Patent Grant
9482392
This application claims priority from and incorporates by reference German patent application DE 10 2014 000 741.3 filed on Jan. 21, 2014.
The invention relates to a light fixture and a lamp.
Lamps with lamp sockets on both sides, in particular fluorescent lamps are well-known in the art. Reference is made for example to DE 10 2007 054 930 A1 co-owned by applicant. Fluorescent tubes of this type with sockets on both sides include socket contacts configured as contact pins at their respective ends, wherein the socket contacts are respectively inserted into a lamp holder. These are typically sockets with a rotor in which the contact pins are provided to the rotor through a slot in the holder housing and are moved into a contact position through subsequent rotation of the lamp while moving the rotor along in which contact position the socket contacts become electrically connected with the contact pins of the lamp and a mechanical support of the lamp is also provided. Lamps of this type are used in light fixtures which implement elongated light bands in offices and industrial buildings, warehouses and even in private homes. Fluorescent lamps with sockets on both sides have become popular in many areas due to their lighting options and also because they have a higher light output at identical electric power compared to other conventional illuminants.
Fluorescent lamps with sockets on both sides, however, have a few disadvantages when inserting and dismounting the lamp since the socket contact pins of both lamp ends are typically not synchronously insertable into the holders, which is on the one hand side due to user handling and caused by the fact that inserting the socket contact pins into the tight insertion openings of the holders is imprecise. The longer the fluorescent lamp is itself, the more uncomfortable it is to handle. Due to low intrinsic stability of the fluorescent lamps a user has to be very careful not to destroy the lamp during insertion or through unintentional dropping.
Furthermore, rather elongated fluorescent lamps with sockets on one side are known in the art which are inserted into light fixtures having only one lamp holder. In order to reduce mechanical loading of the holder and to provide correct orientation of the lamp in the light fixture, the lamps can be provided with an additional support for the fluorescent lamp, wherein the additional support typically is an interlocking element. The interlocking element partially envelops the fluorescent lamp which does not have any additional support device itself. Thus, reference is made to articles 26.746.1001 and 26.726-013 in the catalogue 2008-2011 on pages [03] 52 through [02] 54 of the applicant. In systems of this type mounting the fluorescent lamp can be easily performed through lateral insertion. Typically significant forces have to be applied for inserting the lamp into the holder. However, since the holder for the lamp socket includes a mounting movement end stop, a user has the additional safety of not losing the lamp out of his hand unintentionally. The same applies for interlocking the lamp in the support element at the light fixture. Also here, the support element includes a mounting end stop for the fixation movement.
Dismounting a fluorescent lamp of this type is much more inconvenient for the user since the sensitive fluorescent lamp has to be pulled out of the interlocking support element of the light fixture with comparatively high force and has to be pulled out of the lamp holder thereafter. The typically sudden overcoming of the support forces of the support element and of the holder causes a sudden movement of the lamp in dismounting direction which induces the risk that the lamp is accidentally dropped or that the lamp impacts the light fixture housing.
Old lamp shapes have an additional disadvantage in that a concatenation of plural lamps does not produce light in sections that are covered by the lamp sockets and the lamp holders. This generates shaded portions in light bands that are formed from plural lamps.
Last not least LED lamps are known in the art as replacement for fluorescent lamps. These LED lamps, however, use the known socket and holder systems. In order to be used as retrofit and replacement lamps for existing light fixtures such LED lamps emulate the classic configurations of fluorescent lamps.
In particular, LED lamps configured as classic fluorescent tubes typically include an aluminum body for cooling the LEDs, which aluminum body extends over an entire length of the lamp. Compared to the glass tube of a fluorescent lamp there are significant lengths expansions caused by operational heating which can cause tensions in the installed lamp or even a deformation of the entire light fixture. Additionally, there are contact problems when the socket contacts disengage from the holder contacts due to length reduction during cooling of the lamp.
Thus, it is an object of the invention to improve mounting of a lamp, in particular an LED lamp, in particular for a lamp which can be used for providing improved elongated light bands.
