device;

FIG. 13A is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the subframe of FIG. 13;

figures 14 and 14A are isometric views of an embodiment of a lighting device to which a junction box may be mounted;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lighting fixture mounted on a pendant or pole;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a lighting fixture mounted on a ceiling-mounted fixture with bird guards;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are top and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an embodiment of a lighting apparatus mounted on a post;

19-21 are bottom isometric views of embodiments of a plurality of post mounted lighting devices; and

fig. 22 is an illumination distribution produced by the illumination device of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

As shown in fig. 1-4, a lighting device 100 is disclosed herein, the lighting device 100 being for general lighting, and more particularly, for open space (and specifically, parking platforms of a parking lot or garage) lighting. The lighting device 100 includes a housing 102, the housing 102 including a support structure (discussed below) that can support the lighting device 100. The plurality of first optical waveguides 104a-104d are disposed on the housing 102 and supported by the housing 102. As will be noted in more detail below, a plurality of second light emitting diode elements or modules (LEDs) 105 are supported by the housing 102.

Each LED element or module 105 (fig. 3 and 4) may be a single white or other color LED chip or other bare component, or each may include a plurality of LEDs mounted separately or together on a single substrate or package to form a module including at least one phosphor-coated LED, for example, alone or in combination with at least one color LED, such as a green LED, a yellow LED, a red LED, and the like. In those cases where a soft white illumination with improved color rendering is to be produced, each LED element or module 105 or a plurality of such elements or modules may comprise one or more blue-shifted yellow LEDs and one or more red LEDs. The LEDs 105 may be arranged in different configurations and/or layouts as desired. Other LED combinations may be used to produce different color temperatures and appearances, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the light source comprises any LED, for exampleSuch as, compriseMT-G LEDs of LED technology, or LEDs as disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 13/649,067 entitled "LED Package with Multiple Element Light Source and encapsulating Planar Surfaces", filed on 10.10.2012 by Lowes et al, Cree, Inc., the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, or the like. If desired, the side emitting diodes disclosed in U.S. patent No.8,541,795, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, may be utilized. In some embodiments, each LED element or module 105 may include one or more LEDs disposed within a coupling cavity having an air gap disposed between the LED element or module 105 and the light input surface. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, each of the LED element(s) or module(s) 105 preferably has a lambertian or near-lambertian light distribution, although each may have a directional light emission distribution (e.g., a side emission distribution), if necessary or desired. More generally, any lambertian symmetric wide-angle preferential side or asymmetric beam pattern LED element(s) or module(s) may be used as light source.

Each waveguide 104 may have any suitable shape, and the shapes of the waveguides 104 may be different from each other or substantially the same. For example, a first subset of less than all of the waveguides 104 may be substantially identical to one another, and some or all of the remaining waveguides 104, including the second subset, may be different from the waveguides of the first subset. In this latter case, the waveguides of the second subset may be substantially identical to each other or some or all may be different from each other. Any combination of substantially the same and/or different waveguides 104 producing the same or different light illumination profiles is contemplated. Further, as indicated in more detail below, although four waveguides 104 are illustrated in the figures, a different number of waveguides may be used. In some embodiments, two or more waveguides may be disposed at an angle α relative to each other (fig. 4). In one such embodiment, the angle α may be about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α may be greater or less than 90 degrees to produce the desired distribution. Still further, the material(s) of the waveguide 104 preferably comprise optical grade materials that exhibit TIR characteristics, including, but not limited to, one or more of acrylic, air, polycarbonate, molded silicone, glass, and/or cyclic olefin copolymer, and combinations thereof (possibly in a layered arrangement) to achieve a desired effect and/or appearance. Preferably, although not necessarily, waveguides 104 are all solid or some or all have one or more voids or discrete bodies of different materials therein. The waveguide 104 may be prepared using processes such as hot stamping or molding (including injection/compression molding). Other manufacturing methods may be used as desired.

Referring also to fig. 5-9, the housing 102 has at least one and more preferably four support brackets 106a-106d extending diagonally between opposite corners 108a, 108c and 108b, 108 d. The support bracket 106 supports an open center housing 110. Operational circuitry 112 is disposed and retained within the central housing 110. Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include working circuitry 112, the working circuitry 112 including power circuitry having buck regulators, boost regulators, buck-boost regulators, SEPIC power supplies, and the like, and may include Driver circuitry as disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No.14/291,829 entitled "High Efficiency Driver Circuit with Fast Response" filed on 30.5.2014 by Hu et al (Cree No. p2276us1, attorney docket No.034643-000618) or U.S. patent application serial No.14/292,001 entitled "SEPIC Driver Circuit with LowInput Current Ripple" filed on 30.5.2014 by Hu et al (Cree No. p2291us1, attorney docket No. 034643-616), as incorporated by reference. An infrared or other sensor 113 (fig. 18) may be supported in the lower opening 110a (fig. 1) of the housing 110 and may comprise a portion of the operational circuitry 112. The sensor 113 may be provided to cause a balancing of the operating circuitry to activate or change the illumination level of the lighting device 100 in accordance with the sensed ambient light level.

