EP3495727B1 - Safety endcap assembly for a led tube - Google Patents
Safety endcap assembly for a led tube Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3495727B1 EP3495727B1 EP17206276.2A EP17206276A EP3495727B1 EP 3495727 B1 EP3495727 B1 EP 3495727B1 EP 17206276 A EP17206276 A EP 17206276A EP 3495727 B1 EP3495727 B1 EP 3495727B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- endcap
- switch button
- safety
- cover element
- spring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
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- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 206010034759 Petit mal epilepsy Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010891 electric arc Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V25/00—Safety devices structurally associated with lighting devices
- F21V25/02—Safety devices structurally associated with lighting devices coming into action when lighting device is disturbed, dismounted, or broken
- F21V25/04—Safety devices structurally associated with lighting devices coming into action when lighting device is disturbed, dismounted, or broken breaking the electric circuit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21K—NON-ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES USING LUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING ELECTROCHEMILUMINESCENCE; LIGHT SOURCES USING CHARGES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL; LIGHT SOURCES USING SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES AS LIGHT-GENERATING ELEMENTS; LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21K9/00—Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
- F21K9/20—Light sources comprising attachment means
- F21K9/27—Retrofit light sources for lighting devices with two fittings for each light source, e.g. for substitution of fluorescent tubes
- F21K9/272—Details of end parts, i.e. the parts that connect the light source to a fitting; Arrangement of components within end parts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/04—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being switches
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors
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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
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/22—Contacts for co-operating by abutting
- H01R13/24—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted
- H01R13/2407—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means
- H01R13/2421—Contacts for co-operating by abutting resilient; resiliently-mounted characterized by the resilient means using coil springs
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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
- H01R33/74—Devices having four or more poles, e.g. holders for compact fluorescent lamps
- H01R33/76—Holders with sockets, clips, or analogous contacts adapted for axially-sliding engagement with parallely-arranged pins, blades, or analogous contacts on counterpart, e.g. electronic tube socket
- H01R33/7692—Holders with sockets, clips, or analogous contacts adapted for axially-sliding engagement with parallely-arranged pins, blades, or analogous contacts on counterpart, e.g. electronic tube socket for supporting a tubular fluorescent lamp
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2103/00—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
- F21Y2103/10—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes comprising a linear array of point-like light-generating elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
- H01H3/02—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch
- H01H3/20—Operating parts, i.e. for operating driving mechanism by a mechanical force external to the switch wherein an auxiliary movement thereof, or of an attachment thereto, is necessary before the main movement is possible or effective, e.g. for unlatching, for coupling
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a safety endcap assembly for use in a light emitting diode (LED) lamp arrangement, which is arranged to replace a fluorescent lamp in a luminaire.
- LED light emitting diode
- LED-based lamps which can be used as one-for-one replacements for fluorescent tube lamps, have emerged in recent years.
- Such LED-based replacement lamps typically include an elongate housing, with LEDs mounted on a circuit board inside the housing. An endcap is arranged at each longitudinal end of the housing for connecting the LED circuit board to the luminaire.
- Arcing is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces an ongoing electrical discharge. This occurs when two or more conductors in a circuit are not properly contacted. When there is a small gap between these conductors, the voltage across them could break down the gas resistance and create a current-as a small scale lightning. This current is typically high enough to increase the temperature of the components of the LED lamp, e.g. the circuit board of LEDs. This increase of temperature entails the risk of the melting of the LED lamp and the risk of fire and burn hazards.
- Patent publication DE 10 2915 204 716 discloses a tube lamp with an resilient end cap and pressure element to address the problem of the lamp falling out of the fixture and arcing between the lamp and the fixture.
- EP 3 069 077 discloses a safety end cap assembly comprising a switch button which is displaceable between an open position in which the switch is in its open state and a closed position in which the switch is in its closed state, wherein a spring mechanism urges the switch button towards its open position.
- a first aspect of the invention concerns a safety endcap assembly according to claim 1.
- the safety endcap assembly is arranged at an end of an LED lamp having a plurality of LEDs.
- the safety endcap assembly comprises:
- the switch button is a physical element which is arranged to be moved (e.g. by a user) to a certain position, i.e. the first position, to disconnect the contact element from the LEDs to block the electrical connection between the contact element and the LEDs.
- the switch button preferably comprises a plate-like portion.
- the plate-like portion may have a circular shape (e.g. a disk-like shape) or any other shape, such as a rectangular, triangular, polygonal or irregular shape.
- the switch button may be made of an insulating material such as plastic.
- the movement of the switch button may include (but is not limited to) a rotation movement, a displacement movement, or a combination thereof.
- the switch button is arranged to disconnect the contact element from the LEDs when the switch button is in the first position.
- the switch button may be arranged in such a way that, as long as the switch button is in the first position, the contact element is disconnected from the LEDs. In this way, a safe user operation during installation can be achieved. As long as the switch button is in the first position, the user can trust that the lamp will not conduct electrical current.
- This feature also allows an arrangement of an arcing prevention mechanism, e.g. moving the switch button to the first position to disconnect the electrical connection when the risk of arcing increases.
- the safety endcap assembly further comprises:
- the first spring mechanism comprises a spring which can be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy.
- the spring include a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc. In this way, the mechanical energy stored in the spring can be used to move the endcap cover element relative to the endcap base element to urge the endcap cover element towards the protracted position.
- the switch opening mechanism may use one or more of any mechanisms described in US 2016/0290606 A1 .
- the first spring mechanism makes it possible to move the endcap cover element in accordance with the gradual shape change of the fixture, and once this movement reaches the predetermined distance, the switch opening mechanism can disconnect the contact element from the LEDs to reduce the risk of arcing.
- the switch opening mechanism is configured such that in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over the predetermined distance, the switch button is switched to the first position within 0.5 second.
- This time period may be achieved, for example, using a spring biased against the switch button in the second position. The short time period makes it possible to reliably control the risk of arcing.
- the contact element is connected to the connector pin via a spring which defines a variable length.
- the variable length includes a first length, in which the spring is less compressed i.e. when the spring is in an uncompressed natural state in an abscence of external force, and a second length, in which the spring is in a compressed state, i.e. when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position; and the first length, the second length and the predetermined distance are arranged to satisfy a following inequality: D ⁇ A ⁇ B , where D is the predetermined distance, A is the first length, and B is the second length.
- the spring may be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy, such as a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc.
- the predetermined distance (which triggers the switch opening mechanism) is smaller than the tolerance of the safety endcap assembly within which the contact element and the LEDs can still be reliably connected, the risk of arcing can be further reduced.
