Light Feature

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims the priority benefit of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/752,105, filed on Mar. 31, 2010, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/225,712, filed on Jul. 15, 2009. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND

00021. Technical Field

0003The present disclosure generally relates to a lighting apparatus, and in particular, to a lighting apparatus having more efficient heat dissipation.

00042. Description of Related Art

0005A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that is fabricated by using a compound of chemical elements selected from the groups III-V, such as GaP, GaAs, and so forth. This kind of semiconductor material has the property of converting electrical energy into light. More specifically, electrons and holes in the semiconductor material are combined to release excessive energy in the form of light when a current is applied to the semiconductor material. Hence, an LED can emit light.

0006As the light generated by an LED is a form of cold luminescence instead of thermal luminescence or electric discharge luminescence, the lifespan of LED devices is up to one hundred thousand hours. Furthermore, LED devices do not require idling time. LED devices have the advantage of fast response speed (about 10⁻⁹seconds), compact size, low power consumption, low pollution (mercury-free), high reliability, and the capability for mass production. Hence, the applications of LED devices are fairly extensive. For example, LEDs can be used in large-sized display boards, traffic lights, cell phones, scanners, light sources for fax machines, and so forth.

0007In recent years, as the brightness and light-emitting efficiency of LEDs are being improved and the mass production of white light LEDs is carried out successfully, white light LEDs are increasingly used in illumination devices, such as indoor and outdoor illuminators. Generally speaking, high-power LEDs tend to encounter a heat dissipation problem. When an LED is operated at an overly high temperature, the brightness of the LED lamp may be reduced and the lifespan of the LED may be shortened. Thus, there is a need for a high-efficiency heat dissipation system for LED lamps.

SUMMARY

0008The present disclosure provides a lighting apparatus having more efficient heat dissipation.

0009In one aspect, a lighting apparatus may include a light source module, that emits light and generates heat, and a heat dissipation module that dissipates at least a portion of the heat.

0010The heat dissipation module may include a base portion to which the light source module is physically coupled as well as a plurality of heat dissipation fins. At least two of the fins that are immediately adjacent to one another may form an air channel having a first opening and a second opening between the at least two of the fins. The air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the air channel in a generally vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane as the air enters the air channel through the first opening and exits the air channel through the second opening.

0011The light source may be physically coupled to the base portion to be at least partially vertically below the heat dissipation module with respect to the horizontal plane. At least a portion of heat generated by the light source may be transferred vertically to at least one of the fins through the base portion.

0012The light source module may be physically coupled to the heat dissipation module to emit light in an angle that is between a substantially horizontal angle and a substantially vertical angle with respect to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus is in operation.

0013The light source module may be physically coupled to the heat dissipation module to emit light in an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus is in operation.

0014The light source module may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED).

0015At least one of the fins may be at least partially curved in shape.

0016The fins may be configured such that a respective air channel having a respective first opening and a respective second opening is formed between every two immediately adjacent fins and between one of the fins and the base portion. Each air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the respective air channel as the air enters the respective air channel through the respective first opening and exits the respective air channel through the respective second opening.

0017The heat dissipation module may have a heat dissipation capacity at least in a range between 8 watts/lb and 10 watts/lb.

0018The heat dissipation module may be made of aluminium, magnesium, copper, conductive plastic, or a thermally conductive material.

0019The lighting apparatus may further include a diffuser that diffuses at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source module.

0020The lighting apparatus may further include a mounting apparatus that facilitates physically coupling the lighting apparatus to a fixture.

0021The lighting apparatus may further include a guard piece that prevents the light emitted by the light source module from shining toward at least one direction.

0022In another aspect, a heat dissipation module may include a base portion to which at least a portion of heat generated by a light source is transferred when the light source is physically coupled to the base portion. The heat dissipation module may also include a plurality of heat dissipation fins. At least two of the fins that are immediately adjacent to one another may form an air channel having a first opening and a second opening between the at least two of the fins. The air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the air channel in a generally vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane as the air enters the air channel through the first opening and exits the air channel through the second opening.

0023When the light source is physically coupled to the base portion to be at least partially vertically below the heat dissipation module with respect to the horizontal plane, at least a portion of the heat generated by the light source may be transferred vertically to at least one of the fins through the base portion.

0024At least one of the fins may be at least partially curved in shape.

0025The fins may be configured such that a respective air channel having a respective first opening and a respective second opening is formed between every two immediately adjacent fins and between one of the fins and the base portion. Each air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the respective air channel as the air enters the respective air channel through the respective first opening and exits the respective air channel through the respective second opening.

