EP1751732B1 - Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite - Google Patents

Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1751732B1
EP1751732B1 EP05735893.9A EP05735893A EP1751732B1 EP 1751732 B1 EP1751732 B1 EP 1751732B1 EP 05735893 A EP05735893 A EP 05735893A EP 1751732 B1 EP1751732 B1 EP 1751732B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
pcb
light emitting
units
circuit board
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP05735893.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1751732A2 (fr
Inventor
Thomas C. Sloan
Bruce Quaal
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sloan Co Inc
Original Assignee
Sloan Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sloan Co Inc filed Critical Sloan Co Inc
Publication of EP1751732A2 publication Critical patent/EP1751732A2/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1751732B1 publication Critical patent/EP1751732B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/0404—Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia the light source being enclosed in a box forming the character of the sign
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts
    • G09F13/22—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts electroluminescent
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V29/00—Protecting lighting devices from thermal damage; Cooling or heating arrangements specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • F21V29/50—Cooling arrangements
    • F21V29/502—Cooling arrangements characterised by the adaptation for cooling of specific components
    • F21V29/507—Cooling arrangements characterised by the adaptation for cooling of specific components of means for protecting lighting devices from damage, e.g. housings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • This invention relates to lighting units using light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more particularly to LED based lighting units for illuminating channel letters.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • LEDs are rugged, consume less power, have a relatively long life (up to 100; 000 hours), operate at low voltage, and are 30 to 70% more energy efficient than conventional lights, such as incandescent, neon or fluorescent bulbs.
  • Channel letters are commonly found on the outside of buildings and are often used to advertise the name of the business. They are typically constructed of an aluminum or plastic housing having the shape of a letter and is approximately 0.127m deep. The housing has a generally U-shaped cross-section, with the top opening in the housing covered by a colored translucent lens that transmits light from within the housing.
  • Channel letters are typically illuminated with neon or fluorescent light sources that are mounted within the channel letter housing.
  • Neon and fluorescent lights provide a bright and continuous light source that allows the channel letters to be visible at night. These light sources, however, have a relatively short life (20,000 hours), are fragile, operate at high voltage (7,000 to 15,000 volts for neon) and can consume a relatively large amount of power. Neon bulbs can also experience difficulty with cold starting, which can lead to the bulb's failure.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,697,175, to Schwartz discloses a low power illuminated sign that is particularly adapted for use with common EXIT signs over doorways.
  • the back of each sign comprises a reflector with a series of cavities with curved surfaces. Each cavity corresponds to a letter and background area in the sign.
  • LEDs are mounted in the center of the cavities to illuminate the letters or background area.
  • the LEDs are provided on a separate perpendicular circuit board or on a central projection formed in the bottom of the cavities, with light from the LEDS directed outward.
  • the letters and background area of the sign are illuminated by light reflecting forward from the curved surfaces of the cavities, so that the only visible light is from the illumination of the cavities.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,042,248, to Hannah et al. discloses an LED assembly for channel letter illuminating signs having an enclosure/housing covered by a translucent lens.
  • Each sign includes a plurality of track moldings at the base of its enclosure, with the moldings running along the longitudinal axis of the sections of the channel letter.
  • Linear arrays of LEDs are mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are then mounted in the track moldings.
  • PCBs printed circuit boards
  • Each track molding can hold two PCBs in parallel with each of the PCBs arranged on a longitudinal edge, with the LEDs directed outward.
  • LED based channel letter lighting is also available from LimiLEDs, Inc., under part numbers HLCR-KR-R0100 and HLCR-KR99-R0200, which comprises LEDs that are each mounted by insulation displacement connectors (IDC) on two inch centers.
  • IDC insulation displacement connectors
  • the chain of LED modules is then mounted into a bendable clip or rail, each of which are then mounted inside a channel letter to hold the LEDs in place.
  • Power is provided by a combination of an AC/DC mother power supply and a DC/DC daughter power supply.
  • a sensing LED is also included as a temperature and current sensor.
  • US 2003/021115 A1 discloses an elongated perimeter light, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated.
