Abstract:
A solar powered illumination device comprises solar panels arranged on a flexible holder, which is arranged on an upper surface of a support. A lower housing comprises an outer circumferential wall and an inner circumferential wall, wherein a drain hole is formed between the outer circumferential wall and the inner circumferential wall. A waterproof gasket is arranged between a lower surface of the support and the inner circumferential wall of the lower housing. As the flexible holder is secured on the support, the solar panels are prevented from being shaken or moved arbitrarily due to drastic shaking and therefore the energy conversion efficiency of the solar panels is retained. By means of the lower surface of the support, the waterproof gasket, the inner circumferential wall and the drain hole, a good water resistance can be obtained.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/674,838 filed on Nov. 12, 2012, now pending, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Chinese Patent Application No. 201510352456.9 filed Jun. 24, 2015; Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201520436676.5 filed on Jun. 24, 2015; Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201520436712.8 filed on Jun. 24, 2015; Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201520436738.2 filed on Jun. 24, 2015; Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201520436741.4 filed on Jun. 24, 2015; and Chinese Utility Model Application No. 201520436617.8 filed on Jun. 24, 2015, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates a solar powered illumination device, particularly to a decorative lamp to be used in a courtyard, outdoor site or indoor site. 
       DESCRIPTIONS OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Usually, a conventional horticultural or decorative illumination device powered by solar energy has a plurality of solar panels arranged outside a lamp cover. However, such an illumination device has problems that it has a larger volume and is less aesthetic and that the solar panels which are exposed may be damaged due to weather or be damaged by the human intentionally or unintentionally. 
         [0004]    In US Patent Publication No. US2014/0133138 A1, entitled “Illuminating Device Having Folding Solar Panels”, which was invented by the same inventor of this application, an illuminating device having two solar panels installed on a folding holder is disclosed, wherein the folding holder is put into a lamp cover in a folded state and then unfolded by pulling wires connected to the solar panels so that the solar panels have better energy conversion efficiency. Accordingly, an overall volume of the illumination device may be reduced. The quantity of acquired sunlight is increased because the solar panels are arranged on the top portion of the product and not shielded from the sun. 
         [0005]    However, the folding holder is not firmly retained in the illuminating device as disclosed in US2014/0133138A1, so that the folding holder has a tendency to loosen after a long-term use. In the long run, as the two solar panels cannot be kept horizontal, the energy conversion efficiency of the solar panels would be disadvantageously influenced. If the folding holder is overly loosened, the solar panels may be damaged due to impact, or broken due to swing of wires when a lamp is under drastic movement. The conventional illuminating device as disclosed in US2014/0133138A1 has a poor water resistance, and draining water from a lower housing may be difficult. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The major object of the invention is to provide a solar powered illumination device in order to reduce an overall volume of a lamp significantly, increase reliability, maintain better energy conversion efficiency, and improve water resistance. 
         [0007]    In order to achieve the above objects, a solar powered illumination device according to the invention comprises a hollow lamp cover, a light source, at least two solar panels, a flexible holder, a support, a control circuit board, a waterproof gasket and a lower housing, wherein the hollow lamp cover comprises an opening, and the at least two solar panels are arranged on the flexible holder, which is arranged on an upper surface of the support. In addition, the control circuit board is arranged on the lower surface of the support with the at least two solar panels being electrically connected to the control circuit board. The lower housing comprises an outer circumferential wall and an inner circumferential wall, and the outer circumferential wall is spaced from the inner circumferential wall with a drain hole provided between the two walls. The support is arranged on the lower housing, and the waterproof gasket is arranged between a lower surface of the support and the inner circumferential wall of the lower housing. The hollow lamp cover is installed in the lower housing in such a manner that the flexible holder is folded at a specific angle and then passes through the opening of the hollow lamp cover. 
         [0008]    According to the invention, the flexible holder is fitted on the upper surface of the support firmly so that the solar panels will not be shaken or moved arbitrarily, and hence the energy conversion efficiency is not affected. The wires connected to the solar panels will not be damaged by drastic shaking. With the aid of the configuration having the lower surface of the support, the waterproof gasket, and the inner circumferential wall of the lower housing, a good water resistance is available. In addition, with the arrangement of the drain hole, even though water enters into the lower housing, water can be drained. 