- the safety endcap assembly comprises two connector pins, two contact elements, and two springs. Each spring connects a connector pin to a respective contact element.
- This two-pin configuration is similar to conventional fluorescent lamps, thus allowing a simple manner for the user to install the LED lamp arrangement into the luminaire.
- the switch button comprises a hole, wherein, in the first position, the hole is not aligned with the contact element (and preferably also the connector pin) in the axis, and in the second position, the hole is aligned with the contact element (and preferably also the connector pin) in the axis.
- the contact element may extend through the hole of the switch button (e.g. to come into contact with an electrode which is connected to the LEDs.
- the contact element can be physically blocked to prevent an electrical connection or a small gap with an electrode which connects to the LEDs, and can thus reliably reduce the risk of arcing by moving the switch button to the first position.
- the switch button comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the contact element extends (e.g. the axis of the connector pin).
- a distance between the first surface and the second surface is preferably at least 0.4 mm. This distance ensures that the risk of arcing is low when the contact element is blocked in the first position of the switch button.
- the switch button comprises a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface or from the second surface (e.g. extending from the first surface to the second surface).
- the third surface preferably forms an angle less than 60 degrees with respect to the first surface or the second surface.
- the third surface can form an edge which is sharp enough to cut into a contact between the contact element and an electrode connecting to the LEDs. This allows the switch button to force itself into the first position for disconnecting the contact element from the LEDs to reduce the risk of arcing.
- the switch opening mechanism comprises:
- the second spring mechanism may comprise a spring which may be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy.
- the spring include a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc. In this way, the mechanical energy stored in the second spring mechanism can be used to force the switch button into the first position when the risk of arcing increases.
- the switch opening mechanism may comprise an cantilevered beam or a torsion spring (e.g. in the second spring mechanism). In this way, the switch opening mechanism can be implemented in an simple and inexpensive manner.
- the switch opening mechanism may comprise an elongated protrusion or recess (e.g. in the switch arresting mechanism) for arresting the switch button, wherein the protrusion or recess has a length substantially equal to the predetermined distance.
- This physical implementation of the predetermined distance can allow the switch opening mechanism to be triggered reliably.
- the switch button in the protracted position, is covered by the endcap cover element, and in the retracted position the switch button is exposed. This increases the user safety during the installation.
- the safety endcap may further be configured such that the LEDs are only connected to the connector pin when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position. This mechanism adds another layer of security.
- a second aspect of the invention concerns an LED lamp arrangement configured to be fit in a lamp fixture, the LED lamp arrangement comprising:
- the switch button comprises a hole, wherein, when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position, the contact element extends through the hole of the switch button to come into contact with the electrode.
- the switch button comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the contact between the contact element and the electrode is arranged in a space between the first surface and the second surface.
- the switch button may comprise a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the third surface forms an edge arranged to break the contact between contact element and the electrode.
- the switch button may comprise a portion which forms a blade, and the contact between the contact element and the electrode and the blade defined by the switch button may be arranged in substantially the same cross-section.
- the LED tube assembly does not fit in the lamp fixture; and with the endcap cover element in its retracted position the LED tube assembly fits in the lamp fixture. This increases the user safety.
- a third aspect of the invention comprises a method for operating an LED lamp arrangement comprising a safety endcap assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, in a luminaire, the method comprising:
- Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the LED lamp arrangement 1 according to the invention.
- the LED lamp arrangement 1 comprises a housing 3, a plurality of LEDs arranged in the housing 3, a first endcap assembly 9 and a second endcap assembly 25.
- the second endcap assembly 25 is a safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention.
- the LED lamp 1 is an elongated tube, in which the housing 3 has an elongate shape.
- the LED lamp 1 may also have other shapes, such as a circular shape.
- Figs. 2A-2C show an embodiment of the safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention. This embodiment may be used in the LED lamp arrangement 1 as shown in Fig. 1 .
- the safety endcap assembly 200 comprises two connector pins 205, 207 a switch button 213, an endcap base element 201 to be arranged at an end of the housing 3 of the LED lamp 1, and an endcap cover element 203.
- the endcap base element 201 and an endcap cover element 203 may be arranged to move relative to each other.
- the endcap cover element 203 is arranged to slide along a circumferential wall 201b of the endcap base element 201.
- the relative movement between the endcap base element 201 and the endcap cover element 203 defines a protracted position (as shown in Fig. 2A ), and a retracted position (as shown in Figs. 2B and 2C ). In the protracted position, the endcap cover element 203 is more away from the endcap base element 201; in the retracted position, the endcap cover element 203 is closer to the endcap base element 201.
- the switch button 213 is moveable in two or more positions, including a first position and a second position.
- the movement may include (but is not limited to) a rotation movement.
- the switch button 213 can be rotated from the first position (as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B ) to the second position (as shown in Fig. 2C ).
- the safety endcap is configured such that the LEDs are only connected to the connector pins 205, 207 when both of the following conditions are met: (1) the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and (2) the switch button 213 is in the second position.
- the advantage of this arrangement is two-fold. First, this provides a double security to the user. As long as the switch button 213 is in the first position, the user can feel free to install the lamp without having to worry about the electrical shock. Second, a mechanism can be added to move the switch button 213 from the second position to the first position (thereby disconnecting the LEDs from the connector pins) when there is an increasing risk of arcing. In this way, the risk of arcing can be reduced.
- the switch button 213 is hidden, for example covered by a circumferential wall of the endcap cover element 203. This way provides an additional layer of safety for the installation, because it reduces the risk that user accidentally rotates the switch button 213.
- the safety endcap assembly comprises two connector pins 205, 207.
- the LED lamp arrangement 1 has two pins on each side, i.e. four pins in total, just like a typical fluorescent lamp. In this way the user can install the LED lamp in a simple manner just like in the case of fluorescent lamps.
- the safety endcap assembly may have only one connector pin.
- Figs. 3A-3D shows an operation of a similar embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention.
- the safety endcap assembly in this embodiment may comprise one or more features of the embodiment in Figs. 2A - 2C .
- Fig. 3A shows a default state in this embodiment.
- the default state may be the state before the LED lamp is installed onto the fixture 302, 303 of the luminaire 301.
- the default state corresponds to the state Fig. 2A , i.e. the endcap cover element 203 is in the protracted position, and the switch button 213 is in the first position. In this state, the LEDs are disconnected from the connector pins 205, 207.
- Fig. 3B shows a state in which the LED lamp is placed into the luminaire.
- this states is similar to the state in Fig. 2B , i.e. the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and the switch button 213 is in a first position.
