DE102020201044A1 - LIGHTING DEVICE WITH A SECURITY ELEMENT, LAMP FOR INSTALLATION IN A LIGHTING DEVICE, SECURITY ELEMENT AND PROCEDURES FOR INSTALLING THE LAMP IN THE LIGHTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting device (1, 1 '), comprising: a light box device (20), a lamp (10, 10'), in particular an LED retrofit lamp, which is arranged in a receptacle (30) of the light box device (20), and at least one securing element (40, 41) which connects the lamp (10, 10 ') to the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20), the connection not being able to be released non-destructively and / or only using a special tool.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to a lighting device, a lamp for installation in a lighting device, a fuse element for connecting a lamp to a receptacle of a light box device of a lighting device and a method for installing a lamp in a lighting device.

State of the art

When designing vehicle lights, different country-specific regulations must be taken into account. For example, in Germany it is stipulated that previous light sources cannot be easily replaced by LED retrofit lamps, but only a lighting device with a permanently installed LED retrofit lamp can be approved. A permanently installed LED retrofit lamp describes a connection between the lamp and a receptacle for the lighting device, which cannot be detached non-destructively or only with the use of a special tool.

It is known from the prior art to connect the LED retrofit lamps with a soldering point to the socket of the lamp holder or to glue them to it. Such types of connection are not suitable for all lamp designs, however, since material combinations can occur that are not accessible to this procedure. For example, a light box device and thus the receptacle for the lamp can be made of plastic, while the LED retrofit lamp can be an injection-molded component made of aluminum or zinc or a corresponding alloy. In addition to a material pairing that is unsuitable for gluing or soldering, these types of processes can only be implemented with difficulty or not at all on an industrial scale, even with insufficient accessibility of the connection point.

Presentation of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a lighting device in which a lamp with a receptacle of a light box device of a lighting device can be connected simply and securely, independently of a material pairing, without being easily detachable. It is also an object to provide a lamp in which such a connection can be implemented. Another object is to provide a fuse element that can connect a lamp and receptacle accordingly. It is also an object to provide an equally advantageous method for installing a lamp in a lighting device.

The object is achieved by a lighting device with the features of claim 1, a lamp with the features of claim 11, a fuse element with the features of claim 12 and a method with the features of claim 13. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The starting point is a lighting device with a light box device and a lamp, in particular an LED retrofit lamp, which is arranged in a receptacle of the light box device.

According to the invention, the lighting device also comprises at least one securing element that connects the lamp to the receptacle of the light box device, the connection not being able to be released non-destructively and / or only using a special tool.

In this context, “not non-destructive” is understood to mean any type of loosening of the connection that irreversibly affects at least part of the securing element and / or the receptacle. In a simple embodiment, for example, damage to a sealing lacquer can be sufficient for this. Preferably, however, there is no or not only an optical impairment on the basis of which a loosening of the connection can be recognized, but alternatively or additionally to an impairment of the connection function and / or operational function, so that the lamp is at least no longer sufficiently held in the receptacle or the lighting function can no longer be carried out in order to be able to properly provide for further operation of the lighting device with the lamp.

In some cases it can be advantageous if a non-destructive release of the connection can nevertheless be carried out in order to keep costs and expenses low, for example in the case of series errors or other cases that can result in the replacement of a large number of lamps. The use of special tools is recommended for this. The design of special tools has, for example, lamp-specific tool features, comparable to the use of release brackets for car radios. The availability of corresponding special tools should in particular be limited to a predetermined group of users in order to be able to ensure traceability, for example. In particular, it should be avoided that a lamp exchange is carried out by unauthorized personnel or a non-commercial end user. This does not only apply to the proper one Exchange, but also the prevention of the exchange of original parts with plagiarism.

The use of a special tool can also be combined with a non-destructive release of the connection. In this case, the connection and / or operating function is not disturbed, but an optical or otherwise detectable impairment is carried out. This means that the lamp can be replaced using the special tool, but it can be tracked.

