Patent ID: 12253243

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing. It should be understood that, when it is described that an element is “coupled” or “connected” to another element, the element may be “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to the other element or “coupled” or “connected” to the other element through a third element. In contrast, it should be understood that, when it is described that an element is “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements.

Please refer toFIG.1andFIG.2.FIG.1is an exploded view of a panel light having a high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2is a perspective view of the panel light having the high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG.1andFIG.2, the panel light1includes a backboard11, a light cover12, a light source panel13, and a power supply box14. The backboard11has an opening111and a step structure112. The opening111is disposed on one side of the backboard11, and the step structure112is disposed on the other side of the backboard11. In one embodiment, the backboard11may be made of a metal material such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, etc. In another embodiment, the backboard11may be made of a non-metal material, such as plastics.

The light source panel13is disposed inside the backboard11. In one embodiment, the light source panel13may include a circuit board and a plurality of light sources (such as LEDs, LED arrays, etc.). In another embodiment, the light source panel13may also be replaceable with a light tubes, bulb, or similar components.

The step structure112includes a top plane1121, a plurality of inclined planes1122, and an outer ring portion1123. In this embodiment, the number of inclined planes1122is four. In another embodiment, the number of inclined planes1122can be adjusted according to actual needs, and the step structure112can also vary according to actual needs.

The power supply box14is disposed on the outer ring portion1123. The power supply box14may contain a power module or other necessary components. The structure and function of the power module should be well known to those skilled in the art and thus are not elaborated here.

The junction box2is detachably disposed on the step structure112. The electric wire Wr can be a power line; one end of the electric wire Wr is connected to the power supply box14via the junction box2, and the other end of the electric wire Wr can be connected to an external power source (such as a utility power, generator, etc.). The number of electric wires Wr can be two or more; one of the electric wires Wr is a power line, and the other one can be a sensor line or other similar components.

The embodiment just exemplifies the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Please refer toFIG.3andFIG.4, which are a first schematic view and a second schematic view of the high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, the junction box2includes a first side wall W1, a second side wall W2, a third side wall W3, a fourth side wall W4, and a top surface TS.

The top surface TS has four side edges Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4. The first side wall W1, the second side wall W2, the third side wall W3, and the fourth side wall W4extend from the four side edges Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, respectively. The top surface TS may have three top knock-out holes HS, the number of which can be adjusted according to actual needs.

The first side wall W1has a first locking edge L1, a first inclined edge S1, and a first fixing edge F1. The first locking edge L1is connected to the first fixing edge F1via the first inclined edge S1. The first locking edge L1, the first inclined edge S1, and the first fixing edge F1are in contact with the outer ring portion1123, one of the inclined planes1122, and the top plane1121, respectively. The first side wall W1may have two first knock-out holes H1, the number of which can be adjusted according to actual needs. The first locking edge L1has a first locking portion FP1. In this embodiment, the first locking portion FP1is a locking sheet, which can be fixed to the outer ring portion1123by a locking element Fx (such as a screw, nail, etc.). Additionally, there is an included angle between the first locking edge L1(locking sheet) and a horizontal plane parallel to the top surface TS. When the first locking edge L1is fixed to the backboard11of the panel light2, the structure of the first locking edge L1can provide a downward torsion. The first fixing edge F1has a first fixing wing FW1, and the first fixing edge F1is fixed to the top plane1121via the first fixing wing FW1. Thus, the first inclined edge S1can be closely attached to the inclined plane1122.

The second side wall W2is opposite to the first side wall W1. The second side wall W2has a second locking edge L2, a second inclined edge S2, and a second fixing edge D2. The second locking edge L2is connected to the second fixing edge D2via the second inclined edge S2. The second locking edge L2, the second inclined edge S2, and the second fixing edge D2are in contact with the outer ring portion1123, one of the inclined planes1122, and the top plane1121, respectively. The second side wall W2may have two second knock-out holes H2, the number of which can be adjusted according to actual needs. The second locking edge L2has a second locking portion FP2. In this embodiment, the second locking edge L2has two second locking portions FP2, and the two second locking portions FP2are dowels. One side of the power supply box14has two slots corresponding to the two second locking portions FP2, so the two second locking portions FP2can be respectively inserted into the two slots, and the two second locking portions FP2can be fixed to the power supply box14. In another embodiment, the two second locking portions FP2can also be directly fixed to the outer ring portion1123by other fixing mechanisms. The second fixing edge D2has a second fixing wing FW2, and the second fixing edge D2is fixed to the top plane1121via the second fixing wing FW2. Thus, the second inclined edge S2can be closely attached to the inclined plane1122.

