Multiple Positioned Light Source to Achieve Uniform or Graded Illumination
An integrated and modular lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes a plurality of modules, each module including at least two echelons of light emitting diodes and a power supply on a common substrate. The modular lighting system is used to provide uniform illumination of an enclosed display stand.
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This application is a Continuation application of a current pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/973,430, filed on Oct. 9, 2007, entitled “Multiple Positioned Light Source to Achieve Uniform or Graded Illumination,” the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and priority of which is claimed herein. The Ser. No. 11/973,430 application, in turn, claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/850,030 filed Oct. 6, 2006 entitled “Multiple Positioned Point Sources to Achieve Uniform or Graded Illumination” under 35 USC sections 119 and 120, and said Provisional Patent Application also being incorporated herein by reference and priority of which is claimed herein.
BACKGROUNDThe present invention relates to various aspects of the lighting systems. In particular, the present invention relates lighting systems and illumination of partially or fully or enclosed spaces such as product display cases, grocery canopy, and under-shelf lighting in various display appliances.
The use of fluorescent lamps and lighting technology is well known in the lighting art. However, disadvantages of a fluorescent lamp and its ballast include the emission of heat as a side effect, which is counterproductive for use with a cooling apparatus. Further, unsafe conditions may occur in a fluorescent lighting system, including the possibility of high voltage arcing, which could either directly harm the installer, customers, or bystanders, or indirectly by starting a fire. The use of mercury in a fluorescent lamp poses a health hazard to store employees, customers or final consumers due to accidental breakage of a lamp allowing the mercury to contaminate the cabinet interior or product surfaces. Finally, fluorescent bulbs have a limited lifetime, requiring inconvenient replacement.
Attempts have been made in the art to replace the less reliable and higher voltage fluorescent bulbs with more reliable and energy efficient solid state lighting such as light emitting devices. The use of solid state lighting has various advantages; however, some of the disadvantages include the need for separate power supply/power converter units that incur loss of energy and generation of undesired heat. Further, solid state lighting include localized lighting devices that do not provide uniform lighting over a wide area.
Often theater lighting uses multiple localized light sources to adjust illumination to highlight individuals or produce other scenic effects. Differences and size and scale notwithstanding, the result differs from the needs for uniform display of a product or uniform lighting of a personnel compartment.
Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved illumination system and technology for more uniform or controlled gradient illumination of substantially enclosed spaces.
SUMMARYThe need is met by the present invention. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a display stand includes panels that define at least partially enclosed space and also define a mullion, a corner, or both. A lighting fixture runs along the mullion or the corner. The lighting fixture includes an integrated lighting system. Each integrated lighting system integrates a plurality of light emitting diodes and a power supply on a common substrate. The lighting fixture includes an input circuit mounted on the substrate, a power converter circuit mounted on the substrate. The input circuit is adapted to receive alternating current electrical power from an external source. The power converter circuit is connected to the input circuit and connected to the light emitting diodes. The power converter circuit is adapted to convert the input alternating current electrical power to direct current electrical power for consumption by the plurality of light emitting diodes. To the display stand, a motion detector and a controller can be added to control application of power to the lighting fixtures of the display stand.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a lighting fixture includes an extrusion frame and a plurality of integrated lighting modules engaged to the extrusion frame. Each module includes a substrate, an input circuit mounted on the substrate, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate, and a power converter circuit mounted on the substrate. The input circuit is adapted to receive alternating current electrical power from an external source. The power converter circuit is connected to the input circuit and connected to the light emitting diodes. The power converter is adapted to convert the input alternating current electrical power to direct current electrical power for consumption by the plurality of light emitting diodes. An output circuit is mounted on the substrate, the output circuit connected to the input circuit and adapted to forward the alternating current electrical power to an external device. A first integrated lighting module of the plurality of integrated lighting modules is connected to an alternating current power source via the input circuit of the first integrated lighting module. A second integrated lighting module of the plurality of integrated lighting modules has an input circuit that is connected to the output circuit of the first integrated lighting module.