In particular, the securing element forms a mechanical connection between the lamp and the receptacle of the light box device.

A mechanical connection is understood here to mean connections based on positive and / or non-positive locking. In this way, material pairings can also be connected which cannot be connected using material-locking processes or can only be connected under difficult conditions.

The term form-fit and force-fit-based connections is not limited to connections that act directly, but also include indirect connection types. A positive-locking-based connection also includes variants in which the securing element engages in a contour of the lamp without filling the contour in engagement. In such a case it is sufficient that the lamp cannot be moved into a position by the engagement of the securing element in the contour in which the lamp can be moved out of the receptacle. In other words, the securing element can also function as a stop in the sense of a form-fitting connection.

In one embodiment, the securing element is designed as a securing pin, in particular as a rivet, securing screw or expansion plug.

The locking pin can be passed through a through hole through the light box device or receptacle of the light box device or driven into the light box device or receptacle of the light box device, as will also be described below for a further variant, and extends over one of the lamps inserted into the receptacle facing side of the light box device or receiving the light box device in an engagement opening formed by the lamp or passes through the lamp itself at least over a predetermined section.

In the event that the locking pin engages in an engagement opening formed by the lamp, it is sufficient to dimension the locking pin, possibly taking into account further design criteria, such as expected loads, so that it allows movement of the lamp into a position in which the lamp can be moved out of the receptacle, prevents. For example, a receptacle for a lamp has a round opening with three outer wing cutouts. Corresponding to this, the lamp comprises three wing sections which are inserted into the receptacle through the wing cutouts. By rotating the lamp with respect to the receptacle by a predetermined angle about the longitudinal axis of the lamp, the lamp can no longer be moved out of the receptacle. In order to prevent the lamp from being able to be moved again into a position in which it can be removed from the receptacle, the locking pin either engages in an engagement opening formed by a spacing between the wing sections of the lamp. Alternatively, the securing pin can be designed or shaped by plastic deformation, for example to secure against loosening, so that the securing pin has an actual form fit with the lamp, such as a design corresponding at least in sections to the engagement opening of the lamp. As a result, in addition to the connection between the lamp and the receptacle of the light box device, a rotation lock for the lamp is realized at the same time.

Alternatively, following the through hole through the light box device or receptacle of the light box device, the locking pin can either directly or indirectly pass through a correspondingly arranged through hole in the lamp or at least engage in a section-wise receiving opening of the lamp for the locking pin. Alternatively or in addition, depending on the design of the locking pin in terms of the type of pin and / or the pin material, the locking pin can also be driven through or into the light box device or receptacle of the light box device and / or the lamp. In such a case, no through-hole or receiving opening is provided in the light box device or receptacle of the light box device and / or in the lamp, or these have an opening diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the locking pin. As a result, the material of the light box device or the receptacle of the light box device and / or the lamp can be molded plastically into the securing pin contour. Both variants also provide anti-twist protection for the lamp.

The use of a rivet, a locking screw or an expansion plug as a locking pin also makes it possible to use standard fasteners. In particular, such fasteners are already widely used in Vehicle area used, so that no additional materials have to be created for lighting devices in this area.

In a further development, the receptacle of the light box device on a side of the light box facing away from a light box interior has a projection surrounding the receiving area at least in sections, which starting from the side facing away from the light box interior at an angle, in particular about 90 °, to the side facing away from the light box interior extends outward, wherein the locking pin passes through the projection at least in sections.

The projection forms, for example, a collar that surrounds the receiving area and is directed outward in relation to a light box interior. Such a collar interacts with a sealing ring of the lamp, for example. Thus, when the locking pin passes through the collar at least in sections to connect the lamp to the light box device, it can be inserted at an easily accessible location, with the locking pin only having to cover a comparatively short distance due to its proximity to the lamp.

In particular, the securing pin is arranged at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the lamp.

