EP3175168B1 - Lighting device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a lighting device having at least one semiconductor lamp and a housing made of plastic, in which the semiconductor lamp is accommodated, wherein the housing comprises a lower housing part and a translucent housing upper part and wherein the upper housing part protrudes at least partially into the housing lower part in a connecting region.

Luminous devices with semiconductor lamps are characterized by a high specific luminosity and thus low energy consumption and by a long life. In operation, the semiconductor bulbs must be cooled, since both the lifetime and the effectiveness achieved decreases with the temperature of the lamps. With the increasing light output of the semiconductor lamps and thus also increasing electrical power consumption, the demand for effective cooling of the semiconductor lamps is also increasing. In addition to the heat sink and semiconductor light-emitting means, a driver module for the semiconductor light-emitting means, also referred to as a connection module, is frequently arranged in the housing of the lighting device and provides a current suitable for driving the semiconductor light-emitting means. Furthermore, an optical element, for example a reflector and / or a lens arrangement, is optionally provided to achieve a desired spatial radiation characteristic.

In particular, in the case of so-called retrofit lighting devices, the shape and with respect to the electrical connection known configurations of lighting devices, such as incandescent or fluorescent tubes are adapted, the lighting device and accordingly the housing in terms of shape and appearance must meet strict specifications. In previously known semiconductor light-emitting devices, this could only be achieved with a relatively complex structure that can be mechanically assembled. The manufacturing process of such known light-emitting devices is correspondingly complicated, which is reflected on the one hand in the price and on the other hand in an inadequate quality.

Usually, the housing of the lighting device comprises a translucent (translucent or transparent) housing upper part and an opaque housing lower part. It is for visual and tactile reasons desired that the two housing parts as smoothly merge into one another and are connected to each other resilient.

From the publication WO 2012/020366 A1 For example, a semiconductor light emitting device with a two-part housing is known, wherein the upper housing part is formed hemispherical and translucent. A smooth transition between the housing parts is achieved in that the upper housing part at least partially protrudes into the lower housing part and is fixed in a manner not shown in the lower housing part.

The publication US 2013/0250583 A1 describes a semiconductor luminescent device with a two-part housing, wherein the upper housing part is formed hemispherical and translucent and is screwed with an externally threaded portion in an internal thread of a housing lower part. In the lower housing part saw teeth are formed at the end of the thread, in which a spring tongue of the upper housing part engages when the two threads are screwed into one another. The saw toothing makes it difficult to re-unscrew the threads, but the rotational position of the two housing parts to each other is not precisely defined. In addition, an elaborately controlled assembly process is necessary in order to allow the spring tongue to engage in a defined manner in the saw toothing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting device of the type mentioned, which is easy and inexpensive to install and in which there is a high rotational and tensile strength between the housing parts. In particular, in a lighting device with a socket with screw thread or with a bayonet base, it is important to rotate the housing parts and to connect with each other in order to screw the lighting device and unscrew or plug.

This object is achieved by a lighting device having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

A lighting device according to the invention of the type mentioned above is characterized in that the upper housing part and the lower housing part are screwed together, wherein on the upper housing part and the lower housing part locking means are additionally provided which engage in one or more predetermined rotational positions and a unscrewing counteract the upper housing part of the lower housing part. According to the invention it is also provided that the latching means in the engaged state counteract in the predetermined rotational position and a further screwing the upper housing part in the lower housing part. The screw provides a robust and circumferentially uniform connection of the two housing parts, but on their own does not provide the required rotationally fixed connection. However, this is given by the locking means, so that the combination of screw and locking means is particularly advantageous here.

In this case, the lower housing part in an upper region on or more inwardly facing threaded portions. These engage in corresponding, outwardly facing threaded portions, which are formed on a lower edge of the upper housing part.

In the region of the threaded portions or below the region of the threaded portions in the lower housing part, at least one inwardly pointing latching projection is formed as a latching means. This is shaped and arranged so that it cooperates with at least one downwardly open latching cutout, which is recessed at the lower edge of the upper housing part as a latching means. The latching projection lies in the engaged rotational position in the latching cutout. The locking means engage preferably when the housing parts are completely screwed together.