In the lighting fixture, the first integrated lighting module includes a first number of light emitting diodes and the second integrated lighting module includes a second number of light emitting diodes. The second number of light emitting diodes can be less than the first number of light emitting diodes. In the lighting fixture, the first integrated lighting module has a first length and the second integrated lighting module has a second length. The second length can be less than the first length. In the lighting fixture, the extrusion frame defines multiple insertion slots allowing for engagement of the integrated lighting modules at varying mounting angles relative to the rest of the extrusion frame. In the lighting fixture, the extrusion frame defines at least one groove adapted to engage wire running along the lighting system.
In a third embodiment of the present invention, an integrated lighting system includes a substrate, an input circuit mounted on the substrate, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on the substrate, a power converter circuit mounted on the substrate, and an output circuit mounted on the substrate. The input circuit is adapted to receive alternating current electrical power from an external source. The power converter circuit is connected to the input circuit and connected to the light emitting diodes. The power converter is adapted to convert the input alternating current electrical power to direct current electrical power for consumption by the plurality of light emitting diodes. The output circuit is connected to the input circuit and adapted to forward the alternating current electrical power to an external device.
In the integrated lighting system, the power converter can include a power factor correction circuit. In the integrated lighting system, a zener diode can be connected electrically parallel to each of the light emitting diodes. In the integrated lighting system, the following additional components can be connected to the integrated lighting system: a motion sensor and a power switch connected to the motion sensor and to the power converter circuit. The power switch operates to apply power to the converter circuit when motion is detected by the motion sensor.
In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, an integrated lighting system includes a substrate, a first echelon of light emitting diodes; and a second echelon of light emitting diodes. The substrate has a first major surface defining a first plane and a second major surface defining a second plane. The first echelon of light emitting diodes is mounted on the first major surface, the first echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a first angle relative to the first plane of the substrate, and the first echelon of light emitting diodes including a first number of light emitting diodes. The second echelon of light emitting diodes is mounted on the first major surface, the second echelon of light emitting diodes is mounted at a second angle relative to the first plane of the substrate, and the second echelon of light emitting diodes includes a second number of light emitting diodes. The second number of diodes is different from the first number of diodes, and the first angle is different from the second angle.
In the integrated lighting system, a third echelon of light emitting diodes can be mounted on the first major surface. The third echelon of light emitting diodes is mounted at a third angle relative to the first plane of the substrate, and the third echelon of light emitting diodes includes a third number of light emitting diodes. The third number of diodes is different from the second number of diodes, and the third angle is different from the first angle and the second angle. In the integrated lighting system, the first echelon of light emitting diodes has a first value of a first characteristic and the second echelon of light emitting diodes has a second value of the first characteristic. The first characteristic is one of the following characteristics: emission color, emission intensity, angle of emission cone, and focus.
In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, a lighting fixture includes an extrusion frame and an integrated lighting module engaged to the extrusion frame. Each integrated lighting modules includes a substrate, an input circuit, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and a power converter. The input circuit is mounted on the substrate. The input circuit is adapted to receive alternating current electrical power from an external source. The plurality of light emitting diodes is mounted on the substrate. The power converter circuit is mounted on the substrate. The power converter circuit is connected to the input circuit and connected to the light emitting diodes. The power converter is adapted to convert the input alternating current electrical power to direct current electrical power for consumption by the plurality of light emitting diodes. The integrated lighting module has a first end pivotally engaged to the extrusion frame. The integrated lighting module has a second end movably engaged to the extrusion frame whereby the integrated lighting module is angularly movable relative to the extrusion frame.
