EP0526335A1 - Set of connectors and high tension lamps, in particular for the head lights of a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Set of connectors and high tension lamps, in particular for the head lights of a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0526335A1
EP0526335A1 EP92402191A EP92402191A EP0526335A1 EP 0526335 A1 EP0526335 A1 EP 0526335A1 EP 92402191 A EP92402191 A EP 92402191A EP 92402191 A EP92402191 A EP 92402191A EP 0526335 A1 EP0526335 A1 EP 0526335A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
base
contact
lamp
contacts
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Granted
Application number
EP92402191A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0526335B1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Dubosc
Manuel Goncalves
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication of EP0526335B1 publication Critical patent/EP0526335B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
    • H01R33/945—Holders with built-in electrical component
    • H01R33/96—Holders with built-in electrical component with switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to high voltage lamps for projectors, in particular for motor vehicles.
  • Discharge lamps are renowned for their high luminance and their excellent energy efficiency. We are currently seeking to use them in motor vehicle headlights, replacing conventional halogen lamps.
  • Known means for achieving this objective consist in providing, between the supply circuit and the lamp connector, in addition to the two supply wires (including a ground wire), a third wire called state wire or control wire which, when it is connected for example to ground at the connector, indicates that a lamp is correctly in place in the connector.
  • the connector is constructed so that only if the lamp is correctly installed in its connector, an electrical connection between this third wire and ground is established, and so that in the absence of the lamp or incorrect positioning of the lamp, this third wire is isolated from ground.
  • the supply circuit then delivers or not the high voltages required.
  • the present invention aims to provide a particularly simple and economical solution for the practical implementation of the aforementioned means.
  • the lamp comprising a base capable of being engaged in a cavity of the connector, fixing means being provided for mounting the lamp and the assembly of the base and the connector, characterized in that the base comprises first and second contacts for supplying the lamp, in that the connector comprises first and second contacts capable of being connected to the first and second contacts of the base as well as a third contact forming an electrical indicator for the correct fitting of the lamp, and in that the relative movements of the base and of the connector during assembly of the lamp initially cause the first and second contacts of the base to come into contact with the first and second connector contacts, and only then bringing the third connector contact into contact with the second connector contact.
  • the reference 100 designates a connector for a discharge lamp according to the invention, which comprises a body 110 consisting essentially of a substantially cylindrical body part 112 of axis A comprising a housing 114 for a lamp base, and a part body 116 extending laterally relative to the part 112.
  • the cavity 114 is divided into a cylindrical central zone 114a and a peripheral zone 114b coaxial with the central part and separated from the latter by a circular wall 112a from the body part 112.
  • a first terminal 120 is connected to a split female cylindrical stud 122 provided centrally in the cavity 114, for its connection with the hot spot of the lamp.
  • a second terminal 130 is connected to a flexible contact element 132 which projects slightly inwards in a well-defined angular position at the periphery of the zone 114b of the cavity 114, being received in a housing 112b formed in the part body 112. Terminal 130 is intended to be connected to ground.
  • the third terminal 140 is connected to another flexible contact 142 similar to the flexible contact 132 but located, also on the periphery of the zone 114b, in an angular position offset by an angle determined by compared to that of the flexible contact 132, as shown in particular in FIG. 2.
  • the contact 142 is a control contact which makes it possible to restore, for example, at the level of the supply circuit (not shown ) of the lamp, or also on a circuit with a controlled switch, via terminal 140 and an appropriate conductor, information relating to the correct or incorrect mounting of the lamp in the connector, or even to the absence of a lamp.
  • connection terminals 120, 130, 140, the connection parts with the lamp 122, 132, 142 which correspond to them and the associated connection parts, embedded in the body 110 are made in one piece, and sheltered at least partially in suitable insulation 150.
  • the lamp is designated by the reference 200 and essentially comprises a base 210, a bulb 220 and means for assembling the base and the bulb. These elements, well known in the art, will not be described in detail in order to avoid adding to the description.
  • the base 210 has a generally cylindrical contour of axis B and comprises, on the side opposite to the bulb 220, a projecting part 212 coaxial with the base and formed and dimensioned in a complementary manner to the cavity 114 of the connector.
