The present disclosure relates to the technical field of lighting, in particular to a breathing structure for a lighting fixture, and a lighting fixture comprising the breathing structure.
Some lighting fixtures, especially outdoor lighting fixtures, need to be sealed in order to reach a certain protection level. After these lighting fixtures are turned on, due to concentrated heating of light sources, an internal temperature of each lamp body gradually rises to form a closed high-temperature space; air in the lamp body expands in the high-temperature space to generate a pressure difference with outside air, so that the air may leak from a sealed gap of each lighting fixture to the outside air. Even worse, if the air cannot be discharged, deformation or burst damage of the lighting fixture may be caused. When the lighting fixtures are turned off, the internal temperature of each lamp body drops, so air shrinks to form a low pressure lower than the outside atmospheric pressure. At this time, outside air and water vapor may enter the lamp body to achieve a pressure balance between inside and outside the lamp body. During air intake of the lighting fixtures, water vapor entering each lamp body may condense into water, resulting in reduction of performances of the lighting fixtures to affect lighting effects.
The present disclosure provides a breathing structure for a lighting fixture, a lighting fixture and a method of manufacturing a lighting fixture.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a breathing structure for a lighting fixture that may include a lamp body which has an inner cavity. The breathing structure may include a mounting portion, arranged on the lamp body and protruded from the lamp body; a through hole, formed in the mounting portion, the through hole penetrating the mounting portion and being communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body; a breathable film, arranged on one end of the through hole facing towards an outside of the lamp body; a washer, arranged on the breathable film and provided with a vent slot; and an elastic fastener, fastened on the mounting portion and configured to compress the washer towards a direction of the inner cavity of the lamp body.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture may include a lamp body comprising an inner cavity; a light emitting component, arranged in the inner cavity; and a breathing structure for the lighting fixture. The breathing structure may include a mounting portion, arranged on the lamp body and protruded from the lamp body; a through hole, formed in the mounting portion, the through hole penetrating the mounting portion and being communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body; a breathable film, arranged on one end of the through hole facing towards an outside of the lamp body; a washer, arranged on the breathable film and provided with a vent slot; and an elastic fastener, fastened on the mounting portion and configured to compress the washer towards a direction of the inner cavity of the lamp body.
According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a lighting fixture is provided. The method may include providing a lamp body comprising an inner cavity; arranging a light emitting component in the inner cavity; providing a breathing structure for the lighting fixture; arranging a mounting portion on the lamp body that is protruded from the lamp body; forming a through hole in the mounting portion where the through hole penetrates the mounting portion and is communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body; arranging a breathable film on one end of the through hole facing towards an outside of the lamp body; arranging a washer on the breathable film that is provided with a vent slot; and fastening an elastic fastener on the mounting portion that is configured to compress the washer towards a direction of the inner cavity of the lamp body.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.
Those ordinarily skill in the art will clearly understand various other advantages and benefits, through reading the detailed description of preferred implementation modes hereinafter. The accompanying drawings are provided only for illustrating the preferred implementation modes, rather than limiting the present disclosure. Throughout the accompanying drawings, same reference signs usually denote same components. In the drawings:
Hereinafter, examples of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the examples of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the examples explained here. On the contrary, these examples are provided so that the present disclosure may be understood more thoroughly, and the scope of the present disclosure may be completely conveyed to those skilled in the art.
It shall be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like may be used herein to describe various information, the information should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one category of information from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, first information may be termed as second information; and similarly, second information may also be termed as first information. As used herein, the term “if” may be understood to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to” depending on the context.
An outdoor lighting fixture sometimes needs to be sealed in order to reach a required protection level, and a sealed lighting fixture structure may inevitably face damage or hidden dangers caused by breathing of the lighting fixture.
In order to eliminate the above-mentioned influence caused by the breathing of the lighting fixture, two treatment methods are mainly provided. The first is to arrange a breather having a specific requirement outside the lighting fixture; however, a threaded through hole cooperated with an inner cavity of the lighting fixture and a corresponding sealing structure are generally needed for mounting of the breather, which is complicated in design. The second is to provide a breathing structure inside the lighting fixture. Although this method can protect the breathing structure, delay aging, and prolong its life, because the entire breathing structure is arranged inside the lighting fixture, the inner cavity of the lighting fixture needs to be opened during mounting and replacing, which is quite inconvenient.
In order to solve the above problems, examples of the present disclosure provide a breathing structure for a lighting fixture, and a lighting fixture comprising the breathing structure.
The following specifically describes various elements, as well as connection relationships between the elements, of the breathing structure 200 for the lighting fixture, provided by the examples of the present disclosure.