In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 includes a mainframe 114 having trench receptacles 116a-116d that receive the waveguides 104a-104d, respectively. Preferably, although not necessarily, all of the waveguides 104a-104d are substantially, if not entirely, identical to one another, as are the trench receptacles 116, and thus, only the waveguide 104a and receptacle 116a will be described in detail herein. It is also preferred that each waveguide 104 is disposed at an equal or unequal angle relative to adjacent waveguides 104 to define a partially or fully closed path such that light is distributed at least partially around the path. As shown in FIG. 10, the waveguide 104a includes an enlarged tapered portion 104a-1 adjacent a first or top end 104 a-2. Waveguide 104a also includes a second or bottom end 104a-3 and side edge portions 104a-4 and 104 a-5. Referring to fig. 11, the light emitting portion 104a-6 is disposed between the portion 104a-1 and the end portion 104 a-3. The light emitting portion 104a-6 includes a plurality of light extraction features 104a-7 disposed on or in a first or rear surface 104a-8 opposite a second or front surface 104 a-9. It should be noted that the light extraction features 104a-7 may be irregularly spaced, or some may be regularly spaced and others irregularly spaced, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of light extraction features 104a-7 includes a first set of features 104a-10 (FIG. 12) that are relatively large and widely spaced and disposed at an upper portion of the waveguide 104a relatively close to the tapered portion 104 a-1. Each of the extraction features 104a-10 may generally have the shape disclosed in International application Serial No. PCT/US14/13937 (attorney docket No. P2143WO), entitled "optical waveguiding Bodies and lumineains Utilizing Same," filed on 30/1/2014, owned by the assignee of the present application and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 12A, each segment 104a-10 includes an elongated wedge-shaped channel or groove 104a-11 disposed adjacent to an elongated wedge-shaped ridge or protrusion 104a-12, both of which preferably extend transversely (preferably, although not necessarily, perpendicularly) relative thereto, partially between side edge portions 104a-4 and 104 a-5. The wedge-shaped grooves 104a-11 include extraction surfaces 104a-11A formed at an angle θ (FIG. 11A) relative to the rear surfaces 104 a-8. The angle theta may be constant, varying over the length of the extraction features 104a-10, varying over the group of extraction features 104a-10, and/or varying over the group of extraction features 104a-10, 104a-13, 104a-14, and/or 104a-15 described below. In some embodiments, the angle varies between about 25 ° and about 40 °. It is also preferred, although not required, that the grooves and ridges of each feature 104a-10 be parallel to each other and to the other grooves and ridges of the other features 104 a-10.

The members 104a-7 also include three additional sets of members 104a-13, 104a-14 and 104a-15 that are progressively smaller in size and spaced closer together the further away from the upper end of the waveguide 104 a. The features 104a-10, 104a-13, 104a-14, and 104a-15 define four segments at different inter-feature angles γ (fig. 11A) that further improve light intensity uniformity, and the last three sets 104a-13 to 104a-15 are disposed closer to the second end 104a-3 of the waveguide 104a than the sets 104 a-10. As shown in FIG. 12, the back surface 104a-8 between each extraction feature 104a-7 defines an inter-feature angle γ with respect to a line parallel to line LL, which is perpendicular to the edge 104a-27 at the first end 104a-2 of the waveguide 104. In some embodiments, the inter-component angle γ may range between about 0.5 ° and about 5 °. In one exemplary embodiment, the inter-component angles γ for the sets 104a-10, 104a-13, 104a-14, and 104a-15 may be 1 °,2 °,3 °, and 4 °, respectively. Similar to sets 104a-10, each component of sets 104a-13 and 104a-14 includes an elongated wedge-shaped groove or set (similar to grooves 104a-11) disposed adjacent an elongated wedge-shaped ridge or protrusion (similar to ridges 104a-12), both of which preferably extend transversely (preferably, although not necessarily, perpendicularly) relative thereto, partially between side edge portions 104a-4 and 104 a-5. It is also preferred, although not required, that the grooves and ridges of each of the sections 104a-13 and 104a-14 be parallel to each other and to the other grooves and ridges of the other sections 104a-10, 104a-13, and 104 a-15. The sets 104a-15 include wedge-shaped grooves 104a-16 seen in fig. 12 that preferably extend transversely (preferably, although not necessarily, perpendicularly) relative thereto, partially between the side edge portions 104a-4 and 104 a-5. Further, although not required, the grooves 104a-16 are preferably parallel to each other and to the grooves and ridges of each feature 104 a-10. The features 104a-7 recycle at least some of the light that would otherwise escape the back surface 104a-8 of the waveguide 104a back into the waveguide 104 a. The features 104a-7 are arranged at different pitches (i.e., pitches) and/or have different sizes, and define sections of the angle γ between the different features, such that light of substantially uniform intensity is emitted from the front surface 104 a-9.

Referring to fig. 12 and 12C, the waveguide 104a further includes scalloped features 104a-17 disposed on or in the front faces 104a-9 and end light extraction features 104a-18 disposed adjacent the bottom end 104 a-3. The end light extraction features 104a-18 include elongated wedge-shaped protrusions 104a-19 disposed in or on the rear surface 104a-8, wherein the protrusions 104a-19 include downwardly directed rounded peak portions 104 a-20. The end light extraction features 104a-18 also include elongated wedge-shaped grooves 104a-21 disposed on or in the front surfaces 104 a-9. Preferably, the segments 104a-17 and wedge-shaped grooves 104a-21 are parallel to the wedge-shaped projections 104a-19, and at least a portion of the grooves 104a-21 are disposed in a top-down extent of the projections 104 a-19. Still further, the scallops 104a-17, the tabs 104a-19, and the grooves 104a-21 preferably extend transversely (and, more preferably, perpendicularly) relative to the side edge portions 104a-4 and 104a-5, but do not extend completely between the side edge portions 104a-4 and 104a-5, such that the side edges 104a-22 and 104a-23 are defined adjacent the side edge portions 104a-4 and 104a-5, respectively. Further, the bottom rear and front surfaces 104a-24, 104a-25 defining the flanges extend below the extended end light extraction features 104a-18 from the rear and front surfaces 104a-8, 104a-9, respectively. The waveguide 104a may have a slight concave curvature from top to bottom (as viewed from the exterior of the lighting device 100) to increase light distribution as compared to a waveguide without a curvature. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 12, the second or front surface 104a-9 may form an angle β with respect to a line parallel to a line LL that is perpendicular to the edge 104a-27 at the first end 104a-2 of the waveguide 104. In addition, the waveguide 104a is also tapered from top to bottom to maximize the likelihood that light traveling through the waveguide 104a will exit the waveguide during a single pass therebetween. For this purpose, the end light extraction features 104a-18 also ensure that light is extracted at the end of a single pass, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the features 104a-18 cause a portion of the extracted light to be directed downward and a portion to be directed out of the front surfaces 104 a-25. This "ray-splitting" feature allows the use of a separate or overmolded bottom frame member (described below) without the optical efficiency losses associated with light absorption into the bottom frame member.