In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, a light emitting diode package includes a light emitting diode and a zener diode. The light emitting diode is encased within a clear epoxy packaging material. The light emitting diode connected to two metal leads coming out of the epoxy packaging. The zener diode is placed within the epoxy packaging. The zener diode connected electrically parallel to the light emitting diode.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the
The panels 104 and doors or windows 102 meet to define mullions, corners, or both. In
Referring to
The integrated lighting module 250 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and power supply on a common substrate 252. The substrate 252 can be any suitable material such as, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), that is substantially flat. The substrate 252 has a first major surface 251 defining a first plane and a second major surface 253 defining a second plane.
The light emitting diodes are mounted on the first major surface 251 and are arranged in a number of columns or rows depending on the orientation of the module 250. In this discussion, word “echelon” will refer to the linear arrangement of light emitting diodes, not necessarily constrained as to direction, as the words “row” or “column” might signify. The module 250 includes at least two echelons of light emitting diodes. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figures, three echelons are shown.
A first echelon 260 of light emitting diodes is mounted on the first major surface 251. The light emitting diodes of the first echelon 260 are mounted at a first angle 262 relative to the first plane of the substrate 252. The first angle 262 can be, in the illustrated sample embodiment, is approximately 90 degrees. In the Figures, light emitting diode 264 represents a single representative light emitting diode of the first echelon 260 of light emitting diodes. Actual number (the first number) of the light emitting diodes in the first echelon 260 is implementation dependent and can vary widely from one to thousands or more. In the illustrated sample embodiment, the first echelon 260 of light emitting diodes includes about 20 to 30 light emitting diodes per 12 inches, or about two light emitting diodes per inch, the distance measured along the direction of the echelon.
A second echelon 270 of light emitting diodes is mounted on the first major surface 251. The light emitting diodes of the second echelon 270 are mounted at a second angle 272 relative to the first plane of the substrate 252. The second angle 272 can be, in the illustrated sample embodiment, is approximately 63 degrees. In the Figures, light emitting diode 274 represents a single representative light emitting diode of the second echelon 270 of light emitting diodes. Actual number (the second number) of the light emitting diodes in the second echelon 270 is implementation dependent and can vary widely from one to thousands or more. In the illustrated sample embodiment, the second echelon 270 of light emitting diodes includes about 5 to 15 light emitting diodes per 12 inches, or about two light emitting diodes per inch, the distance measured along the direction of the echelon.
Typically, the second number of diodes is different from the first number of diodes and the second angle is different from the first angle. This is because, in most implementations, the second echelon 270 of light emitting diodes and the first echelon 260 of light emitting diodes are intended to illuminate different areas, at different intensities, or both. However, in certain applications, the second number of diodes and the first number of diodes may be equal. Likewise, in certain applications, the second angle and the first angle may be equal. These applications are still within the scope of the present invention.
A third echelon 280 of light emitting diodes is mounted on the first major surface 251. The light emitting diodes of the third echelon 280 are mounted at a third angle 282 relative to the first plane of the substrate 252. The third angle 282 can be, in the illustrated sample embodiment, is approximately 35 degrees. In the Figures, light emitting diode 284 represents a single representative light emitting diode of the third echelon 280 of light emitting diodes. Actual number (the third number) of the light emitting diodes in the third echelon 280 is implementation dependent and can vary widely from one to thousands or more. In the illustrated sample embodiment, the third echelon 280 of light emitting diodes includes about 1 to 9 light emitting diodes per 12 inches, or about two light emitting diodes per inch, the distance measured along the direction of the echelon.
Typically, the third number of diodes is different from both the first number of diodes and the second number of diodes. Likewise, the third angle is typically different from both the first angle and the second angle. This is because, in most implementations, the third echelon 280 of light emitting diodes, the first echelon 260 of light emitting diodes, and the second echelon 270 of light emitting diodes are intended to illuminate different areas, at different intensities, or both. However, in certain applications, the third number of diodes may be same as the first number of diodes, the second number of diodes, or both the first number and the second number of diodes. Likewise, in certain applications, the third angle may be same as the first angle, the second angle, or both. These applications are still within the scope of the present invention.
