WO2009065247A1

WO2009065247A1 - Lamp apparatuses

Info

Publication number: WO2009065247A1
Application number: PCT/CN2007/003279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wen-Yung Yeh; Jui-Ying Lin; Yu-Chen Yu; Ming-Te Lin; Yu-Chun Lin; Ta-Wei Chien
Original assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Current assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
Priority date: 2007-11-20
Filing date: 2007-11-20
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2010-05-20
Also published as: CN201462541U

Abstract

A lamp apparatus comprises a lamp body (110), at least one alternating current light-emitting diode (120) and a plug (130). The at least one alternating current light-emitting diode (120) is disposed on the lamp body (110). The plug (130) is electrically connected to the at least one alternating current light-emitting diode (120). In another embodiment, low-resistance pure water surrounding an AC LED (810) is used to dissipate the heat generated by the AC LED (810). In still another embodiment, a metal-made support stand (520, 620, 720) is used to dissipate heat.

Description

LAMP APPARATUSES

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to lamp apparatuses, and more particularly to lamp apparatuses with alternating current light-emitting diodes. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Most lamp apparatuses use direct current light-emitting diodes (DC LEDs) as light sources. As public power supply is provided with alternating current (AC) electric power, rectifiers are required for the lamp apparatuses to rectify the AC electric power into direct current (DC) electric power, enabling the DC LEDs to radiate. Accordingly, when the lamp apparatus is applied to AC electric power, two operations of power transformation must be performed. The first operation of power transformation is rectifying the AC electric power into the DC electric power using the rectifiers. The second operation of power transformation is transforming the DC electric power into light by the DC LEDs. Generally speaking, the efficiency of the first operation of the power transformation is low and consumes tremendous power, thus causing the DC LEDs to provide low radiation efficiency. Therefore, the first operation of power transformation often generates more heat than the second operation of power transformation does.

[0003] Moreover, US 2002/0117376 discloses an essential oil evaporator applying a DC LED as a light source. Because most the heat of the DC LED generated most in the first operation as described above, the heat is mainly distributed on a rectifier. The heat accumulated on the chip is not sufficient to heat or evaporate the essential oil. Therefore, in this patent, the DC LED simply provides functions of decoration or illumination and is used for evaporating the essential oil. The essential oil is evaporated by a heater. [0004] Hence, there is a need for a lamp apparatus applying a light source, which can generate enough heat to evaporate essential oil. Brief Summary of the Invention

[0005] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [0006] An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a lamp apparatus comprising a lamp body, at least one alternating current light-emitting diode, and a plug. The alternating current light-emitting diode is disposed on the lamp body.

The plug is connected to the lamp body and is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode. [0007] The fluid can be pure water or essential oil. The essential oil is for evaporation, and the pure water is for dissipating heat.

[0008] The lamp apparatus further comprises a container disposed on the lamp body and containing a fluid. Light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode passes through the fluid. Heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode heats and evaporates the fluid.

[0009] The alternating current light-emitting diode is near the container. The heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode heats and evaporates the fluid through the container.

[0010] The container comprises heat-conductive material. [0011] The container comprises a cup and a cover disposed thereon. The cup is disposed on the lamp body.

[0012] The cover is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

[0013] The lamp body comprises a heat-conductive surface connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode and near the container. The heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode is transmitted to the container through the heat-conductive surface, heating and evaporating the fluid.

[0014] The plug is opposite to the heat-conductive surface.

[0015] The plug is a European-type plug.

[0016] The lamp apparatus further comprises a heating adjustment controller inside the lamp body and electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode, controlling intensity of the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode and evaporation rate of the fluid.

[0017] The lamp apparatus further comprises a temperature overload protection circuit electrically connected between the plug and the alternating current light-emitting diode. [0018] The lamp apparatus further comprises a lampshade connected to the lamp body and covering the alternating current light-emitting diode.

