CN109073168B

CN109073168B - Lighting device

Info

Publication number: CN109073168B
Application number: CN201780021117.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 詹姆斯·V·阿格罗; 克里斯托弗·布朗特; 吉奥瓦尼·弗雷萨; 迈克尔·C·皮奇尼; 维多·萨德杰; 马科·斯皮格
Original assignee: Molex LLC
Current assignee: Molex LLC
Priority date: 2016-02-15
Filing date: 2017-02-15
Publication date: 2021-02-23
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-15
Also published as: CN109073168A; CN112963745B; CN112963745A

Abstract

In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a base having a reflector. A track is positioned adjacent the reflector and has an emitter thereon that is configured to emit light onto the reflector. Light reflects from the reflector and passes through a diffuser, which may serve to ensure that the emitted light is desirably soft. In an embodiment, the diffuser may be removed from the base for repair or replacement.

Description

Lighting device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to the following applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety: US provisional patent application US62/295400 entitled "lighting device" filed on day 2/15 of 2016, US provisional patent application US62/303223 entitled "POE automatic control system" filed on day 3/3 of 2016, US provisional patent application US62/303223 entitled "POE automatic control system" filed on day 14 of 2016, US provisional patent application US62/362352 entitled "POE automatic control system", international patent application PCT/US17/17885 entitled "system and method for ethernet control of power", filed on day 2/15 of 2017, and US provisional patent application US62/459124 filed on day 2/15 of 2017, entitled "system and method for BEACON".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of lighting, and more particularly to the field of lighting employing a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

Background

LEDs have become increasingly popular as a general illumination source. Recent developments have shown that LEDs can provide efficient light sources, and laboratory results have shown that some LEDs can approach or even exceed 150 lumens/watt. Furthermore, LEDs avoid the need to use mercury, thus providing a more environmentally friendly footprint (fotopprint) than other conventional lighting technologies.

While LEDs can be used for lighting, one problem that exists is the cost of installing LED holders (LEDs fixtures). One approach to solving this problem is to develop an LED-based design that is comparable to existing light bulbs. While this can be done, it is often sub-optimal since the design tradeoffs required to allow an LED to function in an existing holder tend to make it difficult to use the light provided by the LED efficiently. The more optimal the holder, the more effective (effective) it tends to direct the emitted lumens onto the desired surface.

In many facilities, most of the power consumed is used for lighting. Even with the dramatic increase in efficiency (efficiency), it is desirable to minimize the power used when feasible. By increasing the intelligence of the system, it is expected that further improvements in building system efficiency (efficacy) may be provided.

While use is part of the efficiency of the system, another part of the efficiency is the cost of installing and maintaining the lighting system. LEDs are well suited for commercial facilities due to their long life and moderate drop in output. For example, they are not replaced every 10000 hours, but every 50000 hours or more. This long life can greatly increase the Return On Investment (ROI) because businesses must pay someone to change bulbs, and often the replacement requires locating someone near the ceiling 10 feet above the ground (which implies the need to use a ladder (lift) or other means to safely position personnel in place).

However, existing LED holders, while providing long life, generally do not provide for a simple mounting process. To improve safety, it would be helpful if the installation process could be done with one hand. It would further be beneficial if lighting devices could be used in a more intelligent manner.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a lighting device includes a base having a reflector. A track is positioned adjacent the reflector and has a light emitting panel thereon that is positioned to emit light onto the reflector. The light reflects from the reflector and passes through a diffuser, which may serve to ensure that the emitted light is desirably soft (defuse). In an embodiment, the diffuser may be removed from the base for repair or replacement.

Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a lighting device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the lighting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away view of the lighting device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 with a base of the lighting device removed and showing a connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a track of the lighting device of FIG. 1 and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the track of FIG. 5 and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the track of FIG. 5 with a cover removed and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 8 is an exploded top perspective view of the track of FIG. 5 with the cover removed and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of a portion of the track of FIG. 5 with the cover removed and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the track of FIG. 5 with the cover removed and showing the connector mounted on the base;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a lighting device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the lighting device of FIG. 11, without a cover;

FIG. 13 is an end view of the lighting device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective, exploded view of a portion of the lighting device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a portion of a base of the lighting device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is an end view of a reflector of the lighting device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a light panel diffuser assembly of the lighting device of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the light emitting panel diffuser assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a diffuser of the light emitting panel diffuser assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an end view of the diffuser of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the diffuser of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a track of the light emitting panel diffuser assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is an end view of the track of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the track of FIG. 22;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are partial top perspective views of the light emitting panel diffuser assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting panel diffuser assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lighting device of FIG. 17;

FIG. 30A, FIG. 31A, FIG. 32A, FIG. 33A and FIG. 34A are bottom views of alternative embodiments of a diffuser for a light emitting plate diffuser assembly;

FIG. 30B, FIG. 31B, FIG. 32B, FIG. 33B and FIG. 34B are partially enlarged bottom views of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 30A, FIG. 31A, FIG. 32A, FIG. 33A and FIG. 34A, respectively;

FIG. 35 is an example circuit substrate for a gateway controller; and

fig. 36 is an example circuit for a sensor board and a light emitting board.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Thus, unless otherwise specified, various features disclosed herein can be combined together to form a number of additional combinations that are not shown for the sake of brevity.