0026The heat dissipation module may have a heat dissipation capacity at least in a range between 8 watts/lb and 10 watts/lb.

0027The heat dissipation module may be made of aluminium, magnesium, copper, conductive plastic, or a thermally conductive material.

0028In yet another aspect, a lighting apparatus may include a light source module that emits light and generates heat, and a heat dissipation module that dissipates at least a portion of the heat. The heat dissipation module may include a base portion to which the light source module is physically coupled as well as a plurality of heat dissipation fins. The fins may be configured such that: when the light source module is physically coupled to the base portion to be at least partially vertically below the heat dissipation module with respect to a horizontal plane, at least a portion of the heat is transferred vertically to at least one of the fins through the base portion; and at least two of the fins that are immediately adjacent to one another form an air channel having a first opening and a second opening between the at least two of the fins, the air channel having a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the air channel in a generally vertical direction with respect to the horizontal plane as the air enters the air channel through the first opening and exits the air channel through the second opening.

0029A first number of the fins may be on a first primary side of the heat dissipation module and a second number of the fins may be on a second primary side of the heat dissipation module. The light source module may include a first light source and a second light source. The first light source may be physically coupled to the base portion in a position substantially vertically below the first number of the fins with respect to the horizontal plane and the second light source may be physically coupled to the base portion in a position substantially vertically below the second number of the fins with respect to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus is in operation.

0030The light source module may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED).

0031At least one of the fins may be at least partially curved in shape.

0032The fins may be configured such that a respective air channel having a respective first opening and a respective second opening is formed between every two immediately adjacent fins and between one of the fins and the base portion. Each air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the respective air channel as the air enters the respective air channel through the respective first opening and exits the respective air channel through the respective second opening.

0033The heat dissipation module may have a heat dissipation capacity at least in a range between 8 watts/lb and 10 watts/lb.

0034Thus, with the proposed design, heat is transferred from the light source to the heat dissipation module via vertical heat transfer as opposed to horizontal heat transfer. Additionally, the heat dissipation fins form air channels that have a decreasing cross-sectional areal as air rises up the air channels. With at least one of the fins curved in shape, the heat-absorbing air is compressed as it rises up the air channels. This causes a spiral effect, or turbulence, in the air to result in enhanced efficiency in cooling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0035The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a first lighting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a schematic exploded view of the first lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a partially enlarged view of the heat sink of the first lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> is a partially enlarged view of the first connection element of the first lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> is a schematic perspective view of the heat dissipation module of the first lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic exploded view of a second lighting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an image figure of the heat dissipation module according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an image figure of a lighting apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref> is a first schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref> is a second schematic perspective view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref> is a third schematic perspective view of the third lighting apparatus according of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6D</figref> is a side view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6E</figref> is an end view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6F</figref> is a top view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6G</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6H</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6I</figref> is a bottom view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6H</figref>.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6J</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6H</figref>.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6K</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6L</figref> is a bottom view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6K</figref>.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6M</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6K</figref>.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6N</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6O</figref> is a bottom view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6N</figref>.

0059<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6P</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6N</figref>.

0060<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6Q</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6R</figref> is a bottom view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6Q</figref>.

0062<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6S</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6Q</figref>.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6T</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a third lighting apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

0064<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6U</figref> is a bottom view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6T</figref>.

0065<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6V</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6T</figref>.

0066<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is cross-sectional view of the third lighting apparatus in operation according to the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0067Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

0068<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic perspective view of a lighting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a schematic exploded view of the lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a partially enlarged view of the heat sink of the lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> is a partially enlarged view of the first connection element of the lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>; <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> is a schematic perspective view of the heat dissipation module of the lighting apparatus in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> at first, in this embodiment, a lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>including a heat dissipation module <b>200</b> and a light-emitting diode (LED) module <b>300</b> is provided.

