Manually controllable LED correlated color temperature light fixture

• US 10,462,871 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2018
• Issued: 10/29/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ETI Solid State Lighting Incorporated (Elec-Tech International Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: ETI Solid State Lighting Incorporated (Elec-Tech International Company Limited)
• Inventors: Van Winkle, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Vu, Jimmy T
• Application Number:
  US16/139,233
• Publication Number:
  US 20190037663A1
• Time in Patent Office: 400 Days
• Field of Search: 315185 R, 315150-158, 315209 R, 315210, 315291, 315307, 315308, 315312
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/02 changing colors F21S10/002 - F21S10/007, F21S10/04 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/026 intended to be recessed in a ceiling or like overhead structure, e.g. suspended ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/01 Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts F21V15/02 takes precedence housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/002 the fastening means engaging the encapsulation or the packaging of the semiconductor device
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Abstract

An LED light fixture with at least two sets of LED light sources, at least three subcircuits for respective one of the at least two sets of LED light sources and for a combination of at least two of the sets of LED light sources—wherein the correlated color temperature differs for each of the at least three subcircuits and the combination of at least two of the sets of LED light sources.

Claims

1. An LED light fixture comprising:

at least two groups of LEDs, each of said at least two groups of LEDs being electrically coupled together for emitting illumination of a particular correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of said other of said at least two groups of LEDs in response to receiving electric power, at least a respective one of said LEDs being incorporated in at least one of said at least two groups of LEDs;

electrical circuitry including at least three electrical circuits, each of said at least three electrical circuits including at least one group of said at least two groups of LEDs and at least one selected combination of said at least two groups of LEDs;

electrical switching components for each of said at least three electrical circuits, said electrical switching components being actuated for connecting a selected one of the group consisting of said at least two groups of LEDs and said at least one selected combination of said at least two groups of LEDs in one of said electrical circuits to electrical power to effect the emission of illumination of at least one of said at least three values of correlated color temperatures; and

a controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly to actuate a selected one of said electrical switching components to connect a selected group of one of said at least two groups of LEDs and said at least one selected combination of said at least two groups of LEDs to electrical power to cause said selected group of LEDs to emit illumination of the particular correlated color temperature of said selected group of LEDs, said controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly including a digitally operated switch actuating member for actuating said controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly; and

a switch holding structure for holding for operation said digitally operated switch actuating member.

2. An LED light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly is a manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly, and said electrical switching components for each of said at least three electrical circuits are selectively actuated by said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly to effect the transmission of electrical power to said selected group of LEDs in said selected circuit.

3. An LED light fixture according to claim 2 wherein said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly comprises a switch, said switch being selected from the group consisting of a slide switch, a toggle switch, a single pole double throw switch, a single pole, single throw toggle switch, a double pole double throw toggle switch, a rotary switch, a pull chain switch, a push-to-make switch, a push-to-break switch, a push button switch and a DIP switch.

4. An LED light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said at least two groups of LEDs emit illumination of correlated color temperatures of respectively 3000K, 4000K and 5000K.

5. An LED light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said at least two groups of LEDs emit illumination of correlated color temperatures in the range 1800K to 5000K.

6. An LED light fixture according to claim 1, wherein said LED light fixture is selected from the group consisting of a correlated color temperature downlight, and an LED color changing ceiling LED light fixture.

7. An LED light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said LED light fixture includes a light module, said light module comprising:

a heat sink adjacent said at least two groups of LEDs for absorbing heat generated by said at least two groups of LEDs and said at least one selected combination of said at least two groups of LEDs.

8. An LED light fixture according to claim 1 wherein said digitally operated switch actuating member is concealed from vision when said LED is mounted for operation when said digitally operated switch actuating member is not ready for use, and said LED light fixture comprises structure for rendering said digitally operated switch actuating member readily observable and accessible for use.

9. An LED light fixture comprising:

a set of at least two LED light sources, said set of at least two LED light sources being respectively connected in at least three electric circuits, each of said at least three electric circuits effecting the generation of illumination having a correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature emitted by the LED light sources in each of the others of said at least three electric circuits; and

a controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly comprising a manually controllable correlated color temperature switch for selectively connecting one of said at least two LED light sources in a separate one of said at least three electric circuits, each of said at least three electric circuits having a correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of the others of said at least three electric circuits, and another of said at least two LED light sources in a separate one of said at least three electric circuits having a second correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of each of the others of said at least two LED light sources in any of said at least three electric circuits, and a combination of said at least two LED light sources in a separate one of said at least three electric circuits having a third correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of each of the others of said LED light sources in any of the other at least three electric circuits;

said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch being concealed when said LED light fixture is mounted for operation.

