Semiconductor light source for illuminating a physical space including a 3-dimensional lead frame

Abstract

A semiconductor light source for illuminating physical spaces may include a lead frame with multiple facets. Each facet may have one or more semiconductor light emitting devices, such as LEDs, located on it. The light source is disclosed in threaded, surface mounted, and bar light configurations.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A semi-conductor light for illuminating a physical space comprising:
 a. 3-dimensional lead frame having at least two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, the lead frame further comprising an electrically conductive and heat conductive first electrode with a bore vertically and centrally disposed throughout,   b. a plurality of facets located on said first electrode said facets being configured in different directions and to accept mounting of light emitting semiconductor chips thereon,   c. an electrically conductive second electrode with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the bore, coaxially disposed within the bore, and extending at least to a bottom of the first electrode, said second electrode having a cap on a top end with a diameter greater than a diameter of the bore, a space thereby being defined between the pin and the body,   d. an insulation layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, electrically isolating one from the other, one electrode being the cathode and another the anode, and   e. a plurality of light emitting semiconductor chips, mounted on said facets, each connected to the anode and the cathode.   
     
     
         2 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in claim, the bottom of the first electrode being threaded for interface with a socket structure. 
     
     
         3 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in claim wherein the pin extends beyond the bottom of the first electrode. 
     
     
         4 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 3  further comprising a planar base upon which the lead frame is mounted. 
     
     
         5 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 4  further comprising electrodes in the planar base allowing for electrical connection to the cathode and anode. 
     
     
         6 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  further comprising an encapsulation structure covering the lead frame and chips. 
     
     
         7 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 6  wherein said encapsulation structure serves as an optical lens for light emitted by said chips. 
     
     
         8 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 6 , the encapsulation structure being comprised of at least one material selected from the list of materials consisting of: silicon, epoxy, and plastic. 
     
     
         9 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 8  wherein said encapsulation structure serves as an optical lens for light emitted by said chips. 
     
     
         10 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a light conversion layer for converting light emitted by the chips to white light. 
     
     
         11 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 10  wherein said light conversion layer is a phosphor layer. 
     
     
         12 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  wherein said lead fame has at least one light emitting semiconductor chips mounted on at least one facet. 
     
     
         13 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1 , at least two of the semiconductor chips being arranged in an array of semiconductor chips which is operationally connected to the lead frame. 
     
     
         14 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  wherein the light source emits light across an arc of 360 degrees. 
     
     
         15 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  wherein the light source emits light across an arc of less than 360 degrees. 
     
     
         16 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 15 , the arc being defined so that the light source emits light in one direction. 
     
     
         17 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 1  further comprising structure for connection to a power source. 
     
     
         18 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 17 , the structure for connection to a power source being a base with mechanical means for attachment to a light socket. 
     
     
         19 . A semi-conductor light source as recited in  claim 16 , the structure for connection to a power source being structure for mounting the light on a surface.