Patent Publication Number: US-2021180780-A1

Title: Lighting Fixture Having Independently Operable Direct and Indirect Lighting

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to light fixtures and, more particularly, to light fixtures having multiple light sources. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many commercial buildings, parking structures, transportation areas, or structures (e.g., tunnels), and the like are equipped with lighting systems that include one or more luminaires or light fixtures for illuminating certain areas. Most luminaires are arranged overhead and configured to emit light in a downward direction where people, objects, vehicles, etc. are situated. In addition to such direct lighting, in certain situations it may also be preferable to emit light in an indirect direction to, for example, illuminate a ceiling or other overhead structure. To provide such indirect lighting, it may be necessary to provide additional light sources, separate from the downwardly emitting light sources, aimed in a transverse direction. However, the time and costs associated with installing and operating such additional light fixtures oftentimes makes such a configuration unfeasible. 
     The present disclosure sets forth light fixtures embodying advantageous alternatives to existing luminaires, and that may address one or more of the challenges or needs mentioned herein, as well as provide other benefits and advantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with a first aspect, a light fixture is disclosed that includes a housing, a direct lighting array coupled to the housing that includes one or more light emitting diodes oriented to project light along a downward axis, and an indirect lighting array coupled to the housing that includes a plurality of light emitting diodes oriented to project light along axes extending transverse to the downward axis. The light fixture further includes an indirect lighting member mounted to the housing to be within a path of illumination of the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array, such that energizing the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array illuminates the indirect lighting member. 
     In some forms, the indirect lighting member can be a panel having an inner edge and an outer edge, and the panel can be mounted to the housing so that the inner edge extends around the indirect lighting array, such that energizing the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array illuminates the outer edge of the panel. 
     In further forms, the indirect lighting array can be a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in an annular configuration and the panel can have an annular configuration or the indirect lighting array can be a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in a rectangular configuration and the panel can have a rectangular configuration. In some versions with the rectangular panel, the light fixture can include deflectors disposed adjacent to light emitting diodes disposed in corners of the rectangular configuration to thereby direct light to corners of the panel. 
     In further forms, the housing can include an outer housing portion having a box shape sized to fit within an opening in a dropped ceiling. Further, if desired, the housing can include a lip that is configured to rest on structure of the dropped ceiling extending around the opening, such that, with the lip resting on the structure of the dropped ceiling, the direct lighting array is recessed with respect to the dropped ceiling and the indirect lighting array is disposed below the dropped ceiling. In yet further forms, the direct lighting array can be a circular array of light emitting diodes and the housing can include an inner housing portion having outwardly angled walls having upper edges defining a circular opening extending around the direct lighting array and opposite, lower edges defining a rectangular opening. 
     In some forms, the light fixture can include one or more controllers that are configured to independently operate the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array. In further forms, the indirect lighting array can be configured to selectively emit a plurality of colors. 
     In any of the above forms, the indirect lighting member can be a planar member or can be a shroud having a concave wall extending around the housing. 
     In accordance with a second aspect, a method for providing direct and indirect lighting with a light fixture is disclosed that includes energizing a direct lighting array comprising one or more light emitting diodes oriented to project light along a downward axis, energizing an indirect lighting array comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes oriented to project light along axes extending transverse to the downward axis, and illuminating an indirect lighting member mounted to the housing from light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array. 
     In some forms, illuminating the indirect lighting member can include illuminating an outer edge of a panel mounted to the housing from light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array being projected at an inner edge of the panel that extends around the indirect lighting array. In further forms, energizing the indirect lighting array can include energizing a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in an annular configuration and illuminating the outer edge of the panel can include illuminating a circular outer edge of the panel; or energizing the indirect lighting array can include energizing a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in a rectangular configuration and illuminating the outer edge of the panel can include illuminating a rectangular outer edge of the panel. In some versions, illuminating the rectangular outer edge of the panel can include deflecting light emitting diodes disposed in corners of the rectangular configuration to thereby direct light to corners of the panel. 