The breathable film 3 may be a waterproof and breathable film, such as an elastic silica gel membrane, or a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The washer 4 may be made of an elastic material, such as rubber or plastic, and preferably is a rubber pad. Moreover, the washer 4 has a certain hardness, preferably a hardness of 70, so that when the washer 4 is compressed by the elastic fastener 5, a certain amount of compression can be ensured, while avoiding failure of a venting function of the vent slot 41 caused by excessive deformation. Because the breathable film has waterproof and breathable performances, the problem of a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the lighting fixture during on and off of the lighting fixture can be effectively solved by using the breathable film, thereby effectively improving waterproofness of the outdoor lighting fixture. With the press-fit design of the washer, the problem of poor reliability of a breathable film product when mounted separately can be solved, so that falling off of the breathable film can be effectively prevented. Moreover, with the design of the elastic fastener, the whole mounting process of the breathing structure is simplified, the washer can keep a certain amount of compression at all times, so as to ensure an attaching degree of the breathable film.
In an example, as shown in
In an example, continuing to refer to
More preferably, the peripheral wall of the mounting portion 2 includes two planar-shaped lateral surfaces that are opposite and parallel to each other; and when the elastic fastener 5 is fastened on the mounting portion 2, the retaining portions 53 are respectively abutted against the two lateral surfaces of the mounting portion 2 which are parallel and opposite to each other, so as to be in interference fit with the two lateral surfaces, thereby improving reliability in mounting of the entire structure.
Furthermore preferably, at least one of the two retaining portions 53 is provided with a barb-shaped clip 54.
Optionally, the barb-shaped clip 54 is integrally molded with the retaining portion 53, so that the strength of the entire structure is improved. For example, the barb-shaped clip 54 and the retaining portion 53 can be integrally molded by stamping, casting, or the like.
The barb-shaped clips arranged on the elastic fastener may provide a stronger locking capacity to the elastic fastener, thereby further improving reliability of the entire breathing structure.
In an alternative example, continuing to refer to
Preferably, a bottom surface of the vent slot 41 is not lower than the top surface of the mounting portion 2. More preferably, the bottom surface of the vent slot 41 is flush with the top surface of the mounting portion 2, so that a thickness of the washer is reduced and material cost is lowered while breathability of the entire breathing structure is ensured to the utmost extent.
In an alternative example, continuing to refer to
According to any one of the above-mentioned examples or a combination of the above-mentioned multiple examples, the examples of the present disclosure can achieve the following beneficial effects.
The breathing structure for a lighting fixture provided by the examples of the present disclosure includes the mounting portion that is protruded from the lamp body of the lighting fixture and provided with the through hole communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body, and the breathable film, the washer, and the elastic fastener that are sequentially assembled on one end of the through hole facing towards the outside of the lamp body, herein the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion to compress the washer as well as the breathable film. Because the size of the mounting portion is small and the position of the mounting portion is more flexible, on the premise of not affecting normal functions of the lighting fixture, the mounting portion can be arranged at any position of the lamp body that is communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body. Thus, the mounting portion is easy to design. Because the breathable film has waterproof and breathable performances, the problem of a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the lighting fixture during on and off of the lighting fixture can be effectively solved through the breathable film, thereby effectively improving waterproofness of the outdoor lighting fixture. With the press-fit design of the washer, the problem of poor reliability of a breathable film product when mounted separately can be solved, so that falling off of the breathable film can be effectively prevented. Moreover, with the design of the elastic fastener, the whole mounting process of the breathing structure is simplified, and the washer can keep a certain amount of compression at all times, so as to ensure the attaching degree of the breathable film.
Further, the washer is provided with the vent slot embodied as the cross-shaped slot to ensure that the entire breathing structure can fully breathe through the cross-shaped slot, thereby achieving better breathing effect. Furthermore, the barb-shaped clips arranged on the elastic fastener provides a stronger locking capacity to the elastic fastener, thereby further improving reliability of the entire breathing structure.
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a breathing structure for a lighting fixture, the lighting fixture comprising a lamp body which has an inner cavity, and the breathing structure comprises:
a mounting portion, arranged on the lamp body and protruded from the lamp body;
a through hole, formed in the mounting portion, the through hole penetrating the mounting portion and being communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body;
a breathable film, arranged on one end of the through hole facing towards an outside of the lamp body;
a washer, arranged on the breathable film and provided with a vent slot; and
an elastic fastener, fastened on the mounting portion and configured to compress the washer towards a direction of the inner cavity of the lamp body.
Optionally, the vent slot is a cross-shaped slot.
Optionally, the elastic fastener is a U-shaped elastic fastener.
Optionally, the elastic fastener comprises a pressing portion in a planar shape, two bending portions respectively connected to two ends of the pressing portion, and two retaining portions which are opposite to each other and respectively connected to the two bending portions;
wherein in condition that the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion, the retaining portions are abutted against a peripheral wall of the mounting portion, so that the pressing portion is in close contact with a top surface of the washer.
Optionally, the peripheral wall of the mounting portion comprises two planar-shaped lateral surfaces that are opposite and parallel to each other; and
in condition that the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion, the retaining portions are respectively abutted against the two planar-shaped lateral surfaces of the mounting portion.
