lamp

Abstract

A lamp (100,800) comprising a light-emitting element (110, 810), an optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820) covering the light-emitting element, a base portion (130, 830) comprising a driving assembly (131, 831), one or more power wires (140, 840), an antenna (150, 850) and a spacer element (160, 760). The power wires and the antenna are each configured to extend from the driving assembly through an opening in the optically-transmissive envelope. The spacer element is provided in the opening to separate the antenna from the power wires.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80258

[0002] Lamp

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to the field of lighting, and in particular to lamps capable of wireless communication.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Wirelessly-controlled lamps (e.g. wireless-controlled lightbulbs) are becoming increasing popular as parts of smart lighting systems. Wirelessly-controlled lightbulbs enable wireless control to be provided to existing lighting devices.

[0007] Many wirelessly-controlled lamps communicate wirelessly using a radio frequency (RF) communication protocol. These lamps are provided with an antenna configured to transmit and / or receive RF signals.

[0008] There is an ongoing desire to provide improved wirelessly-controlled lamps.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0011] According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lamp comprising: a light-emitting element; an optically-transmissive envelope covering the light-emitting element and having an opening; a base portion comprising a driving assembly; one or more power wires extending through the opening in the optically- transmissive envelope to connect the light-emitting element to the driving assembly; an antenna extending from the driving assembly into the optically-transmissive envelope through the opening in the optically-transmissive envelope; and a spacer element provided in the opening in the optically-transmissive envelope, configured to separate the antenna from the one or more power wires.

[0012] The inventors have recognized that a spacer element to separate the antenna from the power wire(s) reduces the risk of the antenna contacting a power wire, thus increasing a likelihood of the antenna having a strong signal. In this way, the quality and consistency of wirelessly-controlled lamps are improved. 2024PF80258

[0013] 2

[0014] In some examples, the spacer element comprises: a tube extending through the opening into the optically-transmissive envelope; and a pair of protrusions extending radially inwards from the tube to provide a first channel for the antenna and a second channel for the one or more power wires. Each of the channels does not have to be a closed channel but can also be an open channel as long as it can constraint the lateral positioning of the antenna or the one or more power wires.

[0015] Further, the spacer element means that it is easier for an assembler to keep the antenna distanced from the power wires during assembly of the lamp, thus reducing assembly time.

[0016] In some examples, the spacer element is configured to provide a distance of at least 0.6 mm between the antenna and each power wire.

[0017] This distance has been found to reliably reduce signal interference from the power wires.

[0018] In some examples, the lamp further comprises an exhaust extending through the opening in the optically-transmissive envelope, and the first and second channels are each provided between the tube and the exhaust.

[0019] In some examples, the tube extends into the optically-transmissive envelope by a distance of at least 15 mm.

[0020] A tube that extends into the optically-transmissive envelope by at least a distance of 15 mm (with each protrusion extending along the length of the tube) further reduces a likelihood of the antenna coming into contact with (or coming too close to) one of the power wires.

[0021] In some examples, the tube comprises at least one slit extending along at least a portion of a length of the tube.

[0022] This allows the tube to be deformed when inserting the tube into the opening. The undeformed tube may have a diameter that enables the tube to be held in place inside the optically-transmissive envelope by friction.

[0023] In some examples, the at least one slit comprises one or more pairs of slit, each pair of slits forming a flexible arm in the tube; and each flexible arm comprises a protruding element extending radially outwards from the flexible arm.

[0024] In some examples, the spacer element further comprises a plate extending radially outwards from a portion of the tube provided outside of the optically-transmissive envelope. 2024PF80258

[0025] 3

[0026] This secures the position of the tube at the opening of the optically -transmissive envelope (i.e. so that the tube is unable to move further into the optically-transmissive envelope).

[0027] In some examples, a side of the plate facing the optically-transmissive envelope has a reflective surface.

[0028] In this way, light emitted towards the base portion is reflected back towards the optically-transmissive envelope, thus increasing a light efficiency of lamp.

[0029] In some examples, the reflective surface has a reflectivity of at least 92%.

[0030] In some examples, the spacer element is formed from plastic. For instance, the spacer element may be formed from a flame retardant polycarbonate with high reflectivity.

[0031] In some examples, the antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals.

[0032] In some examples, the optically-transmissive envelope is made from glass.