As shown in fig. 11A, pixelation (i.e., the ability to image a single light source) is minimized by preferably providing a series of curved recesses or protrusions 104a-26 (otherwise referred to as "scale" features) disposed in a linear array above or below some or all of the light extraction features 104 a-7.

The channel receptacle 116a includes spaced sidewalls 116a-1, 116a-2 and 116a-3, 116a-4 defining opposing side channels 116a-5 and 116a-6, an upstanding bottom wall 116a-7 partially defining a bottom frame member, a base surface 116a-8 and surfaces 116a-9 to 116a-12 together defining a tapered top opening 116a-13 extending through a corresponding side member 121a of the main frame 114. During assembly, the bottom end 104a-3 of the waveguide 104a is inserted into the tapered top opening 116a-13 of the trench receptacle 116a such that the side flanges 104a-22 and 104a-23 enter the opposite side trenches 116a-5 and 116a-6, respectively. The waveguide 104a is also inserted into the trench receptacle 116a until the tapered lower surfaces 104a-24 and 104a-25 of the enlarged tapered portion 104a-1 seat against the tapered shoulder surfaces 116a-10 and 116a-11 of the surfaces 116a-9 and 116a-12 defining the tapered top opening 116 a-13. At this point, bottom end 104a-3 is disposed adjacent to upstanding bottom wall 116a-7, and preferably, although not necessarily, bottom end 104-3 contacts base surface 116 a-8.

The remaining waveguides 104b, 104c, and 104d include corresponding elements 104b-1 through 104b-25, 104c-1 through 104c-25, and 104d-1 through 104d-25, respectively, that are substantially similar or identical to the elements 104a-1 through 104 a-25. The trench receptacles 116b, 116c, and 116d include corresponding elements 116b-1 through 116b-13, 116c-1 through 116c-13, and 116d-1 through 116d-13, respectively, that are substantially similar or identical to the elements 116a-1 through 116a-13 and that receive the waveguides 104b, 104c, and 104d, respectively, in the same manner as the waveguide 104a is received in the trench receptacle 116 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the waveguides 104a-104d are all disposed at the same or substantially the same height in the illumination device 100, although this is not required.

After the waveguide 104 and the circuitry 112 are placed into the receptacle 116 and the central housing 110, respectively, a secondary frame 122 is disposed on the main frame 114 and secured to the main frame 114. The auxiliary frame 122 includes an outer peripheral portion 123 having four nesting portions 124a-124d disposed in corner recesses 125a-125d of the main frame 114. The outer surface of the nesting portion 124 and the inner surface of the corner recess 125 are preferably, although not necessarily, complementarily shaped. The auxiliary frame 122 also includes diagonally inwardly directed arms 126a-126d that support a central cover portion 127. When the auxiliary frame 122 is disposed on the main frame 114 such that the nesting portion 124 extends into the corner recess 125, the central cover portion 127 covers and encloses the central housing shell 110 and the working circuitry 112 disposed therein. The sealing surface(s) forming gasket 128 provide a seal between cover portion 127 and housing 110. As will be indicated in more detail below, the central cover portion 127 includes an opening 129 that allows access to the working circuitry 110 so that utility power can be connected to the power supply wires.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, the outer peripheral portion 123 of the sub-frame 122 includes a plurality of grooves 130a-130d that are aligned with the top ends 104a-1-104d-1 of the waveguides 104a-104d, respectively. The channels 130a-130d are substantially or completely identical and extend longitudinally partially or substantially completely between adjacent corner recesses 125. Each channel 130 extends from a first or upper face 132 and completely through the subframe 122. Lower sealing members 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135a, 135b and 136a, 136b, which may be integral with or separate from the secondary frame 122, surround each of the channels 130a-130d at the second or lower face 137, respectively. Upper sealing members 140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 142a, 142b and 143a, 143b, which may be integral with the auxiliary frame 122 or separate, are disposed on either side of the channels 130a-130d at the top surface 132. Each of the trenches 130a-130d includes an upper portion 151a-151d having a tapered portion 152a-152d, respectively, and a lower portion 153a-153d that receives the planar top ends 104a-2, 104b-2, 104c-2, and 104d-2 of the associated waveguides 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d, respectively.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the secondary frame 122 is secured to the main frame 114 by fasteners, such as screws 170, that extend through holes 180 in the secondary frame 122 into aligned threaded holes 182 in the main frame 114. The downwardly extending shouldered seal section 184 carrying the lower seal members 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135c and 136a, 136b extends into a complementary shaped groove 186 in the main frame such that the seal members 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135c and 136a, 136b abut and seal against the enlarged tapered portions 104a-1, 104b-1, 104c-1 and 104 d-1. Further, the sealing members 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135c and 136a, 136b abut and seal against the base surface 188 of the groove 186. Thereafter, elongated optical components in the form of optical coupling members 190a-190d are inserted into the upper portions 151a-151d of the grooves 130a-130d, respectively, into contact with the planar top ends 104a-2, 104b-2, 104c-2, and 104 d-2. Referring to fig. 4, optical coupling members 190 may be made of the same suitable optical material, such as liquid silicone rubber, optical grade acrylic, air, polycarbonate, molded silicone, glass, and/or cyclic olefin copolymer, and combinations thereof, and are preferably (although not necessarily) substantially or completely identical to each other. Accordingly, only the optical coupling member 190a will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 12, optical coupling member 190a includes at least one refractive portion 190a-1 and at least one, and preferably a plurality of, reflective portions 190a-2, wherein both refractive portion(s) 190a-1 and reflective portion(s) 190a-2 are disposed at upper end 190 a-3. The optical coupling member 190a is preferably elongated in length between the first and second ends of the member 190a and has a width extending between the first and second sides transverse to and substantially less than the length. In other embodiments, the optical coupling member may have any other shape, such as annular or circular. For example, a plurality of circular coupling members may be disposed adjacent to a plurality of LED assemblies. In any case, an increase in the ratio of reflected light to refracted light may produce a desired reduction in light source imaging (i.e., the ability to see the individual light source(s) from outside the luminaire 100). In addition, the optical coupling member 190a also includes a body 190a-4, the body 190a-4 having a tapered outer surface 190a-5 that terminates at a planar bottom surface 190 a-6. In one embodiment, the material of the optical coupling member 190a is preferably somewhat tacky such that the planar bottom surface 190a-6 adheres to the planar top end 104a-2 of the waveguide 104a and forms an optically transmissive bond with the planar top end 104a-2 of the waveguide 104 a. In another embodiment, the optical coupling member 190a may comprise an acrylic material, such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), that is overmolded onto the acrylic waveguide 104a during fabrication or otherwise optically coupled to the acrylic waveguide 104 a. In further embodiments, the optical coupling member 190a and the waveguide 104a may be fabricated as a unitary single piece of material using processes such as hot stamping or hot molding (including injection/compression molding) or other suitable methods. Further, the tapered outer surface 190a-5 preferably, but not necessarily, contacts the tapered portion 152a of the groove 130a when the optical coupling member 190a is fully inserted therein.