  • the array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source.
  • the array is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it, such that the light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array.
  • the perimeter lights may be electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.
  • a mechanism is included for anchoring the plurality of perimeter lights to a structure to illuminate it.
  • US 2003/063463 A1 discloses a channel letter lighting unit comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having a plurality of linearly mounted light emitting elements.
  • Input wires transmit a power signal to the PCB to illuminate the plurality of light emitting elements, and output wires transmit the power signal from the PCB.
  • the PCB is mounted in the extrusion and the light emitting elements transmit light away from the extrusion.
  • the extrusion promotes the dissipation of heat from the light emitting elements.
  • a mounting mechanism is included for mounting the extrusion within a housing.
  • a plurality of channel lighting units may be electrically connected to one another so that a power signal applied to the lighting system is transmitted to each of the plurality of lighting units, and the lighting units may form an illuminated channel letter system having a housing in the shape of a letter.
  • US 2002/176250 A1 discloses a light module including a light emitting diode assembly defining a front side light emitting diode array and a rear side.
  • the rear side is in thermal communication with a thermally conductive spreader, and a thermally conductive core is in thermal communication with the conductive spreader.
  • the thermally conductive core includes an electrical conductor in operative communication with the front side light emitting diode array, and a plurality of appendages are disposed about the thermally conductive core such that they are in thermal communication with the conductive spreader.
  • the present invention comprises a lighting system as set out is claim 1, that can be used to illuminate structures such as illumination of channel letters.
  • a lighting unit used in the present invention comprises a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted to said housing.
  • the PCB has a plurality of light emitting elements. An electrical signal is applied to the light emitting elements causing them to generate light that emits substantially away from the housing.
  • the PCB has a conductive core conducting heat from said light emitting elements, with the PCB mounted within said housing to allow heat from said PCB to dissipate into the surrounding ambient.
  • a constant current device is also mounted on said PCB, accepts an electrical signal and provides a constant current to said light emitting elements.
  • the unit further comprises a mounting mechanism for mounting the unit to a structure.
  • One embodiment of a lighting system comprises a plurality of electrically connected lighting units, comprises conductors to provide an electrical signal to each of the units.
  • Each of the units comprises a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within the housing.
  • the PCB has a plurality of light emitting elements with the electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causing them to generate light substantially away from the housing.
  • the PCB conducts and dissipates heat from the light emitting elements.
  • a space is provided between most of the bottom surface of said PCB and the housing to allow heat from the PCB to dissipate into the surrounding ambient at the PCB's bottom surface.
  • a mounting mechanism is included for mounting said unit to a structure.
  • One example of a channel letter lighting system comprises a channel letter housing with a translucent channel letter cover.
  • a plurality of electrically connected lighting units are mounted to the channel letter housing and conductors provide an electrical signal to each of the units.
  • Each of the units comprises a lighting unit housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted within said lighting unit housing.
  • the PCB has a plurality of light emitting elements with the electrical signal applied to the light emitting elements causing them to generate light substantially away from the housing.
  • the PCB conducts and dissipates heat from the light emitting elements and a space is provided between most of the bottom surface of said PCB and the lighting unit housing to allow heat from the PCB to dissipate into the surrounding ambient at the bottom surface.
  • a mounting mechanism is included for each unit to said channel letter housing.
  • the present invention provides a lighting system for use in lighting different structure, such as channel letters.
  • the system provides connected lighting units that are particularly adapted for use with high power, high luminous flux light emitters, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a lighting system 10 according to the present invention that comprises a number of lighting units 12 daisy-chained together by first and second electrical conductors 14, 16.
  • Each of the lighting units 12 has first and second light elements 22, 24 (described below) that illuminate out from the unit 12.
  • the electrical conductors 14, 16 conduct electricity to the units 12 to illuminate the light elements 22, 24.
  • An electrical signal applied to the conductors 14, 16 at one end of the lighting system 10 is conducted to each of the units 12 so that the light elements 22, 24 on each of the units 12 simultaneously emit light.
