GB2579840A

GB2579840A - Lighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2579840A
Application number: GB1820551.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shemie James
Original assignee: All Led Ltd
Current assignee: All Led Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2018-12-17
Publication date: 2020-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-17
Also published as: GB2579840B; GB201820551D0

Abstract

A lighting apparatus 100 comprises at least one power controller 104 configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage; a first load 107 comprising at least one lighting component 110 of a first type; a second load 108 comprising at least one lighting component 112 of a second type and at least three electrical terminals 102, 132, 134 capable of being connected in one of at least three configurations, in which, in a first configuration the first load is connected in series with the power controller, in a second configuration the second load is connected in series with the power controller and, in a third configuration, the first and second loads are connected in parallel with each other and in series with the power controller, the arrangement being such that the same power is drawn by the lighting apparatus in each of the configurations. A power source 116 may be arranged to supply power to the lighting apparatus and a switch 114 may be provided to switch between the configurations. The lighting components of the first load may be of a first colour or colour temperature and the lighting components of the second load may be of a second colour or colour temperature.

Description

LIGHTING APPARATUS

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to lighting devices and in particular lighting strips. Lighting strips are typically a flexible circuit board with surface mounted lights, such as LEDs. These lighting strips may be mounted onto structures for decoration and/or for the purposes of lighting. Lighting strips can be formed in a variety of lengths for a variety of purposes. For example, overhead lighting/down lighting, for example in the home or office, emergency lighting, for example, in vehicles such as aircraft, or for use in home appliances such as stove tops or sound bars.

Lighting strips typically require expensive, complicated, and large power controllers in order to ensure that the correct power is being delivered to the lighting strip in any given configuration. Such configurations may be, for example, varying the number of lights per unit length, and or the absolute length of the lighting strip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting apparatus, comprising: at least one power controller configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage; a first load comprising at least one lighting component of a first type; a second load comprising at least one lighting component of a second type; and, at least three electrical terminals capable of being connected in one of at least three configurations, in which: in a first configuration the first load is connected in series with the current controller; in a second configuration the second load is connected in series with the current controller; and, in a third configuration the first load and the second load are connected in parallel with the current controller, wherein the same power is drawn by the or each load in each of the at least three configurations.

Preferably, the at least one power controller comprises an integrated circuit to output the same current at the constant input voltage.

Preferably, the at least one power controller comprises one or more resistors to output the same current at the constant input voltage.

Preferably, the at least one lighting component of the first load are of a first colour and wherein the at least one lighting component of the second load are of a second different colour. It should be appreciated that any colour may be used.

Preferably, the at least one lighting component of the first load and/or the at least one lighting component of the second load are of different sizes. It should be appreciated that any size may be possible.

The first colour may be a warm white having a colour temperature in the range of at least 2000K to 3500K, and preferably around 3000K, and the second different colour may be a cool white having a colour temperature range of at least 3500K to 10000K, and preferably a colour temperature in the 'daylight' range known in the art e.g. around 5700K. It should be appreciated that any colour temperature may be used.

Preferably, there are between 1 and 50 power controllers per metre length of the lighting apparatus, and preferably 20 per metre length. It should be appreciated that any number may be possible.

Preferably, there are between 1 and 500 lighting components per metre length of the lighting apparatus, and preferably 120 per metre length. It should be appreciated that any number may be possible.

The lighting apparatus may be between 5mm and 100m in length, and preferably 10cm in length. It should be appreciated that any length may be possible.

Preferably, the lighting apparatus is configured to draw 9.6W per metre length. It should be appreciated that any power draw per metre may be possible.

Preferably, the lighting apparatus comprises a further power controller configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage connected in parallel with the power controller.

Preferably, each of the power controllers outputs 20mA at an input voltage of 24V. It should be appreciated that any output current may be used.

Preferably, the lighting apparatus comprises a flexible or solid substrate.

Preferably, the lighting components are light emitting diodes 'LED's. It should be appreciated that any light source may be used.

The lighting apparatus may be used in a structure having one or more features illuminated or decorated by the lighting apparatus.

Preferably the lighting apparatus is provided on a spool or drum of lighting strip, wherein the spool or drum is comprised of a plurality of frangibly connected lighting apparatuses.

