Lighting Systems, Methods and Components

In one preferred form of the present invention, there is provided a down-light system component (10) comprising: a portion (12) that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material. The portion (12) is provided for conducting heat away from a light source (14) to a position on or underneath plasterboard or other ceiling material. The portion (14) is configured to dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the light source (14), to increase the lifetime of the light source.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Priority is claimed from: (i) Australian Application 2015905067 entitled “LIGHTING SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPONENTS” filed 7 Dec. 2015; and (ii) Australian application 2015901224 entitled “LIGHTING SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPONENTS” filed 3 Apr. 2015. All parts and elements of these two applications are hereby fully incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

In particular forms, the present invention relates to lighting systems, methods and components.

BACKGROUND To THE INVENTION

Roof spaces may include down-light covers, insulation and cabling. Lighting systems installed in roof spaces may present a fire risk. The longevity of lighting systems and components, in particular LED lighting elements, can depend on a number of factors including the operating temperature of the lighting element.

Whilst the present invention is particularly concerned with LED lighting systems, the Applicant considers that the present invention may find application in other lighting systems.

It would be advantageous to provide improved the LED-type systems and components, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed by the inventor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a down-light system component comprising: a portion that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material; the portion for conducting heat away from a light source to a position on or underneath plasterboard or other ceiling material; the portion being configured to dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the light source.

Preferably the portion is for conducting heat to a position on the plasterboard or other ceiling material, above a room area, to cause the plasterboard or other ceiling material to act as a heat sink for transmission into the room area below.

Preferably the surface area of the portion is at least 30 cm̂2.

Preferably the material comprises predominantly copper, graphite or aluminium material and the surface area is at least 40 cm̂2.

Preferably the surface area of the portion is at least 20 cm̂2.

Preferably the relatively high heat-conductivity material comprises metal material.

Preferably the material comprises copper, graphite or aluminium material.

Preferably the material comprises predominantly copper, graphite or aluminium material to provide relatively high heat conductivity.

Preferably the surface area is between 30 to 50cm̂2.

Preferably the surface area is sized for a LED-type light having a power consumption of at least 40 Watts.

Preferably the surface area is sized for a LED-type light having a power consumption of between 40 to 55 Watts.

Preferably the downlight system component includes at least one elongate planar portion having a relatively large planar face for contacting and extending above the plasterboard or other ceiling material away from the light fitting along the plasterboard or other ceiling material.

Preferably the or each at least one planar portion is able to be inserted through a hole sized for receiving a downlight of the downlight system, enabling the downlight system component to be installed from below the plasterboard or other ceiling material.

Preferably the downlight system component includes head portion and a flexible wrapping portion, both of relatively high heat conductivity; the flexible tether having one end for being wrapped around the body of a lighting element and extending to the head portion for transmitting heat thereto, the head portion for contacting the plasterboard or other ceiling material.

Preferably the downlight component includes at least one planar element connected to a rim surrounding the face of the lighting element; the or each planar element having a surface area of at least 15 cm̂2; the or each planar element and being moveable between an upright condition and a substantially horizontal condition for contacting and extending above the plasterboard or other ceiling material.

Preferably the portion comprises a base portion for contacting the plasterboard or other ceiling material from above and transmitting heat thereto; and an extension portion for extending around an upper end of the a lighting element and conducting heat away from the lighting element to the base portion.

Preferably the extension portion comprises a flexible tether having two ends in the vicinity of the plasterboard or other ceiling material; the flexible tether for extending over the rear of the lighting element to the other end.

Preferably the extension portion further includes a relatively high heat conductivity cover for receiving the lighting element.

Preferably the extension portion is cone-shaped for fitting into a downlight cover.

Preferably the extension portion includes a slit along its length on one side for allowing cabling to access the light element.

According to a second aspect of preferred embodiment herein described there is provided a down-light system component including a portion that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material; the portion for facing into a room area below plasterboard or other ceiling material to dissipate heat into the room area in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature due to the relatively high heat conductivity of the portion and surface areal the portion being configured to transmit heat away from a lighting element.

Preferably the portion provides a room facing area of at least 30 cm̂2 for a lighting element of at least 40 Watts.