         [0009]    Further, the support has a lower surface which is provided with an annular groove, the waterproof gasket is arranged in the annular groove, and the inner circumferential wall is abutted on the waterproof gasket in the annular groove of the support. 
         [0010]    Still Further, the waterproof gasket has a U-shaped cross-section which is fit to the inner circumferential wall of the lower housing. 
         [0011]    Preferably, the invention further comprises a retaining plate which is arranged between the upper surface of the support and the flexible holder. The retaining plate comprises at least two spring-loaded supporting brackets extend outward of the retaining plate, wherein when the hollow lamp cover is installed in the lower housing, the at least two spring-loaded supporting brackets is abut against an inner wall surface of the hollow lamp cover. Accordingly, the light source and the flexible holder are retained in the lamp cover by the retaining plate. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, the flexible holder of the invention comprises a central through hole, the retaining plate comprises a central opening, and a central sleeve comprising a passage is formed on the upper surface of the support, in which the central sleeve is fitted into the central opening of the retaining plate, the light source and the at least two solar panels are electrically connected with the control circuit board arranged on the lower surface of the support through the central through hole and the passage. In other words, the wires for connecting the light source and the at least two solar panels pass through the central through hole and the passage, and are electrically connected with the control circuit board on the lower surface of the support. 
         [0013]    In addition, according to the invention, at least one stud may be formed on the upper surface of the support, and at least one support sleeve may be formed on a lower surface of the flexible holder, wherein the at least one support sleeve has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the at least one stud, and the at least one stud is fitted into the at least one support sleeve. Accordingly, the support sleeve and the stud may serve to locate and retain the flexible holder. Since each of the support sleeve and the stud has a certain height, the flexible holder can be positioned at a higher level so that the flexible holder is spaced from the support and the retaining plate by a certain distance. Therefore, the spring-loaded supporting brackets would not interfere with the flexible holder so that the flexible holder can be unfolded sufficiently and the effective sunlight receiving area of the at least two solar panels may be not reduced. 
         [0014]    Preferably, at least one upright sleeve may be formed on an inner bottom surface of the lower housing, and at least one retaining post may be formed on the lower surface of the support, wherein the at least one upright sleeve has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the at least one retaining post, and the at least one retaining post is fitted into the at least one upright sleeve. Moreover, the at least one upright sleeve may comprise a hollow portion in which an inner shoulder may be provided, and a lower end face of the at least one retaining post may be abutted on the inner shoulder. Accordingly, the retaining post and the upright sleeve may serve to locate and retain the support. Since the upright sleeve is provided with the inner shoulder, the position and height of the support with respect to the lower housing can be kept. 
         [0015]    Further, a slot may be formed on an inner bottom surface of the lower housing, and the control circuit board may comprise a switch a part of which is extended out of the lower housing through the slot. Accordingly, the switch of the invention may be arranged on a bottom surface of the lower housing so as to avoid impact on the whole aesthetic appearance due to the switch and prevent water from entering into the lower housing. 
         [0016]    Moreover, the control circuit board of the invention may be arranged on the lower surface of the support in such a manner that the control circuit board is vertical to the lower surface of the support, and the switch may comprise an operating element a part of which may be extended out of the lower housing through the slot. Accordingly, the mechanisms or electronic elements may be arranged in the lower housing compactly, and assemblage becomes convenient. Preferably, the invention may further comprise a battery module arranged on the lower surface of the support and electrically connected with the control circuit board. 
         [0017]    Moreover, the invention may further comprise two conductive metal straps arranged on the lower surface of the support, each of the two conductive metal straps having one end electrically connected with the control circuit board and the other end electrically connected with the battery module. Accordingly, the invention may reduce soldering points and facilitate assemblage, and hence cost may be reduced effectively. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view showing a solar powered illumination device of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment of the present invention after removing a hollow lamp. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view showing a support and a lower housing of the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing a flexible holder, a retaining plate, a support and a control circuit board of the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view showing a support and a lower housing of a solar powered illumination device of a second embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view showing a flexible holder, a retaining plate, a support and a control circuit board of the solar powered illumination device of the second embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to  FIGS. 1-8  of the drawings in which like numbers refer to like features of the invention. The drawings are made schematically for illustrative purpose and not drawn to scale. A part of the details of the lamp may be not shown in the drawings. 
