KR20080039847A - Modular led-based lighting apparatus for socket engagement, lighting fixtures incorporating same, and methods of assembling, installing and removing same - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular lighting fixtures that allow convenient installation and removal of LED-based light-generating modules and controller modules. In one example, a modular lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be recessed into or disposed behind an architectural surface such as ceiling, wall, or soffit, in new or existing construction scenarios. The fixture housing includes a socket configured to facilitate one or more of a mechanical, electrical and thermal coupling of the light-generating module to the fixture housing. The ability to easily engage and disengage the LED-based light-generating module with the socket, without removing the fixture housing itself, allows for straightforward replacement of the light-generating module upon failure, or exchange with another module having different light-generating characteristics. Modular lighting controllers for such fixtures also may be easily installed in or removed from the fixture housing via the same access route by which the light-generating module is installed and removed.

Description

Modular LED-based luminaires for socket fastening, luminaires comprising them, and methods for assembling, installing and removing the same }

The present invention relates to a modular lighting device and a method of assembling, installing and replacing the lighting device. In various aspects, the apparatus and method according to the present invention not only facilitates the manufacture, installation and replacement of modular lighting device components, but also improves thermal efficiency during operation. In one aspect, such lighting devices and methods use LED-based light sources to enable providing visible light in a variety of environments and different fields of illumination.

LED-based lighting fixtures are used in a variety of lighting applications. In some cases, the luminaire may include a controller and one or more LED based light sources, and may further include one or more components as an integrated unit that facilitates heat dissipation. Attempting to replace any one element of such an integrated unit may require replacement of the entire luminaire or repair by a skilled technician. In addition, when different LED-based lighting assemblies are desired, or when an existing LED-based light source is broken, the task of physically replacing the existing LED-based light source with a new LED-based light source can be difficult.

Recessed lighting is a popular lighting choice for both new construction and remodeling. In such embedded lighting, most of the luminaires are substantially embedded within or behind a building surface or feature, such as a ceiling (or wall or soffit). Lighting fixtures generally include a housing (sometimes commonly referred to as a "can"), a bulb such as an incandescent bulb, a fluorescent bulb or a halogen bulb, and some means for electrically connecting the appliance to an operating power source. In new construction, the apparatus is generally supported by a hanger attached to a joist. During remodeling, to reduce the range of ceilings (or other building surfaces) to be removed, the appliance can be inserted through the ceiling hole and attached to a drywall that forms the ceiling, where the ceiling hole is attached to the bulb of the device. The light emitting openings of the light generated by the openings are formed.

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a modular lighting fixture that allows for easy installation and removal of an LED-based light generating module and a controller module that can be used to control the light generating module. In one embodiment, the modular luminaire includes a housing configured to be embedded in a building surface, such as a ceiling, a wall, or a pit, or disposed behind the building surface, for example in a new or existing building arrangement. The instrument housing includes a socket formed such that the light generating module can be easily coupled to the instrument housing in one or more of a combination of mechanical, electrical and thermal couplings. The LED-based light generating module can be easily fastened and disconnected to the socket without removing the instrument housing itself, so that the light generating module can be replaced when the light generating module fails or when the light generating module is replaced with a module having different light generating characteristics. It can be replaced easily. In some cases, such modular lighting controllers for appliances (also referred to as "controller modules") can also be easily installed or detached from the instrument housing through the same access paths as the installation and detachment access paths of the light generating modules.

Accordingly, according to various aspects of the present invention, modular luminaires are provided that can accommodate a variety of LED-based photogeneration modules in a single housing that can be detached into and out of the housing. In this regard, the light generating module according to various embodiments of the present invention can easily install and replace a conventional incandescent light bulb, fluorescent light bulb or halogen light bulb because the new light generating module can be inserted into the housing without changing the mechanism. Make sure The novel light generating module can be inserted, for example, when the operation of the previous light generating module is stopped so that an improved or different light generating module is desired.

As noted above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a socket or other attachment element allows for easy attachment of the light generating module to the housing of the luminaire. The socket may form an electrical connection and / or a thermal coupling as well as a mechanical connection between the light generating module and the luminaire. For example, the socket may include an electrical connection that provides drive signals and operating power to the light generating module when the light generating module is inserted into or otherwise coupled to the socket. According to another aspect of the present invention, a socket or other attachment element may facilitate heat dissipation in at least two ways. First, the socket can be formed to interact with the light generating module such that the light generating module can make thermal coupling with the housing or other components of the luminaire. Secondly, the socket itself may be formed thermally conductive, contributing to heat transfer to the housing and / or direct heat transfer to the ambient air (eg, through the front light emitting surface of the light generating module).

According to another aspect of the invention, the detachable light generating module itself is formed to facilitate heat transfer from the light source provided in the module. In some embodiments, heat is transferred using a thermally conductive chassis to the light generating module to facilitate heat transfer from the front side (light emitting surface) of the light generating module. In some embodiments, in some cases a thermally conductive base plate is attached to the back of the light generating module to facilitate heat transfer to the housing or other portion of the luminaire through the socket.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fastening and detachment of the socket of the luminaire and the light generating module is achieved through a simple rotational operation. In this regard, the installation and removal of the LED-based light generating module into the modular luminaire may be a familiar task similar to the task of replacing a conventional incandescent bulb.

In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, the socket is formed as a collar with screwed threads, the module is removably formed in the socket via a threaded grip ring, and the grip ring is positioned above the module The rotation engages with the threaded portion of the socket and "sandwiches" the module between the grip ring and the socket. According to another aspect of the present invention, the detachable photogeneration module comprises a plurality of hexagonal LED subassemblies. In some embodiments, the grip ring is rotatable relative to the module such that the orientation of the LED subassembly is not affected by the rotation of the grip ring (ie, the module itself is not rotated in the socket upon rotation of the grip ring). In addition, the relative rotation of the grip ring allows the connector to be mounted directly to the light generating module without having to consider the twisting effect of the connector.

In another embodiment, no grip ring is used to secure the light generating module to the socket, and the electrical connection between the light generating module and the socket is such that the post (or thread) of the light generating module and the corresponding thread of the socket (or Through the connection of the post). That is, in some embodiments, the fastening element itself may be provided with electrical contacts.

According to another aspect of the invention, a controller module may be used in conjunction with a light generating module in a luminaire. According to another aspect of the invention, the controller module may have a physical structure that is formed to be installed in a particular type of luminaire housing. For example, the controller module may have one or more rounded edges to facilitate placement or detachment of the controller module in a buried luminaire that may not detach itself from building features such as a ceiling.

In one embodiment, the controller module itself may have an internal modular configuration. More specifically, the controller module may replace components that are used to receive input control signals and / or data at the “shear” input interface (eg, interface coupled to a user interface, control network, sensor, etc.). Can be formed. The controller module may also be configured to replace components used to output control signals and / or data and / or power to the photogeneration module at the “back end” output interface. In this regard, the controller module may have applicability to communicate with various light generating modules and / or networks, computers or controllers without having to simultaneously have multiple hardware and / or software components within the controller module. With this arrangement, manufacturing costs and / or space can be saved when manufacturing the controller module for modular luminaires and other applications.

According to yet another aspect, a light generating module for a modular luminaire stores and processes some nominal data for providing information to a controller coupled to the luminaire and packaged as a separate controller module of the luminaire. It can be formed with a function. For example, the photogeneration module may provide one or more of information such as the type of light source provided in the photogeneration module, power requirements of the light source, operating temperature, operating time or temperature history, calibration parameters, etc. The controller module can provide appropriate drive signals and operating power to the photogeneration module.

According to another aspect of the invention, the controller module is configured to receive information, data and / or control signals related to certain operating parameters or characteristics associated with the light generating module from the light generating module. The controller module may be programmed to change the control signal and / or power output output to the photogeneration module based on the information received from the photogeneration module. For example, the photogeneration module may instruct the controller the voltage or current level required to operate the particular photogeneration module, and the controller may provide the appropriate voltage and current levels based on the information.

According to another aspect of the invention, a battery or other auxiliary power source is provided in the LED luminaire so that the LED luminaire can also be used as an emergency lighting device in addition to its main lighting purpose.

In summary, as described above, one embodiment of the present invention includes an LED assembly, a plurality of optical components, and a chassis including a plurality of chambers each having a plurality of optical components and coupled to the LED assembly. It relates to a light generating device. The LED assembly includes an assembly substrate and a plurality of LED subassemblies coupled to the assembly substrate. Each LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies forms at least one of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a first thermal coupling to the assembly substrate. The chassis is formed such that each optical component of the plurality of optical components is disposed within the light path of each corresponding LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a light generating device comprising a thermally conductive chassis that allows light to pass through from a light generating device, an LED assembly for generating light, and a thermally conductive base plate. The LED assembly is disposed between the thermally conductive base plate and the thermally conductive chassis. The LED assembly and the thermally conductive chassis form a first thermal bond to facilitate first heat dissipation from the LED assembly through the thermally conductive chassis. The LED assembly and the thermally conductive base plate form a second thermal bond to facilitate a second heat dissipation from the LED assembly through the thermally conductive base plate.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a light generating device comprising a circular chassis and a circular printed circuit board coupled to the circular chassis. The circular printed circuit board includes at least one chip-on-board LED module.

Another embodiment of the present invention is at least in part a first circuit board comprising an input circuit configured to receive at least one input signal including at least lighting related information and information contained in the at least one input signal. A lighting control device comprising at least one connection mechanism configured to enable modular insertion and detachment of a second circuit board comprising an output circuit configured to output at least one lighting control signal based thereon. will be. The at least one connection mechanism provides at least one electrical connection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board when both the first circuit board and the second circuit board are coupled to the at least one connection mechanism.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular luminaire comprising an appliance housing having at least one heat conducting portion and a socket mounted to at least one heat conducting portion of the appliance housing. The socket is formed to form a heat conduction path between the at least one heat conduction portion of the instrument housing and the light generating module installed in the socket.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an instrument housing having at least one light emitting opening, a socket mounted to the instrument housing and accessible through at least one light emitting opening, and within the socket through at least one light emitting opening. It relates to a modular light fixture comprising a light generating module that can be installed and separated therefrom, and a controller module for controlling the light generating module. The controller module is disposed in the instrument housing and is accessible through at least one light emitting opening to facilitate installation and removal of the controller module.

Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to a modular lighting device comprising an instrument housing, a socket mounted to the instrument housing, a light generating module that can be installed in and detached from the socket, and a controller module for controlling the light generating module. This controller module is disposed in or close to the instrument housing. The light generating module is configured to provide information related to at least one characteristic of the light generating module to the controller, and the controller module is configured to control the light generating module based at least in part on the information provided by the light generating module. do.

The term "LED" as used herein for the purpose of describing the present invention should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection / junction based system capable of generating radiation in response to an electrical signal. . Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductor based structures, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like, which emit light in response to electrical current.

In particular, the term LED is any type that can be formed capable of generating radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, the ultraviolet spectrum, and the various parts of the visible spectrum (including radiation wavelengths of approximately 400 nm to approximately 700 nm). Refers to a light emitting diode (including a semiconductor and an organic light emitting diode). As the LED, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs (described below) may be mentioned, but are not limited thereto. In addition, for a given spectrum (e.g. narrow bandwidth, wide bandwidth), it is possible to produce radiation with various bandwidths (e.g. full width at half maximum or FWHM) and various dominant wavelengths within a given general color classification. It should be understood that it may be shaped and / or controlled to generate.

For example, one embodiment of an LED (such as a white LED) that is formed to generate substantially white light may include a plurality of dies that each emit a different spectrum of electroluminescence that, when combined, form substantially white light. Can be. In another embodiment, the white light LED can be combined with a phosphor that converts electroluminescence with the first spectrum into another second spectrum. In one example of such an implementation, electroluminescence with a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth spectrum causes "pumping" the phosphor, resulting in longer wavelength radiation with a rather broad spectrum.

It is to be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and / or electrical package type of the LED. For example, as described above, an LED refers to a single light emitting device having a plurality of dies formed (ie, individually controllable or uncontrollable) capable of emitting respective radiation of different spectra. In addition, the LED may be combined with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (eg, some type of white LED). In general, the term LED refers to packaged LEDs, unpackaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mounted LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, certain types of vessels and / or optical elements (e.g., LED, including a diffused lens).

The term "light source" means an LED-based light source (including one or more LEDs as described above), an incandescent light source (such as a filament lamp, a halogen lamp), a fluorescent source, a phosphorescent source, a high intensity discharge source (such as a sodium vapor lamp, mercury) Steam lamps and metal halide lamps), lasers, other types of electroluminescent sources, pyro-luminescent sources (eg flames), candle-luminescent sources (eg gas mantles, carbon arcs) Radiation source), photo-luminescent source (e.g. gas discharge source), cathode light source using electronic satiation, galvano-luminescent source, crystallo- light source luminescent source, kine-luminescent source, thermo-luminescent source, triboluminescent source, sonoluminescent source, radioluminescent source and luminescent polymer Including Of employees should be understood to refer to any one or more of the radiation source, but is not limited to the above-mentioned light source.

The light source can be formed to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or in a combination thereof. Thus, the terms "light" and "radiation" are used interchangeably herein. The light source may also include one or more filters (such as color filters), lenses, or other optical components as an integral component. In addition, it should be understood that the light source may be formed to be applicable to various fields, including but not limited to indication, indication, and / or illumination. A "light source" is a light source formed to be able to generate radiation having a sufficient intensity, in particular to effectively illuminate the interior or exterior space. In this regard, “sufficient intensity” means space to provide ambient illumination (ie, light that can be indirectly perceived, or can be reflected from one or more of the intervening surfaces, for example before being perceived in whole or in part). Refers to the sufficient radiative power of the visible spectrum generated in a light source or environment (a unit called "lumen" is generally used to represent the total light output from a light source in all directions as radiant power or "luminous flux"). do].

The term "spectrum" should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation generated by one or more light sources. Thus, the term "spectrum" refers not only to frequencies (or wavelengths) in the visible range, but also to frequencies (or wavelengths) in the infrared, ultraviolet and other regions of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, the spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (eg FWHM with substantially fewer frequency components or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth (some frequency components or wavelength components with multiple relative intensities). In addition, it is to be understood that a given spectrum can be formed by mixing two or more spectra (eg, mixed radiation each emitting from multiple light sources).

For the purposes of the present description, the term "color" is used interchangeably with the term "spectrum". In general, however, the term "color" is used primarily to refer to the nature of the radiation perceived by an observer (but does not limit the scope of the term "color" for this purpose). Thus, the term "different color" implies a number of spectra that implicitly have different wavelength components and / or bandwidths. It should also be understood that the term "color" can be used with both white and non-white light.

The term "color temperature" is generally used herein with white light, but does not limit the scope of the term "color temperature" for this purpose. Color temperature substantially refers to a specific hue or shade (eg reddish, bluish) of white light. The color temperature of a given radiation sample is typically characterized by the Kelvin temperature (K) of the blackbody radiation, which radiates substantially the same spectrum as that radiation sample. The blackbody radiant color temperature is generally in the range of approximately 700K (usually first visible to the naked eye) to 10,000K or more, and white light is generally perceived at color temperatures of 1500 to 2000K or more.

