DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a battening apparatus having ends caps to dissipate heat.

BACKGROUND

Battens are a long and sleek lighting device used for illumination. A batten has a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs) installed longitudinally in a housing of the batten. The batten also includes a driver unit that is installed in the housing and powers the strip LEDs. Further, the battens are enclosed at either ends to prevent dust from entering the batten. Some of the battens includes a heat sink to dissipate the heat from the LEDs and the driver unit.

There are various limitations associated with the current design of the battens. For instance, relative proximity of the driver circuit and the LED causes heat build-up within the housing during prolong usage of the batten resulting in local rise in temperature. The local rise in temperature affects the LED causing the shift in correlated colour temperature (CCT) in the LEDs. The shift in the CCT causes some of the LEDs to glow in a slightly different colour and comparatively low intensity resulting in the lower illumination and uneven colour. In some scenarios, the local heat build-up may even cause damage of the LED rendering them inoperable. One of ways to mitigate this issue to make taller housing to physically separate the driver unit from the LEDs. However, such a design increases the overall size of the batten and material needed to build the batten. Moreover, large sized battens warrant stronger mount that also adds to the overall cost of the battens.

SUMMARY

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 neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a lighting apparatus with end caps. The end caps of the lighting apparatus physically separate the driver unit from the LEDs and also creates temperature gradient to efficiently remove the generated heat from the lighting apparatus.

In an embodiment, a lighting apparatus is disclosed that includes a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber. The lighting apparatus also includes a substrate disposed in the housing, forming the first chamber and the second chamber. The lighting apparatus includes a plurality of light sources mounted on the substrate such that the light sources face the first chamber. The lighting apparatus includes a first end cap and a second end cap adapted to cover a first end and a second end of the housing, respectively. In addition, the lighting apparatus includes a driver circuit installed in the first end cap and adapted to power the plurality of light sources. Further, the second end cap is adapted to dissipate heat from the plurality of light sources and the driver circuit.

According to the present disclosure, the first end cap and the housing physically separate the light source and the driver circuit thereby preventing local heat build-up. Moreover, the driver circuit is physically separated from the light source without increasing the height of the housing. Moreover, the first end cap and the second end cap creates temperature gradient which causes the heat flow away from the light source and the driver circuit. As a result, the light source does not undergo CCT shift thereby increasing the operational life of the lighting apparatus when compared to currently known battens.

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 drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings 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 drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates different views of a lighting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates different views of a housing of the lighting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates different views of a first end cap of the lighting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the first end cap with rails and an opening, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 6 illustrates different views of a cover of the lighting apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have 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 drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict, or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more...” or “one or more elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a lighting apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates different views of an assembled lighting apparatus 100, i.e., a front view (A), a side view (B), and a bottom view (C) of the lighting apparatus 100. Further, Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting apparatus 100. The lighting apparatus 100 is designed to provide illumination in the surrounding space. The lighting apparatus 100 can be termed as a batten, owing to its shape. Further, the lighting apparatus 100 can be installed on a wall or maybe suspended from a ceiling. In either case, the lighting apparatus 100 may provide adequate illumination to the surrounding space. The lighting apparatus 100 is designed in such a way that the lighting apparatus 100 does not suffer from local heat build-up that causes the shift in Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT). As a result, the lighting apparatus 100 has a consistent light throughput throughout its operational life.

The lighting apparatus 100 may include, but is not limited to, a housing 102, a first end cap 104, a second end cap 106, and covers 108, 110. The housing 102 forms a major portion of the lighting apparatus 100 while the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106 are attached to either end of the housing 102. Further, the cover 108 covers the first end cap 104 while the cover 110 covers the second end cap 106. Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 102 may include a plurality of light sources and a driver circuit adapted to power the plurality of light sources. Further, the light source is placed in the housing 102 and the driver circuit is housed in the first end cap 104 which is external to the housing 102. As a result, the light source is physically separated from the driver circuit and hence a situation of local heat build-up does not occur. Moreover, the heat in the housing 102 and the first end cap 104 is efficiently removed by the second end cap 106. Constructional details of the housing 102, the first end cap 104, and the second end cap 106 and a manner in which the aforementioned components of the lighting apparatus 100 efficiently remove the heat are explained in subsequent embodiments.