[0033] In some examples, the light-emitting element comprises one or more LED filaments.

[0034] In some examples, the one or more light-emitting filaments are mounted on a central pillar.

[0035] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a lamp, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the lamp of Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded sectional view of the lamp of Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the lamp of Figure 1;

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates another sectional view of the lamp of Figure 1;

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the spacer element of the lamp of Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates another spacer element;

[0045] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of a lamp, according to another embodiment of the invention; and 2024PF80258

[0046] 4

[0047] Figure 9 illustrates another sectional view of the lamp of Figure 8.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0050] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0051] The invention provides a lamp comprising a light-emitting element, an optically-transmissive envelope covering the light-emitting element, a base portion comprising a driving assembly, one or more power wires, an antenna and a spacer element. The power wires and the antenna are each configured to extend from the driving assembly through an opening in the optically-transmissive envelope. The spacer element is provided in the opening to separate the antenna from the power wires.

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a lamp 100, according to an embodiment of the invention. The lamp 100 comprises a light-emitting element 110, an optically-transmissive envelope 120, a base portion 130, power wires 140, an antenna 150, and a spacer element 160.

[0053] The light-emitting element 110 may, for example, comprise one or more LED filaments 111. Each LED filament may comprise at least one string of LED (light emitting diode) chips mounted on an elongate substrate (e.g. a metal substrate). At least a light-emitting surface of each LED filament may be covered by an encapsulant. In some examples, the encapsulant may comprise a phosphor, to convert a color of light emitted by the LED chips.

[0054] The one or more LED filaments may be mounted on a central pillar 112, which may be mounted on a stem 113. In Figure 1, the light-emitting element comprises two LED filaments mounted on the central pillar in a helical arrangement. Other suitable arrangements of the one or more LED filaments will be readily apparent to the skilled person, and may depend on the number of LED filaments. For instance, the one or more LED filaments may comprise a plurality of straight LED filaments provided around the central pillar to form a 2024PF80258

[0055] 5 prism- or frustrum-shaped arrangement (e.g. a cylindrical arrangement). Further, the skilled person will appreciate that alternative light-emitting elements may be used in the lamp 100.

[0056] The optically-transmissive envelope is configured to cover the light-emitting element 110, and has an opening 125 to allow components of the lamp 100 to be inserted into the optically-transmissive envelope. The optically-transmissive envelope may, for example, be made from glass, or from any other suitable transparent or translucent material, such as plastic. The optically-transmissive envelope may be configured to be secured to the base portion 130 such that the light-emitting element is fully enclosed.

[0057] The base portion 130 comprises a driving assembly 131. The driving assembly comprises control circuitry for the lamp 100 (in particular, for controlling the light-emitting element 110). In Figure 1, the driving assembly comprises a printed circuit board assembly; however, in some examples, components of the driving assembly may be connected without the use of a printed circuit board. Suitable driving assemblies for the lamp will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

[0058] The base portion 130 may further comprise a housing 132 for housing the driving assembly, a cap 133 for mounting the lamp 100 in a socket, and a pin 134. The cap and pin may each be connected to respective power wires 140 (for instance, the cap may be connected to a neutral wire, while the pin may be connected to a live wire). In Figure 1, the cap 133 is a screw cap; however, as the skilled person will readily appreciate, the cap may comprise any suitable connector for fitting the lamp to a lamp-receiving socket (e.g. a bayonet cap, a pin and push cap, etc.).

[0059] The power wires 140 are each configured to extend through the opening 125 in the optically-transmissive envelope 120 to connect the light-emitting element 110 to the driving assembly 131. In Figure 1, there are three power wires; however, as the skilled person will readily appreciate, the number of power wires may depend on the power requirements of the lamp. In general, the lamp may comprise two or more power wires. Alternatively, multiple power wires may be included within one cable such that the power wires looks to be one.

[0060] The antenna 150 is configured to extend from the driving assembly into the optically-transmissive envelope 120 through the opening 125. The antenna is configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals (e.g. radio frequency signals), to enable wireless communication. For instance, the antenna may be configured to receive wireless signals to enable wireless control of the lamp 100. The antenna may be configured to transmit wireless signals to transmit information obtained by one or more sensors that may be provided in the lamp (not shown in Figure 1). 2024PF80258

[0061] 6

[0062] The spacer element 160 is configured to be provided in the opening 125 in the optically-transmissive envelope 125 and to separate the antenna 150 from the power wires 140, in order to reduce a likelihood of signal interference, which may be caused by the power wires contacting, or being too close to, the antenna. In this way, a stability and consistency of the transmission and / or reception of wireless signals by the antenna may be improved.