  • the part 212 thus comprises a peripheral crown 212a which surrounds a cylindrical cavity 212b in the center of which protrudes a cylindrical male metal stud 230 forming an electrical hot spot contact and connected via a conductor 232, preferably in one piece with the stud , to a first bulb electrode.
  • the diameter of the cavity 212b is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the wall 112a of the connector 100.
  • the outside diameter of the stud 230 is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the female stud 122 of the connector 100.
  • the part 212 of the base further comprises on its external peripheral surface an electrical ground contact 240 which, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has a large angular extent along this surface.
  • the contact 240 is received in an essentially complementary hollow recess 212c formed in said peripheral surface, so as to be slightly recessed with respect to it.
  • the contact 240 is connected to the second electrode of the bulb via a conductor 242 integrally with it.
  • the angular extent of the ground contact 240 is chosen to be slightly greater than the angular difference which exists between the peripheral contacts 132 and 142, for the purposes explained below.
  • the base 210 of the lamp comprises one or more studs, preferably two diametrically opposed studs, designated by the reference 250.
  • These studs are intended to cooperate with grooves (not referenced) formed in a surface of the reflector of the projector located opposite and having a profile, for example in the shape of an "L”, in such a way that the pins and the grooves define a "bayonet” type mounting of the lamp in the connector, in a manner known in oneself.
  • the base 210 comprises, in a complementary housing formed at its outer periphery and in the vicinity of the projecting part 212, an O-ring 260 which projects slightly outwards relative to the radial surface of transition between the base itself 210 and its projecting part 212.
  • the contact 142 of the connector is "in the air”.
  • the contacts 122, 132 are also.
  • a lamp 200 is placed in the reflector, due to the bayonet mounting, by an initial translational movement, the axes A and B of the connector and the lamp being combined, followed by a rotational movement over an angular interval limited by the extent of the aforementioned grooves.
  • the male stud 230 of the lamp engages in the female stud 122 of the connector, while the peripheral contact 240 of the lamp and the flexible contacts 132 and 142 of the connector come to be placed in a radial plane common.
  • the flexibility of said contacts 132, 142 allowed them to fade outward when passing in front of them the part 212 of the larger base.
  • the mutual position of the contact 240 and of the contacts 132, 142 of the connector is that shown in dashed lines. It is observed that the ground contact 132 of the connector is applied against ground contact 240 of the base, so that the lamp could in theory be powered. However, it is observed that the state contact 142 is always "in the air" due to the particular angular position, imposed by the bayonet mounting, of the contact 240. Under these conditions, an electrical conductor connecting the terminal 140 of the connector to the lamp power supply circuit will allow said circuit to know that the lamp is not correctly installed in its connector, and high voltage power supply will not be generated.
  • the lamp is now rotated (anticlockwise in FIG. 3), until the pins 250 are in abutment at the bottom of their grooves.
  • this rotation is only possible after lightly pressing the lamp in direction of the connector so as to compress the seal 260, to ensure a clearance-free assembly of the base and the connector.
  • FIG. 4 It can be seen that the peripheral contact 240 of the base has turned by an angle such that the two flexible contacts 132, 142 are now applied against it, respectively in the region of each of its ends. .
  • the indicator contact 142 is connected to ground via the contact 240 of the lamp and the contact 132 of the connector.
  • Appropriate detection means provided for example in the lamp supply circuit, make it possible to detect this situation. This means that the lamp is correctly installed, and that the high voltage required to strike and maintain the lamp arc can now be applied to the lamp via terminals 120 and 130, without risk of electric shock. for the operator.
  • the construction according to the invention has many advantages: it is simple and reliable, comprising a minimum of mechanical and electrical components; by requiring only one additional conductor between the connector and the supply circuit; and by being brought into play with a perfectly known lamp fixing principle. In addition it does not increase the size of the connector or the lamp. It also provides the greatest possible security, high-voltage power supply being permitted only in the event of perfect fitting of the lamp.
  • the invention also makes it possible to detect the interruption of the ground conductor or of the indicator contact conductor, and to detect a poor electrical connection between the ground contacts on the base and connector side.
  • a connector and lamp assembly could be provided in which the indication of the correct mounting of the lamp would be carried out by connecting the additional contact 142 not to ground but to the hot point of the lamp supply.