Preferably the portion comprises a room facing area of at least 50 cm̂2 for a lighting element of at least 40 Watts.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a down-light system component comprising: a portion that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material; the portion for contacting plasterboard or other ceiling material to dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative light element temperature due to the relatively high heat conductivity of the portion and surface area transmitting heat into the plasterboard or other ceiling material for transmission into the room area below.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method of controlling the elevated temperature of a downlight or transformer comprising proactively transmitting heat away from a lighting element of the downlight or transformer by providing a portion that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material; the portion for contacting plasterboard or other ceiling material to dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature due to the relatively high heat conductivity of the portion and surface area transmitting heat into the room area below.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a down-light system component including: a first portion made from relatively high heat-conductivity material, the first portion able to extend around the body of a downlight; and a second portion made from relatively high heat conductivity material, the second portion for contacting the top of the downlight; the first portion and the second portion being configured to conduct heat away from the downlight to a heat sink in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature.

Preferably the first portion comprises two extending portions configured to be secured together in a manner where each extending portion extends around the body of the downlight.

Preferably the second portion comprises an element having an end adapted to be connected to the top of the downlight to conduct more heat away from the downlight than with the first portion alone. Preferably the end of the second portion is adapted to be glued to the top of the downlight using a conductive glue.

Preferably the second portion is longer than each extending portion of the first potion.

Each extending portion may comprise an arm that is about 70 mm in length. The second portion may be 80 mm in length. The second portion and each extending arm may extend from a connecting element.

Preferably there is provided a third portion of heat conductive material from which the first portion and the second portion extend, the third portion comprising a length configured to be connected to a heat sink.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a downlight system component comprising: a length of heat conductive material having a first end for a downlight and a second end for a heat sink; the first end comprising at least one portion for extending around the body of a downlight; and a further portion for contacting the top of the downlight; the first end for conducting heat away from the downlight to the heat sink in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the downlight.

Preferably the at least one portion for extending around the body of the downlight comprises two arms having respective ends that are configured to be connected together using a connecting element.

Preferably the connecting element comprises a cord.

Preferably the connecting element comprises a temperature rated string.

Preferably the connecting element comprises temperature rated string; and the respective ends of the two arms each include a hole for receiving the string; the string being able to be secured between the holes to hold the two arms in positon extending around the downlight.

Preferably a releasable clasp is used to hold the string in position and therefore the two arms extending around the downlight. Preferably the clasp includes a hole through which the ends of the string extend and a button that is operable to release a clamp that clamps the string within the hole of the clasp.

Preferably the further portion for contacting the top of the downlight comprises a tab configured to be glued to the top of the downlight. Preferable the further portion is glued using a conductive glue.

Preferably IC and IC-F rated fittings are provided in preferred embodiments. LED lighting systems are provided in preferred embodiments including OLED lighting systems.

Preferably a 10 to 15 degree temperature drop is provided when under insulation, compared to when the arrangement is not employed.

Preferably a 15 to 20 degree temperature drop is provided when under insulation, compared to when the arrangement is not employed.

Preferably more than a 15 degree temperature drop is provided when under insulation, compared to when the arrangement is not employed.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a mount for assisting with controlling the elevated temperature of a transformer; the mount including a biasing portion for forcing the transformer towards plasterboard or other ceiling material; the biasing portion assisting with transmitting heat away from the transformer by ensuring contact with the plasterboard or other ceiling material.

Preferably the mount is formed from spring steel.

Preferably the mount includes a portion for fixing the mount to a roof element.

According to another aspect of preferred embodiments herein described there is provided a method for assisting with controlling the elevated temperature of transformer; the method including forcing the transformer toward plasterboard or other ceiling material; the biasing assisting with transmitting heat away from the transformer by ensuring contact.

It is to be recognised that other aspects, preferred forms and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the present specification including the detailed description, drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It is to be appreciated that each of the embodiments is specifically described and that the present invention is not to be construed as being limited to any specific feature or element of any one of the embodiments. Neither is the present invention to be construed as being limited to any feature of a number of the embodiments or variations described in relation to the embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2there is provided a downlight system component10according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The downlight system component10comprises two portions12that are each made from relatively high heat-conductivity material (copper or aluminium). The portions12are provided for conducting heat away from a light source14to a position on plasterboard or other ceiling material16as shown inFIG. 2. The plasterboard16acts as a heat sink. As a result of the arrangement, the portions12are configured to dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the light source14.