Due to the inclined arrangement of the locking pin, in particular in connection with the positioning in the area of the projection described above, so that it is traversed at least in sections, the locking pin can be guided over a longer section in the receptacle, whereby the locking pin is received more stably.

In a case in which the locking pin runs through both a part of the projection and a part of a receiving area formed by the receptacle that adjoins it in the direction of the light box interior, the locking pin is not only guided over a comparatively longer section, but can also have thick-walled areas the receptacle, which reduces the risk of the locking pin breaking out. This is the case, for example, when the securing pin passes through the projection, beginning in the area of the part of the projection facing the receiving area in the longitudinal direction of the lamp, obliquely in the direction of the light box interior through a section of the receiving area.

In one embodiment, the locking pin is made of metal, in particular with a diameter of 1 to 4 mm, preferably with a diameter of 2 to 3 mm, or made of plastic, in particular with a diameter of 2 to 5 mm, preferably with a diameter of 3, 5 to 4.5 mm.

On the one hand, smaller diameters are expensive to handle because of the risk of the drill breaking off or bending of the locking pin. In addition, with smaller diameters, the risk of inadvertently shearing off the locking pin during assembly also increases. For this reason, in many cases the diameter of a locking pin made of plastic is to be made comparatively larger than that of a locking pin made of metal. At the same time, the diameter should not be made too large in order not to have to dimension the receptacle correspondingly large, for example by means of a bore provided for this purpose. If larger diameters require larger forces in a case in which the locking pin is driven through a material partner, which would also have to be taken into account when designing the connection.

Due to the temperatures occurring during operation, which can be in the range of 100 ° C, metals and many plastics offer sufficient temperature resistance.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing element is designed as a securing ring.

The locking ring encloses both a section of the lamp and a section of the receptacle in an area in which the lamp rests on the receptacle. For example, the securing ring can be designed as a clamp or clamping ring, with the clamp or the clamping ring being secured in the sense of the invention via a securing pin, such as a rivet, a securing screw or an expansion plug.

In particular, the receptacle of the light box device has on a side of the light box facing away from a light box interior a projection surrounding the receptacle at least in sections, which protrudes outwards from the side facing away from the light box interior at an angle, in particular about 90 ° to the side facing away from the light box interior extends, and the lamp has a flange which rests on the projection of the receptacle, wherein the locking ring rests on the side of the flange facing away from the support of the flange on the projection, extends over the flange in the direction of the projection and with the Protrusion forms a connection in an overlap area.

In this variant, the locking ring can be understood as a coupling ring or the aforementioned clamp or the clamping ring can be designed accordingly. Because the locking ring in this embodiment only has to be connected to the receptacle or the projection of the receptacle in order to also hold the lamp in the receptacle, the type of connection can be matched to the combination of locking ring and receptacle or projection independently of the lamp . For example, a soldering process could also be used here with a corresponding material pairing. Gluing as described below is also possible as a result.

In one embodiment, the connection is formed by an external thread of the projection and a corresponding internal thread of the locking ring.

The connection is thus made according to the functional principle of a union nut. To secure against loosening of the securing ring, for example, an assembly contour of the securing ring can be designed in such a way that it is plastically deformed or sheared off at a predetermined torque.

Alternatively or in addition, the connection is glued via the locking ring.

For this purpose, an adhesive can be applied at least in sections to the securing ring and / or in the area of the lamp and / or the receptacle which is encompassed by the securing ring. Alternatively, at least one of the aforementioned connection partners can have adhesive balls which burst open when a connection is made, for example when it is screwed on.

Gluing is not only a type of connection that usually cannot be released non-destructively, but can also, in combination with other connections, increase the hold of the connection and / or be used for sealing.

The invention is also directed to a lamp for installation in a lighting device, the lamp having an opening for receiving a locking pin and / or a flange for connection to a light box device of the lighting device via a locking ring.

Thus, a lamp, such as an LED retrofit lamp, can also be sold independently in order to be permanently installed with a lighting device within the meaning of the invention.

