Patent Publication Number: US-11035554-B2

Title: Motion sensitive lamp with coupling mechanism

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a motion sensitive lamp, and more particularly to a motion sensitive lamp with a coupling mechanism. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Generally, a motion sensitive lamp at least comprises a base and a lamp body. For installing the motion sensitive lamp on a wall or a ceiling, the base is firstly connected with a wire that is buried within the wall or the ceiling. Since electric power is transmitted to the base through the wire, the lamp body assembled with the base can be illuminated. However, the process of assembling the lamp body with the base still has some drawbacks. For example, it is difficult for the user to see the coupling structures of the lamp body and the base during the assembling process. Moreover, since the coupling structures of the lamp body and the base of the commercially-available motion sensitive lamp are very complicated, it is difficult to assemble the lamp body with the base or disassemble the lamp from the base. 
     Therefore, there is a need of providing a motion sensitive lamp that can be operated easily and assembled or disassembled quickly. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For solving the drawbacks of the conventional technologies, the present invention provides a motion sensitive lamp with a coupling mechanism. The motion sensitive lamp can be operated easily and assembled or disassembled quickly. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a motion sensitive lamp is provided. The motion sensitive lamp at least includes a lamp body, a base and a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes an engaging structure, a positioning structure and a limiting element. Moreover, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the base. The limiting element is installed on one of the lamp body and the base. The engaging structure is inserted into the positioning structure, so that the lamp body is locked on or coupled with the base. When an external force is applied to the limiting element, the external force results in a displacement of the limiting element. Consequently, the limiting element is inserted into one of the base and the lamp body. 
     In an embodiment, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the base. 
     In an embodiment, the lamp body includes a coupling wall, the positioning structure is formed on an inner surface of the coupling wall, and the engaging structure is formed on the base. 
     In an embodiment, the engaging structure is a convex structure, and the positioning structure is a concave structure corresponding to the convex structure. The limiting element is pushed against or contacted with a portion of the convex structure in response to the displacement, so that the lamp body and the base are limited. 
     In an embodiment, the positioning structure includes a first positioning part and a second positioning part. When the lamp body is assembled with the base, the engaging structure is clamped between the first positioning part and the second positioning part, a first contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against or contacted with the first positioning part, and a second contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against or contacted with the second positioning part. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element is installed on the coupling wall, and opposed to the second positioning part along an axial direction. When the first contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against or contacted with the first positioning part, the limiting element is pushed against or contacted with the second contact surface of the engaging structure in response to the displacement. Consequently, the engaging structure is clamped and limited by the limiting element. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element is a rotary element or a pressing element. When the external force results in the displacement of the limiting element, the limiting element is engaged with or disengaged from the second contact surface of the engaging structure. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element includes a stopping part. The stopping part is engaged with or disengaged from the second contact surface of the engaging structure in response to the displacement. 
     In an embodiment, the base includes a first electric terminal, and the lamp body includes a second electric terminal corresponding to the first electric terminal. When the lamp body and base are coupled with each other through the coupling mechanism, the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are electrically connected with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the base further includes a junction box, and at least one wire is electrically connected with the first electric terminal through the junction box. 
     In an embodiment, the lamp body includes a light-emitting element and a human sensor. The light-emitting element is electrically connected with the human sensor. The human sensor detects whether a human body enters a sensitive range. If the human sensor detects that the human body enters the sensitive range, the human sensor generates a human sensing signal, and the light-emitting element emits plural light beams in response to the human sensing signal. 
     In an embodiment, the human sensor includes at least one of a passive infrared motion sensor and a microwave sensor. 
     In an embodiment, the lamp body further includes a light-transmissible element. The light-transmissible element includes a first light-outputting surface, a second light-outputting surface and plural microstructures. The second light-outputting surface is opposed to the first light-outputting surface. The plural microstructures are formed on at least one of the first light-outputting surface and the second light-outputting surface. A travelling direction of the plural light beams and the plural microstructures are in a vertical interference relationship or a non-parallel interference relationship. 
     In an embodiment, the plural microstructures are V-shaped optical refractive structures, U-shaped optical refractive structures, curvy optical refractive structures, or the combination thereof. 