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  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a connector (100) and a high-tension lamp (200) having a cap (210). The cap includes first and second power-supply contacts (230, 240), the connector includes first and second contacts (122, 132) capable of being connected to the first and second contacts of the cap and a third contact (142) forming an electrical warning light for the correct mounting of the lamp. The relative movements of the cap and connector during mounting initially cause contacting of the first and second contacts (230, 240) of the cap with the first and second contacts (122, 132) of the connector, and only subsequently the contacting of the third contact (142) of the connector with the second contact (132) of the connector. The safety of the operator, as regards to high voltages, when working on the lamp, especially in a motor-vehicle headlight, is ensured. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention a trait d'une façon générale aux lampes à haute tension pour projecteurs, en particulier de véhicules automobiles.The present invention relates generally to high voltage lamps for projectors, in particular for motor vehicles.

Les lampes à décharge sont réputées pour leur luminance élevée et leur excellent rendement énergétique. On cherche actuellement à les utiliser dans des projecteurs de véhicules automobiles, en remplacement des lampes halogènes classiques.Discharge lamps are renowned for their high luminance and their excellent energy efficiency. We are currently seeking to use them in motor vehicle headlights, replacing conventional halogen lamps.

Un problème lié à l'utilisation de ce type de lampe est qu'elle nécessite une tension importante à ses bornes en particulier pour son amorçage. Il faut donc prendre des précautions particulières pour que, lors d'une intervention sur un projecteur équipé d'une telle lampe (notamment pour son remplacement), l'opérateur n'encoure'aucun risque de choc électrique.A problem linked to the use of this type of lamp is that it requires a large voltage at its terminals in particular for its ignition. Special precautions must therefore be taken so that, when working on a projector equipped with such a lamp (especially for its replacement), the operator incurs no risk of electric shock.

Il est déjà connu dans la technique de fournir au circuit électrique d'alimentation d'une lampe à décharge, engendrant les hautes tensions nécessaires, une information représentative du fait qu'une lampe est correctement montée ou non dans le connecteur associé d'un projecteur. Lorsqu'aucune lampe n'est montée, ou lorsqu'une lampe est incorrectement montée, le circuit d'alimentation n'applique au connecteur aucune tension, et l'opérateur peut toucher les contacts du connecteur ou de la lampe sans risque d'électrocution.It is already known in the art to supply the electrical supply circuit of a discharge lamp, generating the necessary high voltages, with information representative of the fact that a lamp is correctly fitted or not in the associated connector of a projector. . When no lamp is fitted, or when a lamp is incorrectly fitted, the supply circuit does not apply any voltage to the connector, and the operator can touch the connector or lamp contacts without risk of electric shock .

Des moyens connus pour atteindre cet objectif consistent à prévoir entre le circuit d'alimentation et le connecteur de lampe, outre les deux fils d'alimentation (dont un fil de masse), un troisième fil dit fil d'état ou fil témoin qui, lorsqu'il est relié par exemple à la masse au niveau du connecteur, indique qu'une lampe est correctement en place dans le connecteur. Le connecteur est construit pour que seulement en cas de mise en place correcte de la lampe dans son connecteur, une connexion électrique entre ce troisième fil et la masse soit établie, et pour qu'en cas d'absence de la lampe ou de positionnement incorrect de la lampe, ce troisième fil soit isolé de la masse. Le circuit d'alimentation délivre alors ou non les hautes tensions requises.Known means for achieving this objective consist in providing, between the supply circuit and the lamp connector, in addition to the two supply wires (including a ground wire), a third wire called state wire or control wire which, when it is connected for example to ground at the connector, indicates that a lamp is correctly in place in the connector. The connector is constructed so that only if the lamp is correctly installed in its connector, an electrical connection between this third wire and ground is established, and so that in the absence of the lamp or incorrect positioning of the lamp, this third wire is isolated from ground. The supply circuit then delivers or not the high voltages required.

La présente invention vise à proposer une solution particulièrement simple et économique pour la mise en oeuvre concrète des moyens précités.The present invention aims to provide a particularly simple and economical solution for the practical implementation of the aforementioned means.

Elle concerne à cet effet un ensemble de connecteur et de lampe à haute tension, notamment pour véhicule automobile, la lampe comportant un culot apte à être engagé dans une cavité du connecteur, des moyens de fixation étant prévus pour le montage de la lampe et l'assemblage du culot et du connecteur, caractérisé en ce que le culot comporte des premier et second contacts pour l'alimentation de la lampe, en ce que le connecteur comporte des premier et deuxième contacts aptes à être reliés aux premier et second contacts du culot ainsi qu'un troisième contact formant témoin électrique du montage correct de la lampe, et en ce que les mouvements relatifs du culot et du connecteur lors du montage de la lampe provoquent initialement la mise en contact des premiers et second contacts du culot avec les premier et deuxième contacts du connecteur, et seulement ensuite la mise en contact du troisième contact du connecteur avec le deuxième contact du connecteur.To this end, it relates to a set of connector and high-voltage lamp, in particular for a motor vehicle, the lamp comprising a base capable of being engaged in a cavity of the connector, fixing means being provided for mounting the lamp and the assembly of the base and the connector, characterized in that the base comprises first and second contacts for supplying the lamp, in that the connector comprises first and second contacts capable of being connected to the first and second contacts of the base as well as a third contact forming an electrical indicator for the correct fitting of the lamp, and in that the relative movements of the base and of the connector during assembly of the lamp initially cause the first and second contacts of the base to come into contact with the first and second connector contacts, and only then bringing the third connector contact into contact with the second connector contact.

D'autres aspects, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante d'une forme de réalisation préférée de celle-ci, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale axiale d'un connecteur et d'une lampe à décharge selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue axiale du connecteur, selon la flèche II de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne III-III du culot de la lampe, dans une première position, et
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale analogue à celle de la figure 3, dans une deuxième position.
Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which ones :
  • FIG. 1 is a view in axial longitudinal section of a connector and of a discharge lamp according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is an axial view of the connector, along arrow II of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line III-III of the lamp base, in a first position, and
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 3, in a second position.

La référence 100 désigne un connecteur pour lampe à décharge selon l'invention, qui comprend un corps 110 constitué pour l'essentiel par une partie de corps essentiellement cylindrique 112 d'axe A comportant un logement 114 pour un culot de lampe, et une partie de corps 116 s'étendant latéralement par rapport à la partie 112.The reference 100 designates a connector for a discharge lamp according to the invention, which comprises a body 110 consisting essentially of a substantially cylindrical body part 112 of axis A comprising a housing 114 for a lamp base, and a part body 116 extending laterally relative to the part 112.