  • the units 12 are particularly adapted to being mounted in channel letters each of which has a transparent or translucent cover. With a translucent cover, when the light elements are illuminated in the channel letters, the light is diffused to give the appearance that the channel letters have a continuous light source.
  • FIG. 2-5 show the lighting system 10 in FIG. 1 in more detail, with the lighting units 12 and conductors 14, 16 shown from different angles.
  • Each of the units comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 18 mounted within a lighting unit housing 20.
  • FIGs. 6 and 7 show the PCB 18 without the extrusion and the PCB 18 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 5, 6, 7 .
  • PCB 18 has first and second light elements 22, 24 mounted on it, although it is understood that the PCB can have one or more than two lighting elements.
  • the elements 22, 24 are generally mounted along the longitudinal axis of the PCB 18, although they can also be mounted in other locations.
  • the light elements 22, 24 can be any device that emits light in response to an electrical signal, such as incandescent lights, lasers, laser diodes, fluorescent light or neon lights, with the preferred light elements 22, 24 being light emitting diodes (LEDs).
  • the elements 22, 24 can emit different LED colors of different intensities, with a preferred LED emitting high luminous flux white light. Different high flux white LEDs can be used with a suitable one being the LW W5SG Golden Dragon ® provided by OSRAM.
  • the PCB 18 can be any conventional type made from any conventional material, with a preferred PCB 18 being a metal core type PCB. Different types of metal core boards can be used such as an aluminum core board. By being metal core, heat from the light elements conducts into the PCB such that the PCB 18 helps draw away heat from the light elements 22, 24. The PCB then provides a larger surface that allows the heat to dissipate into the surrounding ambient. This keeps the light elements 22, 24 cooler, which allows them to operate under a higher current so that they can emit a higher luminous flux.
  • a constant current device 26 is also mounted on the PCB 18 with the resistor 28, such that each of the units has that same current driving its light elements 22, 24.
  • the light elements 22, 24, constant current device 26 and resistor 28 are interconnected by conductive traces on the PCB using conventional methods. Without a constant current device 26, the system 10 can experience light loss as the power signal passes down the conductors 14, 16 through each of the units 12. This can result in the brightness of the light elements 22, 24 reducing as the signal progresses downstream. This can ultimately result in a channel letter exhibiting different brightness across its cover or by different channel letters in a sign having different brightness. By driving each of the light elements 22, 24 in each of the units 12 with the same current, the light elements along the conductor will have the same brightness.
  • constant current devices can be used, with a suitable device being an LM317M 3-Terminal Adjustable Regulator provided by Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, and Fairchild Semiconductor.
  • the light elements 22, 24, constant current device 26 and resistor can be either surface mounted or pin mounted to the PCB 18, with the preferred method being surface mounted.
  • FIGs. 8 and 9 show the lighting unit housing 20 without the PCB and the housing 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 2-5 , 8 and 9 .
  • the housing 20 can be made of many conductive, semi-conductive and non-conductive materials, with a preferred material being plastic and can be made using many known processes such as by extrusion or injection molding.
  • the housing 20 is generally U-shaped with the housing base 30 being flat so that it can be adjacent a mounting surface, such as a surface of a channel letter.
  • the first and second sides 32, 34 of the housing 20 extend up from the base 30 and then widen out as they proceed up.
  • a shelf 36 is provided upon which the PCB 18 rests, with the PCB 18 being parallel to the base 30.
  • the inside surface of each of the sides 32, 34 also has a PCB lip 38 that extends over and holds the PCB 18 in place on the shelf 36.
  • the tops of the side surfaces 32, 34 extend back toward each other and then down toward the PCB 18 and base 30 until they make contact with, or are very close, to the PCB 18.
  • This arrangement forms first and second channels 40, 42, with each of the channels 40, 42 defined on three sides by the housing 20 and defined on the fourth side by the PCB 18.
  • the light elements 22, 24, constant current device 26 and resistor 28 are arranged on the PCB, between the channels 40, 42 so that the channels do not block the light emitting from the elements 22, 24.
  • each of the units 12 is coupled to conductor 14, 16 so that an electrical signal on the conductors 14, 16 can be applied to each of the units 12.
  • each of the conductors 14, 16 runs down a respective one of the channels 40, 42 and is electrically coupled to and held in place at the PCB 18 by a connector.
  • connector 44 Many different devices can be used for connector 44, with a preferred device being a commercially available insulation displacement connector (IDC).
  • IDC insulation displacement connector