     In some forms, the method can include mounting a housing of the light fixture in an opening of a dropped ceiling, an outer housing portion of the housing having a box shape sized to fit within the opening with a lip configured to rest on structure of the dropped ceiling extending around the opening, such that, with the lip resting on the structure of the dropped ceiling, the direct lighting array is recessed with respect to the dropped ceiling and the indirect lighting array is disposed below the dropped ceiling. 
     In some forms, the method can include independently controlling operation of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array using one or more controllers. In further forms, independently controlling operation of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array can include independently dimming the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array using the one or more controllers and/or selecting a color from a plurality of colors to be projected by the indirect lighting array. 
     In accordance with a third aspect, a light fixture is disclosed herein that includes a housing, a direct lighting array disposed within the housing and including one or more light emitting diodes oriented to project light along a downward axis, and an indirect lighting array coupled to the housing and including a plurality of light emitting diodes oriented to project light along axes extending transverse to the downward axis. The light fixture further includes one or more controllers that are operably coupled to the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array to independently control the operation thereof. 
     In some forms, the light fixture can include one or more of the following aspects: the one or more controllers can be configured to independently control a light output level of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array; the one or more controllers can be configured to control operation of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array according to four or more preset settings; or the indirect lighting array can be configured to selectively emit a plurality of colors. 
     In some forms, the light fixture can include an indirect lighting member mounted to the housing to be within a path of illumination of the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array, such that energizing the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array illuminates the indirect lighting member. In further forms, the indirect lighting member can be a panel having an inner edge and an outer edge, where the panel is mounted to the housing so that the inner edge extends around the indirect lighting array, such that energizing the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array illuminates the outer edge of the panel. In yet further forms, the indirect lighting array can be a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in an annular configuration and the panel can have an annular configuration; or the indirect lighting array can be a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in a rectangular configuration and the panel can have a rectangular configuration. In forms having a rectangular configuration, the light fixture can include deflectors disposed adjacent to light emitting diodes disposed in corners of the rectangular configuration to thereby direct light to corners of the panel. In other forms, the indirect lighting member can be a shroud. 
     In some forms, the housing can include an outer housing portion having a box shape sized to fit within an opening in a dropped ceiling. In further forms, the housing can include a lip configured to rest on structure of the dropped ceiling extending around the opening, such that, with the lip resting on the structure of the dropped ceiling, the direct lighting array is recessed with respect to the dropped ceiling and the indirect lighting array is disposed below the dropped ceiling. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect, a method for providing direct and indirect lighting with a light fixture is disclosed that includes providing a light fixture that includes a housing, a direct lighting array disposed within the housing and comprising one or more light emitting diodes oriented to project light along a downward axis, and an indirect lighting array coupled to the housing and comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes oriented to project light along axes extending transverse to the downward axis. The method further includes independently controlling a light level output of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array with one or more controllers of the light fixture. 
     In some forms, the method can include one or more of the following aspects: independently controlling the light level output of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array with the one or more controllers can include controlling the light level output of the direct lighting array and the indirect lighting array according to four or more preset settings; the method can include selecting one of a plurality of colors to be emitted by the indirect lighting array with the one or more controllers; or the method can include mounting a housing of the light fixture in an opening of a dropped ceiling, an outer housing portion of the housing having a box shape sized to fit within the opening with a lip configured to rest on structure of the dropped ceiling extending around the opening, such that, with the lip resting on the structure of the dropped ceiling, the direct lighting array is recessed with respect to the dropped ceiling and the indirect lighting array is disposed below the dropped ceiling. 