The two portion12together provide a combined portion18having a total lower surface area 20 of 30 cm̂2 for bearing against the plasterboard16. The downlight system component10is provided as an LED lighting component22having an LED light source24.

Notably, plasterboard has a relatively poor R-value (say 0.05). As a result radiating heat through it with a conductive material can be quite effective, when insulation has been installed above. Thus with the provision of the portions12, the component10serves to advantageously maintain a lower light source temperature and therefore to increase the life of the LED lighting source24. It is considered that the life of the lighting component can be extended by say 10 to X % or more. Greater increases could be possible due to the reduction in temperature.

The article ‘Modeling Temperature Driven Wearout Rates For Electronic Components’ (Steve Wetterling, MSEE, and Pat Barrett, B SEE, P.E) considers the lifetime of a Littelfuse R452 ½ Amp NANO fuse' with respect to current and temperature. The following acceleration factors were calculated in the article assuming Ea=1.0 eV. This produced the following lifetime table. A copy of the document is provides inFIGS. 21aand 22bfor completeness.

The Applicant considers that the article shows potential temperature lifetime effects. Nonetheless, it is noted that increases in lifetime are yet to be fully investigated by the Applicant. The Applicant is not making any claims regarding the extent of lifetime increase. The lighting component22may also be used for purposes of reducing fire risk. The Applicant is not making any claims regarding fire risk reduction.

Returning toFIG. 1, each of the two portions12is provided as an elongate planar portion26having a relatively large planar face28for contacting and extending above the plasterboard as shown inFIG. 2. The two portions12are hinged attached to the body of the lighting component22using a spring arrangement29.

Advantageously the two portions12have a thermal conductivity of more than 150 (W·m−1·K−1). Other embodiments may have a thermal conductivity of more than 200 (W·m−1·K−1). Both Aluminium and Copper are considered suitable in increasing the lifetime of the LED light source24. In the embodiment the lighting element has a diameter of about 90 mm and the projections are each about 8 cm in length (about 2 cm wide). Other lengths and widths are of course possible. Other materials that could be used include graphite.

The planar elements12are connected to a rim31surrounding the face of the lighting component22. E planar element has a surface area of 15 cm̂2 and is moveable between an upright condition (seeFIG. 1) and a substantially horizontal condition (SeeFIG. 2) for contacting and extending above the plasterboard16.

Advantageously in this embodiment, the lighting component22is able to be inserted through a hole sized for receiving the downlight component. That is a hole about 90 mm in diameter. The lighting component22may be provided in other dimensions such as 70 mm or 120− to 150 mm+. The lighting component22forms a downlight.

Advantageously the portions12are moveable between an upwardly extending condition30and a horizontally extending condition32. The horizontally extending condition32provides both a ‘holding function’ and a heat to plasterboard ‘conductivity function’. The conductivity function is considered to be new and inventive in terms of the portions12receiving heat energy by way of conduction and radiation and conducting the heat energy to the plasterboard16. The plasterboard16acts as a heat sink for transmission into the room area below.

Room areas are generally much cooler than ceiling areas. The presence of the room area will serve to cool the plasterboard16and assist with providing the advantages discussed.

IC and IC-F rated fittings can be both abutted and covered with insulation. This is shown inFIG. 3. In the case of a CA90 downlight fitting, the fitting can be abutted to only by its sides to the insulation.FIG. 4illustrates a cover serving to extend the building envelope and protect a light source.

As shown inFIGS. 5, without a downlight cover high roof temperatures can penetrate though the insulation to the light source (luminaire). Nonetheless, as shown inFIG. 6, even with a downlight cover heat build-up can occur inside the cover as the downlight cover still maintains a relatively high temperature. It is to be appreciated that the present embodiment could be applied both with and without a downlight cover.

Referring toFIGS. 7 and 8there is shown a down-light system component34according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The down-light system component34includes a flexible wrapping portion36that is wrapped around the body of a light source38.

