AU2016238880B2

AU2016238880B2 - Downlight

Info

Publication number: AU2016238880B2
Application number: AU2016238880A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Thomas Coverdale; Yang Chu Huei
Original assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Legrand Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-05
Filing date: 2016-10-05
Publication date: 2022-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-05
Also published as: AU2016238880A1

Abstract

Figure 1 A Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp unit comprising a power input connector configured to be connected to a 12 volt power supply, a plurality of LEDs electrically connected to the power input connector, a housing including the power input connector, and the plurality of LEDs, and at least one mounting arrangement to secure the LED lamp unit to a surface. 00 ri4 r1 r1J 00 r-4 enn 0 I -0 -, N4

Description

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DOWNLIGHT

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp unit and more specifically to an integrated LED downlight.

Background Art

Bulbs are used in many different applications today. In the home some applications include track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, and landscape lighting.

The multifaceted reflector bulb is a type of spotlight commonly known as the MR bulb. The MR bulb includes a reflective housing for halogen, fluorescent bulbs and some LEDs.

The nature of the MR bulb creates directional light useful indownlight applications, for example, in kitchens and bathrooms. Halogen MR16 bulb typically runs on 12 volts, and

therefore requires a transformer to step the mains power supply voltage (240 volts) down to the lower operating voltage of 12 volts. Typically, the transformer is installed in the

ceiling cavity and a 12 volt output power cable is run from the transformer to the location required for the bulb. The 12V MR16 bulbs are replaceable by consumers by unplugging the

bulb from the 12V power cable from the transformer. Typically, the transformer is required to be installed by an electrician. Typically the MR16 bulb requires a housing to

accommodate the bulb and retain the bulb in the cavity. Bulbs such as halogen, and

fluorescent, have several disadvantages over LED lighting. Most notably they have a high operating temperature and there is a risk of explosion from the pressurized bulb.

Halogen and fluorescent bulbs produce significant heat. The bulb can reach temperatures

over 200°C. Contact with the bulbs must be avoided because there is significant risk of severe burns. Also, there is a risk of fire should anything flammable come in contact or even

be in close proximity to the bulb.

Halogen bulbs also include a quartz capsule that contains the filament. Halogen gas is

pressurized and they may explode if improperly handled or damaged. Halogen bulbs must be handled carefully prior and during installation to prevent contamination from fingerprint

residue, otherwise, the bulb's life will be significantly shortened.

Halogen and fluorescent bulbs are less efficient than other alternative bulbs such as LEDs.

For example, halogen bulbs typically run at 50 W and LEDs run at 5 W. LEDs provide a significant power savings. However, the brightest available halogen and fluorescent bulbs

are still brighter than the brightest available comparable LEDs.

The above references to the background art do not constitute an admission that the art

forms a part of the common general knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The above references are also not intended to limit the application of the method and system as

disclosed herein.

Summary

Disclosed is a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp unit comprising a power input connector

configured to be connected to a 12 volt power supply, a plurality of LEDs electrically connected to the power input connector; and a housing including the power input

connector, and the plurality of LEDs; and at least one mounting arrangement to secure the LED lamp unit to a surface. The mounting arrangement includes a collar extending from the

housing and a biasing means adapted to cooperate with the collar, so that the collar and

biasing means are, in use, operative to engage the surface. The LEDs, housing and the at least one mounting arrangement are integrated with each other.

In some embodiments, the 12 volt power supply is a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power

supply. Advantageously, when used with a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply, the LED lamp unit is able to be installed by consumers. An electrician does not need to be used

to change the LED lamp unit. Further, as a result of the integrated bulb, housing and

mounting arrangement, the LED lamp unit is easily replaceable. Thus, the LED lamp unit according to the present disclosure is retrofittable into an existing GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3

power supply and can replace a halogen MR16 lamp.

The housing includes the power input connector that is compatible with the GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply, and the LEDs which maximises valuable space in the limited

space available in the ceiling cavity. The LED lamp unit is able to include many LEDs to

produce a desired luminance. LEDs have a long life and remain cool to touch.

In some embodiments, the collar may extend radially in relation to the housing.

In some embodiments, the biasing arrangement may be in the form of two spring members

extending from opposing sides of the housing.

In some embodiments, the LED lamp unit is in the form of adownlight.

In some embodiments, the surface is in the form of a ceiling.

In some embodiments, the at least one mounting arrangement is integral with the housing.

