BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic side view of an LED light fixture/panel provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1A is a simplified schematic side view of an LED.
FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic side view of an LED light fixture mounted to a four gang electrical box in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3A is a simplified schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light panel provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an LED light fixture provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a simplified three-dimensional illustration of an exterior view of an LED light fixture/panel provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates the separate components of an LED light fixture provided in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic of a front view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 7A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic of a front view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic of a front view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of a front view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 10A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic of an exterior view of an LED light fixture/panel side view of an alternative embodiment provided in accordance to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic side view of an LED light fixture/panel of an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 12A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 15A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a simplified schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16A is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a two dimensional figure of an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment perspective of an LED light fixture/panel in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is directed to LED lighting structures that contain all the necessary functional components in a lightweight, sturdy panel or fixture. FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show three embodiments of the present invention in a simplified schematic form. In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, an LED light fixture/panel is encapsulated by a lower skin layer 13 and an upper skin layer 15. The lower skin layer 13 and upper skin layer 15 may be made in formed or flat configurations. A single or plurality of LEDs 19 is connected to a printed circuit 21 and is attached to the lower skin layer 13 by an adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. Also attached by adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23 to the lower skin layer 13 is the core 27. Attached to the core by adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23 is an upper skin layer 15.
The LEDs 19 have and optical component 25 and reflector 31. The upper skin 15 and the lower skin 13 may be flat or formed. The lower skin layer 13 can be of any thickness. Preferably, it has a thickness from 0.010 to 0.500 inches. The lower skin layer 13 may also be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of the two. If metal, it is preferably aluminum. The lower skin layer 13 can actually be made of any material with proper heat transfer properties. Some examples include aluminum and copper.
The upper skin layer 15 can also be of any thickness. Preferably, it has a thickness from 0.010 to 0.500 inches. The upper skin layer 15 may be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of the two. If metal, it is preferably aluminum. The upper skin layer 15 may also be textured or have other decorative materials or graphic film added to it. There may also be an additional skin layer added to the upper skin layer 15.
The upper skin layer 15 also includes a window 17 above the LEDs 19 so that light may transmit from the fixture/panel 11. Window 17 may include clear windows, diffusers, or refractors for direct or indirect transmission of light. The window 17 may have a graphic or luminous, film applied. Also, the window 17 may be a flexible substrate 72 as shown in FIG. 7. The window may have parabolic, louvered, or baffles of various cell sizes and shapes attached to it.
The upper skin layer 15 also may include a window 17 or several windows 17 as shown in FIG. 5. Window 17 may include clear, diffusers, prismatic patterns, or refractors for the direct or indirect transmission of light.
As seen in FIG. 3, the upper skin layer 15 may include a single LED or a plurality of LEDs 19 electrically connected to a printed circuit board 21 and attached to the upper skin layer 15 by adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. This configuration allows light distribution vertically upward and vertically downward.
Internal to the lower skin layer 13 may be one or more circuit boards 21. The circuit board 21 may be metal core printed circuit boards, flex circuits, molded, or custom printed circuit boards. The printed circuit board may have on board LED drivers and thermal monitoring circuitry. The circuit board 21 is affixed to the lower skin layer 13. Preferably, the circuit board 21 is affixed to the lower skin layer 13 by a thermally conductive and waterproof adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23.
The circuit board 21 may be in many shapes, sizes, and configurations. The shapes may include circles, rings, rectangles, squares, diamonds, octagons, or custom shapes and thicknesses. The desired shapes may be thermally bonded by the adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23 to the lower skin layer 13. The circuit board 21 may be designed with on board modular circuitry and drivers as required by each application.