Lower color temperatures generally indicate white light with more red components or "feel warmer", and higher color temperatures generally indicate white light with more blue components or "feel cooler". For example, a flame has a color temperature of approximately 1,800K, a conventional incandescent bulb has a color temperature of approximately 2848K, an early morning daylight has a color temperature of approximately 3,000K, and a cloudy midday sky has a color temperature of approximately 10,000K. Have The color image observed under white light with a color temperature of approximately 3,000 K has a relatively red hue, whereas the same color image observed under white light with a color temperature of approximately 10,000 K has a relatively blue hue.

As used herein, the term "lighting fixture" refers to a device comprising one or more light sources of the same or different types. The luminaire may have any one of various mounting devices for light sources, enclosure / housing devices and shapes, and / or various electrical connection configurations and mechanical connection configurations. In addition, the luminaire may optionally be coupled to (eg include, combine and / or packaged together) various other components related to the operation of the light source (eg control circuitry). "LED-based luminaire" refers to a luminaire that includes one or more LED-based light sources as described above, alone or in combination with other non-LED-based light sources. A "multichannel" luminaire is an LED-based luminaire or non-LED-based luminaire that includes at least two light sources each configured to generate radiation of a different spectrum, each different light source spectrum being a multichannel luminaire. May be referred to as the "channel".

The term "controller" as used herein is generally used to describe various devices related to the operation of one or more light sources. The controller may be implemented in a number of ways (eg, with dedicated hardware) to perform the various functions described herein. A "processor" is an example of a controller that uses one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (such as microcode) to perform the various functions described herein. The controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware that performs certain functions and a processor that performs other functions, such as one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuits. Controllers that can be used in various embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific semiconductors (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, the processor or controller may comprise one or more storage media (generally volatile and nonvolatile computer memories such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, etc.). May be referred to as "memory". In some implementations, the storage medium can be encoded into one or more programs that perform at least some of the functions described herein when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers. Various storage media may be fixed or removable within a processor or controller such that one or more programs stored on the storage media can be loaded into the processor or controller to implement various aspects of the invention described herein. The term "program" or "computer program" as used herein generally refers to any type of computer code (such as software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers.

The term " addressable " as used herein can receive information (such as data) intended for a plurality of devices and selectively respond to specific information intended for that device. Used to refer to a device that is capable of being formed (eg, a general light source, a luminaire, a controller or processor coupled to one or more light sources or luminaires, a device not related to other lighting, and the like). In general, the term " addressable " is used for a networked environment (or " network ", described below) in which a plurality of devices are coupled together through a given communication medium or media.

In one network implementation, one or more devices coupled to the network may serve as a controller for one or more other devices coupled to the network (eg, master / slave relationship). In another implementation, the networked environment may include one or more dedicated controllers configured to control one or more devices coupled to the network. In general, a number of devices coupled to a network may each access with data residing on a communication medium or media, but, for example, based on one or more specific identifiers (such as "addresses") assigned to a given device, for example. A given device may be "addressable" in that the device is configured to selectively exchange data with the network (ie, receive data and / or transmit data).

As used herein, the term "network" refers to the transfer of information (e.g., device control, data storage, data exchange, etc.) between a plurality of devices coupled to a network and / or between any two or more devices. Refers to any interconnection of two or more devices (including controllers or processors) that are capable of doing so. As can be readily appreciated, various implementations of a network suitable for the interconnection of multiple devices can include any of a variety of network topologies, and can use any of a variety of communication protocols. In addition, in various networks according to the present invention, any one connection between two devices may represent a dedicated connection or optionally a non-dedicated connection between the two systems. Such a non-dedicated connection may not only transmit information to be applied to the two devices, but may also transmit information that is not necessarily applied to any one of the two devices (eg, an open network connection). In addition, as can be readily appreciated, the various networks of the devices described herein may use one or more wireless links, wire / cable links, and / or fiber optic links to facilitate information transfer over the network.

As used herein, the term "user interface" refers to an interface between a user or an operator and one or more devices, which interface enables communication between the user and the device. As a user interface that can be used in various embodiments of the invention, there are switches, potentiometers, buttons, dials, sliders, mice, keyboards, keypads, various types of game controllers (such as joysticks), trackballs, display screens, various types Examples include, but are not limited to, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), touch screens, microphones, and other types of sensors capable of receiving and generating signals in response to human-induced stimuli. .

The following patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

US Patent Publication No. 6,016,038, entitled "Multicolored LED Lighting Method and Apparatus," issued January 18, 2000,

US Patent Publication No. 6,211,626, entitled "Illumination Components," issued April 3, 2001 to Lys et al.,

US Patent Publication No. 6,548,967 entitled "Universal Lighting Network Methods and Systems", issued April 15, 2003,

US patent application Ser. No. 09 / 675,419, filed Sep. 29, 2000, entitled "Systems and Methods for Calibrating Light Output by Light-Emitting Diodes." number,

US Patent Application No. 10 / 245,788, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Generating and Modulating White Light Illumination Conditions," filed September 17, 2002, entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Generating and Modulating White Light Illumination Conditions";

US Patent Application No. 10 / 325,635, entitled "Controlled Lighting Methods and Apparatus," filed December 19, 2002

US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 010,840, filed December 13, 2004, entitled "Thermal Management Methods and Apparatus for Lighting Device."

All combinations of the above-described concepts and the additional concepts described below should be understood as part of the subject matter of the present invention described herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter described in the last part of this specification should be understood as part of the subject matter of the present invention described herein. Also, the terms explicitly used herein and found in any reference should be taken in the sense that is most consistent with the specific concepts described herein.

1 is a view showing a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a diagram illustrating a networked lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a partially cutaway perspective bottom view of a luminaire according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a perspective bottom view of the lighting fixture of FIG.

5 is a perspective plan view of the lighting fixture of FIGS. 3 and 4;

6 is a partially exploded perspective bottom view of a lighting fixture according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a perspective view of a light generating module and a socket combination according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cutaway view of the light generating module of FIG. 7. FIG.

9 is an exploded view of a light generating module and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the LED assembly of the light generation module of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the LED assembly of FIG. 10.

12 illustrates a jig used to assemble the LED assembly of FIGS. 10 and 11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an LED subassembly located in the jig of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which a printed circuit board is added to the LED subassembly of FIG.

15 is a perspective view of a secondary optical component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a secondary optical component according to another embodiment of the present invention.

17 is a perspective view of the secondary optical component of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view showing decorative features of the light generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

19 is a rear perspective view of a light generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a side view of a light generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a plan view of a light generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the light generating module of FIG. 21.

24 is a rear view of the light generating module of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a front view illustrating a chassis of the light generation module of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

Figure 26 is a rear view of the chassis of Figure 25;

27 is an exploded view of a light generating module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

28 is another exploded view of the light generating module of FIG.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the chassis of the light generating module of FIGS. 27 and 28, including electrical contacts and contacts according to one embodiment of the invention.

30 is a front perspective view of the chassis of FIG. 29;

Figure 31 is a plan view of the electrical connections provided in the chassis of Figures 29 and 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

32 is a perspective view of a light generating module including a heat sink according to an embodiment of the present invention.

33 is a cross-sectional view of the light generating module of FIG.

34 is an exploded view of a light generating module including a fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

35 is an exploded view of a light generating module including a fan according to another embodiment of the present invention.

36 is a perspective view of a heat sink for a light generating module.

FIG. 37 is a plan view of the heat sink of FIG.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the heat sink of FIG. 36. FIG.

Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the embedded joist mounted lighting fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention.

40 is a perspective view of the embedded joist mounted lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a view of the light generating module separated from the buried joist mounted luminaire.

42 is a view of a light generating module attached to a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 43 is a view of a socket attached to a heat sink according to one embodiment of the present invention.

44A and 44B show yet another embodiment of the light generating module and the socket.

45 is a side cross-sectional view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

46 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a light generating module and socket.

FIG. 47 is a front view of the light generating module of FIG. 46;

48 is a perspective view of a rectangular light generating module and a socket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

49 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture configured to receive an upwardly directed light generating module.

50 and 51 are views of a light generating module and a socket according to another two embodiments of the present invention.

52 is a perspective view of a light generating module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 53 is a perspective view of the light generating module formed upwardly.

FIG. 54 is a sectional view of the light generating module and associated socket of FIG. 53; FIG.

55 is a sectional view of a lighting fixture including two upwardly oriented light generating modules.

56A-56E illustrate various embodiments of an up-directed light generating module.

57 is a perspective exploded view of a light generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

58 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

59 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present invention.

60 shows a series of positions of the luminaire when the luminaire is installed in the building.

61, 62 and 63 are perspective views of the lighting fixture of FIG.

64 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a luminaire.

65, 66 and 67 are perspective views of the lighting fixture of FIG.

68 is a perspective view of a lighting fixture mounted at the rear of a building according to an embodiment of the present invention.

69A, 69B, and 69C show three orthogonal views of the lighting fixture of FIG. 68;

70 is a view illustrating a controller module for lighting fixtures according to an embodiment of the present invention.

71A, 71B, and 71C are perspective views of a controller module with various connectors.

72, 73, 74, and 75 illustrate steps for installing a controller module in a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

76 is a diagram of a controller module including an internal modular input interface and an output interface.

77 is a schematic diagram of the auxiliary power supply.

The following describes various embodiments of the present invention, in particular including specific embodiments for LED-based light sources. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular implementation manner, and that the various embodiments described herein are the embodiments presented for the purpose of describing the present invention. For example, the various concepts described herein may include various environments, including LED-based light sources and other types of light sources that do not include LEDs, environments comprising a combination of LEDs and other types of light sources, It may be appropriately implemented in environments that include non-lighting related devices independently or in combination with various types of light sources.

1 illustrates an example of various components that may constitute a lighting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some general examples of LED-based luminaires, including components similar to those described below in conjunction with FIG. 1 below, are named, for example, by Mueller et al. US Patent Publication No. 6,016,038, entitled Multicolored led Lighting Method and Apparatus, and US Pat. No. 6,016,038, entitled "Illumination Components," issued April 3, 2001 to Lys et al. Patent Publication No. 6,211,626, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the luminaire 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be used alone or in combination with other similar luminaires in a luminaire system (for example, as described below with reference to FIG. 2). ). The luminaire 100 may be a general interior or exterior space (such as a building) lighting, direct or indirect lighting of an object or space, dramatic or other entertaining special effect lighting, decorative lighting, safety lighting, display and / or promotion (such as Various applications and indications, displays, including lighting (or lighting of exhibits and / or merchandise), a combination system of lighting and communications, associated with advertising and / or display and / or promotion in retail / consumer environments. And may be used for promotional purposes, but is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 shown in FIG. 1 may include one or more light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D (collectively indicated by reference numeral 104), which one or more light sources may include one or more light sources. It may be an LED-based light source including a light emitting diode (LED). In one aspect of this embodiment, any two or more light sources can be used for generating radiation of different colors (eg red, green, blue), and as described above, each of the light sources of different colors It generates different light source spectra that form different "channels" of "multichannel" luminaires. Although FIG. 1 shows four light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, the luminaire is not limited to this case, and in particular the number and the different quantities used to generate radiation of various different colors, including white light. It should be understood that tangible light sources (such as all LED based light sources, combinations of LED based light sources and non-LED based light sources, etc.) may be used in the luminaire 100 as described below.

As shown in FIG. 1, the luminaire 100 may also include a controller 105 that is configured to output one or more control signals to drive the light source to generate light of various intensities from the light source. For example, in one implementation, the controller 105 outputs one or more control signals for each light source to independently control the intensity of light generated by each light source (e.g., radiant output in lumens). Alternatively, the controller 105 may be configured to output one or more control signals so that the two or more groups of light sources may be identically controlled. As a control signal that can be generated by a controller for controlling a light source, a pulse modulated signal, a pulse width modulated signal (PWM), a pulse amplitude modulated signal (PAM), a pulse code modulated signal (PCM), an analog control signal (e.g. a current Control signals, voltage control signals), combination signals of these signals and / or modulation signals, or other control signals. In one aspect, particularly for LED-based light sources, one or more LEDs may be varied by applying a fixed current level to avoid unwanted or unpredictable potential LED variations that may occur when variable LED drive currents are used. One or more modulation techniques are used to control. In another aspect, the controller 105 may control another dedicated circuit (not shown in FIG. 1) that controls the light sources to vary the intensity of each of the light sources.

In general, the intensity (radiation output) of radiation generated by one or more light sources is proportional to the average power delivered to the light source for a given time. Thus, one technique of changing the intensity of radiation generated by one or more light sources includes modulating the power delivered to the light source (ie, the operating power of the light source). For some types of light sources, including LED based light sources, this can be effectively achieved using pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques.

In one exemplary embodiment of the PWM control technique, for each channel of the luminaire a predetermined fixed voltage V _source is applied periodically across a given light source forming the channel. The application of the voltage V _source may be accomplished through one or more switches (not shown in FIG. 1) controlled by the controller 105. The voltage V _source is applied across the light source, but some fixed current I _source (i.e., the current determined by the current regulator not shown in Fig. 1) can flow through the light source. Recalling that the LED based light source can include one or more LEDs, the voltage V _source can be applied to the group of LEDs forming the light _source , and the current I _source can be introduced into the group of LEDs. The fixed voltage V _source across the light _source at power up and the regulated current I _source flowing into the light _source at power up determine the magnitude of the instantaneous operating power P _source ( P _source = V _source · I _source ) of the light _source . As discussed above, the use of regulated currents for LED-based light sources can avoid the undesirable or unpredictable potential LED variations that can occur when variable LED drive currents are used.

According to the PWM technique, by applying a voltage V _source to the light _source and changing the voltage application time during a predetermined on-off cycle, it is possible to modulate the average power (average operating power) delivered to the light source over a period of time. In particular, the controller 105 is configured to be able to pulse the voltage V _source to a given light source, preferably at a frequency greater than the frequency that can be detected by the naked eye (for example, a frequency greater than approximately 100 Hz). By outputting a control signal that activates one or more switches to apply a voltage to the light source. In this way, the observer of the light generated by the light source is not aware of the discontinuous on-off cycle (commonly called the "flicker effect"), but instead with the eye's integrating function. This results in continuous light generation. By adjusting the pulse width (ie, on-time or "duty cycle") of the on-off cycle of the control signal, the controller changes the average time that power is supplied to the light source for a predetermined time. To change the average operating power of the light source. In this way, the perceived brightness of the light generated from each channel can be changed.

As will be described in detail below, the controller 105 is configured to control different light source channels of the multichannel lighting fixture at a predetermined average operating power to provide a radiant output corresponding to the light generated by each channel. Can be. Optionally, the controller 105 may, for example, command a user interface specifying a predetermined operating power for one or more channels and a corresponding radiant output for the light generated by each channel (e.g., a "lighting command"). 118, a signal source 124 or one or more communication ports 120. By varying the predetermined operating power for one or more channels (for example according to different commands or lighting commands), light of differently perceived color and brightness levels can be generated by the lighting fixture.

