EP3742045B1 - Verfahren und beleuchtungsanordnung zur verbindung von verbindern in einer autolampe - Google Patents

Verfahren und beleuchtungsanordnung zur verbindung von verbindern in einer autolampe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3742045B1
EP3742045B1 EP19382739.1A EP19382739A EP3742045B1 EP 3742045 B1 EP3742045 B1 EP 3742045B1 EP 19382739 A EP19382739 A EP 19382739A EP 3742045 B1 EP3742045 B1 EP 3742045B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connector
supporting device
connecting device
axis
lamp body
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.)
Active
Application number
EP19382739.1A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3742045A1 (de
Inventor
Ion Sanchez Idigoras
Juan Pablo Romera Moral
Juan Carlos Martin Garrido
Juan Antonio Rubia
José GARCIA CASTILLA
Ramón Sanchez Alguacil
Gema Valdivia Mateos
Juan Perez Negrillo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gureak Lanean SA
Valeo Iluminacion SA
Original Assignee
Gureak Lanean SA
Valeo Iluminacion SA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gureak Lanean SA, Valeo Iluminacion SA filed Critical Gureak Lanean SA
Publication of EP3742045A1 publication Critical patent/EP3742045A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3742045B1 publication Critical patent/EP3742045B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
    • F21S41/192—Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors
    • 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
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/516—Means for holding or embracing insulating body, e.g. casing, hoods
    • 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
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/631—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only
    • H01R13/6315—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for engagement only allowing relative movement between coupling parts, e.g. floating connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2201/00—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications
    • H01R2201/26—Connectors or connections adapted for particular applications for vehicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to connectors in an automotive lamp. More particularly, the present invention relates to connection establishment of connectors in an automotive lamp.
  • a number of lighting devices are generally provided within a same automotive lamp.
  • the lighting devices may belong to a same lighting function or to different lighting functions.
  • Each of these lighting devices is to be electrically powered and controlled and, to this end, the lighting devices or the lighting modules thereof are provided with at least a connector that is connectable to a connector of the motor vehicle, which in turn supplies electrical energy and controls signals.
  • Patent document EP-0967692-A2 discloses a connector and connector attachment structure that can facilitate an attachment of components in dash panels, instruments panels or door panels and which may absorb deviations in position of the components.
  • the document discloses a first connector fixed to an attachment member and a second connector fixed to a holder, and this second connector advances towards the first connector when the attachment member and the holder are approached in a direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the second connector.
  • Patent document JP-2017120735-A describes a vehicular lamp in which a body and a connector are coupled when the lamp housing and the cover are assembled.
  • a support where the connector is mounted engages protrusions on the housing so that the support can be moved.
  • a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for connecting a first connector with a second connector within an automotive lamp, the method comprising: providing an automotive lighting module in the automotive lamp, the automotive lighting module comprising both a housing and the first connector; attaching a connecting device to a supporting device for the connecting device, the connecting device comprising the second connector; attaching the supporting device to a lamp body of the automotive lamp; and moving in a first direction either the automotive lighting module towards the lamp body or the lamp body towards the automotive lighting module thereby connecting the first connector with the second connector in the first direction; the lamp body being adapted for attachment of the supporting device thereto and support movement of the supporting device along a first axis thereof while attached, the first axis of the supporting device being perpendicular to the first direction; and the supporting device being adapted to detachably attach to the connecting device.
  • the connector of the lighting module connects with the connector of the automotive lamp body in the mating direction, i.e. the first direction, without requiring the provision of additional cable length in the wire harness.
  • the housing is preferably adapted to receive, in the first direction, the connecting device (with the second connector) while attached to the supporting device such that the first and second connectors are partially or completely in aligned relationship (in the first direction) in order to ease the connection thereof.
  • the supporting device does not collide with the housing, something which would impede the connection of the connectors; and, in some cases, the housing is shaped such that a cavity is provided for receiving the supporting device in order to avoid collision between the two.