  • the IDC connectors 44 can be arranged to allow the conductors 14, 16 to run down the channels 40, 42 with each of the IDC connectors 44 electrically coupling the signal on the conductors 14, 16 to its respective one of the units 12, without interrupting the signal traveling down the conductors 14, 16.
  • the signal from the conductors 14, 16 is conducted to the electrical traces on the PCB through its respective IDC. This arrangement allows for the units 12 to be daisy-chained along the conductors 14, 16 without the conductors 14, 16 being interrupted.
  • the channels provide protection to the conductors 14, 16 and connectors 44 and also provide for a rugged mounting arrangement for the PCB 18.
  • the channel around the connectors 44 can be filled with a material to cover and seal the connectors 44.
  • a material being a commercially available silicone provided by Dow Corning.
  • the PCB 18 and housing 20 arrangement according to the present invention also provides for improved heat dissipation from the light elements 22, 24 and the PCB 18.
  • a space 46 is provided between the PCB 18 and the base 30 of the housing 20. This space allows air to flow through the housing during operation, between the PCB 18, which allows heat to dissipate from the bottom surface of the PCB 18. Without this space, heat from the light elements 22, 24 could only dissipate from the top surface of the PCB, which would limit the PCB heat dissipation capabilities.
  • a higher current can be applied to the light elements 22, 24 such that they can emit a higher luminous flux.
  • each housing 20 can be mounted within a channel letter by many different methods such as by glue, clamp, bolt, weld, etc.
  • the extrusion can be provided with double sided tape 48 on the outside surface of its base 30 for mounting.
  • double sided tapes can be used, with a preferred tape being a commercially available double sided foam tape provided by 3M Corporation.
  • the housing 20 can also be provided with an alternative mounting method that can be used alone or in conjunction with the double sided tape 48.
  • the housing includes an extrusion mounting hole 50 through which a screw, nail or rivet can pass to mount the housing 20.
  • the PCB 18 also comprises a PCB mounting hole 52 in alignment with the extrusion mounting hole 50.
  • the PCB mounting hole 52 is larger than the housing mounting hole and allows for a screw, nail or rivet to pass through the PCB 18 and into the housing 20 when mounting one of the units 12 a structure, such as a channel letter.
  • a screw can pass through the PCB mounting hole 52 and into the housing mounting hole 50.
  • a screwdriver can then pass through the PCB mounting hole 52 to turn the screw into the channel letter, through the housing mounting hole 50.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic showing one embodiment of a circuit 60 for the electronic components that can be included on the PCB 18 shown and described above.
  • the signal is applied to the circuit 60 along first and second conductors 62, 64.
  • a constant current device 66 (described above) and a resistor 68 are coupled together in a known manner to provide a constant current to the first and second light elements 72, 74.
  • the light elements 72, 74 can be any of the emitting devices described above, but are preferably white emitting LEDs with a high luminous flux, as described above.
  • the interconnections between the electronic components are typically provided by the conductive traces on the PCB.
  • FIG. 11 shows a further arragement of a lighting system BO according to the present invention that comprises a number of lighting units 82 also daisy-chained together by first and second electrical conductors 84, 86.
  • Conductors 84, 86 can comprise commercially available insulated wire and each can run separately between the units 82. Alternatively, as shown they can be bonded together between the units 82 which can make the system 10 more convenient to install.
  • the conductors 84, 86 can comprise one or more indicators to designate the respective polarity of the conductors. In one arrangement, one of the conductors can comprise a stripe of a different color than the insulating material to indicate the different polarities.
  • each of the lighting units 82 has light elements 98, 100 that illuminate out away from the unit 82 and the electrical conductors 84, 86 conduct electricity to the units 82 to illuminate the light elements 98, 100.
  • An electrical signal applied to the conductors 84, 86 at one end of the lighting system 80 is conducted to each of the units 82 so that the light elements 83 on each of the units simultaneously emit light.
  • the units 82 are also particularly adapted to being mounted to structures, such as in channel letters with translucent covers to diffuse the emitter light to give the appearance that the channel letters have a continuous light source.
  • FIG. 12-14 show the lighting system 80 and the lighting units 82 in more detail.
  • Each of the units 82 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 88 mounted within a housing 90.
  • FIGs. 15-18 show the PCB 88 without the housing, with FIGs. 19 and 20 showing the housing 90 separate from PCB 88.
  • the housing 90 can be made of many different materials, with a preferred material being a plastic. Alternatively, the housing 90 can made of a metal, such as aluminum.
