Lamp

Abstract

The utility model relates to a lamp with a bulb housing. A lamp having a bulb housing that encloses an interior volume. The cavity or recess of the bulb housing extends toward the center of the interior volume. A portion of the light output element is located within the cavity. A gap between the portion and a boundary of the cavity is between 1% and 25% of a width of the portion of the light emitting element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of artificial lighting, and in particular, to lamps for artificial lighting. Background Art

[0002] The increasing use of artificial light has led to an increase in the demands on lamps, such as light bulbs. In particular, there is a need for lamps that are robust even under environmental conditions such as condensation.

[0003] A typical lamp or bulb will include a bulb housing enclosing a light emitting element. The bulb housing is secured to a base, typically formed of plastic. An adhesive such as glue is used to secure the bulb housing to the base and to reduce moisture or water from entering the bulb housing, thereby reducing condensation.

[0004] However, such adhesives are often not applied perfectly and / or break down over time, causing existing lamps to suffer from water ingress through the boundary between the bulb housing and the base.

[0005] There continues to be a need for lamps that can remain robust under environmental conditions without significantly affecting the optical properties and / or manufacturing ease of the lamp. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to an example of one aspect of the present disclosure, a lamp is provided, comprising a bulb cover having an exterior configured to enclose an interior volume, wherein the exterior of the bulb cover comprises a cavity configured to extend into the interior volume of the bulb cover along a first axis; and a light output element comprising a portion positioned within the cavity of the exterior of the bulb cover.

[0007] The distance between the portion of the light output element located within the cavity and the bulb housing measured in a plane perpendicular to the first axis is 1% to 25% of the width of the portion of the light output element located within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis.

[0008] The proposed lamp's bulb housing is configured to have an exterior (surface) that covers a portion of the lamp's light output element. Thus, light output from the light output element must first pass through the exterior of the bulb housing to the interior of the bulb housing before exiting through the exterior of the bulb housing to be emitted from the lamp. The proposed bulb housing enclosing an interior volume has a reduced risk of condensation because there are fewer gaps or potential water ingress pathways.

[0009] It should be appreciated that the proposed structure of the lamp will affect the passage of light output from the lamp (e.g., due to increased reflection and / or refraction). The proposed limit on the distance between the light output element and the bulb housing advantageously reduces the effect of such steering without significantly increasing the difficulty of assembling the lamp. In addition, the proposed dimensions can help avoid misalignment of the axis of the bulb housing with the axis of the light output element, which in turn can affect the lighting characteristics of the lamp.

[0010] In some examples, a distance between the portion of the light output element located within the cavity and the bulb housing measured in a plane perpendicular to the first axis is between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

[0011] In some examples, the distance between the portion of the light output element located within the cavity and the bulb housing measured in a plane perpendicular to the first axis is 3% to 25% of the width of the portion of the light output element located within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis.

[0012] Optionally, the thickness of the outer portion of the bulb cover is less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0013] In some examples, the thickness of the exterior of the bulb housing is no less than 1 mm.

[0014] The light output element may include a light guide for directing light away from the light output element, wherein a portion of the light guide is positioned within a cavity external to the bulb housing. This approach facilitates easy manipulation of the position of the portion of the light guide within the cavity while reducing the risk of breakage or damage to the light output element (e.g., breakage or damage caused by inadvertent manipulation of a light emitting element such as an LED chip).

[0015] The light output element may include a light emitting element configured to generate light and emit the light into the light guide. In a preferred example, the light emitting element is positioned outside the external cavity.

[0016] The cavity may be a cylindrical cavity. This approach provides the lamp with a more uniform light output over a wide range of angles.

[0017] Preferably, the bulb cover is a sealed continuous sheet of material to prevent water from entering the internal volume. This technology significantly reduces fogging or clouding of the bulb cover.

[0018] In some examples, the inner volume is filled with an inert gas. Thus, the bulb housing may encapsulate or contain an inert gas, such as helium, argon, nitrogen, halogens, xenon, krypton and / or any mixture of these inert gases. This provides a reduced risk of degradation.

[0019] The bulb envelope may be coated with a partially reflective material.

[0020] In some examples, the bulb housing is formed from glass. This provides an easily manufactured and resource-efficient method for forming the bulb housing.

[0021] In a preferred example, the portion of the light output element has a cylindrical shape, and the width across the portion of the light output element located within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis is the diameter of the cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape portion of the light emitting element improves the uniformity of the light output of the entire lamp.