     In some forms, the method can include illuminating an indirect lighting member mounted to the housing from light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array. In further forms, illuminating the indirect lighting member can include illuminating an outer edge of a panel mounted to the housing from light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array being projected at an inner edge of the panel that extends around the indirect lighting array. Moreover, if desired, illuminating the outer edge of the panel can include deflecting light emitted from the light emitting diodes of the indirect lighting array to thereby direct light to portions of the outer edge of the panel. In other forms, illuminating the indirect lighting member can include illuminating a concave wall of a shroud mounted to the housing with light emitted from the plurality of light emitting diodes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of a first example light fixture having a square indirect lighting member mounted in a dropped ceiling in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a first cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  showing a housing mounted to the dropped ceiling; 
         FIG. 3  is a second cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  showing the housing a direct lighting array, an indirect lighting array, and the indirect lighting member; 
         FIG. 4  is a third cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 1  showing deflectors of the indirect lighting member disposed adjacent to light sources of the indirect lighting array; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a second example light fixture having an annular indirect lighting member mounted in a dropped ceiling in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a first cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 5  showing a housing mounted to the dropped ceiling; 
         FIG. 7  is a second cross-sectional view of the light fixture of  FIG. 5  showing the housing a direct lighting array, an indirect lighting array, and the indirect lighting member; 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a third example light fixture in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the light fixture of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view of a control system for a light fixture in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A lighting fixture and method of providing lighting is provided herein that utilizes both direct and indirect light sources. The direct and indirect light sources can be provided in arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs) oriented along desired axes. In some versions, the light fixtures described herein include a direct lighting array that includes a plurality of LEDs oriented to project light downwardly and an indirect lighting array that includes a plurality of LEDs oriented to project light in a transverse direction. Further, the light fixtures can include an indirect lighting member configured to be illuminated by the plurality of LEDs of the indirect lighting array. Additionally, or alternatively, the light fixtures described herein can include one or more controllers that are configured to independently operate the direct and indirect lighting arrays. Moreover, the indirect lighting array can be configured to emit light in a plurality of colors to visually convey information. 
     Details of example lighting fixtures  100  are shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . The light fixtures  100  include direct lighting  102  having one or more light sources  104  oriented to emit light downward along a downward axis D and indirect lighting  106  having one or more light sources  108  oriented to emit light along axes that extend transverse to the downward axis D. For example, the light sources  108  of the indirect lighting  106  can be oriented to emit light in a horizontal plane. In other examples, the light sources  108  of the indirect lighting array  106  can be oriented to emit light at an upward angle relative to horizontal, e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees or between 0 and 30 degrees, and/or at a downward angle relative to horizontal, e.g., between 0 and 5 degrees or between 0 and 10 degrees. 
     Example direct lighting  102  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 . In some versions, the direct lighting  102  can be a direct lighting array including a plurality of LEDs  104  disposed in spaced relation to one another. The LEDs  104  of the direct lighting array  102  can be disposed in any desired shape or configuration. For example, as shown, the direct lighting array  102  can have a generally circular pattern. Other suitable shapes include a rectangular array, an annular array, or other, polygonal or curvilinear shapes. Moreover, the LEDs  112  of the direct lighting array  110  can have a varying angle relative to vertical and still be considered to provide direct, downward lighting, e.g., between 0 and 30 degrees from vertical, between 0 and 15 degree from vertical, or between 0 and 5 degrees from vertical. 
     As shown, the LEDs  104  are mounted to a circuit board  110 , which can have a shape complementary to the array  102  as shown. Further, the direct lighting  102  can have a lens  112  extending in front of the LEDs  104  and across the downward axis D to thereby alter light emitted by the LEDs  104  in a desired manner, e.g., concentrating, dispersing, etc. The lens  112  can be mounted to the circuit board  110  and can be a single piece member incorporating portions for each of the LEDs  104  as shown, or can be individual lenses for each of the LEDs  104 . In the illustrated form, the lens  112  includes domed portions  112   a  extending over each of the LEDs  104 . 
     Example indirect lighting  106  is shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4 and 6 to 7 . In some versions, the indirect lighting  106  can be an indirect lighting array including a plurality of LEDs  108  oriented outwardly from the fixture  100  to emit light along axes that extend transverse to the downward axis D. As shown, the indirect lighting array  106  can be mounted to a circuit board  114 , which is coupled to a frame  116  that positions the LEDs  108  along a perimeter that extends around the direct lighting  102  to emit light outwardly with respect thereto. If desired, the frame  116  can be configured as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the LEDs  108 . Moreover, the indirect lighting array  106  can be vertically offset from the direct lighting array  102 , such that the direct lighting array  102  is recessed with respect to the indirect lighting array  106 . In a first form, shown in  FIG. 3 , the frame  116  has a square/rectangular shape with the LEDs  108  spaced along an outer surface  118  thereof. In a second form, shown in  FIG. 7 , the frame  116  has a circular shape with the LEDs  108  spaced along an outer surface  118  thereof. 