The component34includes a planar head portion40connected to the flexible wrapping portion36. The flexible wrapping portion36is formed from high heat conductivity aluminium material. The head portion40is formed also formed for aluminium material but is solid in construction. The head portion40provides a planer smooth lower surface for transmitting heat to plasterboard.

The flexible wrapping portion36provides one end42for being wrapped around the body of the lighting element38and extends to the head portion40for transmitting heat thereto. The head portion40is provided for contacting the plasterboard or other ceiling material. Advantageously the flexible wrapping portion36is able to be wrapped around existing light sources allowing for retrofits of existing downlights.

The wrapping portion36provides a conductive flexible material (in a cable tie type of solution), that could be coated with a thin plastic to make it nonconductive, but still allow thermal transfer of heat to a shard that would sit on top of plaster underneath insulation. An addition Velcro or cable tie fixing method could be applied.

The downlight system component34is able to be inserted through a conventional hole in the plasterboard for the downlight38from below. When the flexible portion36is wrapped around the body of the lighting element38, the head portion40is able to be inserted into the roof cavity. This occurs before insertion of the downlight. Advantageously the standard LED clip39can be used to hold the head in position. The flexible wrapping portion36is connected at a location spaced away from the end41of the head portion to provide an abutment43for the clip39.

Referring toFIG. 9there is shown a downlight system component44according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The downlight system component44is provided in the form of an elongate shard46having a concave inwardly end45that is placed against or next to an LED downlight light source. Preferably a magnetic connection is made between the LED downlight and the component44. In this embodiment the end45is magnetised for being attracted to the LED downlight. The shard46could also contact a conductive cover surrounding the LED downlight.

In other embodiments it is possible that a mating thermally conductive point is designed on the luminaire as well for the attachment of a shard. A specific flat surface could use a thermally conductive clag.

The shard46provides conduit that receives heat energy either by radiation or conduction from the light source and transmits the heat energy to the plasterboard. The shard46operates without the flexible wrapping portion36.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 11there is shown a downlight system component48according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The component48comprises a base portion50for contacting plasterboard or other ceiling material from above and transmitting heat thereto. The component48further includes an extension portion52for extending around an upper end of a lighting element and conducting heat away from the lighting element to the base portion. In this embodiment the extension portion52provides a split cover55. The split is provided by a slot54that extends along the extension portion50to allow for readily access by cabling. There are holes at the top for possibly fixing an internal metal conductive strap for installing downlight covers which provide a fire rating and sound proofing.

The extension portion52is arranged to absorb heat radiation and transmit the heat energy to the base portion50. The base portion50is arranged to transmit the heat energy to the plasterboard. The base portion50and the extension portion52are formed from relatively high heat conductivity material (aluminium or copper)

Referring toFIGS. 12aand12b,there is show a further preferred embodiment that makes uses of an element56for remote or direct contact with the back of the downlight. The flexible element56extends from two points58in the vicinity of the base portion50to provide a loop60for conducting heat energy. A conducting foil wrapping61could also be used to make direct contact with the element56and the light source. In other embodiments the element56may bear directly on a heat sink that sits on top of the LED

Referring toFIG. 13, there is shown a further component64according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the component64the extension52is frusto-concially shaped for receiving a down light cover. Other embodiment may be conically shaped.

Such an arrangement advantageously combines the benefit of downlight covers in combination with a relatively high heat conductivity body for transmitting heat to the plasterboard. As discussed the plasterboard acts as a heat sink in combination with the room below.

The component64can be placed on the plasterboard from above or be located below the plasterboard as shown inFIG. 14. In the case of being located below the plasterboard the rim66is in direct facing contact with a room area air. The room itself is able to provide cooling. Thus contact with the plasterboard for transmission of heat energy may not be required in some embodiments. The lower surface area of the rim that faces the room is preferably more than 30 cm̂2. The rim is preferably also fixed to the plasterboard. Various fixing arrangements are possible including clips

Thus portion66is provided for facing into a room area below plasterboard or other ceiling material to dissipate heat into the room area in a manner maintaining a desirable operative light element temperature. This is provided by the relatively high heat conductivity of the portion66and the surface area. The component64is formed from aluminium material.

