Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/948,875, filed Jul. 23, 2013, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Korean Patent Application No 10-2012-0079877, filed Jul. 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The embodiment relates to a lighting apparatus. 
     In general, various types of lighting apparatuses such as ceiling-mounting type lamps, scenery lighting lamps, sleeping lamps, and stand lamps exist according to purposes thereof. The lighting apparatuses must irradiate light with sufficient luminance level according to purposes. Accordingly, recently, a light emitting diode (LED) has been used for a lighting apparatus. In comparison with other light sources such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp, the LED is advantageous because of low power consumption, a long lifetime, a fast response time, safety, and environment-friendliness. Accordingly, many studies and researches to replace the existing light sources with the light emitting diode have been carried out. 
     However, the above lighting apparatuses are tuned-on/off by a switch connected to the lighting apparatuses through a cable. Accordingly, a user of the lighting apparatus must inconveniently control the lighting apparatus. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An embodiment provides a lighting apparatus which can be easily controlled. 
     According to the embodiment, there is provided a lighting apparatus including: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a light source mounted on the heat sink, and connected to the control module; and a communication module including a connection terminal inserted into the heat sink and connected to the control module, and an antenna device protruding from the heat sink. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided lighting apparatus including: a control module supplying power; a heat sink receiving the control module; a light source mounted on the heat sink to emit light according to the power; and a communication module receiving a signal for controlling the control module, wherein the communication module includes: a substrate; a connection terminal disposed on the substrate, inserted into the heat sink, and connected to the control module; and an antenna device disposed on the substrate and protruding from the heat sink to be spaced apart from the heat sink. 
     The lighting apparatus according to the embodiment has a wireless communication function. In this case, the lighting apparatus may receive a wireless control signal through the communication module. Further, the lighting apparatus may control the light source according to the wireless control signal. Accordingly, the lighting apparatus can be controlled in a wireless scheme. That is, a user of the lighting apparatus can easily control the lighting apparatus. Accordingly, the convenience for a user of the lighting apparatus can be improved. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the lighting apparatus according to the embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a communication module shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same components will be assigned with the same reference numerals. In a description of the embodiment, if the function or the structure related to the disclosure and generally known to those skilled in the art make the subject matter of the disclosure unclear, the details of the function or the structure will be omitted. 
     In the description of the embodiments, it will be understood that, when each element is referred to as being “on” or “under” another element, it can be “directly” or “indirectly” on or under another element or the other constituent elements may also be present. Such a position of the elements has been described with reference to the drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lighting apparatus according to the embodiment,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a coupling structure of the lighting apparatus according to the embodiment,  FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating a communication module shown in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the lighting apparatus  100  according to the embodiment includes a light source  110 , a light source coupling part  120 , a light distribution cover  130 , a control module  140 , a housing  150 , a shield cover  160 , a feeding cover  170 , a heat sink  180 , and a communication module  190 . 
     The light source  110  generates light. In this case, the light source  110  may include an LED. The light source  110  includes a feeding device  111 , a plurality of feeding wires  113 , a plurality of base substrates  115 , and a plurality of LEDs  117 . 
     The feeding device  111  supplies power to the light source  110 . The feeding device  111  may include a printed circuit board (PCB). 
     The feeding wires  113  connect the feeding device  111  to the base substrates  115 . In this case, the feeding wires  113  may directly connect the feeding device  111  to the base substrates  115 , respectively. The feeding wires  113  may connect the feeding device  111  to some of the base substrates  115 , and may connect the base substrates  115  to each other. Further, the feeding wires  113  transfer the power from the feeding device  111  to the base substrates  115 . 
     The base substrates  115  control driving of the light source  110 . In this case, the base substrates  115  apply the power from the feeding device  111  to the LEDs. The base substrates  115  may include a PCB. 
     The LEDs  117  are mounted on the base substrates  115 . In this case, the LEDs  117  may be mounted on each of the base substrates  115 . Further, the LEDs  117  emit the light according to the power from the base substrates  115 . That is, the LEDs  117  output the light. 