The object is achieved initially by a light fixture for supporting a lamp at two ends, the light fixture including a lamp holder which receives and supports a lamp socket arranged at a first end of a lamp, wherein the lamp holder includes lamp holder contacts which electrically connect with lamp socket contacts; and a support which receives and supports a support element arranged at a second end of the lamp, wherein the support mechanically supports the lamp in the light fixture and does not include electrical contacts, wherein the support is essentially pot-shaped, wherein two opposite face walls are arranged at a base of the support, wherein the two opposite face walls support two opposite side walls between each other, wherein the face walls and the side walls define a receiving cavity which is accessible through an opening and which includes a push-in section arranged in front in a push in direction and a support section arranged in a rear in the push-in direction, wherein the lamp holder is provided with a recess for receiving a mounting dome of the lamp socket, wherein a spring element is arranged in the recess, wherein the spring element impacts the mounting dome through a pressure plate, and wherein a support pin is arranged in the recess and linked in a spring-elastic manner.
The object is also achieved by a light fixture as described supra, wherein the support section of the support is formed by two bars that are arranged opposite to one another and oriented in the push-in direction, and wherein the two bars narrow the opening in a portion of the support section so that a groove is formed.
The object is also achieved by a light fixture, wherein at least one support surface is arranged in the receiving cavity of the support, and wherein the at least one support surface controls an insertion movement of the lamp in the push in direction.
The light fixture may include a support, wherein a support pin slides during a mounting movement along the displacement section of the movement path and penetrates the return section at an end of the mounting movement until the support pin is anchored in the arresting section.
The lamp may advantageously include and anchor pinion that is narrower than an anchor head and anchor section is configured overall substantially T-shaped.
The lamp may also include a lamp element, wherein the support groove extends from an inlet opening through which the support pin is insertable into the support groove, and wherein the support groove terminates in an outlet opening through which the support pin is extractable.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for mechanically fixating a lamp described supra in a light fixture described supra including the steps moving the anchor section of the support element in a first linear movement through the opening into the receiving cavity of the support and there into the push-in section, and inserting the anchor section of the support element in a second linear movement into the support section of the receiving cavity of the support.
An essential advantage of the invention is that the light fixture forms a support which is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp, and which is not used additionally for electrically contacting and which is furthermore configured to receive a support element that is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp. Since components are provided on the light fixture side and also on the lamp side which are only used in cooperation with one another to mechanically fixate the lamp in the light fixture there is the option to optimize these components for maximum operator comfort, minimum size and advantageous positioning at the light fixture and at the lamp.
In view of the art recited supra and the object of the invention, another solution provides a lamp with the features of claim 2, in particular with its characterizing features, according to which the support element is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp in the light fixture and configured without electrical contacts, wherein the support element is insertable into a support at the light fixture that is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp.
The advantages of the lamp are analogous to the advantages of the light fixture. Also here the lamp side support element through its combined interaction with the light fixture side support provides the option to configure the support element only for an easily manageable mechanical connection with the light fixture so that no compromises have to be made regarding electrical contacting.
The invention furthermore relates to a support for a lamp at a light fixture component with an essentially pot shaped base element, wherein two opposite face walls are arranged at a bottom of the base element, wherein the two opposite face walls support two opposite side walls between each other, wherein the face walls and side walls enclose a receiving cavity that is accessible through an opening which is divided into a push in section and a retaining section that is in the back in push in direction. The essential advantage of the support is that it operates without interlocking devices or clamping devices in this simple embodiment so that the lamp can be mounted in the support essentially without force.
An advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the support section is formed by two opposite bars that are oriented in push in direction which narrow the opening in the portion of the retaining section so that a groove is formed.
It is provided that a support element is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp in the light fixture and is configured without electrical contacts, wherein the support element is insertable into the support at the light fixture that is only used for mechanically fixating the lamp. Thus, the bars of the support are oriented approximately transversal to gravity for a ceiling mount so that the support element of the lamp can rest on the bars. In this particular embodiment it is evident, that an interlocking or clamping fixation is not required in the support at the light fixture so that simple mounting and in particular dismounting of the lamp is provided.
It is furthermore provided that at least one support surface is arranged in the receiving cavity which support surface controls the push in movement of a lamp element that is to be inserted. The support surfaces are used for further improving the process of inserting the support element into the support. The support surfaces provide that the insertion into the support is a continuous movement and wedging the support element during mounting in the support is avoided. In particular, the support surfaces convert the insertion movement into the push in section into a push in movement into the retaining section.