  • the supporting device can be moved in the first axis thereof relative to the lamp body so that, even if the lamp body is fixed, the position of the supporting device and, thus, the position of the connecting device is adjustable (the latter meaning that the position of the second connector is adjustable), thereby making possible to move the supporting device when the connectors are to be connected and, thus, partially or completely align the second connector with the first connector thereby easing the connection.
  • electric power and/or electric signals for operating the one or more light sources may be supplied between the connectors; each of the first and second connectors has a number of cables or a wire harness for respectively transferring the electric power and/or signals to/from the lighting module and to/from other parts of a motor vehicle (e.g. energy source, controller, etc.).
  • the supporting device may be moved in the X axis or in the Y axis for attaining alignment of the first and second connectors in one of said axes, which makes possible the connection in the Z direction when the misalignment has been compensated for.
  • the connector of the lighting module is a (second) connecting device that only comprises the first connector adapted for attachment to the lighting module, or that comprises the first connector attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lighting module.
  • the method further comprises: detaching the supporting device from each of the lamp body and the connecting device such that the second connector remains connected with the first connector; and removing the supporting device from the automotive lamp.
  • the supporting device may be used during the process of connection of the connectors and then be removed from the automotive lamp without affecting the reliability of the connection made.
  • the housing is adapted to allow removal of the supporting device in the first direction while the first connector is connected to the second connector, namely it is shaped in such a way that the supporting device does not collide with the housing during extraction thereof.
  • the supporting device upon detachment and removal from the automotive lamp, may even be used in a different automotive lamp for simplifying the same process in that lamp, thus the supporting device is reusable.
  • the connecting device comprises the second connector thereof and a shell attached thereto.
  • Said shell attached to the second connector is adapted to also be attachable to the supporting device so that the latter will move the connecting device when the position of the supporting device is adjusted.
  • Said shell may, for instance, be provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • the geometry of the shell is such that it is attachable to the supporting device, e.g. by having one or more portions of the geometry that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device only comprises the second connector and said shell attached thereto.
  • the connecting device only comprises the second connector, i.e. the connecting device is the second connector.
  • the second connector is adapted to be attachable to the supporting device, for instance by being provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • body extensions e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • gripping elements e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • the geometry of the second connector is such that it extends beyond the connection part itself (i.e. the part with the connection terminals) so as to be attachable to the supporting device.
  • Said geometry of the second connector has one or more portions that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the method further comprises at least one of: moving the supporting device with respect to the lamp body along the first axis of the supporting device while the supporting device is attached to the lamp body; and rotating the supporting device with respect to the lamp body about a rotation axis perpendicular to the first axis of the supporting device; and the lamp body comprises one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions for receiving the supporting device, the one or more recesses and/or the one or more protrusions being adapted to support movement of the supporting device along the first axis thereof and/or rotation of the supporting device about the rotation axis.
  • the supporting device is moved and/or rotated so as to align the connectors; then, the connection is effected in the first direction.
  • the lamp body comprises the recess(es) and/or protrusion(s) that support such movement and/or rotation.
  • the supporting device comprises one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses that cooperate with the recess(es) and/or protrusion(s) of the lamp body in order to move and/or rotate.
  • the supporting device is fitted in a recess of the lamp body in such a way that some free room is available between the supporting device and the recess of the lamp body so that the supporting device is movable along the first axis thereof.
  • the method further comprises moving the connecting device with respect to the supporting device along a first axis of the connecting device while the connecting device is attached to the supporting device; and the supporting device is adapted to support movement of the connecting device along the first axis thereof.
  • the supporting device is movable along one axis thereof with respect to the lamp body, whereas the connecting device (and, thus, the second connector) is movable along one axis thereof with respect to the supporting device.
  • the connecting device and, thus, the second connector
  • additional flexibility for aligning the housing with both the supporting device and the second connector is provided, thereby simplifying the mating and connection process.
  • the first axis of the supporting device and the first axis of the connecting device form an angle between 60° and 120° (the endpoints being included in the range), more preferably they form an angle between 80° and 100° (the endpoints being included in the range), and more preferably the first axis of the supporting device is perpendicular to the first axis of the connecting device; with such arrangement, a wider range of adjustments is made possible, e.g. adjustment movements in the X and Y axes when the first direction is along the Z axis.