[0063] The spacer element 160 may, for example, be formed from plastic (e.g. a polycarbonate), e.g. a plastic with a desired flame retardance (for instance, a plastic having a rating of V-0 according to the UL 94 Standard). The spacer element is described in more detail below.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the lamp 100. In Figure 2, the light-emitting element 110 is covered by the optically-transmissive envelope 120, and the spacer element 160 is provided in the opening 125 of the optically-transmissive envelope. The power wires 140 are connected to the light-emitting element and extend through the spacer element. The pin 134 is secured to the cap 133

[0065] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded sectional view of the lamp 100. In Figure 3, the light-emitting element 110 is covered by the optically-transmissive envelope 120, and the driving assembly 131 is provided in the housing 132, which is secured in the cap 133. The antenna 150 and each of the power wires 140 extend from the driving assembly towards the optically-transmissive envelope.

[0066] Figure 3 more clearly illustrates the structure of the spacer element 160. The spacer element comprises a tube configured to extend into the optically-transmissive envelope 120 through the opening 125 (e.g. by a distance of at least 15 mm), and a pair of protrusions extending radially inwards from the tube to provide a first channel and a second channel. The antenna 150 may be separated from the power wires 140 by passing the antenna through the first channel and the power wires through the second antenna. Each protrusion may extend along the entire length of the tube.

[0067] In some examples, the tube may be configured to fit inside the stem 113 (i.e. an outer diameter of the tube may be equal to or less than an inner diameter of the stem); the maximum possible length of the tube may therefore be limited by the length of a hollow region inside the stem. In some examples, the outer diameter of the tube may be equal to an inner diameter of the stem, in order to enable the tube to be held within the stem by friction, and the tube may comprise at least one slit extending along at least a portion of the length of the tube (i.e. in a longitudinal direction) to allow the tube to be deformed when inserting the tube into the stem, thus facilitating insertion of the tube. 2024PF80258

[0068] 7

[0069] For instance, with a slit, the tube may have a C-shaped cross-section. The elasticity of C-shaped tube biases the tube to an expanded configuration, so as to perfectly attach to the inner wall of the stem when the tube is inserted into the stem; the tube then stays there because of friction. Such a mechanism allows the operator (which could be a person or a machine) to eases his / her / its handling of the wires and / or antenna when he / she / it is soldering the wires and / or antenna to the driving assembly.

[0070] In some examples, the lamp 100 may further comprise an exhaust 170, provided in the stem 113 and extending through the opening 125 in the optically-transmissive element 120. This allows the optically-transmissive envelope to be filled with a gas (e.g. an inert gas), to provide a controlled environment for the light-emitting element 110. The first and second channels may each be provided between the tube of the spacer element and the exhaust. Any gap between each protrusion and the exhaust may be less than a diameter of either the antenna 150 or any of the power wires 140, to prevent the antenna moving from the first channel to the second or a power wire moving from the second channel to the first. As the skilled person will appreciate, in examples in which an exhaust does not extend through the tube, the pair of protrusions may join at a center of the tube to separate the first channel from the second channel (or a gap between the pair of protrusions at a closest point may be less than a diameter of either the antenna or any of the power wires).

[0071] In some examples, the spacer element 160 may be configured to provide a distance of at least 0.6 mm between the antenna 150 and each power wire 140. For instance, each protrusion may have a thickness of 0.6 mm (in a circumferential direction). The maximum distance between the antenna and each power wire may, for example, depend on a size of the tube of the spacer element.

[0072] In some examples, the spacer element 160 further comprises a plate extending radially outwards from a portion of the tube that is configured to be provided outside of the optically-transmissive envelope 120, to secure an end of the tube at the opening 125 of the optically-transmissive envelope. In some examples, a diameter of the plate may be equal to or greater than an overall diameter of the driving assembly 131 (e.g. a diameter of a printed circuit board of the driving assembly), such that the driving assembly is covered by the plate. In this way, components of the driving assembly are not visible through the optically-transmissive envelope.