[0022] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and in order to more clearly show how the same may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the proposed lamp;

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the proposed lamp;

[0026] Figure 3 A bulb housing for the proposed lamp is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 The bulb housing of a conventional lamp is shown;

[0028] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of the proposed lamp;

[0029] Figure 6 The effect of misalignment between the bulb housing and the light emitting element is shown;

[0030] Figure 7 The proposed lamp is shown to have a first bulb housing shape;

[0031] Figure 8 The proposed lamp is shown to have a second bulb housing shape;

[0032] Fig. 9 The proposed lamp is shown to have a third bulb housing shape;

[0033] Fig.10 The proposed lamp is shown to have a fourth bulb housing shape; and

[0034] Fig.11 A technique for manufacturing the proposed lamp is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method, are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, system, and method of the present disclosure may be better understood in conjunction with the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components throughout the drawings.

[0037] The present disclosure provides a lamp having a bulb housing enclosing an internal volume. A cavity or recess of the bulb housing extends toward (the center of) the internal volume. A portion of a light emitting element is located within the cavity. A gap between the portion and a boundary of the cavity is between 1% and 25% of a width of the portion of the light emitting element.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A lamp 100 according to the proposed concept is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the proposed lamp is provided, and Figure 2 An exploded cross-sectional view of the proposed lamp is provided.

[0039] The lamp 100 includes a bulb housing 110 and a light output element 120 .

[0040] The bulb housing 110 is positioned to receive light emitted by the light output element 120. More specifically, the light received by the bulb housing 110 is then output to an external environment or surrounding environment.

[0041] The bulb housing 110 has an exterior 111 (completely) enclosing an interior volume 112. More particularly, the interior volume 112 is bounded by the exterior of the bulb housing 110, e.g. in order to have ingress protection to the interior volume 112. More particularly, the bulb housing 110 may be a sealed continuous sheet of material to prevent water from entering the interior volume 112. This reduces the risk of turbidity or fogging of the interior of the bulb housing.

[0042] The bulb housing 110 may be formed, for example, of a transparent or translucent material that ensures that any illumination from the light emitting element 120 is diffused or transmitted to the surrounding environment. Thus, the bulb housing 110 may be formed of a transmissive and / or diffusive material. For example, the material of the bulb housing 110 may be glass or plastic.

[0043] The method for manufacturing a bulb cover that (completely) encloses the internal volume 112 will be clear to those skilled in the art. For example, the material for the bulb cover can be blown into a mold of a suitable shape. The blowing can leave small holes in the bulb cover. Such holes can be advantageously used to fill the interior with a gas (e.g. an inert gas), for example by replacing the air inside with an inert gas. The hole can then be properly sealed by a melting process, in which the material around the hole is heated until it melts, and then the material is controlled to flow and fill the hole. A continuous sheet of material is thus formed that completely encloses the internal volume. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the small hole can also be sealed by other means, such as glue.

[0044] Other methods for manufacturing and forming the bulb envelope enclosing the interior volume will be apparent to those appropriately skilled in the art of glass manufacturing.

[0045] As mentioned above, the inner volume 112 can be filled with an inert gas. This can improve the heat conduction inside the bulb housing. The inert gas can include helium, argon, nitrogen, halogen, xenon, krypton and / or a mixture of any of these inert gases.

[0046] The bulb envelope may be coated with a partially reflective material. This provides advantageous or desired optical properties.

[0047] The outer portion 111 comprises a cavity 113 or a recess extending along the first axis z1 into the inner volume of the bulb housing 110. In this way, the cavity 113 is an elongated cavity.

[0048] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Provides a further understanding of the proposed light bulb housing 110. In particular, Figure 3 A bulb housing 110 is shown for use with the method proposed herein, and Figure 4 An existing light bulb housing 400 is shown.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the outer portion 111 of the bulb housing 110 completely encloses the inner volume 112. The cavity 113 extends along the first axis z1. Therefore, the cavity 113 is elongated.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, the existing bulb housing 400 does not enclose the interior volume 410. Instead, the interior volume 410 is exposed. In typical use, the bulb housing 400 will be fixed to a base. And house a light output element (not shown). Therefore, the light output element will be positioned within the interior volume 410 of the bulb housing 400.