Referring toFIGS. 15aand 15bthere is shown a downlight65according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The downlight65has a first portion for bearing against the downward face of a piece of plasterboard69(a part thereof being shown) and a second portion71for providing a section that has a relatively large surface area for being exposed to cool air. The first portion67provides a conductive bridge for desirable contact with the plasterboard69. The second portion71provides both a forward facing surface area75and a reward facing surface area77for being cooled by air. Conductive adhesive is used to secure the first portion67to the plasterboard69. A gap79is provided between the plasterboard69and the second portion71to allow air flow. Various shapes and arrangements could be provided. Depending on the circumstances it may be that the first portion67does not conduct with the second portion71providing the necessary heat dissipation.

In embodiments an extra-large circular or square face with plain or detailed designs around the LED fitting may be provided. With the face in the living area this would serve to dissipate heat, without any substantial dissipation in the roof under the insulation at all.

Referring toFIG. 16there is shown a method68according to a further preferred embodiment. The method68advantageously controls the elevated temperature of a downlight70. At block72the downlight is placed in a compact condition. At block73the downlight70is in inserted into a hole in plasterboard and released to engage the plasterboard with two highly conductive arms76. At block78, during operation, the arms76proactively transmit heat away from the downlight70. The arms76contact plasterboard or other ceiling material and dissipate heat in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature due to the relatively high heat conductivity of the arms76and surface area transmitting heat energy into the room area below. Heat is transmitted to arm76as part of conductive pathways80and radiation pathways82.

Referring toFIGS. 17aand17b,there is shown a down-light system transformer holder84according to another preferred embodiment. The receptacle84includes a base86that is made from relatively high heat-conductivity material. The base86is arranged to transmit heat energy, from a transformer placed in the transformer holder84, into plasterboard or other ceiling material to dissipate the heat energy. A cover is85is provided for mating with the base86with the transformer held therebetween.

In this embodiment there is no light, but rather a transformer. The base86is formed from highly conductive material (e.g. copper/aluminium material). The holder84may include clips on the base for holding the transformer in position.FIG. 18provides a further illustration. The holder may advantageously allow the transformer to be installed safely under insulation without presenting a fire risk. Various holes may be provided for cabling.

FIG. 19shows a transformer88having a conductive base90. Rather than being housed in a holder, the transformer88itself has been provided with a base that readily conducts heat into the plasterboard. This allows the transformer88itself to conduct heat into the plasterboard and be located beneath the insulation. The ability to cover a transformer of an LED downlight system with insulation is considered to be advantageous. The base may have a matt surface to assist with heat transfer. Preferably a conductive paste is used for a good conductivity between the base and the plasterboard.

FIG. 20shows a LED light fitting according to an embodiment. The diameter is about 90 mm and the rim about 1.5 cm. Preferably the surface area is near or greater than 30 cm̂2. The Applicant considers that a 20 cm2 or more should be applied in addition to the current ridge on led Downlights (1.5 cm), built into the downlight. The extract surface area as shown inFIG. 20conducts onto the body directly and goes out further than the ridge that makes up a downlight. This piece could be slightly spaced by a seal so that it is not in contact with the plasterboard to enable additional surface area behind the fitting but inside the building envelope towards the plaster for dissipation of heat. The system provide a larger surface area for radiant dissipation of heat under an insulative barrier.

FIG. 21shows a retrofit arrangement in which an LED fitting222is retrofitted by insertion into a metal plate224located between the LED fitting222and the plasterboard226. The conventional rim228providing the face of the LED bears against the plate224to provide the heat transfer to the plate224. The plate224is glued with conductive glue other conductive material to the plasterboard. Conductive adhesive material could also be used between the rim228and the metal plate224.

FIGS. 22ato 22dillustrate a transformer holder230according to a further preferred embodiment. The transformer holder230is provided as a length of spring steel that is configured to firmly press down and hold a transformer232to a surface234. In the embodiment the transformer holder230includes a mount portion236for being fixed to a structure such as a beam. A number of screws may extend through the mount portion236to hold the transformer holder230to the beam.

The transformer holder230is configured to further bias the transformer232towards the surface234to assist with ensuring desirable conductivity.