The third side wall W3is opposite to the fourth side wall W4. The third side wall W3has three third knock-out holes H3. The number of third knock-out holes H3can be adjusted according to actual needs.

As previously stated, the junction box2can be detachably fixed to the backboard11with a simple installation process. Therefore, the junction box2is very convenient in use and can be more comprehensive in application.

Additionally, the junction box2can be detachably fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, and the junction box2can protrude from the backboard11. The above structural design can effectively increase the internal space of the junction box2, such that the junction box2can accommodate more electric wires Wr. Therefore, the structural design of the junction box2can indeed meet actual requirements.

Furthermore, the junction box2can be detachably fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, so the junction box2can be used as an accessory attached to the panel light1and sold as a separate product. Additionally, the structural design of the junction box2is simple. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and transportation cost of the junction box2can be greatly reduced, so the overall cost of the panel light1can be decreased. Thus, the junction box2can meet the needs of different applications.

If the user connects the electric wire Wr to the junction box2through any one of the third knock-out holes H3of the third side wall W3, the external force Ef3acting on the junction box2will be applied to the third side wall W3. At this time, the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2can bear a portion of the external force Ef3. At the same time, the first inclined edge S1can provide directional adjustment for the external force, so that the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2bear another portion of the external force Ef3in the direction of the external force Ef3. Therefore, the junction box2can effectively withstand the external force applied to the third side wall W3with a view to achieving high structural stability.

The embodiment just exemplifies the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Please refer toFIG.5, which is a third schematic view of the high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and please also refer toFIGS.3and4simultaneously. As shown in these figures, if the user connects the electric wire Wr to the junction box2through any of the top knock-out holes HS on the top surface TS, the external force Ef will be applied to the top surface TS. At this time, since the top knock-out hole HS is located above the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2, the direction of the external force Ef is substantially perpendicular to the line connecting the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2, such that the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2can effectively withstand the external force Ef.

Similarly, if the top knock-out hole HS is located above the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2, the direction of the external force Ef is substantially perpendicular to the line connecting the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2, such that the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2can effectively withstand the external force Ef. Therefore, the junction box2can effectively withstand the external force applied to the top surface TS so as to achieve high structural stability.

Of course, this embodiment is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Equivalent modifications or variations based on the high structural stability junction box of this embodiment and the panel light having such a junction box should still be included within the scope of the present invention.

Please refer toFIG.6, which is a fourth schematic view of the high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and please also refer toFIG.3andFIG.4simultaneously. As shown in these figures, if the user connects the electric wire Wr to the junction box2through the first knock-out hole H1, adjacent to the first fixing wing FW1, of the first side wall W1, the external force Ef1applied to the junction box2will be exerted on the first side wall W1. At this time, since the first knock-out hole H1is located above and adjacent to the first fixing wing FW1, the first fixing wing FW1can bear most of the external force Ef1. Additionally, as the direction of the external force Ef1is substantially perpendicular to the line connecting the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2, the second fixing wing FW2can also bear a portion of the external force Ef1. Therefore, the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2can effectively withstand the external force Ef1.

If the user connects the electrical connecting wire Wr to the junction box2through the first knock-out hole H1, adjacent to the first locking portion FP1, of the first side wall W1, the external force Ef1applied to the junction box2will be exerted on the first side wall W1. At this time, since the first knock-out hole H1is located above and adjacent to the first locking portion FP1, the first locking portion FP1can bear most of the external force Ef1. Additionally, as the direction of the external force Ef1is substantially perpendicular to the line connecting the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2, the second locking portion FP2can also bear a portion of the external force Ef1. Therefore, the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2can effectively withstand the external force Ef1.