- the switch button 213 remains in the first position (as the case in Figs. 3A and Fig. 3B )
- the LEDs remains disconnected during the installation. In this way, the user does not need to worry about the electrical shock when he puts the lamp into the fixture, which corresponds to the transition from Figs. 3A to 3B .
- Fig. 3C shows a state in which the LEDs are ready to operate.
- this state is similar to the state in Fig. 2C , i.e. the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and the switch button 213 is in a second position.
- the connector pins 205, 207 are connected to the LEDs for conducting the current.
- Fig. 3D shows a state after a certain time of use and a switch opening mechanism has been triggered to avoid arcing.
- the switch opening mechanism may use one or more of the same mechanisms as described in US 2016/0290606 A1 .
- the fixture 302, 303 of the luminaire no longer maintains its shape, e.g. due to a pressure applied on the fixture 302, 303. Accordingly, the endcap cover element 203 moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a certain distance.
- the safety endcap assembly according to the invention is designed such that, when this distance reaches a predetermined threshold, the switch button 213 automatically switches back to the first position, thereby disconnecting the LEDs. In this way, the LEDs can be disconnected before the deformation of the luminaire reaches the point at which arcing starts to occur.
- Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention. This embodiment may comprise one or more features as described above under Figs. 1, 2A - 2C , 3A - 3D , and may further comprise some more details as will be described below.
- each connector pin 205, 207 is connected to an electrically conductive connection spring 221, 223.
- Each spring 221, 223 is in turn connected to an electrically conductive contact element 217, 219. This makes it possible for the connector pin 205 to establish an electrical connection with the LEDs via the connection spring 221, 223 and the contact element 217, 219.
- the connection springs 221, 223 and the contact elements 217, 219 extend through holes 218, 220 in the endcap cover element 203 towards the switch button 213.
- the switch button 213 also comprises two holes. When the switch button is in the second position, the two holes are aligned with the contacting elements 218, 220. This allows the contacting elements 217, 219 to extends through the holes of the switch button 213 to come into contact with electrodes 229, 231, which are electrically connected to the LEDs.
- the safety endcap assembly 200 further comprises a spring 45 for pushing the endcap cover element 203 and a spring 215 for rotating the switch button 213.
- the spring 45 functions to urge the endcap cover element 203 towards the protracted position
- the spring 215 functions to urge the switch button 213 towards the first position.
- Spring 215 is activated when the endcap cover element 203 moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance.
- spring 45 gradually moves the endcap cover element 203 towards the protracted position as the fixture 302, 303 deforms, and when this movement reaches the predetermined distance, the spring 215 is activated and moves the switch button 213 to the first position, thereby disconnecting the LEDs from the connector pins 205, 207 to avoid arcing.
- the spring 45 is a coiled spring
- the spring 215 is a torsion spring.
- spring 215 may be implemented as a coil spring configured to generate a torque on the switch button 213.
- springs 45 and 215 may also be replaced by one or more of other components which perform similar functions.
- grooves may be arranged on a side surface of the switch button 213 to rotate the switch button as the spring 45 pushes the endcap cover element 203.
- the electrodes 229, 231 are arranged in the safety endcap assembly. These electrodes may alternatively be arranged outside the safety endcap assembly, e.g. as a part of the LED circuit board in the LED lamp arrangement 1.
- Figs. 5A - 5G show several states and a corresponding operation of an embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention.
- the safety endcap assembly in this embodiment may comprise one or more features as described under Fig. 4 .
- Fig. 5A shows a state in which the endcap cover element 203 is in the protracted position and the switch button 213 is in the first position (similar to Figs. 2A and 3A ). In this state, the connection springs 221, 223 are not compressed, and the contact elements 217, 219 are not in contact with the front surface of the switch button 213.
- Fig. 5B shows a state in which endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and the switch button 213 in the first position (similar to Figs. 2B and 3B ).
- the connection springs 221 and 223 are compressed to push the contact elements 217, 219 against the front surface of the switch button 213, because the holes of the switch button 213 are not aligned with the contact elements 217.
- Fig. 5C shows a state in which the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and the switch button 213 in the second position (similar to Figs. 2C and 3C ). In this position, the holes of the switch button 213 are aligned with the contact elements. The tips of the contact elements 217, 219 are thus pushed through the holes by the connection springs 221, 223, allowing the contact elements 217, 219 to come into contact with the electrodes 229, 231, thereby connecting to the LEDs.
- the safety endcap assembly 200 further comprises a switch arresting mechanism 239 that locks the switch button 213 in the second position.
- the switch arresting mechanism 239 is a lock as shown in Figs. 5D and 5E .
- the lock comprises a protrusion arranged to engage with the switch button 213 when the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position.
- the lock may comprise a recess.
- the lock has a length substantially equal to the predetermined distance. This allows the switch arresting mechanism 239 to continue to arrest the switch button 213 as the endcap cover element 203 moves, until the movement reaches the predetermined distance.
- the spring 45 is arranged to assert a spring force between the endcap base element 201 and the endcap cover element 203. As the luminaire fixture changes its shape, the spring 45 pushes the endcap cover element 203 away from the endcap base element 201, as shown in Arrow I.
- the mechanical lock 239 is arranged in the endcap cover element 203 and the switch 213 is arranged in the endcap base element 203.
- the switch button 213 As shown in Fig. 5G , as the endcap cover element 203 moves over a predetermined distance D, the switch button 213 is no longer locked by the switch arresting mechanism 239. As a result, the spring 215 rotates the switch button 213 from the second position to the first position (as shown in Arrow J).
- the spring force provided by spring 215 is arranged to overcome the spring force generated by the springs 221, 223, to allow the switch button 213 to break the contact between the electrodes 229, 231 and the contact elements 217, 219 so as to disconnect these elements.
- Figs. 6A - 6B show an embodiment of a safety endcap assembly which can tolerate the deformation of the fixture of a luminaire.
- the figures show a connector pin 207, a spring 223, a switch button 213, an electrode 231 and a switch arresting mechanism 239. These elements may have the same structure and/or function as in Figs. 5A - 5G . This embodiment may also comprise any other elements described above.
- spring 223 defines a variable length. Due to different degrees of the compression of the connection springs 221, 223, the distance between the connector pins 205, 207 and the contact elements 217, 219 can vary. In this way, as the endcap cover element 203 moves towards the protracted position (e.g. due to the deformation of the luminaire fixture), the contact elements 217, 219 can remain in contact with the electrodes 229, 231 to tolerate the deformation.