La cavité 114 se divise en une zone centrale cylindrique 114a et une zone périphérique 114b coaxiale avec la partie centrale et séparée de celle-ci par un muret circulaire 112a de la partie de corps 112.The cavity 114 is divided into a cylindrical central zone 114a and a peripheral zone 114b coaxial with the central part and separated from the latter by a circular wall 112a from the body part 112.

Trois bornes du connecteur, destinées à sa liaison avec un circuit d'alimentation ou ballast (non représenté), font saillie sur la face extérieure de la partie de corps 116, perpendiculairement à l'axe A. Une première borne 120 est reliée à un plot cylindrique femelle fendu 122 prévu centralement dans la cavité 114, pour sa connexion avec le point chaud de la lampe.Three connector terminals, intended for its connection with a supply circuit or ballast (not shown), protrude on the external face of the body part 116, perpendicular to the axis A. A first terminal 120 is connected to a split female cylindrical stud 122 provided centrally in the cavity 114, for its connection with the hot spot of the lamp.

Une deuxième borne 130 est reliée à un élément de contact souple 132 qui fait légèrement saillie vers l'intérieur en une position angulaire bien déterminée à la périphérie de la zone 114b de la cavité 114, en étant reçue dans un logement 112b formé dans la partie de corps 112. La borne 130 est destinée à être reliée à la masse.A second terminal 130 is connected to a flexible contact element 132 which projects slightly inwards in a well-defined angular position at the periphery of the zone 114b of the cavity 114, being received in a housing 112b formed in the part body 112. Terminal 130 is intended to be connected to ground.

La troisième borne 140 est reliée à un autre contact souple 142 analogue au contact souple 132 mais situé, également à la périphérie de la zone 114b, en une position angulaire décalée d'un angle déterminé par rapport à celle du contact souple 132, comme le montre en particulier la figure 2. Le contact 142, comme on le verra en détail plus loin, est un contact témoin qui permet de restituer par exemple au niveau du circuit d'alimentation (non représenté) de la lampe, ou encore au niveau d'un circuit à interrupteur commandé, via la borne 140 et un conducteur approprié, une information relative au montage correct ou incorrect de la lampe dans le connecteur, ou encore à l'absence de lampe.The third terminal 140 is connected to another flexible contact 142 similar to the flexible contact 132 but located, also on the periphery of the zone 114b, in an angular position offset by an angle determined by compared to that of the flexible contact 132, as shown in particular in FIG. 2. The contact 142, as will be seen in detail below, is a control contact which makes it possible to restore, for example, at the level of the supply circuit (not shown ) of the lamp, or also on a circuit with a controlled switch, via terminal 140 and an appropriate conductor, information relating to the correct or incorrect mounting of the lamp in the connector, or even to the absence of a lamp.

De préférence, les bornes de connexion 120, 130, 140, les parties de connexion avec la lampe 122, 132, 142 qui leur correspondent et les parties de liaison associées, noyées dans le corps 110, sont réalisées d'un seul tenant, et abrités au moins partiellement dans des isolants appropriés 150.Preferably, the connection terminals 120, 130, 140, the connection parts with the lamp 122, 132, 142 which correspond to them and the associated connection parts, embedded in the body 110, are made in one piece, and sheltered at least partially in suitable insulation 150.

La lampe est désignée par la référence 200 et comprend essentiellement un culot 210, un bulbe 220 et des moyens d'assemblage du culot et du bulbe. Ces éléments, bien connus dans la technique, ne seront pas décrits en détail afin d'éviter d'alourdir la description.The lamp is designated by the reference 200 and essentially comprises a base 210, a bulb 220 and means for assembling the base and the bulb. These elements, well known in the art, will not be described in detail in order to avoid adding to the description.

Le culot 210 présente un contour général cylindrique d'axe B et comporte du côté opposé au bulbe 220 une partie saillante 212 coaxiale avec le culot et formée et dimensionnée de manière complémentaire de la cavité 114 du connecteur. La partie 212 comporte ainsi une couronne périphérique 212a qui entoure une cavité cylindrique 212b au centre de laquelle fait saillie un plot métallique cylindrique mâle 230 formant contact électrique de point chaud et relié via un conducteur 232, de préférence d'un seul tenant avec le plot, à une première électrode du bulbe. Le diamètre de la cavité 212b est approximativement égal au diamètre extérieur du muret 112a du connecteur 100. Le diamètre extérieur du plot 230 est approximativement égal au diamètre intérieur du plot femelle 122 du connecteur 100.The base 210 has a generally cylindrical contour of axis B and comprises, on the side opposite to the bulb 220, a projecting part 212 coaxial with the base and formed and dimensioned in a complementary manner to the cavity 114 of the connector. The part 212 thus comprises a peripheral crown 212a which surrounds a cylindrical cavity 212b in the center of which protrudes a cylindrical male metal stud 230 forming an electrical hot spot contact and connected via a conductor 232, preferably in one piece with the stud , to a first bulb electrode. The diameter of the cavity 212b is approximately equal to the outside diameter of the wall 112a of the connector 100. The outside diameter of the stud 230 is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the female stud 122 of the connector 100.