In addition, the invention also relates to a securing element for connecting a lamp to a receptacle of a light box device of a lighting device, wherein the securing element in the installed state, in which it connects the lamp to the receptacle of the light box device, cannot be detached non-destructively or only using a special tool. and wherein the securing element, in particular a securing pin, has at least one electrical contact, so that the securing element, when installed, forms an electrical contact with the lamp, the receptacle and / or another component of the light box device.

The receptacle of the light box device or another component of the light box device usually has at least one electrical contact, for example in the vehicle area a contact for low beam and a contact for high beam, which is contacted directly or indirectly by the built-in lamp via a mating contact. In order not only to prevent the securing pin from loosening or at least only allow this under certain boundary conditions, but also to ensure that the lamp cannot be operated without a connection via the securing element, the invention provides that the securing element has at least one electrical contact. The securing element can be designed, for example, in such a way that, when installed, it connects a contact of the lamp with a contact of the receptacle. It is also conceivable that the contact of the fuse element only closes another contact with the lamp or the receptacle, without which it is not possible to operate the lamp, since a circuit required for this is not closed. In a similar manner, the contact of the securing element can also be brought into connection with a contact of another component of the light box device, which also relates to the operation of the lighting device. As an alternative or in addition, the contact of the safety pin can also be used to close a circuit which, for example, shows the correct connection via a light indicator or forwards a corresponding release signal to a controller.

In a further embodiment, however, the locking pin can also be designed in such a way that, when installed, it interrupts a contact which would otherwise prevent the lamp from operating in the lighting device.

As already mentioned above, this ensures that the lamp cannot easily be operated without using the fuse element in the lighting device.

In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for installing a lamp in a lighting device, comprising the steps of: inserting the lamp into a receptacle of a light box device of the lighting device and connecting the lamp to the receptacle of the light box device via a securing element, the connection being cannot be removed non-destructively or only with the use of a special tool.

In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a locking pin is placed at an angle on a collar of the receptacle surrounding the receptacle area and guided through the collar and receptacle area in order to engage in an engagement area of the lamp inserted in the receptacle. In particular, the securing pin is placed in a lower area of the projection of the receptacle, that is, shortly before the transition to the receptacle area, in order to be able to pass through the receptacle area without disturbing the opening area surrounded by the collar.

In particular, the securing element is plastically deformed during the connection of the lamp to the receptacle of the light box device.

Depending on the security element used, there are different types of security. For example, when using an expansion dowel, a screw can be screwed into the dowel, which is thereby plastically deformed. A rivet can also represent a secure connection within the meaning of the invention through plastic deformation of its end guided through the receptacle. Various safety screws, such as shear bolts or one-way screws, can also be used. Ultimately, however, there are also special bolts that have a nail-shaped tip with a thread adjoining it in the direction of the bolt head, as sold under the manufacturer's name RIVTAC® and inserted using high-speed bolt setting. Here, the joining partner is formed plastically in the area of the thread. Pre-punching or pre-drilling is not required.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and on the basis of the drawings. In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same features and functions.

Figure list

• 1 eine Querschnittsansicht eines Ausschnitts einer Leuchtvorrichtung entlang einer Längsachse der Lampe mit einem Sicherungsstift als Sicherungselement gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 2 einen Ausschnitt einer Querschnittsansicht der ersten Ausführungsform entlang der in 1 gezeigten Linie A-A in Blickrichtung der Pfeile;
• 3 eine Querschnittsansicht eines Ausschnitts einer Leuchtvorrichtung entlang einer Längsachse der Lampe mit einem Sicherungsring als Sicherungselement gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Show it:

• 1 a cross-sectional view of a section of a lighting device along a longitudinal axis of the lamp with a locking pin as a locking element according to a first embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a section of a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment along the line in FIG 1 shown line AA in the direction of the arrows;
• 3 a cross-sectional view of a section of a lighting device along a longitudinal axis of the lamp with a locking ring as a locking element according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Preferred embodiment (s) of the invention