     The light fixture  100  further includes a housing  120  having an interior  122  sized to receive components therein. In some versions, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6  the housing  120  can be configured to be mounted to and within a dropped ceiling  10 . The dropped ceiling  10  includes square tiles  12  mounted within openings  14  defined by frames  16 . Advantageously, the housing  120  can have an outer cross-section sized to fit within one of the openings  14  defined by the frames  16  of the dropped ceiling  10 . Further, the housing  120  can include an outwardly extending lip  124  around all or a portion of the circumference thereof. As shown, the lip  124  is sized and configured to rest on and/or be secured to the frames  16  when the light fixture  100  is mounted to the dropped ceiling  10 . If desired, the lip  124  can be disposed at a vertical location along the housing  120 , such that when the lip  124  engages the frames  16 , a majority of the housing  120  and the interior  122  thereof is disposed above the dropped ceiling  10 . In an additional or alternative form, with the lip  124  resting on the frame  16  of the dropped ceiling  10 , the direct lighting array  102  can be recessed, i.e., above the tiles  12  and frames  16 , with respect to the dropped ceiling  10  and the indirect lighting array  106  can be disposed below the tiles  12  and frames  16  of the dropped ceiling  10 . 
     In some versions, the housing  120  can have a multi-part configuration to hold and orient the direct and indirect lighting  102 ,  106 . Pursuant to this, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , the housing  120  can include an outer housing portion  126  having a box-shaped configuration with sidewalls  128  and a top wall  130 , an inner housing portion or canopy  132  having a top edge  134  that extends around the direct lighting array  102  and an opposite, bottom edge  136 , a flange member  138  providing the lip  124 , and an indirect lighting housing portion  140 . In the illustrated form, the inner canopy  132  includes outwardly angled walls  141  and the top edges  134  are shaped to be complementary to a perimeter of the direct lighting array  102 . For example, the top edges  134  can define a circular opening. Moreover, the bottom edges  136  of the walls  141  can extend to define a square/rectangular opening adjacent to the outer housing portion  126 . 
     As shown, the inner canopy  132  engages the flange member  138 , which is captured between the outer housing portion  126  and the indirect lighting housing portion  140 . The indirect lighting housing portion  140  includes upper and lower members  142 ,  144  that define an interior  146  sized to receive the indirect lighting array  106 , including the LEDs  108 , the circuit board  114 , and frame  116 . Advantageously, interior edges  148  of the upper and lower members  142 ,  144  can be used to capture a transparent cover  150  therebetween. The transparent cover  150  closes off the bottom of the housing  120  while allowing light emitted from the direct lighting  102  to pass therethrough. 
     In the forms shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , exterior edges  152  of the upper and lower members  142 ,  144  can be used to capture an indirect lighting member  154  therebetween. In this form, the member  152  is a panel having an open shape, such as square/rectangular or annular as shown, with an interior edge  156  and an exterior edge  158 . The exterior edges  152  of the upper and lower members  142 ,  144  position the interior edge  156  of the panel  154  adjacent to the LEDs  108  of the indirect lighting array  106 , such that energizing the LEDs  108  causes light to be emitted into the panel  154 , which illuminates the exterior edge  158  thereof. For example, as shown, the interior edge  156  of the panel  154 , whether square/rectangular or circular, extends around the indirect lighting array  106 . Although the panel  154  is shown as a planar member, the panel  154  can have a curved or angled shape, which can include a coating, layer, or other configuration designed to transfer light within the panel  154 . 