Connected to the circuit board 21 are the LEDs 19. LEDs 19 can be configured into any pattern. The LEDs 19 may be made by any manufacturer and could be any style and package that LEDs may have in the future. For example, LEDs 19 may be mounted on the circuit board 21 in a square, round, or line pattern. Optical component 25 surrounds the LEDs 19. Any type of optical component can be incorporated. Optical components 25 may cover single or multiple LEDs 19 and may be of any shape. For example, lenses can be used for light distribution, collimation, or a diffuser could be used to achieve a uniform light. Optical component 25 or 44 can be used to direct or focus the light.
The core 27 is located between the lower skin layer 13 and the upper skin layer 15. The core 27 is attached to the lower skin layer 13 and the upper skin layer 15 by adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23. The core 27 may be of any thickness. Preferably, the core 27 is 0.250 to 6.00 inches thick. The core 27 can be made of any material with proper heat transfer properties. For example, aluminum or copper would be acceptable material for core 27. Core 27 may be various configurations of density, cell sizes, and shapes to increase or decrease thermal conductivity and strength or may be of custom shapes.
The main structural core 27 inside the lower skin layer 13 and upper skin layer 15 could be various structural shape configurations. For example, the configuration could be honeycomb, louvers, baffles, egg crate, channel, I beam, U channel, stand offs, threaded inserts, or any other shape. The LED light fixture 11 manages heat by using the panel and structure of the core 27 to conduct heat away from the LEDs 19. Reliability of LEDs 19 requires maintaining their junction temperature below manufacturers' specifications requirements. By conducting heat away from the LEDs 19, the present invention increases the time between replacements.
As shown in FIG. 10, other structures of plastic material types and shapes 60 such as acrylic, polycarbonate, laminates may be added between or on the surface of the lower skin layer 13 and upper skin layer 15. The clear plastic allows for edge illumination of the fixture/panel 11.
As shown best in FIG. 6, in the region of the LED light panel 11 where the LEDs 19 are located, the core 27 may be cut appropriately. A reflector 29 may be placed between the edge of the core 27 and the region where the LEDs 19 are located. The reflector 29 has a reflective surface 31 which also may be chemically coated for increased performance.
The combination of optical component 25 with a reflector 29 adds to the versatility of the present invention by changing the light direction and intensity of the LEDs 19. If optical component 25 is transparent or translucent, some stray light may not be properly directed by the optical component 25. In that case, the stray light bounces off reflector 29 into the proper direction. The reflection angle can be changed as required.
The outside edges of core 27 can also be cut as needed. For example, FIG. 2 shows the edge cut at an angle, and FIG. 3 shows the edge cut straight on the vertical. FIG. 1 has a decorative edge 46. The decorative edge 46 may be attached to any of the embodiments.
The LED light fixture/panel 11 also contains a modular power supply or supplies 33. The power supply 33 can be mounted inside the upper skin layer 15 and lower skin layer 13 or mounted externally on the fixture/panel 11. Other desired electrical items may be added to the interior or exterior of the panel/fixture 11. The power supply 33 voltage/wattage can be sized for the number of LEDs 19 in the panel/fixture 11. Power supply inputs may be any AC voltage. DC to DC voltage doublers or regulators may also be included for DC inputs to the panel.
The LED light fixture 11 may also include mounting flange 35 for ease of installation. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the flange may be reversed for flush mounting 50, 51. As shown in FIG. 5, standoffs 45 can be installed between the lower skin layer 13 for mounting holes or securing other items to the panel fixture for mounting.
FIG. 4 shows each component of the present invention separated into layers. In FIG. 4, the LED light fixture includes the lower skin layer 13 as the bottom layer. The components above are affixed to the lower skin layer 13 by adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23. The adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23 affixes the lower skin layer 13 to the core 27 and circuit boards 21. The LEDs 19 may be electrically connected to the circuit boards 21, and the LEDs 19 are surrounded by optical components 25 or 44 (as shown in FIG. 6). The optical components position maybe adjustable in the X, Y, or Z axis. The core 27 surrounds the circuit boards 21 and is cut out in the areas where the circuit boards 21 and LEDs 19 are placed. The core 27 is affixed to the upper skin layer 15 by adhesive epoxy or thermal film 23. In the areas where the core 27 has been removed, a window 17 is placed as part of the upper skin layer 15 so that the light from the LEDs 19 may illuminate the desired area.