The reason for the differences in the number of light emitting diodes of the three echelons of diodes and the reason for the differences in the angle in which the light emitting diodes of the three echelons are mounted can be explained using
Light uniformity or desired grading is achieved by controlling various factors such as the spacing between the light emitting diodes within each echelon, angle at which the light emitting diodes are mounted, etc. In the illustrated sample configuration, light from the light emitting diodes of various echelons cross each other. This is because of the varying angles in at which the light emitting diodes are mounted. For this reason, this arrangement is sometime referred to as cross fire design.
As discussed above,
In the prior art display stand, the illumination of the leading edge 112a is not uniform. For example, a first portion 112b of the leading edge 112a is more intensely illuminated, that is, relatively brighter, compared to a second portion 112c of the of the leading edge 112a which is less intensely illuminated, that is, relatively darker. This is because, the first portion 112b is relatively closer to the uniform light source 150 than the second portion 112 see which is relatively farther from the uniform light source 150.
In many applications, a more uniform illumination of the products placed on the shelf 110a is desired. The present invention provides for a more uniform illumination of the products on the shelf. This is illustrated in
The light emitting diodes of the first echelon 260 have predefined emission cones within which most of the light of the light emitting diodes is emitted, the emission cone for the light emitting diode 264 is represented in the Figures by the measurement angle 265. In the market, light emitting diodes of various characteristics are available. One of the characteristic is the angle of the emission cone. In the illustrated sample embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting diodes have emission cone angle of approximately 40°.
The light emitting diodes of the second echelon 270, as represented by the representative light emitting diode 274, illuminate portions of the leading edge 112 that is relatively closer to the fixture 200 than the portions illuminated by the light emitting diodes of the first echelon 260 but that is relatively father from the fixture 200 then portions illuminated by the light emitting diodes of the third echelon 280. The light emitting diodes of the second echelon 270 have predefined emission cones within which most of the light of the light emitting diodes is emitted, the emission cone for the light emitting diode 274 is represented in the Figures by the measurement angle 275. The angle 275 may be same as or different from the angle 265 depending on application.
The light emitting diodes of the third echelon 280, as represented by the representative light emitting diode 284, illuminate portions of the leading edge 112 that is relatively closer to the fixture 200 than the portions illuminated by the light emitting diodes of the first echelon 260 as well as the portions illuminated by the light emitting diodes of the second echelon 270. The light emitting diodes of the third echelon 270 have predefined emission cones within which most of the light of the light emitting diodes is emitted, the emission cone for the light emitting diode 284 is represented in the Figures by the measurement angle 285. The angle 285 may be same as or different from the angle 265, angle 275, or both, depending on application.
The portions of the leading edge 112 illuminated by the three echelons of diodes may overlap depending on the light emission cone angles 265, 275, and 285, and the mounting angle at which the diodes of the first echelon 260, the second echelon 270, and the third echelon 280 at which the diodes are mounted on the substrate 252.
If, in the present invention, the light emitting diodes of the three echelons of diodes in the light having the same intensity, and the number of diodes in each echelon of diodes is same, then the illumination of the lead edge 112 would not be uniform, however, in the present invention, the number of diodes in the three echelons of diodes are different, as illustrated in the Figures, the first echelon 250 of diodes include a higher number (first number) of diodes than the number of diodes (second number) of the second echelon 270. Likewise, the second number is greater than the number of diodes (third number) of the third echelon 280. Accordingly, a more uniform illumination of the leading edge 112 of the shelf 110 of the display stand 100 is realized.
In alternate embodiments of the present invention, other illumination effects can be achieved by using diodes having different values of various characteristics. For example, the first echelon 260 of diodes can have a first value of a first characteristic such as having value red of characteristic color in the diodes of the second echelon 270 can have value to of characteristic color. They characteristics of the diodes for which the values can be selected include, for example only, emission color, emission intensity, angle of emission cone, and focus.