Fig. 1-10 illustrate a first embodiment of a lighting device 1020 that incorporates features of the present invention. Fig. 11-31A illustrate a second embodiment of a lighting device 2020, which incorporates features of the present invention. The

lighting fixtures

1020, 2020 are configured to be mounted in or suspended from a ceiling (not shown).

Attention is directed to the illumination device 1020 shown in fig. 1-10. The illumination device 1020 includes a base 1022 having a reflector, which in this embodiment is provided as a reflective chamber 1024. The base 1022 is mounted in or suspended from a ceiling in a known manner. The reflector 1024 is convex, has a partial circular arc shape but may take other shapes as desired, and may include a plurality of corners rather than a smooth curve. A pair of diffusers 1026 are provided to help provide a more diffuse light source. The base 1022 supports a rail 1028 and the rail 1028 includes a connector 1030, the connector 1030 to be mated with a connector 1032 supported by the base 1022. The rail 1028 will be removably docked to the base 1022. In one embodiment, one end of the rail 1028 is secured by the base 1022 via a tab 1034 (see fig. 5), and one end of the rail 1028 is supported by the base 1022 while the other end is supported by the connector 1032.

The rail 1028 and diffuser 1026 are positioned in alignment with the reflective chamber 1024. The track 1028 has a first side facing the reflective chamber 1024 and supporting a light board 1036, which includes a set of LEDs 1038. The LEDs 1038 are thermally coupled (coupled) to the track 1028. Although two LEDs 1038 are shown for clarity, in practice 4 or more LEDs (preferably more than 10 LEDs) will be provided to provide more uniform illumination. Thus, the set of LEDs 1038 can have a relatively large number of LEDs, if desired. The rail 1028 also includes a second side opposite the first side, and a sensor plate 1040 (e.g., fig. 36) can be mounted on the second side. The base 1022 supports a connector 1032, the connector 1032 configured to mate with a connector 1030 on the rail 1028. One or both of the

connectors

1030, 1032 may include a releasable catch (not shown) that helps to maintain the

connectors

1030, 1032 in a mated condition. A cover 1042 is mounted to the rail 1028 to cover the sensor plate 1040.

The LEDs 1038 on the light panel 1036 can be controlled by a controller 118 (fig. 36). The LEDs 1038 typically include more than two LEDs, but need not be a particular number. In some embodiments, the LEDs 1038 may have different color temperatures (color temperatures). This classification can provide many different illumination color temperatures by varying the mixing and illumination levels (illumination levels) of the different LED colors. The position of the controller 118 that adjusts the output of the LED array and/or the lighting effect may vary depending on the configuration of the lighting device.

In some embodiments, the controller 118 may be mounted on or integrated into the sensor board 1040. Of course, such a location is not required, and the controller 118 may be mounted on another substrate (board) supported by the rails 1028, such as a circuit substrate (circuit board). In an embodiment where the rail 1028 supports the controller 118, the controller 118 may receive various types of inputs and provide current to the LEDs 1038 according to its configuration based on the received inputs. As can be appreciated, such a configuration allows connector 1030 to have relatively few inputs (a pair of power inputs and a pair of signal inputs-and if desired, the signal inputs can be multiplexed onto the power inputs) while providing various control outputs. Additional or alternative features of the controller 118 will be described with respect to the embodiment of the lighting device 2020 of fig. 11-33A.

The sensor board 1040 may include various sensors 2128, such as ambient light, temperature, occupancy (occupancy), motion, noise, air quality, humidity, acceleration, proximity (proximity), magnetism, pressure, motion, flow, CO/CO2, Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), red/green/blue (RGB) light, active or Passive Infrared (PIR), visual information, e.g., from a camera, audio information, e.g., from a microphone, etc., and other desired sensors 2128. The sensor 2128 may be used to provide feedback to the lighting fixture 1020 so that the lighting fixture 1020 can provide a more intelligent illumination. For example, the motion/occupancy sensor 2128 may help ensure that the lighting device 1020 is off or operating at a reduced output when no one is nearby. In addition to providing intelligent lighting, the lighting 1020 may also provide feedback to the individual in the visible range or audible range. A pattern of LEDs may be provided on the sensor board 1040 and the controller 118 may turn the LEDs on to provide the desired visual cue. Some noise generating device, such as a speaker or transducer, may also be provided on the sensor board 1040 to provide audible prompts. Sensor board 1040 can be electrically coupled to connector 1030 to provide power to connector 1030.