  • the first connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the second connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the connecting device is chamfered in a region thereof where the second connector is introduced.
  • connecting side refers to the side of the connector that is to mate the other connector, in particular the connecting side of the other connector.
  • the chamfers provided in the connector(s) and/or the connecting device force/s alignment between the connectors when the misalignments in one direction perpendicular to the first direction are small, usually less than 2,0 cm, e.g. 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, etc., but in any case if the size of the connectors is made larger, the chamfers can be dimensioned so as to compensate for larger misalignments. In this sense, the chamfers of the first connector cooperate with the chamfers of the second connector or the connecting device for forcing alignment between the connectors.
  • the chamfers are provided in the connecting side of the connectors, or in the region of the connecting device where the second connector is comprised (in the connecting side thereof), the same do not impede the connection between the connecting side of the first connector and the connecting side of the second connector.
  • the first connector is attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lighting module, both the first connector and the shell forming a (second) connecting device.
  • the shell is chamfered in one region thereof for easing the connection of the first connector with the second connector.
  • the shell adapts a connector, e.g. a standard and/or a commercially available connector, for arrangement thereof in the lighting module.
  • the shell comprises one or more elements for any one or both of easing alignment of connectors (e.g. chamfers on a surface of the shell) and securing the connection between the two connectors (e.g. one or more projecting elements such as hooks).
  • the chamfers of the shell cooperate with the chamfers of the second connector or the connecting device for forcing alignment between the connectors.
  • the supporting device comprises at least one spring element attached to a first side thereof, the first side being opposite to a second side of the supporting device facing in the first direction towards the first connector.
  • the spring element(s) is attached to the back of the supporting device in the first direction.
  • the supporting element limits the movement of the lighting module in the first direction, in particular when the lighting module is moved for being coupled to the ball joints that will adjust the orientation of the module. In that event, as the supporting device blocks the movement, the lighting module may break the supporting device or not reach the position of the ball joints at all.
  • the spring element(s) makes possible to move the supporting device in the first direction towards the ball joints when the lighting module is moved in the first direction.
  • the spring element(s) allows moving the supporting element a distance such as, for example, 0,5 mm, 1,0 mm, 1,5 mm, etc., thereby allowing the movement of the lighting module by a same distance so that it may reach the ball joints without breaking the supporting device.
  • the spring element(s) may be any mechanical device that provides a spring-like function, that is to say, the at least one spring element is not only limited to springs.
  • the connecting device comprises a connector and a shell attached thereto for attachment to the supporting device
  • the axes of the connecting device described herein are the axes of the connector provided in the connecting device, since the axes of the connector are the ones that influence the connection between the connectors in the automotive lamp.
  • a second aspect of the invention relates to a lighting assembly for an automotive lamp comprising: an automotive lighting module comprising both a housing and a first connector for receiving electric power and/or electric signals for operating one or more light sources; a lamp body; a connecting device comprising a second connector for supplying electric power and/or electric signals for operating the one or more light sources; and a supporting device for the connecting device; the housing being moveable towards the supporting device for the connecting device in a first direction so that the first connector is connectable to the second connector in the first direction; the lamp body being adapted for attachment of the supporting device for the connecting device thereto and support movement of the supporting device along a first axis thereof while attached, the first axis of the supporting device being perpendicular to the first direction; and the supporting device being adapted to detachably attach to the connecting device.
  • the lighting assembly has an arrangement that simplifies and eases the connection of the connector of the lighting module with the connector of the lamp body in a connection direction, namely the first direction.
  • the first and second connectors are aligned by means of the supporting device and, thus, connection of the first and second connectors in the first direction is simplified.
  • the lamp body is adapted for receiving the supporting device in such a manner that the latter is movable in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, misalignments between the connectors may be compensated for by adjusting the relative position between the lamp body and the supporting device when the same is attached thereto.
  • the connecting device comprises the second connector thereof and a shell attached thereto.
  • Said shell attached to the second connector is adapted to also be attachable to the supporting device so that the latter will move the connecting device when the position of the supporting device is adjusted.
