Lamp switchable by contact with an organic medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lamp in a form of a planter or flowerpot wherein the lamp includes a lighting system with control means configured for using a living plant as an interface with the user, the lighting system of the lamp being switchable by contact of an organic medium, like a plant. The invention is based on a lighting lamp which has a body formed by the container (11) of the plant and the translucent screen (20) and the invention is based too on a fixation system of the electrode (15) and the electric connection between the electrode (15) and the control unit of the printed circuit board (13) of the lighting system of the lamp.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] LAMP SWITCHABLE BY CONTACT WITH AN ORGANIC MEDIUM

[0003] The present invention relates to a lamp in a form of a planter or flowerpot wherein the lamp includes a lighting system with control means configured for using a living plant as an interface with the user, the lighting system of the lamp being switchable by the contact between the user and an organic medium, like a plant.

[0004] More specifically the invention relates to a configuration of the lamp that improves its operating, among other advantages which will be described below.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Lamps which form part of a planter or flowerpot are known in the state of art previous of this invention. There are also known lamps which use the contact between the user and the plant held in the planter as control means of the lighting system of the lamp.

[0007] Document ES1280798 U, which is incorporated by reference to the present description, discloses a lamp that comprises an open housing of translucid material configured to place a flowerpot and containing the lighting system. The lamp includes an electric connection between the control unit of its lighting system and an electrode, wherein this electrode is inserted in the substrate deposited in the flowerpot. The control unit uses the contact between a person and the plant as an on-off lamp switch, wherein the operating is based on detecting the electrical disturbances provoked by the contact between a person and the plant.

[0008] This configuration has several drawbacks essentially related to the necessary correspondence between the space of the open housing and the flowerpot size and to the installation of the electrode in the flowerpot in the process of introducing it into the open housing.

[0009] This lamp configuration requires the user to use a determined flowerpot because its size has to be limited to the open housing of the lamp and the electrode must be connected to the control unit of the lighting system. Therefore, the connection between the electrode and the control unit is performed by the user once the flowerpot is placed in the lamp or the electrode connected to the control unit must be inserted into the substrate by the user when the flowerpot is introduced in the open housing. These actions may cause an incorrect positioning of the connection between the electrode and the control unit, which would lead to ineffective detection of electrical disturbances on the substrate, or they may cause a miscommunication between the substrate and the PCB area of the lamp.

[0010] On the other hand, the top installation option of the electrode may cause the electrode and / or its connection to be visible. In this configuration, the use of a cable of considerable length for the correct insertion of the electrode into the substrate may result in the interposition of part of the cable path between the light emission points and the outer screen, with the corresponding disadvantage of creating shadows visible to the user. In addition to the above, a considerable length of cable may cause electrical noise in the system.

[0011] An installation of the electrode through the base of the flowerpot may cause substrate or irrigation water to leak into the PCB, compromising the operation of the lamp due to a lack of watertightness.

[0012] In view of the above, it is necessary to obtain a lamp that does not require the user intervention in the connection or installation of the electrode each time a new pot is installed and a lamp that avoids the need to have a pot of certain dimensions and characteristics to allow its correct installation in the open housing of the lamp.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] The objective of the present invention is to provide a lamp switchable by contact of an organic medium to resolve the cited drawbacks, having other advantages which will be described in the present specification.

[0015] In accordance with this objective, according to a first aspect, the present invention provides a lamp switchable by contact of an organic medium, comprising:

[0016] - a container configured to hold a substrate and a living plant in contact with the substrate,

[0017] - an electrode configured to be in contact with the substrate,

[0018] - a printed circuit board provided with a power supply, light emitters and a control unit, the control unit being configured and arranged to detect electrical disturbances perceived by the electrode, at least when a person comes into contact with the plant and to change the state of the light emitters when detects one of said electrical disturbances, - electrical connection means connecting the electrode to the control unit,

[0019] - a translucent screen covering the container, the printed circuit board and the electrical connection means,

[0020] - a support base supporting the printed circuit board, the electrical connection means and the translucent screen,

[0021] The lamp of this invention is advantageously based in that the container and the translucent screen form part of a same body, wherein this body is formed by integrally joining their respective edges, i.e. the edges of the container and the translucent screen edges, or being formed by a single piece which includes both the container and the translucent screen.

[0022] This configuration allows to have a lamp with a single body comprising the container, as a planter or flowerpot, and the translucent screen, thus avoiding having to have an external container that must be adapted to the lamp housing and avoiding having to install or relocate the electrode each time a new plant is placed, since the container fixed to the lamp will contain the substrate and the plant. This configuration in a same body of the container and the translucent screen is achieved by integrally joining these two parts, preferably at their upper ends, or by moulding or an equivalent process of the assembly in a single piece comprising both. The latter also simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the lamp.