As can be appreciated, the

connectors

1030, 1032 typically provide at least two power terminals. Power may be provided by providing power over ethernet (PoE) or an ethernet cable or other desired input. For example, the standard 110V-277V may be used with a power converter, such as an LED driver device. The benefit of using a PoE source is that the power supply is low voltage, which simplifies the overall design of the lighting device, and also makes it simple to provide power (simply by extending a network cable to this location).

If PoE is used to power the lighting fixture 1020, an RJ45 port 2126 (or other suitable port) and a suitable driver may be provided in the lighting fixture 1020.

Attention is directed to the lighting device 2020 shown in fig. 11 to 33A. The lighting device 2020 includes a base 2022 having a junction box 2044 attached to the base 2022, a connector 2032 mounted to the base 2022, and a luminescent plate diffuser element 2046 removably mounted to the base 2022. The light board diffuser assembly 2046 includes a connector 2030 which, when the light board diffuser assembly 2046 is assembled with the base 2022, the connector 2030 interfaces with a connector 2032 in the base 2022. The base 2022 is mounted in or suspended from a ceiling in a known manner.

In one embodiment, the base 2022 is formed by a reflector 2024 having

end caps

2048, 2050 at

ends

2024a, 2024b of the reflector 2024 and a bracket 2116 mounted to the end cap 2048. Reflector 2024 includes a first convex portion 2052 and a second convex portion 2054 joined together at a central apex 2056. An upper side of reflector 2024 is disposed at 2024 c; and a lower side of the reflector 2024 is disposed at 2024 d. An end cap 2048 is mounted to the end 2024a of the reflector 2024; end cap 2050 is mounted to end 2024b of reflector 2024. The end caps 2048, 2050 are suitably mounted to the reflector 2024, such as by tabs seated in holes or by welding. In one embodiment, the tabs are bent after they are passed into the holes to secure the

end caps

2048, 2050 to the reflector 2024. Other mounts configured to mount the

end caps

2048, 2050 to the reflector 2024 are within the scope of the invention. Although the first and

second portions

2052, 2054 are shown as convex, other shapes may be used as desired and may include corners rather than smooth curves. Referring to fig. 13, the end cap 2050 includes a slot 2058 therethrough. The brackets 2116 are mounted to the end cap 2048 by suitable means, such as rivets. The standoffs 2116 extend from the end cap 2048 toward the raised

portions

2052, 2054. In one embodiment, the bracket 2116 has an aperture 2117 therethrough.

The connector 2032 accommodates a plurality of pins or sockets. Connector 2032 is mounted to bracket 2116. In one embodiment, the connector 2032 extends through an aperture 2117 in the bracket 2116.

Referring to fig. 14, the connector 2032 is seated in a cover 2062, which cover 2062 in turn is mounted to the end cap 2048. Referring to fig. 15, the cover 2062 is mounted to the end cap 2048 by a plurality of tabs 2066 that extend through apertures in the end cap 2048. Other mounting members configured to mount the cover 2062 to the end cap 2048 are within the scope of the present invention. The bracket 2116 is provided below the cover 2062.

The junction box 2044 houses a gateway controller 2045 (fig. 35) and any other electrical components needed to connect the lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020) to a PoE source as described herein. In an embodiment, the junction box 2044 is disposed above the upper side 2024c of the reflector 2024 and is mounted to the

end caps

2048, 2050 by suitable mounts, such as by tabs in holes or by welding. In an embodiment, the terminal block 2044 is spaced apart from the first raised portion 2052 and the second raised portion 2054. In an embodiment, the junction box 2044 rests on top of the first raised portion 2052 and the second raised portion 2054. In one embodiment, the terminal block 2044 is mounted to one side of the reflector 2024 by suitable mounts (such as by tabs in holes or by welding) and to the

end caps

2048, 2050.

A light board diffuser assembly 2046 is removably mounted to the base 2022 and the connector 2032. The light board diffuser assembly 2046 includes a diffuser 2026, a rail 2028, a light board 2036 mounted on the rail 2028, connectors 2030 mounted on the light board 2036, a sensor board 2040 mounted on the rail 2028, and mounts 2104 for mounting the diffuser 2026 to the rail 2028. The track 2028, connectors 2030, light board 2036 and sensor board 2040 form a subassembly 2060 of light board diffuser assembly 2046. The sensors 2128 of sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) may include, but are not limited to, any of the sensors illustrated herein.