  • Said shell may, for instance, be provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • the geometry of the shell is such that it is attachable to the supporting device, e.g. by having one or more portions of the geometry that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device only comprises the second connector and the shell attached thereto.
  • the connecting device only comprises the second connector, i.e. the connecting device is the second connector.
  • the second connector is adapted to be attachable to the supporting device, for instance by being provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • body extensions e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • gripping elements e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • the geometry of the second connector is such that it extends beyond the connection part itself (i.e. the part with the connection terminals) so as to be attachable to the supporting device.
  • Said geometry of the second connector has one or more portions that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device is adapted for attachment to the supporting device such that: the connecting device is movable with the supporting device and the second connector thereof is connectable to the first connector in the first direction. In some of these embodiments, the connecting device is adapted to detachably attach to the supporting device.
  • the connecting device can be detached from the supporting device, which is useful after the connection between the first and second connectors is made since the supporting device can be withdrawn from the lighting module (i.e. the lighting module does not block the extraction of the supporting device when the second connector is connected to the first connector arranged in the lighting module) and, thus, from the automotive lamp.
  • the lighting module then comprises one fewer component that it does not need for operation thereof, or for operation of the automotive lamp, thereby freeing space therein.
  • the housing is adapted to allow removal of the supporting device in the first direction while the first connector is connected to the second connector.
  • the housing comprises one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses for receiving the supporting device in the first direction.
  • the protrusion(s) and/or the recess(es) assist in receiving the supporting device in the first direction in order to ease alignment of the first and second connectors.
  • the first connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the second connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the connecting device is chamfered in a region thereof where the second connector is introduced.
  • the first connector is attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lighting module, both the first connector and the shell forming a (second) connecting device.
  • the shell is chamfered in one region thereof for easing the connection of the first connector with the second connector.
  • the lamp body comprises one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions for receiving the supporting device in the first direction, the one or more recesses and/or the one or more protrusions being adapted to support at least one of: movement of the supporting device along the first axis thereof, and rotation of the supporting device with respect to the lamp body about a rotation axis perpendicular to the first axis of the supporting device.
  • the supporting device is adapted to support movement of the connecting device along a first axis thereof.
  • the first axis of the supporting device and the first axis of the connecting device form an angle between 60° and 120° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the angle is between 80° and 100° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the first axis of the supporting device is perpendicular to the first axis of the connecting device.
  • the supporting device comprises at least one spring element attached to a first side thereof, the first side being opposite to a second side of the supporting device facing in the first direction towards the first connector.
  • a third aspect of the invention relates to a method for connecting a first connector with a second connector within an automotive lamp, the method comprising: providing an automotive lighting module in the automotive lamp, the automotive lighting module comprising both a housing, and a connecting device comprising the first connector; attaching a supporting device for the first connecting device to the housing; attaching the connecting device to the supporting device; attaching the second connector to a lamp body of the automotive lamp; moving in a first direction either the automotive lighting module towards the lamp body or the lamp body towards the automotive lighting module while the connecting device is attached to the supporting device so as to connect the first connector with the second connector in the first direction; the housing being adapted for attachment of the supporting device thereto and support movement of the supporting device along a first axis thereof while attached, the first axis of the supporting device being perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the connector (in the connecting device) of the lighting module connects with the connector of the automotive lamp body in the first direction by moving the housing in the same direction towards the lamp body.
  • the supporting device is arranged on the housing of the lighting module rather than on the lamp body, and allows the movement of the connecting device (and, thus, the first connector) in the direction of the first axis of the supporting device so as to compensate for any misalignment between the two connectors in that direction.
  • the supporting device can be moved in the first axis thereof relative to the housing and, consequently, the connecting device moves a same amount as it is attached to the supporting device.
  • the supporting device may be moved in the X axis or in the Y axis for attaining alignment of the first connector and the second connector in one of said axes, which makes possible the connection in the Z direction when the misalignment has been compensated for.
  • the second connector may be attached to the lamp body of the automotive lamp either in a detachable manner or in a non-detachable manner.
  • the connecting device comprises the first connector thereof and a shell attached thereto.