  • the housing comprises a protective bridge 96 which can make manufacturing by typical extrusion processes very difficult. Other manufacturing methods can be used, with a preferred method being known injection molding processes.
  • the housing 90 is arranged to hold the PCB 88 so that the lighting elements emit light away from the housing 90 and PCB 88.
  • the housing has first and second vertical sections 92, 94 and a protective bridge 96 spanning between the vertical sections 92, 94 above the PCB 88.
  • the bridge 96 is arranged to pass over at least some of the emitter drive electronics as described below, and also to assist in mounting the units 82 in channel letters for operation.
  • PCB 88 has first and second light elements 98, 100 mounted on it, although it is understood that the PCB 88 can have one or more than two lighting elements. Similar to elements 22, 24 described above in FIGs. 1 to 7 , elements are generally mounted along the longitudinal axis of the PCB 88, although they can also be mounted in other locations.
  • the light elements 98, 100 can be different devices that can emit different wavelengths of light in response to an electrical signal, such as various incandescent lights, lasers, laser diodes, fluorescent light or neon lights, with the preferred light elements 98, 100 being high flux white light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as the commercially available LW W5SG Golden Dragon ® provided by OSRAM.
  • LEDs high flux white light emitting diodes
  • the PCB 88 is similar to the PCB 10 is system 10, described above and be can be any conventional type made from any conventional material, with a preferred PCB 18 being an aluminum metal core PCB that helps draw away heat from the light elements 98, 100.
  • the PCB then provides a larger surface that allows the heat to dissipate into the surrounding ambient. This keeps the light elements cooler, which allows them to operate under a higher current so that they can emit a higher luminous flux.
  • a constant current device 102 (best shown in FIGs. 15-18 ) is also mounted on the PCB 88 with a resistor 104, and diode 105, with these components interconnected using conventional methods.
  • the constant current device 102 at each of the units 82 provides substantially similar current driving its light elements 98, 100.
  • device 102 maintains constant current at each of the units 82 so that units do not experience reduced brightness as the power signal passes down the conductors 84, 86 through each of the units 82.
  • the same constant current device as described above can be used, and the components can be mounted to the PCB 88 using surface mount or pin mount techniques.
  • each PCB 88 also first and second notches 106, 108 and first starting from a first edge 109 of the PCB 88 and extending partially into the PCB 88, and third and fourth notches 110, 112 starting from the opposite edge 113 extending partially into the PCB 88.
  • first and second conductors 84, 86 run primarily under the PCB 88, between the PCB 88 and the bottom surface of the housing 90.
  • the first conductor 84 passes to the top of the PCB 88 through first notch 106 and back under the PCB 88 through second notch 108, such that the conductor 84 runs on the top surface of the PCB 88 between the first and second notches 106, 108.
  • conductor 86 runs on the top surface of the PCB 88 between third and fourth notches 110, 112.
  • the conductors preferably make electrical contact with conductive traces at the top surface of the PCB 88 to supply the electrical signal to the unit.
  • Many different connecting methods can be used, such as conventional soldering.
  • the first and second conductors 84, 86 can be electrically connected and first and second commercially IDC connectors 114, 116 that are preferably surface mounted to the PCB 88 in electrical contact with the conductive traces.
  • the IDC connectors allow for convenient manufacture of the units 88 compared to other connecting methods.
  • the conductors 84, 88 can be simply press fit into their respective IDC connector 114, 116 with the connector cutting through the insulation of its conductor and making electrical contact while also holding the its conductor.
  • Running the conductors primarily under the PCB 88 provides certain advantages, including arranging the wires so that they will not interfere with the light from the lighting elements 98, 100, as would be the case with wires running on top of the PCB 88.
  • the constant current device 102, resistor 104, the IDC connectors 114, 116 and top running portions of the conductors 84, 86 are limited to a relatively small area around the middle of the PCB. This area corresponds to the area covered by the housing's bridge 96, so that in an assembled unit 82, these components are protected by the bridge 96 passing over them. This results in units 82 that are more resistant to damage and as a result, are more rugged and reliable.
  • the housing 90 is generally U-shaped with the housing base 120 that is flat so that it can be adjacent to and flat against a mounting surface, such as a surface of a channel letter.
  • the first and second sides 92, 94 of the housing 90 extend up from the base 120 and then widen out moving up.
  • first and second shelves 122, 123 are provided upon which the PCB 88 rests, with the PCB 18 being parallel to the base 120.
  • each of the sides 92, 94 also has a first and second PCB lips 124, 125 above each side's shelf and extends over and holds the PCB 88 in place on the shelves 122, 123, with the PCB held between the shelves 122, 123 and lips 124, 125.
