AU2016101726A4 - Low profile luminaire for surface mounted installation - Google Patents

Abstract

A low profile luminaire for surface-mounted installation includes a light source, an integrated driving circuit, an optical component, a housing, and a surface mount component. The light source is configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The integrated driving circuit is coupled to the light source and configured to drive the light source. The optical component is coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The output light beam is associated with a beam width. The housing accommodates the light source, the integrated driving circuit, and the optical component. The housing further includes a heat sink. The surface mount component is coupled to the housing and the integrated driving circuit. The surface mount component is configured to receive the housing by a twist lock engagement.

Description

Innovation Title: 2016101726 26 Sep 2016

LOW PROFILE LUMINAIRE FOR SURFACE-MOUNTED INSTALLATION

The following statement is a full description of this innovation, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant:- FIELD OF THE INVENTION: [0001] The present invention generally relates to luminaires and more particularly to a low profile luminaire for surface-mounted installation. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION: [0002] Luminaires are lighting units typically used for various lighting applications. A luminaire generally includes at least one lamp and associated components required to distribute light, to position and protect the at least one lamp, and to connect the at least one lamp to a power supply. Performance of the luminaire is measured based on thermal performance. Existing designs of the luminaires typically increase height, length or width measurements to improve the thermal performance. In other designs, multiple light emitters are used over a larger surface area instead of a directional beam such that the thermal performance is improved.

[0003] Another common method to improve the thermal performance is to use an external driver or increase size of a driver. However, the external driver required for a surface mounted luminaire either increases size of the surface mounted luminaire or requires a hole in a surface mounting component to recess. In some existing luminaires, integrated drivers are used. However, such luminaires have a non-directional or diffused beam and a large form factor. Alternatively, the luminaires can be designed to run outside optimum temperatures thereby decreasing lifespan.

[0004] Further, the luminaires in use today are cumbersome to install and any replacements require qualified electricians. A number of existing designs of the luminaires can be replaced by non-technical persons. However, the light source is typically coupled to an inadequately sized heat sink in order to maintain a predetermined form factor thereby decreasing the lifespan. A heat sink as a separate component can be used to increase thermal

Page 1 of 9 performance however, thermal coupling of the light source and the heat sink as two separate components is inefficient and ultimately lifespan of the light source is still compromised. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: [0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0006] A low profile luminaire for surface-mounted installation includes a light source, an integrated driving circuit, an optical component, a housing, and a surface mount component. The light source is configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The integrated driving circuit is coupled to the light source and configured to drive the light source. The optical component is coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam. The output light beam is associated with a beam width. The housing accommodates the light source, the integrated driving circuit, and the optical component. The housing further includes a heat sink. The surface mount component is coupled to the housing and the integrated driving circuit. The surface mount component is configured to receive the housing by a twist-lock engagement.

[0007] To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended figures. It is appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: [0008] The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: [0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire, in accordance with a prior

Page 2 of 9 art; 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0010] FIG. IB illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire, in accordance with another prior art; [0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire, in accordance with another prior art; [0012] FIG. 2A illustrates a front elevation of a low profile luminaire, in accordance with an embodiment; [0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a side elevation of a low profile luminaire, in accordance with an embodiment; [0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a light source and an optical component of a luminaire, in accordance with a prior art; [0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a light source and an optical component of a low profile luminaire, in accordance with an embodiment; [0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a luminaire, in accordance with a prior art; and [0017] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a low profile luminaire, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0018] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Page 3 of 9 DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0019] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.

[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire 100, respectively, in accordance with prior art. The luminaire 100 is a bulb that includes a light source 102 and a driver element 104. In this embodiment, the driver element 104 is assembled below the light source 102, for example a light emitting diode (LED). The luminaire 100, however, includes a housing 106 that is protruding outwards and is not aesthetically pleasing to view. The driver element 104 further consumes space in the luminaire 100 thereby contributing to bulkiness of the luminaire 100. The luminaire 100 using the LED also has an inadequately designed heat sink resulting in a decreased lifespan of the luminaire 100.

[0022] FIG. IB illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire 120, respectively, in accordance with prior art. The luminaire 120 is a surface-mounted luminaire that includes a light source 122 and a driver element 124. In this embodiment, the driver element 124 is assembled above the light source 122, for example a light emitting diode (LED). The luminaire 120, however, includes a housing 126 that is protruding outwards, is bulky, and is not aesthetically pleasing to view. The driver element 124 further consumes space in the luminaire 120 thereby contributing to bulkiness of the luminaire 120.