10. An LED light fixture according to claims 9 and further comprising:

a diffuser for transmitting illumination from said selected set of LED light sources in said one of said at least three electric circuits, to a space remote from said LED light fixtures.

11. An LED light fixture according to claim 9 wherein said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch is selectively connected to one or a combination of said light sources in one of said at least three electric circuits to actuate the selected one of said at least three electric circuits.

12. An LED light fixture according to claim 11 wherein said at least three electric circuits and said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch are mounted on at least one printed circuit board.

13. An LED light fixture according to claim 12 wherein said LED light fixture is an LED ceiling light fixture, and wherein said LED ceiling light fixture further comprises:

a ceiling light housing assembly including;

a light module comprising;

a light module housing;

wherein said at least one printed circuit board is mounted on said light module housing.

14. An LED light fixture according to claim 12 wherein said light module further comprises:

a truncated heat sink comprising a relatively narrow end portion and a relatively wide opposite end portion for transmitting illumination from said LED light fixture; and

a box for containing said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch;

wherein said at least one printed circuit board is proximal said narrow end portion for emitting illumination from said LED light sources through said relatively wide end portion of said truncated heat sink.

15. An LED light fixture according to claim 14 wherein said box for containing said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch has an opening through which opening said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch extends, and wherein said module further comprises an indicator indicating the specific correlated color temperatures to which said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch is to set to select the selectable one of the group consisting of said LED light source in said selected circuit and the selected LED light sources in said combination in said circuits.

16. An LED light fixture according to claim 15 wherein said box for controllable correlated color temperature switch is proximal said narrow end portion of said truncated heat sink and distal said wide end portion of said truncated heat sink.

17. An LED light fixture according to claim 9 wherein said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch is selected from the group consisting of a slide switch, a toggle switch, a single pole single throw toggle switch, a double pole double throw toggle switch, a rotary switch, a pull chain switch, a push-to-make switch, a push-to-break switch, a push button switch and a DIP switch.

18. An LED light fixture according to claim 9 wherein said LED light fixture is a ceiling light fixture, and

wherein said ceiling light fixture further comprises:

a manually controllable correlated color temperature switch holder for containing components comprising;

a portion of said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch; and

a blocking structure for selectively blocking and not blocking manual access to said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch;

wherein said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly further comprises a holder for providing access to a user'"'"'s hand to operate said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch when said blocking structure is not blocking manual access to said manually controllable correlated color temperature switch.

19. An LED light fixture according to claim 9 wherein said set of at least two LED light sources is mounted on said at least one printed circuit board in a predetermined arrangement to provide illumination for each of said at least two sets of LED light sources.

20. An LED light fixture according to claim 19 wherein said predetermined arrangement provides a uniform area of illumination for each of said at least two LED light sources.

21. An LED light fixture comprising:

a set of LED light sources for emitting illumination, at least two portions of said set of LED light sources being connected in at least three respective electric circuits, the LED light sources in each of said at least three respective electric circuits generating illumination having different correlated color temperatures from each of the other electrical circuits; and

a switching circuit operable for connecting alternatively;

a selected one of said at least two portions of said set of LED light sources in one of said at least three respective circuits to generate illumination of one correlated color temperature; and

for respectively connecting the another of said at least two portions of said set of LED light sources in another of said at least three electrical circuits to generate illumination of another of said correlated color temperatures in response to electric power being sent to said another of said at least two respective circuits; and

a combination of said at least two portions of said set of LED light sources in said respective electric circuits to generate illumination of a correlated temperature different from the correlated color temperature of the illumination of the LED light sources in each of the other electric circuits; and

a correlated color temperature switching assembly to operate said switching circuit to connect a selected one of the group consisting of a selected one of said at least two portions of said set of LED light sources and said selected combination of said at least two portions of said set of LED light sources in said respective electric circuits to an electric power source to effect the illumination of said LED light sources in said selected one of said group to effect the illumination of LED light sources in said selected one of said group of said at least two portions of said LED light sources.