     The light source coupling unit  120  is coupled with the light source  110  to fix the light source  110 . In this case, at least one first coupling hole  121  and at least one second coupling hole  123  are formed in the light source coupling unit  120 . The first coupling holes  121  receive the base substrates  115 , respectively. The light source coupling part  120  fixes the base substrates  115  and the LEDs  117  at positions of the first coupling holes  121 , respectively. Further, the light coupling part  120  exposes the LEDs  117  through the first coupling holes  121 , respectively. In addition, the second coupling hole  123  receives the feeding device  111  and the communication module  190 . Moreover, the light source coupling part  120  exposes the feeding device  111  and the communication module  190  through the second coupling hole  123 . The communication module  190  extends through the second coupling hole  123 . That is, the communication module  190  protrudes in both directions about the light source coupling part  120  through the second coupling hole  123 . The light source coupling part  120  may include an insulator. 
     The light distribution cover  130  surrounds the light source  110  from the top of the light source coupling part  120 . The light distribution cover  130  may have an open bulb shape. Further, the light distribution cover  130  protects the light source  110 , and discharges the light emitted from the light source  110 . In this case, the light distribution cover  130  distributes the light to a front surface or a rear surface of the lighting apparatus. The light distribution cover  130  may include at least one of glass, plastic, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). The light distribution cover  130  may include polycarbonate (PC) having good lightfast, heat resistant and impact characteristics. The light distribution cover  130  may include an inner surface on which pigment is coated facing the light source  110 . The pigment may include a diffusing agent to diffuse the light. 
     The control module  140  controls an overall operation of the lighting apparatus  100 . In this case, although not shown, the control module  140  may include a main substrate and a plurality of components. The main substrate may include a PCB. The components are mounted on the main substrate and are electrically connected to the main substrate. The components include a converter and a driver. The converter is connected to an external power source through the main substrate. Further, the converter converts AC power of the external power source into DC power. The driver controls driving of the light source  110 . 
     In addition, the control module  140  supplies power to the light source  110 . The control module may include a power supply unit (PSU). In this case, the control module  140  may control the light source  110  according to a received wireless control signal. The control module  140  includes a feeding terminal  141  and a coupling terminal  143 . 
     The feeding terminal  141  is connected to the light source  110 . The feeding terminal  141  makes contact with the feeding device  111  of the light source  110 . In this case, the feeding terminal  141  protrudes from the control module  140 . The feeding terminal  141  is coupled with the main substrate, and protrudes from the main substrate. Further, the feeding terminal  141  faces the feeding device  111 . 
     In addition, the feeding terminal  141  supplies power to the light source  110 . That is, the control module  140  supplies the power to the light source  110  through the feeding device  111 . Further, the feeding terminal  141  transmits a light source control signal for controlling the light source  110  to the light source  110 . That is, the control module  140  transfers the light source control signal to the light source  110  through the feeding device  111 . 
     The coupling terminal  143  is connected to the communication module  190 . The coupling terminal  143  is coupled with the communication module  190 . In this case, the coupling terminal  143  may protrude from the control module  140 . The coupling terminal  143  is coupled with the main substrate and protrudes from the main substrate. Further, the coupling terminal  143  may receive the communication module  190 . A coupling groove  145  may be formed in the coupling terminal  143 . The coupling groove  145  may face the communication module  190 . Moreover, the coupling groove  145  may receive the communication module  190 . 
     In addition, the coupling terminal  143  supplies the power to the communication module  190 . That is, the control module  140  supplies the power to the communication module  190  through the coupling terminal  143 . Further, the coupling terminal  143  receives a wireless control signal for controlling the control module  140  from the communication module  190 . That is, the control module  140  receives the wireless control signal from the communication module  190  through the coupling terminal  143 . 
     The housing  150  receives the control module  140 . A receiving hole  151  is formed in the housing  150 . That is, the housing  150  receives the control module  140  through the receiving hole  151 . In this case, the housing  150  may have a cylindrical shape. Further, the housing  150  may prevent an electrical short between the control module  140  and the heat sink  180 . The housing  150  may include a material having superior insulation and durability. Further, the housing  150  may include a resin material. 