  • Said shell attached to the first connector is adapted to also be attachable to the supporting device so that the latter will move the connecting device when the position of the supporting device is adjusted.
  • Said shell may, for instance, be provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • the geometry of the shell is such that it is attachable to the supporting device, e.g. by having one or more portions of the geometry that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device only comprises the first connector and the shell attached thereto.
  • the connecting device only comprises the first connector, i.e. the connecting device is the first connector.
  • the first connector is adapted to be attachable to the supporting device, for instance by being provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • body extensions e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • gripping elements e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • the geometry of the first connector is such that it extends beyond the connection part itself (i.e. the part with the connection terminals) so as to be attachable to the supporting device.
  • Said geometry of the first connector has one or more portions that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the method further comprises: detaching the supporting device from each of the housing and the connecting device such that the first connector remains connected with the second connector; and removing the supporting device from the automotive lamp.
  • the supporting device can be reused in a different automotive lamp by detaching it from both the housing and the connecting device and removing it from the lamp.
  • the housing is adapted to allow removal of the supporting device in the first direction while the first connector is connected to the second connector, namely it is shaped in such a way that the supporting device does not collide with the housing during extraction thereof.
  • the method further comprises at least one of: moving the supporting device with respect to the housing along the first axis of the supporting device while the supporting device is attached to the housing; and rotating the supporting device with respect to the housing about a rotation axis perpendicular to the first axis of the supporting device; and the housing comprises one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions for receiving the supporting device, the one or more recesses and/or the one or more protrusions being adapted to support movement of the supporting device along the first axis thereof and/or rotation of the supporting device about the rotation axis.
  • the method further comprises moving the connecting device with respect to the supporting device along a first axis of the connecting device (namely along a first axis of the first connector) while the connecting device is attached to the supporting device; and the supporting device is adapted to support movement of the connecting device along the first axis thereof (namely along the first axis of the first connector).
  • the first axis of the supporting device and the first axis of the connecting device form an angle between 60° and 120° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the angle is between 80° and 100° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the first axis of the supporting device is perpendicular to the first axis of the connecting device.
  • the first connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the second connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the connecting device is chamfered in a region thereof where the first connector is introduced.
  • the second connector is attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lamp body, both the second connector and the shell forming a (second) connecting device.
  • the shell is chamfered in one region thereof, for easing the connection of the second connector with the first connector.
  • the shell adapts a connector, e.g. a standard and/or a commercially available connector, for arrangement thereof in the lamp body.
  • the shell comprises one or more elements for any one or both of easing alignment of connectors and securing the connection between the two connectors.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention relates to a lighting assembly for an automotive lamp comprising: an automotive lighting module comprising both a housing, and connecting device comprising a first connector for receiving electric power and/or electric signals for operating one or more light sources; a lamp body; a supporting device for the connecting device; and a second connector for supplying electric power and/or electric signals for operating the one or more light sources, the second connector being attached to the lamp body; the housing being adapted for attachment of the supporting device for the connecting device thereto and support movement of the supporting device along a first axis thereof while attached, the first axis of the supporting device being perpendicular to the first direction; the connecting device being adapted for attachment to the supporting device such that: the connecting device is movable with the supporting device and the first connector thereof is connectable to the second connector in the first direction; and the supporting device being adapted to detachably attach to the connecting device.
  • the lighting assembly has an arrangement that simplifies and eases the connection of the connector of the lighting module with the connector of the lamp body in the first direction when the housing is advanced towards the connector of the lamp body in said first direction.
  • the connecting device is attachable to the supporting device so that the connector thereof moves together with the supporting device.
  • the supporting device is adjustable in position along the first axis thereof, in turn adjusting the position of the connecting device (and, thus, the first connector) in the same direction.
  • the adjustments of the supporting device can compensate for said misalignment and, thus, enable the connection between the connectors.
  • the connecting device comprises the first connector thereof and a shell attached thereto.
  • Said shell attached to the first connector is adapted to be also attachable to the supporting device so that the latter will move the connecting device when the position of the supporting device is adjusted.
  • Said shell may, for instance, be provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • the geometry of the shell is such that it is attachable to the supporting device, e.g. by having one or more portions of the geometry that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device only comprises the first connector and the shell attached thereto.