- variable length defined by the connection springs 221, 223 include a first length (A) which corresponds to the natural state of the springs 221, 223 in the absence of an external force, as shown in Fig. 6A , and a second length (B) which corresponds to the compression state of the springs 221, 223 when the endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and the switch button 213 is in the second position, as shown in Fig. 6B .
- connection springs 221, 223 are configured such that the first length A, the second length B and the predetermined distance D (e.g. the length of the protrusion or recess in the switch opening mechanism 239) satisfy to the following inequality: D ⁇ A ⁇ B .
- the contact element 217, 219 and the electrodes 229, 231 can remain in contact with each other.
- the switch button 213 can act to disconnect the contact element 217, 219 from the electrodes 229, 231 before arcing occurs.
- Figs. 7A and 7B show two embodiments of the switch button 213, a contact element 219 and an electrode 231 according to the invention. These elements may be used in the safety endcap assembly as described above.
- the holes of the switch button 213 is arranged in substantially the same position in the longitudinal axis as the contact between the respective contact elements 217, 219 and electrodes 229, 231, to ensure that the switch button 213 can cut into the contact.
- the switch button 213 comprises a first surface 213a, a second surface 213b, and a third surface 213 which defines the hole of the switch button 213.
- the third surface 213 extends from the first surface 213a towards the second surface 213b.
- the third surface 213c forms an angle ⁇ with respect to the first surface 213a. This angle ⁇ is preferably less than 60 degrees.
- the third surface 213c and the first surface 213a or second surface 213b define a blade or an edge, as shown in Fig. 7B .
- the blade or edge makes it easier for the switch button 213 to cut into the position, to ensure that the of the third surface 213c comes into contact with the tip of the contact element 217, 219, to assert a force to push back the contact elements 217, 219 in the direction hey extend.
- the decrease of the angle ⁇ increases the force component in this direction, so smaller angle ⁇ (e.g. less than 60 degrees) makes it easier for the switch button 213 to force itself between the contact elements 217, 219 and the electrodes 229, 231.
- the tip of the contact elements 217, 219 are preferably dome shaped.
- the sloped portion will hit the dome shaped tip of the contact elements 217, 219 and assert a force in the direction of the connection springs 221, 223. The more towards the top of the dome, the easier the switch button 213 can push back the contact elements 217, 219.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a safety endcap assembly for use in a light emitting diode (LED) lamp arrangement, which is arranged to replace a fluorescent lamp in a luminaire.
- Fluorescent lamps are widely used in a variety of locations, such as schools and office buildings. Although conventional fluorescent lamps have certain advantages, they also pose certain disadvantages, including disposal problems due to the presence of toxic materials within the tube. LED-based lamps, or LED tubes, which can be used as one-for-one replacements for fluorescent tube lamps, have emerged in recent years. Such LED-based replacement lamps typically include an elongate housing, with LEDs mounted on a circuit board inside the housing. An endcap is arranged at each longitudinal end of the housing for connecting the LED circuit board to the luminaire.
- It has been observed that, after the use over a certain time period (e.g. a few months), a problem of overheating can occur in some of these LED lamps. Such overheating sometimes causes the LED lamp to melt, or even results in fire and burn hazards.
- The inventors have identified that arcing is a cause of this problem. Arcing, or arc discharge, is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces an ongoing electrical discharge. This occurs when two or more conductors in a circuit are not properly contacted. When there is a small gap between these conductors, the voltage across them could break down the gas resistance and create a current-as a small scale lightning. This current is typically high enough to increase the temperature of the components of the LED lamp, e.g. the circuit board of LEDs. This increase of temperature entails the risk of the melting of the LED lamp and the risk of fire and burn hazards. Patent publication
DE 10 2915 204 716 discloses a tube lamp with an resilient end cap and pressure element to address the problem of the lamp falling out of the fixture and arcing between the lamp and the fixture.EP 3 069 077 - Arcing is not assumed to occur in those lamps-most LED lamps are carefully designed to avoid the presence of any small gap between conductors. According to the design of these lamps, all conductors are expected to be properly in contact with each other. Nevertheless, arcing still occurs after a certain time of use.
- As recognized by the inventors, this unexpected behavior lies in an unexpected interaction between some safety mechanism in modern LED tubes and the fixture of the luminaire.
- User safety is an important aspect when designing LED tubes. If the lamp fixture is energized when the LED tube is not yet completely installed into the fixture, and the user happens to grab the LED tube in a wrong position, electrical current can flow through the user's body and hurts the user. To avoid this risk, there are usually safety mechanisms in LED lamps which allow the connector pins and the circuit board of LEDs temporarily disconnected. Such mechanisms are typically designed in accordance with the standard size of the lamp fixture. However, a side-effect has been observed by the inventors that the safety mechanism can increase the pressure applied on the fixture of the luminaire. Due to this increased pressure, the distance between two ends of the fixture can increase over time. When the distance reaches a certain point, a gap can be created between the connector pins of the endcap and the LED circuit board, or between the connector pins and the connectors in the fixture. From there, arcing can occur.
- It is therefore an object of the invention to reduce the risk of melting of an LED lamp and reduce the risk of fire and burn hazards caused by an LED lamp. More specifically, it is an object of the invention to reduce the risk of arcing in an LED lamp.
- A first aspect of the invention concerns a safety endcap assembly according to
claim 1. - The safety endcap assembly is arranged at an end of an LED lamp having a plurality of LEDs. The safety endcap assembly comprises:
- an endcap base element to be arranged at an end of a housing of the LED lamp;
- a connector pin extending along an axis;
- an endcap cover element moveable relative to the endcap base element along the axis, between a protracted position, in which the endcap cover element is more away from the endcap base element, and a retracted position, in which the endcap cover element is closer to the endcap base element;
- a contact element (which preferably extends along the same axis as the connector pin) for electrically connecting the connector pin to the LEDs; and
- a switch button moveable (e.g. rotatable) between a first position and a second position.
- The switch button is a physical element which is arranged to be moved (e.g. by a user) to a certain position, i.e. the first position, to disconnect the contact element from the LEDs to block the electrical connection between the contact element and the LEDs. The switch button preferably comprises a plate-like portion. The plate-like portion may have a circular shape (e.g. a disk-like shape) or any other shape, such as a rectangular, triangular, polygonal or irregular shape. The switch button may be made of an insulating material such as plastic. The movement of the switch button may include (but is not limited to) a rotation movement, a displacement movement, or a combination thereof.