Preferably, the remaining optical coupling members 190b, 190c and 190d include elements 190b-1 through 190b-6, 190c-1 through 190c-6 and 190d-1 through 190d-6 corresponding to elements 190a-1 through 190a-6, respectively, and are disposed within trenches 130b, 130c and 130d in the same manner as described above with respect to optical coupling member 190a being placed in trench 130a with respect to waveguide 104 a. Referring to fig. 4, in the illustrated embodiment, at least one and more preferably more than one LED element or module 105 is mounted on the exposed conductive portions 202a-202d of the continuous flexible circuit element in the form of flexible conductors 203, wherein the conductors 203 are disposed atop respective portions 204a-204d of the upper face 132 of the auxiliary member 122 and across respective portions 204a-204d of the upper face 132, the respective portions 204a-204d being adjacent to and on either side of the grooves 130a-130d of the auxiliary member 122, respectively, and wherein the LED element or module 105 emits light toward the optically conductive member 190. The flexible circuit member may include one or more layers of aluminum and/or copper.

As shown in fig. 4, in one embodiment, the flexible conductor 203 includes first and second end portions 207, 208, respectively, and an intermediate portion 209, the intermediate portion 209 including segments 210a, 210b, 210c, and 210d separated by corner loops 211a, 211b, and 211 c. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion 209 extends completely around the lighting device 100 such that the segments 210a-210d overlie the channel 130. Further, each of the four nesting portions 124a-124d is preferably hollow, and corner loops 211a, 211b, and 211c are placed into nesting portions 124a, 124b, and 124c, respectively, and ends 207, 208 are provided adjacent nesting portion 124 d. The corner clips 210a-210c are inserted into and retained within the nesting portions 124a-124c, respectively, such as by an interference or press fit, such that the loops 211a-211c are retained within the nesting portions 124a-124c and anchored by the clips 210a-210 c. In addition, the wires 214 extend through notches 215 in the walls defining the enclosure 110 and apertures 216 and channels 218 formed in the arms 126c of the auxiliary frame 122 between the central enclosure 110 and the nesting portion 124c, where the flexible conductors 203 are electrically connected in any suitable manner.

The combined cover and heat transfer member 220 is secured to the secondary frame 122 by fasteners, such as screws 222, that extend through apertures 224 into threaded holes 226 in the secondary frame 122. The cover 220 includes a downwardly directed peripheral flange 227 that overhangs a shouldered peripheral portion 228 of the subframe 122. The lid 220 is preferably made of a thermally conductive and corrosion resistant material, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or any other suitable material. As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the cover 220 includes inwardly directed portions 229a-229d in thermal contact with the upper surface of the flexible conductor 203 at the sections 210a-210d so that heat generated by the LEDs 105 is efficiently transferred through the flexible conductor 203 and the cover 220 to the surrounding environment. Further, when the cover 220 is secured to the subframe 122, the sealing members 140, 142, 144 and 146, 148, 150 contact the inner surface 230 of the cover 220 on either side of the sections 210a-210d and seal against the inner surface 230 of the cover 220. The seals 140a, 140b, 141a, 141b, 142a, 142b and 143a, 143b, as well as the seals 133a, 133b, 134a, 134b, 135c and 136a, 136b and the peripheral flange 227 provide an environmental barrier that prevents the components from being exposed to water, dust, other contaminants, and the like.