Details of the housing 102 are now explained with respect to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 2. Specifically, Figure 3 shows a front view (A), a side view (B), and a top view (C) of the lighting apparatus 100. As may be understood, the housing 102 is the longest portion of the lighting apparatus 100. The housing 102 may be made using a plastic or metal or any material suitable to manufacture lightweight and a mechanically robust lighting device. The housing 102 has a first end 302 and a second end 304 opposite to the first end 302. The first end 302 is adapted to receive the first end cap 104 and the second end 304 is adapted to receive the second end cap 106 as shown in Figure 2. Referring back to Figure 3(B), the housing 102 may include a substrate 306 placed along the length of the housing 102. The substrate 306 may be installed to support a plurality of light sources 308 thereon. The light sources 308, in one example, can be a strip of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be extended along a complete length of the housing 102 and the substrate 306. The substrate 306 further includes a pair of lips 310 along its length to secure the light sources 308 thereon. The lips 310 may have an L-shaped profile that presses the light sources 308 against a top surface 306A of the substrate 306 and prevents dislodgement of the light sources 308 due to vibrations caused during installation, uninstallation, and transport.

As shown in Figure 3(B), the substrate 306 may be installed in such a way that the substrate 306 divides the internal volume of the housing 102 into a first chamber 312 and a second chamber 314. The first chamber 312 may be formed on the top of the housing 102 while the second chamber 314 may be formed on the bottom of the housing 102. Further, the light sources 308 faces the first chamber 312. In one example, the first chamber 312 may include a light diffuser 316 that may be adapted to diffuse the light emitted by the light sources 308 into the first chamber 312. The light diffuser 316 may be installed on a top wall 322 of the first chamber 312 as shown in Figure 3(C) and (A). Additionally, the light diffuser 316 may also be formed on side walls 320 of the first chamber 312 as shown in Figure 3(B). Forming the light diffuser 316 on the top wall 322 and the side walls 320 allows for homogenous light diffusion emitted by the light sources 308.

The second chamber 314 is formed underneath the first chamber 312. The second chamber 314 is formed by a bottom wall 318 and side walls 320 of the housing 102 and a bottom surface 306B of the substrate 306. The bottom wall 318 may have an opening at the center of the housing 102 for the input wire to enter in the second chamber 314. In one example, the second chamber 314 may be adapted to house input wires from the main power supply. The side walls 320 has a flange 324 that allows a clamp to attach thereon. The second chamber 314 is adapted to receive heat from the light sources 308 when the light sources 308 is switched on. In one example, both the first chamber 312 and the second chamber 314 are hollow and filled with air, such that the air can flow freely between the first end 302 and the second end 304.

According to the present disclosure, the second chamber 314 does not house the driver unit or a heat sink. As a result, a height H1 of the second chamber 314 may be kept low thereby making the overall height H of the housing 102 short resulting in a sleeker design. Further, although the present illustrations show the housing 102 as a single unit, the housing 102 may be made of different materials from separate first chamber 312 and the second chamber 314. For instance, the material used for the second chamber 314 may be metal while the material used for the first chamber 312 may be a transparent plastic with the light diffuser 316 attached thereon.

Referring now to Figure 4 shows different views of the first end cap 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows a front view (A), a side view (B), and a top view (C) of the first end cap 104 the lighting apparatus 100. In one example, the first end cap 104 has an identical structure to the second end cap 106. Accordingly, the description of the first end cap 104 applies mutatis mutandis to the second end cap 106. The first end cap 104 has a cuboidal body that has a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404 opposite to the proximal end 402. The first end cap 104 has a cavity 406 formed between the proximal end 402 and the distal end 404. The cavity 406 may house the driver circuit (not shown) in the case of the first end cap 104. In the case of the second end cap 106, the cavity 406 may act as a heat-dissipating portion to dissipate the heat from the driver circuit and the light sources 308 (shown in Figure 3).