In particular it is provided that the support surface extends from a face wall that is in front in push in direction and that the support surface is sloped towards the base, in particular when the support surface extends parallel to the base from the face wall arranged upfront in push in direction to the face wall that is arranged in the rear in push in direction.
It is furthermore provided that the retaining cavity of the retaining section formed between the bars and the base is sized so that a support element of a lamp to be inserted is essentially supportable without clearance.
It is furthermore is provided that the retaining cavity is defined between the bars and the base side support surface.
Furthermore it is provided for simple mounting of the support in the light fixture element that the face and/or side walls include external interlocking devices in order to be able to fixate the support in a cut-out of the light fixture element. However, alternatively it is also conceivable that the support element is an integral part of the light fixture element.
Another embodiment of the invention is implemented in a support element of a lamp with a receiving cavity defined by a support element base and support element side walls for a support element of a lamp, wherein one of the support element side walls includes an external anchoring section for mechanically fixating the lamp at a light fixture.
An essential advantage of the purpose configured support element is that it can be configured optimized solely for the support function. Differently from the prior art it is not necessary to comply with other requirements, e.g. good electrical contacting. Compared to other art recited supra, this purpose configured support element has the advantage on the lamp side that it is configured less sensitive compared to the lamp cylinder so that it can be easily gripped by the user during mounting and dismounting of the lamp.
In a particular embodiment it is provided that an anchor section of the support element includes an anchor head which is fixated at the support element side wall by an anchoring pin, in particular when the anchoring pin is narrower than the anchoring head and the anchoring section is configured overall approximately T-shaped.
This configuration of the anchoring section facilitates ideal interaction with the support described supra in that the particularly T-shaped anchoring section is supported in the retaining section of the support on the bars, whereas the anchoring pin exits between the bars so that it supports the lamp.
It is provided that the anchor head is configured drum-shaped at least at its end sections. In particular in combination with the support surfaces on sides of the support provided supra the drum-shaped end sections provide a comfortable sliding assembly.
The invention furthermore relates to a system for mechanically fixating a lamp in a light fixture with a support according to one of the claims 3-10 and a support element according to one of the claims 11-14, wherein the anchor section of the support element is supported in the retaining section of the support in order to provide a mechanical fixation of the lamp at the light fixture, wherein the anchor section is in particular pivotably supported in the support in order to facilitate a pivot movement from a mounting position of the lamp into a functional position of the lamp.
It is appreciated that the support can be configured according to the support element and the support element can then be configured according to the support. In this case the support element is attached at the light fixture, the support, however, is attached at the lamp. Since in this embodiment only the arrangement of support and support element at the light fixture or lamp is changed, however, the function is not changed, a configuration of this type can be considered equivalent.
In order to be able to operate a lamp in a light fixture, an electrical connection between lamp and light fixture is required in addition to the cooperation of support and support element, thus the mechanical connection of the lamp in the light fixture. Therefore, the invention also relates to an alternative embodiment of a support element which can be used as a lamp socket with socket contacts for electrically contacting holder contacts. This support element is provided with a mounting dome that is configured for inserting into a second embodiment of a support which can be used as lamp holder and which includes a support pin that is linked in a spring-elastic manner for mechanically anchoring the support element, wherein the mounting dome includes support surfaces which form a movement path along which the support pin is supportable, wherein the movement path is configured to displace the support pin through a displacement section from an idle position in a first direction building up spring loading during a relative movement of the support element and the support, to return the support pin back towards its idle position through a return section while partially reducing the spring loading, to retain the support pin in an arresting section which forms part of the return section while maintaining a spring loading.
A support element of this type or a lamp socket of this type is part of a so-called push-in-push-out arrangement in which the lamp socket is retained by pressing the holder/support into an anchoring position and the lamp socket is moved into a disengagement or dismounting position by repeated pressing into the support. During the first impression of the support element into the support, the support pin arranged in the support is moved into an arresting section of the support element and thus, keeps the support element in a mounting position. In this mounting position a mechanical anchoring of the support element and thus of the lamp in the light fixture is provided in the support. Also an electrical connection between holder contacts and socket contacts is conceivable when the support and the support element are configured as holder and socket.
It is provided in an advantageous embodiment of the support element according to the invention that a movement path of a continued relative movement of support and support element is configured to disengage the support pin out of the arresting section and to move it from the return section into an extraction section of the movement path while reducing the residual spring load.