- According to the invention, the switch button is arranged to disconnect the contact element from the LEDs when the switch button is in the first position. The switch button may be arranged in such a way that, as long as the switch button is in the first position, the contact element is disconnected from the LEDs. In this way, a safe user operation during installation can be achieved. As long as the switch button is in the first position, the user can trust that the lamp will not conduct electrical current. This feature also allows an arrangement of an arcing prevention mechanism, e.g. moving the switch button to the first position to disconnect the electrical connection when the risk of arcing increases.
- The safety endcap assembly further comprises:
- a first spring mechanism for urging the endcap cover element towards the protracted position; and
- a switch opening mechanism configured such that in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance, the switch button is moved to the first position.
- The first spring mechanism comprises a spring which can be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy. Examples of the spring include a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc. In this way, the mechanical energy stored in the spring can be used to move the endcap cover element relative to the endcap base element to urge the endcap cover element towards the protracted position.
- The switch opening mechanism may use one or more of any mechanisms described in
US 2016/0290606 A1 . - In this way, the first spring mechanism makes it possible to move the endcap cover element in accordance with the gradual shape change of the fixture, and once this movement reaches the predetermined distance, the switch opening mechanism can disconnect the contact element from the LEDs to reduce the risk of arcing.
- Preferably, the switch opening mechanism is configured such that in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over the predetermined distance, the switch button is switched to the first position within 0.5 second. This time period may be achieved, for example, using a spring biased against the switch button in the second position. The short time period makes it possible to reliably control the risk of arcing.
- According to the invention, the contact element is connected to the connector pin via a spring which defines a variable length. The variable length includes a first length, in which the spring is less compressed i.e. when the spring is in an uncompressed natural state in an abscence of external force, and a second length, in which the spring is in a compressed state, i.e. when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position; and the first length, the second length and the predetermined distance are arranged to satisfy a following inequality:
- Similarly to the first spring mechanism, the spring may be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy, such as a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc.
- In this way, as the predetermined distance (which triggers the switch opening mechanism) is smaller than the tolerance of the safety endcap assembly within which the contact element and the LEDs can still be reliably connected, the risk of arcing can be further reduced.
- Preferably, the safety endcap assembly comprises two connector pins, two contact elements, and two springs. Each spring connects a connector pin to a respective contact element. This two-pin configuration is similar to conventional fluorescent lamps, thus allowing a simple manner for the user to install the LED lamp arrangement into the luminaire.
- In an embodiment, the switch button comprises a hole, wherein, in the first position, the hole is not aligned with the contact element (and preferably also the connector pin) in the axis, and in the second position, the hole is aligned with the contact element (and preferably also the connector pin) in the axis. When the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position, the contact element may extend through the hole of the switch button (e.g. to come into contact with an electrode which is connected to the LEDs.
- In this way, since the hole is not aligned with the contact element in the first position of the switch button, the contact element can be physically blocked to prevent an electrical connection or a small gap with an electrode which connects to the LEDs, and can thus reliably reduce the risk of arcing by moving the switch button to the first position.
- Preferably, the switch button comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the contact element extends (e.g. the axis of the connector pin). A distance between the first surface and the second surface is preferably at least 0.4 mm. This distance ensures that the risk of arcing is low when the contact element is blocked in the first position of the switch button.
- In an embodiment, the switch button comprises a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface or from the second surface (e.g. extending from the first surface to the second surface). The third surface preferably forms an angle less than 60 degrees with respect to the first surface or the second surface.
- In this way, the third surface can form an edge which is sharp enough to cut into a contact between the contact element and an electrode connecting to the LEDs. This allows the switch button to force itself into the first position for disconnecting the contact element from the LEDs to reduce the risk of arcing.
- In an embodiment, the switch opening mechanism comprises:
- a second spring mechanism for urging the switch button towards the first position;
- a switch arresting mechanism configured to arrest the switch button in the closed position when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position, and to release the switch button, in case the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over the predetermined distance.
- The second spring mechanism may comprise a spring which may be any type of elastic objects that store mechanical energy. Examples of the spring include a coil spring, rubber, a gas spring, etc. In this way, the mechanical energy stored in the second spring mechanism can be used to force the switch button into the first position when the risk of arcing increases.
- The switch opening mechanism may comprise an cantilevered beam or a torsion spring (e.g. in the second spring mechanism). In this way, the switch opening mechanism can be implemented in an simple and inexpensive manner.
- The switch opening mechanism may comprise an elongated protrusion or recess (e.g. in the switch arresting mechanism) for arresting the switch button, wherein the protrusion or recess has a length substantially equal to the predetermined distance. This physical implementation of the predetermined distance can allow the switch opening mechanism to be triggered reliably.
- In an embodiment, in the protracted position, the switch button is covered by the endcap cover element, and in the retracted position the switch button is exposed. This increases the user safety during the installation.
- The safety endcap may further be configured such that the LEDs are only connected to the connector pin when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position. This mechanism adds another layer of security.
- A second aspect of the invention concerns an LED lamp arrangement configured to be fit in a lamp fixture, the LED lamp arrangement comprising:
- a housing;
- a plurality of LEDs arranged in the housing;
- a safety endcap assembly according to the first aspect of the invention; and
- an electrode (which may be an element of the safety endcap assembly) for electrically connecting the contact element to the LEDs.
- In an embodiment, the switch button comprises a hole, wherein, when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position and the switch button is in the second position, the contact element extends through the hole of the switch button to come into contact with the electrode.
- In an embodiment, the switch button comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the contact between the contact element and the electrode is arranged in a space between the first surface and the second surface.
- The switch button may comprise a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the third surface forms an edge arranged to break the contact between contact element and the electrode.
- The switch button may comprise a portion which forms a blade, and the contact between the contact element and the electrode and the blade defined by the switch button may be arranged in substantially the same cross-section.
- These measures, alone or in combination, make it possible for the switch button to reliably cut into the contact between the contact element and the electrode when the switch opening mechanism moves the switch button from the second position to the first position. In this way, the switch button can reliably break the contact element and the electrode apart to disconnect the electrical connection and further reduce the risk of arcing.
- In an embodiment, with the endcap cover element in its protracted position the LED tube assembly does not fit in the lamp fixture; and with the endcap cover element in its retracted position the LED tube assembly fits in the lamp fixture. This increases the user safety.
- A third aspect of the invention comprises a method for operating an LED lamp arrangement comprising a safety endcap assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, in a luminaire, the method comprising:
- moving the endcap cover element towards the protracted position in accordance with shape change of a fixture of the luminaire; and
- moving the switch button from the second position to the first position, in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance, the switch button is switched to the first position.