At the lower edge of the upper housing part, a downwardly projecting spring tongue is formed on one side of the at least one latching cutout, which is preferably arranged on the side of the latching cutout leading into the housing lower part when the upper housing part is screwed in. The spring tongue is pressed when screwing in just before the locking position by the locking projection upwards and then snaps back when it has passed the locking projection during insertion. In the engaged rotational position then the spring tongue is located with its free end on one side of the locking projection and prevents the unscrewing of the upper housing part.

By forming the spring tongue in the upper housing part, a latching can take place without the lower housing part being elastically deformed during latching. As the material of the upper housing part, for example, polycarbonate can be used, which has a high elongation at break and therefore
is well suited to provide the spring tongue as an integrally molded locking means.

As a material for the lower housing part polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is particularly suitable because it is relatively high temperature resistant and flame retardant for a plastic and has a good thermal conductivity. During operation, a large part of the heat generated by the lighting device is emitted via the lower housing part. A disadvantage of the material is a low elongation at break - the material is relatively brittle and can be elastically deformed only to a small extent. The arrangement of a locking screw connection with a spring tongue in the upper housing part,
In particular, integrated into the screw thread, sets during assembly, the lower housing part only low forces and negligible elastic deformations. The arrangement is therefore particularly well suited for a lower housing part of one of said brittle brittle materials.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the lighting device, a metallic base body is arranged within the housing, on which the semiconductor lamp is fixed, wherein the metallic base body is inserted into the lower housing part and is fixed by the upper housing part. The metallic base body serves as a carrier and at the same time constitutes a cooling element for the semiconductor light-emitting means, so that a good dissipation of the heat generated by the semiconductor light-emitting means during operation takes place. In this case, the surface of the base body preferably fits tightly against an inner surface of a wall of the housing in order to allow the best possible heat transfer.

The described lighting device can in particular be well designed as a retrofit lighting device, in which, for example, a look and a connection diagram of a conventional light bulb are imitated.

Fig. 1 bis 3

jeweils ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Leuchtvorrichtung im Retrofit-Stil in schematischen Explosionsdarstellungen; und

Fig. 4a bis 4c

jeweils eine Schnittansicht des Gehäuses einer Leuchtvorrichtung in einem Ausführungsbeispiel in verschiedenen Montagezuständen; und

Fig. 5a bis 5c

verschiedenen Ansichten des Gehäuseoberteils und des Gehäuseunterteils des in Fig. 4 gezeigten Gehäuses.

Embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention will be explained in more detail by means of figures. The exemplary embodiments illustrate further advantageous embodiments of the lighting device or components of the lighting device. The figures show:

Fig. 1 to 3

in each case an embodiment of a lighting device in the retrofit style in schematic exploded views; and

Fig. 4a to 4c

in each case a sectional view of the housing of a lighting device in one embodiment in different states of assembly; and

Fig. 5a to 5c

different views of the upper housing part and the lower housing part of Fig. 4 shown housing.

In the Fig. 1 to 3 are three different embodiments of an application according lighting device each in a perspective exploded view shown. Identical or equivalent elements are identified in these and the following figures by the same reference numerals.

In all three illustrated embodiments, the lighting device is designed as a retrofit lighting device, that is, with respect to the electrical connection and the shape of known bulbs, in this case light bulbs with screw thread (E14 or E27), oriented. It should be noted that the features shown in this application can also be implemented in lighting devices with different shape and / or other connection sockets or connection options, including lighting devices that are not designed as retrofit lights. In part, the featured features are also used in other electronics applications that have no bulbs.

The lighting device has a housing 10, which has a housing lower part 11 and a housing upper part 12 mounted thereon, and a base 13 which is attached to the housing lower part 11 opposite the housing upper part 12 and serves to hold the lighting device in a socket and the electrical contact. It is a screw with additional locking means for connecting the housing base 11 and the housing upper part 12 is provided. For this purpose, the parts in the connection area are configured correspondingly interlocking. By the detent prevents the screwing between the upper housing part 12 and the lower housing part 11 can be unscrewed when transmitting a torque. In this way, the two housing parts 11, 12 fixed against rotation to each other. The connection of the two housing parts 11, 12 is in connection with the Fig. 4 and 5 described in more detail.