  • the housing 90 also has a cylindrical screw boss 128 that extends up from the housing base 120 and is aligned with a base hole 130.
  • the PCB 88 also has a PCB hole 132 that has substantially the same diameter as the screw boss 128 so that when the PCB 88 is properly mounted within the housing 90 the boss 128 and PCB hole 132 align, with the bottom surface of the PCB 88 resting on the top edge 134 of the boss 128, shown in FIGs. 19 and 20 .
  • the boss 128 provides support for the PCB 88 while also providing an opening to the base hole 130 for mounting the unit 82 to a structure, such as to a channel letter. Different mounting devices can be used, such as a screw, nail, rivet, etc.
  • the boss 128 also prevents the conductors 82, 84 from entering the area where the screw is inserted and tightened down in the base hole 130, which helps prevent damage to the conductors 82, 84 during installation of the unit 82.
  • an appropriately sized screw is inserted into the base hole 130 and a screwdriver passes through the PCB hole 132 and into the screw boss 128 to turn the screw into the structure. The screw is then tightened to hold the unit 82 in place.
  • each housing 90 can alternatively be mounted to a structure by many different methods such as by glue, clamp, bolt, weld, etc.
  • the housing 90 can be provided with double sided tape 136, with one side of the tape 136 affixed to the bottom surface of its base 120. The other side of the tape 136 can be used to mount the unit 82 to a structure.
  • Many different double sided tapes can be used, with a preferred tape being a commercially available double sided foam tape provided by 3M Corporation.
  • the screw mounting arrangement discussed above can be used alone or in conjunction with the double sided tape 136.
  • the protective bridge 96 provides a safe and convenient means from holding the unit during installation with minimal risk of damage to the components on the PCB 88.
  • the bridge 96 can also be used as a point to place pressure on the unit 82 during installation using double sided tape. When the unit 82 is placed in the desired location, down pressure can be placed on the bridge 96 to affix the unit in place by the tape 136.
  • the bridge also provides a convenient location to affix information relevant to the unit such as company logo, part number, Underwriters Laboratory (UL) number, patent numbers, etc. This information can be affixed by different methods such as molding, stickers, etc.
  • the PCB 88 and housing 90 arrangement also provides for improved heat dissipation from the light elements 98, 100 and the PCB 88.
  • a space 138 is provided between the PCB 88 and the base 120 of the housing 90. This apace allows air to flow through the housing 90 during operation, between the PCB 88 and the base 120, which allows heat to dissipate from the bottom surface of the PCB 88. Without this space, heat from the light elements 98, 100 would primarily dissipate from the top surface of the PCB 88, which would limit the heat dissipation capabilities of the unit 82.
  • the space 138 along with the heat conducting properties of the preferred metal core type PCB allows a higher current to be applied to the light elements 98, 100 so that they can emit a higher luminous flux.
  • FIG. 21 shows one arrangement of a channel letter 140 having a lighting system 10/80 mounted within it.
  • the system 10/80 contains sixteen (16) units 142 mounted to the bottom surface of the channel letter housing 141.
  • First and second conductors 144, 146 enter the channel letter though a hole 148 in the base and the conductors pass to each of the units 142.
  • Electrical power can be applied to the system 10/80 to illuminate all of the units 142.
  • the conductors 144, 146 are preferably flexible, allowing the units 142 to be mounted at different angles and with different distances between adjacent units 142. This allows the units 142 to be optimally dispersed throughout the channel letter 140 so that when the transparent/translucent cover is mounted over the opening of the channel letter, the channel letter 140 appears as though it has a continuous light source.
  • the systems 10 can be provided in a box, bag, reel, or other devices that the conveniently store the system 10 prior to installation.
  • the system 10 can be wound on a reel and when the system 10 is installed in a channel letter, the appropriate length can be unwound from the reel and installed in a channel letter. The remaining portion of the system can remain on the reel.
  • Lighting units according to the invention can be used for many different applications beyond channel letters.
  • a separate power supply can be used for each channel letter or multiple letters can be powered by a single power supply.
  • a variable power supply can be used to control the intensity of the light emitters.
  • the lighting unit can be many different sizes and can be used in many different applications beyond channel letters.
  • the PCB can have Different numbers of LEDs and can have different electronic components arranged in different ways.
  • the extrusions can take different shapes and can have additional structures to help transfer heat away from the unit.
  • the conductors can be different lengths and instead of running uninterrupted between the units, the conductors can have connectors. This would allow the units to be supplied separately and then connected together when installed.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Claims (10)