     In some versions, the panel  154  may have portions of the exterior edge  158  where the LEDs  108  are not directly oriented. In order to illuminate these portions, the interior edge  156  of the panel  154  can include deflectors  160  in the form of recesses therein. The deflector recesses  160  can then be configured to deflect light emitted by the LEDs  108  adjacent thereto so that the entire exterior edge  158  is illuminated. For example, with the square panel as shown, the deflector recesses  160  can be disposed around the corners of the interior edge  156 , with increasing degrees of deflection closer to the corner. Of course, deflectors can be incorporated into the individual LEDs  108  or be separate members disposed forwardly of the LEDs  108 . 
     Another example light fixture  200  is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The light fixture  200  of this form is configured to be hung from a ceiling rather than mounted to a dropped ceiling  10  as with the above forms. Many of the components of the light fixture  200  are similar to those discussed above and, as such, similar reference numbers will be used to indicate similar structures for the sake of brevity. For example, the light fixture  200  of this form includes direct and indirect lighting  202 ,  206  received within a housing  220 , where the lighting arrays  202 ,  206  can be configured similarly to the above described arrays  102 ,  106 . 
     Rather than a housing  120  as described above that is configured to mount to a dropped ceiling  10 , the housing  220  of this form includes an upper housing portion  262  and a lower housing portion  264  that are releasably coupled together. The upper housing portion  262  is sized to receive the direct lighting array  202  and the lower housing portion  264  sized to receive the indirect lighting array  206 , such that the direct lighting array  202  is recessed with respect to the direct lighting array  206 . The light fixture  200  of this form can further include an indirect lighting member  266  that extends around the fixture  200  to be illuminated by the indirect lighting array  206 . In the illustrated form, the indirect lighting member  266  is a shroud having an annular configuration with a concave outer surface  268  that opens to the lower housing portion  264 . If desired, the shroud  266  can be coupled to the lower housing portion  264  or form a part thereof. Further, the shroud  266  can be made from a darkened or translucent material or have an etched, frosted, or sandblasted layer, coating, or surface in order to provide softened lighting from the indirect lighting array  206 . Additionally, the light fixture  200  can include a transparent or translucent cover  250  coupled to the housing  220  across an open bottom thereof. 
     It will be understood that the light fixtures  100 ,  200  described herein include components to operate and control operation of the direct and indirect lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206 . Pursuant to this, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the light fixture  100 ,  200  can include one or more controllers  170 ,  270  and drivers  172 ,  272  configured to condition a power supply to be suitable for the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206 . 
     Advantageously, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the controller  172 ,  272  can be configured to control operation of the direct and indirect lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206  independently. Further, the direct and indirectly lighting arrays  102 ,  106  can be selectively and independently dimmable. As such, the controller  172 ,  272  can be operated to selectively energize the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206  as well as to select a light level for the arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206 . 
     To operate the light fixture  100 ,  200 , two dimmer switches can be electrically coupled thereto to independently set a light level for the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206 . Alternatively, if desired, the light fixture  100 ,  200  can include a predetermined number of settings for the lighting arrays  102 ,  106 . For example, the predetermined settings can include a full light setting with both the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206  at full power, a normal setting with a reduced power for the direct lighting array  102 ,  202  and full power for the indirect lighting array  106 ,  206 , a low setting with reduced power for both the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206 , and an off setting. For other situations, the lighting arrays  102 ,  202 ,  106 ,  206  do not need to have a dimming functionality, such that the light fixtures  100 ,  200  can be switched between on and off states. 
     In some forms, the LEDs  108 ,  208  of the indirect lighting array  106 ,  206  can be configured to emit multiple colors and/or individual ones of the LEDs  108 ,  208  can have differing colors. With this configuration, selection of a particular color from a plurality of colors can be used to visually convey information. For example, in a parking garage setting, the light fixture  100 ,  200  can be aligned with a particular parking spot. Thereafter, the indirect lighting array  106 ,  206  can be illuminated in a green color to indicate an open parking spot and illuminated in a red color to indicate a taken parking spot. 
     It will be appreciated that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. The same reference numbers may be used to describe like or similar parts. Further, while several examples have been disclosed herein, any features from any examples may be combined with or replaced by other features from other examples. Moreover, while several examples have been disclosed herein, changes may be made to the disclosed examples within departing from the scope of the claims. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.