[0019] The lampshade is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

[0020] The lampshade comprises at least one pattern formed thereon and projected to the exterior thereof by the alternating current light-emitting diode. [0021] The lamp apparatus further comprises a timepiece adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode. Time provided by the timepiece is projected to the exterior of the lamp body by the alternating current light-emitting diode.

[0022] The lamp apparatus further comprises a reflector adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode, reflecting the light output thereby.

[0023] The reflector is rotatably connected to the lamp body.

[0024] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a lamp apparatus comprising a base, a support stand, a lamp body, at least one alternating current light-emitting diode, and a plug. The support stand comprises a first end and a second end opposite thereto. The first end is connected to the base. The lamp body is connected to the second end of the support stand. The alternating current light-emitting diode is disposed on the lamp body. The plug is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode.

[0025] The first end of the support stand is rotatably connected to the base. [0026] The second end of the support stand is rotatably connected to the lamp body.

[0027] The support stand is made of metal, and heat generated thereby is dissipated by the support stand and a metal housing of the base and the lamp body.

[0028] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a lamp apparatus comprises a base, a support stand, a lamp body and at least one alternating current light-emitting diode. The support stand is rotatably connected to the base. The lamp body is connected to the support stand. The alternating current light-emitting diode is disposed on the lamp body.

[0029] The support stand is made of metal, and heat generated thereby is dissipated by the support stand and a metal housing of the base and the lamp body. [0030] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a lamp apparatus comprises at least one alternating current light-emitting diode and a water layer. The water layer surrounds the alternating current light-emitting diode to dissipate heat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention could be more folly understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a first embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a third embodiment of the invention; [0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a sixth embodiment of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of a seventh embodiment of the invention; and

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a lamp apparatus of an eighth embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] The following description is of the best-contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims. [0040] Compared with conventional lamp apparatuses utilizing DC LEDs, heat generated thereby is distributed on chips and outer rectifier. In lamp apparatuses utilizing AC LEDs, heat generated thereby is almost concentrated on chips because AC LEDs operate directly with AC electric power, omitting a rectifier and preventing power loss during operation of power rectification. Therefore, the heat accumulated on the chips of the AC LEDs is enough to be used to evaporate essential oil. In another embodiment, the invention utilizes low-resistance pure water surrounding the AC LED to dissipate its heat. In still another embodiment, the invention utilizes metal-made support stand to dissipate heat. [0041] First embodiment

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, a lamp apparatus 101 serves as an essential oil evaporator and comprises a lamp body 110, an alternating current light-emitting diode (AC LED) 120, a plug 130, a container 140, a heating adjustment controller 150, and a temperature overload protection circuit 160.

[0043] The lamp body 110 comprises a heat-conductive surface 111. [0044] The alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is disposed on the lamp body 110. Specifically, the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is disposed on the heat-conductive surface 111 of the lamp body 110. In a preferred embodiment, the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is directly connected to the heat-conductive surface.