1 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of a lighting device 1 along a longitudinal axis of the lamp 10 with a locking pin 40 as a securing element according to a first embodiment of the invention. The lamp 10 has three wing sections as an example 11 (also on this 2 ) when inserting the lamp 10 into the light box device 20th towards the light box interior 21 through three corresponding wing cutouts 31a in the recording area 31 the recording 30th to be introduced. The lamp 10 is then rotated to a position in which the wing sections 11 outside of the wing cutouts 31a are arranged. This position is in 2 based on a detail of a cross-sectional view, which is on the area of the collar 32 is limited, the first embodiment along the in 1 shown line AA in the direction of the arrows. In this sectional view would be the inner limit of the collar 32 and that in the direction of view below the recording area 31 lying wing sections 11 the lamp 10 actually not recognizable. For the sake of explanation, however, these are nevertheless illustrated by dashed lines.

Even if the lamp 10 in the in 2 position shown by the recording area 31 first in the recording 30th is held, the lamp can 10 can nevertheless be removed from the receptacle by simply turning it back from this position. To prevent this from happening, a locking pin is used 40 at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lamp 10 through a lower section of the collar facing the light box interior 32 passed through and protrudes into one of the wing cutouts in an end position 31a . Accordingly, the lamp can be used without first removing the locking pin 40 no longer from the recording 30th can be removed. In order not to be able to do this non-destructively or only using a special tool, the locking pin 40 for example, as a locking screw, which either has a corresponding contouring, such as a one-way screw, or is designed as a shear screw, or as a plastically deformable locking pin, such as a rivet or an expansion plug. Alternatively or in addition, the locking pin 40 Include areas in which the footage is recorded 30th plastically molded.

3 shows a cross-sectional view of a detail of a lighting device 1' along a longitudinal axis of the lamp 10 ' with a locking ring 41 as a securing element according to a second embodiment of the invention. Unless there are specific changes in relation to the exemplary embodiments shown, for the second embodiment in 3 the same reference numerals as used for the description of the first embodiment.

In the in 3 illustrated lighting device 1' instructs the lamp 10 ' a flange 12th after inserting the lamp 10 ' in the recording 30th through the recording area 31 on the collar 32 ' rests. The recording 31 and the lamp 10 ' For example, for assembly reasons or other considerations, wing cutouts can also be used 31a and wing sections 11 exhibit. However, these can also be omitted, since the lamp also has the locking ring described below 41 can be held.

The locking ring 41 has an annular section which, in the installed state, is on the collar 32 ' facing away from the flange 12th rests, especially the flange 12th when installed between you and the collar 32 ' clamped. From an outside of the annular section of the locking ring 41 extends, preferably essentially perpendicularly, a connection section for connection to the collar 32 ' . For connection to the locking ring 41 shows the collar 32 ' an external thread not shown here. Correspondingly, the locking ring is on the inside of the connecting section 41 one to the external thread of the collar 32 ' Corresponding internal thread provided. In order to prevent the connection from loosening, the screw connection formed can be glued. Alternatively, however, the locking ring can also have an outer contour that changes when the locking ring is screwed on 41 from a torque that is preferably insignificantly above the tightening torque, plastically deformed in such a way that the assembly tool for loosening the connection no longer finds a hold. Ultimately, however, there is also the possibility of using additional securing elements, such as, for example, securing pins, as they have already been described.

The invention is also not restricted to a specific exemplary embodiment, but can also include further variants or combinations. The number of wing sections and wing cutouts is not limited to three and does not have to be the same either. The securing ring does not have to be round, for example, but can be adapted to the contour of the lamp and the projection of the receptacle. Even if the invention has been described using the example of LED retrofit lamps, it can also be transferred to other lamps for inclusion in a lighting device. In addition to meeting possible legal requirements, the invention also enables, for example, protection against the incorporation of plagiarism.