  1. Système d'éclairage (10), comportant :
    une pluralité d'unités d'éclairage connectées électriquement (12), comportant des conducteurs (14, 16) permettant de fournir un signal électrique à chacune desdites unités, chacune comportant :
    un boîtier (20) ;
    une carte de circuit imprimé (18) montée à l'intérieur dudit boîtier et ayant une pluralité d'éléments électroluminescents (22, 24) disposés sur ladite carte de circuit imprimé de sorte que la lumière est émise à l'opposé de ladite carte de circuit imprimé, le signal électrique appliqué sur lesdits éléments électroluminescents les amenant à émettre de la lumière sensiblement à l'opposé dudit boîtier, ladite carte de circuit imprimé conduisant et dissipant la chaleur à l'opposé desdits éléments électroluminescents ; et
    un mécanisme de montage à des fins de montage de ladite unité sur une structure,
    caractérisé par ledit boîtier et ladite carte de circuit imprimé coopérant pour définir un espace (46) entre une surface inférieure de ladite carte de circuit imprimé et ledit boîtier pour permettre à la chaleur provenant de ladite carte de circuit imprimé de se dissiper dans le milieu environnant, ledit boîtier et ladite carte de circuit imprimé coopérant par ailleurs pour définir deux canaux à conducteur (40, 42) en face dudit espace (46), dans lequel chaque canal à conducteur reçoit un conducteur respectif desdits conducteurs (14, 16).
  2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins une dite carte de circuit imprimé (18) dans ledit système d'éclairage comporte une carte de circuit imprimé à coeur métallique agencée pour conduire la chaleur à l'opposé desdits éléments électroluminescents (22, 24).
  3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins l'un desdits éléments électroluminescents (22, 24) comporte une diode électroluminescente.
  4. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins l'un desdits éléments électroluminescents (22, 24) comporte une diode électroluminescente à flux lumineux élevé émettant de la lumière blanche.
  5. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chacune desdites unités (12) comporte par ailleurs un dispositif à courant constant (26), chacun acceptant ledit signal électrique et fournissant sensiblement le même courant aux éléments électroluminescents (22, 24) sur son unité respective desdites unités.
  6. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdites unités (12) se connectent électriquement auxdits conducteurs (14, 16) par des connecteurs autodénudants (44).
  7. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lesdits deux canaux à conducteur (40, 42) sont formés sur des côtés opposés dudit boîtier (20).
  8. Système selon la revendication 1, comportant un module électronique d'entraînement pour lesdits éléments électroluminescents (22, 24) sur la carte de circuit imprimé (18) de chacune desdites unités, chaque dit boîtier (20) comportant un pont de protection (96) passant par-dessus ledit module électronique.
  9. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de montage dans au moins l'une desdites unités comporte du ruban double face (48).
  10. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit boîtier (20) dans au moins l'une desdites unités (12) comporte une base (30) et un trou de base (50) et dans lequel ledit mécanisme de montage comporte une vis à des fins de coopération avec ledit trou de base.
EP05735893.9A 2004-04-14 2005-04-14 Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite Active EP1751732B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US56248304P 2004-04-14 2004-04-14
PCT/US2005/012822 WO2005104068A2 (fr) 2004-04-14 2005-04-14 Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1751732A2 EP1751732A2 (fr) 2007-02-14
EP1751732B1 true EP1751732B1 (fr) 2014-11-19