In one embodiment of the luminaire 100, as described above, the one or more light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D shown in FIG. 1 are a group of multiple LEDs or other that are controlled together by the controller 105. Tangible light sources (such as parallel and / or series connected LEDs or other types of light sources). In addition, one or more light sources may generate radiation having various visible colors (particularly white light) and any of a variety of spectra (ie wavelengths or wavelength bands), including various color temperatures of white light, ultraviolet light or infrared light. It should be understood that one or more LEDs may be used, but are not limited to these. LEDs having various spectral bandwidths (eg narrowband, wideband) may be used in various implementations of the luminaire 100.

In another aspect of the luminaire 100 shown in FIG. 1, the luminaire 100 may be formed and arranged to generate a wide variety of variable color radiation. For example, in one embodiment, the luminaire 100 includes controllable variable intensity (i.e., variable radiant output) light generated by two or more light sources such that mixed color light (especially including white light having various color temperatures). It may be arranged to be combined to generate. In particular, the color (or color temperature) of the mixed color light can be changed (in response to one or more signals output by the controller 105, for example) by varying the intensity (copy output) of each of the one or more light sources. In addition, the controller 105 may be configured to provide control signals to one or more light sources to produce various static or time varying (dynamic) multicolor (or multicolor temperature) lighting effects. To that end, in one embodiment, the controller may include a processor 102 (eg, a microprocessor) programmed to provide such control signals to one or more light sources. In various aspects, the processor 102 may be programmed to voluntarily provide this control signal in response to an illumination command or in response to various user or signal inputs.

Thus, the luminaire 100 includes a wide variety of color LEDs, including two or more red, green and blue LEDs that can provide mixed colors and one or more other LEDs that can generate white light of varying color and color temperature. It may include in combination. For example, red, green, and blue may be mixed with the amber, white, ultraviolet, orange, infrared, or other colors of the LEDs. This combination of LEDs of different colors into the luminaire 100 enables accurate reproduction of the lighting conditions of a number of desired spectrums, which correspond to various external daylights at different times of the day. It may be for example, but not limited to various internal lighting conditions, lighting conditions that simulate a complex multi-color background. Other desired lighting conditions can be created by removing certain portions of the spectrum that may be specifically absorbed, attenuated or reflected in certain environments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting fixture 100 may also include a memory 114 that stores various information. For example, memory 114 may include one or more illumination commands or programs executed by process 102 (such as to generate one or more control signals for a light source), and various types of useful for generating variable color radiation. It can be used to store data (eg, correction information described later). The memory 114 may also store one or more specific identifiers (eg, serial numbers, addresses, etc.) that can be used locally or at the system level for identification of the luminaire 100. In various embodiments, such an identifier may be pre-programmed by the manufacturer, for example, and may or may not be alterable later (eg, via some type of user interface disposed in the luminaire, by the luminaire Via one or more data or control signals received). Optionally, such an identifier may be established at the time of initial use of the luminaire at the site of use and again or not later.

1 may occur in connection with the control of multiple light sources of the lighting fixture 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the control of multiple lighting fixtures 100 of the lighting system (eg, a lighting system as described below with reference to FIG. 2). One problem with that is that one may notice differences in light output between substantially similar light sources. For example, when two substantially identical light sources are driven by each same control signal, the actual intensity (e.g. radiant output in lumens) of the light output by each light source can be measured differently. Such a difference in light output may be caused by, for example, a slight manufacturing difference between the light sources, a wear which may change each spectrum of generated radiation differently as normal wear and tear of the light source over time. For the purposes of this description, a light source whose specific relationship between the control signal and the calculated radiant output is unknown is called a "uncorrected" light source.

The use of one or more uncorrected light sources in the luminaire 100 shown in FIG. 1 may generate light with an unpredictable or "uncorrected" color or color temperature. For example, a first luminaire comprising a first uncompensated red light source and a first uncompensated blue light source controlled in response to corresponding lighting commands having adjustable parameters in the range of 0 to 255 (0 to 255), respectively. In this case, the maximum value 255 represents the maximum radiation output (ie, 100%) calculated from the light source. For this embodiment, if the red command is set to zero and the blue command is set to a nonzero value, blue light is generated, while the blue command is set to zero and the red command is set to a nonzero value, the red light is generated. Is generated. However, if the two instructions are changed from a non-zero value, various differently recognizable colors may be produced (eg at least many different purple shades are possible in this embodiment). In particular, the desired specific color (e.g. lavender) may be produced by a red command having a value of 125 and a blue command having a value of 200.

A second non-corrected blue light source substantially similar to the first uncorrected red light source of the first lighting fixture and a second uncorrected blue light source substantially similar to the first uncorrected blue light source of the first lighting fixture Consider the lighting fixtures. As described above, even if all of the uncorrected red light sources are controlled in response to each same command, the actual intensity (e.g., radiant output in lumens) of the light output by each red light source can be measured differently. . Similarly, although all of the uncorrected blue light sources are controlled in response to each of the same commands, the actual light output by each blue light source can be measured differently.

From this, when multiple uncorrected light sources are used in combination with a luminaire to generate mixed color light as described above, the observed color (or color temperature) of the light generated by the different luminaires under the same control conditions may be different. It should be understood that it can be perceived. Specifically, considering again the above-described embodiment of "lavender color", the "first lavender color" generated by the first luminaire by the red command having a value of 125 and the blue command having a value of 200 is actually It can be perceived differently than the "second lavender color" generated by the second lighting fixture by the red command having a value of 125 and the blue command having a value of 200. More generally, the first and second luminaires produce an uncorrected color due to their uncorrected light sources.

In this regard, in one embodiment of the invention, the luminaire 100 comprises correction means for generating light having a correction color (eg, predictable color, reproducible color) at any given time. . In one aspect, the correction means is configured to adjust (eg, proportionally adjust) the light output of at least some of the light sources of the luminaire to be able to compensate for the appreciable difference between similar light sources used in the different luminaires. .

For example, in one embodiment, the processor 102 of the luminaire 100 may control one or more light sources to output radiation at a correction intensity that substantially corresponds to the control signal for the light source in a predetermined manner. So that it is formed. Corrected colors are produced by mixed radiation with different spectra and respective correction intensities. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one correction value is stored in the memory 114 for each light source, and the processor applies each correction value to a control signal (command) for the corresponding light source to generate the correction intensity. Is programmed

In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more corrections may be determined once (eg, during the lighting instrument manufacturing / testing phase) and stored in the memory 114 for use by the processor 102. In another aspect, the processor 102 may be configured to dynamically calculate (eg, sometimes) one or more corrections by, for example, one or more photosensors. In various embodiments, the photosensor may be one or more external components coupled to the luminaire, or may optionally be integrally formed as part of the luminaire itself. The photosensor is one example of a signal source that may be integrally formed or coupled to the luminaire 100, and is monitored by the processor 102 in conjunction with the operation of the luminaire. Other examples of such signal sources are described below in conjunction with the signal source 124 shown in FIG.

In one exemplary method that can be practiced by the processor 102 to yield one or more corrections, the method includes applying a reference control signal (e.g., corresponding to the maximum radiant output) to the light source, and Measuring (eg, through one or more photosensors) the intensity (e.g., the radiant output applied to the photosensor) generated by the radiation. The processor may be programmed to compare the measurement intensity with at least one reference value (e.g., typically representing an intensity that can be predicted in response to a reference control signal). Based on this comparison, the processor may determine one or more corrections (eg, scale factors) for the light source. In particular, the processor may calculate a correction value such that, upon application of the reference control signal, the light source may output radiation having an intensity corresponding to the reference value (i.e., " predictive " intensity, such as, for example, predicted radiant output in lumens).

In various aspects, one correction may be calculated over the entire range of control signal / output intensities for a given light source. Optionally, in order to approximate the nonlinear correction function in an interval linear fashion, multiple correction values, each applied over different control signal ranges / output intensity ranges, can be calculated for a given light source (ie, multiple correction " samples). "They can be saved).

In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 1, the luminaire 100 optionally controls any of a number of user selectable settings or functions (eg, generally, the light output of the luminaire 100, Change and / or select various pre-programmed lighting effects generated by the luminaire, change and / or select various parameters of the selected lighting effect, and assign a specific identifier, such as an address or serial number, to the luminaire, for example. One or more user interfaces 118 provided for setting or functioning such as setting. In various embodiments, communication between the user interface 188 and the luminaire may be accomplished via wire or cable, or wireless transmission.

In one implementation, the controller 105 of the luminaire monitors the user interface 118 and controls one or more light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D based at least in part on the user's interface operation. For example, the controller 105 may be configured to be responsive to the operation of the user interface by generating one or more control signals that control one or more light sources. Optionally, the processor 102 may select one or more preprogrammed control signals stored in the memory, change the control signals generated by the execution of the lighting program, or select and execute a new lighting program from the memory. It can be formed responsive by acting on radiation generated by one or more light sources.

In particular, in one implementation, the user interface 118 may configure one or more switches (eg, standard wall switches) that cut off power to the controller 105. In one aspect of this implementation, the controller 105 is configured to monitor the power controlled by the user interface to control one or more light sources based at least in part on the power down period by the user interface operation. As described above, the controller may, for example, select one or more pre-programmed control signals stored in the memory, change the control signals generated by the execution of the lighting program, or select and execute a new lighting program from the memory. By acting on the radiation generated by the one or more light sources, it can be formed to respond to a predetermined power interruption period.

1 also illustrates that the luminaire 100 can be configured to receive one or more signals 122 from one or more other signal sources 124. In one implementation, the controller 105 of the luminaire may control the signal 122 alone or in order to be able to control one or more light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D in a manner similar to that described above for the user interface. It can be used in combination with other control signals (eg signals generated by lighting program execution, one or more outputs from the user interface, etc.).

As a signal that can be received and processed by the controller 105, one or more audio signals, video signals, power signals, various types of data signals, signals representing information obtained from a network (such as the Internet), one or more detections Examples thereof include, but are not limited to, a signal indicating a possible / detected state, a signal from a lighting fixture, a signal composed of modulated light, and the like. In various implementations, the signal source 124 can be located spaced apart from the luminaire 100 or can be included as a component of the luminaire. In one embodiment, a signal from one luminaire 100 may be transmitted to another luminaire 100 via a network.

As a signal source 124 that can be used with the luminaire 100 of FIG. 1, various sensors or transducers that generate one or more signals 122 in response to a given stimulus are exemplified. Such sensors include, for example, thermal sensors (such as temperature sensors, infrared sensors), humidity sensors, motion sensors, photosensors / light sensors (such as photodiodes such as spectroradiometers or spectrophotometers) Examples include different types of environmental condition sensors, such as sensors that detect electromagnetic radiation, different types of cameras, acoustic or vibration sensors, or other pressure / force transducers (such as microphones or piezoelectric devices). It is not limited to this.

As another signal source 124, an electrical signal or characteristic (such as voltage, current, power, resistance, capacitance, inductance, etc.) or chemical / biological characteristics (such as acidity, the presence of one or more specific chemical or biological agents, bacteria) Etc. are various measurement / detection devices that monitor and provide one or more signals 122 based on the measurement of the signal or characteristic. As another signal source 124, various types of scanners, image recognition systems, voice or other acoustic recognition systems, artificial intelligence and robotics systems, and the like can be exemplified. In addition, the signal source 124 may be a lighting device 100 or another controller or processor, for example, a media player, an MP3 player, a computer, a DVD player, a CD player, a television signal source, a camera signal source, a microphone, a speaker, It may be any one of various signal generating devices such as a telephone, a mobile phone, an instant messenger device, an SMS device, a wireless device, a personal organizer, and the like.

In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 100 shown in FIG. 1 may also include one or more optical elements 130 that optically process radiation generated by light sources 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D. For example, the one or more optical elements can be formed to alter one or both of the spatial distribution and the propagation direction of the generated radiation. In particular, one or more optical elements can be formed that can alter the angle of diffusion of generated radiation. In one aspect of this embodiment, the one or more optical elements 130 may be configured to variably change one or both of the spatial distribution and propagation direction of generated radiation (eg, in response to certain electrical and / or mechanical stimuli). So). Optical elements that may be included in the luminaire 100 include, but are not limited to, reflectors, refractors, translucent materials, filters, lenses, mirrors, and optical fibers. Optical element 130 may also include a phosphorescent material, a luminescent material, or other material capable of responding or interacting with generated radiation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the luminaire 100 may include one or more communication ports 120 that allow for easy coupling of the luminaire 100 to any of a variety of other devices. For example, one or more communication ports 120 may allow multiple lighting fixtures to be easily coupled together as a networked lighting system, where at least some of the lighting fixtures are addressable (eg, specific With an identifier or address) can respond to specific data transmitted over the network.

In particular, in a networked lighting system environment, as will be described in detail below (see FIG. 2 for example), when data is transmitted over the network, the controller 105 of each lighting fixture coupled to the network is Can be configured to respond to specific data related to the device (eg, a light control command) (eg, as indicated by the identifier of each of the networked luminaires in some cases). When a given controller identifies a particular identifier assigned to it, the controller reads the data and changes the light state generated by the light source in accordance with the received data, for example (by generating an appropriate control signal as a light source, for example). In one aspect, the memory 114 of each lighting fixture coupled to the network may, for example, be loaded with a table of illumination control signals corresponding to data received by processor 102 of the controller. When the processor 102 receives data from the network, the processor may refer to a table for selecting a control signal corresponding to the received data, thereby controlling the light source of the lighting fixture.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the processor 102 of the lighting fixture, regardless of whether it is coupled with a network, receives lighting instructions / data received in the DMX protocol (such as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,016,038 and 6,211,626, for example). It can be interpreted, and this DMX protocol is a lighting command protocol that has conventionally been adopted in the lighting industry in some programmable lighting fields. For example, in one aspect, considering the red, green, and blue LED based luminaires (ie, "RGB" luminaires), the illumination commands of the DMX protocol are each red channel command, green channel command, and blue channel. An instruction can be specified as 8-bit data (ie byte data) representing a value of 0 to 255. The maximum value of 255 for any one color channel may cause the processor 102 to correspond to operating at the maximum available power for the channel (ie 100%) to generate the maximum possible radiant output for that color. Command to control the light source (typically this command structure for RGB lighting fixtures is called 24-bit color control). Thus, a command of the format [R, G, B] = [255, 255, 255] allows the luminaire to generate maximum radiant output for each of the red, green and blue light (thus producing white light). ).

However, luminaires suitable for the present invention are not limited to the DMX command format, and the luminaires according to various embodiments are configured to respond to other types of communication protocol / light command formats in order to be able to control their respective light sources. It should be understood that it can be. In general, the processor 102 may illuminate various formats that may represent a desired operating power for different channels of a multichannel luminaire according to a predetermined scale representing 0 to the maximum available operating power for each channel. It can be configured to respond to a command.

In one embodiment, the luminaire 100 of FIG. 1 includes one or more power sources 108 and / or may be coupled to one or more power sources 108. In various aspects, the power source 108 may include, but is not limited to, an AC power source, a DC power source, a battery, a solar energy based power source, a thermoelectric or machine based power source, and the like. In addition, in one aspect, the power source 108 may include or be coupled to one or more power conversion devices that convert power received by an external power source into a form suitable for operation of the luminaire 100.

Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, as will be discussed later in detail, the lighting fixture 100 may be implemented in any one of several different structural forms in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Such forms include, but are not limited to, substantially linear or curved forms, circular forms, elliptical forms, rectangular forms, combination forms of these forms, various other geometric forms, various two-dimensional or three-dimensional forms, and the like. It is not limited to this. The luminaire may have any one of mounting devices for various light sources, enclosure / housing shapes and devices that partially or completely surround the light source, and / or electrical and mechanical connection configurations.

In addition, the one or more optical elements described above may be partially or fully integrated into the enclosure / housing device for the luminaire. In addition, the various components of the luminaire described above (eg processor, memory, power, user interface, etc.) and other components (eg sensor / transducer, unit) that may be coupled to the luminaire in different implementations. Other components for communication in and out, etc.) may be packaged in a number of ways, and in one aspect, in one aspect, with any subset or all of the various lighting fixture components, Other components that can be combined can be packaged together. In another aspect, the packaged subset of components may be coupled together electrically and / or mechanically in various ways as described below.

2 illustrates an example of a networked lighting system 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of Figure 2, a number of lighting fixtures 100 similar to those described above in conjunction with Figure 1 are combined to form a networked lighting system. However, it should be understood that the specific configuration and arrangement of the luminaire shown in FIG. 2 is presented for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited to the specific system configuration shown in FIG.

In addition, although not explicitly shown in FIG. 2, networked lighting system 200 may be adapted to be configured to include one or more user interfaces and one or more signal sources such as, for example, sensors / transducers. It must be understood. For example, one or more user interfaces and one or more signal sources (as described above in conjunction with FIG. 1), such as, for example, sensors / transducers, may be coupled to one or more luminaires of networked lighting system 200. Alternatively (or in addition to those described above), one or more user interfaces and / or one or more signal sources may be implemented as “standalone” components of the networked lighting system 200. Whether a standalone component or a component specifically coupled to one or more luminaires 100, such devices may be "shared" by the luminaires of a networked lighting system. In other words, one or more user interfaces and / or one or more signal sources, such as, for example, sensors / transducers, can be used in connection with the control of one or more lighting fixtures of a networked lighting system. Can be configured.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the lighting system 200 may include one or more Lighting Unit Controllers (hereinafter referred to as "LUCs") 208A, 208B, 208C, and 208D, respectively. The LUC of serves to generally control by communicating with one or more lighting fixtures 100 coupled thereto. Although FIG. 2 shows one luminaire 100 coupled to each LUC, the present invention is not limited to this case, and different numbers of luminaires 100 may be used for various communication media and protocols. It should be understood that the present invention can be coupled to a given LUC in various configurations (serial connection, parallel connection, combination connection of serial connection and parallel connection, etc.).

In the system of FIG. 2, each LUC may be coupled to a central controller 202 that is configured to communicate with one or more LUCs. 2 shows four LUCs coupled to a central controller 202 via a universal connection 204 (which may include any number of various conventional coupling devices, switching devices, and / or networking devices). However, it should be understood that according to various embodiments, different numbers of LUCs may be coupled to the central controller 20. In addition, according to various embodiments of the present invention, the LUC and the central controller may be combined together in various configurations using various communication media and protocols to form a networked lighting system 200. In addition, it should be understood that the interconnection of the LUC and the central controller and the interconnection of the luminaire to each LUC can be accomplished in different ways (eg using different configurations, communication media and protocols).

For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the central controller 202 shown in FIG. 2 may be formed to implement Ethernet-based communication with the LUC, and the LUC is a lighting fixture 100. It may be configured to implement the DMX-based communication with). In particular, in one aspect of this embodiment, each LUC may be formed as an addressable Ethernet-based controller such that identification at the central controller 202 via a specific address (or specific group of addresses) using an Ethernet-based protocol may be achieved. It may be possible. In this manner, the central controller 202 can be configured to support Ethernet communications over a network of combined LUCs, with each LUC responding to the communications applied thereto. In addition, each LUC may transmit lighting control information to one or more luminaires coupled to the LUC via, for example, the DMX protocol based on Ethernet communication with the central controller 202.

More specifically, according to one embodiment, the central controller 202 can send to the LUC a higher level command that needs to be interpreted by the LUC before the lighting control information is sent to the luminaire 100. In that it can be formed, the LUCs 208A, 208B, and 208C shown in Fig. 2 can be formed to have an " intelligent ". For example, a lighting system operator may change the color from the luminaire to the luminaire to place the luminaires specifically with respect to one another to form a propagating rainbow color appearance ("rainbow chase"). You may want to generate a color change effect. To accomplish this, the operator can provide a simple command to the central controller 202, which can transmit to one or more LUCs using Ethernet based protocol high level commands to form a "rainbow chase". Such instructions may include, for example, viewpoint, intensity, hue, saturation, or other related information. When a given LUC receives such a command, the LUC interprets the command and sends additional commands to one or more luminaires using the DMX protocol, in response to which the source of each luminaire has any number of different signal transmission techniques (eg PWM).

It should also be understood that the above-described examples utilizing various different communication implementations in the lighting system according to an embodiment of the present invention are presented for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention is not limited to these specific examples.

As described above, it will be appreciated that the one or more luminaires described above can generate highly controllable variable color light over a wide range of colors, as well as generate variable color temperature white light over a wide range of color temperatures.

3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a luminaire 100 having a modular configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one example, a light generating module 300, such as an LED based module, is detachable to the corresponding socket 302. The socket 302 is fixedly coupled to the housing 304 (e.g., by a screw inserted through the hole 306 of the socket 302 flange 308), and the light generating module 300 is connected to the socket 302. It can be easily installed in the housing 304 to form a light fixture (100). In some exemplary embodiments, the housing 304 may serve as a heat sink (eg, the housing may be formed of a substantial thermally conductive material such as die-cast metal or extruded metal). Can]. The luminaire 100 of the present embodiment further includes a light generating module 300 and a controller module 105 as a separate component, which controller module is to be permanently or replaceably mounted in the housing 304. Can be.

In some embodiments, the photogeneration module 300 may be formed in a relatively simple manner including one or more LED based light sources and connections for LED connection to drive signals and operating power. In other embodiments, photogeneration module 300 may include, but is not limited to, various components including heat dissipation elements, onboard memory and / or control features, and optical components. When the light generating module 300 is attached to the housing 304 via the socket 302, the light generating module 300 may be electrically connected to the controller module 105 through the connector 310.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the overall shape of the light generating module 300 may be similar to a hockey puck. For example, in some embodiments, the circular light generating module can have a diameter of approximately 7.62 cm (3 inches) and a thickness of approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the portion proximate the center of the light generating module is thicker than the thickness of the portion proximate the edge.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fully assembled modular lighting fixture 100 similar to that shown in FIG. 3, showing a perspective view of a lighting fixture 100 including a reflective cone 314 and a mounting bracket 316. The reflective cone 314 may be detachable so that the light generating module 300 and / or the controller module 105 can be easily replaced.

5 is a perspective plan view of the fully assembled luminaire 100. In some embodiments of the luminaire, the luminaire 100 includes a heat dissipation element 320 (fin in this embodiment) and / or a controller module 105 that transfers heat from the light generating module 300. do. For example, the socket 302 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to allow heat to be easily transferred from the light generating module 300 to the housing 304, where the housing may be fin or other suitable heat dissipation. Transfer heat to the element. Also shown in this figure are wiring knockout 322 and wiring door 324. In some embodiments, a separate heat dissipation element (ie, a heat dissipation element and a heat dissipation element insulated from the light generating module) is provided for transferring heat from the controller module 105, but in another embodiment, the same The heat dissipation elements transfer heat from the light generating module 300 and the controller module 105.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a modular lighting fixture 100-1 including a housing 304-1 having a shape different from that in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 may be useful for installation and / or removal through a hole in a ceiling or wall, as will be described in detail below. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3-5, the lighting fixture 100-1 includes a light generating module 300, a socket 302, and a reflective cone 314.

In some embodiments, the controller module 105 associated with a given luminaire may be disposed in a housing as shown in FIG. 3, but in other embodiments, the controller module 105 may be external (ie, in FIG. 68). A junction box such as a junction box shown in the drawing.

7 and 8 illustrate, in perspective, an assembled light generating module 300 attached to a socket 302 of a luminaire according to one embodiment of the invention. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the light generating module 300, the socket 302 and the grip ring 332. 7 to 9 illustrate one embodiment of the light generating module, and each of the components described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 is not necessarily required to form the light generating module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

7 to 9, the components of the light generating module 300 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a light-transmitting surface (eg, transparent or translucent) plate 330, a grip ring 332, and secondary optics. Component 334, chassis 336, LED assembly 338 and aluminum base plate 340. In the embodiment of Figures 7-9, the chassis 336 is formed as a metal diecast component to facilitate heat transfer (in another embodiment described below in conjunction with Figures 27-31, a similar chassis is made of plastic). Formed as one injection molded component). The chassis 336 is formed to support a plurality of secondary optical components 334.

In the module shown in FIG. 9, the LED assembly 338 includes a plurality of hexagonal LED subassemblies 344 (hereinafter, referred to as "between" thermally conductive base plate (aluminum base plate 340)) and a printed circuit board 346. LED hexagonal subassembly ". The combination of base plate 340, hexagonal subassembly 344 and printed circuit board 346 may be covered with electrically insulating and thermally conductive layer 348 and may be coupled to chassis 336 (eg By a screw that penetrates the hole of the base plate and engages with the threaded bore of the chassis 336]. The light transmissive plate 330 is also optionally used in the light generating module 300 and can be held in place by the grip ring 332. The base plate 340 may include a cutout or through hole 350 for receiving a connector 352 connected to the LED assembly 338. Referring again to FIG. 3, in one embodiment the connector 352 acts substantially as a first electrical connection that engages with the connector 310 of the instrument housing 304, such that the light generating module has a socket 302. Acts as a complementary second electrical connection when installed in

With regard to thermal management, heat dissipation through the front side (light emitting surface) of the light generating module can help thermal efficiency. In assembling the light generating module 300 of FIG. 9, an electrically insulating and thermally conductive layer 348 can be used between the LED assembly 338 and the chassis 336 as shown in FIG. 9. In this manner, through the front of the LED assembly (via the printed circuit board 346, the thermal conductive layer 348 and the diecast metal chassis 336), and through the back of the LED assembly 338 (optional thermal conduction). Heat transfer may be performed through a paste or grease, base plate 340 and other heat sinks or housings to which the base plate may be coupled. Components other than the chassis may be made of a thermally conductive material, and various diecast components may be printed / oxidized in black to promote heat transfer.

Although certain embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-9 illustrate modules containing six LED hexagonal subassemblies 344, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the LED subassemblies of different numbers and configurations are different. It should be understood that 344 can be used in other embodiments. In addition, in any of the embodiments described herein, an LED subassembly having a shape different from the hexagonal shape may replace the LED hexagonal subassembly.

FIG. 10 is a detailed front view of the LED assembly 338 of the light generation module 300 shown in FIG. In particular, Figure 10 shows the six LED 6 square subassembly 344 [ohseuta which will be described later in detail in the following example (OSTAR ^®) subassembly] coupled to a printed circuit board (346). As can be seen in FIG. 10, each hexagonal subassembly 344 has six separate LED junctions 358 electrically interconnected in the subassembly so that they can be operated simultaneously in response to a drive signal applied to the subassembly. ). Each subassembly also includes a primary optic 360, which may be a lens formed to provide a Lambertian beam shape. As described below, the hexagonal subassembly 344 is coupled to the back or bottom of the printed circuit board 346, and the printed circuit board is coupled to the primary optics 360 of each hexagonal subassembly 334. It is formed with a through hole. The large through hole 364 of the printed circuit board 346 allows for easy attachment of the base plate 340 and the LED assembly 338 to the chassis 336.

In one embodiment, LED hexagonal subassembly 344 is fabricated by OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Gmbh (see http://www.osram-os.com/ostar-lighting). OSTAR ^® ) may be a component manufactured under the trade name. Each OSTAR ^® subassembly 344 can provide up to 400 lumens of radiation at 700 mA operating current from six LED junctions driven simultaneously to provide white light with a color temperature of approximately 5600K. .

In one aspect, the LED hexagonal subassembly 344, which is illustratively presented as an OSTAR ^® product, may be implemented as a "chip-on-board" LED subassembly or module. In a chip-on-board assembly, an unpackaged silicon die (i.e., a semiconductor chip) is attached directly to the surface of a substrate (e.g., FR-4 printed circuit board, flexible printed circuit board, ceramic substrate, etc.) to provide electrical connections to the substrate. Wire bonded to form. An epoxy resin or silicone coating is then applied to the top of the die / chip to seal and protect the die / chip. In one exemplary OSTAR ^® configuration, the LED hexagonal subassembly includes four or six LED semiconductor chips mounted on a ceramic substrate, which is mounted directly on the surface of the metal core printed circuit board. For example, to protect the semiconductor chip from environmental influences such as moisture, the chip may be coated with a clean silicon encapsulant.

Each OSTAR ^® includes an aluminum core substrate to facilitate heat dissipation, with its electrical contacts, LED junctions (semiconductor chips) and integrated primary lenses (primary optics) on top to provide Lambertian beam geometry. As one example of a sieve) is disposed. The hexagonal substrate has a plurality of peripheral cutouts and / or through holes and optional secondary optics that allow the subassemblies to be coupled to the chassis 336 via screws and allow the individual hexagonal subassemblies to mate to a common substrate. It is provided. Electrical connections to the hexagonal subassembly can be formed by soldering to contacts on the top surface of the subassembly, or by using a spring contact. In some embodiments, the aluminum substrate of ohseuta (OSTAR ^®) is in direct contact with the base as an example so as to form a heat conduction path plate 340, the socket 302 and / or mechanism housings 304 from the LED subassembly Can be located.

Although the example of the LED hexagonal subassembly formed by the OSTAR ^® component has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this case, and it is possible to generate white light and / or various non-white colors having substantially different color temperatures. It is to be understood that other configurations of the LED hexagonal subassemblies, including one or more LEDs formed to generate light having, can be used in the light generating module according to various embodiments.

In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, one or more LED subassemblies of a given LED assembly may generate white light having a first color temperature and one or more other LED subassemblies may generate white light having a different second color temperature. The predetermined light generation module can be formed as a multichannel LED based light source. Similarly, a lighting device including such a multi-channel light generating module may be formed with a multi-channel controller module formed to independently control a plurality of channels of the multi-channel light generating module. In this way, the light generating module can be formed to be able to generate different color temperatures or any combination of different color temperatures. Thus, the lighting fixture according to the invention can be formed, in particular, to provide a controllable variable color temperature white light from a single light generating module.