  • the connecting device only comprises the first connector, i.e. the connecting device is the first connector.
  • the first connector is adapted to be attachable to the supporting device, for instance by being provided with one or more of: body extensions (e.g. an enlarged body surface), gripping elements, and the like.
  • body extensions e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • gripping elements e.g. an enlarged body surface
  • the geometry of the first connector is such that it extends beyond the connection part itself (i.e. the part with the connection terminals) so as to be attachable to the supporting device.
  • Said geometry of the first connector has one or more portions that are complimentary with one or more portions of the supporting device for enabling attachment between the two.
  • the connecting device is adapted to detachably attach to the supporting device.
  • the housing comprises one or more recesses and/or one or more protrusions for receiving the supporting device (preferably in the first direction), the one or more recesses and/or the one or more protrusions being adapted to support at least one of: movement of the supporting device along the first axis thereof, and rotation of the supporting device with respect to the housing about a rotation axis perpendicular to the first axis of the supporting device.
  • the supporting device is adapted to support movement of the connecting device along a first axis thereof (namely along a first axis of the first connector).
  • the first axis of the supporting device and the first axis of the connecting device form an angle between 60° and 120° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the angle is between 80° and 100° (the endpoints being included in the range). In some of these embodiments, the first axis of the supporting device is perpendicular to the first axis of the connecting device.
  • the first connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the second connector is chamfered in a connecting side thereof.
  • the connecting device is chamfered in a region thereof where the first connector is introduced.
  • the second connector is attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lamp body, both the second connector and the shell forming a (second) connecting device.
  • the shell is chamfered in one region thereof, for easing the connection of the second connector with the first connector.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention relates to an automotive lamp comprising one or more lighting assemblies according to the second and/or fourth aspects of the invention.
  • a sixth aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising one or more automotive lamps according to the fifth aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a lighting assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • the lighting assembly comprises a lighting module 40 for an automotive lamp and a lamp body 10, and also comprises a first connector 50 and a connecting device 59a consisting of a second connector 60 for electrical connection with the first connector 50.
  • the lighting module 40 comprises both a housing 41 and the first connector 50 attached to the housing 41.
  • the lamp body 10 has a supporting device 20 for the connecting device 59a (that is, the second connector 60) attached thereto, and the connecting device 59a is attached to the supporting device 20.
  • the supporting device 20 is introduced in the lamp body 10 in the direction of the Z axis represented, for example by sliding the supporting device 20 over the surface of the lamp body 10.
  • the supporting device 20 comprises two beams 34 (illustrated in Figure 3 ) extending along the Y axis represented to which the second connector 60 may attach by means of gripping elements 72 thereof.
  • the connecting device 59a i.e. the second connector 60
  • the connecting device 59a is movable owing to the supporting device 20.
  • the supporting device 20 is attached to the lamp body 10 in a movable manner by being inserted in a recess 15 of the lamp body 10.
  • the supporting device 20 is adapted to fit in said recess 15 for example by being provided with protruding elements 32, 33 as illustrated in Figure 3 .
  • the recess 15 and the protruding elements 32, 33 are shaped and dimensioned so as to allow movement of the supporting device 20 along a first axis thereof; in this particular example, the first axis has the direction of the X axis represented.
  • the supporting device 20 can move along the X axis with respect to the lamp body 10, misalignments between the connector 60 on the supporting device 20 and the connector 50 on the housing 41 in that direction can be compensated for by moving the supporting device 20.
  • the housing 41 When the housing 41 (and, thus, the entire lighting module 40) is moved towards the supporting device 20 (and, thus, the lamp body 10) in a first direction (along the Z axis represented) or the lamp body 10 is moved towards the housing 41 in the first direction, the first connector 50 is connected to the second connector 60 in the first direction.
  • the housing 41 is preferably provided with one or more protrusions 44 and/or one or more recesses that assist in aligning both the housing 41 and the supporting device 20 in the directions perpendicular to the first direction, in this case the directions along the X and Y axes represented, so that connection can be effected.