0069To be more specific, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref>, the heat dissipation module <b>200</b> includes a first connection element <b>210</b> and two heat sinks <b>220</b>. The first connection element <b>210</b> and the heat sink <b>220</b> of the heat dissipation module <b>200</b> are not formed in one piece, and a material of the heat dissipation module <b>200</b> is aluminium, for instance. The first connection element <b>210</b> has a pair of first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> extended alongside two opposite sidewalls of the first connection element <b>210</b> and a first lower surface <b>214</b> of the first connection element <b>210</b>. The heat sinks <b>220</b> are slidingly disposed at the opposite sidewalls of the first connection element <b>210</b>. According to this embodiment, each heat sink <b>220</b> includes a base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and a plurality of heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b</i>. The heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and extend upwardly from the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a</i>. However, in other embodiments, the heat dissipation fines <b>220</b><i>b </i>and the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a </i>may be independent components and connected with each other. The base <b>220</b><i>a </i>has a plurality of openings <b>222</b>, a second sliding connection portion <b>224</b> extended alongside one sidewall of the base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and a second lower surface <b>226</b> of the base <b>220</b><i>a</i>. Herein, the openings <b>222</b> are arranged in array, and the openings <b>222</b> are exposed a portion of the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b. </i>

0070The second sliding connection portion <b>224</b> of the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a </i>engages with the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> of the first connection element <b>210</b> so as to make each heat sink <b>220</b> slide relative to the first connection element <b>212</b> and assembled with the first connection element <b>212</b>. The second lower surface <b>226</b> of the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and the first lower surface <b>214</b> of the first connection element <b>210</b> are substantially aligned to each other.

0071It is to be noted that the present disclosure does not limit the implementation structure of the first connection element <b>210</b> and the heat sinks <b>220</b>, although the first connection element <b>210</b> herein is implemented by having the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> and the heat sinks <b>220</b> herein is implemented by having the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b>, and the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b> are engaging with the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> so as to make the heat sinks <b>220</b> slide relatively to the first connection element <b>210</b>. Any known structure able to have the same fixing effect still falls in the technical scheme adopted by the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, in other embodiments not shown, anyone skilled in the art can select in their wills the above-mentioned structure according to the application need so as to reach the required technical effect.

0072The LED module <b>300</b> includes a plurality of LED arrays <b>300</b><i>a </i>and a plurality of lenses (not shown) is mounted on the second lower surfaces <b>226</b> of the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a </i>of the corresponding heat sinks <b>220</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>. In this embodiment, each LED array <b>300</b><i>a </i>comprises a carrier <b>310</b> and a plurality of light-emitting diodes <b>320</b> disposed on the carrier <b>310</b> and electrically connected to the carrier <b>310</b>. The lenses respectively cover the corresponding LED arrays <b>310</b><i>b</i>. It notes that the each lens having a flat portion and a protrusion portion, the flat portion has a rough surface (not shown) surrounding the LEDs <b>320</b> so that the lateral light emitted from the LEDs of each LED array <b>310</b><i>a </i>is uniformly diffused through the rough surface. In addition, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2B and 2C</figref>, the second lower surfaces <b>226</b> of the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a </i>respectively have a recess <b>226</b><i>a</i>, and the LED arrays <b>300</b><i>a </i>are respectively disposed in the recess <b>226</b><i>a. </i>

0073Particularly, an air channel <b>232</b> exists between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>and communicates with the openings <b>222</b>. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, referring to the <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref>, an interval <b>234</b> exists between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b</i>, and a width of the interval <b>234</b> between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>from closer to the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a </i>towards farther from the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a </i>is not a constant. For example, preferably, the width of the interval <b>234</b> farther from the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a </i>is larger than that of the interval closer to the corresponding bases <b>220</b><i>a</i>, so that the thermal-convection of the air can be accelerated to dissipate the heat generated by the LED module <b>300</b> located at the second lower surfaces <b>226</b> of the bases <b>220</b><i>a</i>. In addition, the air channels <b>232</b> are quite long so that the efficiency of the thermal convection can be elevated due to the “stack effect”. Since the air channel <b>232</b> exists between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>and communicates with the openings <b>222</b> of the base <b>220</b><i>a</i>, the heat generated by the LED module <b>300</b> is firstly transmitted to the base <b>220</b><i>a </i>of the heat sinks <b>220</b> and then quickly transferred to the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>for dissipation into the ambient air. The air inside the air channel <b>232</b> is heated by the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>and being discharged to the outside through the air channel <b>232</b>. At this time, outside cool ambient air is entered into the air channel <b>232</b> through the openings <b>222</b>. Therefore, the heat from the LED module <b>300</b> is dissipated by natural convection through opening <b>222</b> and the air channel <b>232</b>. The heat generated from the LED module <b>300</b> is dissipated by thermal-conduction and thermal-convection. As a result, the heat dissipation efficiency of the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>is improved.