         [0028]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , wherein  FIG. 1  is an exploded view showing a solar powered illumination device of a first embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment of the present invention after removing a hollow lamp cover,  FIG. 3  is an exploded view showing a support and a lower housing of the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment,  FIG. 4  is a sectional view showing a flexible holder, a retaining plate, a support and a control circuit board of the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment, and  FIG. 5  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0029]    As shown in the figures, the solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment comprises a hollow lamp cover  2 , a light source  3 , two solar panels  4 , a flexible holder  5 , a retaining plate  60 , a support  6 , a control circuit board  7 , a battery module  71 , a waterproof gasket  8  and a lower housing  9 . The hollow lamp cover  2  comprises an opening  21 . The flexible holder  5  comprises two carriers  53  for carrying the two solar panels  4 , respectively, wherein a portion connecting the two carriers  53  is flexible. A central through hole is provided between the two carriers  53  of the flexible holder  5 , and two support sleeves  511  are formed on a lower surface of the flexible holder  5 . 
         [0030]    In addition, the retaining plate  60  is arranged under the flexible holder  5  and is provided with two spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  extending outward from the retaining plate  60 . The retaining plate  60  is formed with a central opening  600  and two bores  602 . On the other hand, a central sleeve  64  and two studs  611  are formed on an upper surface  61  of the support  6 , wherein the central sleeve  64  comprises a passage  641  corresponding to the central opening  600  of the retaining plate  60  and the central through hole  51  of the flexible holder  5 . The central sleeve  64  and the studs  611  of the support  6  are fitted into the central opening  600  and the two bores  602  of the retaining plate  60 , respectively. Also, the support sleeve  511  has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the stud  611 , so that the two studs  611  can be fitted into the two support sleeves  511 , respectively. As shown in the figures, the retaining plate  60  is secured on the upper surface  61  of the support  6  by two screws  65 , and the flexible holder  5  is secured on the support  6  by two additional screws  52  which extend through the two support sleeves  511  and then are screwed onto the two studs  611 . 
         [0031]    Accordingly, the support sleeve  511  and the studs  611  in the first embodiment may serve to locate and retain the flexible holder  5 . Since each of the support sleeve  511  and the studs  611  has a certain height, the flexible holder  5  can be positioned at a higher level so that the flexible holder  5  is spaced from the support  6  and the retaining plate  60  by a certain distance. Therefore, the spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  would not interfere with the flexible holder  5  so that the flexible holder  5  can be unfolded sufficiently and the effective sunlight receiving area of the two solar panels  4  may be not reduced. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an annular groove  621  is circumferentially formed on a lower surface  62  of the support  6 , and the waterproof gasket  8  is disposed in the annular groove  621 . In addition, the control circuit board  7  and the battery module  71  are also arranged on the lower surface  62  of the support  6 . In the first embodiment, the control circuit board  7  is laid on the lower surface  62  of the support  6 , and the control circuit board  7  comprises a switch facing downwards. In addition, the light source  3  and the solar panels  4  are electrically connected with the control circuit board  7  located on the lower surface  62  of the support  6  by conductive wires extending through the central through hole  51  and the passage  641 , and the battery module  71  is electrically connected with the control circuit board  7  by conductive wires. 