La partie 212 du culot comporte en outre sur sa surface périphérique extérieure un contact électrique de masse 240 qui, comme le montrent bien les figures 3 et 4, présente une étendue angulaire importante le long de cette surface. Le contact 240 est reçu dans un logement essentiellement complémentaire en creux 212c formé dans ladite surface périphérique, de manière à être légèrement en retrait par rapport à elle.The part 212 of the base further comprises on its external peripheral surface an electrical ground contact 240 which, as clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, has a large angular extent along this surface. The contact 240 is received in an essentially complementary hollow recess 212c formed in said peripheral surface, so as to be slightly recessed with respect to it.

Le contact 240 est relié à la seconde électrode du bulbe via un conducteur 242 d'un seul tenant avec lui.The contact 240 is connected to the second electrode of the bulb via a conductor 242 integrally with it.

L'étendue angulaire du contact de masse 240 est choisi légèrement supérieure à l'écart angulaire qui existe entre les contacts périphériques 132 et 142, à des fins expliquées plus loin.The angular extent of the ground contact 240 is chosen to be slightly greater than the angular difference which exists between the peripheral contacts 132 and 142, for the purposes explained below.

De façon connue en soi, le culot 210 de la lampe comprend un ou plusieurs tétons, de préférence deux tétons diamétralement opposés, désignés par la référence 250. Ces tétons sont destinés à coopérer avec des gorges (non référencées) formées dans une surface du réflecteur du projecteur située en vis-à-vis et ayant un profil par exemple en forme de "L", de telle manière que les tétons et les gorges définissent un montage de type "baïonnette" de la lampe dans le connecteur, de manière connue en soi.In a manner known per se, the base 210 of the lamp comprises one or more studs, preferably two diametrically opposed studs, designated by the reference 250. These studs are intended to cooperate with grooves (not referenced) formed in a surface of the reflector of the projector located opposite and having a profile, for example in the shape of an "L", in such a way that the pins and the grooves define a "bayonet" type mounting of the lamp in the connector, in a manner known in oneself.

Enfin le culot 210 comporte, dans un logement complémentaire formé à sa périphérie extérieure et au voisinage de la partie saillante 212, un joint torique 260 qui déborde légèrement vers l'extérieur par rapport à la surface radiale de transition entre le culot proprement-dit 210 et sa partie saillante 212.Finally, the base 210 comprises, in a complementary housing formed at its outer periphery and in the vicinity of the projecting part 212, an O-ring 260 which projects slightly outwards relative to the radial surface of transition between the base itself 210 and its projecting part 212.

On va maintenant expliquer le comportement de la lampe et du connecteur lors de la mise en place de la lampe.We will now explain the behavior of the lamp and the connector during the installation of the lamp.

Tout d'abord, lorsqu'aucune lampe n'est en place dans le connecteur, le contact 142 du connecteur est "en l'air". Les contacts 122, 132 le sont également.First of all, when no lamp is in place in the connector, the contact 142 of the connector is "in the air". The contacts 122, 132 are also.

Une lampe 200 est mise en place dans le réflecteur, du fait du montage à baïonnette, par un mouvement initial de translation, les axes A et B du connecteur et de la lampe étant confondus, suivi d'un mouvement de rotation sur un intervalle angulaire limité par l'étendue des gorges précitées.A lamp 200 is placed in the reflector, due to the bayonet mounting, by an initial translational movement, the axes A and B of the connector and the lamp being combined, followed by a rotational movement over an angular interval limited by the extent of the aforementioned grooves.

Au cours de la translation, le plot mâle 230 de la lampe vient s'engager dans le plot femelle 122 du connecteur, tandis que le contact périphérique 240 de la lampe et les contacts souples 132 et 142 du connecteur viennent se placer dans un plan radial commun. La souplesse desdits contacts 132, 142 leur a permis de s'effacer vers l'extérieur lors du passage devant eux de la partie 212 du culot, plus large.During translation, the male stud 230 of the lamp engages in the female stud 122 of the connector, while the peripheral contact 240 of the lamp and the flexible contacts 132 and 142 of the connector come to be placed in a radial plane common. The flexibility of said contacts 132, 142 allowed them to fade outward when passing in front of them the part 212 of the larger base.