Optionally, at least one of the two retaining portions is provided with a barb-shaped clip;
wherein the barb-shaped clip obliquely extends from an inner side of the retaining portion to the pressing portion and is configured to be abutted against the peripheral wall of the mounting portion in condition that the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion.
Optionally, the barb-shaped clip and the retaining portion are integrally molded.
Optionally, the through hole is a counter bore, a bore diameter of one end, facing towards the outside of the lamp body, of the counter bore is greater than a bore diameter of the other end of the counter bore;
the breathable film is arranged on a bottom surface, of the one end with a larger bore diameter, of the counter bore; and
at least part of the vent slot is exposed to a top surface of the mounting portion.
Optionally, a bottom surface of the vent slot is not lower than the top surface of the mounting portion.
Optionally, the mounting portion comprises a cylindrical base close to the inner cavity of the lamp body, and a frustoconic portion that is gradually reduced from one end close to the inner cavity of the lamp body to the other end facing towards the outside of the lamp body.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, it is provided a lighting fixture, comprising:
a lamp body, having an inner cavity;
a light emitting component, arranged in the inner cavity; and
the breathing structure for the lighting fixture according to any one of the above-mentioned examples.
The breathing structure for a lighting fixture provided by the examples of the present disclosure includes the mounting portion that is protruded from the lamp body of the lighting fixture and provided with the through hole communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body, and the breathable film, the washer, and the elastic fastener that are sequentially assembled on one end of the through hole facing towards the outside of the lamp body, herein the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion to compress the washer as well as the breathable film. Because the size of the mounting portion is small and the position of the mounting portion is more flexible, on the premise of not affecting normal functions of the lighting fixture, the mounting portion can be arranged at any position of the lamp body that is communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body. Thus, the mounting portion is easy to design. Because the breathable film has waterproof and breathable performances, the problem of a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the lighting fixture during on and off of the lighting fixture can be effectively solved through the breathable film, thereby effectively improving waterproofness of the outdoor lighting fixture. With the press-fit design of the washer, the problem of poor reliability of a breathable film product when mounted separately can be solved, so that falling off of the breathable film can be effectively prevented. Moreover, with the design of the elastic fastener, the whole mounting process of the breathing structure is simplified, and the washer can keep a certain amount of compression at all times, so as to ensure the attaching degree of the breathable film.
Further, the washer is provided with the vent slot embodied as the cross-shaped slot to ensure that the entire breathing structure can fully breathe through the cross-shaped slot, thereby achieving better breathing effect. Furthermore, the barb-shaped clips arranged on the elastic fastener provides a stronger locking capacity to the elastic fastener, thereby further improving reliability of the entire breathing structure.
The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a lighting fixture. The method may include providing a lamp body comprising an inner cavity; arranging a light emitting component in the inner cavity; providing a breathing structure for the lighting fixture; arranging a mounting portion on the lamp body that is protruded from the lamp body; forming a through hole in the mounting portion where the through hole penetrates the mounting portion and is communicated with the inner cavity of the lamp body; arranging a breathable film on one end of the through hole facing towards an outside of the lamp body; arranging a washer on the breathable film that is provided with a vent slot; and fastening an elastic fastener on the mounting portion that is configured to compress the washer towards a direction of the inner cavity of the lamp body.
The method may also include providing a pressing portion in a planar shape for the elastic fastener, connecting two bending portions to two ends of the pressing portion, and connecting two retaining portions which are opposite to each other to the two bending portions; and in condition that the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion, abutting the retaining portions against a peripheral wall of the mounting portion, so that the pressing portion is in close contact with a top surface of the washer.
The method may further include providing two planar-shaped lateral surfaces that are opposite and parallel to each other for the peripheral wall of the mounting portion; and in condition that the elastic fastener is fastened on the mounting portion, abutting the retaining portions against the two planar-shaped lateral surfaces of the mounting portion.
The above description is only an overview of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and in order that the technical solutions of the present disclosure are understood more clearly, so as to be implemented according to the contents of the specification, and the above-described and other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure are more obvious and understandable, specific implementation modes of the present disclosure are specifically illustrated hereinafter.
Hereinafter, examples of the present disclosure will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that the above-described and other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure are more obvious to those skilled in the art.
In the description provided here, a lot of specific details are illustrated. However, it can be understood that the examples of the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In some examples, well-known methods, structures, and technologies are not shown in detail, so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.
Finally, it is to be noted that the above various examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and not used to limit the same. Although the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the foregoing examples, those skilled in the art should understand that they are capable of modifying the technical solutions described in the foregoing examples, or equivalently replacing part or all of the technical features within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure, and all these modifications and replacements will not make the technical solutions depart from the protection scope of the present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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201822052994.8 | Dec 2018 | CN | national |
This application is based upon and claims the priority of PCT patent application No. PCT/CN2019/123720 filed on Dec. 6, 2019 which claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 201822052994.8 filed on Dec. 7, 2018, the entire content of both of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/CN2019/123720 | Dec 2019 | US |
Child | 17337242 | US |