Referring to fig. 3, the optical coupling member 190 substantially collimates the primarily lambertian distribution of light produced by each LED105 and directs such light into the waveguide 104. In particular, FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment that includes a single refractive portion 190a-1 and two sets of reflective portions 190a-2A and 190a-2 b. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each set of reflective portions 190a-2a and 190a-2b includes four reflective portions arranged in a symmetrical arrangement about a centerline CL that is equidistant from the first and second sides of the member 190a on either side of the refractive portion 190 a-1. Light generated by the LED element or module 105a is incident on the refractive portion 190a-1 and the reflective portion 190 a-2. Light incident on the refracting portion 190a-1 is collimated and transmitted into the associated waveguide 104a, where the degree of collimation is determined by a number of factors, including the shape of the interface surface 240 of the refracting portion 190 a-1. Preferably, although not necessarily, the interface surface 240 is convex in shape (i.e., the center or middle portion of the surface 240 defined by the material of the coupling member 190a is disposed closer to the LED105 a than the outer ends thereof) and also arcuate, and more particularly, preferably has a partial annular shape in cross-section. Still further, the reflective portion 190a-2 includes a plurality of ridges 242a, 242b, 242c, 242N separated from one another by intermediate grooves 244a, 244b, 244 c. Each ridge 242 (e.g., ridge 242a) is defined by an inner surface 246 that is parallel to the centerline CL and an outer surface 248 that is inclined relative to the centerline CL and that joins each other at an acute angle. As illustrated by the rays of fig. 12A, light incident on the inner surface 246 is refracted at the refractive interface at such surface, and the refracted light rays travel through the material of the optical coupling member 190a according to the principles of total internal reflection and reflect off the outer surface 248 and are directed into the associated waveguide 104a in a substantially collimated manner. The degree of collimation depends on many factors, including the geometry of the surface of the reflective portion 190 a-2. Furthermore, optical efficiency and light distribution are improved by ensuring that the surfaces of the ridges meet at an acute angle. In the illustrated embodiments shown in fig. 10, 11, 12 and 12B, each optical coupling member 190 and waveguide 104 has dimensions listed in the following table, it being understood that the dimensions are exemplary only and do not limit the scope of any claims herein, except as may be listed thereby, along with their equivalents:

table 1

Thus, light incident on the refracting part 190a-1 and the reflecting part 190a-2 is collimated and guided into the waveguide 104 a. The extraction features 104a-7 of the waveguide 104a cause light injected into the waveguide 104a to exit the front surface 104a-9 and the scallops 104a-15 spread the light up and down. The remaining optical coupling members 190b-190d and waveguides 104b-104d inject, transmit, and extract light generated by the LEDs 105 mounted on the conductive portions of the sections 210b-210d of the flexible conductor 203 in the same manner as the optical coupling members 190a and waveguides 104 a. When the LEDs 105 are energized, the overall result will produce a desired illumination distribution, for example as illustrated by the simulated illumination pattern of fig. 22. In the illustrated graph, the distribution produced along a plane forming a 90 ° angle with respect to two opposing waveguides 104 is shown with dashed lines. The distribution produced along a plane extending through two opposing corners 108 is shown in solid lines. A portion of the light is directed over the luminaire 100.

In further alternative embodiments, the waveguide 104 and coupling member 190 may be produced in any suitable manner, and the waveguide 104 and coupling member 190 are placed into a mold, and the frame may be molded around the waveguide 104 and coupling member 190. In such an embodiment, the sub-frame 122 may not be required.

If desired, the flex circuit conductors 203 may include a surface 260 adjacent the LED element or module 105, the surface 260 having a white or specular reflective coating or other member affixed or otherwise applied thereto.

Referring next to fig. 14-21, the cover 220 is adapted to be secured to any of a variety of devices such that the lighting device may be suspended from, for example, a ceiling of a parking platform or garage, or the lighting device may be mounted on a pendant or other device (such as a trunnion, junction box, pole, etc.). Specifically, the cover 220 is generally planar and includes a central opening 269 and a plurality (such as four) arcuate slots 270a-270d (FIG. 13) surrounding the central opening 269, wherein each slot 270a-270d has an enlarged opening 272a-272d, respectively. The mounting plate 274 includes a central section 276, the central section 276 having a central aperture 278 and a plurality of combined arcuate and radial slots 280a-280d surrounding the central aperture 278. The mounting plate 274 also includes a plurality of tabs 282a-282d that are offset relative to the remaining planar portion of the plate 274. For purposes of illustration, assuming that the lighting device is to be mounted to the junction box 290 (FIG. 14), the mounting plate 274 is first mounted to the junction box 290 with screws or other fasteners 292 extending through two or more of the combined arcuate and radial slots 280a-280d into threaded holes in the junction box 290, with the tabs 282a-282d offset in a direction extending away from the junction box 290. Thereafter, the assembled lighting fixture 100 is suspended from the junction box 290 (fig. 14) by, for example, one or more sections of aircraft cable or wire rope, and the working circuitry 112 (fig. 4) in the central housing 110 is electrically connected using conventional wire nuts or otherwise. The wires are plugged into the junction box 290 and the lighting fixture 100 is then raised so that the cover 220 is disposed adjacent the mounting plate 274. The lighting device is then manipulated such that the offset tabs 282a-282d are inserted into the enlarged openings 272a-272d of the arcuate slots 270a-270 d. The lighting device 100 is then rotated to move the tabs 282a-282d out of alignment with the enlarged openings 272a-272d and to position the tabs 282a-282d under the segments 296a-296d at or near the ends 298a-298d of the slits 270a-270 d. The screw 299a is then screwed into the threaded hole 299b in the cover 220 to prevent further rotation of the lighting fixture 100 and to secure the lighting fixture 100 to the junction box 290. In addition, other ways of securing the lighting device 100 to the junction box may be used. For example, the lighting device 100 of fig. 14A may be mounted to the junction box 290 with gaskets 275a, 275b positioned between the junction box 290 and the mounting plate 274 and between the mounting plate 274 and the cover 220.