FIG. 11 is a detailed rear view of the LED assembly 338, with the rear mounting of the hexagonal subassembly 344 relative to the printed circuit board 346 and the electrical providing one or more drive signals for operation of the hexagonal subassembly. It is a detailed rear view which shows the connection part 352. FIG. In Figure 11 the aluminum substrate of each hexagonal subassembly 344 is clearly visible. Referring back to FIG. 9, in one aspect of this embodiment, the backside of the hexagonal subassembly is coupled to an aluminum base plate 340 to facilitate heat transfer from the backside (or bottom) of the hexagonal subassembly. In one embodiment, thermal grease or paste may be used to attach the base plate 340 to the LED assembly 338, and the through hole 370 of the base plate 340 may be used to mount the base plate and the LED assembly to the chassis 336. And a large through hole 364 of the printed circuit board 346 for easy attachment. As described above, the base plate 340 may include a central incision or through hole for clearance with the electrical connection 352.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9-11, the printed circuit board 346 includes a number of small mating through holes 372 aligned with the semicircular cutouts 374 of the outer periphery of the hexagonal subassembly 344. . This through hole 372 allows the subassembly to be easily coupled to the printed circuit board 346 as described below in conjunction with FIGS. 12-14.

12 shows a “jig” 380 that can be used to facilitate assembly of the LED assembly 338. Jig 380 may be made of any rigid material, such as, for example, an aluminum plate. As shown in FIG. 12, the aluminum plate may include a number of holes allowing small pegs 384 and large pegs 386 to be inserted and positioned. As can be clearly seen in the following description and drawings, different sized pegs ensure precise matching between the hexagonal subassembly 344 and the printed circuit board 346.

More specifically, FIG. 13 illustrates a number of LED hexagonal subassemblies 344 located in the small peg 384 of the jig 380 of FIG. 12 that keeps the subassemblies flat in the proper position. Once in place, solder paste may be applied to the electrical contact pads 388 on the top surface of the subassembly. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, the printed circuit board 346 is jig over the subassembly 344 using the large pegs 386 penetrating the large through holes 364 of the printed circuit board 346. 380 is located. The printed circuit board also includes a small through hole 372 that receives the small peg 384.

The face of the printed circuit board 346 adjacent to the hexagonal subassembly (ie, the face opposite to the face shown in FIG. 14) is in a position complementary to the contact pad 388 of the hexagonal subassembly 344. Electrical contacts (such as copper pads, not shown), which first provide electrical attachment points and mechanical attachment points for the hexagonal subassemblies. In one embodiment, the first electrical contact has a corresponding second electrical contact 390 provided on an opposite surface (surface shown in FIG. 14) of the printed circuit board 346, and the opposite surface of the printed circuit board The contact pair may be connected via a plated through hole 392 in the center of the contacts. Thus, when solder paste is interposed between the contact pads 388 of the hexagonal subassembly 344 and the first electrical contacts of the printed circuit board and positioned in place in the jig, heat is applied to the second electrical contacts 390. The solder paste is melted (eg, via a hot bar or soldering iron tip) to form electrical and mechanical connections between the hexagonal subassembly and the printed circuit board. The plated through hole 392 facilitates heat transfer through the contacts and enables visual inspection of the solder joints.

In one embodiment, the printed circuit board 346 may be made of conventional FR-4 (flameproof 4) material, which is a composite of resin epoxy generally used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards and reinforced with woven glass fiber mats. . In one aspect, a printed circuit board 346 made of FR-4 may be fabricated as a relatively thin substrate to promote effective heat transfer from the front side (or top side) of the hexagonal subassembly. Thus, when the LED assembly 338 is coupled to the diecast chassis 336, the metal of the chassis further promotes heat transfer from the front side (or light emitting surface) of the light generating module.

In yet another embodiment, the printed circuit board can be made of a flexible circuit board material. Flexible circuit boards are used in some common conventional applications where flexibility, space savings or manufacturing constraints limit the usefulness of rigid circuit boards or hand wiring. Typical applications for flexible circuits include the manufacture of cameras and computer keyboards, and most modern keyboards use flexible circuits for switch matrices. In one example, a flexible circuit board may be formed as a thin substrate (eg a few micrometers) that can be sensed using thin flexible plastic or other insulation and metal foil for conductors.

As an example of a flexible insulating material suitable for flexible circuit boards, a polyimide film developed by DuPont ^® can be stably maintained over a wide temperature range of -269 ° C to + 400 ° C (-452 ° F to 752 ° F). There is a Kapton ^® . In an embodiment of an LED assembly using a flexible circuit board, a window may be formed by cutting in the insulation at the top and bottom of the circuit board to expose the contact pad regions of the conductive metal foil layer. In the middle of this region, holes may be formed to facilitate the soldering process as described above. In one aspect of an embodiment using a flexible circuit board, a non-planar LED assembly is fabricated to suit the chassis or suitably to a desired or pre-determined pattern and direction of light emitted from the hexagonal subassembly LEDs. Can be installed.

 In embodiments using flexible circuit boards, the aluminum base plate, which serves as a substitute for the base plate 340, may have a peg similar to that shown in FIG. It can be mounted. The peg of the base plate also serves to facilitate registration of the flexible circuit board, which can be disposed on the top surface of the hexagonal subassembly and bonded to the subassembly in a manner similar to that described above.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the secondary optical component 334 of the light generating module 300 shown in FIG. Each secondary optical component is formed with four posts 402, to facilitate registration of the secondary optics to the primary optics of the associated LED hexagonal subassembly 344. Engage with four corresponding small through holes 372 of the printed circuit board. Each secondary optic 334 may also include one or more clips 404 to facilitate fastening of the secondary optics with the secondary optics of the chassis 336. 9, 25, and 26, each secondary optic is fastened in a corresponding secondary optic receiver or chamber 502 of chassis 336, and one or more clips 404 ) Is engaged with a portion of the bottom 504 of the chassis 336. In order to allow the secondary optics to be properly aligned with the primary optics of the associated LED hexagonal subassembly, the posts 402 of the secondary optics penetrate the secondary optic receiver or chamber of the chassis, The small through-hole 372 and the outer semicircular incision 374 of the hexagonal subassembly are fastened (see, for example, FIGS. 10 and 11). In various aspects, the secondary optics can be baffle surface, curved surface, and in order to be able to produce various light profiles (e.g., narrow light beams, medium light beams) for the light radiated by the LED hexagonal subassemblies. And / or having a reflective surface.

Secondary optical components 334-1 of somewhat different embodiments are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. In this embodiment, the four posts 402-1 include a planar outward surface 406 which is different from the curved outward surface shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15.

18 and 19 illustrate a decorative design of one embodiment of a round puck-type light generating module 300-1 that includes a chassis 336-1, a base plate 340-1, and a connector 352-1. Perspective views. 20 is a side view of the light generating module 300-1 of FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 21 is a plan view showing a decorative design of another embodiment of a round light generating module 300-2 coupled to socket 302-2 through grip ring 332-2, and flange 308-2 of the socket. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the light generating module and grip ring taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the light generating module 300-2, the grip ring 332-2, and the socket 302-2 of FIG. 24 is a perspective rear view of the light generating module 300-2 and the grip ring 332-2 of FIG. 21.

In one exemplary embodiment of the module, grip ring and socket combination shown in FIGS. 22-24, the socket and grip ring form substantially two corresponding collars, with at least one outer feature of the socket and the grip ring. At least one internal feature of the includes a complementary threads to enable the grip ring to form a screwed interlocking mechanical connection when the grip ring is disposed in the socket and rotates with respect to the socket. Thus, when the light generating module is installed in the socket, the grip ring is fastened over at least a portion of the outer circumference of the light generating module so that the light generating module can be held in the socket through a screwed (rotating) interlocking mechanical connection.

FIG. 25 is a top view illustrating the decorative design of one embodiment of a chassis 336-1 including multiple chambers 502. FIG. 26 is a perspective bottom view of the chassis 336-1 of FIG. 25, showing a number of threaded holes formed in the body of the chassis for accommodating the screws and that can be used to couple the base plate and the LED assembly to the chassis. .

27 and 28 are two different exploded perspective views of light generating module 300-3 and grip ring 332-3 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 42 (described below) shows a light generating module 300-3 based on the various components shown in the perspective views of Figures 27 and 28, and the assembled light generating module 300-3 It is coupled to the corresponding socket 302-1 to form the lighting fixture 100.

In the embodiment of Figures 27 and 28, unlike in the embodiment described above in conjunction with Figures 7-9, the LED assembly 338-1 comprising a plurality of LED hexagonal subassemblies 344-1 has a thermally conductive base plate. And is not interposed between the printed circuit board and the printed circuit board, but instead is inserted into the chassis 336-2.

29 and 30 show various views of the chassis 336-2 including six complementary receptacles or chambers to accommodate six LED hexagonal subassemblies 344-1. In one aspect of this embodiment, the chassis 336-2 may be an injection molded component made of plastic. Also, in order to be able to provide operating power to each LED hexagonal subassembly 344-1 from the main connector assembly 352-2 disposed in the central channel of the chassis 336-2, the chassis 336- 2) may be formed to include a plurality of contacts 412 and the electrical connector 410 integrally formed with the body of the chassis 336-2. FIG. 31 shows in plan view one particular arrangement of electrical contacts 412 and connector 410.

In various aspects, the electrical contacts and connectors of the chassis 336-2 may be components inserted into the chassis, stamped pieces that may be pressed into the chassis during assembly, or flexible printed circuit boards (flexible PCBs). Or a conductive ink screened into the shaping chassis. The LED hexagonal subassembly 344-1 may be pressed into and assembled into the chassis 336-2 to ensure good electrical contact with the contacts or connectors of the chassis. In order to be able to achieve good contact, the chassis may also include a small fastener or retaining clip of injection molded plastic.

Referring again to FIGS. 27 and 28, when the LED assembly 300-3 including the LED hexagonal subassembly 344-1 is assembled to the chassis 336-2, the pressed aluminum base plate 340-2 is It may be attached to the chassis 336-2 by a screw penetrating through the conical through hole 414 of the base plate 340-2 (see FIG. 28) (substrate material may also be copper, graphite or other suitable thermal conductivity). Material). The base plate 340-2 also includes a central through hole 350-1 for the connector assembly 353-3, but in some embodiments, the through hole 350-1 is formed of the base plate 340-2. It may not be centrally located, and in some embodiments, no through hole 350-1 is provided. The base plate 340-2 may form a heat conduction portion to the housing as described above with reference to FIG. 9. The gap pad 414 may optionally include a thermally conductive material positioned adjacent to the bottom of the aluminum base plate 340-2 and attached through a thermally conductive paste or thermally conductive grease. In general, the gap pad can be used to close two surfaces so as to remove voids that may be formed when two bare surfaces are joined.

In various embodiments, other optional materials may be used, such as, for example, liquid metal or viscous paste sandwiched between slightly convex sheets and plates. When the light generating module is fixedly fastened with the socket, this convex sheet is flatly deformed by compression with respect to the instrument housing (for example, a heat sink described later with reference to FIG. 43). Optionally, a thin sheet of very soft metal, such as indium (Brinnell hardness 0.9), which can be deformed under pressure, can replace the gap pad. In another aspect, the gap pad or other thermally conductive material can be made with wings or flaps, which wings or flaps are folded through or around the base plate such that the base plate is secured to the chassis. Is compressed / captured when

As described above, various components and / or subassemblies of the light generating module 300 may be formed to transfer heat from the light generating module 300. In some embodiments, chassis 336 may be die cast of metal or formed of other suitable thermally conductive material such that heat may be transferred from LED assembly 338 to faceplate 330 and / or grip ring 332. . The electrically insulating and thermally conductive layer 348 described above may be inserted between the LED assembly 338 and the chassis 336 as a portion that facilitates heat dissipation. In this way, heat radiation from the front and / or side of the light generating module 300 can be facilitated.

Also, in some embodiments, heat radiation from the backside of the light generating module 300 may be facilitated. For example, the thermally conductive base plate 370 may be provided as a backing material of the LED assembly 338 so that heat dissipation through the housing and / or the socket to which the light generating module 300 is attached may be facilitated.

32-39, in some embodiments, the light generating module may include one or more active heat dissipating components, such as, for example, a fan, and / or fin or, for example, Passive heat dissipation features such as air circulation passages or channels may be included. Such an embodiment can be usefully used in certain LED assemblies and light generating modules in that the use of a heat dissipation component allows the light generating module to be a standalone unit in terms of heat dissipation. That is, thermal coupling to a housing or other device may not be necessary for proper heat dissipation. In this way, the light generating module can be flexibly coupled to various lighting fixtures and systems.

One embodiment of the light generating module 300-4 using heat dissipation fins 510 is shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. In this embodiment, the pin 510 is included as part of the die cast metal photogeneration module housing 512 and is formed integrally with the photogeneration module 300-4. The LED assembly 514 is thermally coupled to the diecast housing 512 so that heat can be transferred to the heat dissipation fins 510. As shown in FIG. 33, the module housing 512 includes an insert-molded copper core 516 and an injection molded flange 518 fastened corresponding to the socket 302-2. Although the socket 302-2 of this embodiment is die cast metal, the plastic flange 518 of this embodiment prevents any detectable amount of heat from being transferred to the socket 302-2. In some embodiments, socket 302-2 may be formed thermally conductive to facilitate heat transfer.

The module housing 512 has a leaf spring 520 for forming a control connection and an operating power connection with the socket 302-2 when the light generating module 300-4 and the socket 302-2 are fastened. ).

One embodiment of a light generating module 300-5 including a fan 530 is shown in FIG. The fan 530 is disposed between the LED assembly 338-2 and the module housing 512-1. The fan 530, which may be a low rotation fan, sucks air into the housing 512-1 through the intake vent 532 and exhausts air from the module 300-5 through the exhaust vent 534. In operation, heat is transferred from the LED subassembly 344-2 through the metal core printed circuit board 346-1 to the heat dissipation fin 510-1. The air flow generated by the fan 530 flows through the heat dissipation fins 510-1, while passing heat from the heat dissipation fins 510-1 before exiting the module housing 512-1 through the exhaust vent 534. Remove it. Any air flow that flows directly through the metal core printed circuit board 346-1 and / or the LED subassembly 344-2 can also remove heat. Of course, the specific arrangement and configuration of the heat dissipation fin 510-1 may be different from that shown in the present embodiment. One or more fans may be used for a given photogeneration module 300-5. In some embodiments, the operation of the fan 530 may be controlled by sensing the temperature or measuring the amount of energy supplied to the LED assembly 338-2.

Another embodiment of a light generating module 300-6 including a fan 530-1 is shown in FIG. For example, a fan 530-1, such as a low decibel fan, may be disposed in a heat sink 540, such as a diecast heat sink, for example. The heat sink 540 is thermally coupled to the LED assembly 338-3 (which can be seen in FIG. 35), such as by a gap pad, viscous paste or liquid metal. Heat sink 540 has fins 510-2 forming channels 542, which are air flow passages. The chassis 336-3 and the LED assembly 338-3 that support the secondary optical component 334-2 may be detachably attached to the heat sink 540 by, for example, a screw. In some embodiments, the LED assembly 338-3 and the chassis 336-3 may be permanently attached to the heat sink 540 and include the entire light generating module 300, including all of the components shown in FIG. -6) is detachable to the luminaire housing by the user. The heat sink 540 may also serve as a housing or support for additional components, electronic devices, or other components for the light generating module 300-6.