Except for the contacting surfaces on the base 13, the individual parts of the housing 10 are made of plastic, preferably in an injection molding process. At least the upper housing part 12 is translucent, e.g. transparent or opaque, held to emit the light emitted by the lighting device. The upper housing part 12 may advantageously be produced in a Spritblasverfahren.

In the housing 10, a base body 20 is used, which is in each case constructed in two parts in the cases shown here and has a lower shell 21 and an upper shell 22 connected thereto. The base body 20 has a diverse function. It serves, for example, for holding a semiconductor light-emitting means 30, hereinafter called illuminant 30, which is mounted on the upper shell 22. The attachment of the illuminant 30 can be done in different ways, for example by gluing, screwing or riveting. In the in the Fig. 1-3 illustrated embodiments, the upper shell 22 on its upper side, on which the lamp 30 is mounted on an integrally molded sleeve 221. The sleeve 221 is a piece of pipe open on both sides, which is firmly connected at the lower end to the upper shell 22. The sleeve 221 can be rooted up after placing the lamp 30 like a rivet to set the bulb 30. Alternatively, it is also possible to screw into the sleeve 221 a preferably self-tapping screw, with which the lamp 30 is fixed. The Hüse 221 allows the use of a screw even with very thin material thickness of the upper shell 22. It can be provided to apply before screwing the screw from above with a punch force on the sleeve 221, whereby the environment of the sleeve 221 on top of the Upper shell 22 einellt. The indentation in the upper shell 22 has a spring effect and ensures a permanently elastic attachment of the illuminant 30.

Further, the base body 20 is made of a good heat-conductive material, preferably a metal such as aluminum, and thus serves the heat dissipation of the light bulb 30 produced heat. Both the lower shell 21 and the upper shell 22 are preferably produced in a deep-drawing process, which allows a cost-effective production with minimum wall thicknesses. Particularly preferably, the sleeve 221 is already formed in the deep-drawing process. The sleeve 221 is thus in the primary molding process, with which the upper shell 22 is brought into its basic form formed. In this way, the sleeve 221 is not only formed integrally with the upper shell 22, but also in a manufacturing step.

The lower shell 21 and the upper shell 22 are connected to one another in a mechanically loadable manner, as a result of which there is good heat conduction from the upper shell 22 to the lower shell 21, so that the lower shell 21 can also absorb heat from the illuminant 30 and pass it on or release it. Both elements, lower shell 21 and upper shell 22, are constructed substantially rotationally symmetrical, wherein the connection of the two elements takes place together by a Fügepassung, possibly supported by locking means in the connection region, for example, formed in the connecting region circumferential bead or notch.

Assembled, the base body 20 is substantially capsule-shaped, wherein in its inner cavity, a connection module 40 is received. The connection module 40 is used to implement the supplied via the base 13 AC power of the home-light network, so for example in the voltage range of 110 volts to 230 volts, in a suitable for supplying the light source 30 DC.

According to the invention base body 20 and the lower housing part 11 are locked together. For latching, a locking bead 211 is formed, for example, circumferentially on the lower housing part 11, which engages under latching projections of the housing lower part 11. In this case, the latching is formed so that a thermal expansion of the base body 20, in particular the lower shell 21 of the base body 20, no undue and material destroying or tiring stress on the lower housing part 11 exerts. In this case, a good thermal contact between the lower shell 21 and the lower housing part 11 is given, so that heat generated within the lighting device is discharged, inter alia, via the lower housing part 11. Breakthroughs 212 are present through the guide webs for receiving the connection module 40 protrude (see. Fig. 5b ).

Further, downwards, in the direction of the base 13, openings 21 are provided in the lower shell, through which connection wires 41 of the connection module 40 are led to the base 13. In the upper shell 22, an opening is also introduced, through which an electrical connection from the lighting means 30 to the connection module 40 takes place. This can be done, for example, via a preassembled on semiconductor light-emitting means 30, for example, soldered, plug 42.