- The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of theLED lamp 1 which comprises a safety endcap assembly according to the invention. -
Figs. 2A-2C show an embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention. -
Figs. 3A-3D shows an operation of an embodiment of the safety endcap according to the invention. -
Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention. -
Figs. 5A - 5G show several states and a corresponding operation of a similar embodiment of the safety endcap assembly asFig. 4 . -
Figs. 6A - 6B schematically shows an embodiment of a spatial relationship between elements of a safety endcap assembly according to the invention. -
Figs. 7A - 7B show two embodiments of a contact element and a switch button in the safety endcap assembly according to the invention. -
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of theLED lamp arrangement 1 according to the invention. TheLED lamp arrangement 1 comprises ahousing 3, a plurality of LEDs arranged in thehousing 3, afirst endcap assembly 9 and a second endcap assembly 25. In the embodiment shown, the second endcap assembly 25 is a safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention. - In the embodiment shown, the
LED lamp 1 is an elongated tube, in which thehousing 3 has an elongate shape. TheLED lamp 1 may also have other shapes, such as a circular shape. -
Figs. 2A-2C show an embodiment of the safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention. This embodiment may be used in theLED lamp arrangement 1 as shown inFig. 1 . - In the embodiment shown, the safety endcap assembly 200 comprises two
connector pins 205, 207 aswitch button 213, anendcap base element 201 to be arranged at an end of thehousing 3 of theLED lamp 1, and anendcap cover element 203. - The
endcap base element 201 and anendcap cover element 203 may be arranged to move relative to each other. In the embodiment shown, theendcap cover element 203 is arranged to slide along acircumferential wall 201b of theendcap base element 201. The relative movement between theendcap base element 201 and theendcap cover element 203 defines a protracted position (as shown inFig. 2A ), and a retracted position (as shown inFigs. 2B and 2C ). In the protracted position, theendcap cover element 203 is more away from theendcap base element 201; in the retracted position, theendcap cover element 203 is closer to theendcap base element 201. - The
switch button 213 is moveable in two or more positions, including a first position and a second position. The movement may include (but is not limited to) a rotation movement. In the embodiment shown, theswitch button 213 can be rotated from the first position (as shown inFigs. 2A and 2B ) to the second position (as shown inFig. 2C ). The relative movement between theendcap base element 201 and theendcap cover element 203, together with the movement (e.g. rotation) of theswitch button 213, makes it possible to define at least 2 × 2 = 4 operation states. This degree of freedom can ensure the user safety during installation, and additionally allows a switch opening mechanism to be arranged to open the switch when the risk of arcing increases. - In a preferred embodiment, the safety endcap is configured such that the LEDs are only connected to the connector pins 205, 207 when both of the following conditions are met: (1) the
endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and (2) theswitch button 213 is in the second position. The advantage of this arrangement is two-fold. First, this provides a double security to the user. As long as theswitch button 213 is in the first position, the user can feel free to install the lamp without having to worry about the electrical shock. Second, a mechanism can be added to move theswitch button 213 from the second position to the first position (thereby disconnecting the LEDs from the connector pins) when there is an increasing risk of arcing. In this way, the risk of arcing can be reduced. - Optionally, as shown in the dotted line in
Fig. 2A , in the protracted position, theswitch button 213 is hidden, for example covered by a circumferential wall of theendcap cover element 203. This way provides an additional layer of safety for the installation, because it reduces the risk that user accidentally rotates theswitch button 213. - In embodiments shown above and below, the safety endcap assembly comprises two
connector pins LED lamp arrangement 1 has two pins on each side, i.e. four pins in total, just like a typical fluorescent lamp. In this way the user can install the LED lamp in a simple manner just like in the case of fluorescent lamps. Alternatively, the safety endcap assembly may have only one connector pin. -
Figs. 3A-3D shows an operation of a similar embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention. The safety endcap assembly in this embodiment may comprise one or more features of the embodiment inFigs. 2A - 2C . -
Fig. 3A shows a default state in this embodiment. The default state may be the state before the LED lamp is installed onto thefixture luminaire 301. In this embodiment, the default state corresponds to the stateFig. 2A , i.e. theendcap cover element 203 is in the protracted position, and theswitch button 213 is in the first position. In this state, the LEDs are disconnected from the connector pins 205, 207. -
Fig. 3B shows a state in which the LED lamp is placed into the luminaire. In this embodiment, this states is similar to the state inFig. 2B , i.e. theendcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and theswitch button 213 is in a first position. In a preferred embodiment, as long as theswitch button 213 remains in the first position (as the case inFigs. 3A and Fig. 3B ), the LEDs remains disconnected during the installation. In this way, the user does not need to worry about the electrical shock when he puts the lamp into the fixture, which corresponds to the transition fromFigs. 3A to 3B . -
Fig. 3C shows a state in which the LEDs are ready to operate. In this embodiment, this state is similar to the state inFig. 2C , i.e. theendcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position, and theswitch button 213 is in a second position. In this state, the connector pins 205, 207 are connected to the LEDs for conducting the current. -
Fig. 3D shows a state after a certain time of use and a switch opening mechanism has been triggered to avoid arcing. The switch opening mechanism may use one or more of the same mechanisms as described inUS 2016/0290606 A1 . As shown in the figure, thefixture fixture endcap cover element 203 moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a certain distance. The safety endcap assembly according to the invention is designed such that, when this distance reaches a predetermined threshold, theswitch button 213 automatically switches back to the first position, thereby disconnecting the LEDs. In this way, the LEDs can be disconnected before the deformation of the luminaire reaches the point at which arcing starts to occur. -
Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the safety endcap assembly 200 according to the invention. This embodiment may comprise one or more features as described above underFigs. 1, 2A - 2C ,3A - 3D , and may further comprise some more details as will be described below. - In the embodiment shown in
Fig. 4 , eachconnector pin conductive connection spring spring conductive contact element connector pin 205 to establish an electrical connection with the LEDs via theconnection spring contact element contact elements holes endcap cover element 203 towards theswitch button 213. - In this embodiment, the
switch button 213 also comprises two holes. When the switch button is in the second position, the two holes are aligned with the contactingelements elements switch button 213 to come into contact withelectrodes - In the embodiment shown, the safety endcap assembly 200 further comprises a
spring 45 for pushing theendcap cover element 203 and aspring 215 for rotating theswitch button 213. Thespring 45 functions to urge theendcap cover element 203 towards the protracted position, and thespring 215 functions to urge theswitch button 213 towards the first position.Spring 215 is activated when theendcap cover element 203 moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance. In this way,spring 45 gradually moves theendcap cover element 203 towards the protracted position as thefixture spring 215 is activated and moves theswitch button 213 to the first position, thereby disconnecting the LEDs from the connector pins 205, 207 to avoid arcing. - In the embodiment shown, the
spring 45 is a coiled spring, and thespring 215 is a torsion spring. Other types of springs can also be used. For example,spring 215 may be implemented as a coil spring configured to generate a torque on theswitch button 213. One or both ofsprings switch button 213 to rotate the switch button as thespring 45 pushes theendcap cover element 203. - In the embodiment shown, the