Referring to
Referring again to
The integrated lighting module 250 includes a power converter circuit (also referred to as the “power supply”) mounted on the substrate 252. The power converter circuit 240 is connected to the input circuit 290 and connected to the echelons of light emitting diodes of the integrated lighting module 250. In
In the power converter circuit 240, a fuse F1 provides current limiting (to prevent damaging sustained peak current) and a resistor R1 (to limit inrush current), as well as capacitors C1 and C2 (to limit steady state current). R1 could also be a negative temperature coefficient thermistor (NTC) to reduce energy loss after the initial current surge when the unit is energized. The power supply circuit 240 drives the light emitting diodes 254 in a series string configuration. Due to the current limiting components, the voltage at the supply output, at the connection points across C3, is reduced to a light emitting diode-safe drive level under load such as, for example, 132 volts. By use of capacitors C1 and C2 to limit incoming current, the disadvantages of heat dissipation in resistors or transistors are avoided. In case of no-load open circuit, capacitor C3 is rated above the nominal 340 Vdc produced by a voltage doubler circuit operating from a 120 Vac line, to avoid the possibility of component damage.
In the illustrated sample embodiment, the fuse F1 is a 1-amp Pico Fuse; the resistor R1 is a 24 ohm resistor rated at 1 watt; capacitors C1 and C2 have 1 microfarad 250 volt rating; capacitor C3 has 4.7 microfarad 400 volt rating; diodes D1 and D2 have 1N4004 rating 400 volt, 1 amp.; and the MOV (metal oxide varistor) has 150 volt, 5 mm rating.
In an effort to provide high efficiency, low noise production, and low component count, a current limiting power supply utilizing non dissipative capacitive reactance was selected. By using a full wave voltage doubler configuration, improved power factor over a bridge fed capacitor input filter supply can be realized. Resistor (R1) or NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermister provides for surge current limiting at the initial turn on and charging of C1, C2, and C3. An NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor can be used since it has a high resistance at room temperature and turn on, but changes resistance to a lower value upon passing current and heating up. In that manner, dissipation losses are minimized after the unit is operating.
The MOV or metallic oxide varistor in conjunction with a series current limiting element (R1) provides transient voltage protection as found in some harsh industrial electrical environments. Components D1, D2, C1, C2, and C3 comprise a full wave voltage doubling power supply with the capacitance of C1 and C2 selected to provide capacitive reactance sufficient to limit the output current to that of the light emitting diode spec. C3 serves to reduce the ripple voltage appearing across C1 and C2 and thus reduces LED 120 Hz blinking Do to the inherent simplicity of this power supply circuit, reliability is improved, and its low cost can permit it to be a redundant circuit on each integrated lighting module.
Mechanically, to assemble the modules 250 for easier sliding into the frames 210, some components of the power converter circuit 240 can be mounted on the back (second major surface) of the substrate 252. The integrated lighting module 250 includes an output circuit 296 mounted on the substrate 252. The output circuit 296 is connected to the input circuit 290 and is adapted to forward the alternating current electrical power to an external device such as another module 250 via its connection pads 298a and 298b.
As is apparent from the schematic of
Dimensions of the modules 250 are in the order of inches or tens of inches. There is no requirement in the present invention that the dimensions of the modules 250 are identical. In fact, depending on the desired application, modules having various sizes may be used. For example, the length 251a of the first module 250a can be greater than the length 251b of the second module 251b.
By virtue of the cross firing light emitting diodes, lens slot 218 (of
Referring again to
The fixture frame 210 further defines grooves 214 providing convenient pocket for engagement with electrical wires that may run along the fixture 200.
The center mullion fixture 300 has two openings covered by covering lenses 304a and 304b. This is because the center mullion fixture 300 is adapted to provide light generally in two directions as indicated by arrows 301 and 303. For the same reason, the center mullion fixture 300 includes two sets of integrated lighting modules 250. The covering lenses 304a and 304b are not shown in
The controller 500 can be programmed to power off or power down (dim) the lighting fixtures on various conditions such as, for example, at predetermined time periods when the store is closed; when no motion is detected by the motion detector 502, or after a predetermined time period following the detection of motion by the motion detector 502.