Like the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3 show, the lighting means 30 may have a planar support plate 31, on which a plurality of lighting elements, here light emitting diodes 32 (LEDs - light emitting diodes) are arranged. Such a designed illuminant 30 radiates substantially perpendicular to the surface of the carrier board 31, ie in the direction of the axis of symmetry (screw axis) of the lighting device. In order to achieve a radiation perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, is in the embodiments of the Fig. 1 and 3 an optical element 50 is provided which, viewed in the emission direction, is arranged behind the luminous means 30 and influences the emission characteristic of the luminous device. The optical element 50 is mounted on the upper shell 22 in the embodiments shown.

The optical element 50 is preferably also a metal element produced in a deep-drawing process, which due to the attachment to the upper shell 22 or directly to the carrier board 31 can also absorb and release heat. Alternatively, the optical element 50 may also be made of plastic, wherein transparent and / or reflective components may be used.

In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 has the optical element 50 reflective surfaces 51 which are configured rotationally symmetrical funnel-shaped. The reflective surfaces 51 deflect a large part of the radiation emitted by the LEDs 32 radiation radially outward. Centrally, the optical element 50 is open, so that a further part of the radiation emerges axially. In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 For example, the optical element 50 includes a lens 52 disposed axially in front of the light emitting diodes 32. The lens 52 is here a diverging lens, which widens the radiation beam emitted by the light emitting diodes 32 and thus widens the emission characteristic in the radial direction. Because of its flat design, the lens 52 can be advantageously designed as a Fresnel lens. Also, optical elements 50 having both reflective surfaces 51 and lenses 52 may be used. The components of the lighting device are designed with regard to a possible automation of the manufacturing process, in particular the process of assembling the lighting device. This includes, for example, that parts are easily accessible and orientable. Furthermore, connections between the parts are preferably snap-fit and / or latching and / or joining connections, which can particularly preferably be assembled in a common joining or latching direction, particularly preferably along the symmetry axis of the lighting device, which in the illustrated pedestals 13 also the direction in which the lighting device is screwed into a socket. In the context of the application, this direction is also referred to as the axial direction.

The three in the Fig. 1 to 3 illustrated lighting devices differ in the exact shape of their components, the external dimensions and the light output. Nevertheless, they all have a comparable basic structure. This makes it possible to produce a plurality of different lighting devices on the same production lines automatically, without the need for a model change profound changes to the production line or the manufacturing process. It creates a kind of modular system of construction solutions, with the respond quickly to market requirements and small changes in the components, such as new bulbs. New developments can be flexibly and quickly integrated into new products.

In the Fig. 4 and 5 the connection between the lower housing part 11 and the upper housing part 12 is shown in more detail. It is understood that an assembly of the housing parts 11, 12 takes place in the manufacturing process only when inner assemblies such as the base body 20 are inserted with the recorded connection module 40 and the mounted light source 30 in the lower housing part 11. These assemblies are in the Fig. 4 and 5 for the sake of clarity not shown.

The Fig. 4 shows the connection process in three sectional views, where in the Fig. 4a the lower housing part 11 and the upper housing part 12 are initially separated from each other. To connect the two parts of the housing 10, the lower housing part 11 in the region of its upper, open edge inwardly facing threaded portions 111. Of these threaded portions 111, three threaded portions 111 slightly overlapping along the circumference are arranged along the inner circumference of the housing base 11 in the illustrated embodiment. The number of threaded sections 111 may alternatively be greater or smaller than those shown here. Below the region in which the threaded portions 111 are formed, in the present case two in each case inwardly facing latching projections 112 are formed. Again, the number of locking projections 112 may vary in alternative embodiments.

The upper housing part 12 is open at the bottom and has a circumferential edge on which threaded portions 121 are also formed. The threaded portions 121 are formed on the upper housing part as short webs, in particular in Fig. 5a easy to recognize. The threaded portions 121 of the upper housing part engage in the threaded portions 111 of the lower housing part in order to screw the upper housing part 12 and the lower housing part 11 together. In Fig. 4b the upper housing part 12 is placed on the lower housing part 11, so that the threaded portions 111, 121 engage each other for screwing. In the screwed state, in the Fig. 4c is shown, the upper housing part 12 is seated with a support edge 124 on an upper thickened edge region 113 of the housing lower part 11. The support edge 124 and the thickened edge region 113 are adapted to each other so that the smoothest possible transition between the two housing parts is given.