[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a side elevation of a luminaire 130, respectively, in accordance with prior art. The luminaire 130 is a surface-mounted luminaire that includes a light source 132 and a driver element 134. In this embodiment, the driver element 104 is

Page 4 of 9 assembled external to the light source 132, for example a light emitting diode (LED), as illustrated in FIG. 1C. The luminaire 130, however, includes a housing 136 that is protruding outwards, is bulky and is not aesthetically pleasing to view. The driver element 134, being located external to the light source 132, further consumes space in the luminaire 130 thereby contributing to bulkiness of the luminaire 130. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0024] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrates a front elevation and a side elevation of a low profile luminaire 200, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment. The low profile luminaire 200 is a circular surface-mounted luminaire. Herein, the term Tow profile luminaire’ refers to a slim in size lighting device (is it favourable to be more specific here, such as -referring to a low (eg. <0.xx) height to outer diameter ratio?) that is used to produce, control and distribute light in a space. The low profile luminaire 200 includes a light source 202 and an integrated driving circuit 204. In this embodiment, the integrated driving circuit 204 is assembled just above the light source 202. In an example, the light source 202 is an chip-on-board (COB) light emitting diode (LED) emitter. The low profile luminaire 200 includes a housing 206 that is compact and is aesthetically pleasing to view. The integrated driving circuit 204 further consumes less space in the low profile luminaire 200.

[0025] The light source 202 is configured to emit a plurality of light rays. The integrated driving circuit 204 is coupled to the light source 202 and configured to drive the light source 202. In some embodiments, the integrated driving circuit 204 includes a surge protection circuit of a rating greater than 1.5 kilovolts. The low profile luminaire 200 includes an overall height (H) and an overall outer diameter (D) such that a ratio of H/D is equal to or less than 0.26.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an optical assembly 300 of a luminaire, for example the luminaire 120, in accordance with prior art. The optical assembly 300 includes a light source 302, a light source holder 304, and an optical component 306 of the luminaire 120. In this embodiment, the light source 302 is an LED, the light source holder 304 is an LED holder, and the optical component 306 includes a lens. The light source 302 includes a circular extension that is configured to be held within the light source holder 304 that is also circular shaped. The light source 302 fixed onto the light source holder 304 is further placed over the optical component 306 that is circular in shape. The light source 302 can emit a plurality of light rays and the optical component 306 is configured to collimate the light rays into an output

Page 5 of 9 light beam. The optical assembly 300 of the luminaire 120 includes less components but is determined to have less optical efficiency. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an optical assembly 400 of the low profile luminaire 200, in accordance with an embodiment. The optical assembly 400 includes the light source 202, a light source holder 402, and an optical component. The optical component of the low profile luminaire 200 includes a reflector 404, a lens 406, and a lens sheet 408. In this embodiment, the light source 202 is an LED, the light source holder 402 is an LED holder, the reflector 404 is a white reflector, the lens 406 is an optical grade polymer, and the lens sheet 408 is a glass lens sheet. The optical component is further interchangeable to achieve differentiating beam widths.

[0028] The light source 202 includes a circular extension that is configured to be held within the light source holder 402 that is also circular shaped. The light source 202 fixed onto the light source holder 402 is further placed over the reflector 404. The reflector 404 includes an integral feature for mechanical engagement to the light source holder 402 which retains the light source 202. The mechanical engagement can either be a snap-fit or a twist-lock. The reflector 404 is placed over the lens 406. The lens 406 is further placed over the lens sheet 408. The light source 202 emits a plurality of light rays when powered to an on state. The lens 406 is configured to collimate the light rays in a desired direction. The reflector 404 is coupled to the light source 202 and further configured to increase optical efficiency by reflecting light rays exiting rear of the lens 406 towards front of the luminaire 200. The output light beam is associated with a beam width. The lens sheet 408 is planar and is configured to protect the lens 406. The optical assembly 400 of the low profile luminaire 200 includes a higher number of components as compared to that of FIG. 3, and is determined to have increased optical efficiency. In some embodiments, the lens sheet 408 can be used to modify light output by acting as a diffuser to modify the output light beam, a honeycomb to modify the output light beam and reduce glare, or a colour filter to change colour of the output light beam).

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a luminaire 500, in accordance with prior art. The luminaire 500 includes a lamp 502 and a fitting element 504. The lamp 502 can include the optical assembly, for example the optical assembly 300 of FIG. 3. Additionally, the lamp 502 can include a plug to be coupled to an electrical socket. The fitting element 504 can be fixed around the lamp 502. The luminaire 500 includes a light emitting diode (LED) as a light

Page 6 of 9 source in this embodiment. The luminaire 500 has less optical efficiency and a heat sink used is inadequately sized in order to maintain a predetermined form factor thereby decreasing lifespan of the luminaire 500. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the low profile luminaire 200, in accordance with an embodiment. The low profile luminaire 200 includes the light source 202, the integrated driving circuit 204, the housing 206, and a surface mount component 602. The low profile luminaire 200 includes an optical assembly, for example the optical assembly 400 of FIG. 4 that includes the optical component.

[0031] The housing 206 accommodates the light source 202, the integrated driving circuit 204, and the optical component. The housing 206 further includes a heat sink integrated within the housing 206. The housing 206 also includes an inbuilt mounting component and a planar surface. The surface mount component 602 is coupled to the housing 206 and the integrated driving circuit 204. The surface mount component 602 is configured to receive the housing 206 by a twist-lock engagement.

