LED accent lighting units

• US 7,063,440 B2
• Filed: 05/28/2003
• Issued: 06/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Original Assignee: Everbrite LLC
• Inventors: Mohacsi, Ferenc, Plichta, Michael, Kwaterski, Melissa Mueller
• Primary Examiner(s): Alavi, Ali
• Assistant Examiner(s): Truong, Bao Q.
• Application Number:
  US10/447,311
• Publication Number:
  US 20030223235A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,119 Days
• Field of Search: 362/240, 362/238, 362/243, 362/800, 362/241, 362/244, 362/245, 362/246, 362/247, 362/227, 362/248, 362/249, 362/250, 362/252, 362/234, 439/419, 439/505
• US Class Current: 362/240
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/20 Light sources comprising attachment means
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/68 Details of reflectors forming part of the light source
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/10 with light sources attached to loose electric cables, e.g. Christmas tree lights
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/20 with light sources held by or within elongate supports
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/032 the surface being a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/013 the housing being an extrusion
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/164 the parts being subjected to bending, e.g. snap joints
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/001 the light sources being semiconductors devices, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/0045 by tongue and groove connections, e.g. dovetail interlocking means fixed by sliding
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/005 for several lighting devices in an end-to-end arrangement, i.e. light tracks
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/06 the elements being coupling devices , e.g. connectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 3/00 Globes; Bowls; Cover glasses with refracting properties F21V5/00; with reflecting properties F21V7/00; characterised by cooling arrangements F21V29/506
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/10 comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/04 Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/161 Details

Abstract

A lighting unit including at least one elongated substrate having a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon and an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate. The housing includes integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices. The lighting unit also includes a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices. The light unit has a first wiring harness for connection to a power source, and a second wiring harness connectable to an adjacent lighting unit.

Claims

1. A lighting unit, comprising:

at least one elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate, the housing including integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices, at least one reflector positioned to reflect light emitted by at least two of the light-emitting optoelectronic devices; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices.

2. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the substrate is divided into multiple sections.

3. The lighting unit of claim 2, wherein at least one section from the substrate is permanently removable from the substrate to shorten the substrate.

4. The lighting unit of claim 2, wherein at least one section includes at least two optoelectronic devices and a resistor.

5. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes at least two optoelectronic devices and a resistor.

6. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a transient suppressor mounted to the substrate and electrically connected with the plurality of optoelectronic devices.

7. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated substrate includes two elongated substrates, and wherein the lighting unit further comprises a connector configured for physically and electrically connecting the two substrates.

8. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein the connector includes at least two pins electrically connecting the two substrates.

9. The lighting unit of claim 8, wherein the pins are spaced apart and are partially encapsulated by an insulating clip.

10. The lighting unit of claim 9, wherein the clip includes first and second chamfered edges.

11. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein the connector includes at least two opposed resilient tabs configured for physically connecting the two substrates, and wherein each of the two substrates includes an aperture that receives a respective tab.

12. The lighting unit of claim 7, wherein the connector includes

an insulated clip having two spaced tabs on each end thereon that are received in respective apertures in the substrates;

and

two spaced pins that are at least partially enclosed by the insulated clip and that electrically connect the two substrates.

13. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the optoelectronic devices include light-emitting diodes.

14. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a slot that receives the substrate therein.

15. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the reflectors extend from opposing side walls of the housing.

16. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the reflectors are disposed on opposite sides of the optoelectronic devices, and wherein each reflector forms an acute angle with the substrate.

17. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein at least some of the reflectors include a reflective surface that diffuses light emitted by the optoelectronic devices.

18. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the reflectors each include a substantially curved reflective surface.

19. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the reflectors each include a coated reflective surface.

20. The lighting unit of claim 19, wherein the reflective surfaces have a white colored coating.

25. The lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a mounting strip fixed to a support surface, wherein the housing is coupled to the mounting strip to secure the housing to the support surface.

26. The lighting unit of claim 25, wherein one of the mounting strip and the housing includes a ball portion, and the other of the mounting strip and the housing includes a socket portion engageable with the ball portion to couple the mounting strip and the housing.

27. The lighting unit of claim 25, wherein one of the mounting strip and the housing includes a substantially rigid tab, and the other of the mounting strip and the housing includes a resilient tab engageable with the substantially rigid tab to couple to mounting strip and the housing.

28. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one elongated substrate includes a first substrate, the lighting unit further comprising:

a first power input for the first substrate, including

an input connector, and

first and second power wires each having an input end and an output end, the input ends of the first and second wires being electrically connected to the input connector and the output ends of the first and second wires being electrically connected to the first substrate; and

a power output adapted to provide power to a second substrate, including

third and fourth power wires each having an input end and an output end, the input ends of the third and fourth wires connected in circuit to the input connector, and the output ends of the third and fourth wires electrically connected to an output connector.