At the bottom of the upper housing part 12 two downwardly open locking cutouts 122 are recessed opposite. The locking cutouts are substantially rectangular, with a downwardly slightly projecting spring tongue 123 is arranged to one side. When screwing the upper housing part 12 in the lower housing part 11, the spring tongue 123 the locking recess 122 ahead. Just before screwing in the Fig. 4c shown state is reached, sets the spring tongue 123 on the locking projection 112 of the housing base 11. Upon further rotation of the upper housing part 12 relative to the lower housing part 11, the spring tongue 123 is thereby bent upwards, before being in the in Fig. 4c shown rotational position, the upper rear (viewed in rotation from the spring tongue 123 from) corner of the locking projection 112 has reached and springs down. It then lies with its free end on one side of the latching projection 112. A turning back of the upper housing part relative to the lower housing part 11 is in the locked state of Fig. 4c not possible anymore.

In addition, the spring tongue 123 opposite side of the latching portion 122 is located on the other side edge of the locking projection 112 or located at least just before this side edge. In the in Fig. 4c shown latched position is thus also prevents further screwing the upper housing part 12 in the lower housing part 11 by the latching. In this way, in addition to the placement of the support pad 124 on the upper thickened edge portion 113 a rotationally fixed in this direction connection between the two housing parts is achieved.

In the Fig. 4 and 5 Further still guide webs 114 can be seen, which are formed in the lower region of the housing lower part 11. These guide webs 114 serve to receive the connection module 40, which can be inserted into a guide plate 114 with a printed circuit board. In order to enable insertion, the metallic base body 20, which receives the connection module 40 and carries on its upper side the semiconductor light-emitting means 30, corresponding recesses on its side walls. Furthermore, in the Fig. 5b Openings 115 for the implementation of the connecting wires 41 of the connection module 40 to recognize.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

casing

11

Housing bottom

111

threaded portion

112

catch projection

113

supporting edge

114

guide web

115

breakthrough

12

Housing top

121

threaded portion

122

Rest Neck

123

spring tongue

13

base

20

base body

21

subshell

211

latching bead

212

breakthrough

22

Upper shell

221

shell

30

Semiconductor lighting products

31

carrier board

32

LED (LED)

40

connection module

41

Lead wire

42

plug

50

optical element

51

reflective surface

52

lens

Claims (6)

1. Lighting device comprising at least one semiconductor lighting means (30) and a housing (10) made of plastic, in which the at least one semiconductor lighting means (30) is accommodated, wherein the housing (10) comprises a housing lower part (11) and a translucent housing upper part (12), which in a connecting region protrudes at least partially into the housing lower part (11), wherein the housing upper part (12) and the housing lower part (11) are screwed to one another, wherein provided on the housing upper part (12) and on the housing lower part (11) are latching means which engage in one another in one or more predefined rotary positions and prevent unscrewing of the housing upper part (12) from the housing lower part (11), wherein one or more inwardly facing threaded sections (111) are formed in an upper region of the housing lower part (11), wherein at least one inwardly facing latching protrusion (112) is formed as a latching means in an area of threaded sections (111) or below the area of the threaded sections (111) in the housing lower part (11), characterized in that

   - at least one downwardly open latching cutout (122) is formed as a latching means on the lower edge of the housing upper part (12), wherein a downwardly protruding spring tongue (123) is formed at one side of the at least one latching cutout (122),

   - the latching protrusion (112) is located in the latching cutout (122) in the latched rotary position, and

   - the spring tongue (123) bears with its free end against one side of the latching protrusion (112) in the latched rotary position.
2. Lighting device according to claim 1, in which the latching means, in the engaged state in the predefined rotary position, also prevent further screwing of the housing upper part (12) into the housing lower part (11).
3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, in which one or more outwardly facing threaded sections (121) are formed on a lower edge of the housing upper part (12).
4. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the spring tongue (123) is arranged on the side of the latching cutout (122) that leads when the housing upper part (12) is being screwed into the housing lower part (11).
5. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which arranged within the housing (10) is a metal base body (20), to which the semiconductor lighting means (30) is secured, wherein the metal base body (20) is inserted in the housing lower part (11) and is secured by the housing upper part (12).
6. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, which is designed as a retrofit lighting device.

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