electrodes LED lamp arrangement 1. -
Figs. 5A - 5G show several states and a corresponding operation of an embodiment of the safety endcap assembly according to the invention. The safety endcap assembly in this embodiment may comprise one or more features as described underFig. 4 . -
Fig. 5A shows a state in which theendcap cover element 203 is in the protracted position and theswitch button 213 is in the first position (similar toFigs. 2A and3A ). In this state, the connection springs 221, 223 are not compressed, and thecontact elements switch button 213. -
Fig. 5B shows a state in whichendcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and theswitch button 213 in the first position (similar toFigs. 2B and3B ). In this state, the connection springs 221 and 223 are compressed to push thecontact elements switch button 213, because the holes of theswitch button 213 are not aligned with thecontact elements 217. -
Fig. 5C shows a state in which theendcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and theswitch button 213 in the second position (similar toFigs. 2C and3C ). In this position, the holes of theswitch button 213 are aligned with the contact elements. The tips of thecontact elements contact elements electrodes - As shown in
Figs. 5C and5D , in the second position of theswitch button 213, thespring 215 is biased. In this state, thespring 215 carries an energy for forcing theswitch button 213 into the first position. To maintain theswitch button 213 in the second position when the LED lamp is installed, the safety endcap assembly 200 further comprises aswitch arresting mechanism 239 that locks theswitch button 213 in the second position. - An example of the
switch arresting mechanism 239 is a lock as shown inFigs. 5D and 5E . In this embodiment, the lock comprises a protrusion arranged to engage with theswitch button 213 when theendcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position. Alternatively, the lock may comprise a recess. The lock has a length substantially equal to the predetermined distance. This allows theswitch arresting mechanism 239 to continue to arrest theswitch button 213 as theendcap cover element 203 moves, until the movement reaches the predetermined distance. - As shown in
Fig. 5F , thespring 45 is arranged to assert a spring force between theendcap base element 201 and theendcap cover element 203. As the luminaire fixture changes its shape, thespring 45 pushes theendcap cover element 203 away from theendcap base element 201, as shown in Arrow I. In the embodiment shown, themechanical lock 239 is arranged in theendcap cover element 203 and theswitch 213 is arranged in theendcap base element 203. - As shown in
Fig. 5G , as theendcap cover element 203 moves over a predetermined distance D, theswitch button 213 is no longer locked by theswitch arresting mechanism 239. As a result, thespring 215 rotates theswitch button 213 from the second position to the first position (as shown in Arrow J). In this embodiment, the spring force provided byspring 215 is arranged to overcome the spring force generated by thesprings switch button 213 to break the contact between theelectrodes contact elements -
Figs. 6A - 6B show an embodiment of a safety endcap assembly which can tolerate the deformation of the fixture of a luminaire. The figures show aconnector pin 207, aspring 223, aswitch button 213, anelectrode 231 and aswitch arresting mechanism 239. These elements may have the same structure and/or function as inFigs. 5A - 5G . This embodiment may also comprise any other elements described above. - In this embodiment,
spring 223 defines a variable length. Due to different degrees of the compression of the connection springs 221, 223, the distance between the connector pins 205, 207 and thecontact elements endcap cover element 203 moves towards the protracted position (e.g. due to the deformation of the luminaire fixture), thecontact elements electrodes - To avoid arcing, this tolerance is preferably larger than the predetermined distance (D), to ensure that the
contact elements electrodes springs Fig. 6A , and a second length (B) which corresponds to the compression state of thesprings endcap cover element 203 is in the retracted position and theswitch button 213 is in the second position, as shown inFig. 6B . -
- In this way, as the predetermined distance D is less than the difference between the first length A and the second length B, at the point when the switch opening mechanism is activated, the
contact element electrodes switch button 213 can act to disconnect thecontact element electrodes -
Figs. 7A and 7B show two embodiments of theswitch button 213, acontact element 219 and anelectrode 231 according to the invention. These elements may be used in the safety endcap assembly as described above. - In the embodiments shown, the holes of the
switch button 213 is arranged in substantially the same position in the longitudinal axis as the contact between therespective contact elements electrodes switch button 213 can cut into the contact. - In both embodiments shown, the
switch button 213 comprises afirst surface 213a, asecond surface 213b, and athird surface 213 which defines the hole of theswitch button 213. Thethird surface 213 extends from thefirst surface 213a towards thesecond surface 213b. Thethird surface 213c forms an angle ϕ with respect to thefirst surface 213a. This angle ϕ is preferably less than 60 degrees. - Preferably, the
third surface 213c and thefirst surface 213a orsecond surface 213b define a blade or an edge, as shown inFig. 7B . - In this way, the blade or edge makes it easier for the
switch button 213 to cut into the position, to ensure that the of thethird surface 213c comes into contact with the tip of thecontact element contact elements switch button 213 to force itself between thecontact elements electrodes - As shown in both
Figs. 7A and 7B , the tip of thecontact elements switch button 213 is moved towards the first position, the sloped portion will hit the dome shaped tip of thecontact elements switch button 213 can push back thecontact elements - While the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection, which is determined by the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- A safety endcap assembly (25, 200) to be arranged at an end of an LED lamp (1) having a plurality of LEDs, the safety endcap assembly (25, 200) comprising:- an endcap base element (201) to be arranged at an end of a housing (3) of the LED lamp;- a connector pin (205, 207) extending along an axis;- an endcap cover element (203) moveable relative to the endcap base element (201) along the axis, between a protracted position, in which the endcap cover element (203) is more away from the endcap base element (201), and a retracted position, in which the endcap cover element (203) is closer to the endcap base element (201);- a contact element (217, 219) for electrically connecting the connector pin (205, 207) to the LEDs;- a switch button (213) movable between a first position and a second position,wherein the switch button (213) is arranged to disconnect contact element (217, 219) from the LEDs when the switch button (213) is in the first position, and
wherein the safety endcap assembly further comprises:- a first spring mechanism (45) for urging the endcap cover element towards the protracted position; and- a switch opening mechanism configured such that in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance, the switch button is moved to the first position to block the electrical connection between the contact element (217, 219) and the LEDs,characterized in that
the contact element (217, 219) is connected to the connector pin (205, 207) via a spring (221, 223), wherein the spring (221, 223) defines a variable length, including a first length, which corresponds to a natural state of the spring (221, 223) in an absence of an external force, and a second length, which corresponds to a compression state of the spring (221, 223) when the endcap cover element (203) is in the retracted position and the switch button (213) is in the second position, wherein the first length, the second length and the predetermined distance are arranged to satisfy a following inequality: - The safety endcap assembly (25, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the switch button (213) comprises a hole, wherein, in the first position, the hole is not aligned with the contact element in the axis, and in the second position, the hole is aligned with the contact element in the axis,
wherein, when the endcap cover element (203) is in the retracted position and the switch button (213) is in the second position, the contact element (217, 219) extends through the hole of the switch button. - The safety endcap assembly (25, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch button comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to the axis, and wherein a distance between the first surface and the second surface is at least 0.4 mm.