As best shown in fig. 19-21, the diffuser 2026 includes a central portion 2068, a first side portion 2070 extending from one side of the central portion 2068, and a second side portion 2072 extending from the other side of the central portion 2068. In one embodiment, the central portion 2068 is formed by a first upstanding wall 2074, a second upstanding wall 2076 and a top wall formed by a pair of

top wall portions

2078, 2080 extending between the upper ends of the

upstanding walls

2074, 2076 such that a cavity 2082 is formed by the central portion 2068 and a central aperture 2084 is formed by the upper ends of the

upstanding walls

2074, 2076 and the

top wall portions

2078, 2080. In one embodiment, the

upright walls

2074, 2076 and the

top wall portions

2078, 2080 are flat. The first side part 2070 extends outward from the lower end of the first upright wall 2074; the second side part 2072 extends outward from the lower end of the second upright wall 2076. In one embodiment, the

side portions

2070, 2072 are curved such that the

side portions

2070, 2072 curve upward from the lower ends of the

upright walls

2074, 2076, respectively. The side portion 2070 has an upper surface 2070a and a lower surface 2070 b; the side portion 2072 has an upper surface 2072a and a lower surface 2072 b. In an embodiment, the

side portions

2070, 2072 have a series of perforations 2086, the series of perforations 2086 extending from the

upper surfaces

2070a, 2072a to the

lower surfaces

2070b, 2072 b. As shown in fig. 30A-34B, perforations 2086 may have various patterns.

In an embodiment, a film layer (film)2088 covers perforations 2086 in

side portions

2070, 2072 of diffuser 2026 and helps to diffuse light generated by LEDs 2038 that passes through perforations 2086. In one embodiment, the film 2088 is disposed on the

top surfaces

2070a, 2072a of the

side portions

2070, 2072. Film layer 2088 on diffuser 2026 may be omitted.

As best shown in fig. 22-24, the rail 2028 includes a central portion 2090, a first side portion 2092 extending from one side of the central portion 2090, and a second side portion 2094 extending from the other side of the central portion 2090. In one embodiment, central portion 2090 is formed from a first upright wall 2096, a second upright wall 2098, and a top wall 2100 extending between the upper ends of

upright walls

2096, 2098, such that a cavity 2102 is formed by central portion 2090. The top wall 2100 has an upper surface 2100a, a lower surface 2100b, and

opposite ends

2100c, 2100 d. In one embodiment,

upright walls

2096, 2098 and top wall 2100 are planar. The

side portions

2092, 2094 extend from a bottom end of the

respective wall

2096, 2098 and may be bent upwardly relative thereto. A tab 2034 extends outwardly from top wall 2100 at its end 2100 d. Tab 2034 has a reduced width relative to top wall 2100.

The light emitting plate 2036 has an upper surface 2036a and a lower surface 2036 b. Light slab 2036 is mounted on track 2028 such that a lower surface 2036b of light slab 2036 rests against an upper surface 2100a of top wall 2100 of track 2028. Light emitter 2036 can be mounted on track 2028 by an adhesive pad or by fasteners (not shown) or by a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the adhesive pad is a thermally conductive tape to serve as a heat sink to provide heat transfer from the light slab 2036 to the track 2028. The upper surface 2036a of the light slab 2036 includes a set of LEDs 2038 (e.g., fig. 36) thermally coupled to the tracks 2028. Although two LEDs 2038 are illustrated for clarity, it is contemplated that in practice 4 or more LEDs will be provided (preferably more than 10 LEDs) to provide more uniform illumination. Thus, the set of LEDs 2038 can have a relatively large number of LEDs, if desired.

The connectors 2030 of the light board diffuser assembly 2046 receive a plurality of pins or sockets therein and are mounted to the upper surface 2036a of the light board 2036. When the light board diffuser assembly 2046 is mounted to the base 2022 as described herein, the connectors 2030 of the light board diffuser assembly 2046 are configured to interface with the connectors 2032 in the base 2022.

As shown in fig. 12 and 36, the sensor board 2040 may include various sensors 2128, including but not limited to ambient light, temperature, occupancy, motion, noise, air quality, and other desired sensors. For example, sensor board 2040 may include an air quality sensor to provide local air quality feedback to a building automation system, including but not limited to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In other examples, the sensors 2128 may be used to provide feedback to the lighting apparatus 2020, such that the lighting apparatus 2020 may provide a more intelligent lighting. For example, a motion/occupancy sensor may help ensure that the lighting 2020 is off or operating at a reduced output when no one is nearby, and an ambient light sensor may help ensure that the level of brightness (light level) produced by the lighting 2020 is automatically adjusted based on ambient sunlight from windows and skylights, etc. In addition to providing intelligent lighting, the lighting device 2020 may also provide feedback to individuals within a visual or audible range, for example, warning individuals of potentially hazardous air quality in the area. A pattern of LEDs 2038 may be provided on the sensor board 2040 and a controller 118 may turn on the LEDs 2038 to provide the desired visual cues. Some noise generating device (e.g., a speaker or transducer) may also be provided on the sensor board 2040 to provide audible prompts. The sensor board 2040 may be electrically coupled to the gateway controller 2045, for example, via a connector 2030, to provide power thereto (see, e.g., fig. 34 and 35). Sensor board 2040 is also connected to light board 2036 for powering light board 2036. Sensor board 2040 may be mounted on the lower surface 2100b of top wall 2100 of track 2028 and connected to light board 2036 (e.g., via a plug and wiring harness (not shown)) through track 2028. Sensor board 2040 may be mounted on lower surface 2100b of top wall 2100 of track 2028. Sensor board 2040 may be mounted to rail 2028 by an adhesive pad or by fasteners (not shown) or by a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the adhesive pad is a thermally conductive tape to serve as a heat sink to provide heat transfer from sensor board 2040 to track 2028.