The transformer holder230includes a contact portion238for bearing against the upper portion of the transformer232. In this embodiment the contact portion238l comprises a bow portion. The mount portion236comprise a flange that extends from the bow portion in the same direction of the concavity outwards. A number of mounting holes may be provided in the mount portion236for receiving screws.

The transformer, in embodiments, can be covered in insulation, as opposed to needing to be strung from rafters clear of insulation. There is quick and easy installation of transformers for electricians.

As with the other embodiments the system is considered to provide insulation consistency as well as to reduce hot spots under transformers. In the majority of LED failure cases, it's the transformers which are failing prior to the LED failing. This is considered to provide an improvement that improves installation time while also improving the reliability of the LED system.

Approximately a 20 mm gap is provided for the transformer232beneath the holder230. The holder230is approximately 30 mm tall, 50 mm deep and 120 mm wide.

In this manner there is provided a mount230for assisting with controlling the elevated temperature of a transformer232. The mount230includes a biasing portion238for forcing the transformer232towards plasterboard234or other ceiling material. The biasing portion238assists with transmitting heat away from the transformer232by ensuring contact with the plasterboard234or other ceiling material. The mount230is formed from spring steel and includes a portion236for fixing the mount to a beam/surface. The mount230provides a method of forcing the transformer232toward plasterboard234or other ceiling material to assist with transmitting heat away from the transformer by ensuring contact.

Various arrangements of preferred embodiments are possible. Various reports and papers are provided inFIGS. 23 and 24and below. Among other things these reports indicate a temperature drop of about 20 degrees for a 13 W IC Rated LED Fitting without a cover. The Applicant considers that initial results are promising for both LEDS lights and control gear as used in downlight LED systems.

FIG. 24cshows control gear not covered by insulation.

Referring toFIG. 25there is shown a down-light system component300according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The down light system component300includes a first portion302and a second portion304made from relatively high heat-conductivity material. The first portion302comprises two lengths able to extend around the body306of a downlight308. The second portion304is provided for contacting the top310of the downlight308. The first portion302and the second portion304are configured to conduct heat away from the downlight308to a heat sink (not shown) in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the downlight.

The first portion302extends around the body306of the downlight308around the longitudinal axis312. The second portion304is arranged to extend above the first portion302as shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 26provides a schematic illustration. The first portion302comprises two arms314and the second portion304comprises a further arm316. Each of the arms314,316extend from a conductive length318. The further arm316includes a solid metal tab320for being glued to the top310of the downlight308using a conductive glue.

The two arms314include respective ends322that are configured to be connected together using a connecting element in the form of a contracting length324between the ends322. As will be described in further detail below the contracting length may be provided by a temperature rated string having a releasable clasp. A temperature rated string is presently preferred for reasons of strength and resistance to heat. Other forms of cord may also be used.

Thus the first portion302comprises two extending portions configured to be secured together in a manner where each extending portion extends around the body306of the downlight308. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may include a single arm314that wraps partially or fully around the body306.

Various preferred lengths are illustrated inFIGS. 26ato26c.An arm length314,316of 70 mm is presently preferred in the current embodiment. Other lengths are of course possible. The conductive length318terminates in a solid tab having a number of screw holes for securing to a heat sink.

FIG. 27illustrates the flexibility of the arms314,316. The arms314,316may comprise braided metal wire. An example of the flexibility of the wire is illustrated inFIGS. 28 and 29. This allows wrapping around the body of the downlight and positioning on top of the downlight.

FIGS. 28 and 29illustrate the use of a draw string arrangement in which a flexible cord extends through a releasable clasp330that tightens or loosens the connection between the arms314. The use of flexible temperature rated string is preferred.

FIG. 30illustrates a possible further arrangement. The second portion can be positioned accordingly.

Thus there has been consider to have been provided a downlight system component comprising: a length of heat conductive material having a first end for a downlight and a second end for a heat sink; the first end comprising at least one portion for extending around the body of a downlight; and a further portion for contacting the top of the downlight; the first end for conducting heat away from the downlight to the heat sink in a manner maintaining a desirable operative temperature of the downlight.

A third portion provides a heat sink length from which the first portion and the second portion extend. The second portion comprises an element having an end adapted to be glued to the top of the downlight to conduct more heat away from the downlight than with the first portion alone.

