Electronic lighting device and method for manufacturing same

• US 8,789,986 B2
• Filed: 12/14/2011
• Issued: 07/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: Shenzhen Liown Electronics Company Limited
• Inventors: Li, Xiaofeng
• Primary Examiner(s): HAN, JASON
• Application Number:
  US13/325,754
• Publication Number:
  US 20120134157A1
• Time in Patent Office: 958 Days
• Field of Search: 362161-163, 362392-393, 362/447, 362/810
• US Class Current: 362/393
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/04 simulating flames
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/043 by selectively switching fixed light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/046 by movement of parts, e.g. by movement of reflectors or light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/001 being candle-shaped with varying lighting effect of simulating flames F21S10/04; string of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/02 the power supply being a battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/001 the elements being electrical wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/009 the casing being inside the housing of the lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0407 for flashing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/30 Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source shades F21V1/17; globes, bowls or cover glasses F21V3/08, F21V3/12; refractors F21V5/10; reflectors F21V7/26, F21V7/30; elements with provision for controlling the spectral properties or intensity F21V9/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 7/064 Circuit arrangements for actuating electromagnets circuit arrangements for obtaining special operating characteristics H01F7/18; driving circuits for electromagnets making use of a switching regulator H01H47/325
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/385 using flyback topology
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/81 Imitation candle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4902 : Electromagnet, transformer or inductor

Abstract

An electronic lighting device may comprise an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to be exposed above the top of the enclosure. Light from the light-emitting element intersects with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light projects onto the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved. A method for manufacturing the same is disclosed.

Claims

1. An electronic lighting device, comprising a core which comprises:

an enclosure provided with a through hole on a top thereof;

a flame sheet movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, wherein the flame sheet comprises an upper sheet portion which is of a flame-like shape, and the upper sheet portion is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure through the through hole of the enclosure;

a light-emitting element installed on a sidewall of the enclosure such that an outgoing direction of a light from the light-emitting element is inclined upward and passes through the through hole of the enclosure, wherein the outgoing direction is intersected with a surface of the upper sheet portion, so that the light from the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet portion; and

a swing mechanism disposed beneath the flame sheet, wherein the swing mechanism is configured to apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing;

wherein the enclosure comprises a left cap and a right cap having symmetrical shapes with each other, wherein each of the left and right caps is provided with a semicircular notch, so that a cylindrical cavity with a circular opening at a top thereof is formed when the left and right caps are arranged to engage with each other, and wherein the left and right caps are provided with respective left and right notches on their sidewalls, the left and right notches being concaved inwardly and inclined at a certain angle with respect to the sidewalls of the left and right caps in such a way that an installation location for a LED light is formed when the left and right caps are arranged to engage with each other, and the installation location inclines toward the opening.

2. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a casing in which the core is installed, wherein the casing is provided with a through hole through which the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet of the core is exposed above a top of the casing; and

a base provided within the casing and installed under the core and engaged with the core.

3. The electronic lighting device according to claim 2, further comprising a PCB mainboard electrically connected with the swing mechanism and the light-emitting element to control the swing mechanism and the light-emitting element, wherein the PCB mainboard is installed on the base.

4. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a shell, wherein the shell comprises a tubular sidewall and a diaphragm plate, and the diaphragm plate is configured to intersect with the sidewall, wherein a through hole is provided in a middle part of the diaphragm plate, and the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is configured to protrude outside the shell through the through hole of the diaphragm plate.

5. The electronic lighting device according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the sidewall of the shell above the diaphragm plate is formed with an irregular end surface which is lower on one side and higher on another side, and wherein a surface of the sidewall of the shell and a surface of the diaphragm plate are coated with candle wax.

6. The electronic lighting device according to claim 5, wherein the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is configured such that a front surface of the upper sheet portion faces towards a lower portion of the end surface and a back surface of the upper sheet portion is obscured by a higher portion of the end surface.

7. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a set of magnets comprising a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet, the first magnet installed on a lower end of the flame sheet, and wherein the swing mechanism comprises:

a linkage sheet provided with a supporting point at a position along the length thereof, wherein the linkage sheet is supported or suspended on the enclosure at the supporting point under a gravity of the linkage sheet; and

a coil;

wherein the second magnet, is installed on an upper end of the linkage sheet, and the third magnet is installed on a lower end of the linkage sheet; and

wherein the coil is arranged beneath the third magnet and opposite to the third magnet.

8. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is concaved so as to form a depression, wherein the light of the light-emitting element is projected onto the concaved surface such that the light from the light-emitting element projected onto the depression produces a stereovision effect.

9. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a magnet at a lower end of the flame sheet, and wherein the swing mechanism comprises a coil generating a magnetic field varying according to a pulse signal, such that the flame sheet sways or swings due to an attraction or repulsion force applied to the magnet of the flame sheet by the varying magnet field.

10. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the swing mechanism comprises a fan, and the flame sheet sways or swings due to a wind force generated by the fan.

11. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the swing mechanism comprises a motor and connectors, wherein the connectors, when driven by the motor, collide with the flame sheet causing the flame sheet to sway or swing.

12. The electronic lighting device according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the outgoing direction of the light from the light-emitting element and the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is in a range of 30 to 40 degrees, so that a light spot formed on the upper sheet portion simulates an elongated flame shape.

13. An electronic lighting device, comprising a core which comprises:

an enclosure provided with a through hole on a top thereof;

a flame sheet movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, wherein the flame sheet comprises an upper sheet portion which is of a flame-like shape, and the upper sheet portion is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure through the through hole of the enclosure;

a light-emitting element installed on a sidewall of the enclosure such that an outgoing direction of a light from the light-emitting element is inclined upward and passes through the through hole of the enclosure, wherein the outgoing direction is intersected with a surface of the upper sheet portion, so that the light from the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet portion;

a swing mechanism disposed beneath the flame sheet, wherein the swing mechanism is configured to apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing; and

a supporting rod for the flame sheet, disposed adjacent to the through hole of the enclosure, wherein a through hole is provided in the flame sheet, and the upper sheet portion is positioned above the through hole of the flame sheet, and wherein the supporting rod for the flame sheet is configured to pass through the through hole of the flame sheet to moveably support or suspend the flame sheet on the supporting rod for the flame sheet;

wherein as the surface of the upper sheet portion is irradiated by the light from the light-emitting element, the supporting rod for the flame sheet is configured such that a shadow thereof is formed on the surface of the upper sheet portion to simulate a candlewick.

14. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising:

a casing in which the core is installed, wherein the casing is provided with a through hole through which the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet of the core is exposed above a top of the casing; and

a base provided within the casing and installed under the core and engaged with the core.

15. The electronic lighting device according to claim 14, further comprising a PCB mainboard electrically connected with the swing mechanism and the light-emitting element to control the swing mechanism and the light-emitting element, wherein the PCB mainboard is installed on the base.

16. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising a shell, wherein the shell comprises a tubular sidewall and a diaphragm plate, and the diaphragm plate is configured to intersect with the sidewall, wherein a through hole is provided in a middle part of the diaphragm plate, and the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is configured to protrude outside the shell through the through hole of the diaphragm plate.

17. The electronic lighting device according to claim 16, wherein a portion of the sidewall of the shell above the diaphragm plate is formed with an irregular end surface which is lower on one side and higher on another side, and wherein a surface of the sidewall of the shell and a surface of the diaphragm plate are coated with candle wax.

18. The electronic lighting device according to claim 17, wherein the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is configured such that a front surface of the upper sheet portion faces towards a lower portion of the end surface and a back surface of the upper sheet portion is obscured by a higher portion of the end surface.

19. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising a set of magnets comprising a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet, the first magnet installed on a lower end of the flame sheet, and wherein the swing mechanism comprises:

a linkage sheet provided with a supporting point at a position along the length thereof, wherein the linkage sheet is supported or suspended on the enclosure at the supporting point under a gravity of the linkage sheet; and

a coil;

wherein the second magnet is installed on an upper end of the linkage sheet, and the third magnet is installed on a lower end of the linkage sheet; and

wherein the coil is arranged beneath the third magnet and opposite to the third magnet.

20. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is concaved so as to form a depression, wherein the light of the light-emitting element is projected onto the concaved surface such that the light from the light-emitting element projected onto the depression produces a stereovision effect.

21. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, further comprising a magnet at a lower end of the flame sheet, and wherein the swing mechanism comprises a coil generating a magnetic field varying according to a pulse signal, such that the flame sheet sways or swings due to an attraction or repulsion force applied to the magnet of the flame sheet by the varying magnet field.

22. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the swing mechanism comprises a fan, and the flame sheet sways or swings due to a wind force generated by the fan.

23. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the swing mechanism comprises a motor and connectors, wherein the connectors, when driven by the motor, collide with the flame sheet causing the flame sheet to sway or swing.

24. The electronic lighting device according to claim 13, wherein an angle between the outgoing direction of the light from the light-emitting element and the upper sheet portion of the flame sheet is in a range of 30 to 40 degrees, so that a light spot formed on the upper sheet portion simulates an elongated flame shape.