EP3495725B1

EP3495725B1 - Lamp

Info

Publication number: EP3495725B1
Application number: EP18210490.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jifeng ZHOU; Ying QU; Frederic Noirot; Benjamin Nicklin
Original assignee: Schneider Electric Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Schneider Electric Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-11
Filing date: 2018-12-05
Publication date: 2021-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-05
Also published as: CN207849081U; EP3495725A1

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to lighting field, and more specifically, to a lamp, such as a bedside lamp.

BACKGROUND

A lamp has a wide application in household lighting. A bedside lamp is taken as an example, and a conventional bedside lamp is typically provided with a plug and supplies power through a socket in a power strip or in a wall. In such bedside lamp, large space is occupied. Connection cables are often exposed to the user and are placed here and there, causing certain security risks on one hand and affecting aesthetics on the other hand. Moreover, these bedside lamps need extra furniture for providing a platform to support them, such as a desk, table or the like, but the furniture affects the indoor layout and space arrangement and brings inconvenience to user's utilization. In some situations, there is no sufficient space for arranging a desk or table. These unfavorable factors bring about poor user experience. In addition, in some cases, it is desired that the bedside lamp can further provide additional functions, for example, by arranging a USB charging interface to enable a user to charge a portable device, such as a cell phone. Therefore, there arises a desire of improving the conventional lamp to better satisfy the user's demands on the bedside lamp. FR 3 001 836 A1 discloses a lamp in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.
It is to be understood that, although the disadvantages of the conventional lamp are analyzed with a bedside lamp as an example, other types of lamps probably contain the same or similar problems.