[0051] Back to Figure 1 and Figure 2In the proposed lamp 100, the light output element 120 includes a portion 121 located within the cavity 113. Therefore, the portion 121 is positioned outside the inner volume 112 of the bulb housing, but within the cavity 113. In this way, the portion 121 is surrounded or covered by the bulb housing, i.e., the cavity sidewalls and / or the cavity base of the bulb housing.

[0052] Portion 121 is configured to output at least some (e.g., most) of the light output by the light output element. The output light is incident on the bulb housing (particularly the walls and / or base of cavity 113) and is transmitted into the interior 112 of the bulb cavity. The light received by the interior 112 then passes through the interior and is emitted from the bulb housing in a conventional manner.

[0053] The light output element 120 shown comprises a light guide 122 for guiding light out of the light output element. The portion 121 of the light output element 120 located within the cavity 113 may be a part of the light guide 122, for example.

[0054] The light output element 120 may further include a light emitting element 123 configured to generate light and emit the light into the light guide 122. The light emitting element 123 may be positioned outside the cavity 113 of the outer portion 111, for example.

[0055] Suitable examples of light emitting elements are well known in the art and include any element configured to generate light when properly powered or driven by an electrical signal. Examples include LEDs (e.g., a single LED, an LED array, or an LED chip). Other suitable components will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0056] More complete examples of light output elements will be provided later in this disclosure.

[0057] The portion 121 may have any suitable shape, but is preferably cylindrical. This improves the uniformity of the light distribution of the lamp.

[0058] Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the proposed lamp is provided. More specifically, Figure 5 The position and structural relationship between the portion 121 of the light output element 120 within the cavity 113 and (the boundaries of) the cavity 113 itself is shown.

[0059] The lamp 100 is configured such that a distance d between a portion 121 of the light output element located within the cavity 113 and the bulb housing 111 measured in a plane xy perpendicular to the first axis z1 is 1% to 25% of a width w across the portion of the light output element located within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis. Thus, the distance d represents a gap between a portion 121 of the light output element 120 in the plane xy and a portion of the exterior 111 of the bulb housing 110 that defines the cavity 113.

[0060] Thus, a plane xy can be defined that is perpendicular to the axis z1, along which the cavity 113 extends. Thus, the axis z1 is the normal to the plane xy. The distance d between the portion 121 of the light output element 120 and the bulb housing is the minimum distance in the plane (between the two elements). The plane xy can be the plane with the minimum distance d among all possible planes that intersect the cavity 113 and are perpendicular to the axis z1.

[0061] The width w is the minimum distance across the portion 121 (ie between the two edges) through the centre of the portion 121 (in the cover plane).

[0062] It has been recognised herein that the distance or gap provided between that portion of the light emitting element and the portion of the exterior bounding the cavity is advantageously non-zero to allow easy adjustment of the positional relationship of the light emitting element and the cavity in the event that (portion of) the light emitting element is misaligned with the axis of the bulb housing (which misalignment would otherwise result in undesirable optical effects and / or a misaligned image of the portion of the light emitting element visible within the bulb housing).

[0063] Figure 6 The effect of misalignment between the axis of the light emitting element and the bulb housing is conceptually illustrated.

[0064] More specifically, if the axis of the portion 121 of the light emitting element in the cavity 113 is not aligned with the axis (e.g., the axis of symmetry) of the bulb housing 110, then the image 600 (produced by reflection from the bulb housing) of (the portion of) the light emitting element 113 is not aligned with the light emitting element. The image 600 is produced by reflection from the inner surface 610 of the bulb housing 110.

[0065] Clearly, the appearance of this image 600 detracts from the appearance of the lamp.

[0066] Therefore, there are clear advantages in allowing a cavity of suitable size to allow the light emitting element to be moved or manipulated within the cavity to achieve alignment.

[0067] However, it has also been recognized herein that a significant gap (i.e., too large a gap) can similarly have a detrimental effect on the optics of the lamp and / or significantly affect the appearance of the lamp as observed by an observer of the lamp. For example, a large gap can introduce unintended propagation of light after it is emitted from the portion but before it is received by the cavity defined by the exterior.

[0068] Furthermore, the size of the gap is inversely related to the beam angle of the light output by the lamp. Thus, as the distance d increases, the beam angle of the light output by the lamp decreases. Therefore, in order to improve illumination, it may be desirable to reduce or minimize the size of the gap.

[0069] The proposed limitation on the size of the gap or distance d provides a particularly advantageous compromise between these desires.