The present invention overcomes the problems described above by providing a lighting strip with at least three circuit configurations, having the same power consumption per metre, regardless which of the three circuit configurations are used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments of the present invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a to 3c show a circuit diagram of a third embodiment of the invention operating in three separate configurations respectively; Figure 4 shows a 3D render of the lighting apparatus; Figure 5 shows a diagram indicating the three circuit configurations; Figure 6a shows two lighting apparatuses frangibly connected together end to end; Figure 6b shows several lighting apparatuses frangibly connected together end to end; and Figure 7 shows a side elevation, plan view, and end view of the lighting apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 1, a lighting apparatus is shown 100. The lighting apparatus 100 is connectable to a power source 116. by at least two of the terminals 102, 134, and 132 depending on whether one or whether both loads 107 and 108 are to be powered. Depending on which load(s) are to be powered the relevant terminals can be directly electrically coupled to power source 116, e.g. via a wire. Optionally a switch may be provided between the power source 116 and the loads 107 and 108 to switch between the loads 107 and 108. Preferably when all three terminals 102, 134, and 132 are connected, the switch is a three way switch such that both loads can be independently or concurrently powered.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 the lighting apparatus 100 is connectable to a power source 116 at terminal 102 and a three way switch 114 at terminals 134 and 132. The power source 116 may be a mains electricity supply, a battery, or any other source of electrical voltage.

The lighting apparatus 100 comprises a power controller 104. The power controller 104 is configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage. Preferably, the power controller is an integrated circuit. The power controller 104 may comprise a resistor, or any other device which is capable of regulating the power being supplied to the one or more loads as defined later.

Alternatively, the power controller 104 may be comprised of a plurality of integrated circuits, or a plurality of resistors, or any suitable alternatives or combinations thereof The lighting apparatus 100 also includes a first load 107 and a second load 108.

The first load 107 includes at least one lighting component 110, for example, an LED of a first type. The second load 108 includes at least one other lighting component 112, for example, another LED of a second type.

The three way switch 114 is connectable to the first and second load at terminals 134 and 132 respectively, allowing the lighting apparatus 100 to be configured in one of at least three circuit configurations. In a first circuit configuration the first load 107 is connected in series with the power controller 104. In a second circuit configuration the second load 108 is connected in series with the power controller 104. In a third circuit configuration the first load 107 and the second load 108 are connected in parallel with the power controller. In each of the three circuit configurations the power drawn by the first load 107, the second load 108, or the first load 107 and the second load 108 is the same. For example, 0.96W may be drawn by the first and/or second load in each of the three circuit configurations respectively.

In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 2, a lighting apparatus is shown 200. The lighting apparatus 200 is connectable to a power source 116 by at least two of the terminals 202, 234, and 232 depending on whether one or whether both loads 107 and 108 are to be powered. Depending on which load(s) are to be powered the relevant terminals can be directly electrically coupled to power source 116, e.g. via a wire. Optionally a switch may be provided between the power source 116 and the loads 107 and 108 to switch between the loads 107 and 108. Preferably when all three terminals 202, 234, and 232 are connected, the switch is a three way switch such that both loads can be independently or concurrently powered.

In the illustrative embodiment of Figure 2, a lighting apparatus is shown 200. The lighting apparatus 200 is connectable to a power source 116 at terminal 202 and a three way switch 114 at terminals 234 and 232. The lighting apparatus 200 includes two power controllers connected in parallel 204 and 206. The power controllers 204 and 206 are configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage. The power controllers 204 and 206 are preferably integrated circuits, although they may be any other suitable alternative. The lighting apparatus 200 includes a first load 107 and a second load 108. The first load 107 is comprised of at least one lighting component 110 which is preferably an LED of a first type. The second load 108 is comprised of at least one other lighting component 112 which is preferably another LED of a second type.

In the illustrative embodiment of Figures 3a to 3c, a lighting apparatus 300 is shown comprising an electrical circuit with three circuit configurations. The lighting apparatus 300 is an example of lighting apparatus 200 as shown in Figure 2. Each of the Figures 3a to 3c show a positive terminal 302 capable of being connected to the positive terminal of a 24V power source. The lighting apparatus 300 has two power controllers 304 and 306 connected in parallel.

The two power controllers 304 and 306 are configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage, for example, when the lighting apparatus 300 is connected to a 24V power source at the positive terminal 302, the power controllers output a combined current of 40mA. The two power controllers 304 and 306 may be integrated circuits, for example each may be a current regulative diode (CN4020) configured to output 20mA for an input of 24V, it should be appreciated that any other suitable means to control the power and/or current of the circuit may be used. The two power controllers 304 and 306 are connected to a first load and a second load.