In one embodiment of the light generating module 300-7 shown in FIGS. 36-38, the thermal component is a thermally conductive base plate 340-3, fins 510-3, and a cover 550. It includes. Such components can be formed to allow air to flow through a predetermined heat dissipation component (eg fin 510-3) as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. For example, in some embodiments, one or more fans 530-2 may be used to facilitate air flow through the channel 542-1 formed by the fins 510-3.

The cover 550 may be formed to allow the light generating module 300-7 to be attached to the housing 304-2 of the luminaire 100-2 by a screw, or in some embodiments the cover is light generating. Modules 300-7 may be configured to allow clip fastening or snap fastening in place within instrument housing 304-2. The cover 550 may include contacts 352-3 for ease of connection of operating power and / or control, or the cover 550 may be provided with access to the power and / or control contacts of the LED subassembly. It may include.

As can be seen in Figure 39, the mounting bracket 316 can be formed to be installed between, for example, similar architectural features of a joist, beam, or ceiling 560, such that the lighting fixture 100-2. ) Is buried, and the lower part of the lighting device 100-2 is disposed at substantially the same height as the ceiling 560. The lighting device 100-2 may be formed to hold a detachable light generating module (eg, the light generating module 300-7). The lighting fixture 100-2 may include a controller and other components that may be disposed in the controller housing 562. The wiring chamber 564 may include various electronic components, such as a wire for supplying operating power and data to the photogeneration module 100-2. The controller housing 562 and / or wiring compartment 564 form the recessed light fixture 100-2 in a low vertical profile to minimize the height of the recessed light fixture 100-2 in the ceiling 560. It can be configured to be. In some embodiments, the profile of the embedded luminaire 100-2 is ceiling 560 to allow connection to a two by four stud, for example, without requiring additional space above the ceiling. It is approximately 10.16 cm (4 inches) high.

40 and 41, the light generating module 300-5 (or other suitable light generating module described herein) described with reference to FIG. 34 is a buried joist according to another embodiment of the present invention. It can be used in the mounted lighting fixture (100-2). The embedded light fixture 100-2 may include a housing 304-2 and a mounting bracket 316 configured to install the light fixture 100-2 at the ceiling 560 or other suitable point. Fig. 41 shows a state in which the light generation module 300-5 is separated from the embedded lighting fixture 100-2.

In some embodiments, the light generating module 300 may not include a control device within the module or may include a very limited amount of memory, processing or control device within the light generating module 300. For example, the light generating module 300 may receive a driving signal for the LED from an external controller module (ie, a controller not disposed in the light generating module 300), and may not further control the LED. External controller modules may not provide feedback or information.

In some embodiments, the light generating module 300 may include various memories, processing or control devices in the light generating module 300 itself. For example, the light generation module 300 may include a unique identification code such as, for example, a serial number. The serial number may be useful for reading by an external controller module, the serial number containing information may be present in a memory coupled to the controller module, and / or the serial number containing information may be provided to the controller module from an external source. In one embodiment, the controller module reads the identification code of the photogeneration module 300 and connects to a database containing information specific to the photogeneration module 300. In some embodiments, the identification code may identify a group of photogeneration modules 300 that have similar or identical characteristics, and do not identify a particular photogeneration module 300.

The light generation module 300 may only include an identification code and may access additional information from this identification code as described above. Optionally, in some embodiments, photogeneration module 300 may include additional information in the memory of photogeneration module 300. Information that may be included in the light generating module 300 includes: operating power requirements, operating power output class, information on the LED source, light generation characteristics or parameters related to color or color temperature, information on the light beam angle, Examples include, but are not limited to, calibration parameters, commands for controller operation related to operating temperature, and historical data related to temperature, time, and other photogeneration characteristics.

The operating power requirement may be provided by the photogeneration module 300 as voltage or current, and may include any other information about the power supply to the photogeneration module 300. The operating power output rating may provide the output rating as watts or lumens, and may include information about predicted degradation over time. The LED based source information may include type and / or number of RGB LEDs and / or white LEDs and color temperature specifications. Some embodiments may include information related to the light beam angle and / or possible light beam angles. Some embodiments may include information related to the predicted service life span. The photogeneration module 300 may send operating temperature measurements to the controller, and in some embodiments may provide the controller with data or commands related to the desired power level based on the operating temperature measurements. For example, the photogeneration module 300 may instruct the controller to lower the power supplied to the photogeneration module 300 upon reaching a certain limit operating temperature. In some embodiments, historical data, such as, for example, the number of hours of operating time, operating temperature history data, or other data may be supplied by the light generating module 300 to a controller or other suitable device. In some embodiments, information and / or commands provided by light generating module 300 may be initiated by light generating module 300 itself and transmitted to a controller. In some embodiments, the controller or other reading device may request information from the light generating module 300 or read information directly from the memory module or other suitable component of the light generating module 300.

As shown in Figure 42, in some embodiments, the socket 302 can be used to detachably attach the light generating module to a housing or heat sink of a luminaire. In this embodiment, the grip ring 332 is rotatable about a molded ridge feature 580 of the chassis 336-2 and complements the socket 302 to secure the module to the socket. Embossed features (such as posts 582) that are fastened along a typical spiral path 584. In some embodiments, the socket 302 may also include a key 586 to provide a straight docking path for fastening the light generating module to the socket 302. This key 586 prevents the light generating module (other than the grip ring 332) from rotating in the socket 302. In this manner, the rotation of the lip ring 332 substantially does not affect the orientation of the LED assembly. In addition, the orientation of any connector on the back of the light generating module is not changed so that a connector of a particular orientation can be engaged with a complementary connector of the housing.

In some embodiments, by using the post 582 on the inner surface of the grip ring 332 and the spiral path 584 or screw-type threads on the outer surface of the socket 302, the light generating module 300 is provided without a tool in the luminaire. It can be installed and removed. In this regard, the light generating module can be easily attached to the luminaire, by means of which the thermal coupling, mechanical connection and electrical connection can be made automatically. Of course, in some embodiments, the user may require one or more additional steps to connect the light generating module to the housing altogether. For example, in some embodiments, the physical and thermal coupling of the light generating module to the housing can be accomplished by twisting the light generating module into the socket as described with reference to FIG. Electrical connection can be achieved by separately connecting the connector of the light generating module into the housing connector.

In one aspect, the electrical contacts or other means can be coupled with the socket 302 to detect when the grip ring 332 has reached a fixed position, such that the light generating module 300 is fully within the socket 302. If not fixed, no drive signal and / or operating power is applied to the LED hexagonal subassembly.

Figure 43 illustrates one embodiment of a socket 302 mounted to a heat sink 540-1 that may form a thermally conductive portion of the instrument housing. The socket 302 is bolted or otherwise secured to the heat sink 540-1 using the through hole 306 of the flange 308. The through hole 590 may be provided in the heat sink 540-1 for electrical connection. In some embodiments, other means of securing the socket 302 to a heat sink, housing, or luminaire may be used, and in some embodiments the socket 302 may be integrally coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments, attachment elements other than sockets may be used to attach the light generating module to the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the light generating module can be attached to the housing using an adhesive. In some embodiments, fasteners such as screws or bolts may be used to attach the light generating module, and in this way may not be provided with a socket.

44A and 44B show another embodiment of the socket 302-3 in which the stamped sheet 602 includes a fixing groove 604 for receiving the post 606 of the light generating module 300-8. Doing. In order to mount the light generating module 300-8 into the socket, the post 606 is inserted into the fixing groove 604 and pivoted clockwise. At the end of rotation, a detent may be used to releasably secure the light generating module 300-8 to the socket 302-3. For example, the rounded end 610 of one or more posts 606 may be engaged with the ridge 612 of the stamped sheet to provide stability upon attachment (see FIG. 45). The bend 614 of the stamped sheet may be deflected to apply pressure to the post 606 for more secure attachment.

Keyed central posts 620 may be used to orient the contact pads 616 of the light generating module 300-8 and the leaf spring contacts 618 of the pressed seat 602 accurately. Of course, the contact pad 616 may be provided in the pressed sheet 602, and the leaf spring contact 618 may be provided in the light generating module 300-8. Other suitable connection assemblies can be used to achieve electrical connection and / or mechanical connection.

46 and 47 show yet another embodiment of the socket 302-4 and the light generating module 300-9. In this embodiment, the light generating module 300-9 may be deformed inward so that the fastening element 630 is moved inward when the light generating module is pressed into the socket. 628). When the fastening element reaches the groove 632 of the socket 302-4, the flexible wing 628 is moved outward so that the fastening element is engaged with the groove 632 to socket the light generating module 300-9. Maintained at (302-4). A spring biased contact plate 636 is disposed at the base of the socket 302-4 to facilitate electrical connection to the light generating module. To detach the light generating module 300-9 from the socket 302-4, the user presses one or more flexible wings 628 inward to detach the fastening element 630 from the groove 632.

Each socket embodiment described above uses a circular socket as an example, but the socket need not be circular. For example, in the embodiment of the socket 302-5 and photo-generation module 300-10 shown in FIG. 48, the socket 302-5 is substantially rectangular. In this embodiment, photogeneration module 300-10 includes one or more tabs that engage with corresponding flexible catch 642 of heat sink 540-2. The photogeneration module 300-10 may include a thermally conductive gap pad 644 to promote heat conduction to the heat sink 540-2. The heat sink 540-2 may be part of the lighting fixture 100-3 including the hinged mounting bracket 646.

Another embodiment of a substantially rectangular socket is shown in FIG. The lighting device 100-4 suspended from the ceiling is formed to maintain a light generating module that emits light upward. One or more hangers 650 may support the luminaire 100-4 and provide a conduit for the wires that delivers operating power and / or control signals to the controller 105. One or more sockets 302-6 are oriented upward and include an electrical connector 310 for fastening with the electrical connector of the light generating module. The light generating module may be secured to the luminaire 100-4 by passing the screw through the light generating module and inserting it into the threaded hole 652 of the base of the socket 302-6.

Another embodiment of a substantially rectangular socket 302-7 is shown in FIG. 50. The substantially rectangular light generating module 300-11 also includes an LED assembly 338, which is fastened with a "click" sound in the socket 302-7 (snap fastening). The light generating module 300-11 includes a spring deflected catch 660, which catches into the groove 662 of the socket 302-7 to hold the light generating module 300-11 in place. It protrudes. In some embodiments, the catch may be fixed in a deployed or undeployed state using a tool. Photo-generating module 300-11 also includes an orientation notch 664, which is engaged with the alignment of photo-generating module 300-11 by engaging a corresponding protrusion 668 of socket 302-7. Contribute. The light generating module 300-11 may be formed of a die cast aluminum housing, and may include an integrated heat sink fin 510. In some embodiments, the heat sink fins may be integrated into the socket 302-7 and / or the housing to which the socket is attached. The sockets 302-7 include leaf springs 670 for operating power and data connections, but any suitable connector may be used. The socket 302-7 may be attached to the luminaire using the through hole 306 of the socket flange 308.

Another embodiment of the socket 302-8 and photogeneration module 300-12 is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the photogeneration module 300-12 includes a pivot hook 694 that extends outward upon compression of the pinch lever 696. In this embodiment, photogeneration module 300-12 is retained in extruded aluminum module housing 698.

One embodiment of the tool generation light generating module 300-13 is shown in FIG. The light generation module 300-13 has an over-center latch 702 on one side. When the latch handle 704 is pulled, the hook 706 is detached from the corresponding groove of the socket (not shown). The latch 702 is formed to be gripped by a user so that the light generating modules 300-13 can be installed and detached with one hand without any tools. In another embodiment, a similar light generating module may not have a latch and may instead include a flange at a longitudinal end that is bolted to the socket or instrument housing.

One embodiment using mounting hardware to attach light generating module 300-14 to a socket or lighting fixture is shown in FIG. The light generating module 300-14 includes a screw 710 or other metal insertion hole in the module. This through hole may be located between the LED assemblies 338. Screw 710 is secured to a threaded hole in the socket base or to another point of the luminaire.

Referring to Figure 54, one embodiment of a light generating module 300-15 that is attached to a socket 302-9 is shown. The base of the socket 302-9 includes a threaded hole 652 for receiving a screw 710 through the through hole of the light generating module 300-15. The base of the socket 302-9 also includes an electrical connector 352 that receives a corresponding electrical connector of the light generating module 300-15.

55 and 56A-56E illustrate various implementations of a luminaire 100-4 that provide light upward using a detachable light generation module 300-15 attached to the socket 302-10 of the luminaire. An example is shown. Electrical connectors are provided at the socket base and at the bottom of the light generating module 300-15. As can be clearly seen from the figures, the controller module 105 can have any one of a number of configurations.

FIG. 57 is an exploded view showing an embodiment of a rectangular light generation module 300-16 including a heat dissipation fan 530-3. The light generating module 300-16 includes a diecast aluminum module housing including an acrylic faceplate 330-2, a secondary optical component 334, a group of LED assemblies 338, and a heat dissipation channel 714. 512-2, and a cover 716 for the fan 530-3 and the heat dissipation channel 714. The fan 530-3 sucks air into the module housing 512-2 through the intake vent 720, moves the air through the heat dissipation channel 714, and moves the air through the exhaust vent 722. 512-2) is a flat one-way fan. Metal core printed circuit board 346 may be used as part of each LED assembly 338 to contribute to heat transfer from the LED assembly 338 to the thermally conductive base plate 340-4 and the heat dissipation channel 714.

FIG. 58 illustrates one embodiment of a light generating module 100-5 including a housing 304-3 that can accommodate up to six light generating modules 300-16. In this embodiment, the light generating module 300-16 is snap fastened into the luminaire 100-5, and the operating power and control signal connection is light fastened with the connector 310 located in the housing 304-3. The generation module 300-16 is formed through the connector of the base.

In some embodiments of the invention, the modular luminaire is formed such that the housing can be installed through openings of building features such as, for example, holes in the ceiling or walls. In this regard, the luminaire may be installed as a buried fixture in an existing building, ie the unit may be installed in a joist or other supporting element in the opening of an existing building surface or feature without cutting off the ceiling, wall or other building surface. .

In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 59, the lighting fixture 100-1 is somewhat L-shaped and is formed to be mounted on a building surface such as a ceiling. Mounting cone 802 includes mounting feet 804 that support and secure luminaire 100-1 to a ceiling (or other building surface). The housing 304-1 extends in one direction from the mounting cone 802 along the longitudinal direction. Housing 304-1 may include a heat dissipation element 320 (eg, fin). Hereinafter, an embodiment of the lighting device 100-1 will be described in further detail.

