U.S. patent application number 15/387893 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-06 for illuminating device having folding solar panels.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kuei-Hsiang Chang. Invention is credited to Kuei-Hsiang CHANG.
Application Number | 20170097129 15/387893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49375588 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170097129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHANG; Kuei-Hsiang |
April 6, 2017 |
ILLUMINATING DEVICE HAVING FOLDING SOLAR PANELS
Abstract
An illuminating device having folding solar panels, which
comprises a lamp cover, a light source, two solar panels, and a
folding holder on which the two solar panels are positioned. The
opening of the lamp cover is smaller than the deployed area of the
folding holder. When it is intended to place the light source,
solar panels, and folding holder inside the lamp cover, the folding
holder are folded by a predetermined angle so as to pass through
the opening of the lamp cover. Accordingly, the illuminating device
may significantly reduce the overall volume thereof without
compromising the working efficiency. The illuminating device is
flexible in arrangement and assembly, and is also more flexible in
construction since the solar panels may be positioned at the
highest portion to absorb more sunlight.
Inventors: |
CHANG; Kuei-Hsiang;
(Antioch, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chang; Kuei-Hsiang |
Antioch |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49375588 |
Appl. No.: |
15/387893 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13674838 |
Nov 12, 2012 |
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15387893 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 20/72 20130101;
F21V 17/06 20130101; F21V 23/002 20130101; F21W 2131/109 20130101;
F21W 2131/10 20130101; F21V 3/00 20130101; F21S 9/037 20130101;
F21V 31/005 20130101; F21V 15/01 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21S 9/03 20060101
F21S009/03; F21V 31/00 20060101 F21V031/00; F21V 17/06 20060101
F21V017/06; F21V 15/01 20060101 F21V015/01; F21V 23/00 20060101
F21V023/00; F21V 3/00 20060101 F21V003/00 |
Claims
1. An illuminating device having folding solar panels comprising:
an enclosed hollow lamp cover having at least one opening with a
diameter; a light source electrically connected to a lead line; at
least two solar panels for supplying electrical power to the light
source; and a foldable holder having a bore, the at least two solar
panels being borne on the foldable holder, and the lead line of the
light source being passed through the bore; wherein the diameter of
the opening of the lamp cover is smaller than a size of the
foldable holder in an unfolded form, wherein the foldable holder is
folded to form a predetermined angle so as to pass through the
opening of the lamp cover, in order to place the foldable holder,
the solar panels and the light source inside the lamp cover or to
remove therefrom the lamp cover, and wherein the foldable holder is
unfolded in the unfolded form such that the foldable holder along
with the solar panels and the light source are supported inside the
lamp cover, when the foldable holder is placed inside the lamp
cover.
2. The illuminating device according to claim 1, wherein the
foldable holder is comprised of at least two receiving seats hinged
to each other which are adapted to receive the at least two solar
panels.
3. The illuminating device according to claim 2, wherein the
foldable holder includes two receiving seats, the two solar panels
are electrically connected to an anode wire and a cathode wire,
respectively, each of the two receiving seats includes a through
hole through which the anode or cathode wire passes, so that after
placing the light source, the solar panels, and the foldable
holder, through the opening of the lamp cover, inside the lamp
cover, the two receiving seats are stretched to lie flat
horizontally by pulling the anode wire and cathode wire toward
outside the opening of the lamp cover.
4. The illuminating device according to claim 3, further
comprising: a retaining sheet having two or more elastic supporting
brackets provided on an upper surface of the retaining sheet, and a
central hole through which the lead line of the light source, the
anode wire, and the cathode wire of the solar panels pass, wherein
the two or more elastic supporting brackets are arranged through
the opening of the lamp cover to urge against the surface of inner
wall of the lamp cover.
5. The illuminating device according to claim 4, further
comprising: a water-resistant gasket having a grommet, wherein the
water-resistant gasket is provided underneath the retaining sheet,
the grommet is fastened in the central hole of the retaining sheet,
and the lead line of the light source, the anode wire and cathode
wire of the solar panels are arranged to pass through the grommet
in a tight fitting manner.
6. The illuminating device according to claim 5, further
comprising: a lower housing for accommodating the water-resistant
gasket and the retaining sheet therein and for covering the opening
of the lamp cover, and a plurality of screws, the plurality of
screws being arranged to extend through the lower housing and the
water-resistant gasket, and threaded into corresponding fixing
holes of the retaining sheet.
7. The illuminating device according to claim 3, further
comprising: an electric circuit board and a battery electrically
connected thereto, the light source and the solar panels being
electrically connected to the electric circuit board through the
lead line, anode wire, and cathode wire for charging the battery
and lighting the light source.