0074Note that the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> of the first connection element <b>210</b> are sliding rails and the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b> of the corresponding heat sinks <b>220</b> are sliding grooves according to the present embodiment. However, the present embodiment does not limit the types of the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> and the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b>. In another embodiment, the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> may be sliding grooves and the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b> may be sliding rails, which still belong to a technical choice adoptable in the present embodiment and fall within the protection scope of the present embodiment. In addition to the above embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in other fashions, as long as the first sliding connection portions <b>212</b> are respectively engaged with the second sliding connection portions <b>224</b>, the applications and variations of which should be known to those of ordinary skill in the art and is thus not described herein.

0075Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref>, in this embodiment, the heat dissipation module <b>200</b> further includes a second connection element <b>240</b> disposed above the first connection element <b>210</b> and having a pair of third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> extended alongside two opposite sidewalls of the second connection element <b>240</b>. In one embodiment, the structure of the second connection element <b>240</b> and the structure of the first connection element <b>210</b> are substantially the same in structure. In addition, one of the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of each heat sink <b>220</b> closer to the second first connection element <b>240</b> further includes a fourth sliding connection portion <b>236</b>. The fourth sliding connection portion <b>236</b> engages with one of the third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> so as to make each heat sink <b>220</b> slide relative to the second connection element <b>240</b> and assemble with the second connection element <b>240</b>.

0076Note that the third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> of the second connection element <b>240</b> are sliding rails and the fourth sliding connection portions <b>236</b> of the corresponding heat sinks <b>220</b> are sliding hooks according to the present embodiment. However, the present embodiment does not limit the types of the third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> and the fourth sliding connection portions <b>236</b>. In another embodiment, the third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> may be sliding hooks and the fourth sliding connection portions <b>236</b> may be sliding rails, which still belong to a technical choice adoptable in the present embodiment and fall within the protection scope of the present embodiment. In addition to the above embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in other fashions, as long as the third sliding connection portions <b>242</b> are respectively engaged with the fourth sliding connection portions <b>236</b>, the applications and variations of which should be known to those of ordinary skill in the art and is thus not described herein.

0077It is noted that, in this embodiment, with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref>, the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of the heat sinks <b>220</b> extend upwardly from the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and bend toward a space above the first connection element <b>210</b>. Moreover, the heat sinks <b>220</b>, the first connection element <b>210</b> and the second connection element <b>220</b> form a first containing space S<b>1</b>. The lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>of the present embodiment further includes a power supply <b>400</b> slidingly disposed in the first containing space S<b>1</b> and located between the first connection element <b>210</b> and the second connection element <b>240</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, for supplying power to drive the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a</i>. However, in other embodiment, the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>can also extend upwardly from the base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and bend toward a space far from above the first connection element <b>210</b> or just extend upwardly form the base <b>220</b><i>a</i>. Furthermore, the present embodiment does not limit the types of the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b</i>, although the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of the heat sinks <b>220</b> are substantially symmetry. In addition to the above embodiments, the heat sink <b>220</b> of the present disclosure may be embodied in other fashions. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the heat sink <b>200</b> includes a base <b>220</b><i>a </i>and the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b</i>. The heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>are disposed on the base <b>220</b><i>a</i>, and the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of the present embodiment may integrally formed with the corresponding base <b>220</b><i>a</i>. an air channel exists between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b</i>. The difference between this embodiment and others is that the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>extended toward a direction may extend horizontally from the base <b>220</b><i>a. </i>

0078Furthermore, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, in this embodiment, the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>further includes a protecting cover <b>500</b> having a plurality of sliding hooks <b>530</b> at the sides of the protecting cover <b>500</b>. Herein, the protecting cover <b>500</b> can avoid the dust falling into the heat dissipation module <b>200</b> and has a main plate <b>510</b> and a side plate <b>520</b> disposed around the main plate <b>510</b> and connected to the main plate <b>510</b>. To be more specific, one of the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of each heat sink <b>220</b> farthest from the first connection element <b>210</b> includes a sliding rail <b>238</b>, and the sliding hooks <b>530</b> respectively lock the sliding rails <b>238</b> so as to make the protecting cover <b>500</b> slide relative to the heat dissipation module <b>200</b>.

0079Particularly, the main plate <b>510</b>, the side plate <b>520</b> and the heat dissipation fins <b>220</b><i>b </i>of the heat sinks <b>220</b> form a second containing space S<b>2</b>. The main plate <b>510</b> of the protecting cover <b>500</b> has an opening <b>512</b>, and the side plate <b>520</b> of the protecting cover <b>500</b> has a plurality of gas circulation holes <b>522</b>. The heat generated by the LED module <b>300</b> can be dissipated from the openings <b>222</b> of the base <b>220</b><i>a </i>to the outside environment sequentially through the air channels <b>232</b>, the gas circulation holes <b>522</b> and the opening <b>512</b>. Since the heat generated by the LED module <b>300</b> is dissipated by thermal-conduction and thermal-convection, the heat of the LED modules <b>300</b> is discharged and the heat dissipation efficiency of the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>is advanced.