     If the light beams are not received by the plural microstructures, the light-transmissible element is in a visual penetration state. Whereas, if the light beams are received and refracted by the plural microstructures, the light-transmissible element is in an illumination state. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a motion sensitive lamp is provided. The motion sensitive lamp at least includes a lamp body, a base and coupling mechanism. The lamp body includes a light-emitting element and a human sensor. The light-emitting element is electrically connected with the human sensor. The coupling mechanism includes an engaging structure, a positioning structure and a limiting element. Moreover, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the base. The limiting element is installed on one of the lamp body and the base. The engaging structure is inserted into the positioning structure, so that the lamp body is locked on or coupled with the base. When an external force is applied to the limiting element, the external force results in a displacement of the limiting element. Consequently, the limiting element is inserted into one of the base and the lamp body. 
     In an embodiment, the human sensor includes at least one of a passive infrared motion sensor and a microwave sensor. 
     In an embodiment, the human sensor detects whether a human body enters a sensitive range. If the human sensor detects that the human body enters the sensitive range, the human sensor generates a human sensing signal, and the light-emitting element emits plural light beams in response to the human sensing signal. 
     In an embodiment, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the base. 
     In an embodiment, the lamp body includes a coupling wall, the positioning structure is formed on an inner surface of the coupling wall, and the engaging structure is formed on the base. 
     In an embodiment, the engaging structure is a convex structure, and the positioning structure is a concave structure corresponding to the convex structure. The limiting element is pushed against or contacted with a portion of the convex structure in response to the displacement, so that the lamp body and the base are limited. 
     In an embodiment, the positioning structure includes a first positioning part and a second positioning part. When the lamp body is assembled with the base, the engaging structure is clamped between the first positioning part and the second positioning part, a first contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against or contacted with the first positioning part, and a second contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against or contacted with the second positioning part. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element is installed on the coupling wall, and opposed to the second positioning part. When the first contact surface of the engaging structure is pushed against the first positioning part, the limiting element is pushed against or contacted with the second contact surface of the engaging structure in response to the displacement. Consequently, the engaging structure is clamped and limited by the limiting element. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element is a rotary element or a pressing element. When the external force results in the displacement of the limiting element, the limiting element is engaged with or disengaged from the second contact surface of the engaging structure. 
     In an embodiment, the limiting element includes a stopping part. The stopping part is engaged with or disengaged from the second contact surface of the engaging structure in response to the displacement. 
     In an embodiment, the base includes a first electric terminal, and the lamp body includes a second electric terminal corresponding to the first electric terminal. When the lamp body and base are coupled with each other through the coupling mechanism, the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are electrically connected with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the base further includes a junction box, and at least one wire is electrically connected with the first electric terminal through the junction box. 
     From the above descriptions, the motion sensitive lamp of the present invention includes the engaging structure, the positioning structure and the limiting element. The engaging structure and the positioning structure are engaged with or coupled with each other. When an external force is applied to the limiting element to result in a displacement of the limiting element, the connection relationship between the lamp body and the base is limited. In other words, it is not necessary to use an additional tool to assembly the lamp body with the base. Since the procedures of assembling the motion sensitive lamp are reduced, the motion sensitive lamp can be assembled or disassembled simply and quickly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic exploded views illustrating a motion sensitive lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention and taken along different viewpoints; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the assembled structure of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 3A , in which the limiting element is inserted into the base; and 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The embodiments of present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the following drawings. In the following embodiments and drawings, the elements irrelevant to the concepts of the present invention or the elements well known to those skilled in the art are omitted. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are schematic exploded views illustrating a motion sensitive lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention and taken along different viewpoints.  FIG. 2A  is a schematic exploded view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention. The structure of the motion sensitive lamp will be illustrated with reference to these drawings. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B , the motion sensitive lamp  10  comprises a lamp body  110 , a base  120  and a coupling mechanism  130 . The lamp body  110  is selectively coupled with or detached from the base  120  through the coupling mechanism  130 . When the lamp body  110  is coupled with the base  120 , the lamp body  110  is and the base  120  are electrically connected with each other. Alternatively, the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are easily and quickly detached from each other in response to an external force. 
