Light emitting array apparatus and method of manufacture

• US 20060227003A1
• Filed: 04/07/2005
• Published: 10/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lighthouse Technologies (Lextar Electronics Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lighthouse Technologies (Lextar Electronics Corporation)
• Inventors: Ven, Antony van de
• Granted Patent: US 7,336,195 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/815.450
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/20 with light sources held by or within elongate supports
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 11/02 using parallel laminae or strips, e.g. of Venetian-blind type F21V11/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 27/00 Cable-stowing arrangements structurally associated with lighting devices, e.g. reels storing lengths of cable in general B65H; the lighting devices being vehicle headlamps F21S41/192; the lighting devices being vehicle lights F21S43/195
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/75 with fins or blades having different shapes, thicknesses or spacing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/76 with essentially identical parallel planar fins or blades, e.g. with comb-like cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes

Abstract

This invention provides a light emitting array apparatus for use in a video screen display or lighting device incorporating a panel having a plurality of LEDs. Such a panel provides a plurality of LEDs on the front face of the panel in close thermal proximity to the panel. Typically this would include LEDs mounted to a PCB that is then affixed to the panel such that heat may transfer from the LEDs into the support panel itself. The support panel can disperse the heat throughout the panel and the to the surrounding air, especially from the front face of the panel. Such a construction may alleviate the need for fans or other cooling apparatus behind the panel and allow for the panel to be fitted directly to a supporting wall or other structure and also reduce cost and bulk of construction.

Claims

1. A light emitting array apparatus comprising:

a support panel having a front face;

a plurality of LEDs mounted on or adjacent said front face and in close thermal proximity to said support panel; and

wherein heat from said plurality of LEDs is dispersed through said support panel and dissipated by said support panel to surrounding air from said front face of said panel around said LEDs.

2. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plurality of LEDs are arranged in an array comprising a plurality of substantially linear parallel rows of LEDs.

3. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said support panel further includes a plurality of substantially linear parallel louvers positioned intermediate of said substantially linear parallel rows of LEDs.

4. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said plurality of louvers form a plurality of channels in which said rows of LEDs are positioned.

5. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said an electrical circuit is provided intermediate of said support panel front face and said LEDs.

6. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said electrical circuit is in the form of a PCB.

7. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said electrical circuit is covered with weather proofing material.

8. A light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said LEDs protrude through said weather proofing material covering said electrical circuitry.

9. A light emitting array apparatus comprising:

a support panel having a front face;

a plurality of louvers mounted substantially parallel on said front face to define channels therebetween;

an array of a plurality of LEDs mounted within at least some of said channels close to said support panel; and

at least one transverse channel in said support panel or louvers for the passage of power and/or data and/or control signal transmission means to said channels in which LEDs are mounted.

10. A light emitting array apparatus comprising:

a support panel having a front face;

a plurality of LEDs mounted on or adjacent said front face;

mounting means for mounting said support panel to a support surface behind support panel; and

heat dissipation means to distribute heat collected in said support panel to air surrounding the front face of said support panel.

11. A light emitting array apparatus comprising:

a support panel containing at least one channel in a front face thereof;

an electrical circuit provided on or in said channel;

a plurality of LEDs mounted within said channel and connected to said electrical circuit; and

weather proofing covering said electrical circuit within said channel.

12. A method of manufacturing a light emitting array apparatus comprising:

providing a support panel having a front face;

mounting electrical circuitry on said front face of said support panel;

mounting a plurality of LEDs to said front face of said support panel and connecting to said electrical circuitry; and

providing weather proofing over said electrical circuitry to protect said electrical circuitry from moisture or water directed to a front face thereof.