Light emitting array apparatus and method of manufacture

Abstract

A light emitting array device for a video screen display or lighting device comprising a panel with a plurality of LEDs. Such panels are provided with a plurality of LEDs on the front surface of the panel in close thermal proximity to the panel. Such devices typically include LEDs mounted to a PCB, which is secured to a panel so that heat can be transferred from the LEDs to the supporting panel. Supporting the panel can distribute heat, especially from the front surface of the panel, throughout the panel and into the surrounding air. Such a structure may reduce the need for fans or other cooling means behind the panel, may allow the panel to be mounted directly on a supporting wall or other structure, and also reduces the cost and bulk of the structure.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to light emitting array devices having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as LEDs used as video display screens or billboards, to display video content. Other such devices may include panels of LEDs for general lighting, traffic signals, and the like. Background technique [0002] There are already a large number of video screens and other display devices using LEDs on the market. A common method of constructing such displays is to provide a plurality of LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The driving circuit of the LED can be mounted on another board, or mounted on the back of the PCB on which the LED is mounted. [0003] The PCB and LED combination is then typically mounted into the box so that the LEDs can protrude to the front of the display through holes in the front display for display, or can be enclosed behind a transparent cover or lens. [0004] A common problem in the industry is tha...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] A common problem in the industry is that when using multiple LEDs for display, a large amount of heat will be generated from the LED itself

Of course, although the whole unit is housed in a larger case, the effective action of a fan, cooling system, heat sink or similar device behind the PCB is still required to draw the heat out of the rear of the PCB, and to expel the heat to the rear of the PCB. rear or side of the display

[0005] Such systems require either a channel from the rear of the display to the outside environment, such as an air circulation channel behind the display housing, or a more complex method of dissipating heat

Also, this type of display is relatively bulky with fans and cooling

The system is also relatively expensive due to the additional components required, and is also relatively bulky for shipping and installing the display

[0006] Another problem with this type of display is that any maintenance or similar issues dealing with the display needs to go through the panel at the rear of the housing, requiring access to the rear of the panel

Also, multiple LEDs in a panel generate a lot of heat, resulting in a generally bulky structure

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