Similarly, if the user connects the electric wire Wr to the junction box2through the second knock-out hole H2, adjacent to the second fixing wing FW2, of the second side wall W2, the external force Ef2applied to the junction box2will be exerted on the second side wall W2. At this time, since the second knock-out hole H2is located above and adjacent to the second fixing wing FW2, the second fixing wing FW2can bear most of the external force Ef2. Additionally, as the direction of the external force Ef2is essentially perpendicular to the line connecting the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2, the first fixing wing FW2can also bear a portion of the external force Ef2. Therefore, the first fixing wing FW1and the second fixing wing FW2can effectively withstand the external force Ef2.

If the user connects the electrical connecting wire Wr to the junction box2through the second knock-out hole H2, adjacent to the second locking portion FP2, of the second side wall W2, the external force Ef2applied to the junction box2will be exerted on the second side wall W2. At this time, since the second knock-out hole H2is located above and adjacent to the second locking portion FP2, the second locking portion FP2can bear most of the external force Ef2. Additionally, as the direction of the external force Ef2is substantially perpendicular to the line connecting the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2, the first locking portion FP1can also bear a portion of the external force Ef2. Therefore, the first locking portion FP1and the second locking portion FP2can effectively withstand the external force Ef2.

As a result, the junction box2can effectively withstand the external force applied to the first side wall W1or the second side wall W2, so the junction box2can indeed achieve high structural stability.

As described above, in this embodiment, the shapes of the first side wall W1and the second side wall W2are corresponding to the shape of the backboard11of the panel light1. Thus, the junction box2mentioned above can be detachably fixed to the backboard11, and the installation process is simple. Therefore, the junction box2is very convenient in use and can be more comprehensive in application.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the junction box2can be detachably fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, and the junction box2can protrude from the backboard11. The above structural design can effectively increase the internal space of the junction box2, so the junction box2can accommodate more electric wires Wr. Therefore, the structural design of the junction box2can indeed meet the actual requirements.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the junction box2can be detachably fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, so the junction box2can be used as an accessory external to the panel light1and sold as a separate product. Additionally, the structural design of the junction box2is simple. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and transportation cost of the junction box2can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing the overall cost of the panel light1. Consequently, the junction box2can meet the requirements of different applications.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the junction box2has the first side wall W1, the second side wall W2, the third side wall W3, the fourth side wall W4, and the top surface TS. Multiple knock-out holes are distributed on these components, and each knock-out hole can be used to connect electric wires Wr. The shapes of the first side wall W1and the second side wall W2are corresponding to the shape of the step structure112. The first locking edge L1and the first fixing edge F1of the first side wall W1can be fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, and the first locking edge L1is connected to the first fixing edge F1through the first inclined edge S1of the first side wall W1. The second locking edge L2and the second fixing edge F2of the second side wall W2can be fixed to the backboard11, and the second locking edge L2is connected to the second fixing edge L2through the second inclined edge S2of the second side wall W2. Via the design of the composite fixing structure integrating the inclined surface, locking edges, and fixing edges with each other, the junction box can effectively withstand external forces applied to the first side wall W1, the second side wall W2, the third side wall W3, the fourth side wall W4, and the top surface TS. Therefore, the structural stability of the junction box2can be greatly enhanced.

The embodiment just exemplifies the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

It is worthy to point out that currently available junction boxes used in panel lights are mainly divided into two types. The first type of junction box is integrated with the power supply box. The second type of junction box is an external device that can be mounted behind the panel light. However, the first type of junction box cannot provide sufficient space to accommodate various electric wires, so the first type of junction box cannot meet actual requirements. On the other hand, the second type of junction box is of high cost and difficult to install. Therefore, the second type of junction box is very inconvenient in use and directly increases the overall cost of panel lights. By contrast, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a top surface. The first side wall has a first locking edge, a first inclined edge, and a first fixing edge. The first locking edge is connected to the first fixing edge via the first inclined edge. The second side wall is opposite to the first side wall, and has a second locking edge, a second inclined edge, and a second fixing edge. The second locking edge is connected to the second fixing edge via the second inclined edge. The third side wall is opposite to the fourth side wall. The top surface has four side edges. The first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall extend from the four side edges, respectively. The shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall are corresponding to the shape of the backboard of the panel light. Thus, the junction box described above can be detachably fixed to the backboard, so the installation process thereof can be simple. Therefore, the junction box is very convenient in use and more comprehensive in application.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box can be detachably fixed to the backboard of the panel light, and the junction box can protrude from the backboard. The above-described structural design can effectively increase the internal space of the junction box, such that the junction box can accommodate more electric wires. Therefore, the structural design of the junction box can indeed satisfy actual requirements.

