Light emitting array apparatus and method of manufacture

• US 7,336,195 B2
• Filed: 04/07/2005
• Issued: 02/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lighthouse Technologies (Lextar Electronics Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lighthouse Technologies (Lextar Electronics Corporation)
• Inventors: van de Ven, Antony
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US11/100,619
• Publication Number:
  US 20060227003A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,055 Days
• Field of Search: 340/815.45, 340/815.53, 340/815.49, 315/291, 257/232, 257/712, 362/231, 362/232, 362/236, 362/240, 362/242, 362/238, 362/249, 362/373, 362/800, 362/812, 362/470
• US Class Current: 340/815.45
• 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 thermally conductive support panel having a front face; and

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

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;

wherein said support panel further includes a plurality of substantially linear parallel louvers positioned intermediate of said plurality of LEDs, said louvers being arranged to provide shading for said LEDs to increase contrast of the LEDs against ambient light conditions; and

wherein a plurality of micro-louvers are disposed intermediate said louvers, said micro-louvers being disposed for additional contrast enhancement for said LEDs.

2. The 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. The light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said louvers are further configured to focus, reflect or direct light emitted by said LEDs into a pre-determined pattern.

4. The 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. The light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an electrical circuit is provided intermediate of said support panel front face and said LEDs, said electrical circuit being deposited on said panel front surface.

6. The light emitting array apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein an electrical circuit is provided intermediate of said support panel front face and said LEDs, said electrical circuit is in the form of a PCB.

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

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

9. The light emitting array apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said front face is inclined with respect to said support panel and said LEDs are directed at an inclination with respect to said louvers.

10. The light emitting array apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said inclination is at between 0 and 20 degrees with respect to the support panel.

11. The light emitting array apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said louvers are of non-identical length whereby the overall viewing angle of said apparatus is increased.

12. The light emitting array apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a louver immediately downwards of an LED is of a smaller height than other louvers.

13. The light emitting array apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said inclination is at 10 degree with respect to the support panel.