A la fin de ce mouvement de translation, la position mutuelle du contact 240 et des contacts 132, 142 du connecteur (représentés en tiretés) est celle qui est représentée sur la figure 3. On observe que le contact de masse 132 du connecteur est appliqué contre le contact de masse 240 du culot, si bien que la lampe pourrait en théorie être alimentée. Cependant, on observe que le contact d'état 142 est toujours "en l'air" du fait de la position angulaire particulière, imposée par le montage à baïonnette, du contact 240. Dans ces conditions, un conducteur électrique reliant la borne 140 du connecteur au circuit d'alimentation électrique de la lampe permettra audit circuit de savoir que la lampe n'est pas correctement installée dans son connecteur, et l'alimentation électrique à haute tension ne sera pas engendrée.At the end of this translational movement, the mutual position of the contact 240 and of the contacts 132, 142 of the connector (shown in dashed lines) is that shown in FIG. 3. It is observed that the ground contact 132 of the connector is applied against ground contact 240 of the base, so that the lamp could in theory be powered. However, it is observed that the state contact 142 is always "in the air" due to the particular angular position, imposed by the bayonet mounting, of the contact 240. Under these conditions, an electrical conductor connecting the terminal 140 of the connector to the lamp power supply circuit will allow said circuit to know that the lamp is not correctly installed in its connector, and high voltage power supply will not be generated.

Pour verrouiller la lampe dans son logement, on fait maintenant tourner ladite lampe (dans le sens inverse de celui des aiguilles d'une montre sur la figure 3), jusqu'à ce que les tétons 250 soient en butée au fond de leurs gorges. De préférence, cette rotation n'est possible qu'après avoir pressé légèrement la lampe en direction du connecteur de manière à comprimer le joint 260, pour assurer un assemblage sans jeu du culot et du connecteur. La position correspondante est illustrée sur la figure 4. On observe que le contact périphérique 240 du culot-a tourné d'un angle tel que les deux contacts souples 132, 142 sont maintenant appliqués contre lui, respectivement dans la région de chacune de ses extrémités.To lock the lamp in its housing, the lamp is now rotated (anticlockwise in FIG. 3), until the pins 250 are in abutment at the bottom of their grooves. Preferably, this rotation is only possible after lightly pressing the lamp in direction of the connector so as to compress the seal 260, to ensure a clearance-free assembly of the base and the connector. The corresponding position is illustrated in FIG. 4. It can be seen that the peripheral contact 240 of the base has turned by an angle such that the two flexible contacts 132, 142 are now applied against it, respectively in the region of each of its ends. .

Ainsi le contact témoin 142 est relié à la masse via le contact 240 de la lampe et le contact 132 du connecteur.Thus the indicator contact 142 is connected to ground via the contact 240 of the lamp and the contact 132 of the connector.

Des moyens de détection appropriés, prévus par exemple dans le circuit d'alimentation de la lampe, permettent de détecter cette situation. Cela signifie que la lampe est correctement installée, et que la haute tension nécessaire à l'amorçage et à l'entretien de l'arc de la lampe peut maintenant être appliquée à la lampe via les bornes 120 et 130, sans risque d'électrocution pour l'opérateur.Appropriate detection means, provided for example in the lamp supply circuit, make it possible to detect this situation. This means that the lamp is correctly installed, and that the high voltage required to strike and maintain the lamp arc can now be applied to the lamp via terminals 120 and 130, without risk of electric shock. for the operator.

On observe ici que, dans le cas où les moyens de fixation du genre baïonnette présente une symétrie de rotation de 180°, la lampe pourrait être montée de façon décalée de 180° par rapport aux positions illustrées sur les figures 3 et 4. Dans ce cas, le contact témoin 142 reste "en l'air", et aucune haute tension ne peut être produite. Bien entendu, on peut purement et simplement éviter un tel montage défectueux de la lampe en prévoyant des moyens de détrompage appropriés notamment au niveau du culot et du connecteur. Ainsi la figure 2 montre deux détrompeurs 160 prévus à la surface périphérique, tournée vers l'intérieur, de la cavité 114b.It is observed here that, in the case where the bayonet type fixing means has a rotation symmetry of 180 °, the lamp could be mounted offset 180 ° relative to the positions illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In this In this case, the control contact 142 remains "in the air", and no high voltage can be produced. Of course, one can purely and simply avoid such a defective mounting of the lamp by providing suitable polarizing means in particular at the base and the connector. Thus Figure 2 shows two polarizers 160 provided on the peripheral surface, facing inwards, of the cavity 114b.

Lorsque la lampe est retirée, le mouvement. de rotation initial nécessaire à son déverrouillage a pour effet de rompre la continuité électrique entre le contact 142 et la masse; le circuit d'alimentation supprime alors une éventuelle haute tension appliquée aux bornes 120, 130.When the lamp is removed, the movement. of initial rotation necessary for its unlocking has the effect of breaking the electrical continuity between the contact 142 and the ground; the supply circuit then removes any high voltage applied to terminals 120, 130.