Also, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box can be detachably fixed to the backboard of the panel light, so the junction box can be used as an accessory attached to the panel light and sold as a separate product. Additionally, the structural design of the junction box is simple. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and transportation cost of the junction box can be greatly reduced, so the overall cost of the panel light can be decreased. Thus, the junction box can conform to the needs of different applications.

Further, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box has a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a top surface. Several knock-out holes are distributed on these components, and each knock-out hole can be used to connect electric wires. The shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall are corresponding to the shape of the step structure. The first locking edge and the first fixing edge of the first side wall can be fixed to the backboard of the panel light, and the first locking edge is connected to the first fixing edge via the first inclined edge of the first side wall. The second locking edge and the second fixing edge of the second side wall can be fixed to the backboard, and the second locking edge is connected to the second fixing edge via the second inclined edge of the second side wall. Via the design of the composite fixing structure integrating the inclined surface, locking edges, and fixing edges with each other, the junction box with each other can effectively withstand external forces applied to the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, the fourth side wall, and the top surface. Therefore, the junction box can achieve high structural stability.

Moreover, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the first locking edge of the first side wall of the junction box has a first locking portion. The first locking portion is a locking sheet, and there is an included angle between the locking sheet and a horizontal plane parallel to the top surface. When the locking sheet is fixed to the backboard of the panel light, the structure of the locking sheet can provide a downward torsion. The structural design of the inclined locking sheet can push the junction box towards the backboard of the panel light, thereby stabilizing the junction box more effectively on the backboard. Therefore, the structural stability of the junction box can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall of the junction box are corresponding to the shape of the step structure of the panel light. Additionally, the first locking edge of the first side wall has an inclined structure. With the above structure, the gap between the junction box and the backboard of the panel light can be reduced to prevent dust or other foreign objects from entering the junction box so as to effectively avoid that the panel light malfunctions. Therefore, the reliability of the panel light can be effectively improved, and the service life of the panel light can be extended. As set forth above, the high structural stability junction box according to the embodiments of the present invention can indeed achieve great technical effects.

Please refer toFIG.7, which is a fifth schematic view of the high structural stability junction box in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and please also refer toFIG.3andFIG.4. As shown in these figures, the first locking portion FP1is a locking sheet, and there is an included angle θ between the locking sheet and a horizontal plane RP parallel to the top surface TS. When the first locking portion FP1is fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, the structure of the first locking portion FP1can provide a downward torque. The inclined locking sheet structure design mentioned above can push the junction box2towards the backboard11of the panel light1, so the junction box2can be more stably fixed to the backboard11. Therefore, the structural stability of the junction box2can be further improved.

As set forth above, the first side wall W1of the junction box2has the first locking edge F1, which includes the first locking portion FP1. The first locking portion FP1is the locking sheet, and there is the included angle θ between the locking sheet and the horizontal plane RP parallel to the top surface TS. When the locking sheet is fixed to the backboard11of the panel light1, the structure of the locking provide a sheet can downward torque. The above-mentioned inclined locking sheet structure design can push the junction box2towards the backboard11of the panel light1, enabling the junction box2to be more stably fixed to the backboard11. Therefore, the structural stability of the junction box2can be further improved.

Additionally, the shapes of the first side wall W1and the second side wall W2of the junction box2are corresponding to the step structure112of the panel light1. Moreover, the first locking edge F1of the first side wall W1has an inclined structure. Through the above structure, the gap between the junction box2and the backboard11of the panel light1can be reduced to prevent dust or other foreign objects from entering the junction box2with a view to effectively avoiding that panel light1malfunctions. Therefore, the reliability of the panel light1can be effectively improved, and the service life of the panel light1can be extended.

The embodiment just exemplifies the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Please refer toFIG.8andFIG.9, which are a first schematic view and a second schematic view of a high structural stability junction box in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, respectively. As shown inFIG.8andFIG.9, the junction box3includes the first side wall W1, the second side wall W2, the third side wall W3, the fourth side wall W4, and the top surface TS. The top surface TS has two top knock-out holes HS. The first side wall W1has a first knock-out hole H1. The second side wall W2has one second knock-out hole H2and three third knock-out holes H3.