As should be apparent, the lighting device may be secured to other structures or elements using the mounting plate 274 or another suitable device. The lighting devices may be mounted as a single unit, or may be mounted in groups adjacent to other lighting devices (fig. 15-21). Referring to fig. 15, the lighting fixture 200 includes a bird guard 202 surrounding a junction box (not shown). Fig. 16-21 illustrate lighting devices 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500, respectively, in various mounting arrangements.

If desired, and as shown in fig. 13A, the cover 220 may be provided without the central cover portion 127 of the auxiliary frame 122 shown in fig. 7. In this case, the cover 220 may be provided with a sealing member (not shown) forming a gasket sealing against the upper surface of the central housing 110. Alternatively, if a central cover portion 127 is provided as shown in fig. 7, a mounting collar (not shown) may be formed therewith or secured thereto. The mounting collar may extend upwardly through a central opening 129 of the cover 122. The collar may include threaded radial holes to receive set screws so that the lighting fixture may be secured to an overhanging vertical pole end (not shown) received in the collar.

Still further, the continuous flexible conductor 203 may be replaced by a non-continuous flexible or rigid electrically conductive member. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, first through fourth circuit boards 340a-340d overlie trenches 130a-130d, respectively, each of first through fourth circuit boards 340a-340d including an LED element or module 105 mounted thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, additional notches 344, apertures 346, and grooves 348, such as the notch 215, apertures 216, and grooves 218, are disposed diametrically opposite the grooves 218 such that the grooves 348 extend through the arms 126c of the auxiliary frame 322. Corner connectors 342a and 342b provided in the nesting portions 324a and 324c may be provided to facilitate connection to the operational circuitry 112 in the central housing 110. Additional corner electrical connectors (not shown) may be provided and retained within nesting portions 324b and 324d, respectively, and interconnect adjacent circuit boards 340a, 340b and 340c, 340d, respectively. In this arrangement, an equal number of different circuit boards and connector configurations may be produced and installed, as opposed to an unequal number of different components, possibly resulting in reduced manufacturing costs. In another embodiment, as described in the embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 7, power may be supplied by wires extending from the central housing 110 through a single channel of the auxiliary frame 122. In this case, corner electrical connectors 342a, 342b, and 342c are disposed and retained within nesting portions 124a, 124b, and 124c, respectively, and interconnect adjacent circuit boards 340a, 340b and 340b, 340c, and 340c, 340d, respectively. The circuit boards 340a and 340b are interconnected by the same corner electrical connector 352a as the corner electrical connectors 342a, 342b and are disposed and retained within the nesting portion 124 a.

The upstanding bottom walls 116a-7 to 116d-7 and the base surfaces 116a-8 to 116d-8 of the mainframe 114 may be omitted if desired, and may be replaced with channel members 400a-400d (fig. 13) that receive the bottom ends 104a-3 to 104d-3 of the waveguides 104a-104d, respectively. The ends 400a-1 and 400a-2 of the channel member 400a slide into and remain within the bottom portions of the side channels 116a-5 and 116 a-6. In a similar manner, channel members 400b, 400c, and 400d are retained within side channels 116b-5 and 116b-6, 116c-5 and 116c-6, and 116d-5 and 116 d-6.

In general terms, a plurality of waveguides is disposed on a housing. A flexible conductor or circuit board is placed adjacent the top edge of the waveguide and is closed by a cover that acts as a heat sink.

The housing and cover, together with the integrated seal, engage four (or a different number of) waveguides that constitute the sides of the lighting device and integrate the power supply, the sensors, the operating circuitry and the housing of the wire connection area. The continuous flexible conductor or circuit board provides the waveguide coupling member with LEDs and avoids the need for electrical wiring harnesses at each corner. This allows for a minimum use of material, resulting in a low cost lighting device.

The housing provides a unique aesthetic for the light guide to act as a side wall for the lighting device. Materials and costs associated with the lighting device are minimized. The design produces superior illumination with minimal glare. The optical components of the luminaire are integrated into the main housing, which results in a more robust structure and facilitates sealing between the components.

Waveguide optics are used in this design to achieve high lumen output with low glare. This is done by directing the light downward at an angle and spreading the illumination over a large area. Light from the LEDs is directed directly toward each waveguide, as opposed to bouncing off the reflective surface of the reflector (i.e., indirect illumination). This optical solution is more efficient than current indirect systems and allows adjusting the glare value by changing the illumination area.

In an embodiment, each waveguide is made of optical grade acrylic, and the LEDs are optically coupled to the waveguides with a liquid silicone rubber ("LSR") member or other member. The LSR is shaped to act as the entrance geometry of the optical system by directing light from the LED directly into the waveguide.

The waveguide (with or without optical coupling members) may be insert molded with the housing if desired, thereby forming the waveguide and housing as a single piece and eliminating the need for a seal between the waveguide and housing. This reduces assembly time and facilitates a more robust lighting device structure. In a particular version of the embodiment, a thermoplastic elastomer ("TPE") seal is molded onto the housing to seal the lamp and protect the LEDs and associated circuitry from the environment. In yet another embodiment, the TPE seal is molded onto a top plate or lid placed over the housing.

