FLAT PANEL LIGHTING DEVICE AND DRIVING CIRCUITRY

• US 20120320627A1
• Filed: 05/17/2012
• Published: 12/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pixi Lighting, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Pixi Lighting, Inc.
• Inventors: Araki, John, Myers, J. Richard, Wong, Arthur N.
• Application Number:
  US13/473,929
• Publication Number:
  US 20120320627A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/608
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/20 Light sources comprising attachment means
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/235 Details of bases or caps, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within bases or caps F21K9/238 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/275 Details of bases or housings, i.e. the parts between the light-generating element and the end caps; Arrangement of components within bases or housings F21K9/278 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/278 Arrangement or mounting of circuit elements integrated in the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/61 using light guides
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/64 using wavelength conversion means distinct or spaced from the light-generating element, e.g. a remote phosphor layer
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/04 intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures F21S8/02 takes precedence; details of ceiling bases F21V21/03
• 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 21/005 for several lighting devices in an end-to-end arrangement, i.e. light tracks
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/02 Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases F21V21/08 takes precedence; bases for movable standing lamps F21V21/06
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/001 the elements being electrical wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/002 Arrangements of cables or conductors inside a lighting device, e.g. means for guiding along parts of the housing or in a pivoting arm
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/003 the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/009 the casing being inside the housing of the lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/02 the elements being transformers, impedances or power supply units, e.g. a transformer with a rectifier
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/023 Power supplies in a casing F21V23/003 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/06 the elements being coupling devices , e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/89 Metals
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2101/00 Point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/20 : of polygonal shape, e.g. square or rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 : comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 : Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0051 : Diffusing sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0055 : Reflecting element, sheet or layer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0068 : Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0073 : Light emitting diode [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0083 : Details of electrical connections of light sources to drivers, circuit boards, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0085 : Means for removing heat created by the light source from the package heat extraction or cooling elements for semiconductor light sources in general H01L33/64
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0088 : of the light guide or other optical sheets in the package
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/009 : of the light source in the package G02B6/0021 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0091 : of the light source relative to the light guide G02B6/0021 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133603 : with LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133608 : including particular frames or supporting means
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133615 : Edge-illuminating devices, i.e. illuminating from the side
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 : Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 : Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/50 : responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/105 : in response to determined parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 : by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 : Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/29 : Circuits providing for substitution of the light source in case of its failure
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/30 : Semiconductor lamps, e.g. solid state lamps [SSL] light emitting diodes [LED] or organic LED [OLED]

Abstract

The present application is directed to a lighting fixture having a light emitting diode (LED) panel. The light fixture is configured to include a pair of LED configurations that are driven alternately by driving circuitry. The light fixture can include driving circuitry that is configured to be housed within a frame of the LED panel.

Claims

1. A light fixture comprising:

a frame;

a light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame; and

power circuitry disposed within the frame, the power circuitry being configured to electrically couple the substantially flat LED panel to an external power supply.

2. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein power circuitry is sized to be positioned within a channel defined by the frame.

3. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the power circuitry includes driving circuitry configured to convert an AC input into a DC output suitable for powering the LED panel.

4. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the power circuitry has a length and a width, wherein the length-to-width ratio is at least 5 to 1.

5. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the power circuitry has a length and a width, wherein the length-to-width ratio is at least 10 to 1.

6. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the frame defines a first channel configured to support the power circuitry.

7. The light fixture of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the frame is configured to support an array of LEDs disposed adjacent an edge of the frame.

8. The light fixture of claim 7, wherein the first channel is configured to support the array of LEDs.

9. The light fixture of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the frame defines a second channel configured to support the array of LEDs.

10. The light fixture of claim 7, wherein at least a portion the frame is configured to support electrical connectors between the power circuitry and the array of LEDs.

11. The light fixture of claim 10, wherein the power circuitry includes an array of circuit modules supported by the first channel.

12. The light fixture of claim 6, wherein the first channel has a height of no more than about 0.5 inches.

13. The light fixture of claim 9, wherein the first channel has a width of no more than about 1.0 inches.

14. The light fixture of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of the frame defines a second channel configured to support the power circuitry

15. The light fixture of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the frame defines a third channel configured to support an array of LEDs disposed adjacent to an edge of the frame.

16. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the LED panel is edge lit.

17. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the LED panel includes a plurality of LEDs disposed adjacent at least one edge of the frame.

18. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame is rectangular and the LED panel includes an array of LEDs incorporated into at least two sides of the frame.

19. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the LED panel includes:

an optically-transmissive panel; and

an array of LEDs disposed adjacent at least one edge of the frame and disposed adjacent the optically transmissive panel.

20. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the LED panel includes:

an optically-transmissive panel; and

an array of LEDs disposed across a first surface of the optically-transmissive panel.

21. The light fixture of claim 20, wherein the array of LEDs is disposed across substantially the entire first surface of the optically-transmissive panel.

22. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame of the light fixture has a thickness of no more than about 0.5 inches.

23. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame of the light fixture has a thickness of no more than about 1.0 inches.

24. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the frame is rectangular and the LED panel includes:

a light guide plate;

a first array of LEDs incorporated into a first side of the frame adjacent a first side of the light guide plate, the first array of LEDs emitting light focused along a first direction;

a second array of LEDs incorporated into a second side of the frame adjacent a second side of the light guide plate, the second array of LEDs emitting light focused along a second direction that is opposite the first direction;

a first brightness enhancement film (BEF) positioned adjacent the light guide plate and configured to collimate light emitted by the first array of LEDs; and

a second BEF positioned adjacent the first BEF and configured to collimate light emitted by the second array of LEDs.

25. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the power circuitry includes a controller configured to control the intensity of the light emitted by the LED panel.

26. The light fixture of claim 1, wherein the LED panel includes:

a first configuration of LEDs; and

a second configuration of LEDs.

27. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the power circuitry is configured to power the first configuration of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second configuration of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

28. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the LED panel includes a third configuration of LEDs;

and wherein the power circuitry is configured to power the first configuration of LEDs for a first time period, to power the second configuration of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period, and to power the third configuration of LEDs for a third time period equal to the first time period.

29. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the power circuitry is configured to alternatively power the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs over a cyclical time period including the first time period and the second time period.

30. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs are arranged in a single row in an alternating arrangement.

31. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the first configuration of LEDs is arranged in a first row and the second configuration of LEDs is arranged in a second row adjacent the first row.

32. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs are arranged in a pair of rows, wherein each row of the pair of rows includes the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs arranged in an alternating arrangement

33. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein first configuration of LEDs includes a first array on a first side of the frame and a second array on a second side of the frame opposite the first side of the light frame.

34. The light fixture of claim 33, wherein the second configuration of LEDs includes a third array on a third side of the frame and a fourth array on a fourth side of the frame opposite the third side of the light frame.

35. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the first configuration of LEDs includes a first array on a first side of the frame and a second array on a second side of the frame adjacent the first side of the light frame.

36. The light fixture of claim 35, wherein the second configuration of LEDs includes a third array of LEDs on a third side of the frame opposite the first side of the frame and a fourth array of LEDs on a fourth side of the frame opposite the second side of the frame.

37. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the power circuitry comprises a first LED driver operatively coupled to the first configuration of LEDs and a second LED driver operatively coupled to the second configuration of LEDs.

38. The light fixture of claim 37, wherein the first LED driver is configured to selectively power the first configuration of LEDs and the second LED driver is configured to selectively power the second configuration of LEDs

39. The light fixture of claim 37, wherein the power circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to control the first LED driver and the second LED driver to power the first configuration of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second configuration of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

40. The light fixture of claim 37, wherein the power circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to monitor failure of the first LED driver and the second LED driver.

41. The light fixture of claim 26, wherein the power circuitry comprises a first LED driver operatively coupled to the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs, and a second LED driver operatively coupled to the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs.

42. The light fixture of claim 41, wherein the first LED driver is configured to selectively power the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs, and the second LED driver is configured to selectively power the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs.

43. The light fixture of claim 41, wherein the power circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to control the first LED driver and the second LED driver to power the first configuration of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second configuration of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

44. The light fixture of claim 41, wherein the power circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to monitor failure of the first LED driver and the second LED driver.