The structure of the junction box3in this embodiment is similar to that of the junction box2mentioned above. The difference from the previous embodiment is that the number and position of knock-out holes in the junction box3are slightly different. Additionally, the junction box3further includes a top cover TC and a rotational shaft RA.

The top cover TC can be rotatably fixed to the top surface TS via the rotational shaft RA to cover the top opening of the top surface TS. The two sides of the top cover TC have two extending wings ED, each of which includes a vertical part D1and an inclined part D2. One side of the vertical part D1has a protruding block PB. The first side wall W1has a fixing hole WH, and the second side wall W2also has a fixing hole WH, which are corresponding to the protruding blocks PB of the vertical parts D1of the above two extending wings ED. With this structure, the top cover TC can be securely fixed to the top surface TS.

There is an included angle between the inclined part D2and the vertical part D1. Therefore, the user can insert a tool (such as a screwdriver) into the inclined part D2to open the top cover TC. In this way, the user can conveniently perform wiring operations.

The embodiment just exemplifies the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

To sum up, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a top surface. The first side wall has a first locking edge, a first inclined edge, and a first fixing edge. The first locking edge is connected to the first fixing edge via the first inclined edge. The second side wall is opposite to the first side wall, and has a second locking edge, a second inclined edge, and a second fixing edge. The second locking edge is connected to the second fixing edge via the second inclined edge. The third side wall is opposite to the fourth side wall. The top surface has four side edges. The first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall extend from the four side edges, respectively. The shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall are corresponding to the shape of the backboard of the panel light. Thus, the junction box described above can be detachably fixed to the backboard, so the installation process thereof can be simple. Therefore, the junction box is very convenient in use and more comprehensive in application.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box can be detachably fixed to the backboard of the panel light, and the junction box can protrude from the backboard. The above-described structural design can effectively increase the internal space of the junction box, such that the junction box can accommodate more electric wires. Therefore, the structural design of the junction box can indeed satisfy actual requirements.

Also, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box can be detachably fixed to the backboard of the panel light, so the junction box can be used as an accessory attached to the panel light and sold as a separate product. Additionally, the structural design of the junction box is simple. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and transportation cost of the junction box can be greatly reduced, so the overall cost of the panel light can be decreased. Thus, the junction box can conform to the needs of different applications.

Further, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the junction box has a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, a fourth side wall, and a top surface. Several knock-out holes are distributed on these components, and each knock-out hole can be used to connect electric wires. The shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall are corresponding to the shape of the step structure. The first locking edge and the first fixing edge of the first side wall can be fixed to the backboard of the panel light, and the first locking edge is connected to the first fixing edge via the first inclined edge of the first side wall. The second locking edge and the second fixing edge of the second side wall can be fixed to the backboard, and the second locking edge is connected to the second fixing edge via the second inclined edge of the second side wall. Via the design of the composite fixing structure integrating the inclined surface, locking edges, and fixing edges with each other, the junction box can effectively withstand external forces applied to the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, the fourth side wall, and the top surface. Therefore, the junction box can achieve high structural stability.

Moreover, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the first locking edge of the first side wall of the junction box has a first locking portion. The first locking portion is a locking sheet, and there is an included angle between the locking sheet and a horizontal plane parallel to the top surface. When the locking sheet is fixed to the backboard of the panel light, the structure of the locking sheet can provide a downward torsion. The structural design of the inclined locking sheet can push the junction box towards the backboard of the panel light, thereby stabilizing the junction box more effectively on the backboard. Therefore, the structural stability of the junction box can be further improved.

Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, the shapes of the first side wall and the second side wall of the junction box are corresponding to the shape of the step structure of the panel light. Additionally, the first locking edge of the first side wall has an inclined structure. With the above structure, the gap between the junction box and the backboard of the panel light can be reduced to prevent dust or other foreign objects from entering the junction box so as to effectively avoid that the panel light malfunctions. Therefore, the reliability of the panel light can be effectively improved, and the service life of the panel light can be extended.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the present invention being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.