In some embodiments, the controller 118 may be mounted on or integrated with the sensor board 2040. Of course, such a location is not required and controller 118 may be mounted on a separate circuit substrate supported by rail 2028. In some embodiments, the controller 118 may be a stand-alone device and housed separately and connected to the lighting apparatus 2020. In an embodiment where the track 2028 supports the controller 118, the controller 118 may receive various types of inputs and provide current to the LEDs 2038 according to its configuration based on the received inputs. As can be appreciated, such a configuration enables connector 2030 to have a relatively small number of inputs (a pair of power inputs and a pair of signal inputs, e.g., voltage, ground, RS + and RS-for RS485 protocol, and the signal inputs can be multiplexed to the power inputs if desired) while providing various control outputs.

As can be appreciated, the

connectors

2030, 2032 typically provide at least two power terminals. Power may be provided through an ethernet cable or other desired input that provides power over ethernet (PoE). One benefit of using a PoE source is that the power supply is low voltage, which simplifies the design of the lighting device 2020 (and lighting device 1020) and also simplifies providing power without the need for installing high voltage conduits (conduits) (e.g., only extending a network cable to that location to provide power and data).

If PoE is used to power lighting device 2020 or lighting device 1020), an RJ45 port 2126 (or other suitable port) may be provided in lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020), e.g., directly and/or via a gateway controller 2045 housed in a junction box 2044. The gateway controller 2045 receives power signals and control signals from the ethernet via the RJ45 port 2126, and outputs the power signals and control signals to the lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020). In some embodiments, gateway controller 2045 is connected to sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), e.g., for sending signals to controller 118. For power and data connections, the connector 2032 (connector 1032) of the junction box 2044 is communicatively connected to the

connectors

1030, 2030 of the light board diffuser assembly 2046 (rail 1028/light board 1036/sensor board 1040), for example, to send power and data signals to and receive data signals from the light board diffuser assembly 2046 (rail 1028/light board 1036/sensor board 1040). Connector 2032 (connector 1032) and connector 2030 (connector 1030) allow the light board diffuser assembly 2046 (track 1028/light board 1036/sensor board 1040) to be removably disconnected/connected from the rest of gateway controller 2045 and lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020) and the rest of lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020).

In some embodiments, gateway controller 2045 may convert the received ethernet or other higher level protocol to a lower level protocol, for example, a building management based protocol. For example, gateway controller 2045 may convert PoE, UPoE, etc. to RS232, RS485, CAN, BACnet, Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI), MOLEX TRANSCEND, etc., and vice versa. With respect to connector 2032 (connector 1032) and connector 2030 (connector 1030), it should be noted that gateway controller 2045 may be made to connect with lighting 2020 (lighting 1020) wired and/or wirelessly, e.g., via a hardwired wiring harness and/or wirelessly via bluetooth low energy (BTLE), ZigBee, EnOcean, IEEE 802.11(WiFi), etc.

Gateway controller 2045 may be implemented on a circuit substrate 160 (fig. 35). The circuit substrate 160 may include one or more processors 162 and one or more memory devices 164, which may be implemented together as a microprocessor with memory in some embodiments. Storage device 164 may include one or more of a program memory, a cache memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, etc., and/or other types of memory. In some embodiments, memory 164 may store instructions (e.g., compiled executable program instructions), uncompiled program code, some combination thereof, and the like) that, when executed (e.g., executed, translated, interpreted, and/or the like) by processor 162, cause processor 162 to perform the conversions, translations, logics, and any other processes described herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the gateway controller 2045 may include a power converter 170 to convert 48VDC or other voltage received via ethernet to 5VDC and 3.3VDC or other voltage used by the gateway controller 2045, the sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), the LEDs 2038 (LEDs 1038), and/or other components of the lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020). The ethernet physical layer 172 connects the ethernet-based signal with the processor 162, and an RS485 or other input/output (I/O)174 connects the processor 162 with the lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020). Gateway controller 2045 transmits power supply signals and/or data signals to lighting apparatus 2020 (lighting apparatus 1020) via connectors 2032(1032) and 2030 (connector 1030). Gateway controller 2045 may also receive signals from lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020), e.g., from