The procedure for installing the lighting fixture 100-1 on the ceiling 560 is shown in FIG. First, the distal end 806 of the housing 304-1 is moved through the opening 812 of the ceiling 516 either vertically or at some angle to the vertical line. As the distal end is further moved into the space behind the ceiling, the housing 304-1 is rotated to bring the housing 304-1 closer to the horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the proximal end 808 of the housing 304-1 is rounded to contribute to engagement through the opening 812 upon rotation of the housing 304-1. Since the mounting cone 802 is connected to the housing by the hinge 810, the mounting cone 802 remains substantially free of contact with the opening 812 while the housing 304-1 is rotated in place [ 60 shows that the mounting cone 802 maintains the same orientation during the placement of the luminaire 100-1. When the housing 304-1 is positioned in the horizontal orientation, the mounting cone 802 is pushed upward until the flange 814 of the mounting cone 802 abuts against the exposed surface of the ceiling 560. As such, when initially placing the lighting fixture 100-1 on the ceiling 560, the mounting pit 804 is pivoted so as not to interfere with the insertion of the mounting cone 802 into the opening 812. When the flange 814 of the mounting cone 802 abuts the exposed surface of the ceiling 560, the mounting pit 804 is rotated and pressed downward using a screwdriver, so that the ceiling 516 is mounted to the mounting cone flange ( Interposed between 814 and mounting pit 804.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view from below of the lighting fixture 100-1 of FIGS. 59 and 60. FIG. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 814 may include a clean matte alzak reflector 816 or other suitable reflector. A hinge 810 connecting the mounting cone 802 and the housing 304-1 can be seen at the proximal end 808 of the housing 304-1. In this embodiment, the controller housing 818 is integrally coupled with the housing 304-1 along the bottom of the housing. In some embodiments, controller housing 818 and controller module are insulated from housing 304-1.

In some embodiments, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 59-62, the housing 304-1 may be extruded. As shown in FIG. 62, a through hole 822 for positioning the operating power and control input connector can be located at the distal end 820 of the controller housing 818.

A mounting metal 826 for adjusting the mounting pit 804 is shown in FIG. In addition, the user replaceable light generating module 300 can be seen in FIG. As in some embodiments described herein, the photogeneration module 300 may be installed and removed by pivoting a grip ring that interacts with the socket. In this regard, when the luminaire 100-1 is installed in the opening of the ceiling (or other building surface or feature), the luminaire 100-1 has a function to replace the light generating module without the need for tools. to provide. In some embodiments, the mounting metal 826 is formed to enable tool-free operation as well as the installation of tool-free lighting fixtures 100-1 and separation of the light generating module 300.

In some embodiments, the luminaire 100-1 includes a diecast fixture housing 304-2 rather than an extrusion fixture housing. As shown in Figure 64, in some embodiments, the housing 304-2 and the mounting cone 802 are not hingedly connected. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, mounting metal 826 and mounting pit 804 may be used, but any suitable mounting metal and mounting pit may be used. The controller housing 818 can be located under and insulated from the instrument housing 304-2. In some embodiments, the controller module and / or controller housing 818 are thermally coupled to instrument housing 304-2. In some embodiments, the controller and / or controller housing 818 are thermally coupled to a separate heat sink (not shown). Various views of the embodiment of FIG. 64 are shown in FIGS. 65-67.

Figure 68 shows a luminaire for a new building installation and a frame-in kit. The joist hanger 830 supports the support surface 832, the junction box 834, and the suspension bracket 316. In some embodiments, the controller module (not shown) may be located in junction box 834 rather than at the bottom of the instrument housing. Dimensions of a new building installation lighting fixture 100-1 of one embodiment are shown in FIGS. 69A, 69B, and 69C. These dimensions are given by way of example only, other dimensions being possible.

One embodiment of the modular luminaire and other suitable luminaire controller module 105 described herein is shown in FIG. The controller module 105 receives input operating power, such as "wall power" (eg 110V AC or 220V AC) via the input wire 850. Data and / or input control signals are also provided to the controller module 105 and may be provided via the input wire 850. As an output, the controller module provides a low DC voltage and one or more control signals through the output wiring 852 to the LED assembly of the photogeneration module. As noted above, the controller module 105 may also receive or exchange information from circuits, memories, or processing devices that may be located in the light generating module. For example, the controller module 105 may receive identification information from the light generation module.

One embodiment of the controller module 105 is shown in FIG. 70 with its structural packaging (controller housing 818). The configurations and dimensions shown are exemplary only, and other sizes, shapes, and configurations are possible. Although the controller housing 818 is formed of a pressed steel sheet or a pressed aluminum sheet in this embodiment, other forming materials and methods are possible. In addition to the input wiring 850 and output wiring 852, the controller module includes an indicator light 856, a flexible elastomeric traction tab 858 attached to the side of the controller housing 818, and a user housing the controller module. And a visual indicator 860 that contributes to orienting the controller module precisely when installed therein. The controller module 818 may have a curved front end 862 to facilitate insertion and removal of the controller housing 818. In some embodiments, controller housing 818 may have certain shapes and / or elements that prevent controller housing 818 from being inserted in an incorrect orientation.

71A-71C show input interfaces for various controller modules 105 that can be replaced to select a control signal input receiving scheme. Referring to Figure 71A, the controller module 105 includes input and output spring clips 870 that enable control of 0 to 10 volts, which spring clips may be connected from the controller module to the controller module for multiple units. Can be. In each embodiment of FIGS. 71A-71C, input operating power is provided to the controller module 105 via input wiring 850. 71B shows a controller module with an RF receiver 872 and a zone selector 874. In this configuration, the controller 105 is wirelessly controllable using radio frequency signals. Zoning 874 enables group control and facilitates remapping. Referring to Figure 71C, the controller module includes an RJ-45 jack 876 that allows Ethernet-based control signals to be used as input. Using two jacks, multiple controller modules can be connected.

72, 73, 74, and 75 illustrate four steps of a method for installing the controller module 105 in a buried luminaire 100 that is previously installed in a building feature (such as a ceiling 560). It is shown.

In the first step, as shown in FIG. 72, the output wiring 852 and the input wiring 850 of the controller module are connected to the associated wiring of the lighting fixture and the wall power supply. Although not shown, a control input wire may be connected to the control input connector 880. Controller housing 818 is oriented using visual indicator 860. In the second step, as shown in FIG. 73, the controller module 105 is moved through the opening 884 (for example, the light emitting opening) of the instrument housing 304 and rotated in a horizontal orientation. When positioned in the horizontal orientation, the controller module 105 is rotated about its vertical axis to position it in an operational orientation as shown in FIG. The clamping element 888 is then used to secure the controller module in place as shown in FIG. To remove the controller module, the above-described process is performed in reverse order, using the pull tab 858 to pull the controller module 105 from the housing wall toward the opening 884.

In some embodiments, the controller module itself may be formed modular with respect to the input and output interfaces. One embodiment of a modular controller module 105-1 is shown schematically in FIG. 76. The controller module 105-1 includes a processor 102 (see FIG. 1), which processes an input signal to determine and / or deliver an output and / or drive signal for controlling the LED-based light source. Can be. In some embodiments, processor 102 is disposed on a motherboard. More generally, the controller module may include at least one connection mechanism 894, which connection mechanism is configured to receive at least one input signal including information related to illumination. A second circuit comprising at least one first circuit board comprising an output circuit and an output circuit 896 configured to output at least one illumination control signal based at least in part on information included in the at least one input signal; It is formed to enable modular insertion and removal of the substrate. In one aspect, the connection mechanism 894 provides at least one electrical connection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board when both the first circuit board and the second circuit board are coupled to the at least one connection mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, as described above, such a connection mechanism may be provided by the motherboard. In another aspect, processor 102 may be disposed on a motherboard to process at least one input signal to provide at least one illumination control signal (eg, one or more PWM drive signals).

More specifically, the replaceable "shear" interface or input interface 892 provides the user with flexibility in configuring the controller module 105 for receiving control signals. For example, a user may use various input interface boards and / or connectors 894 to allow input signals to be provided via Ethernet, DMX, Dali, wireless connection, analog control, or any other suitable connection. Can be used Replaceable "back end" or output interface 896 provides flexibility to the user with respect to the number of LED channels to drive and / or the type of channels to drive. For example, depending on the type of photogeneration module used, the output interface board may provide a single channel / single color drive function, or another output interface board may be used to drive multiple channels for multiple colors or multiple color temperatures. Can be used. In particular, in some embodiments, the output interface substrate can be used to drive multiple color temperature white LEDs. The output can be sent to the LED based light source via the output wire 852.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery or other auxiliary power source is provided in the LED luminaire to allow the LED luminaire to be used as an emergency light in addition to its main lighting purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 77, the controller module 105 may typically be coupled to a mains power source, such as a wall power source 900, but in case of power loss an auxiliary power source such as a rechargeable battery or a large capacity capacitor ( 902. In some embodiments, an auxiliary power supply connection of line power may be used as the auxiliary power source. The controller module may be configured to be automatically converted to the state of using the auxiliary power source 902 as the power source for the LED luminaire when the main power source is cut off for a time limit.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes, modifications, and improvements of the various exemplary embodiments described above are possible. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention as part of the present invention. While some embodiments presented herein include specific combinations of functions or structural elements, it should be understood that these functions and elements may be combined in different ways in accordance with the present invention to achieve the same or different purposes. In particular, the acts, elements and features described in conjunction with one embodiment of the present invention are not intended to exclude similar or different roles in other embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are by way of example only and not intended to be limiting.

Claims (142)