[0023] By way of clarification, the term substrate must be understood as a support medium which supplies water and nutrients to the plant as an organic medium, as well as facilitating its rooting. Terms like substratum or soil substrate must be considered as equivalents to the term substrate.

[0024] In the same way of clarification, as an integral joining shall be understood any system of joining the translucent screen to the container, whether by threaded, clipped or similar joining, as well as any type of joining between the two parts that allows such one-piece joint,

[0025] Preferably, the container comprises a container’s hole at its bottom in which the electrode is fixed in a sealed manner. The sealing between the container's hole and the electrode passing through it ensures that the humidity of the container is not transmitted to the printed circuit board area, avoiding possible malfunctions and avoiding, due to the configuration of the lamp, that this can occur due to a manipulation of the electrode and / or its electrical connection each time a plant is extracted and / or inserted. According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the electrode is joined to a rigid metal part traversed through the container hole, wherein the rigid metal part immovably holds the electrode and electrically connects the electrode to the electrical connection means. This embodiment permits the stable fixing of the electrode to the container using a single piece and also permits the electrical connection between the electrode and the control unit through the electrical connection means, as mentioned above, in a sealing way and keeping the electrode fixed always in contact with the substrate, since the container fixed to the lamp will contain the substrate and the plant.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the electrode is rigid and has a longitudinal shape, the lower end of the electrode being fixed to the rigid metal part in such a way that the electrode is projected towards the substrate.

[0027] With the intention of clarifying this technical characteristic, the longitudinal shape should be understood as the bar-like or similar arrangement of the electrode projecting from its fixing point on the rigid metal part of the bottom of the container towards the interior space of the container in a direction substantially coaxial or parallel to the central axis of said container.

[0028] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the rigid metal part includes a discoidal portion provided with a lower annular housing that houses an O-ring arranged in contact against the bottom of the container; and clamping means that press the O-ring against the bottom of the container in a sealed manner. This configuration assures the sealing between the container and the control unit through the hole of the container.

[0029] With the intention of clarifying this technical characteristic, the clamping means that press the O-ring should be understood as elements like a threaded portion of the rigid metal part that allow pressing the O-ring towards the container. Other elements using springs, or the like could be technically equivalent.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support base comprises a base hole concentric with the container hole, wherein a coupling metal part comprises a screw and nut assembly configured to be fixed in the base hole and configured to fix the rigid metal part as clamping means that press the O-ring against the bottom of the container and that hold the electrode with the rigid metal part, the container and the translucent screen to the support base. This advantageous configuration allows fixing between the different elements of the lamp in a single fixing assembly. The support base, the container that is fixedly attached to the translucent screen or being formed by a single piece with the translucent screen, as well as the rigid metal part that fixes the electrode, are all fixed by a single fixing assembly, simplifying the assembly and disassembly of said elements.

[0031] In this possible embodiment the printed circuit board comprises a conductive element in contact with the screw and nut assembly of the coupling metal part which electrically links the rigid metal part with the control unit. This configuration permits to perform the electrical connection from the electrode fixed to the rigid metal part to the control unit.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, and in a complementary manner to the previous embodiments, the light emitters are distributed over the surface of the printed circuit board. These light emitters distribution coincides with the area of the corresponding lamp with at least part of the translucent screen in order to emit light outside the lamp and accomplish its lighting function.

[0033] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the container and the translucent screen are projected obliquely from their respective upper edges, forming a space through which the light from the light emitters is directed homogeneously from the printed circuit board to the entire surface of the translucent screen.

[0034] With the intention of clarifying this technical characteristic, the oblique projection of the container and the translucent screen may be understood as a diverging of the surfaces of the container and translucent screen from their upper edges to the bottom of the lamp. It must be considered that a configuration of the lamp on a horizontal surface has been taken as a reference. If another configuration is made, terms such as bottom or upper must obviously be changed to the homologous orientation without this being limiting to the claimed invention.

[0035] As another optional embodiment, the lamp comprises a diffuser located over the light emitters.

[0036] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the translucent screen comprises a lower edge which defines the outermost perimeter of the translucent screen, so that the translucent screen is configured to be easily removable from a mold. This allows for an efficient molding process for the manufacturing of the translucent screen.

[0037] In the same way, as possible embodiment of the invention, the translucent screen and the container are defined by an integral surface that diverges from the centre of the container to the outer perimeter of the translucent screen. This also allows for an efficient molding process for the manufacturing of the translucent screen and the container in a single piece.

[0038] Regarding the operating of the lamp, document ES1280798 II describes a possible embodiment of configuration of this kind of lamps claimed in this application, wherein said document is incorporated by reference to the present description.