List of reference symbols

1, 1 '

Lighting device

10, 10 '

lamp

11

Wing section (lamp side)

12th

flange

20th

Light box device

21st

Light box interior

30th

recording

31

Recording area

31a

Wing cut-out (on the receiving area side)

32, 32 '

collar

40

Locking pin

41

Circlip

Claims (14)

Lighting device (1, 1 ') comprising: a light box device (20), a lamp (10, 10 '), in particular an LED retrofit lamp, which is arranged in a receptacle (30) of the light box device (20), and at least one securing element (40, 41) which connects the lamp (10, 10 ') to the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20), the connection not being able to be released non-destructively and / or only using a special tool. Lighting device (1, 1 ') after Claim 1 wherein the securing element (40, 41) forms a mechanical connection between the lamp (10, 10 ') and the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20). Lighting device (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , the securing element being designed as a securing pin (41), in particular as a securing rivet, securing screw or expanding dowel. Lighting device (1) after Claim 3 wherein the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20) on a side of the light box device (20) facing away from a light box interior (21) has a receiving area (31) formed by the receptacle (30) which surrounds at least some sections of the projection (32) starting extends outward from the side facing away from the light box interior (21) at an angle, in particular approximately 90 °, to the side facing away from the light box interior (21), the securing pin (40) passing through the projection (32) at least in sections. Lighting device (1) after Claim 3 or 4th wherein the locking pin (40) is arranged at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the lamp (10). Lighting device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , wherein the locking pin (40) made of metal, in particular with a diameter of 1 to 4 mm, preferably with a diameter of 2 to 3 mm, or made of plastic, in particular with a diameter of 2 to 5 mm, preferably with a diameter of 3 , 5 to 4.5 mm. Lighting device (1 ') after Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the securing element is designed as a securing ring (41). Lighting device (1 ') after Claim 7 , wherein the receptacle (31) of the light box device (20) on a side of the light box device (20) facing away from a light box interior (21) has a projection (32 ') which at least partially surrounds the receptacle (30) and extends from the light box interior ( 21) side facing away from this at an angle, in particular about 90 ° to the side facing away from the light box interior (21), extends outward, and the lamp (10 ') has a flange (12) which on the projection (32') of the The receptacle (30) rests, the securing ring (41) resting on the side of the flange (12) facing away from the support of the flange (12) on the projection (32 '), extending over the flange (12) in the direction of the projection (32 ') and forms a connection with the projection (32') in an overlapping area. Lighting device (1 ') after Claim 8 , wherein the connection is formed by an external thread of the projection (32 ') and a corresponding internal thread of the locking ring (41). Lighting device (1 ') according to one of the Claims 7 until 9 , the connection being glued via the locking ring (41). Lamp (10, 10 ') for installation in a lighting device (1, 1'), the lamp (10, 10 ') having an opening for receiving a locking pin (40) and / or a flange (12) for connection to a light box device (20) of the lighting device (1 ') via a locking ring (41). Fuse element (40, 41) for connecting a lamp (10, 10 ') to a receptacle (30) of a light box device (20) of a lighting device (1, 1'), the fuse element (40, 41) being in the installed state in which it connects the lamp (10, 10 ') to the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20), cannot be detached non-destructively or only using a special tool, and wherein the securing element (40, 41), in particular a securing pin (41) , has at least one electrical contact, so that the fuse element (40, 41), when installed, forms electrical contact with the lamp (10, 10 '), the receptacle (30) and / or another component of the light box device (20) . A method for installing a lamp (10, 10 ') in a lighting device (1, 1'), comprising the steps: - Insertion of the lamp (10, 10 ') into a receptacle (30) of a light box device (20) of the lighting device (1, 1') and - Connecting the lamp (10, 10 ') to the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20) via a securing element (40, 41), the connection not being able to be released non-destructively or only using a special tool. Procedure according to Claim 13 wherein the securing element (40, 41) is plastically deformed during the connection of the lamp (10, 10 ') to the receptacle (30) of the light box device (20).

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