[0045] The plug 130 is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. In a preferred embodiment, the plug 130 is integrated with the lamp body 110 and is disposed on the opposite surface of the heat-conductive surface 111 of the lamp body 110. In a more preferred embodiment, the plug 130 could be a European-type plug. [0046] The container 140 is disposed on the lamp body 110 and could be used to contain a fluid, such as essential oil or water. Specifically, the container 140 comprises heat-conductive material. Moreover, the container 140 comprises a cup 141 and a cover 142. The cup 141 is disposed on the lamp body 110 and could be used to contain the essential oil or water. The cover 142 is disposed on the cup 141 and is substantially transparent or semi-transparent. Specifically, the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is near the (cup 141 of the) container 140, or/and the heat-conductive surface 111 of the lamp body 110 is near the (cup 141 of the) container 140. [0047] The heating adjustment controller 150 is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. In a preferred embodiment, the heating adjustment controller 150 is on a surface of the lamp body 110. [0048] The temperature overload protection circuit 160 is electrically connected between the plug 130 and the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. [0049] Accordingly, when the plug 130 of the lamp apparatus 101 is put in a socket (not shown) to be supplied with the AC electric power, the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 radiates and generates heat. In a preferred embodiment, the cup 141 and the essential oil therein are substantially transparent or semi-transparent. At this point, light emitted from the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 passes through the essential oil in the cup 141, and heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 heats and evaporates the essential oil. Compared to a direct current light-emitting diode, an alternating current light-emitting diode has no rectifier and the heat generated mainly from chip, not from rectifier. More heat is accumulated on the chip of the alternating current light-emitting diode than on the chip of the direct current light emitting diode. Therefore, the alternating current light-emitting diode is a good means to evaporate essential oil. However, in general condition, the chip of the direct light-emitting diode can't be used to as a heating means to evaluate essential oil. Specifically, when the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is near the (cup 141 of the) container 140 and the container 140 is made of heat-conductive material, the heat generated from the alternating current light-emitting diode 140 thereby heats and evaporates the essential oil through the (cup 141 of the) container 140. In another embodiment, the heating means used to evaporate the essential oil could be more than one alternating current light-emitting diode. Namely, the lamp apparatus 101 may selectively comprise a plurality of alternating current light-emitting diodes surrounding or near the (cup 141 of the) container 140 to achieve the same heating function. In another aspect, the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is connected and contacted with the heat-conductive surface 111 of the lamp body 110. The heat-conductive surface 111 is near the (cup 141 of the) container 140, more preferably, the heat-conductive surface 111 is connected and directly contact with the (cup 141 of the) container 140, the heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is transmitted to the (cup 141 of the) container 140 through the heat-conductive surface 111, heating and evaporating the essential oil. [0050] Accordingly, as the cover 142 of the container 140 is substantially transparent or semi-transparent, the level of the essential oil in the cup 141 could be visually examined. A user can thus decide whether or not to replenish the cup 141 with additional essential oil.

[0051] Moreover, the lamp apparatus 101 can provide different modes of radiation or heating by means of the heating adjustment controller 150. Namely, the heating adjustment controller 150 can control intensity of the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 and evaporation rate of the essential oil. For example, during resting time, the user can reduce the intensity of the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 using the heating adjustment controller 150. At this point, the amount of the heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is also reduced, thus reducing the evaporation rate of the essential oil. On the other hand, during day time, the user can increase the intensity of the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 using the heating adjustment controller 150. Meanwhile, the amount of the heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 is also increased, thus increasing the evaporation rate of the essential oil.

[0052] Additionally, when the temperature of the essential oil in the cup 141 is excessively high, the temperature overload protection circuit 160 electrically connected between the plug 130 and the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 cuts off the AC electric power supplied to the alternating current light-emitting diode 120, protecting the lamp apparatus 101 from damage due to the excessively high temperature of the essential oil. [0053] Second embodiment

[0054] Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals. [0055] Referring to FIG. 2, a lamp apparatus 102 comprises a lamp body 110, an alternating current light-emitting diode 120, a plug 130, and a lampshade 170. [0056] The lampshade 170 covers the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. In a preferred embodiment, the lampshade 170 could be connected to the lamp body 110. Additionally, the lampshade 170 could be substantially transparent or semi-transparent to let all or a part of the light generated from the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 pass through. In this embodiment, the lampshade 170 comprises at least one pattern 171 formed thereon. [0057] Structure, disposition, and function of other elements in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof is omitted for simplicity. [0058] When the plug 130 of the lamp apparatus 102 is put in a socket to be applied to the AC electric power, the pattern 171 on the lampshade 170 is projected to the exterior thereof by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. For example, the pattern 171 on the lampshade 170 could be projected onto a wall (not shown) by radiation of the alternating current light-emitting diode 120, achieving a decorative effect.

[0059] Third embodiment

[0060] Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, a lamp apparatus 103 comprises a lamp body 110, an alternating current light-emitting diode 120, a plug 130, and a timepiece 180. [0062] The timepiece 180 is adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode 120.

[0063] Structure, disposition, and function of other elements in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof is omitted for simplicity. [0064] When the plug 13Q of the lamp apparatus 103 is put in a socket to be applied to the AC electric power, time provided by the timepiece 180 is projected to the exterior of the lamp body 110 by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120. For example, the time pattern provided by the timepiece 180 could be projected onto a wall by radiation of the alternating current light-emitting diode 120.