sensors

2128 and 2129 located on sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) and light board 2036 (light board 1036), respectively, of lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020). In some embodiments, gateway controller 2045 may process sensor signals 2128 and/or 2129 to directly control lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020) based on data received from the sensor signals. In some embodiments, the gateway controller 2045 may transmit the sensor signals 2128 and/or 2129 over ethernet to a server connected to the gateway controller 2045 for processing and transmitting new control signals to the lighting fixture 2020 (lighting fixture 1020). In some embodiments, the control signals are processed by controller 118 located on sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) to control LED2038(LED 1038) based on the control signals. In some embodiments, the controller 118 directly processes the sensor signal to control the LED 2038.

Sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) may include a power converter 178 for converting 5VDC or other voltage received from gateway controller 2045 to 3.3VDC or other voltage used by controller 118. The sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) may also include an RS485 or other I/O176 to communicatively couple the controller 118 with the gateway controller 2045 to receive power and data signals from the gateway controller 2045 and to transmit sensor signals and any other information, such as from the sensors 2128, to the gateway controller 2045. The controller 118 may include an I2C sensor bus for communicating with the sensors 2128. In some embodiments, controller 110 may also process sensor signals 2128 and/or 2129 to directly control LEDs 2038 (LEDs 1038) on light board 2036 (light board 1036) based on data from the sensor signals. In some embodiments, controller 118 may be implemented as a microprocessor with memory. The memory may include one or more of a program memory, a cache memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, a hard drive, etc., and/or other types of memory. The memory may store instructions (e.g., compiled executable program instructions, uncompiled program code, some combination thereof, or the like)) that, when executed (e.g., executed, translated, interpreted, and/or the like) by the controller 118, cause the controller 118 to perform the conversions, translations, logic, and any other processes described herein.

Light panel 2036 (light panel 1036) can also include sensors and sensor support circuits 2129, e.g., color sensors and/or I2C sensor buses. Light board 2036 (light board 1036) or, in some embodiments, sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), may include a power converter 180 (e.g., a buck converter) to provide a determined constant current to control illumination of LED2038(LED 1038), e.g., based on control signals from controller 118. The controller 118 sends control signals and a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal to the power converter 180 to control the LEDs 2038 (LEDs 1038) to be on, off, color, illumination level, etc. The power converter 180 may also receive and modulate the 48VDC received from the sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) to power the LED2038(LED 1038).

Sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040) and/or light board 2036 (light board 1036) can also include red, green, blue, and white (RGBW) LEDs. The controller 118 may activate the RGBW LED to use the lighting device 2020 (lighting device 2010) as a pathway, diagnostic, general information, and/or indicator in an emergency. The RGBW LED may be part of LED2038(LED 1038) or a separate LED. In some embodiments, the controller 118 may strobe (strobe) the RGBW LED in an outlet (egr) direction. In some embodiments, the controller 118 causes the illumination device to illuminate red to indicate a fire or blue to indicate a warning. In some embodiments, the activated LED or LEDs indicate to the controller 118 that a potentially dangerous chemical or gas in the area is detected (e.g., via a connected air quality sensor), that the controller detects the presence of an earthquake (e.g., via a connected accelerometer), that there is a terrorist alert in the area, etc. In some embodiments, the activated LED or LEDs may indicate a status of a power and/or network data connection with lighting device 2020 (lighting device 2010). In some embodiments, the activated one or more LEDs may indicate an occupancy status of a room, or the like. Other examples are possible.

In some embodiments, the circuit substrate 160, sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), and/or light board 2036 (light board 1036) are sized and shaped to fit the track 2028 (track 1028) and/or lighting device 2020 (lighting device 1020), for example, via a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangle shape, a square shape, a triangle shape, an irregular shape, and the like. The circuit substrate 160, sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), and/or light board 2036 (light board 1036) may comprise one or more physical substrates that are connected to each other and, in some embodiments, stacked relative to each other. It is understood that in the description of circuit substrate 160, sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), and/or light board 2036 (light board 1036), by way of non-limiting example, such that circuit substrate 160, sensor board 2040 (sensor board 1040), and/or light board 2036 (light board 1036) may have implemented thereon alternative components of circuitry and/or other electronic components within the scope of the present invention, including but not limited to printed circuit substrate components, circuit substrates having point-to-point configurations, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