8. The illuminating device according to claim 3, wherein the
foldable holder is comprised of a foldable base plate and a pair of
U-shaped side walls to construct the two receiving seats, the pair
of U-shaped side walls being arranged opposite to each other with
the U-shaped side walls vertically extending from the base plate,
and being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.
9. The illuminating device according to claim 1, wherein the
predetermined angle ranges from 10.degree. to 170.degree..
10. A solar lighting assembly comprising: a lamp cover having an
opening at a bottom; an illuminating device mounted inside the lamp
cover, the illuminating device comprising: a light source
electrically connected to a lead line; at least two solar panels
for supplying electrical power to the light source; and a foldable
holder arranged to support the solar panels, and having a central
bore through which the lead line of the light source passes;
wherein the opening of the lamp cover is smaller than a size of the
foldable holder in an unfolded form, wherein the foldable holder is
folded to form a predetermined angle for passing through the
opening of the lamp cover, in order to place the foldable folder
along with the light source, solar panels inside the lamp cover or
to remove from the lamp cover, and wherein the foldable holder is
unfolded in the unfolded form such that the foldable holder along
with the solar panels and the light source are supported inside the
lamp cover, when the foldable holder along with the light source
and the solar panels are placed inside the lamp cover.
11. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
foldable holder comprises at least two receiving seats hinged to
each other which are adapted to receive the at least two solar
panels.
12. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
foldable holder includes two receiving seats to receive the two
solar panels which are electrically connected to an anode wire and
a cathode wire, respectively, each of the two receiving seats
includes a through hole through which the anode or cathode wire
passes, so that after placing the light source, the solar panels,
and the foldable holder, through the opening of the lamp cover,
inside the lamp cover, the two receiving seats are stretched to lie
flat horizontally by pulling the anode wire and cathode wire toward
outside the opening of the lamp cover.
13. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising: a retaining sheet having two or more elastic supporting
brackets provided on an upper surface of the retaining sheet, and a
central hole through which the lead line of the light source, the
anode wire, and the cathode wire of the solar panels pass, wherein
the two or more elastic supporting brackets are arranged through
the opening of the lamp cover to urge against the surface of inner
wall of the lamp cover.
14. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising: a water-resistant gasket having a grommet, wherein the
water-resistant gasket is provided underneath the retaining sheet,
the grommet is fastened in the central hole of the retaining sheet,
and the lead line of the light source, the anode wire and cathode
wire of the solar panels are arranged to pass through the grommet
in a tight fitting manner.
15. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 14, further
comprising: a lower housing for accommodating the water-resistant
gasket and the retaining sheet therein and for covering the opening
of the lamp cover, and a plurality of screws, the plurality of
screws being arranged to extend through the lower housing and the
water-resistant gasket, and threaded into corresponding fixing
holes of the retaining sheet.
16. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising: an electric circuit board and a battery electrically
connected thereto, the light source and the solar panels being
electrically connected to the electric circuit board through the
lead line, the anode wire, and the cathode wire for charging the
battery and lighting the light source.
17. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the
foldable holder comprises a foldable base plate and a pair of
U-shaped side walls to construct the two receiving seats, the pair
of U-shaped side walls being arranged opposite to each other with
the U-shaped side walls vertically extending from the base plate,
and being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.
18. The solar lighting assembly according to claim 10, wherein the
predetermined angle ranges from 10.degree. to 170.degree..
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
13/674,838 filed on Nov. 12, 2012, now pending, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Field of the invention
[0003] The present invention is related to an illuminating device
having folding solar panels mounted inside a lamp cover and, more
specifically, an illuminating device that does not need an external
power supply, but operates to store electricity and illuminate by
means of electricity generated by solar energy.
[0004] Background of the Invention
[0005] One common illuminating device that uses solar energy for
gardening or decoration purpose is as shown in FIG. 1A. Such an
illuminating device has a solar panel 91 provided outside a lamp
cover 93. However, such an arrangement occupies a lot of space and
is unesthetic. Further, as the solar panel 91 is exposed to outside
the lamp cover, it is prone to be damaged by weather or
inappropriate operation of user. Besides, as the solar panel 91 is
located at a lower altitude, it tends to be blocked by the
surrounding plants or objects, and the power generating efficiency
thereof is seriously affected.