FIG. 5 shows an exterior view of the LED light panel 11. The exterior of the LED light fixture/panel 11 is composed of the lower skin layer 13 and the upper skin layer 15. The LEDs 19 are allowed to emit through the upper skin layer 15 via windows 17. Internally, the LED light panel 11 contains power supply 33. In cases where an external power source is unavailable or goes out, the LED light fixture/panel 11 may also have an internal battery 34. The battery 34 may be used as a back-up or for emergency lighting. Also, emergency LEDs 39 may illuminate as not to draw down the batteries. FIG. 5 shows three emergency LEDs 39, but any number may be used. Additionally, the LED light fixture/panel 11 may also contain optional air vents or forced air in order to further dissipate heat if required.
FIG. 5 also shows optional alignment pins 37. The alignment pins 37 may extend in the x, y, or z direction or be formed to any angle. The alignment pins 37 may also be used to DC power the panel when stacking or a matrix grid of panels is desired. Although alignment pins 37 are shown in FIG. 5, the LED light panel 11 may include alignment posts, pins, tube shapes for stacking LED light panels or adding additional LED light fixtures to a system. Redundancy LEDs can be added to the system so that if one LED goes out, then another illuminates, thus adding additional time before the panel replacement for difficult locations such as towers. The attaching and alignment to an LED light panel 11 may complete a ceiling grid, a wall of LED light fixtures, or a floor in any plane of the X, Y, or Z grid.
The LED light panel 11 may have connecting wires 41 or connectors 48 that connect from the power supply 33 to an external electrical system. The connectors may provide power, data, or combination of both to the internal circuits. Sources of power include batteries, solar panels, wind generators, power supplies, and commercial, industrial, and residential AC power. The connecting wires 41 may be the only component that is outside of the housing of the LED light panel 11. Since all of the components may be included in a lightweight panel with only the connecting wires 41 or connector, or internal contacts, 45 to be connected, installation is simplified, and labor is reduced when a replacement is needed.
The surfaces of the exterior of LED light panel 11 may be plated, hard coated, painted, brushed, anodized, or powder coated with multiple finishes and coating configurations. Also, other desirable coatings or material layers may be added to the panel for decorative purposes. For example, louvers may be added to the outside to enhance the appearance and control luminance of transmitted light from the panel/fixture 11.
FIG. 6 illustrates some of the major components of LED light panel 11. First, the lower skin layer 13 can be made of any material with proper heat transfer properties. Aluminum and copper are common examples. On the other end, the panel 11 has an upper skin layer 15 with a window 17. The window 17 shown accommodates a circular pattern of LEDs 19, but it can be cut into any shape. Upper skin layer 15 may be made of plastic or metal as required. It may also be textured or have other material added on.
Circuit board 21 is affixed to the lower skin layer 13. The circuit board 21 may be any shape. FIG. 6 shows circuit board 21 in square, round, and straight patterns. These shapes accommodate any pattern for the LEDs 19, which are electrically connected to the circuit board 21. The circuit board 21 may be designed with on board components and drivers as required by each application.
Core 27 is in thermal contact with the LEDs 19. As shown in FIG. 6, an inner cavity is cut out from core 27 in the location of the LEDs 19 with a round pattern. The inner cavity of core 27 can be cut to any shape so that it corresponds with the pattern of LEDs 19. In addition, the inner cavity of core 27 could be cut for each individual LED 19 to form an alternating array of core 27 and LED 19.