     The lamp body  110  comprises a coupling wall  1101 , a first electric terminal  1102 , a light-emitting element  111 , a light-transmissible element  112  and a human sensor  113 . The coupling wall  1101  is located at a first side of the lamp body  110  and protruded toward the base  120 . In an embodiment, the coupling wall  1101  is a cup-shaped protrusion structure including a bottom plate (not shown) and a ring-shaped structure. When the coupling wall  1101  is connected with the base  120 , the base  120  is accommodated within the coupling wall  1101 . The first electric terminal  1102  is arranged between the coupling wall  1101  and the base  120 . The light-transmissible element  112  and the human sensor  113  are installed on the lamp body  110 . It is noted that the profile of the coupling wall  1101  may be varied according to the practical requirements. 
     The light-transmissible element  112  comprises a first light-outputting surface  112   a , a second light-outputting surface  112   b  and plural microstructures  1121 . The plural microstructures  1121  are formed on the second light-outputting surface  112   b . In an embodiment, the spacing intervals between adjacent microstructures  1121  are gradually decreased along the direction away from the light-emitting element  111 . The light-emitting element  111  is disposed within the lamp body  110  and located near the light-transmissible element  112 . Moreover, the light-emitting element  111  is electrically connected with the human sensor  113 . The human sensor  113  is used for detecting whether a human body enters a sensitive range. If the human sensor  113  detects that a human body enters the sensitive range, the human sensor  113  generates a human sensing signal. In response to the human sensing signal, the light-emitting element  111  emits plural light beams. An example of the human sensor  113  includes but is not limited to a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor or a microwave sensor. 
     The base  120  comprises a junction box  121  with a second electric terminal  1211 . The junction box  121  is located at a first side of the base  120  that faces the coupling wall  1101 . Moreover, the second electric terminal  1211  is disposed within the junction box  121  and aligned with the first electric terminal  1102 . When the lamp body  110  is coupled with the base  120  through the coupling mechanism  130 , the first electric terminal  1102  and the second electric terminal  1211  are electrically connected with each other. Consequently, the lamp body  110  and the base  120  can be coupled with each other in a simple manner and electrically connected with each other quickly. 
     The coupling mechanism  130  comprises a positioning structure  131 , an engaging structure  132  and a limiting element  133 . 
     The positioning structure  131  comprises a first positioning part  1311  and a second positioning part  1312 . The first positioning part  1311  and the second positioning part  1312  are formed on an inner surface  1101   a  of the coupling wall  1101 . Moreover, the second positioning part  1312  is closer to the base  120  than the first positioning part  1311 . In an embodiment, the first positioning part  1311  is a ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 , and the second positioning part  1312  is a bulge. The bulge  1312  is located near the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 . Moreover, there is a gap (not shown) between the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311  and the bulge  1312 . 
     The limiting element  133  comprises a stopping structure  1331 . The limiting element  133  is installed on the coupling wall  1101 . Moreover, the limiting element  133  and the second positioning part  1312  (e.g., a bulge) are opposed to each other along an axial direction. While the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are combined together, an external force is applied to the limiting element  133  to result in a displacement of the limiting element  133 . Consequently, the stopping structure  1331  is inserted into the base  120 . In an embodiment, the limiting element  133  is a rotary element  133 . In response to the external force, the rotary element  133  is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. 