Figure 3a shows the lighting apparatus 300 in a first configuration, wherein in the first configuration the first load is connected in series to the power controllers 304 and 306 and the first load is comprised of at least one LED 310 of a first type, for example, preferably six LEDs 310, although any number and/or colour of LEDs is possible. The first type of LED 310 is, for example, a warm white OW LED having a colour temperature range of 2,000K to 3,500K, and preferably a colour temperature of 3000K, (SMD 2835, LED CCT 3,000K). The lighting apparatus 300 of the first configuration may additionally comprise a resistor 322 in series with the LEDs 310, for example a 5100 resistor. It should be appreciated that any number of LEDs may be used, and that each LED may vary in type and/or size. In the first configuration illustrated in Figure 3a, negative terminal 332 is connectable to a three way switch (not shown), such as switch 114 (Figure 2). It will be appreciated that, in the first configuration of Figure 3a, the second load is not drawing electricity.

Figure 3b shows the lighting apparatus 300 in a second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the second load is connected in series to the power controllers 304 and 306 and the second load is comprised of at least one LED 312 of a second type, for example six LEDs 312, although any number and/or colour of LEDs is possible. The second type of LED 312 may be a cool white (CVV) LED having a temperature range of 3,500K to 10,000K, and preferably a colour temperature in the 'daylight' range known in the art e.g. around 5700K, for example, SMD 2835, LED CCT 5,700K. The electrical circuit of the second configuration may additionally comprise a resistor 324 connected in series with the LEDs 312, for example a 5100 resistor. It should be appreciated that any number of LEDs may be used, and that each LED may vary in type and/or size. In the second configuration illustrated in Figure 3b, negative terminal 334 is connectable to a three way switch (not shown), such as switch 114 (Figure 2). It will be appreciated that, in the second configuration of Figure 3a, the first load is not drawing electricity.

Figure 3c shows the lighting apparatus 300 in a third configuration, wherein in the third configuration the first load and the second load are connected in parallel to the power controllers 304 and 306. In the third configuration illustrated in Figure 3c, negative terminals 332 and 334 are connectable to a three way switch (not shown), such as switch 114 (Figure 2).

In each of the three circuit configurations of Figures 3a to 3c the power drawn by the first load (Figure 3a), the second load (Figure 3b), or the first load and the second load (Figure 3c) is the same. For example, 0.96W may be drawn in each of the three circuit configurations respectively.

The lighting apparatus 300 of Figures 3a to 3c is 10cm in length and configured to receive a constant voltage of 24V. The lighting apparatus is further configured to operate at 9.6W per metre. These values are not essential and variations of one or both remain within the scope of the invention. For example, alternatively the lighting apparatus 300 may be 5cm in length and configured to receive a constant voltage of 12V. It should be appreciated that the lighting apparatus 300 may be any suitable length, and configured to receive any suitable voltage.

The lighting apparatus 300 of Figures 3a to 3c may comprise any number of power controllers or equivalent components configured to regulate the power and/or current of the lighting apparatus. For example, the lighting apparatus 300 may have between 1 and 50 power controllers per metre length and preferably 20 per metre. Furthermore, the power controller may comprise one or more integrated circuits, and may include one or more resistors i.e. the power controllers to regulate the power and/or current may be active or passive.

The first and second load of the lighting apparatus 300 of Figures 3a to 3c may each have any number of LEDs present therein. The lighting apparatus 300 may be configured to contain between 1 and 500 LEDs per metre length and preferably 120 LEDs per metre length.

The lighting apparatus 300 of Figures 3a to 3c, may be, a circuit formed from any suitable manufacturing method. The circuit may be formed on any suitable substrate, for example a flexible substrate to provide a flexible lighting apparatus or a hard substrate to provide a rigid lighting apparatus.

The lighting apparatus of Figures 3a to 3c may be a section of a larger lighting apparatus. For example, the lighting apparatus may be manufactured in half metre lengths, wherein each section is, for example, 10cm in length. Each half metre length may be frangibly connected together, for example though soldering, to form longer lengths, for example, lengths of 30 or 40m. These lengths may then be provided onto a drum or spool.

Alternatively the lighting apparatus 300 may be between 5mm and 100m in length. It should be appreciated that the lighting apparatus 300 may be any

suitable length.

The lighting apparatus 300 may be attached to structures to provide lighting and/or decoration, for example, the lighting apparatus 300 may be attached to or included inside lighting diffusers, for example APA 001 or any equivalent. The lighting apparatus may also be attached to any form of home apparatus or home appliance, for example, in kitchens as under cabinet lighting or audio visual equipment.

Figure 4 shows a 3D render of the lighting apparatus 300, comprising a positive terminal 302, two negative terminals 332 and 334, two power controllers 304 and 306, a first load comprising LEDs of a first type 310, a second load comprising LEDs of a second type 312, and two resistors 322 and 324 on each load respectively.