22. An LED light fixture according to claim 21 wherein said correlated color temperature switching assembly includes a digitally operated switch actuating structure for actuating said correlated color temperature switching assembly;

and

a switch holding structure for holding for operation said digitally operated switch actuating member.

23. An LED light fixture according to claim 22, and further including:

a concealment for concealing said switch holding structure to render said digitally operated switch actuating structure inaccessible for operation, and for selectively rendering said digitally operated switch actuating structure accessible for digital operation.

24. An LED light fixture according to claim 23 and further comprising a container for holding and rendering accessible said digitally operated switch actuating structure;

wherein said concealment comprises an LED light fixture receptacle for releasably holding said digitally operated switch actuating structure inaccessible for operation, and for enabling the release of said digitally operated switch actuating structure to be accessible for digital operation.

25. An LED light fixture according to claim 21 wherein said LED light fixture is selected from the group consisting of a downlight and a flush-mounted LED light fixture.

26. An LED light fixture according to claim 25 wherein said flush-mounted LED light fixture is a ceiling LED light fixture.

27. An LED light fixture according to claim 23 wherein said LED light fixture further comprises:

a cover support; and

a diffuser removably attachable to said cover support;

wherein said digitally operated switch actuating structure is operatively attached to said cover support; and

wherein said concealment comprises;

said cover support;

said diffuser; and

attachment structure for cooperating with said cover support and said diffuser for selectively attaching said diffuser to said cover support to conceal said digitally operated switch actuating structure, and to selectively enable the detachment of said diffuser from said cover support to render said digitally operated switch actuating structure accessible for operation.

28. An LED light fixture comprising:

at least two electrically operated LED light sources for emitting illumination, the illumination of each of said at least two LED light sources having different, predetermined correlated color temperatures;

an electric circuit connectable to an electric power source for supplying electric power to one of the group consisting of a selected one of said at least two LED light sources and a selected combination of said at least two LED light sources, said electric circuit comprising;

a switching circuit operable for connecting said selected one of the group consisting of a selected one of said at least two LED light sources and said combination of said at least two LED light sources, to said electric circuit to receive electrical current and emit illumination of a predetermined correlated color temperature;

a manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly to operate said switching circuit to connect said selected one of said group to the electric power source to effect the illumination of said selected one of said group of one of said at least two LED sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources, said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly including a digitally operated switch actuating member for actuating said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly; and

a switch holding structure for holding for operation said digitally operated switch actuating member.

29. An LED light fixture according to claim 28 and further comprising an electronics container for holding and rendering accessible said digitally operated switch actuating member, and a concealment for concealing from observation and for releasably rendering inaccessible said digitally operated switch actuating member;

wherein said concealment comprises an LED light fixture receptacle for releasably holding said LED light fixture to render said digitally operated switch actuating member inaccessible for operation, and for enabling the release of said LED light fixture from said receptacle to render said digitally operated switch actuating member accessible for operation.

30. An LED light fixture according to claim 29 wherein said LED light fixture further comprises:

a cover support; and

a diffuser removably attachable to said cover support;

wherein said digitally operative switch attachment member is operatively attached to said cover support; and

wherein said concealment comprises;

said cover support;

said diffuser; and

attachment structure for cooperating with said cover support and said diffuser for selectively attaching said diffuser to said cover support to conceal said digitally operated switch actuating member, and to selectively detach said diffuser from said cover support to render said digitally operated switch actuating member accessible for operation.

31. An LED light fixture according to claim 29 wherein LED light fixture includes a forward portion and a rearward portion, and said rearward portion is proximal a ceiling when said LED light fixture is mounted for operation to the ceiling and said LED light fixture further comprises a rearward side;

and wherein said concealment comprises;

a digitally operative switch actuating member support structure for supporting said digitally operated switch actuating member located at said rearward side, said digitally operated switch actuating member being inaccessible for operation when said LED light fixture is mounted for operation to the ceiling, and said digitally operated switch actuating member being accessible for operation in response to the demounting of said LED light fixture from the ceiling.