     A process of assembling the lamp body  110  with the base  120  will be described as follows. Please refer to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B .  FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the assembled structure of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 3A , in which the limiting element is inserted into the base.  FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of the motion sensitive lamp as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . When the lamp body  110  is assembled with the base  120 , the engaging structure  132  on the base  120  is pushed against or contacted with the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 . A portion of the engaging structure  132  is clamped between the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311  and the bulge  1312 . For example, a first contact surface  132   a  of the engaging structure  132  is pushed against or contacted with the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 , and a second contact surface  132   b  of the engaging structure  132  is pushed against or contacted with the bulge  1312 . Moreover, another portion of the engaging structure  132  near the limiting element  133  (e.g., the rotary element  133 ) is pushed against or contacted with the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 . When the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311  and the bulge  1312  are engaged with the engaging structure  132 , the first electric terminal  1102  and the second electric terminal  1211  are electrically connected with each other. 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . When an external force P in a clockwise direction is applied to the rotary element  133  on the coupling wall  1101 , the rotary element  133  is rotated in the clockwise direction. Consequently, the stopping structure  1331  is inserted into the base  120 , and the stopping structure  1331  is pushed against or contacted with the second contact surface  132   b  of the engaging structure  132 . In such way, the engaging structure  132  is clamped between the stopping structure  1331  and the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311 . That is, the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are fixedly coupled with each other. 
     When an external force P in a counterclockwise direction is applied to the rotary element  133 , the rotary element  133  is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, the stopping structure  1331  is disengaged from the base  120 , and the stopping structure  1331  is separated from the second contact surface  132   b  of the engaging structure  132 . In such way, the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are separated or detached from each other. When the ring-shaped protrusion edge  1311  and the bulge  1312  are disengaged from the engaging structure  132 , the first electric terminal  1102  and the second electric terminal  1211  are separated or detached from each other. 
     As mentioned above, the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are coupled with and electrically connected with each other through the engagement between the positioning structure  131  and the engaging structure  132 . When an external force is applied to the rotary element  133  to result in a displacement of the rotary element  133 , the connection relationship between the lamp body  110  and the base  120  is limited. Alternatively, when the stopping structure  1331  is separated from the second contact surface  132   b  of the engaging structure  132 , the lamp body  110  and the base  120  are separated or detached from each other quickly. 
     It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. That is, the structural designs and specifications of the components may be varied according to the practical requirements. 
     For example, the coupling mechanism may have various modifications. In another embodiment, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is installed on the base. Moreover, the limiting element is installed on one of the lamp body and the base. When the lamp body and the base are coupled with each other, the limiting element is inserted into the other of the of the lamp body and the base. Preferably but not exclusively, one of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the lamp body, and the other of the engaging structure and the positioning structure is integrally formed with the base. 
     In another embodiment, the engaging structure is a convex structure, and the positioning structure is a concave structure. When the convex structure is received within the concave structure, the limiting element is pushed against or contacted with a portion of the convex structure in response to the displacement. Consequently, the lamp body and base are limited by the limiting element. The example of the liming element is not restricted to the rotary element. For example, a variant example of the liming element is a pressing element. When an external force is applied on the pressing element to result in a displacement of the pressing element, the stopping part is inserted into at least one of the lamp body and the base to limit the lamp body and the base. 
     The microstructures of the light-transmissible element may be designed according to the practical requirements. For example, a spacing interval between two adjacent microstructures of the plural microstructures is different from a spacing interval between other two adjacent microstructures of the plural microstructures, or a spacing interval between every two adjacent microstructures of the plural microstructures is gradually decreased or increased along a direction away from the light-emitting element, or a depth of each microstructure relative to the light-outputting surface is gradually decreased or increased along a direction away from the light-emitting element. In another embodiment, the plural microstructures are formed on the first light-outputting surface. 
     The plural microstructures are V-shaped optical refractive structures, U-shaped optical refractive structures, curvy optical refractive structures, or the combination thereof. In case that the plural light beams are not received by the plural microstructures, the light-transmissible element is in a visual penetration state. In case that the plural light beams are received and refracted by the plural microstructures, the light-transmissible element is in an illumination state. Moreover, a travelling direction of the plural light beams and the plural microstructures are in a vertical interference relationship or a non-parallel interference relationship. 
     From the above descriptions, the motion sensitive lamp of the present invention includes the engaging structure, the positioning structure and the limiting element. The engaging structure and the positioning structure are engaged with or coupled with each other. When an external force is applied to the limiting element to result in a displacement of the limiting element, the connection relationship between the lamp body and the base is limited. In other words, it is not necessary to use an additional tool to assembly the lamp body with the base. Since the procedures of assembling the motion sensitive lamp are reduced, the motion sensitive lamp can be assembled simply and quickly. 
     While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.