[0006] To overcome the above defect, it has been suggested to
incorporate the solar panel 91 with the light source 92 inside the
lamp cover 93. Such arrangement may reduce the occupying space, and
protect the solar panel 91. However, as the volume of the solar
panel 91 increases, not only the volume of the lamp cover 93 has to
be increased accordingly, but also the opening 931 for the access
of the solar panel at the bottom of the lamp cover 93 has to be
enlarged to an extent for allowing the solar panel 91 to pass
through. Accordingly, the volume of the illuminating device will be
increased, and the base device mounted at the opening becomes
bulky, giving an unaesthetic appearance to the lamp, which is
disadvantageous to the gardening or decoration arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an
illuminating device having folding solar panels mounted inside the
lamp cover, which may significantly reduce the dimension of the
opening of the lamp cover to allow the same solar panel to pass
through, and yet do not have to compromise the working efficiency
of the solar panel. Besides, the illuminating device according to
this invention is esthetic in appearance, and is integral and
flexible in construction. Further, as the solar panel is located at
a higher altitude, it has more open space enable the solar panel to
collect maximum sunlight.
[0008] The illuminating device having folding solar panels
according to the present invention comprises a lamp cover, a light
source, at least two solar panels, and a folding holder.
[0009] The lamp cover comprises an opening, a light source
electrically connected to the lead line. The at least two solar
panels are electrically connected to the light source. The folding
holder comprises a bore through which the lead line of the light
source passes. The at least two solar panels are disposed on the
folding holder. The opening of the lamp cover is smaller than the
deployed area of the folding holder. When it is intended to place
the light source, solar panels, and folding holder inside the lamp
cover, or to remove the light source, solar panels, and folding
holder from the lamp cover, the folding holder is folded to form a
predetermined angle therebetween so as to pass through the opening
of the lamp cover.
[0010] The folding holder according to the present invention may
comprise at least two receiving seats pivotally connected to each
other which are adapted to receive at least two solar panels.
[0011] Preferably, the present invention comprises two solar
panels, and the folding holder comprises two receiving seats. The
two solar panels are connected in series or in parallel, and are
electrically connected to an anode wire and a cathode wire,
respectively. Each receiving seat includes a through hole through
which the anode or cathode wire may pass. After the light source,
solar panels, and folding holder have been placed inside the lamp
cover, the anode wire and cathode wire are pulled downwardly
towards the opening, so that the two receiving seats are stretched
flat to lie horizontally.
[0012] Accordingly, the folding holder according to the present
invention may be inserted into the lamp cover in a folded pattern,
and extend flat inside the lamp cover by pulling the anode wire and
cathode wire of the solar panels, so that the solar panels may have
a larger light absorption area.
[0013] More preferably, the present invention may comprise a
retaining sheet having at least two elastic supporting brackets and
a central hole through which the lead line, anode wire, and cathode
wire pass. The at least two elastic supporting brackets are
disposed on the upper surface of the retaining sheet, and at least
two elastic supporting brackets may urge against the inner wall
surface of the lamp cover. Accordingly, the present invention may
secure the light source and folding holder inside the lamp cover by
means of the retaining sheet.
[0014] More preferably, the present invention may further comprise
a water-resistant gasket having grommet. The water-resistant gasket
is arranged underneath the retaining sheet. The grommet is securely
attached to the central hole of the retaining sheet which the lead
line, anode wire, and cathode wire may pass in a fitting manner.
Accordingly, the grommet is designed to tightly secure the lead
line, anode wire, and cathode wire together, so that the light
source, folding holder, and solar panels are securely fixed. The
water-resistant gasket can effectively prevent the water from
leaking through between the lamp cover and lower housing to
jeopardize the electric circuit board and battery. Furthermore, the
tight fit provided by the grommet of the water-resistant gasket is
beneficial to secure the anode wire, cathode wire, and lead line of
the light source, so as to maintain the folding holder in the
substantially flat position, and to secure the light source on top
of the solar panels.
[0015] Furthermore, the folding holder of the present invention may
comprise a base plate, and two U-shaped side walls which are
arranged to oppose each other and extend vertically upwards from
the base plate. The two U-shaped side walls are spaced from each
other by a predetermined distance at the center portion of the base
plate. Accordingly, the folding holder can be folded easily at the
center portion where is absent in side wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments, in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of a conventional solar powered
illuminating device.
[0018] FIG. 1B is an exploded view of another conventional solar
powered illuminating device.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment
according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIGS. 4A to 4C are schematic views showing the operation of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0022] In describing the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, reference will be made to FIGS. 2 and 3, in which FIG. 2
is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment according to the
present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the preferred
embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in the
figures, an illuminating device having folding solar panels
according to the present invention comprises a lamp cover 2, a
light source 3, a pair of solar panels 4, a folding holder 5, a
retaining sheet 6, a water-resistant gasket 7, a lower housing 8,
an electric circuit board 82, and a battery 83.