[0073] In some examples, a side of the plate facing the optically-transmissive envelope 120 may have a reflective surface, in order to reflect light emitted by the light-emitting element 110 towards the base portion 130 back towards the optically-transmissive envelope. The 2024PF80258

[0074] 8 reflective surface may, for example, have a reflectivity of at least 92%. This reduces light loss, thus improving a light efficiency of the lamp 100.

[0075] In some examples, the reflective surface of the plate may be provided by forming the spacer element from a material with the desired reflectivity. For instance, the spacer element may be made from a suitable highly reflective plastic, such as a flame retardant polycarbonate with a high reflectivity (e.g. Sabie Lexan™ resin 915R). Alternatively, the reflective surface may be provided by a reflective film provided on the side of the plate facing the optically-transmissive envelope 120.

[0076] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the lamp 100. In Figure 4, the lightemitting element 110 is covered by the optically-transmissive envelope 120, and the driving assembly 131 is provided in the housing 132, which is secured in the cap 133. The optically- transmissive envelope is secured to the base portion 130 to form a sealed unit.

[0077] The tube of the spacer element 160 extends into the optically-transmissive envelope 120 through the opening 125, and is provided inside the stem 113 of the light-emitting element 110, while the plate extending radially outward from the tube is provided between the optically-transmissive envelope and the driving assembly 131. The antenna 150 extends from the driving assembly into the optically-transmissive envelope (more particularly, into the stem of the light-emitting element) through the first channel of the spacer element, while the power wires 140 extend from the driving assembly into the optically-transmissive envelope (again, more particularly, into the stem) through the second channel of the spacer element.

[0078] Figure 5 illustrates another sectional view of the lamp 100, showing a crosssection of the spacer element 160. Figure 5 more clearly shows how the first and second channels in the spacer element are formed by the pair of protrusions 162 that extend inwardly from the tube 161 and the exhaust 170. Figure 5 also shows how this structure separates the antenna 150 from the power wires 140, with the antenna being provided in the first channel and the power wires being provided in the second channel. In Figure 5, the second channel is larger than the first channel, as the first channel is configured for a single antenna, while the second channel is configured for one or more (in Figure 5, three) power wires.

[0079] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the spacer element of the lamp 100. Figure 6 more clearly shows the structure of the spacer element 160. As described above, the spacer element comprises a tube 161 (which may have a diameter configured to fit inside the stem of the light-emitting element of the lamp), a pair of protrusions 162 extending radially inwards from the tube to provide a first channel for the antenna of the lamp and a second 2024PF80258

[0080] 9 channel for the one or more power wires, and a plate 163 extending radially outwards from a portion of the tube (e.g. from an end of the tube).

[0081] As previously mentioned, in some examples, the tube of the spacer element may comprise at least one slit extending along the length of the tube. In some examples, the tube may comprise one or more pairs of slits, each slit extending along the length of the tube for a portion of the length of the tube. In this way, each pair of slits may result in a flexible arm between the slits, which may have a protruding element extending radially outwards from the flexible arm. The protruding element of each flexible arm may be biased to press outwards, in order to secure the tube within the optically -transmissive envelope (for instance, the protruding element of each flexible arm may press against an inner wall of a stem of the light-emitting element). Each flexible arm may be pushed inwards to insert the tube in the optically- transmissive envelope.

[0082] Figure 7 illustrates a spacer element 760, comprising two pairs of slits in the tube 761 to form two flexible arms. In particular, flexible arm 764 is formed between slit 765a and slit 765b. A protruding element is provided on an outer surface of each flexible arm. Each protruding element may slope outwards from an end of the tube furthest from the plate 763, causing the protruding elements to be pushed inwards as the tube is inserted into an optically- transmissive envelope (and, in some examples, into a hollow region of a stem inside the optically-transmissive envelope).

[0083] In Figure 7, the flexible arms are diametrically opposed to one another; in this way, the protruding elements press outwards in opposite directions, enabling the spacer element to be held more securely in an optically-transmissive envelope.

[0084] The spacer element 760 of Figure 7 has two pairs of slits to form two flexible arms; however, the skilled person will readily appreciate that the spacer element may have a different number of pairs of slits. A length of the each slit (and therefore a length of each flexible arm) may depend on the desired deformation of the flexible arm.