- The safety endcap assembly according to claim 3, wherein the switch button (213) comprises a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the third surface forms an angle less than 60 degrees with respect to the first surface or the second surface.
- The safety endcap assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch opening mechanism comprises:- a second spring mechanism (215) for urging the switch button towards the first position;- a switch arresting mechanism (239) configured to arrest the switch button in the closed position when the endcap cover element is in the retracted position, and to release the switch button, in case the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over the predetermined distance.
- The safety endcap assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch opening mechanism comprises an cantilevered beam or a torsion spring.
- The safety endcap assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch opening mechanism comprises an elongated protrusion or recess for arresting the switch button (213), wherein the protrusion or recess has a length substantially equal to the predetermined distance.
- The safety endcap assembly (25, 200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the safety endcap is configured such that the LEDs are only connected to the connector pin (205, 207) when the endcap cover element (203) is in the retracted position and the switch button (213) is in the second position.
- The safety endcap assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in the protracted position, the switch button is covered by the endcap cover element, and in the retracted position, the switch button is exposed.
- An LED lamp arrangement configured to be fit in a fixture of a luminaire, the LED lamp arrangement comprising:- a housing;- a plurality of LEDs arranged in the housing;- a safety endcap assembly according to any of claims 1 - 9 on at least one end of the housing; and- an electrode (229, 231) for electrically connecting the contact element (217, 219) to the LEDs.
- The LED lamp arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the switch button (213) comprises a hole, wherein, when the endcap cover element (203) is in the retracted position and the switch button (213) is in the second position, the contact element (217, 219) extends through the hole of the switch button to come into contact with the electrode (229, 231).
- The LED lamp arrangement according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the switch button comprises (213) a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the contact between the contact element (217, 219) and the electrode (229, 231) is arranged in a space between the first surface and the second surface.
- The LED lamp arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the switch button (213) comprises a hole forming a third surface extending from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the third surface forms an edge arranged to break the contact between contact element (217, 219) and the electrode (229, 231).
- The LED lamp arrangement according to any of claims 10-13, wherein with the endcap cover element in its protracted position the LED tube assembly does not fit in the lamp fixture; and with the endcap cover element in its retracted position the LED tube assembly fits in the lamp fixture.
- A method for operating an LED lamp arrangement in a luminaire, the LED lamp arrangement comprising a safety endcap assembly (25, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 9, the method comprising:- moving the endcap cover element (203) towards the protracted position in accordance with shape change of a fixture of the luminaire; and- moving the switch button (213) from the second position to the first position, in case the switch button is in the second position, and the endcap cover element moves from the retracted position towards the protracted position over a predetermined distance, the switch button is switched to the first position to block the electrical connection between the contact element (217, 219) and the LEDs.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17206276.2A EP3495727B1 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2017-12-08 | Safety endcap assembly for a led tube |
PCT/EP2018/084050 WO2019110829A1 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2018-12-07 | Safety endcap assembly for a led tube |
CN201880079180.3A CN111448421B (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2018-12-07 | Safety end cover assembly for LED lamp tube |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17206276.2A EP3495727B1 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2017-12-08 | Safety endcap assembly for a led tube |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3495727A1 EP3495727A1 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
EP3495727B1 true EP3495727B1 (en) | 2021-03-10 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP17206276.2A Active EP3495727B1 (en) | 2017-12-08 | 2017-12-08 | Safety endcap assembly for a led tube |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP3495727B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN111448421B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019110829A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3919807A4 (en) * | 2019-01-31 | 2022-09-07 | Xiamen PVTECH Co., Ltd. | Holeless rotary lamp cap |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012058556A2 (en) * | 2010-10-29 | 2012-05-03 | Altair Engineering, Inc. | Mechanisms for reducing risk of shock during installation of light tube |
CN103477148B (en) * | 2011-03-30 | 2016-08-17 | 皇家飞利浦有限公司 | End cap for tubular light source |
US8858019B2 (en) * | 2012-12-20 | 2014-10-14 | General Electric Company | Light emitting diode (LED) lamp replacement safety switch for linear fluorescent lamps |
NL2011780C2 (en) * | 2013-11-11 | 2015-05-13 | Silicon Hill B V | Safety and cap assembly for a led tube, and led tube assembly comprising a safety end cap assembly. |
CN204114661U (en) * | 2014-10-08 | 2015-01-21 | 深圳市豪恩光电照明有限公司 | Safety lamps and lanterns and safety lamp holder |
CN105987360B (en) * | 2015-01-27 | 2020-11-03 | 朗德万斯公司 | Electrical connector and lighting device including the same |
DE102015204716A1 (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2016-09-22 | Osram Gmbh | Socket for a lamp tube |
CN105180104B (en) * | 2015-09-01 | 2017-11-28 | 深圳市豪恩光电照明股份有限公司 | The safety lamp holder and light fixture of protection against electric shock |
TWI575187B (en) * | 2015-09-10 | 2017-03-21 | 隆達電子股份有限公司 | Lamp tube and end cap structure thereof |
CN205877796U (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2017-01-11 | 陈煜森 | Lamp holder that bi -polar power supply LED straight tube lamp was used and conductive pin subassembly thereof |
-
2017
- 2017-12-08 EP EP17206276.2A patent/EP3495727B1/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-12-07 CN CN201880079180.3A patent/CN111448421B/en active Active
- 2018-12-07 WO PCT/EP2018/084050 patent/WO2019110829A1/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN111448421A (en) | 2020-07-24 |
EP3495727A1 (en) | 2019-06-12 |
CN111448421B (en) | 2022-10-28 |
WO2019110829A1 (en) | 2019-06-13 |
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