Family

ID=35197618

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05735893.9A Active EP1751732B1 (fr) 2004-04-14 2005-04-14 Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1751732B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2005104068A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202008016549U1 (de) * 2008-06-13 2009-04-23 Maier, Adolf Leuchtdiodenkette

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6799864B2 (en) * 2001-05-26 2004-10-05 Gelcore Llc High power LED power pack for spot module illumination
US6776504B2 (en) * 2001-07-25 2004-08-17 Thomas C. Sloan Perimeter lighting apparatus
US6932495B2 (en) * 2001-10-01 2005-08-23 Sloanled, Inc. Channel letter lighting using light emitting diodes
US6736525B2 (en) * 2002-05-13 2004-05-18 Unity Opto Technology Co., Ltd. Energy efficient tubular light

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2005104068A2 (fr) 2005-11-03
EP1751732A2 (fr) 2007-02-14
WO2005104068A3 (fr) 2006-04-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7241031B2 (en) Channel letter lighting system using high output white light emitting diodes
US7604376B2 (en) Flexible perimeter lighting apparatus
US6932495B2 (en) Channel letter lighting using light emitting diodes
US8845131B2 (en) Angled light box lighting system
US9170000B2 (en) Angled emitter channel letter lighting
EP2526335B1 (fr) Dispositif d'éclairage de lettres boîtiers à émetteurs obliques
US9410665B2 (en) Flexible ribbon LED module
US7348604B2 (en) Light-emitting module
US9200788B2 (en) Angled light box lighting system
US20110194284A1 (en) Channel letter lighting system using high output white light emitting diodes
US20100149811A1 (en) Channel letter lighting system using high output white light emitting diodes
US20130188357A1 (en) Channel letter lighting system using high output white light emitting diodes
EP2722589B1 (fr) Éclairage de lettres à émetteur incliné
US20140016298A1 (en) Flexible ribbon led module
EP1751732B1 (fr) Systeme d'eclairage de lettres a canal utilisant des diodes lumineuses a lumiere blanche haute intensite
EP2976568B1 (fr) Système d'éclairage à boîte de lumière en angle
WO2014138464A1 (fr) Système d'éclairage de lettre boîtier à l'aide de diodes électroluminescentes blanches à rendement élevé

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20061114

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20080527

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140506

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140530

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 697415

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141215

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602005045214

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20141224

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 697415

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150319

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150319

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150220

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602005045214

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20150820

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602005045214

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20150414

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151103

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20151231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150414

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20050414

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141119

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20240423

Year of fee payment: 20