Further, in order to secure the first end cap 104 to the housing 102, the first end cap 104 may include a lock 408 extending from the proximal end 402. The lock 408 may include a lip 410 and a snap-lock 412 at the middle of the lock 408. Referring now to Figure 1, the lock 408 may be inserted in a latch 112 in the housing 102, such that the snap lock 412 is inserted into a slot (not shown in Figure) in the latch 112. The snap-lock 412 may be pressed to dislodge from the slot to uninstall the first end cap 104 from the housing 102. A similar operation may be performed to uninstall the second end cap 106. Referring back to Figure 4, the first end cap 104 may include a depression 426 to allow an operator to hold the first end cap 104 while installing/ uninstalling the first end cap 104 from the housing 102.

In one example, the first end cap 104 may include a plurality of attachment points 416 at the distal end 404. The attachment points 416 may allow mounting of the cover 108 (shown in Figure 1) thereon. In one example, the attachment points 416 can be a snap-lock whereas, in another example, the attachment points 416 be threaded holes to receive fasteners.

Referring now to Figure 5, the first end cap 104 may include a pair of rails 430 in the cavity 406 of the first end cap 104. The rails 430 may extend from a side wall 414. In one example, the rails 430 are also L-shaped, such that the rails 430 allow sliding of the driver unit into the section underneath the rails 430. The rails 430 also allows sliding out of the driver unit in case of damage or failure of the driver unit. The ease is installing and uninstalling of the driver unit by the rails 430 makes the first end cap 104 modular with easy replacement of the damaged components. The distal end 404 also has an opening 418 that provides access to the cavity 406. The opening 418 may also be used to provide entry for the input wire to the drive circuit. During the assembly, the input wire may be inserted in the opening 418 and may be attached to the driver unit. Thereafter, the driver unit may be installed inside the first end caps 104. The opening 418 for the input wire is preferred in the first end cap 104 reduces the overall length of the input wire needed to supply power to the driver circuit.

Although the present illustration shows the rails 430 to install the driver unit, the first end cap 104 may not include rails 430 and instead may have other means to secure the driver unit inside the first end cap 430. For example, the first end cap 104 may include threaded holes to receive fasteners. In another example, the first end cap 104 may include holes whereas the driver unit has snap locks to secure the driver unit to the first end cap 104. In either of the aforementioned examples, the driver unit is firmly secured in the first end cap 104, such that the driver unit is not dislodged from the first end cap 104 during the handling of the lighting apparatus 100.

According to the present disclosure, the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106 works synergistically to remove the heat generated by the driver unit and the light sources 308. Referring back to Figure 2, the first chamber 312 and the second chamber 314 are fluidically coupled with the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106, such that the air can flow from the first end cap 104 to the second end cap 106 via either/both the first chamber 312 and the second chamber 314. During the operation of the lighting apparatus 100, the driver circuit generates the heat causing the temperature in the first end cap 104 to rise to a temperature T1. Similarly, the light source also generates the heat and temperature rise to a temperature T2. As a result, the air inside the first end cap 104 and the housing 102 gets heated. On the other side, the second end cap 106 remains at a lower temperature T3 than that of the first end cap 104 and the housing 102. A lower temperature in the second end cap 106 creates the following temperature gradient between the first end cap 104 and the housing 102:

T1> T3,
T2>T3.

The difference in temperature causes the air to flow from the first end cap 104 towards the second end cap 106 through either the first chamber 312 or the second chamber 314. Similarly, the air heated by the heat from the light sources 308 moves towards the second end cap 106 in the direction D1. Inside the second end cap 106, the heat-dissipating portion dissipates the heat from the heated air into the surrounding via the walls of the second end cap 106. As a result, the heat from the driver circuit and the light sources 308 is removed without causing heat accumulation inside the housing 102. Moreover, the heat of the driver circuit does not heat the light sources 308 because of their placement in separate components. As a result, the CCT of the light sources 308 is not affected. Moreover, since the second end cap 106 does not have any components therein that generate the heat, the temperature T3 in the second end cap 106 remains lower than the temperature T1 and T2 thereby maintaining the temperature gradient and constant removal of the generated heat. The heat accumulated in the second end cap 106 is dissipated via the walls of the second end cap 106.

In one example, while the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106 remove the heat, the covers 108, 110 close the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106 and prevent the entry of dust particles into the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106.