[0065] Fourth embodiment

[0066] Elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment share the same reference numerals.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, a lamp apparatus 104 comprises a lamp body 110, an alternating current light-emitting diode 120, a plug 130, and a reflector 190.

[0068] The reflector 190 is adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode 120, reflecting light output thereby. Specifically, the reflector 190 is rotatably connected to the lamp body 110. Accordingly, by adjustment of an angle between the reflector 190 and the lamp body 110, the light output by the alternating current light-emitting diode 120 could be reflected in different directions.

[0069] Structure, disposition, and function of other elements in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and explanation thereof is omitted for simplicity. [0070] Fifth embodiment

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, a lamp apparatus 500 comprises a base 510, a support stand 520, a lamp body 530, a plurality of alternating current light-emitting diodes 540, and a plug 550. [0072] The support stand 520 comprises a first end 521 and a second end 522 opposite thereto. The support stand 520 is rotatably connected to the base 510 by the first end 521. [0073] The lamp body 530 is rotatably connected to the second end 522 of the support stand 520. Therefore, the angle between the lamp body 530 and the support stand 520 is adjustable to adjust the illuminating angle and the illuminating area of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 540. [0074] The alternating current light-emitting diodes 540 are disposed on the lamp body 530.

[0075] The plug 550 is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diodes 540. Specifically, the plug 550 is electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diodes 540 via a power cable S and wire line. [0076] When the plug 550 of the lamp apparatus 500 is put in a socket to be supplied with the AC electric power, the alternating current light-emitting diodes

540 radiate. Moreover, by adjusting a relative rotating position between the lamp body 530 and the support stand 520 and/or that between the support stand 520 and the base 510, the direction of radiation of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 540 could be adjusted. Additionally, the lamp apparatus 500 could be folded by simultaneously adjusting the relative rotating positions between the lamp body 530 and the support stand 520 and between the support stand 520 and the base 510.

[0077] Sixth embodiment [0078] Referring to FIG. 6, a lamp apparatus 600 comprises a base 610, a support stand 620, a lamp body 630 and a plurality of alternating current light-emitting diodes 640.

[0079] The support stand 620 is connected to the base 610.

[0080] The lamp body 630 is rotatably connected to the support stand 620. Therefore, the angle between the lamp body 630 and the support stand 620 is adjustable to adjust the illuminating angle and the illuminating area of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 640.

[0081] The alternating current light-emitting diodes 640 are disposed on the lamp body 630. [0082] By adjusting a relative rotating position between the lamp body 630 and the support stand 620, the direction of radiation of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 640 could be adjusted.

[0083] In this embodiment, the support stand 620 is made of metal. The heat generated from alternating current light-emitting diode 640 can be dissipated by- utilizing the large surface area of the support stand 620. Moreover, the heat dissipation efficiency can further be improved by utilizing the metal housing of the base 610 and the lamp body 630. Because of the improvement of the high heat dissipation efficiency, the life time and the light-emitting efficiency of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 640 are increased. [0084] Seventh embodiment [0085] Referring to FIG. 7, a lamp apparatus 700 comprises a base 710, a support stand 720, a lamp body 730 and a plurality of alternating current light-emitting diodes 740.

[0086] The support stand 720 comprises a first end 721 and a second end 722 opposite thereto. The support stand 720 is rotatably connected to the base 710 by the first end 721.

[0087] The lamp body 730 is rotatably connected to the second end 722 of the support stand 720. Therefore, the angle between the lamp body 730 and the support stand 720 is adjustable to adjust the illuminating angle and the illuminating area of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 740. [0088] The alternating current light-emitting diodes 740 are disposed on the lamp body 730.