The housing also includes a mounting plate that adds additional strength to the housing. In an embodiment, the mounting plate is made of a metal material and is molded into the plastic housing to consolidate the luminaire area in which it is mounted. In yet another embodiment, the mounting plate is molded into a plastic cover member or lid.

As shown, the lighting fixture multi-function housing can be used with several mounting options (e.g., pendant, trunnion, junction box, pole). The housing also makes installation easy, as it allows central section access from the top of the luminaire.

In an embodiment, the use of plastic avoids the need for post-processing, such as painting and the application of other expensive coating systems to protect the lighting device from the environment. In an embodiment, the cover is made of sheet metal so that it can be used as a heat sink and therefore, unlike metal casting, no painting or coating is required. In yet another embodiment, the cover may be made of plastic, or the sheet metal cover may be overmolded with plastic to create the mounting component.

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include a power circuit that may also be used with light control circuitry that controls the color temperature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein in accordance with an observer input, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application serial No.14/292,286(Cree No. p2301us1) entitled "light ingfix Providing Variable CCT," filed 5/30/2014 by Pope et al, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Further, any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include one or more communication components forming part of the light control circuitry, such as an RF antenna that senses RF energy. A communication component may be included, for example, to allow the Lighting device to communicate with other Lighting devices and/or external wireless controllers, such as disclosed in U.S. patent application No.13/782,040 entitled "Lighting fix for Distributed Control" filed on 3/1 of 2013 or U.S. provisional application No.61/932,058 entitled "Enhanced Network Lighting" filed on 27/1 of 2014, both of which are owned by the assignee of the present application and the disclosures of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. More generally, the control circuitry includes at least one of a network component, an RF component, a control component, and a sensor. The sensor may provide it with an indication of the ambient lighting level and/or occupancy within the lighting area. Such sensors may be integrated into the light control circuitry and may cause the lighting device to adjust the output lighting level according to the ambient light level and/or the detected motion.

Industrial applicability

In summary, the disclosed lighting device provides an aesthetically pleasing, robust, cost-effective lighting assembly for use in illuminating large areas such as parking lots or parking garage platforms. The illumination is achieved with reduced glare compared to conventional illumination systems.

The extraction features disclosed herein efficiently extract light from a waveguide. At least some of the luminaires disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in installations, such as back-up or retrofit lamps, outdoor products (e.g., street lamps, overhead lamps, ceiling lamps), and indoor products (e.g., downlights, troffers, recessed or plug-in applications, surface mount applications on walls or ceilings, etc.), preferably requiring a total luminaire output of at least about 800 lumens or more, and, in some embodiments, at least about 7000 lumens (although the total luminaire output depends in part on the desired application). Furthermore, the illumination device disclosed herein preferably has a color temperature between about 2500 degrees kelvin and about 6200 degrees kelvin, and more preferably between about 2500 degrees kelvin and about 5000 degrees kelvin, and most preferably between about 4000 degrees kelvin and about 5000 degrees kelvin. Furthermore, at least some of the luminaires disclosed herein preferably exhibit an efficacy of at least about 100 lumens/watt, and more preferably at least about 120 lumens/watt. Furthermore, at least some of the optical coupling members and waveguides disclosed herein preferably exhibit an overall efficiency (i.e., light extracted from the waveguide divided by light injected into the waveguide) of at least about 90%. A Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least about 70 is preferably obtained from at least some of the lighting devices disclosed herein, with a CRI of at least about 80 being more preferred. Any desired specific output light distribution (such as a butterfly light distribution) may be achieved, including an upper and lower light distribution or only an upper or only a lower distribution, etc.

When one uses relatively small light sources that emit into a wide (e.g., lambertian) angular distribution (common for LED-based light sources), conservation of etendue requires an optical system with a large emission area to achieve a narrower (collimated) angular light distribution, as is commonly understood in the art. In the case of parabolic reflectors, large optics are therefore typically required to achieve a high level of collimation. To achieve a large emission area in a more compact design, the prior art relies on the use of fresnel lenses that utilize refractive optical surfaces to direct and collimate light. However, fresnel lenses are generally planar in nature and are therefore less suitable for redirecting high angle light emitted by a source, resulting in a loss of optical efficiency. In contrast, in the present invention, light is coupled into the optics, where TIR is primarily used for redirection and collimation. This coupling allows the entire angular emission range from the source (including large angle light) to be redirected and collimated, resulting in higher optical efficiency in a more compact form factor.

In at least some of the present embodiments, the distribution and direction of light within the waveguide is known and, thus, the light is controlled and extracted in a more controlled manner. In a standard optical waveguide, light bounces back and forth through the waveguide. In this embodiment, as much light as possible is extracted in a single pass through the waveguide to minimize losses.

In some embodiments, one may want to control the light rays so that at least some of the rays are collimated, but in the same or other embodiments one may also want to control other or all of the light rays to increase their angular dispersion so that such light is not collimated. In some embodiments, one may want to aim to a narrow range, while in other cases one may want to do the opposite.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Many modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above description. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (30)

1. An illumination device, comprising:

a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in a side-by-side relationship and together at least partially defining a closed path;

wherein the optical waveguide distributes light at least partially around the closed path;

at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide;

wherein each optical waveguide comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is oriented toward the interior of the closed path and the outer surface is oriented away from the closed path;

wherein the outer surface is a primary light emitting surface; and

a combined cover and heat transfer member encloses the at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide.