An essential advantage is that another impression of the support element into the support disengages the support pin from the arresting section and transfers it into the extraction section so that the support element can be removed from the support. Thus, when removing the support element from the support no additional force is required in this embodiment. Rather, the support element slides out of the support quasi self-acting. At the most, a certain amount of friction may retain the support element that is connected with the lamp support element in the support under the weight of the lamp.
In order to prevent accidental sliding of the support element out of the support and to thus support the lamp in the support, also in case of an intentional or unintentional disengagement of the support pin out of the arresting section, it is provided that the arresting section is configured to displace the support pin into a second direction while building up a spring load again, wherein the second displacement direction is opposite to the first displacement direction.
An essential advantage is that the support pin can only slide through the extraction section while building up an additional spring tension. This spring tension is sized so that it easily prevents a sliding of the support pin out of the arresting section solely due to the weight of the lamp.
Eventually it is provided that the support surfaces are associated with a support groove that is fabricated in a side wall of the mounting dome.
It is furthermore provided that the support groove originates from an insertion opening through which the support pin is insertable into the support groove and that the support groove terminates in an outlet opening through which the support pin is removable.
For a cooperation with the support element described supra a support is required that is configured accordingly. Thus, the invention also relates to a support with a recess for receiving a mounting dome of a support element in which a spring loaded pressure plate is arranged and with a support pin that is arranged in the recess wherein the support pin is linked under a spring load, and optionally with holder contacts for electrically connecting to contacts of a lamp socket when the support is configured as a lamp holder.
An essential advantage of this support is its interaction with the support element recited supra which implements a so-called push-in-push-out principle for anchoring the support element in the support. This is characterized in that pushing the socket into the holder initially provides mechanical anchoring and electrical contacting and another pushing of the lamp socket into the holder causes a disengagement of the socket from the holder. A central element is the support pin at the holder which is initially moved into an idle position and then into a disengagement position through the spring elastic displacement in cooperation with the support surfaces of the lamp. The spring loaded pressure plate provides that the support pin remains safely in the socket side arresting section and the support element is moved out of the support after another pushing of the support element into the support.
The invention furthermore relates to a system for mechanically fixating a support element according to claim 16 in a support according to claim 21 wherein the mounting dome of the support element is introduced in mounting direction into the receiving cavity of the support, wherein the pressure plate is displaced from its idle position by the mounting dome causing a build-up of spring tension, and the pressure plate pressing against mounting direction retains the support pin of the support in the arresting direction and thus, retains the support element in the support.
The system according to the invention is characterized in that the support pin is disengaged from the arresting section under repeated movement of the mounting dome in mounting direction and further displacement of the pressure plate and then transitioned into the extraction section.
It is furthermore provided that the spring tension of the pressure plate induces a dismounting movement of the mounting dome which moves the support pin along the extraction section and which causes a spring elastic displacement of the support pin.
Then, as recited supra, the system is configured so that the frictional engagement between the support pin that is elastically displaced in the extraction section and the support surface of the extraction section retains the support pin in the extraction section and prevents an exit of the support pin through the outlet opening.
From the statements provided supra it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the configuration of support element and support is reversible, thus the support can have the features of the support element and the support element can have the features of the support. In so far a respective configuration of support element and support can be considered an equivalent solution.
Additionally it becomes clear that adding cooperating contact elements to the support and the support element converts them into a holder and a lamp socket.
The invention furthermore relates to a method for mechanically fixating a lamp in a light fixture wherein the lamp includes a support element according to one of the claims 1 through 11 and the light fixture includes a support according to one of the claims 3 through 10, characterized in that the anchor section of the support element is moved into the receiving cavity of the support and there into the push in section in a first linear movement through the opening, and in a second also linear movement the anchor section is inserted into the support section of the receiving cavity of the support.
In another embodiment is provided that the anchor head is inserted into the push in section and pushed into the support section, the anchor pin, however, is pushed between the groove-forming bars.
Eventually it is provided that the support surface transposes the first linear movement into the second linear movement.
The invention also relates to a method for mechanically fixating a lamp with a support element according to one of the claims 16 through 20, and a lamp with a support according to claim 21, characterized in that the mounting dome is inserted through a mounting movement in a mounting direction into the recess of the holder, wherein the support pin impacts at least one support surface of the displacement section and the pressure plate of the support is moved by first distance while building up spring loading.