[0039] In this regard, is necessary to make a particular mention to the basic configuration of the lamp in order to carry out the particular operating related to this kind of lamps. The control unit comprises a potentiometer, by means of which it allows adjustment of the sensitivity of the electrical disturbances detected by the control unit. The electrode or the control unit comprises a capacitive sensor configured to convert the capacitance values perceived by the electrode to voltage values, the variations of these voltage values are interpreted as said electrical disturbances.

[0040] In addition, as a possible embodiment of this preferred configuration, the control unit comprises means for regulating the intensity of the light emitted by the light emitters and the control unit also comprises a processor provided with means for:

[0041] - measure the duration of electrical disturbances produced in the antenna,

[0042] - compare the duration of a disturbance with a time threshold value,

[0043] - issuing intensity regulation instructions to the intensity regulation means when the duration of a disturbance is greater than a threshold value.

[0044] Preferably, said intensity regulation instructions consist of reducing the intensity of the light emitter to 0% and increasing the intensity of the light emitter to 100% constantly and repeatedly until the contact between the user and the plant ceases.

[0045] The processor is provided with means to detect and / or memorize the intensity of the light emitter, while said intensity regulation instructions consist of reducing the intensity of the light emitter to 0% if was above 50% and to increase it to 100% if it was below 50% Preferably, the support base comprises a resting surface with a lower concavity, which houses the potentiometer and the entry for the electrical power supply cable in a manner accessible to the user, the depth of the lower concavity being greater than the length of the potentiometer, so it is completely hidden.

[0046] As a possible embodiment, the support base is made of non-slip material, and it is provided with a cavity on its upper surface that houses at least the printed circuit board. The support base and the printed circuit board comprise fixing means that can be removed from one another. As an alternative, the support base and the translucent screen may comprise nonremovable fixing means to each other.

[0047] Finally, as a preferred but non-limiting feature, the living plant placed on the lamp is of the crass type.

[0048] Brief description of the drawings

[0049] In order to better understand the description made, a set of drawings has been provided which, schematically and solely by way of non-limiting example, represents a practical case of embodiment.

[0050] - Figures 1 shows a perspective view of the lamp object of this invention.

[0051] - Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the lamp shown on figure 1.

[0052] - Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the lamp shown on figure 1 .

[0053] Description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

[0054] Several different embodiments of the lamp switchable by contact of an organic medium from the present invention are described below, making reference to the figures indicated above.

[0055] In the present preferred embodiment of the invention, as it is shown in figures 1 to 3, the lamp (10) comprises an external translucent screen (20) and a container (11) wherein the container is configured to hold a substrate (101) and a living plant (102) in contact with the substrate (101). The lamp also comprises a support base (21) which supports a printed circuit board (13) and the translucent screen (20).

[0056] The translucent screen (20) covers the container (11) and the printed circuit board (13) and, in this preferred embodiment, the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) form part of a same body being formed by a single piece which includes both the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) as a monobloc piece. In alternative embodiment this set of pieces (11 ,20), forming the same body, are formed by integrally joining their respective (11 ,20) edges (22), preferably joining their respective upper edges.

[0057] The lamp (10) comprises an electrode (15) in contact with the substrate (101) where the electrode is fixed in a container hole (23) at the container’s bottom. The electrode (15) is placed so its lower end is fixed to a rigid metal part (28) that immovably holds the electrode (15) and electrically connects the electrode (15) to the control unit through the electric connection means (16).

[0058] The fixation between the rigid metal part (28) that holds the electrode (15) and the container (11) is carried out in a sealed manner maintaining the electrical connection between the electrode (15) and the control unit through the electric connection means (16). In order to assure the sealing coupling, in this preferred embodiment, the rigid metal part (28) includes a discoidal portion (29) provided with a lower annular housing (30) that houses an O-ring (31) arranged in contact against the bottom of the container (11). The rigid metal part (28) also includes clamping means that press the O-ring (31) against the bottom of the container (11). In this embodiment, the clamping means are formed by a threaded portion which is screwed onto a coupling metal part (40) with a screw and nut assembly which electrically links the rigid metal part (28) with the control unit. The coupling metal part (40) with its screw and nut assembly is configured to be fixed in the base hole (32) joining the container (11), the electrode (15) with the rigid metal part (28) and the support base (21) together with this single system. Alternatively, an equivalent fixing means between these parts may be used.

[0059] In this preferred embodiment, the support base (21) comprises the base hole (32) in a concentric position with the container hole (23). In this way, the rigid metal part (28) is coupled to the container (11) in a sealed manner and fix the lower end of the electrode (15) in such a way that the electrode (15) is projected towards the substrate (101). The rigid metal part (28) and the coupling metal part (40) with its screw and nut assembly permit joining the indicated parts of the lamp and permit the electrical connection between the electrode (15) with the control unit.