As shown in fig. 25-28, the track 2028 is seated in the cavity 2082 of the diffuser 2026 such that the top wall 2100 of the track 2028 engages the lower surface of the

top wall portions

2078, 2080, the tab 2034 extends outwardly from the top wall portion 2080, the

upstanding walls

2096, 2098 engage the

upstanding walls

2074, 2076, and the

side portions

2092, 2094 engage the

side portions

2070, 2072. The track 2028 is releasably mounted to the diffuser 2026 by the mount 2104 (or the diffuser 2026 is releasably mounted to the track 2028 by the mount 2104). In one embodiment, mount 2104 is a fastener that extends through

top wall portions

2078, 2080 of diffuser 2026 and top wall 2100 of central portion 2090 of track 2028 as shown in fig. 25 and 26. Other mounts (such as clips) for releasably mounting the track 2028 to the diffuser 2026 are within the scope of the invention. The light board 2036 is exposed through the aperture 2084 so that light from the LED2038 is directed upward.

A user mounts the light board diffuser assembly 2046 to the base 2022 with one hand by inserting the tabs 2034 into the slots 2058 in the end cap 2050 and then pivoting the light board diffuser assembly 2046 upward about the tabs 2034 until the connectors 2030 on the light board diffuser assembly 2046 engage the connectors 2032 in the base 2022. This aligns the track 2028, light board 2036, and diffuser 2026 with the reflector 2024. Light generated by the LEDs 2038 on the light slab 2036 is reflected by the reflector 2024, causing the light to be reflected downward from the lighting device 2020.

In one embodiment, the bracket 2116 of the base 2022 has a male threaded mount 2130 disposed thereon, the male threaded mount 2130 having a threaded aperture. Referring to fig. 14 and 29, aligned

apertures

2132, 2134 are provided through the top wall 2100 of the track 2028 and the top wall portion 2078 of the diffuser 2026. When the light board diffuser assembly 2046 as described herein is inserted into the base 2022, a fastener 2136, such as a screw, is placed through the

holes

2132, 2134 and threadedly engaged with the mounting member 2130. In an embodiment, this allows the

connectors

2030, 2032 to be fully engaged when the fastener 2136 is fully seated in the mount 2130. Such mounts 2130 and fasteners 2136 may also be used with the lighting device 1020.

In an embodiment, the base 2022 further comprises a frame member 2114, the frame member 2114 being mounted to each end cap 2048, 2050 (only end cap 2050 in fig. 14 being shown) to fill any space between the light panel diffuser assembly 2046 and the end of the

end cap

2048, 2050, thereby preventing light emitted by the light panel 2036 from passing through any such space. In an embodiment, the frame members 2114 reflect the shape of the

side portions

2070, 2072 of the (mirror) diffuser 2026. In an embodiment, the frame members 2114 are positioned above the

side portions

2070, 2072 of the diffuser 2026. In one embodiment, the frame members 2114 are integrally formed with the

respective end caps

2048, 2050.

A user can remove the light board diffuser assembly 2046 from the base 2022 with one hand. If the mount 2130 and fastener 2136 are positioned/engaged, the fastener 2136 is first unscrewed from the mount 2130. Thereafter, the light board diffuser assembly 2046 is pulled downward to disengage the connectors 2030 on the light board diffuser assembly 2046 from the connectors 2032 in the base 2022. During this removal process, the light panel diffuser assembly 2046 is rotated downward about the tabs 2034 that remain engaged in the slots 2058 in the end cap 2050. Once the connectors 2030 on the light board diffuser assembly 2046 are disengaged from the connectors 2032 in the base 2022, the light board diffuser assembly 2046 is pulled such that the tabs 2034 are disengaged from the slots 2058 in the end cap 2050 to remove the light board diffuser assembly 2046 from the base 2022.

Once the light board diffuser assembly 2046 is removed from the base 2022, the diffuser 2026 can be easily removed from the subassembly 2060 (e.g., the rails 2028, connectors 2030, light board 2036, and sensor board 2040 of the light board diffuser assembly 2046). This is readily accomplished by removing the mount 2104 that joins the diffuser 2026 and the subassembly 2060 together. The subassembly 2060 forms the most expensive component of the lighting device 2020. The subassembly 2060 can be used with a diffuser 2026 having different patterns of perforations 2086 so that a user can customize the appearance of the lighting device 2020 to the user's needs or preferences. This may be performed in the field. Fig. 30A-34B illustrate examples of patterns of perforations 2086 that may be employed. The same subassembly 2060 may be used to save cost. Furthermore, if there is a problem with the functioning of subassembly 2060, subassembly 2060 can be hot-swapped (hot-swappad) with a new subassembly 2060 in the field by removing light board diffuser assembly 2046 from base 2022 and then removing subassembly 2060 from diffuser 2026. The user can then easily reinstall the treated (fixed) light board diffuser assembly 2046 on site. The user does not need to remove the base 2022 from the ceiling, which can be time consuming and expensive. As yet another alternative, the entire light emitting panel diffuser assembly 2046 may be replaced with a new light emitting panel diffuser assembly and mounted to the base 2022.