The invention is furthermore implemented in that the support pin slides through the mounting movement along the deflection section of the movement path, and penetrates the return section at the end of the mounting movement until it is anchored in the arresting section.
Then it is provided that a dismounting movement is performed for disengaging the arrested support pin wherein the dismounting movement has the same direction as the mounting movement.
Eventually the method is implemented in that the support pin moves into the extraction section when performing the dismounting movement.
It is also provided that the support pin is moved through the extraction section of the movement path again being displaced against the spring force when continuing the dismounting with a reversed movement direction.
Eventually it is provided that the continued dismounting movement is induced by the spring-loaded pressure plate of the holder with a movement direction against the mounting movement.
The invention will now be described based on advantageous embodiments with reference to drawing figures, wherein:
The drawing figures illustrate a light fixture according to the invention designated over all with the reference numeral 10. The light fixture is illustrated in
The light fixture 10 receives at least one, in the present embodiment, however, plural elongated lamps 11 that are assembled to form a linear light band. For mechanical anchoring of the lamp 11 the light fixture 10 includes a support 12 which cooperates with a support element 13 of the lamp 11. The support 12 and the support element 13 are thus used exclusively for mechanically fixating the lamp 11 at the light fixture 10, whereas a holder 14 at the light fixture and a socket 15 at the lamp are used for mechanically fixating the lamp 11 in the light fixture 10 and for electrical connection. The socket 15 is arranged at a first end of the lamp 11, the support element 13 is arranged a second end of the lamp 11 so that the lamp type according to the invention is a lamp type that is supported on two sides.
The light fixture 10 is configured very simple in this embodiment. This is an h-beam with two vertical arms 16 that are off-set from one another and a horizontal arm 17 connecting the vertical arms 16. This way the light fixture 10 forms a receiving cavity 18 oriented towards a viewer for receiving the lamp 11 and a supply cavity 19 that is oriented away from the viewer, wherein the supply cavity receives the holder 14, the support 12, attachment elements for arranging the lamp at building elements and for example power carrying cables and control conductors.
The lamp itself is configured as a LED lamp which does not only have advantageous properties with respect to energy consumption but in which the light direction can be influenced by arranging individual LEDs. This way also the gap between two lamps 11 that are arranged behind one another which gap is otherwise shaded by the socket 15 or the support element 13 can be illuminated for the viewer so that a light band with a continuous even light output is generated.
The support 12 by itself is illustrated in
Support surfaces 30 are arranged in the receiving cavity 25 of the support 12 wherein the support surfaces are used for controlling the insertion movement in push in direction X of a support element 13. The support surfaces 30 extend from the first face wall 21, thus proximal to the opening 26, drop towards the ground 20 and extend parallel to the ground in the portion of the retaining section 28. A retaining cavity 31 of the retaining section 28 is thus formed between the bars 29 and the base 20.
As apparent from the perspective view of the support 12 in
The sectional view of the support 12 along the sectional line A-A in
A support element 13 corresponds to the support 12 for mechanically fixating the lamp 11 in the light fixture 10, wherein the support element is illustrated in a perspective view in
The support element 13 according to the invention contacts at an end of the lamp 11 and thus forms a portion of the lamp housing. For this purpose, a support element base 34 supports support element side walls 35 which form a receiving cavity for lamp elements which receiving cavity is oriented away from the viewer in
The support element 13 and the support 12 cooperate as a system for mechanically fixating a lamp 11 in a light fixture 10. This type of interaction and the process of inserting the support element 13 into the support 12 is now described in more detail with reference to
An end section of the lamp 11 in a sectional view is also visible in
The support element side wall 35 oriented towards the light fixture 10 as recited supra includes the anchor section 36 that is to be arranged below the support 12 in front of the opening 26 in the portion of the push in section 27. The anchor head 38 is now inserted in push in direction Y through the opening 26 into the receiving cavity 25 of the support element and then slides on the support surfaces 30 in push in direction X in order to penetrate the support cavity 31 of the support 12.