Disclosed is a method of replacing a lamp for a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply including: removing a first lamp from GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply; installing

a LED lamp unit with integrated housing and mounting arrangement to the GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply, the mounting arrangement including a collar extending from

the housing and a biasing means which is operative to apply a biasing force against a surface; mounting the LED lamp unit to a surface by securing the surface between the collar

and the biasing means. In some embodiments, the first lamp is in the form of a halogen

MR16 lamp.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the

following drawings by way of example only, where:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a LED lamp assembly;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the LED lamp assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the LED lamp assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the LED lamp assembly of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the LED lamp assembly of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the LED lamp assembly of Fig. 1.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to the Figures disclosed is an illustrative embodiment of a LED lamp unit 10. In

use, the LED lamp unit is configured to be connected to a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply. In the illustrated embodiment, the LED lamp unit is in the form of a

downlight that is securable to a ceiling. In particular, thedownlight is an MR style light, which has reflective sides for providing directional light. However, it is understood, that the

LED lamp unit may be used for many different applications, such as track lighting, wall

lighting, floor lighting, desk lamps, pendant fixtures, and landscape lighting. The LED lamp unit may also be used for other applications outside of the home such as retail display

lighting, and bicycle headlights, etc.

The LED lamp unit is retrofittable to a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply, which typically is connected to a halogen MR16 lamp. The LED lamp unit is beneficial because

LEDs remain cool (i.e., do not get too hot to touch). LEDs are also much more efficient than

other types of bulbs or lamps.

Referring to Fig. 1, the LED lamp unit 10 includes a housing 12 that includes and is able to accommodate a power input connector 14, and a plurality of LEDs 16. The LED lamp unit 10

also includes a mounting arrangement 18. In some forms, the mounting arrangement 18 is integral with the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the LED unit 10 is integrated by

combining the power input connector 14, the plurality of LEDs 16, the housing 12 and the

mounting arrangement 18 into one whole.

In previous arrangements for a ceiling cavity, the housing and mounting arrangement were separate to the bulb. In typical ceiling cavities the diameter of the hole is 70mm or 90mm.

The most common bulb size used is the MR 16 bulb which has a diameter of 51mm. That is a difference of 19mm to 39mm taken up by the housing and the mounting arrangement.

These previous housings and mounting arrangements take up considerable space where

space is limited. This inefficiently reduces the volume of the space available for the actual light source, and thus affects the luminance of the bulb. This is particularly important where

LEDs are used, and are not as bright as other types of bulbs. Advantageously, the integrated mounting arrangement, housing and bulb according to the present disclosure can replace

the separate housing and bulbs already on the market, while increasing the volume of the bulb to accommodate optional increased number of LEDs, and/or cooling systems, for example, heat sinks.

The power input connector 14 is configured to be connected to a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12

volt power supply. Advantageously, this allows the LED lamp unit 10 to be retrofittable to a standard power supply arrangement that typically receives a halogen MR16 downlight. The

LED lamp unit 10 can replace the halogen MR16 light and does not require an electrician for installation because of the integrated housing.

The power input 14 is in the form of a two-prong connector that is configured to connect to

the GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply. A transformer is located in the ceiling on

the other side of the power supply in the ceiling cavity to convert from 240V mains voltage to 12V required for the downlight.

The LED lamp unit 10 increases the use of space in the ceiling cavity to light source ratio.

This is particularly advantageous in relation to LEDs because in order for the LEDs to emit light to the luminance multiple LEDs are required in the same bulb or lamp. In the

illustrated embodiment, the plurality of LEDs 16 is electrically connected to the power input

connector 14. In this regard, the LED lamp unit 10 having more space than a typical MR bulb recessed in the ceiling allows the user to have more control over the brightness and

direction of the light. Typically, LEDs tend to have lower luminous power than other bulbs. As a result, it is significantly beneficial to have a larger housing that accommodates more

LEDs, and cooling systems while being able to fit into existing size ceiling cavities (i.e., retrofittable).

The mounting arrangement 18 secures the LED lamp in the ceiling cavity. By including the mounting arrangement 18 in the LED lamp unit 10, the available space in the ceiling cavity is

being efficiently used and optimised. As discussed above, the space available in a ceiling cavity for a bulb is minimal. The integrated LED lamp unit 10 according to the present

disclosure provides the user with more usable volume within the unit. This translates into providing the user with more control over how much light is being generated and how much

heat is being generated. The LED lamp unit 10 increases the control on luminance in relation to the available space in the ceiling cavity. Further, integrating the mounting arrangement with the power input connector and the LEDs takes advantage of previously dead space that was simply used to hold the bulb or lamp in place.