SUMMARY

One objective of the present invention is to provide a lamp, so as to solve one or more of the above problems.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lamp in accordance with claim 1. The lamp comprises: a lamp head comprising a light source mounted therein; a flexible arm comprising conducting wires arranged therein; and a mounting and power supply unit adapted to be mounted in a connection box, and configured to receive power from a terminal of the connection box and transmit the power via the conducting wires to the light source in the lamp head. The mounting and power supply unit comprises a mounting frame for fixing a power supply module to the connection box; and a panel cover for covering the mounting frame, wherein the panel cover is provided with a hole allowing the flexible arm to pass therethrough and thus project therefrom.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting and power supply unit is integrated with at least one USB charging interface.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp is adapted to be connected to the flexible arm in a detachable manner.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible arm is provided with a columnar portion at one side of the lamp head, and the lamp head comprises a cylinder portion adapted to receive the columnar portion.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible arm and the lamp head are fixed to each other via a fastener.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal in the flexible arm is one of a male plug and a female socket, and a terminal in the lamp head is the other of the male plug and the female socket.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting and power supply unit comprises: a power supply module having a size adapted for the connection box and configured to receive power from a terminal of the connection box to supply power to the light source and the at least one USB charging interface; and in a case that the mounting and power supply unit is integrated with the at least one USB charging interface, the panel cover is further provided with an opening via which the at least one USB charging interface is accessible.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel cover is snap-fitted to the mounting frame, and the power supply module is snap-fitted to the mounting frame.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp further comprises a fastener for fastening the mounting frame to the connection box.
The panel cover comprises a bracket arranged at an outer periphery for supporting an article.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel cover comprises a first cover and a second cover located at an inner side of the first cover, and the first cover and the second cover are snap-fitted to the mounting frame, respectively.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp is a bedside lamp.
It is to be understood that, through the following description, the lamp according to embodiments of the present disclosure employs a modular design, the mounting and power supply unit is adapted to be mounted within a connection box, and the lamp can be mounted into the connection box in the wall via the mounting and power supply unit, thereby preventing the conducting wires from exposing to the user and further enhancing safety and aesthetics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objectives, features and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent. Several example embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated by way of example but not limitation in the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a diagram of mounting a lamp according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 illustrates a structure diagram of a lamp according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a connection part between a lamp head and a flexible arm according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a lamp according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 illustrates a structure diagram of a power supply module of a lamp according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 6 illustrates a structure diagram of the power supply module, as shown in Fig. 5, observed from another angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Principles of example embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to various example embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should be appreciated that description of those embodiments is merely to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and further implement the present disclosure and is not intended for limiting the scope disclosed herein in any manner. It is to be understood that the same or similar reference symbols can be employed, if possible, and the same or similar reference symbols represent the same or similar functions. Those skilled in the art would readily envision that, in the following description, alternative embodiments of the structure and method can be used without departing from principles of the present disclosure as described herein.
The structure of the lamp according to the example embodiments will be described below in detail with reference to Figs. 1-4. Although the invention conception of the present disclosure is described herein with a bedside lamp as the example of the lamp, it would be appreciated that the invention conception of the present disclosure is applicable to other types of household lamps.
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a lamp 100 includes: a lamp head 10, an arm 20, and a mounting and power supply unit 30. A light source (not shown) is mounted within the lamp head 10, which can be various light bulbs existing currently or to be developed in the future, for example. The arm is provided therein with electrically conductive wires. The mounting and power supply unit 30 is adapted to be mounted within a connection box 40, and configured to receive power from a terminal of the connection box 40 and to transmit power via the electrically conductive wires in the flexible arm to the light source in the lamp head 10.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp 100 can be mounted in the connection box in the wall via the mounting and power supply unit 30. Therefore, this can prevent the cables from being exposed from the lamp 100, enhancing safety and aesthetics. Further, it can save space. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection box is a standard connection box of 86 mm × 86 mm. Of course, this is provided only as an example, without any intention to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the connection box can be of other sizes.
According to the invention, the arm 20 is a flexible arm. In this manner, a user can adjust the length and angle of the arm conveniently. Alternatively, in other, non claimed embodiments, the arm 20 can also be rigid.
As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting and power supply unit 30 can be integrated with a USB charging interface 50. The power supply module of the USB charging interface 50 can be integrated together with the power supply module of the light source in the lamp head 10. Hence, one single circuit board can be utilized to supply power to the USB charging interface and the light source of the lamp head. In the embodiments as shown, there are two USB charging interfaces 50. It is to be understood that it is provided only as an example, without limitation, and the number of the USB charging interfaces can be one, three or the like, according to the size of the connection box to receive the mounting and power supply unit 30.
It is to be understood that a modular design is employed for the mounting and power supply unit 30, causing convenient integration of the USB charging interface within the mounting and power supply unit 30. It enables the power supply module of the lamp 100 and the USB charging module to be housed simultaneously within limited space of the connection box. In addition, since the USB charging interface is integrated within the lamp 100, the lamp 100 provides more functions. For example, it can charge a nearby consumer electronics product through a USB charging interface thereon while enabling night reading for a user, thus satisfying various functional demands from the user.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the lamp head 10 is connected detachably with the flexible arm 20. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the flexible arm 20 and the bulb 10 are plugged together, in some embodiments. For example, the flexible arm 20 can be provided with a columnar portion 20 on one side of the lamp head 10, and the lamp head 10 includes a cylinder portion 12 adapted to receive the columnar portion. The two portions can be locked via interference fit or shape fit. It is to be understood that the shapes of the columnar portion and the cylinder portion are provided only as an example, which can be of any other appropriate shapes. For example, the columnar portion 22 can be inserted into the cylinder portion 12 to connect the flexible arm 20 and the lamp head 10.
In some embodiments, the flexible arm 20 and the lamp head 10 are fixed to each other via a fastener 24. The fastener is a screw, various bolts or the like, for example. In the case, it can ensure the mounting strength between the flexible arm 20 and the lamp head 10, even after multiple detachments. Other fixing manners are feasible, for example through an adhesive or the like.
The detachable structure of the lamp head 10 and the flexible arm 20 allows adjusting of the orientation or direction of the lamp head according to the actual conditions. For example, in those embodiments in which one or more USB charging interfaces 50 are provided, the relative positions of the lamp head and the USB charging interface can be adjusted conveniently. In some embodiments, the relative rotational positions of the lamp head 10 and the flexible arm 20 can be adjusted among a plurality of positions. For example, this can be implemented by arranging a plurality of threaded holes at predetermined positions.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each terminal in the flexible arm 20 is one of a male plug and a female socket, while the corresponding terminal in the lamp head 10 is the other one of the male plug and the female socket. In the embodiment as shown, the terminal in the flexible arm 20 is in the form of pin. The lamp head is provided therein with a socket (not shown) for cooperating with the pin. It is to be understood that the wiring is provided only as an example, which can be other wiring manner known by those skilled in the art.
Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the lamp 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment, only one USB charging interface 50 is shown. As shown in Fig. 4, the mounting and power supply unit 30 includes a power supply module 32 and a mounting frame 34. The mounting frame 34 is adapted to fix the power supply module 32 to the connection box 40. The mounting and power supply unit 30 further includes a panel cover 36 for covering the mounting frame 34. In particular, the panel cover 36 is provided with a hole 382 and an opening 384. The flexible arm 20 passes through and project from the hole 382, and the USB charging interface 50 is accessible via the opening 384. Therefore, the user can insert the USB data line conveniently into the power supply module 32 via the opening 384.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the power supply module 32 is provided with N pole and L pole terminals at one side adjacent the connection box 40, and provided with a USB charging port at one side adjacent the user. The power supply module 32 has a size adapted for the connection box, and configured to receive power from the N pole and L pole terminals from the connection box 40 for supplying power to the light source and the charging interface 50.
In some embodiments, the mounting and power supply unit 30 has a modular structure design, for example, an assembly mainly comprised of three components. In the embodiment as shown, the mounting and power supply unit 30 includes a power supply module 32, a mounting frame 34 and a panel cover 36. As such, the power supply module of the lamp 100 has a significantly simplified structure and enables convenient mounting, and none of the components of the power supply module is accessible to the user, which further improves safety and aesthetics of the lamp 100.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the power supply module 32 can have a snap-fit engagement structure, and the mounting frame 34 is provided with a matching engagement structure. Hence, the power supply module 32 and the mounting frame 34 are snap-fitted to each other, thereby further simplifying mounting and detachment of the power supply module 32 and the mounting frame 34. Likewise, in some embodiments, the cover 3 can have a snap-fit engagement structure, and the mounting frame 34 is provided with a corresponding engagement structure for cooperating with the cover 32. As a result, the cover 3 and the mounting frame 34 are snap-fitted to each other, thereby further simplifying engagement of the cover 3 and the mounting frame 34.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, in order to ensure the mounting strength to prevent accidental slide-off of the mounting frame, the lamp 100 further includes a fastener (for example, a screw) for fastening the mounting frame 34 to the connection box 40.
The panel cover 36 further includes a bracket 39 arranged at an outer periphery for supporting an article. For example, when a device is charging, such as a mobile device, tablet computer and the like, the device to be charged is placed on the bracket 39 so as to provide more convenience for the user.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel cover 36 can be an integral member. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the panel cover 36 is comprised of a plurality of components. For example, in the embodiment as shown, the panel cover 36 includes a first cover 37 and a second cover 38 arranged at the inner side of the first cover 37. The first cover 37 and the second cover 38 can be snap-fitted to the mounting frame 34, respectively. In this detachable mounting manner, mounting and detachment become convenient. Additionally, the configuration including a plurality of covers can further enhance the aesthetics.
It is to be understood that the above description is only provided for illustration, rather than limitation. It is to be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in other manners, without these details. Further, in order not to blur the present disclosure , the unnecessary details on the known functions and structures are omitted in the above description.
Although particular embodiments are illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art would realize that any arrangement capable of accomplishing the same objective can be used to replace the particular embodiments as shown, and the present disclosure has other applications in other environments. The present application intends to cover any modification to or variant of the present disclosure. The appended claims should not be construed as that the scope of the present disclosure is confined within the particular embodiments described herein.