The anchor head 38 that is now inserted in the portion of the undercut support groove is connected to the lamp 11 through anchor pins 37 running out of the support 12 between the bars 29 and the anchor head supports the lamp at the light fixture 10 against the direction of gravity. The advantageous drum-shaped configuration of the end sections 39 of the anchor head 38 facilitates pivoting of the lamp 11 that is mechanically supported at the light fixture 10 in this condition only at one side, wherein the lamp is pivotable about the anchor head 38 as a center of the pivot movement. This is advantageous with respect to a connection of socket 15 and holder 14 which will be described infra.
From the illustrated interaction between support 12 and support element 13 it is clearly evident for everybody that the structural features of the support 11 can also be configured at the lamp to form a support element when the structural features of the support element 13, in particular the formation of the anchor section 36 are configured at the light fixture 10. Thus, this switch-over, this means configuring the support element 13 with features like the support 12 and simultaneously configuring the support 12 like the support element 13 are equivalent.
However, in order to complete the mounting process in which the lamp has to be moved on in push in direction X until it reaches an end stop, the spring arm 41 is displaced from its idle position by the anchor head 38 and builds up a spring force that is oriented against the push in movement X. This has the effect that the spring arm 41 induces an ejection movement when dismounting the lamp 11 which requires a disengagement of socket and holder which will be described infra. Thus, the spring forces move the anchor head 38 into a direction that is opposite to the push in direction X until the spring arm 41 has reached its idle position. However, it is appreciated that the anchor head 38 is moved by the spring arm 41 in a direction of the push in section 27 of the support 12 when dismounting the lamp 11 in an advantageous embodiment, however, the anchor head 38 does not move into the push in section 27. Instead the anchor head remains in the support section 28 so that a transition into the push in section 27 and thus, a gravity-induced sliding of the anchor section 36 out of the support 12 does not occur.
In this context reference is made to
The lamp 11 which includes the illustrated end section with the socket 15, wherein the socket 15 is anchored in the holder 14 is already completely mounted, so that it is not forced to perform any movement in X-direction during the process described supra.
a now describe another embodiment of support and support element. Both are provided with contacts in the instant embodiment wherein the contacts enter into an electrical connection in the mounted condition of the lamp 11. Insofar the support and the support element of this alternative embodiment are configured as holder 14 and socket 15 and are subsequently designated accordingly. Since the mechanical anchoring forms the core of the invention this terminology is not limiting.
The lamp socket 15 similar to the support element 13 forms a pot-shaped recess for various lamp elements as apparent in particular from the sectional view of
As initially apparent from the perspective illustration in
The face view of the lamp holder 15 in
The support groove 55 extends from an inlet opening 57 that is oriented towards the holder 14, wherein the inlet opening is aligned with a free end section 58 of the support pin 56 and is arranged in an embodiment in a plane that includes a longitudinal axis of the lamp and is oriented vertical to the horizontal arm 17.
Starting with the inlet opening 57 the support groove 55 initially forms the so-called displacement section 59. The displacement section extends at an angle to the vertical plane and transitions into a wave-shaped return section 60. This return section furthermore includes an arresting section 61 and transitions into the extraction section 62 which in turn leads into an outlet opening 63.
The holder 14 illustrated in
The support pin 56 is also arranged in the vertical plane for the instant embodiment. For the subsequently described function, however, it is essential that the support pin is aligned with the inlet opening 57 of the support groove 55. The support pin 56 is furthermore configured spring elastic and is advantageously made from steel spring wire, wherein the free end section forms an arresting lug 67 through bending into push in direction X as apparent from the longitudinal sectional view of the lamp according to
Eventually the holder 14 forms a contact cavity 70 in which holder contacts can be arranged which electrically connect with the socket contacts 53.
The holder 14 and the socket 15 form a cooperating system for mechanically fixating the lamp socket 15 in the holder 14 and thus a system for mechanically supporting the lamp 11 in the lamp fixture 10 while simultaneously providing a respective voltage supply and a connection of electrical control conductors which for example can influence light color and light intensity of a LED lamp 11. This also implies a mounting method for inserting a lamp socket 15 in a lamp holder 14. This method will now be described in more detail with reference to
Inserting the socket 15 into the holder 14 and their interaction for mechanically anchoring the lamp 11 into the light fixture 10 is described infra.
