1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to light bulbs that utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light emission elements.
2. Discussion of the Background
Light bulbs in use typically utilize an incandescent light source. However, recently interest has been developed in utilizing LEDs as a light source in a light bulb, for example in an indicator or as special lightings. An LED light bulb can find application in indoor and outdoor applications, and one particular application of utilizing an LED light bulb is to replace colored incandescent light bulbs, since LEDs commonly output light of a particular color, for example red. The conventional approach utilizing LEDs in light bulbs is to place the LEDs to directly face the surface of a lens, such as a bulb or a cover.
However, the applicants of the present invention have recognized that existing LED light bulbs suffer from several significant drawbacks. As noted above, in existing LED light bulbs the LEDs directly face the surface of the lens, and as a result the LEDs are located away from the base of the bulb. As a result, in such devices it is difficult to utilize a heat sink effectively. Further, as the LEDs are located towards the center of the lens, it is possible that a darker (nonlit) area may develop close to the base. It is also difficult to economically manufacture such light bulbs for various uses, such as employing mixed color LEDs to obtain different color light outputs.
Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel LED light bulb that provides enhanced performance.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novel LED light bulb that is simple to manufacture and is simple to vary in manufacture, particularly as LED technology is still changing rapidly.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novel LED light bulb that can provide effective heat sinking, and which avoids developing nonlit areas close to a base.
A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to
As shown in
The center housing 25 can preferably be a finished aluminum part designed to dissipate heat away from the LED PCB sub-assembly 23. The housing 25 is designed to work with the lens 21 profile and the lower housing 28 for assembly purposes. Such a layout allows fitting different types of LED technologies without having to change other components.
Further, a power supply printed circuit board (PCB) sub-assembly 27 is also provided to fit into the lower housing 28. The power supply PCB sub-assembly 27 includes electrical connections to connect with the LED PCB sub-assembly 23 to supply power to the LEDs on the LED PCB sub-assembly 23.
The LED light bulb of
First, the center housing 25 can operate as a heat sink to thereby allow the use of plural currently available LEDs to be mounted on the LED PCB sub-assembly 23.
Further, the LED PCB sub-assembly 23 is essentially only one module of the entire light bulb 10. As a result, the LED PCB sub-assembly 23 can be easily modified to be varied for different desired applications and to suit new LED technology as it becomes available. That is, as the separate LED PCB sub-assembly 23 is a sub-element with the noted structure, it is easy to modify that sub-assembly 23 in terms of, for example, the LEDs mounted thereon, without changing the size, shape, etc. of the LED PCB sub-assembly 23 so that it can still be fit into the same existing LED light bulb 10.
Further, since the LED PCB sub-assembly 23 is a simple modular element, it can be designed to mix different color LEDs for different particular applications as selected by different customers. Such different LED PCB sub-assemblies 23 can then easily and economically be manufactured into the same LED light bulb 10.
Further, by utilizing a lower housing 28 as a modular element, that lower housing 28 can be changed to achieve different height requirements in different light bulbs.
As the lens 21 is also only a sub-assembly component of the overall light bulb 10, the lens 21 can be changed in its shape, material, etc., to suit different requirements.
Moreover, with the overall structure shown most clearly in
Thus, a feature of the LED light bulb 10 shown in
As noted above, one of the benefits of the LED light bulb 10 of
The LED technology utilized in the various light bulbs can be varied in many ways as desired by a user, for example with respect to light output requirements, color output requirements, cost requirements, etc. as desired by a user, and
As shown in
As evident from
Obviously, numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.