Modular lighting fixtures, An instrument housing having at least one thermally conductive portion, A socket mounted to at least one thermally conductive portion of the instrument housing, And the socket is formed to facilitate the formation of a thermally conductive path between the light generating module installed in the socket and the at least one thermally conductive portion of the appliance housing. The modular lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein at least one heat conducting portion of the appliance housing forms a majority of the surface area of the appliance housing. The modular lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein at least one thermal conductive portion of the instrument housing includes a plurality of surface modifications to facilitate heat dissipation from the instrument housing. 4. The modular lighting fixture of claim 3, wherein the plurality of surface modifications comprise a plurality of pins. The modular lighting fixture of claim 1, wherein the appliance housing is formed to be primarily disposed behind a building surface. The modular lighting fixture of claim 5, wherein the building surface is a ceiling. 7. The modular luminaire of claim 6, further comprising a reflective cone coupled to the thermally conductive housing and configured to provide a light emitting aperture to the luminaire, wherein the reflective cone is embedded in the ceiling. The modular luminaire of claim 1, wherein the socket comprises an essentially round collar that forms an interior space within which the light generating module is installed in the socket. The modular luminaire of claim 8, wherein the collar is formed of a thermally conductive material. 10. The modular lighting fixture of claim 9, wherein the collar is formed of a diecast metal. The modular lighting fixture of claim 8, wherein the collar is formed of molded plastic. The modular luminaire of claim 8, wherein the collar comprises a plurality of flanges to facilitate coupling of the socket to the instrument housing. 13. The modular luminaire of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of flanges includes holes to facilitate fixed engagement of the socket through the plurality of screws to the instrument housing. The modular luminaire of claim 8, wherein the collar comprises at least one outer feature to facilitate interlocking mechanical engagement with the socket. 15. The modular lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein at least one outer feature comprises an embossed spiral path. 15. The modular luminaire of claim 14, wherein the at least one external feature includes an external thread to facilitate screwed connection with the socket. 15. The modular lighting fixture of claim 14, wherein the collar comprises at least one internal feature to facilitate formation of a straight docking path for the light generating module when the light generating module is installed in the socket. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising at least one first electrical connector portion coupled to the instrument housing and positioned within an area defined by the collar, wherein at least one internal feature of the collar is installed with a light generating module in a space defined by the collar. And a modular luminaire that facilitates engagement of at least one first electrical connector portion with at least one complementary second electrical connector portion coupled to the light generating module. 15. The module of claim 14 further comprising an essentially circular grip ring having at least one inner feature complementary to at least one outer feature of the collar, wherein the grip ring forms an interlocking mechanical connection with the socket. Type lighting fixtures. 20. The modular luminaire of claim 19, further comprising a light generating module installed in the socket, wherein the grip ring fits over at least a portion of the light generating module outer periphery to hold the light generating module in the socket via an interlocking mechanical connection. . 21. The modular illumination of claim 20, wherein the light generating module includes a thermally conductive base disposed in contact with at least one thermally conductive portion of the instrument housing to form a thermally conductive path when the grip ring forms an interlocking mechanical connection with the socket. Instrument. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least one outer feature of the collar and at least one inner feature of the grip ring are complementary to facilitate screwed interlocking mechanical connection as the grip ring is disposed on the socket and rotated relative to the socket. Modular luminaire comprising a threaded portion. 23. The module of claim 22, further comprising a light generating module installed in the socket, wherein the grip ring fits over at least a portion of the light generating module outer circumference to hold the light generating module in the socket via a screw-type interlocking mechanical connection. Type lighting fixtures. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising at least one first electrical connector portion coupled to the instrument housing and positioned within an area defined by the collar, wherein the at least one first electrical connector portion is provided with a light generating module in a space formed by the collar. And a modular lighting fixture configured to engage with at least one complementary second electrical connector portion coupled to the light generating module. 25. The modular lighting fixture of claim 24, wherein the at least one first electrical connector portion is located in the center of the area defined by the collar. The modular luminaire of claim 24, wherein the collar comprises at least one exterior feature to facilitate interlocking mechanical engagement with the socket. 27. The modular luminaire of claim 26, wherein the collar comprises at least one internal feature to facilitate the formation of a straight docking path for the light generating module when the light generating module is installed in the socket. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least one internal feature of the collar is at least one first electrical with at least one complementary second electrical connector portion coupled to the photogenerating module when the photogenerating module is installed in the space defined by the collar. Modular lighting fixtures that facilitate the fastening of connector parts. 29. The module of claim 28 further comprising an essentially circular grip ring having at least one inner feature complementary to at least one outer feature of the collar, wherein the grip ring forms an interlocking mechanical connection with the socket. Type lighting fixtures. The modular lighting fixture of claim 1, further comprising at least one first electrical connector portion coupled to the fixture housing. 31. The modular lighting fixture of claim 30, wherein at least one first electrical connector portion forms part of a socket. 32. The socket of claim 31 wherein the socket is formed of a thermally conductive material and comprises an essentially flat base at least partially in contact with at least one thermally conductive portion of the instrument housing, the essentially flat base comprising at least one first electrical connector portion. Modular lighting fixtures. 31. The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising at least one photogeneration module installed in the socket, wherein the at least one photogeneration module comprises at least one complementary second electrical connector portion electrically connected to the at least one first electrical connector portion. Modular lighting fixtures included. The method of claim 33, wherein The socket comprises an essentially rounded collar which forms an interior space within which the light generating module is installed in the socket, The light generating module is a modular luminaire formed to have a shape similar to a hockey puck. Modular lighting fixtures, An instrument housing having at least one light emitting opening; A socket mounted to the instrument housing and accessible through at least one light emitting opening; A light generating module that can be installed in and detached from the socket through at least one light emitting opening, A controller module that controls the light generating module and is disposed within the instrument housing and is accessible through at least one light emitting opening to facilitate its installation and removal. Modular lighting device comprising a. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The instrument housing includes at least one heat conduction portion, The socket is mounted to at least one thermal conductive portion of the instrument housing, And the socket is formed to facilitate the formation of a thermally conductive path between the light generating module and the at least one thermally conductive portion of the appliance housing. 36. The modular lighting fixture of claim 35, wherein the appliance housing is configured to be disposed primarily behind the building surface. 38. The modular lighting fixture of claim 37, wherein the building surface is a ceiling. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The instrument housing includes at least a first heat conducting portion and a second heat conducting portion, The first heat conducting portion and the second heat conducting portion are substantially insulated from each other, The socket is installed in the first heat conducting portion, And the controller module is thermally coupled to the second thermally conductive portion. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The light generating module is configured to provide information related to at least one characteristic of the light generating module to the controller module. The controller module is configured to control the light generating module based at least in part on information provided by the light generating module. 36. The modular luminaire of claim 35, wherein the socket is configured such that the light generating module is installed in and detached from the socket through a rotational operation. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising a grip ring configured to fit over at least a portion of the light generating module outer periphery, the grip ring configured to retain the light generating module in the socket via a rotationally interlocking mechanical connection between the grip ring and the socket. Modular lighting fixtures. The method of claim 41, wherein The socket comprises an essentially rounded collar which forms an interior space within which the light generating module is installed in the socket, The light generating module is a modular luminaire formed to have a shape similar to a hockey puck. 36. The modular luminaire of claim 35, wherein the light generating module is an LED based light generating module. 45. The modular luminaire of claim 44, wherein the LED based light generating module is configured to generate essentially white light. The method of claim 45, The LED based photogeneration module includes a plurality of channels each formed to generate radiation with different spectra, The controller module is configured to independently control each channel of the plurality of channels to generate white light as essentially variable color temperature white light. 47. The modular lighting fixture of claim 46, wherein at least the first channel of the plurality of channels comprises at least one first white LED. 48. The modular lighting fixture of claim 47, wherein at least a second channel of the plurality of channels comprises at least one second white LED. 47. The modular lighting fixture of claim 46, wherein at least one channel of the plurality of channels comprises at least one color LED. 42. The modular luminaire of claim 41, wherein the LED based light generating module is configured to generate colored light. 51. The method of claim 50, The LED based photogeneration module includes a plurality of channels each formed to generate radiation with different spectra, And the controller module is configured to independently control each channel of the plurality of channels to generate color light as variable color light. Modular lighting fixtures, Instrument housing, A socket mounted to the instrument housing, A light generating module which can be installed in and detached from the socket, A controller module for controlling the light generating module, the controller module being disposed in or close to the instrument housing, The light generating module is configured to provide information related to at least one characteristic of the light generating module to the controller module, The controller module is configured to control the light generating module based at least in part on information provided by the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the light generating module comprises a memory for storing information. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information comprises a unique identifier for the light generating module. 55. The modular lighting fixture of claim 54, wherein the unique identifier comprises a serial number for the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information relates to at least one characteristic of the light generated by the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information relates to at least one operating power requirement associated with the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information comprises at least one correction parameter associated with the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information relates to an operating temperature associated with the light generating module. 60. The modular lighting fixture of claim 59, wherein the controller module is configured to adjust the operating power of the light generating module based at least in part on an operating temperature associated with the light generating module. 53. The modular lighting fixture of claim 52, wherein the information relates to an operating history associated with the light generating module. 64. The modular luminaire of claim 61, wherein the information relates to an operating temperature history associated with the light generating module. 62. The modular luminaire of claim 61, wherein the information relates to an operating time history associated with the light generating module. It is a light generating device, An LED assembly comprising an assembly substrate and a plurality of LED subassemblies each forming at least one of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a first thermal bond to the assembly substrate; A plurality of optical components, A plurality of chambers coupled to the LED assembly, the plurality of chambers each having a plurality of optical components, each optical component of the plurality of optical components being within the light path of each corresponding LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies; A light generating device comprising a chassis configured to be disposed. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein the light generating device is formed to have a shape similar to a hockey puck. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein the chassis is a thermally conductive chassis. 67. The light generating device of claim 66, wherein the chassis is a diecast metal chassis. 67. The light generating device of claim 66, further comprising at least one thermally conductive electrical insulation layer disposed between the LED assembly and the chassis to electrically insulate the assembly substrate from the chassis. 69. The method of claim 68, wherein each LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies forms a first thermal bond to the assembly substrate, wherein the assembly substrate is thermoelectric to facilitate heat dissipation from the plurality of LED subassemblies through the thermally conductive chassis. A photovoltaic device forming a second thermal bond to the conductive chassis. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein the assembly substrate comprises a printed circuit board. 71. The photogeneration device of claim 70, wherein the printed circuit board is formed of FR-4 material. 71. The light generating device of claim 70, wherein the printed circuit board is formed of a flexible material. 71. The light generating device of claim 70, wherein the printed circuit board includes a top surface facing the chassis and a bottom surface to which the plurality of LED subassemblies are coupled. 74. The method of claim 73, wherein each LED subassembly is An aluminum core substrate having an upper surface facing a bottom surface of a printed circuit board, And a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed only on an upper surface of the aluminum core substrate. 75. The light of claim 74, wherein the bottom of the printed circuit board comprises a plurality of second electrical contacts soldered to the plurality of first electrical contacts to form a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the assembly substrate and the plurality of LED subassemblies. Generating device. 77. The printed circuit board of claim 75, wherein the top surface of the printed circuit board comprises a plurality of third electrical contacts coupled to the plurality of second electrical contacts through a plurality of plating through-holes through the printed circuit board, wherein the plurality of third electrical contacts And, the plurality of plating through holes, the plurality of second electrical contacts, and the plurality of first electrical contacts form a first thermal bond between the assembly substrate and the plurality of LED subassemblies. 74. The light generating device of claim 73, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a plurality of through holes through which light generated by each LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies passes. 66. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein each LED subassembly has a hexagonal shape. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein each LED subassembly comprises at least one LED configured to generate essentially white light. The method of claim 79, At least one first LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies includes at least one first LED configured to generate an essentially first white light having a first color temperature, The at least one second LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies includes at least one second LED configured to generate an essentially second white light having a second color temperature different from the first color temperature. 80. The light generating device of claim 79, wherein each LED subassembly comprises a plurality of LEDs formed to generate essentially white light. 82. The light generating device of claim 81, wherein the plurality of LEDs of each subassembly are electrically interconnected to operate simultaneously. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein each LED subassembly comprises an aluminum core substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein all electrical contacts or electrical components of the LED subassembly are disposed only on the top surface of the aluminum core substrate. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein each LED subassembly comprises a lens that shapes the light generated by each LED subassembly. 85. The device of claim 84, wherein the chassis and the LED assembly are formed such that each optical component of the plurality of optical components is properly aligned with a lens of each corresponding LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, wherein each LED subassembly comprises at least one feature that facilitates registration of a plurality of optical components with corresponding respective optical components. 87. The light generating device of claim 86, wherein each LED subassembly comprises a plurality of cutouts disposed along an outer periphery. 88. The device of claim 87, wherein each optical component of the plurality of optical components includes a plurality of posts engaged with a plurality of cutouts of each corresponding LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies. 89. The assembly of claim 88, wherein the assembly substrate comprises a plurality of holes aligned with a plurality of cutouts disposed along the periphery of each subassembly, the plurality of posts of each optical component corresponding to the plurality of LED subassemblies. The light generating device penetrates a plurality of holes in the assembly substrate to be coupled to the plurality of cutouts of each LED subassembly. 65. The device of claim 64, wherein each optical component of the plurality of optical components comprises a plurality of clips to facilitate interlocking mechanical engagement with corresponding respective ones of the plurality of chambers of the chassis. 65. The light generating device of claim 64, further comprising a thermally conductive base plate, wherein the LED assembly is disposed between the thermally conductive base plate and the chassis. 92. The light generating device of claim 91, wherein the thermally conductive base plate forms a third thermal bond with at least the plurality of LED subassemblies. 95. The LED assembly of claim 92, wherein each LED subassembly comprises a thermally conductive substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, At least a portion of the top surface of each LED subassembly forms at least one of a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, and a first thermal bond to the assembly substrate, The bottom face of each LED subassembly forms at least a portion of a third thermal bond with the thermally conductive base plate. 95. The device of claim 93, wherein the thermally conductive substrate of each LED subassembly comprises an aluminum core substrate. 92. The method of claim 92, The thermally conductive base plate includes a plurality of first holes formed therein, The chassis includes a plurality of threaded bores formed therein, And the thermally conductive base plate is mechanically coupled to the chassis via a plurality of screws that pass through the plurality of first holes and engage with a plurality of threaded bores formed in the chassis. 97. The light generating device of claim 95, wherein the assembly substrate of the LED assembly comprises a plurality of second holes through which the plurality of screws pass. 97. The light generating device of claim 96, wherein the assembly substrate has an essentially round shape and each aperture of the plurality of second apertures is disposed between two LED subassemblies coupled to the assembly substrate. 92. The method of claim 92, The assembly board has a top face facing the chassis and a bottom face facing the thermally conductive base plate, The LED assembly further includes at least one electrical connector mounted to a bottom of the assembly substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of LED subassemblies, The thermally conductive base plate includes a connector through hole through which at least one electrical connector passes. 65. The device of claim 64, wherein the LED assembly further comprises at least one memory for storing information about the device. 107. The light generating device of claim 99, wherein the information comprises a unique identifier for the device. 101. The light generating device of claim 100, wherein the unique identifier comprises a serial number for the device. 107. The light generating device of claim 99, wherein the information relates to at least one characteristic of the light generated by the device. 105. The photo-generation device of claim 99, wherein the information relates to at least one operating power requirement associated with the device. 105. The light generating device of claim 99, wherein the information comprises at least one calibration parameter associated with at least one LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies. 105. The light generating device of claim 99, wherein said information relates to an operating history associated with the device. 107. The light generating device of claim 105, wherein the information relates to an operating temperature history associated with the device. 107. The light generating device of claim 105, wherein the information relates to an operating time history associated with the light generating device. It is a light generating device, A thermally conductive chassis through which light is emitted from the light generating device, An LED assembly for generating light, Includes a thermally conductive base plate, The LED assembly is disposed between the thermally conductive base plate and the thermally conductive chassis, The LED assembly and the thermally conductive chassis form a first thermal bond that facilitates first heat dissipation from the LED assembly through the thermally conductive chassis, The LED assembly and the thermally conductive base plate form a second thermal bond that facilitates a second heat dissipation from the LED assembly through the thermally conductive base plate. 109. The light generating device of claim 108, wherein the device is formed to have a shape similar to a hockey puck. 109. The light generating device of claim 108, wherein the device is formed to be inserted into a socket of the luminaire to facilitate a third thermal coupling between the thermally conductive base plate and the thermally conductive housing of the luminaire to further facilitate the second heat dissipation. . 109. The light generating device of claim 108, wherein the chassis is a diecast metal chassis. 109. The light generating device of claim 108, further comprising at least one thermally conductive electrical insulation layer disposed between the LED assembly and the chassis to electrically insulate the LED assembly from the chassis. 109. The LED assembly of claim 108, wherein the LED assembly is Assembly board, And a plurality of LED subassemblies coupled to the assembly substrate and each forming at least a third thermal bond to the assembly substrate. 113. The method of claim 113, Each LED subassembly includes a thermally conductive substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, At least a portion of the top surface of each LED subassembly forms a third thermal bond to the assembly substrate, At least a portion of the top surface of the assembly substrate forms a first thermal bond between the LED assembly and the thermally conductive chassis, The bottom of each LED subassembly forms at least a portion of a second thermal bond between the LED assembly and the thermally conductive base plate. 119. The light of claim 114, wherein the light generating device is formed to be inserted into a socket of the luminaire to facilitate a fourth thermal coupling between the thermally conductive base plate and the thermally conductive housing of the luminaire to further facilitate the second heat dissipation. Generating device. 116. The light generating device of claim 113, wherein the assembly substrate comprises a top surface facing the thermally conductive chassis and a bottom surface to which the plurality of LED subassemblies are coupled. 117. The LED assembly of claim 116, wherein each LED subassembly is An aluminum core substrate having an upper surface facing the bottom surface of the assembled substrate; And a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed only on an upper surface of the aluminum core substrate. 118. The light generating device of claim 117, wherein the bottom surface of the assembly substrate comprises a plurality of second electrical contacts soldered to the plurality of first electrical contacts to form a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the assembly substrate and the plurality of LED subassemblies. . 118. The assembly of claim 118, wherein the top surface of the assembly substrate comprises a plurality of third electrical contacts coupled to the plurality of second electrical contacts through a plurality of plating through holes passing through the assembly substrate. Wherein the plating through-holes, the plurality of second electrical contacts and the plurality of first electrical contacts form a third thermal bond between the assembly substrate and the plurality of LED subassemblies. It is a light generating device, With a circular chassis, And a circular printed circuit board coupled to the circular chassis, the circular printed circuit board comprising at least one chip-on-board LED module. 121. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the circular chassis is a thermally conductive chassis. 121. The device of claim 120, further comprising at least one optical component disposed relative to at least one chip on board LED module to operate on light generated by the at least one chip on board LED module. 124. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the circular chassis includes at least one chamber that holds at least one optical component such that the at least one optical component is disposed within the light path of the at least one chip onboard LED module. 121. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the device is formed to have a shape similar to a hockey puck. 121. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the at least one chip on board LED module comprises a plurality of chip on board LED modules disposed on a circular printed circuit board. 126. The light generating device of claim 125, wherein the circular chassis includes a plurality of chambers through which light generated by the plurality of chip on board LED modules passes. 126. The apparatus of claim 126, further comprising a plurality of optical components, each retained in the plurality of chambers, wherein each optical component of the plurality of optical components comprises a corresponding respective chip on board LED module of the plurality of chip on board LED modules. A light generating device disposed in the light path. 126. The light generating device of claim 125, wherein each chip on board LED module of the plurality of chip on board LED modules has a hexagonal shape. 126. The light generating device of claim 125, wherein each chip on board LED module of the plurality of chip on board LED modules has a shape suitable for tessellation. 129. The light generating device of claim 128, wherein the plurality of chip on board LED modules are disposed in at least partial honeycomb pattern on a circular printed circuit board. 121. The photogeneration device of claim 120, wherein the at least one chip on board LED module has a low thermal resistance. 121. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the at least one chip onboard LED module comprises at least one LED and at least one other electronic component. 124. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the at least one chip onboard LED module comprises at least one LED formed to generate essentially white light. 121. The light generating device of claim 120, wherein the circular printed circuit board further comprises at least one memory that stores information about the device. 134. A photonic device according to claim 134, wherein the information comprises a unique identifier for the device. 137. A photonic device according to claim 135, wherein the unique identifier comprises a serial number for the device. 136. The photo-generation device of claim 134, wherein the information relates to at least one characteristic of the light generated by the device. 136. The photo-generation device of claim 134, wherein the information relates to at least one operating power requirement associated with the device. 136. The light generating device of claim 134, wherein the information comprises at least one calibration parameter associated with at least one LED subassembly of the plurality of LED subassemblies. 138. The light generating device of claim 134, wherein the information relates to an operating history associated with the device. 141. The light generating device of claim 140, wherein the information relates to an operating temperature history associated with the device. 141. The light generating device of claim 140, wherein the information relates to an operating time history associated with the device.

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