Claims

A lamp (100), comprising:
a lamp head (10) comprising a light source mounted therein;

a flexible arm (20) comprising conducting wires arranged therein; and

a mounting and power supply unit (30) adapted to be mounted in a connection box (40), and configured to receive power from a terminal of the connection box (40) and transmit the power via the conducting wires to the light source in the lamp head (10), the mounting and power supply unit (30) comprising a mounting frame (34) for fixing a power supply module (32) to the connection box (40), and a panel cover (36) for covering the mounting frame (34), wherein the panel cover (36) is provided with a hole (382) allowing the flexible arm (20) to pass therethrough and project therefrom,

characterized in that the panel cover (36) further comprises a bracket (39) arranged at an outer periphery for supporting an article.
The lamp (100) of claim 1, characterized in that the mounting and power supply unit (30) is integrated with at least one USB charging interface (50).
The lamp (100) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lamp head (10) is adapted to be connected to the flexible arm (20) in a detachable manner.
The lamp (100) of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the flexible arm (20) is provided with a columnar portion (22) at one side of the lamp head, and the lamp head comprises a cylinder portion (12) adapted to receive the columnar portion.
The lamp (100) of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible arm (20) and the lamp head (10) are fixed to each other via a fastener.
The lamp (100) of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a terminal in the flexible arm (20) is one of a male plug and a female socket, and a terminal in the lamp head (10) is the other of the male plug and the female socket.
The lamp (100) of claim 2, characterized in that the power supply module (32) of the mounting and power supply unit (30) has a size adapted for the connection box (40) and is configured to receive power from a terminal of the connection box (40) to supply power to the light source and the at least one USB charging interface (50); and
wherein the panel cover (36) is further provided with an opening (384) via which the at least one USB charging interface (50) is accessible.
The lamp (100) of claim 7, characterized in that the power supply module (32) is snap-fitted to the mounting frame (34), and the lamp (100) further comprises a fastener for fastening the mounting frame (34) to the connection box (40).
The lamp (100) of claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the panel cover (36) comprises a first cover (37) and a second cover (38) located at an inner side of the first cover (37), the first cover (37) and the second cover (38) are snap-fitted to the mounting frame (34), respectively.
The lamp (100) of any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the lamp (100) is a bedside lamp.