It is illustrated now in
As illustrated in
The support groove 55 is configured approximately roof-shaped in the portion of the return section 60, wherein the roof ridge is oriented into the holder recess 64. When the arresting lug 67 reaches the movement stop formed by the return section 60 the socket 15 is released. Due to the roof-shaped support groove 55 in the return section 60 in cooperation with the spring load moving the arresting lug 67 into idle position, the arresting lug 67 slides towards the ridge line wherein a minimum rearward displacement of the socket 15 against the push in direction Z is caused by the spring loaded pressure plate 68. When the arresting lug 67 reaches the ridge portion the reverse displacement movement of the support pin 56 is terminated for the time being. A residual spring tension, however, is maintained for the support pin 56. The arresting lug 67 is located in the arresting section 61 (the ridge) of the support groove 55 and supports the socket 15 against the gravitational direction in the holder 14. The socket 15 is mechanically anchored in the holder 14 (cf.
In order to release the socket 15 from the holder 14, the socket 15 is moved in push in direction Z again. Thus, the arresting lug 67 slides out of the arresting section 61 in a direction of the idle position of the support pin 56 until the arresting lug moves into the support groove 55. The transition from the return section 60 which includes the arresting section 61 into the extraction section 62 is arranged shortly before the point where the arresting lug 67 is in the idle position of the support pin 56. The extraction section 62 itself in return is oriented at an angle relative to the plane including the longitudinal axis of the lamp, however, the extraction section is oriented away from the plane in push in direction Z.
The transition from the arresting lug 67 into the extraction section 62 is illustrated in
After releasing the socket 15 it slides induced by the spring force of the coil spring 69 against the push in direction Z out of the holder recess 64 until an extraction position is reached. Due to the configuration of the extraction section the outlet movement in return forces a spring elastic displacement of the support pin 56 which is arranged in its idle position in the vertical plane described supra. Thus, the movement of the socket 15 against the push in direction Z when disengaging out of the holder 14 has to be performed against the spring return force of the support pin 56 whose frictional engagement at the support surfaces of the support groove 55 slows down the movement. Advantageously the spring return force or the displacement of the support pin 56 induced by the extraction section 62 is sized so that a reverse displacement of the socket 15 out of the holder 14 against the push in direction Z for example through gravity can only be performed to a certain extent, however, without additional force application by a user this extraction movement is not completed so that the socket 15 is supported in the holder 14 in an extraction position (
This way it is prevented that the lamp 11 leaves its mechanical anchoring in an uncontrolled manner when unintentionally or intentionally disengaging the socket 15 out of the holder 14 so that unintentional dropping of the lamp 11 out of the light fixture 10 is not possible. Only pulling the socket 15 out of the holder 14 overcomes the frictional engagement and forces the support pin 56 into a displacement which facilitates that the support pin leaves the support groove 55 through the outlet opening 63.
Subsequently, mounting the lamp 11 into the light fixture 10 will be described which uses the method for inserting the support element 13 into the support 12 and also the method for inserting the socket 15 in the holder 14.
Performing this mounting method the support element 13 is initially positioned in front of the opening 26 in the portion of the push in section 27 of the holder 12. The anchor head 38 is moved through the opening 26 into the push in section 27 in push in direction Y. The push in direction Y is then transferred into the push-in direction X through the support surfaces 30. A further movement in push-in direction X of the anchor head 36 leads to its arrangement in the support section 28. If provided the spring arm 41 of the spring 40 included in the support cavity 31 is forced out of its idle position so that it builds up a spring load.
When inserting the support element 13 into the support 12, the lamp 11 is in a position that is inclined relative to the light fixture 10 (c.f.
As a continuation of the pivot movement, the mounting dome 51 of the socket 15 moves into the portion of the insertion opening 66 of the holder housing 65 of the holder 14. The mounting dome moves through the insertion opening 66, wherein the arresting lug 67 of the support pin 56 moves through the entry opening 57 into the support groove 55. The mounting dome slides along the displacement section 59 building up a spring load and is displaced in a spring elastic manner. When the arresting lug 67 moves into the transition portion from the displacement section 59 into the return section 60, the support surfaces of the support groove 55 form a movement stop for a movement in push in direction Z.