[0089] By adjusting a relative rotating position between the lamp body 730 and the support stand 720 and/or that between the support stand 720 and the base 710, the direction of radiation of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 740 could be adjusted. Additionally, the lamp apparatus 700 could be folded by simultaneously adjusting the relative rotating positions between the lamp body 730 and the support stand 720 and between the support stand 720 and the base 710. [0090] In this embodiment, the support stand 720 is made of metal. The heat generated from alternating current light-emitting diode 740 can be dissipated by utilizing the large surface area of the support stand 720. Moreover, the heat dissipation efficiency can further be improved by utilizing the metal housing of the base 710 and the lamp body 730. Because of the high heat dissipation efficiency, the life time and the light-emitting efficiency of the alternating current light-emitting diodes 740 are increased. [0091] Eighth embodiment [0092] FIG. 8 shows a lamp apparatus 800 of an eighth embodiment of the invention, which comprises alternating current light-emitting diode 810 and a water layer 820 surrounding the alternating current light-emitting diode 810 to dissipate heat. The water layer 820 is contained in a container to be isolated from the alternating current light-emitting diodes 810 and is used like a lampshade. Because the water layer 820 and the container are substantially transparent or semitransparent, the light generated from the alternating current light-emitting diodes 810 can pass through them to be blurred. Therefore, the water layer 820 could create special illuminating effect. [0093] In conclusion, as the disclosed lamp apparatuses with the alternating current light-emitting diodes can operate directly with the AC electric power, no rectifier is needed. Thus, power loss during operation of power rectification is eliminated, enhancing operational efficiency of the lamp apparatuses. Moreover, as no rectifier is needed by the disclosed lamp apparatuses, the size thereof is significantly reduced. [0094] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1. A lamp apparatus, comprising: a lamp body; at least one alternating current light-emitting diode disposed on the lamp body; and a plug electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode.

2. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a container disposed on the lamp body.

3. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, the fluid is substantially transparent or semi-transparent, thereby the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode passing through the fluid.

4. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the alternating current light-emitting diode is near the container, and the heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode heats and evaporates the fluid through the container.

5. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container comprises heat-conductive material.

6. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the container comprises a cup and a cover disposed thereon, and the cover is disposed on the cup.

7. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

8. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lamp body comprises a heat-conductive surface connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode and near the container, and the heat generated by the alternating current light-emitting diode is transmitted to the container through the heat-conductive surface, heating and evaporating the fluid.

9. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plug is on the surface opposite to the heat-conductive surface.

10. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a heating adjustment controller electrically connected to the alternating current light-emitting diode, controlling intensity of the light output from the alternating current light-emitting diode and evaporation rate of the fluid.

11. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug is a European-type plug.

12. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a temperature overload protection circuit electrically connected with the alternating current light-emitting diode.

13. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lampshade covering the alternating current light-emitting diode.

14. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lampshade is substantially transparent or semi-transparent.

15. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lampshade comprises at least one pattern formed thereon and projected to the exterior thereof by the alternating current light-emitting diode.

16. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a timepiece adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode, wherein a time pattern provided by the timepiece is projected to the exterior of the lamp body by the alternating current light-emitting diode.

17. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a reflector adjacent to the alternating current light-emitting diode, reflecting the light output thereby.

18. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the reflector is rotatably connected to the lamp body.

19. A lamp apparatus, comprising: a base; a support stand comprising a first end and a second end opposite thereto, wherein the first end is connected to the base; a lamp body connected to the second end of the support stand; and at least one alternating current light-emitting diode disposed on the lamp body.

20. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first end of the support stand is rotatably connected to the base.

21. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the lamp body is rotatably connected to the second end of the support stand.

22. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the support stand is made of metal, and heat generated thereby is dissipated by the support stand and a metal housing of the base and the lamp body.

23. A lamp apparatus, comprising: a base; a support stand rotatably connected to the base; a lamp body connected to the support stand; and at least one alternating current light-emitting diode disposed on the lamp body.

24. The lamp apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the support stand is made of metal, and heat generated thereby is dissipated by the support stand and a metal housing of the base and the lamp body.

25. A lamp apparatus, comprising: at least one alternating current light-emitting diode, and a water layer, surrounding the alternating current light-emitting diode to dissipate heat.