[0060] The lamp (10) includes a printed circuit board (13) provided with a power supply, light emitters (14) and the control unit, the control unit being configured and arranged to detect electrical disturbances perceived by the electrode (15) when a person comes into contact with the plant and to change the state of the light emitters (14) when detects one of said electrical disturbances. The power supply may be a battery, a rechargeable battery, or an AC / DC power supply.

[0061] The lamp (10) is configured with the light emitters (14) positioned over the surface of the printed circuit board (13). In this embodiment, the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) are projected obliquely from their respective upper edges (22) diverging from each other, forming a space through which the light from the light emitters (14) is directed homogeneously from the printed circuit board (13) to the entire surface of the translucent screen (20). An optional, but preferred, light diffuser (35) is located over the light emitters (14). Alternatively, different light emitters positioning may be performed assuring the correct light emission of the lamp through the translucent screen.

[0062] Regarding the configuration of the translucent screen (20) and the container (11), they are defined by an integral surface that diverges from the centre of the container (11) to the outer perimeter of the translucent screen (20). The lower edge of the translucent screen also defines the outermost perimeter of the translucent screen (20). These features allow an efficient molding process for the manufacturing of the translucent screen, and they also allow an easy removal from a mold. Alternatively, another configuration and shapes can be used depending on the manufacturing process used to.

[0063] Although reference has been made to specific embodiments of the invention, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the lamp (10) as described, in its different variants, is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be replaced by others that are technically equivalent, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Lamp switchable by contact of an organic medium, comprising:- a container (11) configured to hold a substrate (101) and a living plant (102) in contact with the substrate (101),- an electrode (15) configured to be in contact with the substrate (101),- a printed circuit board (13) provided with a power supply, light emitters (14) and a control unit, the control unit being configured and arranged to detect electrical disturbances perceived by the electrode (15), at least when a person comes into contact with the plant and to change the state of the light emitters (14) when detects one of said electrical disturbances,- electrical connection means (16) connecting the electrode (15) to the control unit,- a translucent screen (20) covering the container (11), the printed circuit board (13) and the electrical connection means (16),- a support base (21) supporting the printed circuit board (13), the electrical connection means (16) and the translucent screen (20), characterized in that the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) form part of a same body, wherein this body is formed by integrally joining their respective (11 ,20) edges (22) or being formed by a single piece which includes both the container (11) and the translucent screen (20).

2. Lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the container (11) comprises a container’s hole (23) at its bottom in which the electrode (15) is fixed in a sealed manner.

3. Lamp according to claim 2, wherein the electrode (15) is joined to a rigid metal part (28) traversed through the container hole (23), wherein the rigid metal part (28) immovably holds the electrode (15) and electrically connects the electrode (15) to the electrical connection means (16).

4. Lamp according to claim 3, wherein the rigid metal part (28) includes, at least:- a discoidal portion (29) provided with a lower annular housing (30) that houses an O-ring (31) arranged in contact against the bottom of the container (11) and- clamping means that press the O-ring (31) against the bottom of the container (11) in a sealed manner.

5. Lamp according to any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the support base (21) comprises a base hole (32) concentric with the container hole (23), wherein a coupling metal part (40) comprises a screw and nut assembly configured to be fixed in the base hole (32) and configured to fix the rigid metal part (28) as clamping means that press the O-ring (31) against the bottom of the container (11) and that holds the electrode (15) with the rigid metal part (28), the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) to the support base (21).

6. Lamp according to claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board (13) comprises a conductive element (34) in contact with the screw and nut assembly of the coupling metal part (40) which electrically links the rigid metal part (28) that holds the electrode (15) with the control unit.

7. Lamp according to claim 3, wherein the electrode (15) is rigid and has a longitudinal shape, the lower end of the electrode (15) being fixed to the rigid metal part (28) in such a way that the electrode (15) is projected towards the substrate (101).

8. Lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitters (14) are distributed over the surface of the printed circuit board (13).

9. Lamp according to claim 8, wherein the container (11) and the translucent screen (20) are projected obliquely from their respective upper edges (22), forming a space through which the light from the light emitters (14) is directed homogeneously from the printed circuit board (13) to the entire surface of the translucent screen (20).

10. Lamp according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the lamp (10) comprises a diffuser (35) located over the light emitters (14).11 . Lamp according to claim 1 , wherein the translucent screen (20) comprises a lower edge which defines the outermost perimeter of the translucent screen (20), so that the translucent screen (20) is configured to be easily removable from a mold.

12. Lamp according to claim 1 or 11 , wherein the translucent screen (20) and the container (11) are defined by an integral surface that diverges from the centre of the container (11) to the outer perimeter of the translucent screen (20).

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