     In addition, the housing  150  includes a connection terminal  153 . In this case, the housing  150  is locked with the external power source through the connection terminal  153 . The connection terminal  153  may be locked with the external power source through a socket scheme. Further, the connection terminal  153  may be connected to the external power source. That is, the connection terminal  153  may be electrically connected to the external power source. Further, the connection terminal  153  may electrically connect the control module  140  to the external power source. The connection terminal  153  may include a conductive material. 
     The shield cover  160  seals the housing  150 . The shield cover  160  covers the receiving hole  151  of the housing  150  from the top of the housing  150 . In this case, the shield cover  160  may prevent an electrical short between the control module  140  and the heat sink  180 . The shield cover  160  may include a material having superior insulation and durability. Further, the shield cover  160  may include a resin material. 
     At least one through hole  161  is formed in the shield cover  160 . The through hole  161  is aligned on the same axis with the second coupling hole  123 . Further, the through hole  161  receives the feeding terminal  141  and the communication module  190 . In this case, the feeding terminal  141  and the communication module  190  extend through the through hole  161 . The shield cover  160  exposes the feeding terminal  141  and the coupling terminal  143  through the through hole  161 . That is, the through hole  161  protrudes the feeding terminal  141  toward the feeding device  111 . Further, the through hole  161  protrudes the communication module  190  toward the coupling terminal  143 . 
     The feeding cover  170  seals the housing  150 . The feeding cover  170  covers a receiving hole of the housing  150  from the bottom of the housing  150 . Further, the feeding cover  170  makes contact with the external power source. In this case, the feeding cover  170  electrically connects the control module  140  to the external power source. The feeding cover  170  may include a conductive material. 
     The heat sink  180  receives the control module  140 , the housing  150 , and the shield cover  160 . A receiving groove (not shown) is formed in the heat sink  180 . That is, the heat sink  180  receives the control module  140 , the housing  150 , and the shield cover  160  through the receiving groove. Further, the light source  110  is mounted on the heat sink  180 . In addition, the heat sink  180  releases heat generated from the light source  110 , and protects the control module  140  from the heat generated from the light source  110 . In this case, the heat sink  180  includes a first heat sink  181  and a second heat sink  185 . 
     The first heat sink  181  is disposed above the shield cover  160 . The first heat sink  181  is coupled with the light distribution cover  130 . In this case, an outer peripheral portion of the first heat sink  181  is coupled with the light distribution cover  130 . Further, the light source  110  and the light source coupling part  120  are mounted above the first heat sink  181 . The first heat sink  181  makes contact with the light source  110 . In this case, the first heat sink  181  moves the heat generated from the light source  110  to the second heat sink  185 . The first heat sink  181  may have a circular shape or a plane shape. 
     At least one insertion hole  183  is formed in the first heat sink  181 . The insertion hole  183  is aligned on the same axis with the second coupling hole  123  and the through hole  161 . Further, the insertion hole  183  receives the feeding terminal  141  and the communication module  190 . In this case, the feeding terminal  141  and the communication module  190  extend through the insertion hole  183 . The first heat sink  181  exposes the feeding terminal  141  and the coupling terminal  143  through the insertion hole  183 . That is, the insertion hole  183  protrudes the feeding terminal  141  toward the feeding device  111 . Further, the insertion hole  183  protrudes the communication module  190  toward the coupling terminal  143 . 
     The second heat sink  185  surrounds the housing  150 . In this case, the second heat sink  185  exposes the connection terminal  153 . That is, the second heat sink  185  surrounds the housing  150  except for a region of the connection terminal  153 . The second heat sink  185  may have a cylindrical shape. The second heat sink  185  extends downward from the first heat sink  181 . In this case, the second heat sink  185  releases the heat generated from the light source  110 . A diameter of the second heat sink  185  may be gradually reduced downward along a central axis of the first heat sink  181 . 