[0070] Back to Figure 5 In some examples, as shown, portion 121 is cylindrical. In such embodiments, width w is functionally equivalent to the diameter of portion 121.

[0071] In some examples, the distance d is between 3% and 25% of the width w. It has been recognized that a value of 3% provides room for improvement in movement while not significantly affecting the visual appearance of the lamp.

[0072] In some examples, the distance is between 1% and 15% of the width w, for example between 3% and 15% of the width w. This reduces the risk of seriously affecting the appearance of the lamp.

[0073] In some examples, the distance d is between 0.3 mm and 2 mm. For example, the distance d may be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. As a working example, the distance d may be 1 mm.

[0074] Figure 5 Also shown is the thickness t of the outer portion 111 of the bulb housing. In particular, the thickness of the outer portion is the thickness of the material constituting the outer portion 111 of the bulb housing.

[0075] In some examples, the thickness t is less than or equal to 2.5 mm. This significantly reduces the absorption of light by the bulb housing, providing a more efficient lamp.

[0076] In a preferred example, the thickness t of the outer portion 111 of the bulb housing 110 is not less than 1 mm.

[0077] Back to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , other features of the illustrated lamp 100 are described below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that features may be optional and / or configured differently for various embodiments where appropriate.

[0078] An example of a suitable light output element 120 for use in the proposed method is described below. As previously described, the light output element may include a portion 121 extending to or residing within the cavity 113. The portion is preferably an elongated portion having a shape similar or identical to the cavity for improving light coupling between the portion 121 and the bulb housing 110.

[0079] The light output element 120 may include a light guide 122 , a light emitting element 123 , an (optional) light distribution element 124 and an (optional) protection or fixing element 125 .

[0080] Light is generated and emitted by light emitting elements 123 and enters light guide 122. Light guide 122 guides or directs light received from the light emitting elements away from the light output element. Light guide 122 extends outwardly from light emitting elements 123 and may be configured to redistribute light at different locations along its length.

[0081] The light distributing element 124 acts as an end cap for the light guide 122 and also performs redirection or distribution of light exiting the light output element.The light distributing element may for example be integrated in the light guide 122 or be a separate element having a geometry complementary to the holes or spaces on the light guide 122.

[0082] The protection / fixing element 125 fixes the light emitting element 123 to another portion of the bulb and / or provides a surface to which the light guide 122 can be fixed.

[0083] As previously described, the portion 121 of the light output element 120 present in the cavity 113 of the bulb housing can be formed by a portion of the light guide. In particular, as the light guide 122 extends outward from the light emitting element 123, the distal part or portion of the light guide 122 can form the portion 121 of the light output element present or positioned in the cavity 113 of the bulb housing.

[0084] The lamp 100 includes a base 150 that structurally supports the bulb housing 110 and the light output element 120 .

[0085] The lamp 100 may include a drive / power circuit 160 for driving and / or supplying power to the light output element 120. The circuit 160 may also include a control circuit for controlling the operation of the light output element. For example, the control circuit may operate in response to a message or instruction received by the communication module to control one or more light characteristics of the light emitted by the light output element, particularly the light emitting element 123.

[0086] The operation of the drive / power circuit and any additional circuit components (eg, control circuitry and / or communication modules) are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0087] The circuit 160 may be housed in the base 150. This provides a more compact lamp 100.

[0088] The lamp 100 may also include an electrical connector 170 for connecting the lamp 100 to a socket (not shown). The electrical connector shown includes an Edison thread, but may also be easily replaced with an alternative form of electrical connector (e.g., a bayonet connector or a push pin connector). The electrical connector 170 may be configured to conduct an electrical power supply (e.g., a grid power supply) to the lamp. The circuit 160 may receive such a conducted power supply and use the received power to drive the light output element. Methods and techniques for performing this process are well known in the art.

[0089] Figures 7 to 10 Various shapes of bulb covers that may be employed in different embodiments are shown. The IEC / TR60887:2010 standard uses letter symbols to identify various shapes of bulbs, which will be referred to later in this disclosure.

[0090] Figure 7 The lamp 100 is shown having a bulb housing 110 of a first shape. In particular, Figure 6 A side view of a lamp having a bulb housing as previously described and illustrated is provided. The bulb housing 700 is shaped as an "ST" shaped bulb within the meaning of the IEC / TR 60887:2010 standard. The bulb housing is thus a straight-sided bulb housing.