[0032] The surface mount component 602 of the low profile luminaire 200 includes a power connection unit 604. In some embodiments, the power connection unit 604 includes a screw terminal block. In other embodiments, the power connection unit 604 includes a series of electrical contacts inbuilt in the surface mount component 602 and a clamping unit. One or more cables can be positioned into terminal paths and the clamping unit can couple the one or more cables to the surface mount component 602. The surface mount component 602 is annular shaped to enable the housing 206 (specifically the light source 202 and the optical component) to be recessed such that a low profile of the low profile luminaire 200 can be achieved. The surface mount component 602 also includes a void in a rear surface adjacent to a mounting surface of the surface mount component 602. The void enables one or more mains power cables to be routed and coupled to the power connection unit 604. The one or more mains power cables may be used to couple or wire a series of low profile luminaries.

[0033] In some embodiments, the power connection unit 604, for example the screw terminal block, can be electrically coupled to one or more pins, for example three pins, configured to electrically couple the surface mount component 602 to the integrated driving circuit 204 by the twist-lock engagement. In an example, each pin of the one or more pins

Page 7 of 9 include GU pins. Each pin includes two diameters and is larger near ends in order to enable the twist-lock engagement. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0034] In other embodiments, the power connection unit 604, for example the series of electrical contacts, enables the clamping unit to mechanically and electrically couple the one or more cables to the surface mount component 602. For example, three wires are routed into the surface mount component 602 and placed into 3 specific terminal paths. As the clamping unit is clamped onto the surface mount component 602 (for example, either through screws or snap fits), insulation of the wires is cut for electrical connection and the wires are clamped for mechanical stability or wire strain relief.

[0035] The low profile luminaire 200 can be installed by first fixing the surface mount component 602 to a ceiling or a wall using fasteners, for example screws. In an example, two fasteners can be used. The mains power cable is routed through the void in the rear surface of the surface mount component 602. The mains power cable can include a live wire, a neutral wire, and an earth wire that is coupled to the power connection unit 604. The housing 206 of the low profile luminaire 200 including the optical assembly (for example, the optical assembly 400 including the light source 202) and the integrated driving circuit 204 is further attached to the surface mount component 602 using the twist-lock engagement.

[0036] The low profile luminaire 200 further includes a detachable fascia component 606 coupled to the housing 206 for retaining the optical assembly 400. The detachable fascia component 606 can be interchangeable to achieve differentiating aesthetics.

[0037] In some embodiments, the low profile luminaire 200 enables the light source 202 to be directed using a pivoting movement about one or more axis. For instance, the low profile luminaire 200 includes a two-axis pivoting mechanism that allows 360 degree rotation on a vertical axis (axial to the surface mount component 602) and up to 90 degree rotation on a horizontal axis.

[0038] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide numerous advantages by providing a low profile luminaire for surface-mounted installation. The present invention provides increased thermal performance in a small form factor, low profile luminaire with a directional beam and an integrated driving circuit. The present invention can be easily installed

Page 8 of 9 or replaced by non-technical users following installation or wiring of a surface mount component of the low profile luminaire on a wall or ceiling. 2016101726 26 Sep 2016 [0039] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0040] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

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Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A low profile luminaire for surface-mounted installation, the low profile luminaire comprising: a light source configured to emit a plurality of light rays; an integrated driving circuit coupled to the light source and configured to drive the light source; an optical component coupled to the light source and configured to collimate the plurality of light rays to generate an output light beam, the output light beam associated with a beam width; a housing for accommodating the light source, the integrated driving circuit, and the optical component, the housing comprising a heat sink; and a surface mount component coupled to the housing and the integrated driving circuit, the surface mount component configured to receive the housing by a twist-lock engagement.
2. 2. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising: a detachable fascia component coupled to the housing for retaining the optical component, the detachable fascia component being interchangeable to achieve differentiating aesthetics.
3. 3. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 2, wherein the optical component is interchangeable to achieve differentiating beam widths.
4. 4. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 3, wherein the housing further comprises an inbuilt mounting component and a planar surface.
5. 5. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surface mount component comprises: a power connection unit configured to be coupled to a mains power cable.
6. 6. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power connection unit comprises a screw terminal block.
7. 7. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 5, wherein the power connection unit comprises a series of electrical contacts inbuilt in the surface mount component and a clamping unit, one or more cables being positioned into terminal paths and the clamping unit coupling the one or more cables to the surface mount component.
8. 8. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 5, wherein the surface mount component is annular shaped to enable the housing to be recessed and to achieve a low profile of the low profile luminaire.
9. 9. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 8, wherein the surface mount component comprises a void in a rear surface adjacent to a mounting surface, the void enabling one or more mains power cables to be routed and coupled to the power connection unit, the one or more mains power cables configured to couple a series of low profile luminaires.
10. 10. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 9, wherein the power connection unit is electrically coupled to one or more pins configured to electrically couple the surface mount component to the integrated driving circuit by the twist-lock engagement.
11. 11. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is a chip-on-board light emitting diode (LED) emitter.
12. 12. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated driving circuit comprises a surge protection circuit.
13. 13. The low profile luminaire as claimed in claim 1, wherein the low profile luminaire comprises an overall height H and an overall outer diameter D such that a ratio of H/D is equal to or less than 0.26.