[0085] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of a lamp 800, according to another embodiment of the invention. The lamp 800 is similar to the lamp 100 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, but has the spacer element 760 illustrated in Figure 7 rather than the spacer element 160. Figure 8 shows the cross-section of the spacer element 760. The tube 761 of the spacer element is provided inside a stem 813 of the light-emitting element of the lamp 800.

[0086] Figure 8 illustrates how the flexible arms 764 enable the tube 761 to be held within the stem 813. The tube (excepting the protruding elements on the flexible arms) has an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the stem; in this way, the tube may be easily 2024PF80258

[0087] 10 inserted into the stem when the flexible arms are pushed inwards. The distance between an outer surface of the protruding element on one flexible arm and an outer surface of the protruding element on the other flexible arm is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the stem when the flexible arms are in an undeformed state, and each flexible arm is biased towards the undeformed state. In this way, each protruding element presses against the inner wall of the stem, thus holding the tube within the stem by friction.

[0088] Figure 9 illustrates another sectional view of the lamp 800. In addition to the spacer element 760, the lamp 800 comprises a light-emitting element 810, an optically- transmissive envelope 820, a base portion 830 comprising a driving assembly 831b, power wires 840, an antenna 850 and an exhaust 870, which may, respectively, be identical to the light-emitting element 110, optically-transmissive envelope 120, base portion 130, power wires 140, antenna 150 and exhaust 170 of the lamp 100.

[0089] Figure 9 illustrates the relationship between the inner diameter Di of the stem 813 of the light-emitting element 810 and the distance D2 between an outer surface of the protruding element on one flexible arm 764 and an outer surface of the protruding element on the other flexible arm of the spacer element 760. In particular, Figure 9 illustrates that the distance D2 is at least as large as the inner diameter Di of the stem, in order to secure the tube 761 of the spacer element within the stem, as described above.

[0090] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "arrangement" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system", and vice versa.

[0093] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2024PF8025811CLAIMS:

1. A lamp (100, 800) comprising: a light-emitting element (110, 810); an optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820) covering the light-emitting element and having an opening (125); a base portion (130, 830) comprising a driving assembly (831, 131); one or more power wires (140, 840) extending through the opening in the optically-transmissive envelope to connect the light-emitting element to the driving assembly; an antenna (150, 850) extending from the driving assembly into the optically- transmissive envelope through the opening in the optically-transmissive envelope; and a spacer element (160, 760) provided in the opening in the optically- transmissive envelope, configured to separate the antenna from the one or more power wires; wherein the spacer element (160, 760) comprises: a tube (161, 761) extending through the opening (125) into the optically- transmissive envelope (120, 820); and a pair of protrusions (162, 762) extending radially inwards from the tube to provide a first channel for the antenna (150, 850) and a second channel for the one or more power wires (140, 840).

2. The lamp (100, 800) of claim 1, wherein the spacer element (160, 860) is configured to provide a distance of at least 0.6 mm between the antenna (150, 850) and each power wire (140, 840).

3. The lamp (100, 800) of claim 1, wherein the lamp further comprises an exhaust (170, 870) extending through the opening (125) in the optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820), and the first and second channels are each provided between the tube and the exhaust.

4. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tube (161, 761) extends into the optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820) by a distance of at least 15 mm.2024PF80258125. The lamp (800) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tube (761) comprises at least one slit (765a, 765b) extending along at least a portion of a length of the tube.

6. The lamp (800) of claim 5, wherein: the at least one slit (765a, 765b) comprises one or more pairs of slits, each pair of slits forming a flexible arm (764) in the tube (761); and each flexible arm comprises a protruding element extending radially outwards from the flexible arm.

7. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer element (160, 760) further comprises a plate (163, 763) extending radially outwards from a portion of the tube (161, 761) provided outside of the optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820).

8. The lamp (100, 800) of claim 7, wherein a side of the plate (163, 763) facing the optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820) has a reflective surface.

9. The lamp (100, 800) of claim 8, wherein the reflective surface has a reflectivity of at least 92%.

10. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spacer element (160, 760) is formed from plastic.

11. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the antenna (150, 850) is configured to transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals.

12. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the optically-transmissive envelope (120, 820) is made from glass.

13. The lamp (100, 800) of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light-emitting element (110, 810) comprises one or more LED filaments (111).

14. The lamp (100, 800) of claim 13, wherein the one or more light-emitting filaments (111) are mounted on a central pillar (112).

Images