La construction selon l'invention présente de nombreux avantages : elle est simple et fiable, en comportant un minimum de composants mécaniques et électriques; en ne nécessitant qu'un seul conducteur additionnel entre le connecteur et le circuit d'alimentation; et en étant mise en jeu avec un principe de fixation de lampe parfaitement connu. En outre elle n'accroît pas l'encombrement du connecteur ou de la lampe. Elle assure par ailleurs la plus grande sécurité possible, l'alimentation sous haute tension n'étant permise qu'en cas de montage parfait de la lampe. L'invention permet également de détecter la coupure du conducteur de masse ou du conducteur de contact témoin, et de détecter une mauvaise connexion électrique entre les contacts de masse côté culot et côté connecteur.The construction according to the invention has many advantages: it is simple and reliable, comprising a minimum of mechanical and electrical components; by requiring only one additional conductor between the connector and the supply circuit; and by being brought into play with a perfectly known lamp fixing principle. In addition it does not increase the size of the connector or the lamp. It also provides the greatest possible security, high-voltage power supply being permitted only in the event of perfect fitting of the lamp. The invention also makes it possible to detect the interruption of the ground conductor or of the indicator contact conductor, and to detect a poor electrical connection between the ground contacts on the base and connector side.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est nullement limitée à la forme de réalisation décrite ci-dessus et représentée sur les dessins, mais l'homme de l'art saura y apporter toute variante ou modification conforme à son esprit.Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, but a person skilled in the art will know how to make any variant or modification in accordance with his spirit.

En particulier, on pourrait prévoir un ensemble de connecteur et de lampe dans lequel l'indication du montage correct de la lampe s'effectuerait en reliant le contact additionnel 142 non pas à la masse mais au point chaud de l'alimentation de la lampe.In particular, a connector and lamp assembly could be provided in which the indication of the correct mounting of the lamp would be carried out by connecting the additional contact 142 not to ground but to the hot point of the lamp supply.

Claims (7)

Ensemble de connecteur (100) et de lampe à haute tension (200), notamment pour véhicule automobile, la lampe comportant un culot (210) apte à être engagé dans une cavité (114) du connecteur, des moyens de fixation (250) étant prévus pour le montage de la lampe et l'assemblage du culot et du connecteur, caractérisé en ce que le culot comporte des premier et second contacts (230, 240) pour l'alimentation de la lampe, en ce que le connecteur comporte des premier et deuxième contacts (122, 132) aptes à être reliés aux premier et second contacts du culot ainsi qu'un troisième contact (142) formant témoin électrique du montage correct de la lampe, et en ce que les mouvements relatifs du culot et du connecteur lors du montage de la lampe provoquent initialement la mise en contact des premiers et second contacts (230, 240) du culot avec les premier et deuxième contacts (122, 132) du connecteur, et seulement ensuite la mise en contact du troisième contact (142) du connecteur avec le deuxième contact (132) du connecteur.Connector (100) and high-voltage lamp (200) assembly, in particular for a motor vehicle, the lamp comprising a base (210) capable of being engaged in a cavity (114) of the connector, fixing means (250) being provided for mounting the lamp and assembling the base and the connector, characterized in that the base comprises first and second contacts (230, 240) for supplying the lamp, in that the connector comprises first and second contacts (122, 132) capable of being connected to the first and second contacts of the base as well as a third contact (142) forming an electrical indicator of the correct fitting of the lamp, and in that the relative movements of the base and of the connector during the mounting of the lamp initially bring the first and second contacts (230, 240) of the base into contact with the first and second contacts (122, 132) of the connector, and only then bring the third contact (142 ) of the connector with the second contact (132) of the connector. Ensemble selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les deuxième et troisième contacts (132, 142) du connecteur sont amenés en contact par l'intermédiaire du second contact (240) du culot, qui présente une étendue au moins égale à la distance entre les deuxième et troisième contacts (132, 142) du connecteur et en ce qu'un mouvement relatif du culot (210) et du connecteur (100) lors d'une phase terminale du montage de la lampe provoque un mouvement dudit second contact du culot par rapport aux deuxième et troisième contacts du connecteur pour passer d'une position dans laquelle ledit troisième contact (142) du connecteur n'est pas relié au second contact (240) du culot jusque dans une position dans laquelle ledit troisième contact (142) du connecteur est relié au second contact du culot.Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second and third contacts (132, 142) of the connector are brought into contact via the second contact (240) of the base, which has an extent at least equal to the distance between the second and third contacts (132, 142) of the connector and in that a relative movement of the base (210) and the connector (100) during a final phase of fitting the lamp causes movement of said second contact of the base relative to the second and third contacts of the connector to pass from a position in which said third contact (142) of the connector is not connected to the second contact (240) of the base until in a position in which said third contact (142) of the connector is connected to the second contact of the base. Ensemble selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que le culot de la lampe comporte au moins une partie (212) de forme générale cylindrique et en ce que le second contact (240) du culot est situé à la périphérie extérieure de la dite partie sur une étendue angulaire prédéterminée, et en ce que les deuxième et troisième contacts (132, 142) du connecteur sont situés à la périphérie intérieure de ladite cavité (114), apte à recevoir ladite partie du culot, ledit mouvement relatif du culot et du connecteur lors de la phase terminale du montage étant un mouvement de rotation autour d'un axe commun (A,B) de ceux-ci.Assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the base of the lamp comprises at least one part (212) of generally cylindrical shape and in that the second contact (240) of the base is located at the outer periphery of said part on a predetermined angular extent, and in that the second and third contacts (132, 142) of the connector are located at the inner periphery of said cavity (114), capable of receiving said part of the base, said relative movement of the base and of the connector during the final phase of assembly being a rotational movement around a common axis (A, B) thereof. Ensemble selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que les deuxième et troisième contacts (132, 142) du connecteur sont des contacts souples et en ce que le second contact (240) du culot est situé en retrait par rapport à la surface de ladite périphérie extérieure.Assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the second and third contacts (132, 142) of the connector are flexible contacts and in that the second contact (240) of the base is set back relative to the surface of said periphery outside. Ensemble selon la revendication 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de fixation sont du type à baïonnette (250), lesdits mouvements relatifs comprenant un mouvement de translation suivi d'un mouvement de rotation.Assembly according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that the fixing means are of the bayonet type (250), said relative movements comprising a translational movement followed by a rotational movement. Ensemble selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que les premiers contacts (122, 230) du connecteur et du culot sont des éléments complémentaires essentiellement cylindriques et situés sur l'axe (B, A) du culot et du connecteur, amenés en engagement mutuel lors dudit mouvement de translation.Assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the first contacts (122, 230) of the connector and of the base are essentially cylindrical complementary elements and located on the axis (B, A) of the base and of the connector, brought into mutual engagement during said translational movement. Ensemble selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le deuxième contact (132) du connecteur est à un potentiel de référence tel que la masse.Assembly according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second contact (132) of the connector is at a reference potential such as ground.
EP19920402191 1991-08-02 1992-07-30 Set of connectors and high tension lamps, in particular for the head lights of a motor vehicle Expired - Lifetime EP0526335B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9109867 1991-08-02
FR9109867A FR2680051B1 (en) 1991-08-02 1991-08-02 HIGH VOLTAGE CONNECTOR AND LAMP ASSEMBLY, ESPECIALLY FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0526335A1 true EP0526335A1 (en) 1993-02-03
EP0526335B1 EP0526335B1 (en) 1996-01-10