0080Moreover, the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>in the present embodiment further includes two side covers <b>700</b>, two side sealing slices <b>800</b> and a plurality of fasteners <b>900</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>. The side covers <b>700</b> respectively overlay two ends of the heat dissipation module <b>200</b>, wherein the side covers <b>700</b> respectively have a plurality of first fastening holes <b>702</b>. The side sealing slices <b>800</b> are respectively located between the side covers <b>700</b> and the ends of the heat dissipation module <b>200</b>. The side sealing slices <b>800</b> respectively have a plurality of second fastening holes <b>802</b> respectively corresponding to the first fastening holes <b>702</b>. The fasteners <b>900</b> are suitable to go through the first fastening holes <b>702</b> and the second fastening holes <b>802</b> to fasten the side covers <b>700</b> on the heat dissipation module <b>200</b>. As a result, the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>has a compact structure and is better at preventing dust falling into the heat dissipation module <b>200</b>. In addition, the fasteners <b>900</b> include screws or bolts, for instance. In addition, one of the side sealing slices <b>800</b> has an opening <b>804</b> respectively, and the power supply <b>400</b> can be slidingly disposed in the first containing space S<b>1</b> by an additional bracket <b>410</b> passing through the opening <b>804</b> of the corresponding sealing slices <b>800</b>.

0081<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic exploded view of a lighting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the element having the same numbers or names of the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>a </i>in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> have identical functions and working principles. The difference between the lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>b </i>of this embodiment and that of the above-mentioned embodiment is that lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>b </i>does not include the protecting cover <b>500</b>. The lighting apparatus <b>100</b><i>b </i>in the present embodiment further includes a supporting element <b>600</b> and a plurality of additional rods <b>610</b>, wherein the supporting element <b>600</b> is disposed on the second connection element <b>240</b> and has an accommodating opening <b>602</b> for containing an object, such as a fixing element, as not shown. The additional rods <b>610</b> are disposed on the second connection element <b>240</b> for supporting and fixing the supporting element. Note that the opening <b>512</b>, <b>602</b> are not limited to form on the protective cover <b>520</b> or supporting element <b>600</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, an opening <b>712</b> may be formed on the side cover <b>700</b> for containing an object, such as a shaft <b>239</b>.

0082<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6V</figref> illustrate the various views of an embodiment of a lighting apparatus <b>1000</b>. The following description is provided with reference to one or more of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6V</figref>.

0083In this embodiment, the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> includes a light source module <b>1100</b> that emits light and generates heat, and a heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> that dissipates at least a portion of the heat. In one embodiment, the light source module <b>1000</b> includes one or more LEDs. In alternative embodiments, the light source module <b>1000</b> may include light source other than LEDs based on a different light emission technology.

0084The heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> includes a base portion <b>1210</b> to which the light source module <b>1100</b> is physically coupled or otherwise fastened. The heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> also includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins <b>1220</b>. The fins <b>1220</b> are configured to achieve certain functions. For example, when the light source module <b>1100</b> is physically coupled to the base portion <b>1210</b> to be at least partially vertically below the heat dissipation module with respect to a horizontal plane, at least a portion of the heat is transferred vertically to at least one of the fins <b>1220</b> through the base portion <b>1210</b>. Moreover, at least two of the fins <b>1220</b> that are immediately adjacent to one another form an air channel having a first opening and a second opening between those two fins. The air channel has a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the air channel in a generally vertical direction with respect to the horizontal plane as the air enters the air channel through the first opening and exits the air channel through the second opening.

0085In one embodiment, a first number of the fins <b>1220</b><i>a </i>are on a first primary side of the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> and a second number of the fins <b>1220</b><i>b </i>are on a second primary side of the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b>. The light source module <b>1100</b> includes a first light source <b>1110</b> and a second light source <b>1120</b>. The first light source <b>1110</b> is physically coupled to the base portion <b>1210</b> in a position substantially vertically below the first number of the fins <b>1220</b><i>a </i>with respect to the horizontal plane and the second light source <b>1120</b> is physically coupled to the base portion <b>1210</b> in a position substantially vertically below the second number of the fins <b>1220</b><i>b </i>with respect to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> is in operation. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6V</figref>, biaxial symmetric lighting can be achieved with such orientation for the various light sources, such as LEDs.