During normal operations, electrical power passes through the light emitting diode 526 causing the light emitting diode 526 to emit light. The light emitting diode 526 has a normal operating voltage range such as from 1.5 volts to 3.8 volts. The zener diode 524 is selected such that its reverse breakdown voltage is slightly above the upper limit of the normal operating voltage of the light emitting diode 526. In the present example, the zener diode 524 has a reverse breakdown voltage of approximately 4 volts. When the light emitting diode 526 fails causing the circuit to open, the voltage normally applied to the light emitting diode 526 is now applied to the zener diode 524. As the electrical current piles up at the zener diode 524, voltage across the zener diode 524 increases until at the zener diode 524 breaks down and begins to conduct. Accordingly, a failed light emitting diode does not prevent the flow of current that is needed in other components such as other light emitting diodes.
The placement of the zener diode 524 inside the light emitting diode package 520 as shown in
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting diode package 520 can be used in place of diodes 264, 274, and 284 of echelons 260, 270, and 280 illustrated in
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention is novel and offers advantages over the current art. Although a specific embodiment of the invention is described and illustrated above, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. For example, differing configurations, sizes, or materials may be used to practice the present invention. The invention is limited by the claims that follow.
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A display stand comprising:
- panels defining at least partially enclosed space, said panels also defining a mullion, a corner, or both;
- at least one integrated lighting module running along the mullion or the corner;
- said integrated lighting module comprising: a substrate having a first major surface defining a first plane and a second major surface defining a second plane; a first echelon of light emitting diodes mounted on the first major surface, the first echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a first angle relative to the first plane; a second echelon of light emitting diodes mounted on the first major surface, the second echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a second angle relative to the first plane; and wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.
20. The lighting system recited in claim 19 wherein
- said first echelon of light emitting diodes includes a first number of light emitting diodes;
- wherein said second echelon of light emitting diodes includes a second number of light emitting diodes; and
- the first number different than the second number.
21. The lighting system recited in claim 19 further comprising a third echelon of light emitting diodes mounted on the first major surface, said third echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a third angle relative to the first plane of said substrate, and said third echelon of light emitting diodes.
22. The lighting system recited in claim 21 wherein said third echelon of light emitting diodes including a third number of light emitting diodes.
23. The lighting system recited in claim 19 wherein
- said first echelon of light emitting diodes has a first value of a first characteristic;
- said second echelon of light emitting diodes has a second value of the first characteristic; and
- wherein the first characteristic is one of the following characteristics: emission color, emission intensity, angle of emission cone, and focus.
24. The lighting system recited in claim 19 wherein said integrated lighting module comprising:
- an input circuit;
- a power converter circuit mounted on said substrate, said power converter circuit connected to the input circuit and connected to the light emitting diodes; and
- wherein said power converter circuit is adapted to convert the input alternating current electrical power to direct current electrical power for consumption by said plurality of light emitting diodes.
25. A display stand comprising:
- panels defining at least partially enclosed space, said panels also defining a mullion, a corner, or both;
- a lighting fixture wherein said lighting fixture including at least one integrated lighting module;
- each integrated lighting module comprising: a substrate having a first major surface defining a first plane and a second major surface defining a second plane; a first echelon of light emitting diodes mounted on the first major surface, the first echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a first angle relative to the first plane; a second echelon of light emitting diodes mounted on the first major surface, the second echelon of light emitting diodes mounted at a second angle relative to the first plane; and wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 22, 2010
Publication Date: Apr 21, 2011
Applicant: Q TECHNOLOGY, INC. (Livermore, CA)
Inventors: Thomas E. Stack (Oxford, MI), Samuel S. Lee (Dublin, CA)
Application Number: 12/976,922
International Classification: A47F 11/10 (20060101);