2. The luminaire of claim 1, wherein the optical waveguide is disposed in a main frame.

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein each optical waveguide comprises a coupling portion.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3, wherein each coupling portion comprises a refractive portion and a reflective portion.

5. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein each optical waveguide includes a light emitting portion intermediate the coupling portion and a distal portion of the optical waveguide opposite the coupling portion.

6. The illumination device according to claim 5, wherein the light emitting portion of each optical waveguide includes a plurality of light extraction features.

7. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical waveguides comprises four optical waveguides.

8. The illumination device of claim 7, wherein the four optical waveguides define a rectangular closed path.

9. The lighting device of claim 1, further comprising a sensor and a driver circuit responsive to the sensor for operating the LED.

10. The lighting device of claim 9, further comprising a mounting means for mounting the lighting device to one of a ceiling or a pole.

11. The lighting device of claim 1, further comprising a circuit board interconnecting the LEDs.

12. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein each optical waveguide comprises a coupling portion, and wherein the coupling portions are all disposed at a particular height of the illumination device.

13. The illumination device of claim 12, wherein the coupling portion and each optical waveguide comprise separate elements.

14. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the optical waveguides comprise at least substantially the same dimensions.

15. An illumination device, comprising:

a main frame;

a plurality of waveguides disposed in the main frame, wherein each waveguide comprises opposing first and second waveguide ends, a coupling portion disposed at the first waveguide end, and a light emitting portion disposed between the first and second waveguide ends, wherein at least one of the waveguides is disposed at an angle relative to at least one other waveguide, wherein the coupling portion of the waveguide is disposed adjacent a first lighting device end and the second waveguide end is disposed adjacent a second lighting device end opposite the first lighting device end, and wherein the light emitting portion of each waveguide comprises a plurality of light extraction features integrated therewith;

wherein each light emitting portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is oriented toward the interior of the lighting device and the outer surface is oriented away from the lighting device;

wherein the outer surface is a primary light emitting surface;

at least one LED associated with each waveguide;

wherein the at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide is adjacent to the coupling portion of each optical waveguide of the plurality of waveguides; and

wherein the at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide is enclosed by the combination of the main frame and the thermally conductive cover; and

wherein the thermally conductive cover dissipates heat generated by the at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide.

16. The illumination device of claim 15, wherein each coupling section comprises a refractive section and a reflective section.

17. The lighting device, of claim 16, wherein the refractive portion of each coupling portion comprises an arcuate convex shape.

18. The illumination apparatus of claim 15, wherein the angle is 90 degrees.

19. The luminaire of claim 15, further comprising a circuit element interconnecting the LEDs and a frame disposed on the main frame, wherein the frame comprises a recess for receiving the coupling portion and the circuit element and upper and lower gaskets, and wherein the luminaire further comprises a cover plate mounted on the main frame, wherein the frame is disposed between the cover plate and the main frame, and the upper and lower gaskets are sealingly abutted against the cover plate and the main frame, respectively.

20. An optical assembly comprising an elongate length extending between a first end and a second end and a width transverse to and less than the length and extending between a first side and a second side, the optical assembly comprising:

a refractive portion disposed between the first and second sides and extending along the length between the first and second ends; and

a plurality of separate reflective portions, at least one of the plurality of separate reflective portions being spaced apart from the refractive portion and extending along the length between the first end and the second end.

21. The optical assembly of claim 20, wherein the refractive portion is disposed between the first plurality of reflective portions and the second plurality of reflective portions.

22. The optical assembly of claim 21, wherein the first and second sets of reflective portions comprise an equal number of reflective surfaces.

23. The optical assembly of claim 20 in combination with an optical waveguide abutting an end of the optical assembly.

24. The optical assembly of claim 20, wherein the refractive portion comprises an arcuate convex shape.

25. The optical component of claim 20, wherein the reflective portion comprises a ridge comprising a reflective surface that is tilted with respect to a centerline of the optical component.

26. An optical waveguide assembly disposed in a lighting device, the optical waveguide assembly comprising:

a body of light transmissive material exhibiting total internal reflection properties, wherein the body tapers in a first direction from a first end to a second end opposite the first end and comprises a constant cross-sectional shape along a second direction transverse to the first direction;

a light coupling portion disposed adjacent the first end of the body, wherein the light coupling portion includes a refractive portion and a reflective portion that direct light into the first end;

a light extraction feature integrally disposed on and adapted to extract light out of the body of light transmissive material, wherein the light extraction feature comprises grooves and ridges such that at least one groove extends into the body and at least one ridge protrudes from the body;

an intermediate surface disposed between the grooves and the ridges, the intermediate surface being substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the body of light transmissive material, the light extraction features being configured such that the grooves abut a first end of the intermediate surface and the ridges abut a second end of the intermediate surface; and

a sensor for changing the illumination level of the lighting device in response to an ambient light level;

wherein the light extraction features are arranged at different pitches;

wherein the body of light transmissive material comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is oriented towards the interior of the lighting device and the outer surface is oriented away from the lighting device;

wherein the outer surface is a primary light emitting surface; and

wherein the sensor is disposed within an interior of the lighting device.

27. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 26, wherein the body of optically transmissive material and the light coupling portion comprise separate elements.

28. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 27, wherein the light coupling portion is made of optical-grade liquid silicone rubber.

29. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 28, wherein the body of optically transmissive material includes one or more of acrylic, air, polycarbonate, molded silicone, glass, cyclic olefin copolymer, and combinations thereof.

30. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 26, wherein the ridge of at least one light extraction feature includes a plurality of discrete optical components disposed thereon.

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