Light-directing apparatus with protected reflector-shield and lighting fixture utilizing same

• US 9,127,819 B2
• Filed: 05/22/2014
• Issued: 09/08/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting, LLC (Ideal Industries Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: CREE Incorporated (Wolfspeed, Inc.)
• Inventors: Wilcox, Kurt S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ward, John A
• Application Number:
  US14/285,227
• Publication Number:
  US 20140254161A1
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 362/96.1, 362/296.02, 362/296.07, 362/297, 362/310, 362/311.15, 362/227, 362235-237, 362/240, 362/243, 362/351, 362/360, 362/361
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/60 Optical arrangements integrated in the light source, e.g. for improving the colour rendering index or the light extraction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/085 of high-built type, e.g. street light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 11/16 using sheets without apertures, e.g. fixed
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/04 the elements being reflectors and refractors for vehicle rear lights F21S43/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/10 the elements being reflectors and screens
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/12 Combinations of only three kinds of elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/00 Controlling the distribution of the light emitted by adjustment of elements reflectors with provision for adjusting the curvature F21V7/16; light filters or the like with provision for controlling the colour or intensity F21V9/40; screens using adjustable parallel laminae or strips F21V11/04; screens using iris-type diaphragms F21V11/10; screens using movable sheets without apertures F21V11/18; adjustable mountings for lighting devices F21V21/14
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/005 with keying means, i.e. for enabling the assembling of component parts in distinctive positions, e.g. for preventing wrong mounting
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/02 with provision for adjustment, e.g. for focusing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/04 of lens shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/103 of streets or roads
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

A light-directing apparatus for predominantly forward distribution of light from a light emitter having an emitter axis. The light-directing apparatus includes a forward-reflective surface entirely within a lens member positioned over the light emitter. The lens member has an outer surface and an inner cavity including an emitter-light-receiving void and a light-reflecting void which is contiguous with the emitter-light-receiving void and is different in configuration than the emitter-light-receiving void. The forward-reflective surface is in the light-reflecting void in position in the path of light emitted rearwardly.

Claims

1. A light-directing apparatus for predominantly forward distribution of light from a light emitter having an emitter axis, comprising:

a lens member positioned over the light emitter and having an outer surface and an inner cavity including an emitter-light-receiving void and a light-reflecting void which is contiguous with the emitter-light-receiving void and is different in configuration therefrom; and

a forward-reflective surface entirely within the light-reflecting void in position in the path of light emitted rearwardly.

2. The light-directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer surface is configured for refracting light from the emitter in a predominantly forward direction.

3. The light-directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the lens member further includes a proximal end transverse to the emitter axis and defining an opening to the inner cavity; and

the emitter-light-receiving void extending from the opening and facing the emitter.

4. The light-directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the forward-reflective surface is a front surface of a shield member disposed in the light-reflecting void.

5. The light-directing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the reflective front surface of the shield member is non-planar.

6. The light-directing apparatus of claim 5 wherein the reflective front surface of the shield member has a plurality of sections angled with respect to each other.

7. The light-directing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the sections are each substantially planar.

8. The light-directing apparatus of claim 4 wherein the shield member includes a shield portion and a base portion.

9. The light-directing apparatus of claim 8 wherein:

the lens member further includes a proximal end transverse to the emitter axis and defining a shield-insertion opening;

the shield portion extends from the base portion into the path of light emitted rearwardly;

the base portion extends from the shield portion away from the light emitter at the proximal end of the lens member; and

the reflective front surface is on the shield portion.

10. The light-directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light emitter comprises an LED.

11. The light-directing apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the light emitter is an LED package including at least one LED and a primary lens over the LED;

the lens member is a secondary lens placed over the primary lens; and

the forward-reflective surface generally faces the primary lens.

12. The light-directing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the lens member includes an outward flange around the opening(s) at the proximal end.