     Further, the second heat sink  185  includes a plurality of heat sink fins. In this case, the second heat sink  185  includes the heat sink fins  186  so that a surface area is increased. The heat sink fins  187  extend downward from the first heat sink  181 . In this case, the heat sink fins  187  may be radially aligned about the central axis of the first heat sink  181 . The heat sink fins  187  may protrude perpendicular to the central axis of the first heat sink  181 . 
     The communication module  190  receives a wireless control signal for controlling the lighting apparatus  100 . In this case, the communication module  190  is connected to the control module  140 . The communication module  190  is spaced apart from the light source  110  across the light source coupling part  120 , the heat sink  180 , and the shield cover  160 . In addition, the communication module  190  is coupled with the control module  140 . The communication module  190  includes a substrate  210 , a connection terminal  220 , a ground part  230 , an antenna device  240 , and a protective cover  250 . 
     The substrate  210  is provided in the communication module  190  for the purpose of support. In this case, the substrate  210  has a flat plate structure. The substrate  210  may include a PCB. Further, the substrate  210  may include a dielectric substance. The substrate  210  includes a connection region  211 , a driving region  213 , and an antenna region  215 . 
     The connection region  211  is placed at one end of the substrate  210 . The connection region  211  is opposed to the control module  140 . In this case, the connection region  211  is opposed to the coupling terminal  143 . The connection region  211  may be opposed to the coupling groove  145 . In addition, the connection region  211  is inserted into the heat sink  180 . In this case, the connection region is received in a receiving groove of the heat sink  180 . Further, the connection region  211  is coupled with the control module  140 . In this case, the connection region  211  is locked with the coupling terminal  143 . The connection region  211  may be inserted into the coupling groove  145 . 
     The driving region  213  extends from the connection region  211 . In this case, the driving region  213  is placed at a center of the substrate  210 . The driving region  213  extends across the light source coupling part  120 , the heat sink  180 , and the shield cover  160 . The driving region  213  is inserted into the heat sink  180 . In this case, the driving region  213  is received in the second coupling hole  123 , the insertion hole  183 , the through hole  161 , and a receiving groove of the heat sink  180  which are aligned on the same axis. 
     Further, the driving region  213  includes a driving device (not shown). In this case, the driving device is embedded in the substrate  210 , and is disposed in the driving region  213 . The driving device extends from the driving region  213 . In addition, one end of the driving device extends to the connection region  211 , and another end of the driving device extends to the antenna region  215 . 
     The antenna region  215  is placed at the other end of the substrate  210 . The antenna region  215  is placed in opposition to the connection region  211  about the driving region  213 . Further, the antenna region  215  is connected to the connection region  211  through the driving region  213 . The antenna region  215  protrudes from the heat sink  180 . The antenna region  215  is exposed from the heat sink  180 . In this case, the antenna region  215  is placed above the light coupling part  120 . The antenna region  215  may be spaced apart from the light source  110 . 
     The connection terminal  220  serves as an interface for the control module  140  in the communication module  190 . The connection terminal  200  is disposed at the connection region  211  of the substrate  210 . In this case, the connection terminal  220  is connected to one end of the driving device. Further, the connection terminal  220  is connected to the control module  140 . In this case, the connection terminal  220  is coupled with the coupling terminal  143  together with the connection region  211  and is connected to the coupling terminal  143 . The connection terminal  220  may be inserted into a coupling groove  145 . Power is supplied to the communication module  190  through the connection terminal  220 . That is, the power is supplied from the coupling terminal  143  to the connection terminal  220 . 
     The ground part  230  is provided in the communication module  190  for the purpose of grounding. The ground part  230  is disposed at the connection region  211  of the substrate  210 . In this case, the ground part  230  may be spaced apart from the connection terminal  220 . That is, the ground part  230  may not make contact with the connection terminal  220 . Moreover, the ground part  230  may be connected to one end of the driving device. 