Figure 5 is a diagram of the states of a lighting apparatus 300 with three configurations 502, 504, and 506. The first configuration 502 shows a positive terminal 302 connected to two power controllers 304 and 306, connected to a first load comprising one or more LEDs 310, connected to a negative terminal 332 (Figure 3A). The second configuration 504 shows a positive terminal 302 connected to two power controllers 304 and 306, connected to a second load comprising one or more LEDs 312, connected to a negative terminal 334 (Figure 3b). The third configuration 506 shows a positive terminal 302 connected to two power controllers 304 and 306, connected to both the first and second load, each of the first and second load comprising one or more first LEDs 310 and a one or more second LEDs 312 respectively, connected to the negative terminals 332 and 334 respectively (Figure 3c).

In this example, the first configuration 502 is supplied with 24V, the power controllers 304 and 306 control the current to produce 40mA, supplying the LED(s) 310 with a power of 0.96W. The second configuration 504 is supplied with 24V, the power controllers 304 and 306 control the current to produce 40mA, supplying the LED(s) 312 with a power of 0.96W. The third configuration 506 is supplied with 24V, the power controllers 304 and 306 control the current to produce 40mA, supplying the LEDs 310 and 312 with a combined power of 0.96W. In each of the three circuit configurations a power of 0.96W is drawn, i.e. each circuit configuration draws an equivalent power.

Figure 6a shows two lighting apparatuses 300 as described in Figures 3a to 3c frangibly connected together end to end. The lighting apparatuses 300 may be frangibly connected together end to end in any number.

Figure 6b shows four lighting apparatuses 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d as described in Figures 3a to 3c frangibly connected together end to end. Figure 6b also shows how each terminal 302b, 302c, and 302d; each terminal 334a, 334b, and 334c; and each terminal 332a, 332b, and 332c are electrically connected together in each strip, by electrical connections 661, 662, and 663 respectively (e.g. electrical rails). Electrical connections 661, 662, and 663 exist independently to the circuit configurations of Figures 3a to 3c in that the electrical connections 661, 662, and 663 traverse multiple lighting apparatuses 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d so as to electrically couple together each lighting apparatus.

A power source connected to terminals 302b, 334b and 332b is therefore able to power the lighting apparatus 300b. A power source connected to terminal 302b, 334c, and 332c is therefore able to power the lighting apparatus 300b and 300c etc. This allows multiple lighting apparatuses 300 to be powered by a single power source.

Figure 7 shows the dimensions of lighting apparatus 300 in plan, elevation, and end views.

Numerous modifications, adaptations and variations to the embodiments described herein will become apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, and such modifications, adaptations and variations that result in additional embodiments of the present invention are also within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lighting apparatus, comprising: at least one power controller configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage; a first load comprising at least one lighting component of a first type; a second load comprising at least one lighting component of a second type; and, at least three electrical terminals capable of being connected in one of at least three configurations, in which: in a first configuration the first load is connected in series with the current controller; in a second configuration the second load is connected in series with the current controller; and, in a third configuration the first load and the second load are connected in parallel with the current controller, wherein the same power is drawn by the or each load in each of the at least three configurations.
2. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one power controller comprises an integrated circuit to output the same current at the constant input voltage.
3. A lighting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one power controller comprises one or more resistors to output the same current at the constant input voltage.
4. A lighting apparatus according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one lighting component of the first load are of a first colour and wherein the at least one lighting component of the second load are of a second different colour.
5. A lighting apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one lighting component of the first load and/or the at least one lighting component of the second load are of different sizes.
6. A lighting apparatus according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the first colour is a warm white having a colour temperature in the range of at least 2000K to 3500K, and preferably around 3000K, and wherein the second different colour is a cool white having a colour temperature range of at least 3500K to 10000K, and preferably around 5700K.
7. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein there are between 1 and 50 power controllers per metre length of the lighting apparatus, and preferably 20 per metre length.
8. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein there are between 1 and 500 lighting components per metre length of the lighting apparatus, and preferably 120 per metre length.
9. A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting apparatus is between 5mm and 100m in length, and preferably 10cm in length.
10.A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting apparatus is configured to draw 9.6W per metre length.
11.A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting apparatus comprises a further power controller configured to output a constant current at a constant input voltage connected in parallel with the power controller.
12.A lighting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of the power controllers outputs 20mA at an input voltage of 24V.
13.A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting apparatus comprises a flexible or solid substrate.
14.A lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting components are light emitting diodes 'LED's.
15. Use of a lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim in a structure having one or more features illuminated or decorated by the lighting apparatus according to any preceding claim.
16. A spool or drum of lighting strip, wherein the spool or drum is comprised of a plurality of frangibly connected lighting apparatuses of any of the claims 1 to 14.
17.A spool or drum of lighting strip according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of lighting apparatuses is electrically coupled via at least one electrical connection.