[0023] The lamp cover 2 includes an opening 21, which is smaller
than the deployed area of the folding holder 5. That is, when the
folding holder 5 is extended, or when it is in its unfold form, it
may not pass through the opening 21. The light source 3 is
electrically connected to the lead line 31, and the pair of solar
panels 4 is electrically connected to the light source 3. In the
preferred embodiment, the light source 3 is a light emitting diode.
The folding holder 5 includes a pair of receiving seats 51, and a
central bore 52. The two receiving seats 51 are pivotally connected
to each other. Each of the two solar panels 4 is received in each
respective receiving seat 51. A lead line 31 of the light source 3
passes through the central bore 52. The folding holder 5 comprises
a base plate 53 and two U-shaped side walls 54 which are arranged
to oppose each other and extend vertically upwards from the base
plate 53. The two U-shaped side walls 54 are spaced from each other
by a predetermined distance D at the center portion of the base
plate 53. Accordingly, the folding holder 51 can be folded easily
at the center portion. In this preferred embodiment, the folding
holder 5 is integrally formed. However, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the folding holder according to this invention
is not limited to the embodiment described. The folding holder 5
can also be formed of a number of assembled parts.
[0024] The two solar panels 4 are serially connected to each other
and are electrically connected to an anode wire 41 and a cathode
wire 42, respectively. Each receiving seat 51 has a through hole
511 through which the anode or cathode wire 41, 42 may pass. The
retaining sheet 6 comprises a pair of elastic supporting brackets
61, a central hole 62, and a plurality of fixing holes 63. The two
elastic supporting brackets 61 are provided on the upper surface of
the retaining sheet 6, and may be extended outwardly to urge
against the inner wall surface 22 of the lamp cover 2, so as to
securely support the light source 3 and the folding holder 51
inside the lamp cover 2.
[0025] The water-resistant gasket 7 is arranged underneath the
retaining sheet 6. The water-resistant gasket 7 comprises a grommet
71 securely attached to the central hole 62, through which the lead
line 31, anode wire 41, and cathode wire 42 may pass in a fitting
manner. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, the grommet 71
is designed to tightly secure the lead line 31, anode wire 41, and
cathode wire 42 together, so that the light source 3, folding
holder 5, and solar panel 4 are securely fixed.
[0026] In the drawings, a lower housing 8, a plurality of screws
81, an electric circuit board 82, and a battery 83 are shown. The
electric circuit board 82 is electrically connected to the battery
83, and both the electric circuit board 82 and the battery 38 are
mounted in the lower housing 8. The light source 3 and the solar
panels 4 are electrically connected to the electric circuit board
82 through the lead line 31, anode wire 41, and cathode wire 42,
respectively.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C which schematically show
the operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the drawings, when it is intended to place the light
source 3, solar panels 4, and folding holder 5 inside the lamp
cover 2, the two receiving seats 51 of the folding holder 5 are
folded to form a predetermined angle therebetween so as to pass
through the opening 21 of the lamp cover 2. The predetermined angle
is preferably in the range of between 10.degree. and 170.degree.,
and most preferably, between 30.degree. and 160.degree.. After the
light source 3, solar panels 4, and folding holder 5 have been
placed inside the lamp cover 2, the anode wire 41 and cathode wire
42 are pulled downwardly towards the folding holder 5, so that the
two receiving seats 51 are stretched flat in a substantially
horizontal direction. At this point, the anode wire 41 and cathode
wire 42 are tightly secured by the grommet 71 of the
water-resistant gasket 7, to prevent them loosing of them, so as to
maintain the folding holder 5 in the substantially horizontal
position.
[0028] When the folding holder 5 lies completely flat in the lamp
cover 2, a plurality of screw 81 are extended upwardly from the
bottom of the lower housing 8, to pass through the lower housing 8
and water-resistant gasket 7 and threaded into the fixing holes 63
of the retaining sheet 6, so as to securely lock the retaining
sheet 6 to the lower housing 8, thus completing the assembling
process. The disassembling of the device can be easily accomplished
by simply reversing the above operation steps.
[0029] In view of the above, the folding holder 5 according to the
present invention may pass through the opening 21 of the lamp cover
2 in a folded pattern, and extend flat inside the lamp cover 2 by
pulling the anode wire 41 and cathode wire 42 of the solar panels
4, so that the solar panels 4 may have a larger light absorption
area. Accordingly, the solar panel can be inserted into the lamp
cover having an opening reduced in dimension, without compromising
the working efficiency of the solar panel.
[0030] Although the foregoing has been described in terms of
presently preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiment
described. The device of the present invention can be practiced
with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims. The description is thus to be regarded as
illustrative instead of limiting the present invention.
* * * * *