FIG. 7 is a decorative panel/fixture 11 which has a lower skin layer 13 affixed to aluminum shape 65 and reflector 69 by an adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. Beneath the reflector 69 may be a conductive foam 67 to provide stiffness and conduct to the panel 11 and lower skin layer 13. The upper skin layer 15 may have a decorative screen, picture, negative, or image affixed to the face. The upper skin layer 15 is attached by adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. Reflector 69 may include graphic film 75 as required for visual effects. Also the graphic film 75 may be attached to protect the window(s) 17 from ultraviolet light. The angle is adjustable depending on light transmission distribution.
In FIG. 8, a multiple reflector LED panel/fixture 11 has LEDs 19 connected to the printed circuit board 21, and the printed circuit board 21 is thermo epoxied to the reflector 59. The reflector 59, components, and square tube shape 58 are attached with adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23 to the upper skin layer 15. The upper skin layer 15 has several windows 17 above the LEDs 19. Lower skin layer 13 and tube shape 58 are optional.
In FIG. 9, H Beam shape 64 has LEDs 19 electronically connected to a printed circuit board 21. The printed circuit board 21 is affixed to the H Beam shape 64 with thermal epoxy 23. Optical components or lenses 44 provide light distribution to the reflector 61. Window 17 allows light distribution from the reflector 61. Metal shape 68 and lower skin layer 13 are optional. Optical components or lenses 44 may be required dependent on light distribution desired and may be adjustable in position in the X, Y, or Z plane.
In FIG. 10, lower skin layer 13 is attached to the upper skin layer 15 with adhesive, epoxy, or thermal skin 23. In addition, clear plastic shape 60 is affixed to the upper skin layer 15 and lower skin layer 13 with adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23. Reflector 61 may be metal or plastic. Reflector 61 can be any angle desired and is a triangular shape. LEDs 19 and circuit board 21 are affixed to the upper skin layer 15 with adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. In addition, windows 17 are affixed to the upper skin layer 15 with adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. The embodiment in this configuration provides for the illumination of plastic edge 60 and window 17.
FIG. 11 shows an embodiment for a stoplight in accordance with the present invention. Three circular LEDs 19 and circuit boards 21 are affixed to the lower skin layer 13 by a thermo adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23 in location 54, 56, and 57. Each circuit board 21 has a plurality of red LEDs in location 54, a plurality of yellow LEDs in location 56, and a plurality of green LEDs in location 57. The core 27 has three circular holes cut to allow the LEDs 19 and circuit boards 21 to be mounted in the cavity and affixed to the lower skin layer 13 via an adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23. The upper skin layer 15 has three circular holes cut to allow light transmission from the LEDs 19 through the window 17. A shaft 53 is inserted through a square shape and round bushing 81 in order to pivot or hang the fixture/panel 11.
In FIG. 12, the upper skin layer 15 is formed to a fixture/panel 11. Windows 17 are affixed to the upper skin layer 15 by adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23. The LEDs 19 and circuit board 21 are affixed to the formed, right angle lower skin layer 13 by adhesive, epoxy or thermal film 23. This embodiment of a formed fixture panel illuminates in the horizontal and vertical plane.
FIG. 12A shows a length 63 of the above fixture/panel of the above embodiment.
FIG. 13 shows upper skin layer 15 with flanges 50 for recess mounting the fixture/panel 11.
FIG. 14 shows lower skin layer 13 with flanges 51 for surface mounting the fixture/panel 11.
FIGS. 15 and 15A show an embodiment configuration comprising a combination of system components. The fixture/panel 11 consists of two panels, a top panel 98 and a bottom panel 99. Solar panel 95 is located within the fixture/panel 11 and hinged by hinge 80 for movement. Also, a section of the panel 11 contains another embodiment of the LED light fixture/panel 11 formed to a bottom panel 99. Inside the panel 11 is a solar changing and photo eye 102. The bottom panel 99 contains a circuit board 101 and a modular battery 90. The fixture/panel 11 can be mounted using mounting flange 96.
FIG. 16 shows a formed upper skin layer 15 and lower skin layer 13 conforming to a V structure panel with LEDs 19 and circuit board 21. The V structured panel 11 is attached with fastener 82.