[0091] Figure 8 The lamp 100 is shown with a second shaped bulb housing 800. The bulb housing 800 is shaped as a "G" shaped bulb within the meaning of the IEC / TR60887:2010 standard. Thus, the bulb housing 700 is a spherical bulb housing.

[0092] Fig. 9 The lamp 100 is shown having a third shaped bulb housing 900. The bulb housing 900 is also shaped as a "ST" shaped bulb within the meaning of the IEC / TR 60887:2010 standard.

[0093] Fig.10 The lamp 100 is shown having a fourth shape of bulb housing 1000. The bulb housing 1000 is shaped as an "E" shaped bulb within the meaning of the IEC / TR 60887:2010 standard.

[0094] The above examples illustrate how the shape of the bulb housing can take various forms and are not necessarily limited to any of the illustrated shapes or forms. Therefore, the illustrated examples are not exhaustive.

[0095] Fig.11A manufacturing technique for a bulb housing 110 having a cavity for the proposed embodiment is shown. The technique shown is merely exemplary and other methods will be readily contemplated by the skilled artisan.

[0096] To produce the portion 1120 of the bulb housing that forms the boundary of the cavity, a cylindrical tube 1110 is formed in a first stage 1101, for example using an extrusion molding process or the like. In a second stage 1102, a first end 1111 of the tube is everted to form the lower portion of the bulb housing. In a third stage 1103, a second end 1112 of the tube (opposite the first end) is sealed, for example using a heat sealing process. This produces a portion 1120, which can thus take the form of a partially sealed hollow cylinder, having one sealed end 1112 and one flared end 1111.

[0097] In the fourth stage 1104 (which can be performed independently of the first to third stages), the outer shape 1130 of the light bulb is formed with an open end. In the fifth stage 1105 (which occurs after the third and fourth stages are completed), the portion 1120 is inserted into the outer shape 1130. In the sixth stage 1106, the portion 1120 is fixed to the outer shape 1130, thereby forming a light bulb housing 1140 with an open end 1141. Then in the seventh stage 1107, the open end 1141 is sealed to form the light bulb housing 110.

[0098] Of course, additional steps or processes may be performed. For example, after the bulb housing is formed, a hole may be cut in the bulb housing for introducing an inert gas into the interior of the bulb housing (e.g., via an exhaust tube), after which the exhaust tube (if present) may be cut away and the hole resealed.

[0099] Other variations or modifications to the manufacturing process will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0100] In the process of implementing the disclosure claimed, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0101] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0102] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "device" is used in the claims or the specification, it should be noted that the term "device" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0103] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A lamp (100), characterized in that: include: A light bulb housing (110, 700, 800, 900) having an exterior (111) configured to enclose an interior volume (112), wherein the exterior of the light bulb housing comprises a cavity (113) configured to extend into the interior volume of the light bulb housing along a first axis (z1); and a light output element (120) comprising a light guide (122) for guiding light away from the light output element, a portion (121) of the light guide being positioned within the cavity (113) of the exterior (111) of the bulb housing (110), Wherein, the distance (d) between the portion of the light output element located in the cavity and the bulb cover measured in a plane (xy) perpendicular to the first axis is 1% to 25% of the width (w) of the portion of the light output element located in the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis.

2. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The distance (d) between the portion of the light output element located within the cavity and the bulb housing measured in the plane perpendicular to the first axis is between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

3. The lamp (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The distance (d) between the portion of the light output element located within the cavity and the bulb cover measured in the plane perpendicular to the first axis is 3% to 25% of the width of the portion of the light output element located within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis.

4. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The thickness (t) of the outer portion (111) of the bulb cover (110) is less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

5. The lamp (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that The thickness (t) of the outer portion (111) of the bulb cover (110) is not less than 1 mm.

6. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a light emitting element (123) configured to generate light and emit the light into the light guide (122).

7. The lamp (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The light emitting element (123) is positioned outside the outer cavity (113).

8. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The cavity (113) is a cylindrical cavity.

9. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bulb housing (110) is a continuous sheet of material that is sealed to prevent water from entering the interior volume (112).

10. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner volume (112) is filled with an inert gas.

11. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bulb housing (110) is coated with a partially reflective material.

12. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The bulb housing is formed of glass.

13. The lamp (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion has a cylindrical shape, and the width across the portion within the cavity measured in the same plane perpendicular to the first axis is a diameter of the cylindrical shape.

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