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EP19920402191 Expired - Lifetime EP0526335B1 (en) 1991-08-02 1992-07-30 Set of connectors and high tension lamps, in particular for the head lights of a motor vehicle

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EP (1) EP0526335B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69207505T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2084306T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2680051B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0586308A1 (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-09 Valeo Vision Connector and high voltage lamp assembly, especially for a vehicle
EP0822626A2 (en) * 1996-08-02 1998-02-04 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
EP0836252A2 (en) * 1996-08-12 1998-04-15 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
EP1063729A1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2000-12-27 Valeo Vision Connector for discharge lamps, specially for automotive vehicles

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH09306203A (en) * 1996-05-10 1997-11-28 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Socket for discharge lamp bulb

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0282119A1 (en) * 1987-03-06 1988-09-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Assembly of a headlight and a connector
WO1989006448A1 (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-07-13 Eastman Kodak Company Light socket soft start and power interrupt assembly

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0282119A1 (en) * 1987-03-06 1988-09-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Assembly of a headlight and a connector
WO1989006448A1 (en) * 1988-01-11 1989-07-13 Eastman Kodak Company Light socket soft start and power interrupt assembly

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0586308A1 (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-09 Valeo Vision Connector and high voltage lamp assembly, especially for a vehicle
FR2695516A1 (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-11 Valeo Vision High voltage connector and lamp assembly, in particular for a motor vehicle.
EP0822626A2 (en) * 1996-08-02 1998-02-04 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
EP0822626A3 (en) * 1996-08-02 1998-06-17 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
US5897391A (en) * 1996-08-02 1999-04-27 Hirose Electric Co.,Ltd. Lamp socket
EP0836252A2 (en) * 1996-08-12 1998-04-15 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
EP0836252A3 (en) * 1996-08-12 1998-06-17 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
US5842882A (en) * 1996-08-12 1998-12-01 Hirose Electric Co., Ltd. Lamp socket
EP1063729A1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2000-12-27 Valeo Vision Connector for discharge lamps, specially for automotive vehicles
FR2795563A1 (en) * 1999-06-23 2000-12-29 Valeo Vision CONNECTOR FOR DISCHARGE LAMPS, ESPECIALLY A MOTOR VEHICLE
US6544059B1 (en) 1999-06-23 2003-04-08 Valeo Vision Connector for discharge lamps, especially for a motor vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2084306T3 (en) 1996-05-01
DE69207505T2 (en) 1996-05-15
EP0526335B1 (en) 1996-01-10
FR2680051B1 (en) 1993-12-03
DE69207505D1 (en) 1996-02-22
FR2680051A1 (en) 1993-02-05

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