0086In one embodiment, at least one of the fins <b>1220</b> is at least partially curved in shape. Alternatively, each of the fins <b>1220</b> is at least partially curved in shape. In one embodiment, the fins <b>1220</b> are configured such that a respective air channel having a respective first opening and a respective second opening is formed between every two immediately adjacent fins and between one of the fins and the base portion. Each air channel may have a generally decreasing cross-sectional area with respect to air rising up the respective air channel as the air enters the respective air channel through the respective first opening and exits the respective air channel through the respective second opening.

0087In one embodiment, the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> has a heat dissipation capacity at least in a range between 8 watts/lb and 10 watts/lb. In operation, the capacity may be around 8 watts/lb, for example.

0088In one embodiment, the light source module <b>1100</b> is physically coupled to the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> to emit light in an angle that is between a substantially horizontal angle and a substantially vertical angle with respect to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> is in operation. For example, when the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> is mounted on a post or fixture for parking lot lighting, light from the light source module <b>1100</b> may be emitted approximately in an angle 45 degrees toward the ground and generally between 0 degree and 90 degrees toward the ground. This will result in a well-illuminated parking lot with no negative effect such as glare in the eyes for drivers in the parking lot due to the light emitted by the light source module <b>1100</b>.

0089In another embodiment, the light source module <b>1100</b> is physically coupled to the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> to emit light in an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane when the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> is in operation. For example, when the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> is mounted on a post or fixture, light from the light source module <b>1100</b> may be downward facing toward the ground.

0090The heat dissipation module is made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminium, magnesium, copper, or conductive plastic, for example.

0091In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus may further include one or more diffusers, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6K-6M</figref> and <b>6</b>Q-<b>6</b>V. The diffuser diffuses at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source module.

0092In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus may further include a mounting apparatus, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6T and 6U</figref>. The mounting apparatus facilitates physically coupling the lighting apparatus to a fixture.

0093In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus may further include a guard piece, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6H-6M</figref>. The guard piece prevents the light emitted by the light source module from shining toward at least one direction.

0094In one embodiment, heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> may have one or more features to allow the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> to be physically coupled, or otherwise fastened, to a wall or fixture such as a light pole. For example, the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> may have a threaded stub protruding from a surface of the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> to allow the lighting apparatus <b>1000</b> to be physically coupled to a fixture in a screw-on fashion. Alternatively, the lighting fixture may have a mounting appara

0095<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is cross-sectional view of the lighting apparatus <b>1100</b> in operation according to the present disclosure. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, heat is transferred from the light source module <b>1100</b> to the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> via vertical heat transfer as opposed to horizontal heat transfer. This avoids heat saturation issue encountered by designs with horizontal heat transfer via heat conduction through a thermally conductive material.

0096Additionally, the heat dissipation fins of the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b> form air channels that have a decreasing cross-sectional areal as air rises up the air channels. In one embodiment, most or all of the fins are curved in shape. The heat-absorbing air is compressed as it rises up the air channels with the Bernoulli's principle and Venturi effect at work. This causes a spiral effect, or turbulence, in the air to result in enhanced efficiency in cooling without the need of an active cooler, such as a fan, or need of energy to power such active cooler. Firstly, there is more linear effect in cooling, giving more predicted cooling and better heat transfer via convection to the air. For example, empirical data shows that better cooling can be achieved with the proposed design at 45 degrees centigrade. Secondly, the proposed design allows effective cooling with less mass of the heat dissipation module <b>1200</b>. In general, with conventional design, a typical heat dissipation module has a heat dissipation capacity of 3 watts/lb. In contrast, empirical data shows that the proposed design can achieve a heat dissipation capacity of at least 8 watts/lb in normal operation and up to 10 watts/lb.

0097Based on the above, the lighting apparatus of the present disclosure has heat dissipation fins extending upwardly from the base, and an air channel that exists between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins which communicates with the openings of the base. Consequently, the heat generated by the LED module disposed on the lower surface of the base can be dissipated by thermal-conduction and thermal-convection. Furthermore, since the interval between any two adjacent heat dissipation fins from closer to the base towards farther from the base is not a constant, the thermal-convection of the air can be accelerated to dissipate the heat generated by the LED module. As a result, the heat dissipation efficiency of the lighting apparatus is improved.

0098It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this present disclosure provided they fall.