Figure 6 shows different views of the cover 108, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 6 shows a front view (A), a side view (B), and a top view (C) of cover 108 the lighting apparatus 100. The cover 108 is identical to the cover 110 and hence the structural details of the cover 108 explained hereinafter is applicable to the cover 110. the cover 108 has a cup-shaped profile that is installed on the distal end 404 (shown in Figure 4) of the first end cap 104, such that a portion 432 (shown in Figure 4) of the first end cap 104 is encapsulated by the cover 108. Further, the cover 108 is installed in such a way that the opening 418 (shown in Figure 5) is sealed. On the other hand, the cover 108 may be removed in case the input wire is installed via the opening 418 in the first end cap 104. In one example, the cover 108 may also include an opening that coincide with the openings 418 to allow input wire into the first end cap 104.

In one example, the cover 108 may also include a plurality of pins 602 that extends from an inner surface 604 of the cover 108. The pins 602 are adapted to insert into the attachment points 416 (shown in Figure 5) to secure the cover 108 to the first end cap 104. In one example, the pins 602 lock into the attachment points 416 by interference fit and, in another example, the pins 602 have threads that mates the threaded holes of the attachment points 416. In either case, the pins 602 secure the cover 108 to the first end cap 104. The cover 108 may also include a design implement 606 that may extend from one end of the cover 108 and may be adapted to be inserted into a complementing groove 424, shown in Figure 4, on the first end cap 104. The design implement 606 provides aesthetic appeal to the lighting apparatus 100 and the design implement 606 may have other designs. The design implement 606 may also act as a guide to align the pins 602 with the attachment points 416 when the cover 108 is installed on the distal end 404 of the first end cap 104.

In an embodiment, the covers 108, 110 may also facilitate the removal of heat. For instance, the cover 110 may include an opening to allow heated air to escape from the second end cap 106. Similarly, the cover 108 includes an opening to allow air to ingress in the first end cap 104 and absorb the heat from the driver circuit and from the light sources 308 as the air flows through the housing 102. As a result, the covers 108, 110 enable constant removal of heat.

According to the present disclosure, the first end cap 104 and the second end cap 106 are designed to constantly remove heat from the driver circuit and the light sources 308 thereby protecting them from damage due to heat. Moreover, the first end cap 104 and the housing 102 physically separate the light sources 308 from the driver circuit while keeping the lighting apparatus 100, sleek in design.

While specific language has been used to describe the present disclosure, any limitations arising on account thereto, 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. The drawings and the foregoing 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. ,CLAIMS:1. A lighting apparatus (100) comprising:
a housing (102) having a first chamber (312) and a second chamber (314);
a substrate (306) disposed in the housing (102), forming the first chamber (312) and the second chamber (314);
a plurality of light sources (308) mounted on the substrate (306) such that the light sources (308) face the first chamber (312);
a first end cap (104) and a second end cap (106) adapted to cover a first end (302) and a second end (304) of the housing (102), respectively; and
a driver circuit installed in the first end cap (104) and adapted to power the plurality of light sources (308),
wherein the second end cap (106) is adapted to dissipate heat from the plurality of light sources (308) and the driver circuit.

2. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end cap (106) includes a heat dissipating portion adapted to form temperature gradient between the second end cap (106) and the first end cap (104) through one of the first chamber (312) and the second chamber (314) for dissipating heat.

3. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first chamber (312) and the second chamber (314) are fluidically coupled to the first end cap (104) and the second end cap (106), for air to flow from the first end cap (104) to the second end cap (106) due to the temperature gradient.

4. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a light diffuser 316 in the first chamber (312) adapted to diffuse the light emitted by the plurality of light sources (308).

5. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end cap (104) and the second end cap (106) are structurally identical.

6. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first end cap (104) and the second end cap (106) comprising:
a proximal end (402);
a distal end (404) opposite to the proximal end (402); and
a lock (408) extending from the first end and adapted to be inserted in a latch (112) on the housing (102).

7. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an opening in one of a bottom wall (318) of the housing (102) to receive an input wire for the driver circuit.

8. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an opening (418) at the distal end (404) of the first end cap (104) to receive an input wire for the driver circuit.

9. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end cap (104) includes rails to secure the driver circuit inside the first end cap (104).

10. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each of the first end cap (104) and the second end cap (106) comprising cover (108, 110) installed at the distal end (404).

11. The lighting apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate (306) includes a pair of lips (310) to secure the plurality of light sources (308).