In an embodiment, referring to fig. 17, a plurality of fingers 2110, which may be L-shaped or substantially L-shaped, extend from upper ends of the

upright walls

2074, 2076 of the diffuser 2026 and overlap the aperture 2084 of the diffuser 2026. In one embodiment, a transparent dust cover 2112 is mounted to the diffuser 2026 by fingers 2110 and covers the light board 2036, while allowing light emitted by the LED2038 to shine through the transparent dust cover 2112 and be reflected downward by the reflector 2024. The dust cover 2112 facilitates cleaning of the lighting device 2020 by a user, as the user can easily move a cloth over the dust cover 2112. The dust cover 2112 may be omitted.

In one embodiment, FIG. 28, a cover 2118 is mounted to the rail 2028 to cover the sensor board 2040. In one embodiment, the cover 2118 includes a pair of

legs

2120, 2122 extending upwardly from a base wall 2124. The

legs

2120, 2122 of the cover 2118 engage the

upstanding walls

2096, 2098 of the track 2028. In one embodiment, the

legs

2120, 2122 of the cover 2118 releasably engage the

upstanding walls

2096, 2098 of the track 2028, and one of the

legs

2120, 2122 and the

upstanding walls

2096, 2098 has a projection and the other of the

legs

2120, 2122 and the

upstanding walls

2096, 2098 has a recess in which the projection is received. Cover 2118 may be released so that sensor board 2040 may be serviced. The cover 2118 may have various patterns/designs thereon and may be exchanged for different patterns/designs.

The LEDs 2038 on the light panel 2036 may be controlled by a controller 118. LED2038 typically includes more than two LEDs, but need not be a particular number. In some embodiments, the LEDs 2038 may have different color temperatures. This classification of colors can provide many different lighting mixes by varying the mix of different LED colors and the illumination level. The location of the controller 118 that adjusts the output of the LED array and/or the lighting mix may vary depending on the configuration of the lighting device 2020 (or the lighting device 1020).

The LEDs 2038 on the light panel 2036 may be controlled by a controller 118. LED2038 typically includes more than two LEDs, but need not be a particular number. In some embodiments, the LEDs 2038 may have different color temperatures. This classification can provide many different illumination color temperatures by varying the mixing and illumination levels of the different LED colors. The position of the controller 118 that adjusts the output of the LED array and/or the lighting effect may vary depending on the configuration of the lighting device.

The disclosure set forth herein illustrates various features in its preferred and exemplary embodiments. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An illumination device, comprising:

a base having a reflector, said base configured to be mounted in a ceiling, said base supporting a first connector;

a light panel diffuser assembly comprising a track, a connector, a light panel, and a diffuser, wherein the light panel diffuser assembly is configured to be mounted to and removed from the base;

wherein the rail comprises: a first side facing the reflector when the light board diffuser assembly is mounted to the base; and a second side opposite the first side, the track including a first end and a second end, the track including a second connector on the first end, the second connector configured to mate with the first connector when the light panel diffuser assembly is mounted to the base;

the light panel mounted on a first side of the track, the light panel supporting a plurality of light emitting diodes, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes are thermally coupled to the track and positioned to emit light onto a reflector when the light panel diffuser assembly is mounted to the base;

the diffuser is supported by the track, the diffuser being aligned with the reflector when the light board diffuser assembly is mounted to the base;

wherein the light emitting plate diffuser assembly is removable from the base, and wherein the track, the connector, and the light emitting plate form a subassembly that is removable from the diffuser.

2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base has a slot thereon and the track has a tab extending outwardly therefrom and configured to engage in the slot to further mount the track to the base.

3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein a plurality of diffusers are provided and each diffuser is joinable to the track.

4. The illumination device of claim 3, wherein each diffuser has a plurality of perforations thereon, the perforations in each diffuser being different.

5. The illumination device of claim 4, wherein each diffuser has a film layer extending over the perforations.

6. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the lighting device is configured to operate the power source via power received from an ethernet cable that provides power over ethernet.

7. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein the light engine diffuser assembly further comprises a sensor board mounted on the second side of the track, the sensor board being configured to provide feedback to the lighting device based on conditions in the vicinity of the lighting device, and the sensor board forming a portion of the subassembly.

8. The illumination device of claim 7, further comprising: a controller configured to control illumination of the plurality of light emitting diodes.

9. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to control the plurality of light emitting diodes based on signals received from the sensor board.

10. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the light emitting diode indicates at least one of a pathway, an emergency, a diagnosis, and an occupancy.

11. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to convert a higher level protocol to a lower level protocol.

12. The lighting device of claim 8, wherein said light board diffuser assembly is removable from said controller without contacting said ceiling.