29. The lighting unit of claim 28, wherein the input connector is one of a mating male and a female connector, and wherein the output connector is the other of the male and female connector.

30. The lighting unit of claim 28, wherein the second substrate is disposed in a distinct second lighting unit.

31. The lighting unit of claim 28, wherein the input ends of the third and fourth wires are electrically connected to the output ends of the first and second wires.

32. The lighting unit of claim 28, wherein the housing includes a recess that receives the third and fourth wires.

49. The lighting unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one reflector includes first and second reflectors disposed on opposite sides of the at least two light-emitting optoelectronic devices.

21. A lighting unit, comprising:

at least one elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate, the housing including integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices;

wherein the housing is molded from a plastic material, and wherein the plastic material is selected to match a color of light emitted by the optoelectronic devices.

22. A lighting unit, comprising:

at least one elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate, the housing including integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices such that at least one reflector reflects light emitted from at least two of the light-emitting optoelectronic devices; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices;

wherein the output panel includes a diffuser and is removably coupled to the housing.

23. The lighting unit of claim 22, wherein one of the output panel and the housing includes a hook portion and the other of the output panel and the housing includes a slot portion engageable with the hook portion to couple the output panel and the housing.

24. The lighting unit of claim 22, wherein the output panel is molded from a plastic material, and wherein the plastic material is selected to match a color of light emitted by the optoelectronic devices.

50. The lighting unit of claim 22, wherein the at least one reflector includes first and second reflectors disposed on opposite sides of the at least two light-emitting optoelectronic devices.

33. A lighting unit, comprising:

a first elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the first elongated substrate, the housing including integrally-formed reflectors positioned adjacent the optoelectronic devices; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices;

wherein the substrate includes at least two buses that electrically connect the plurality of optoelectronic devices with a power source.

34. The lighting unit of claim 33, further comprising:

a first wiring harness extending from a first end of the substrate and terminating with a first connector that is one of a male and female connector, the first wiring harness electrically connecting the plurality of optoelectronic devices with a power source; and

a second wiring harness extending from a second end of the substrate and terminating with a second connector that is the other of a male and female connector.

51. The lighting unit of claim 33, wherein the integrally-formed reflectors include first and second reflectors disposed on opposite sides of at least two light-emitting optoelectronic devices.

35. A lighting unit, comprising:

at least one elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate, the housing including

first and second side walls;

a first stem extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall, the first stem having a first reflective surface;

a second stem extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall, the second stem having a second reflective surface in substantial facing relationship with the first reflective surface, the second reflective surface being separate and distinct from the first reflective surface, the optoelectronic devices being positioned adjacent the first and second reflective surfaces; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices.

36. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the first stem is integrally formed with the first side wall, and wherein the second stem is integrally formed with the second side wall.

37. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the optoelectronic devices include light-emitting diodes.

38. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the housing includes a slot that receives the substrate therein.

39. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are disposed immediately adjacent opposite side surfaces of the optoelectronic devices, and wherein the first and second reflective surfaces form an acute angle with the substrate.

40. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are substantially curved reflective surfaces.

41. The lighting unit of claim 35, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are coated reflective surfaces.

42. A lighting unit, comprising:

at least one elongated substrate including a plurality of light-emitting optoelectronic devices mounted thereon;

an elongated housing supporting the elongated substrate, the housing including

a bottom wall;

first and second side walls;

a first stem extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall;

a second stem extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall; and

a translucent output panel that transmits light from the optoelectronic devices;

wherein the first and second side walls, the bottom wall, and the first and second stems define a slot in the elongated housing into which the at least one elongated substrate is inserted, and wherein portions of the first and second stems extend to opposite sides of the optoelectronic devices on the at least one substrate.

43. The lighting unit of claim 42, wherein the first stem is integrally formed with the first side wall, and wherein the second stem is integrally formed with the second side wall.

44. The lighting unit of claim 42, wherein the optoelectronic devices include light-emitting diodes.

45. The lighting unit of claim 42, wherein the first stem has a first reflective surface, and wherein the second stem has a second reflective surface in substantial facing relationship with the first reflective surface.

46. The lighting unit of claim 45, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are substantially curved reflective surfaces.

47. The lighting unit of claim 45, wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are coated reflective surfaces.

48. The lighting unit of claim 45, wherein the first and second stems each include respective straight portions, and respective curved portions disposed from the straight portions.