FIG. 17 shows a LED fixture 125 mounted thru a honeycomb panel.
FIG. 18 has several embodiments of the present invention combined. Shown are several configurations of hanging ceiling panels 130, wall sconce 131, and wall panel 132.
One important aspect of the present invention is its ability to conduct heat away from the LEDs 19. This characteristic is achieved by the core 27. The core 27 is in thermal contact with the LEDs 19 to dissipate the heat that the LEDs 19 produce. By dissipating the heat, the lifespan of the LEDs 19 is increased. The core 27 operates as a heat sink due to its large surface area. The large surface area increases the heat dissipation rate as compared to prior art devices without the core 27 of the present invention. For high-powered applications, additional heat sinks may be added on the rear of the LEDs 19 on the upper skin layer 15 or lower skin layer 13. The density of the core 27 and cell size may be decreased and the cell thickness increased for better heat conduction if required.
Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be waterproof depending on the application. Adhesive, epoxy, or thermal film 23 is waterproof which creates a watertight seal around all of the components in the LED light panel 11.
Similarly, the present invention may be configured in rigidity, stability, and toughness. As described above, increased structural integrity can be achieved by installing standoffs, aluminum shapes, or increase core density between the lower skin layer 13, upper skin layer 15, and window 17. It can also be weather resistant, flame resistant, and corrosion resistant. It may also have thermal control, sound control, other custom configuration, or any combination thereof. Because of the versatile nature of the present invention, many techniques known in the art can be applied to the present invention so that it can be used in any environment. As further examples, the LED light fixture/panel 11 can be configured for acoustics, and the lower skin layer 13 and upper skin layer 15 may be any color or shape and may be perforated for sound.
The present invention has many applications. In large-scale systems, it may be utilized as, or in addition to, walls, ceilings, or floors. It can be configured to rounded, v strips, corners, flat strips, rectangles, squares, triangles, formed sheet metal, or any configuration desired. The present invention can be manufactured as flat, formed, or any dimensional configuration required. In addition, it can be surface mounted or recessed. Other mechanical devices may be added to the formed or flat surfaces for cosmetic appearances.
Because of the novel design of the present invention, it can be a stand-alone, a ceiling fixture, a hanging ceiling panel, a complete system of ceiling panels/fixtures, signage, furniture, an aquarium illuminating cover, artwork, or it can be cut to size to fit inside an existing conventional lighting fixture. The present invention can be used on or as a wall, ceiling, floor, or configured to be a complete structural system. It also can be used in conjunction with a prior art panel. The present invention can be assembled and formed into any dimensional product. For example, the present invention can be shaped to be a square or rectangular box, a pyramid, a structural system with four walls and a ceiling, or any custom shape configuration. In other words, the present invention may be cut, trimmed, or formed into a two or three-dimensional object of any length, width, thickness, or shape. It can be a single fixture panel, ganged assembled, or stacked together to form a structural system. It may be formed to walls, ceilings, floors, or custom structures.
The versatility of the present invention allows it to be used indoors or outdoors. Its structural integrity and durability makes it perfect for military, industrial, commercial, transportation, aircraft, and residential use. If designed to be waterproof, it can be used for marine applications. The present invention can also be antimagnetic by using antimagnetic materials, which allows it to be used in all areas of a medical facility such as MRI rooms. The design of the present invention allows it to be used in any setting.
Known LED ceiling tiles must be low power due to their design. If they were high power, the LEDs would burn out because of the lack of heat transfer. Known LED ceiling tiles are also bulky and heavy. When dropped, they easily break. In contrast, the present invention uses lightweight materials that transfer the heat away from the LEDs 19.
The present invention described above and shown in FIGS. 1-18 provide the most functions at the lowest cost while maintaining good thermal conductivity, component standardization, and minimum weight. It may be used for both utilitarian and decorative purposes.
While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling with the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20070247842