45. The light fixture of claim 44, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the second LED driver to power the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs upon detection of failure or malfunction by the first LED driver.

46. A light fixture comprising:

a first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

a second set of light emitting diodes (LEDs);

an optically transmissive panel, each of the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs being disposed adjacent to an edge of the optically transmissive panel; and

driving circuitry operatively coupled to the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs and an associated power supply, wherein the driving circuitry is configured to selectively power the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs in an alternating manner.

47. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the driving circuitry is configured to power the first set of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second set of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

48. The light fixture of claim 46, further comprising a third set of light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the driving circuitry is configured to power the first set of LEDs for a first time period, to power the second set of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period, and to power the third set of LEDs for a third time period equal to the first time period.

49. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs are arranged in a single row in an alternating arrangement.

50. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the first set of LEDs is arranged in a first row and the second set of LEDs is arranged in a second row adjacent the first row.

51. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs are arranged in a pair of rows, wherein each row of the pair of rows includes the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs arranged in an alternating arrangement

52. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the first set of LEDs is arranged in a row on a first side of the optically transmissive panel and the second set of LEDs is arranged in a row on a second side of the optically transmissive panel opposite the first side of the optically transmissive panel.

53. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the driving circuitry comprises a first LED driver operatively coupled to the first set of LEDs and a second LED driver operatively coupled to the second set of LEDs.

54. The light fixture of claim 53, wherein the driving circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to control the first LED driver and the second LED driver to power the first set of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second set of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

55. The light fixture of claim 53, wherein the driving circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to monitor failure of the first LED driver and the second LED driver.

56. The light fixture of claim 55, wherein the controller is configured to activate the second LED driver to power the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs upon detection of failure of the first LED driver.

57. The light fixture of claim 46, wherein the driving circuitry comprises a first LED driver operatively coupled to the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs, and a second LED driver operatively coupled to the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs.

58. The light fixture of claim 57, wherein the first LED driver is configured to selectively power the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs, and the second LED driver is configured to selectively power the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs.

59. The light fixture of claim 57, wherein the driving circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to control the first LED driver and the second LED driver to power the first set of LEDs for a first time period and to power the second set of LEDs for a second time period equal to the first time period.

60. The light fixture of claim 57, wherein the driving circuitry includes a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to monitor failure of the first LED driver and the second LED driver.

61. The light fixture of claim 60, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the second LED driver to power the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs upon detection of failure or malfunction by the first LED driver.

62. A light fixture comprising:

an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs); and

driving circuitry operatively coupled to the array of LEDs, wherein the driving circuitry includes;

a first LED driver selectively operatively coupled to the array of LEDs and a second LED driver selectively operatively coupled to the array of LEDs; and

a controller operatively coupled to the first LED driver and the second LED driver, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the second LED driver to power the array of LEDs upon detection of failure or malfunction by the first LED driver.

63. The light fixture of claim 62, wherein the controller is configured to selectively activate the first LED driver to power the array of LEDs upon detection of failure of malfunction by the second LED driver.

64. A light fixture comprising:

a frame;

a light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame, wherein the LED panel includes;

a first configuration of light emitting diodes (LEDs); and

a second configuration of light emitting diodes (LEDs); and

driving circuitry operatively coupled to the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs, wherein the driving circuitry is configured to selectively power the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs in an alternating manner.

65. A method for extending rated life of a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture, the LED light fixture having at least one array of LEDs, the method comprising:

providing a first LED driver selectively operatively coupled to the at least one array of LEDs;

providing a second LED driver selectively operatively coupled to the at least one array of LEDs;

electrically coupling the first LED driver to the at least one array of LEDs and;

monitoring the first LED driver for failure, malfunction or reduced performance;

if failure, malfunction or reduced performance is detected for the first LED driver, electrically coupling the second LED driver to the at least one array of LEDs and electrically decoupling the first LED driver from the at least one array of LEDs.

66. A method of extending rated life of a light emitting diode (LED) light fixture, the method comprising:

providing a first configuration of LEDs;

providing a second configuration of LEDs; and

selectively powering the first configuration of LEDs and the second configuration of LEDs in an alternating manner.