The lamp unit 10 includes mounting arrangement 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the

mounting arrangement 18 is in the form of a collar 20 and a biasing arrangement 22. In the embodiment, the collar 20 is integral with the housing and the biasing arrangement 22 is

connected to the housing. The collar 20 extends from the housing 12 and includes an abutment surface 24. In use, the collar 20 is operative to engage the ceiling surrounding the

ceiling cavity so as to inhibit unintentional removal of the LED lamp unit 10 from the ceiling cavity. In this regard, the abutment surface 24 is positioned to engage an external surface

of the ceiling surrounding the ceiling cavity. The collar 20 is circular and extends radially in relation to the housing 12, so the face of the LED lamp unit 10 is substantially flush with the

ceiling. In non-illustrated alternative embodiments, the collar may extend at any angle in

relation to the housing and may be in the form of tabs or be any other shape. For example, the collar may be stepped, or may extend at an acute or obtuse angle in relation to the

housing to facilitate the LED lamp unit either being further recessed into the ceiling cavity or further pronounced out of the ceiling cavity.

The mounting arrangement 18 also includes a biasing arrangement 22. The collar 20 and

the biasing arrangement 18 are positioned on either side of the ceiling. The biasing

arrangement 18 is operative to engage an internal surface of the ceiling that surrounds the ceiling cavity so as to inhibit unintentional removal of the LED lamp unit from the ceiling

cavity. The biasing arrangement is operative to impart a biasing force to the internal surface of the ceiling surrounding the ceiling cavity relative to the collar 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing arrangement 20 is in the form of two spring

members 26 extending from opposing sides of the housing 12. In use, the two spring

members 26 are rotated against their bias upward away from the collar 20 so that the spring members 26 may be inserted into the ceiling cavity. Once inserted into the ceiling cavity,

the spring members 26 are released so they rotate under bias to engage the internal surface of the ceiling. The ceiling is positioned between the two spring members 26 and the

abutment surface 24 of the collar 20. Thus, the LED lamp unit is secured in the ceiling

cavity.

It is understood that the at least one mounting arrangement may take any suitable form,

such as a snap fit arrangement, a friction fit arrangement or may be in threaded engagement, may be attached by mechanical fixings (e.g. screws), or adhesive, or a

combination thereof.

Common sizes for general MR lighting are MR16 (16/8 inches, 51 mm) and MR11 (11/8

inches, 35 mm), with MR20 (20/8 inches, 64 mm) and MR8 (8/8 inch, 25 mm) used in specialty applications. The LED lamp unit according to the present disclosure is compatible

with all the common sizes and thus retrofittable in existing ceiling cavities or other applications.

In general, LEDs require lower power, are more efficient, and last longer, which is advantageous as it saves power and money. Therefore, LEDs are more financially and

environmentally sustainable than other known bulbs.

As will be understood, variations of the above described LED lamp units can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

While the LED lamp units have been described in reference to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the works which have been used are descriptive rather than

limiting and that changes may be made without departing from its scope as defined by the claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise"

or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of

further features in various embodiments of the LED lamp unit.

Claims

1. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp unit comprising:

a power input connector configured to be connected to a 12 volt power supply;

a plurality of LEDs electrically connected to the power input connector; a housing including the power input connector, and the plurality of LEDs; and

at least one mounting arrangement to secure the LED lamp unit to a surface, the mounting arrangement including a collar extending from the housing and a biasing

means adapted to cooperate with the collar, so that the collar and biasing means are, in use, operative to engage the surface;

wherein the LEDs, housing and the at least one mounting arrangement are integrated with each other.

2. A LED lamp unit according to claim 1 wherein the 12 volt power supply is a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply.

3. A LED lamp unit according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the LED lamp unit is

configured to replace a halogen MR16 lamp.

4. A LED lamp unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar

extends radially in relation to the housing.

5. A LED lamp unit according to claim 4, wherein the biasing arrangement is in the

form of at least two spring members extending from opposing sides of the housing.

6. A LED lamp unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lamp unit

is in the form of adownlight.

7. A LED lamp unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface is in the form of a ceiling.

8. A LED lamp unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one mounting arrangement is integral with the housing.

9. A method of replacing a lamp for a GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply

including:

removing a first lamp from GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply;

installing a LED lamp unit with integrated housing and mounting arrangement to the

GU5.3, GX5.3 or GY5.3 12 volt power supply, the mounting arrangement including a collar extending from the housing and a biasing means which is operative to apply a

biasing force against a surface;

mounting the LED lamp unit to a surface by securing the surface between the collar

and the biasing means.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the first lamp is in the form of a halogen MR16 lamp.