         [0033]    Still, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , two retaining posts  622  are formed on the lower surface  62  of the support  6 . The lower housing  9  comprises an outer circumferential wall  91  and an inner circumferential wall  92 . Three drain holes  90  are equidistantly formed between the outer circumferential wall  91  and the inner circumferential wall  92 . Two upright sleeves  94  and a slot  930  are formed on an inner bottom surface  93  of the lower housing  9 . An inner diameter of the upright sleeve  94  is greater than an outer diameter of the retaining post  622 , so that the retaining posts  622  may be fitted into the upright sleeves  94 . The upright sleeve  94  comprises a hollow portion  940  provided with an inner shoulder  941  therein, and a lower end face of the retaining post  622  is abutted on the inner shoulder  941 , thereby the position and height of the support  6  with respect to the lower housing  9  are kept. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the support  6  is secured on the lower housing  9  by two long screws  95  which extend through the hollow portions  940  of the upright sleeves  94  and are screwed onto the two retaining posts  622 , respectively. As the inner circumferential wall  92  is abutted on the waterproof gasket  8  in the annular groove  621  of the support  6 , a drain path is formed between the outer circumferential wall  91  and the inner circumferential wall  92 . If water flows into the lower housing  9  along the hollow lamp cover  2 , the water would flow into the space between the outer circumferential wall  91  and the inner circumferential wall  92  and be drained out through the drain holes  90 . As such, the water is prevented from permeating through the inner circumferential wall  92 , and the internal circuits are protected from the water. 
         [0035]    On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , a part of the switch  72  on the control circuit board  7  extends out of the lower housing  9  through the slot  930 . The solar powered illumination device of the first embodiment further comprises a waterproof cover  74  for covering the part of the switch  72 . As such, water or moisture can be prevented from entering into the lower housing  9  through a gap between the switch  72  and the slot  930 , and the switch  72  is isolated from water or moisture. 
         [0036]    How to assembling the lamp is described below. The solar panels  4  are installed on the carriers  53  of the flexible holder  5 . The control circuit board  7 , the battery module  71  and the waterproof gasket  8  are installed on the support  6 . The retaining plate  60  is mounted on the upper surface  61  of the support  6 , and then the flexible holder  5  is placed above the retaining plate  60  and secured on the support  6 . The light source  3 , the solar panels  4 , the control circuit board  7  and the battery module  71  are electrically connected with each other. Then, the support  6  is mounted on the lower housing  9 . 
         [0037]    The hollow lamp cover  2  is assembled on the lower housing  9  by bending the two spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  together with the flexible holder  5  to a specific angle and then passing the same through the opening  21  of the hollow lamp cover  2 . After the two spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  with the flexible holder  5  pass through the opening  21  of the hollow lamp cover  2 , the two spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  spring back due to the elastic force with the ends of two spring-loaded supporting brackets  601  being abutted on an inner wall surface of the hollow lamp cover  2  so that the flexible holder  5  is unfolded, and the light source  3  and the flexible holder  5  are held within the hollow lamp cover  2 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 ,  FIG. 6  is an exploded view showing a support and a lower housing of a solar powered illumination device of a second embodiment.  FIG. 7  is a bottom view showing a flexible holder, a retaining plate, the support and a control circuit board of the solar powered illumination device of the second embodiment.  FIG. 8  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that in the second embodiment, the control circuit board  7  is vertically positioned, and instead of the conductive wires, conductive metal straps  73  are used and connected to the battery module  71 . 
         [0039]    In the second embodiment, the control circuit board  7  is arranged on and vertical to the lower surface  62  of the support  6 . The switch  72  is L-shaped, and the side where electrical contacts are arranged is perpendicular to the side where an operating element  721  is arranged. The electrical contacts of the switch  72  are soldered on the vertical control circuit board  7 . The operating element  721  extends downwards, and a part of the operating element  721  is protruded out of the lower housing  9  through the slot  930 . Accordingly, the mechanisms or electronic elements may be arranged in the lower housing  9  compactly. Instead of the conventional conductive wires, the two conductive metal straps  73  are used in such a manner that each conductive metal strap  73  has one end electrically connected with the control circuit board  7  and the other end electrically connected with the battery module  71 . Accordingly, soldering operation may be reduced, reliability may be improved, assemblage may be further convenient, and cost may be reduced. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 9  is a sectional view showing the solar powered illumination device of the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that in the third embodiment, the waterproof gasket  81  has an U-shaped cross-section which is fit to the inner circumferential wall  92  of the lower housing  9 . In other words, the waterproof gasket  81  with a U-shaped cross-section can be installed on the inner circumferential wall  92  of the lower housing  9  directly, and the annular groove  621  can be omitted. 
         [0041]    While this invention has been described in reference to the preferred embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but that is have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.