The movement of the mounting dome 51 into the holder recess 64 causes a spring loaded pressure plate 68 arranged in the holder recess 64 to move in push in direction Z building up a spring load. When the arresting lug 67 has reached the movement stop the socket 15 is released by the user. The spring load impacts the mounting dome 51 through the pressure plate 68 and causes a partial reverse displacement against the push in direction Z, wherein the support pin 56 moves along the support groove into the return section 60 towards its idle position. A roof-shaped section of the return section 60 which forms the actual arresting section 61 facilitates a movement of the arresting lug 67 up to a ridge. When the ridge is reached also the reverse movement of the mounting dome 51 out of the holder 15 induced by the pressure plate 68 terminates. The arresting lug 67 which is inserted in the arresting section 61 of the support groove 55 now supports the socket 15 against the spring loaded pressure plate 68 and the gravitational force in the holder 14. Thus, the socket 15 is mechanically anchored in the holder 14.
When the lamp 11 is mounted in this manner and supported by the socket 15 and the holder 14 on one side, and by the support 12 and the support element 13 on the other side, another advantage of the cooperation of holder 12 and holder element 13 becomes important. When the lamp 11 is mounted the anchor head 38 is supported at a distance from the proximal second face wall 22 arranged in the back in push in direction. Now when the thermal expansion of the lamp 11 recited supra occurs, the anchor head 38 can accordingly move into the support section 28 in X-direction so that there are no damages to the lamp 11 or the light fixture 10. The holder 12 and the holder element 13 thus facilitate compensating the thermal expansion of the lamp 11.
In order to remove the lamp 11 out of the light fixture 10 the socket 15 is again moved into the holder recess 64 in push in direction Z. This leads to a movement of the arresting lug 67 in a direction of the idle position of the support pin 56, wherein the arresting lug 67 leaves the return section 60 and moves into the extraction section 62 arranged opposite to the displacement section 59. The extraction section opens into an outlet opening 63 through which the arresting lug 67 can exit the support groove 55 so that a movement of the socket 15 out of the holder 14 is facilitated.
As described supra, the extraction section 62 forces a movement upon the arresting lug 67 wherein the movement in return leads to a dislocation of the support pin 56 and to a build-up of a spring loading. The spring loading is configured to support the mounting dome 51 against the spring tension of the pressure plate 68 and/or against a possible gravitational force in the holder 14 so that the socket 15 is prevented from falling out of the holder 14 (
Now an additional force has to be applied by the user, wherein the additional force disengages the socket 15 from the holder 14 and leads to a sliding of the arresting lug 67 out of the support groove 55. After this disengagement of socket the 15 and the holder 14, the lamp 11 in turn has a position that is inclined relative to the light fixture 10 (cf.
Now the anchor head 38 has to be moved against the push-in direction X out of the support cavity 31 into the push-in section 27. The support surfaces 30 reverse the movement direction into an extraction direction that is opposite to the push in direction Y. The anchor head 38 exits the support 12 through its opening 26 and thereafter mechanical connections between the lamp 11 and the light fixture 10 are disengaged.
In case a support 12 with spring element 40 has been used the spring arm 41 supports the movement against the push-in direction X and induces the dismounting movement. Additionally, the spring arm 41 pushes the anchor head 38 out of the support cavity 31 and into the push-in section 27 also when the lamp is accidentally released when disengaging the socket 15 from the holder 14. This way it is prevented that the forces that are imparted upon the support 12 and in particular the bars 29 by dropping the lamp and a resulting pivot movement destroy the support 12 and in particular the bars 29. Also in case of faulty operations of this type it is assured that the support 12 and thus the light fixture remains intact.
As described supra the socket 15 and the support 12 are used for mechanically anchoring the lamp 11 in the light fixture 10 through an advantageous operating concept which is also known as Push-In and Push-Out concept. This means that the socket 15 has to be pressed into the holder 14 for anchoring and also for disengagement. It is also apparent that a support element and a support can also be configured with omitting holder contacts and socket contacts and corresponding contact support elements wherein the components which are used for mechanical anchoring correspond to the socket 15 and the holder 14. Using a support and a support element thus configured has to be considered equivalent to using the socket and the holder.
Furthermore, it is always apparent to a person skilled in the art that the instant configuration of the holder can also be implemented at the socket and the instant configuration of the socket can be implemented at the holder without incurring any disadvantages or complex configurative requirements. Thus, these solutions are would equivalent.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2014 000 741 | Jan 2014 | DE | national |
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| 19833720 | May 2000 | DE |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150204522 A1 | Jul 2015 | US |