     The antenna device  240  of the communication module  190  performs a wireless communication function. In this case, the antenna device  240  resonates at a preset frequency band to transmit/receive an electromagnetic wave. The antenna device  240  resonates at preset impedance. In this case, the antenna device  240  is disposed at the antenna region  215  of the substrate  210 . In this case, the antenna device  240  is connected to another end of the driving device. That is, the antenna device  240  is connected to the connection terminal  220  through the driving device. The antenna device  240  may be connected to the ground part  230  through the driving device. One end of the antenna device  240  is connected to the driving device and another end of the antenna device  240  is open. 
     In addition, the antenna device  240  protrudes from the heat sink  180 . The antenna device  240  is disposed outside the heat sink  180 . That is, the antenna device  240  is exposed from the heat sink  180  together with the antenna region  215 . Further, the antenna device  240  is spaced apart from the heat sink  180 . A spacing distance d between the antenna device  240  and the heat sink  180  may be approximately 1 mm or more. In this case, the antenna device  240  is placed above the light source coupling part  120 . The antenna device  240  may be spaced apart from the tight source  110 . 
     Further, the antenna device  240  is driven using power supplied from the connection terminal  220 . In this case, the antenna device  240  receives a wireless control signal for controlling the control module  140 . In addition, the antenna device  240  transmits the wireless control signal to the control module  140 . In this case, the antenna device  240  transmits the wireless control signal to the control module  140  through the connection terminal  220 . 
     In this case, an antenna device  240  may be formed in a patch type and then be attached to the antenna region  215 . The antenna device  240  may be drawn with a conductive ink so as to be disposed at the antenna region  215 . The antenna device  240  may be patterned at the antenna region  215 . The antenna device  240  may include at least one of a bar type antenna element, a meander type antenna element, a spiral type antenna element, a step type antenna element, and a loop type antenna element. In this case, the antenna device  240  may include a conductive material. The antenna device  240  may include at least one of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), gold (Au), and nickel (Ni). 
     The protective cover  250  receives the substrate  210 . In this case, the protective cover  250  covers the substrate  210 . The protective cover  250  covers the driving region  213  and the antenna region  215 , and exposes the connection region  211 . The protective cover  250  receives the antenna device  240 , and exposes the connection terminal  220 . That is, the connection terminal  220  protrudes from the protective cover  250 . The protective cover  250  may include at least one of plastic, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polycarbonate (PC). The protective cover  250  includes a first protective cover  251  and a second protective cover  253 . 
     The first protective cover  251  surrounds the driving region  213 . The first protective cover  251 , together with the driving region  213 , extends across the light source coupling part  120 , the heat sink  180 , and the shield cover  160 . The protective cover  251  is inserted into the heat sink  180 . In this case, the first protective cover  251  is received in the second coupling hole  123 , the insertion hole  183 , the through hole  161 , and a receiving groove of the heat sink  180  which are aligned on the same axis. 
     The second protective cover  253  receives the antenna region  215 . Further, the second protective cover  253  receives the antenna device  240 . The second protective cover  253  extends from the first protective cover  251 . In this case, an insertion groove is formed in the second protective cover  253 . That is, the second protective cover  253  receives the antenna device  240  together with the antenna region  215  through the insertion groove. 
     In addition, the second protective cover  253  protrudes from the heat sink  180 . The second protective cover  253  is exposed from the heat sink  180 . In this case, the antenna device  240  is spaced apart from the heat sink  180  by the second protective cover  253 . The second protective cover  253  is placed above the light source coupling part  120 . In addition, the second protective cover  253  is locked with the heat sink  180 . In this case, the second protective cover  253  has a size larger than a size of the insertion hole  183  so that the second protective cover  153  is not inserted into the heat sink  180 . 
     According to the embodiment, the lighting apparatus  100  has a wireless communication function. In this case, the lighting apparatus  100  may receive a wireless control signal through the communication module  190 . Further, the lighting apparatus  100  may control the light source  110  according to the wireless control signal. Accordingly, the lighting apparatus  100  can be controlled in a wireless scheme. That is, a user of the lighting apparatus  100  may easily control the lighting apparatus  100 . Accordingly, the convenience for a user of the lighting apparatus  100  can be improved. 
     While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Category: f