32. An LED light fixture according to claim 28 wherein said manually controllable correlated color switching assembly comprises:

a slide switch including;

an indicator for indicating particular correlated color temperatures to assist in the determination of a correlated color temperature; and

a manually operated slide slidable along said indicator to select a particular correlated color temperature operatively connected to said switching circuit and to operate said switching circuit to effect the selection of the particular correlated color temperature.

33. An LED light fixture according to claim 28 wherein said switch holding structure is a switch holding compartment alternating between a non-accessible condition for preventing access by a user'"'"'s fingers to said digitally operated switch actuating member, and an accessible condition for enabling access by a user'"'"'s fingers to operate said digitally operated switch actuating member.

34. An LED light fixture according to claim 28 and further comprising at least one printed circuit board, and wherein said at least two electrically operated LED light sources comprise:

at least two sets of LEDs, each respective set of said at least two sets of LEDs having a predetermined correlated color temperature that is different from the respective predetermined correlated color temperature of the remaining sets of said at least two sets of LEDs; and

wherein said respective sets of LEDs are each operatively attached to said at least one printed circuit board, said manually controllable correlated color temperature switching assembly being manually switchable to a selected one of the group consisting of one of said sets of LEDs and at least one combination of said sets of LEDs, each of said sets of LEDs and said at least one combination of sets of LEDs having a predetermined correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of the other of said sets of LEDs and any other combination of said sets of LEDs, for emitting illumination of a predetermined correlated color temperature.

35. An LED light fixture according to claim 28 wherein said light fixture further includes:

a base;

a hollow diffuser releasably mountable on said base to cover and render said digitally operated switch actuating member inaccessible;

said hollow diffuser being detachable from said base to provide access to said digitally operated switch actuating member to enable a person to operate said manually controllable correlated color switching assembly.

36. An LED light fixture according to claim 35 wherein said base and said hollow diffuser cooperate to form a housing for said at least two LED light sources and said electric circuit.

37. An LED light fixture comprising:

a housing assembly;

at least one printed circuit board operatively attached to said housing assembly;

at least two sets of LED light sources mounted on said at least one printed circuit board, each of said at least two sets of LED light sources having a correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of every other of said at least two sets of LED light sources;

an electric circuit for supplying electricity to selected one of the group consisting of a selected one of said at least two sets of LED light sources and a combination of said at least two sets of LED light sources; and

a controllable correlated color temperature switch for selectively connecting said electric circuit to a selected one of said at least two sets of LED light sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources to actuate said selected one of said at least two sets with LED light sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources, to effect the selective illumination of said at least one LED in said selected one of said at least two sets of LED light sources and said combination of said at least two LED light sources to emit illumination of the color correlated temperature of said selected one with said at least two sets of LED light sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources, said operated switch being operatively attached to said housing and comprising a digitally operable actuating member to effect the selection of one of the at least two sets of LED light sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources.

38. An LED light fixture according to claim 37 wherein said digitally operable actuating member is not readily observable and not accessible for operation when said digitally operable actuating member is not ready for use, and wherein said LED light fixture further comprises structure for rendering said digitally operable actuating member readily observable and accessible for use.

41. An LED light fixture according to claim 37 and further comprising:

a diffuser operatively attachable to said housing assembly for transmitting illumination from said selected set of said at least two sets of LED light sources and a combination of said at least two LED light sources to a space remote from said LED light fixture.

39. An LED light fixture comprising:

at least three sets of LEDs, each of said at least three sets of LEDs being respectively electrically coupled together for emitting illumination of a particular correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature different from the correlated color temperature of the remainder of said at least three sets of LEDs in response to receiving electrical power;

at least one electricity provider connectable respectively to at least one of said at least three sets of LEDs;

electrical circuitry connectable to said at least one electricity provider for connecting said at least one of said electricity providers to at least one of said at least three sets of LEDs; and

at least one of a controllable correlated color temperature electricity provider switching assembly connected to said at least one electricity provider for enabling said at least one electricity provider to supply electricity to at least one of said at least three sets of LEDs to effect the illumination of at least one of said at least three sets of LEDs, said at least one controllable correlated color temperature electricity provider switching assembly including a digitally operated switch actuating member for actuating said controllable correlated color temperature electricity provider switching assembly.

40. An LED light fixture according to claim 39 and further comprising:

a switch holding structure for holding for operation said digitally operated switch actuating member.