The arrangement preferably provides between a 10 to 20 degree temperature drop when under insulation compared to when the arrangement is not employed. In this manner a desirably lower operative temperature is maintained while operating under insulation.

Two arrangements may be used on a single LED light to provide a further temperature drop.

In the embodiments thermal glue or paste is used to provide a good thermal connection between the body306and the first portion302. Thermal paste is presently preferred as the first portions302is easier to remove.

Thermal glue is used to secure the second portion304. Various arrangements are of course possible.

In connection with several embodiments there is provided an advantageous solution for recessed lighting. Covers can be a highly conductive material (Copper, Aluminium ceramic or graphite) (which may be coloured in a conductive/radiative colour) to allow dissipation of heat downward through plasterboard. Creation of another holder specifically designed for control gear to exist under insulation also in a similar fashion to enable heat dissipation downwards into the building envelope through plasterboard.

By utilising highly conductive materials with a significant surface area this allows the fitting to be effectively connected to a much cooler area. Current fittings which are advertised as being able to be covered, raise in temperature significantly, and this raise in temperature is considered to present a huge potential of reducing the LED lamp life possibly by 3 to 4 fold. Embodiments may also allow fittings which are not coverable with insulation, to be covered with insulation. The design can also be implemented onto new LED designs, where a heat sink flips out once the fitting has been installed as discussed.

Plaster temperature when it is insulated, usually stays at around 25° C. and has a very low R-value of around 0.05. Due to most downlights having to be covered, plaster board provides a cool temperature. Roof areas in Australia during summer can go from 35° C. to 70° C.

Using conductive materials to connect the thermal dissipation to the living area and over insulating these types of fittings is actually the way to go.

The overall impacts of various solutions include longer lamp life for LED lighting/and control gear. Other impacts that may be provided include a consistent R-value by assisting with providing a continuous insulation cover (across a ceiling space or wall cavity to enable effective insulation performance).

With the use of both conduction and radiation, an LED/Control gear can be provide that drives the LED to dissipate its temperature into a cooler living area via connectivity of a conductive/radiative downlight cover that sits on top of the plaster with a designed surface area connectivity to that part of the air tight building envelope. Plasterboard has a relatively poor R-value so radiating heat through it with a decent conductive material can be quite effective, when insulation has been installed above.

Thermal straps could be utilised such as http://www.techapps.com/thermalstram, linking to the LED using a conductive glue or weight.

Notably, the design of a conductive material dissipating heat underneath the plaster can include many designs to create dissipation on both sides of a conductive material in the living area and add design detail to the fitting. Some fittings today have a rubber seal for air tightness which attaches to the plasterboard. A conductive paste, that is used with computer heat sinks, may be used here. For fittings with a rubber seal, this may need to be removed, and added to the heat sink.

In addition, various heat sinks may be used on top of the luminaire, dissipating heat directly under insulation. For flatter luminaries a square and weighted attachment could be combined with a flexible conductive material using a thermal strap design, in conjunction with a conductive paste, or a cover that would absorb radiated heat from the luminaire.

Both conventional LED and OLED lighting systems are envisaged. Wattages from low to 20 W, 20 W to 40 W and 40 W and above are envisaged. The advantages of and applicability would be apparent from a reading of the specification as a whole.

Among other advantages preferred systems herein described are considered to advantageously provide for: (i) quick and easy install of control gear under insulation; (ii) more efficient heat dissipation to enable longer life control gear; and (iii) more consistent insulation around recessed lighting.

Various ranges and sizes are described in the specification as a whole. Various sizes and approaches could be adopted in providing embodiments of the present invention.

As would be apparent, various alterations and equivalent forms may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This includes modifications within the scope of the appended claims along with all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents.

There is no intention to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The present invention is to be construed beneficially to the applicant and the invention given its full scope.

In the present specification, the presence of particular features does not preclude the existence of further features. The words ‘comprising’, ‘including’ and ‘having’ are to be construed in an inclusive rather than an exclusive sense.

It is to be recognised that any discussion in the present specification is intended to explain the context of the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that the material discussed formed part of the prior art base or relevant general knowledge in any particular country or region.