  • the supporting device 20 is preferably provided with one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses for such alignment purposes.
  • the first connector 50 has attached thereto a shell (e.g. for example a shell similar to the shell 67b of Figure 11 ) that may be adapted for attachment to the lighting module 40 (thus, attaching holding the first connector 50 attached to the lighting module 40), and/or for easing alignment of the first and second connectors 50, 60 when the shell is provided with chamfers, as explained later on.
  • the shell may, therefore, adapt a connector to be arranged in the lighting module 40 and, also, provide elements for any one or both of easing alignment of connectors and securing the connection between the two connectors.
  • the second connector 60 is provided with a further gripping element 70 that secures the connection with the first connector 50 when it grips a corresponding element thereof that is accessible thanks to a cavity 45 in the housing 41; in some other embodiments, the gripping element 70 is provided on the opposite side and, hence, no cavity is necessary in the housing 41 because the gripping element 70 is on the bottom part rather than on the top part (the bottom and top parts being referred to the representation of Figure 1 ).
  • the gripping element 70 thus precludes the connection from being accidentally released.
  • the first connector 50 has a shell attached thereto, the same shell may be provided with the element for securing the connection in cooperation with the gripping element 70, for example a projecting element or a hook, which is accessible thanks to the aforesaid cavity 45.
  • the first connector is attached to a shell adapted for attachment to the lighting module 40.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show the connector 60 (i.e. the connecting device 59a) with the supporting device 20 of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 2 shows a cross-section in the Y-Z plane, whereas
  • Figure 3 is a representation from the front (as if seen from the first connector 50 when the housing 41 is to be moved towards the supporting device 20 in the first direction, or when the housing 41 is to receive the lamp body 10 in the first direction).
  • the recess 15 of the lamp body 10 includes a recess 16 extending along the X axis represented where the protruding element 31 of the protrusion 30 engages. This engagement prevents the supporting device 20 from accidentally moving in the first direction (Z axis represented) relative to the lamp body 10 or even falling off from the lamp body 10 when the connector 60 arranged on the supporting device 20 is being mated to the connector 50 on the housing 41.
  • the supporting device 20 can be subjected to rotation as well if there is enough free room between these elements.
  • the rotation is possible about a rotation axis R that is parallel to the Y axis represented.
  • the rotation axis R moves together with the supporting device 20 when the latter is displaced along the first axis thereof (X axis represented), and it is more in the front or in the back (in this example, the front and back being along the Z axis represented) of the supporting device 20 depending on said shapes and dimensions.
  • the second connector 60 rotates together with the supporting device 20 owing to its attachment thereto.
  • protrusions 14 may be formed on the lamp body 10 that limit such motion.
  • the second connector 60 is adapted to attach to the supporting device 20 by means of body extensions 71 on which the gripping elements 72 are formed.
  • the gripping elements 72 attach to the beams 34 of the supporting device 20.
  • the second connector 60 is movable along a first axis thereof (in this example, the first axis being in the direction of the Y axis represented), thereby making possible position adjustments in this direction.
  • the second connector 60 is movable in each of the X and Y axes represented owing to both the movement capabilities of the supporting device 20 relative to the lamp body 10 along the X axis represented, and the movement capabilities of the second connector 60 relative to the supporting device 20 along the Y axis represented.
  • the second connector 60 may also be rotated owing to the rotation of the supporting device 20 about the rotation axis R relative to the lamp body 10. All these movements ease the connection between the first and second connectors 50, 60 as misalignments in these directions can be compensated for.
  • the supporting device 20 has formed thereon arms 35 that vertically center (that is to say, in the direction of the Y axis represented) the second connector 60, namely the arms 35 maintain the second connector 60 vertically in a middle position that initially simplifies the alignment in that direction. Additionally, the arms 35 provide a resistance against the movement of the second connector 60 along the first axis thereof (Y axis represented). These arms 35 preferably have an elastic behavior whereby they get elastically deformed so as to allow the movement of the second connector 60 in a limited manner.
  • Figure 4 shows a connecting device 59a only comprising a connector 60 with a supporting device 21 of a lighting assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
  • the supporting device 21 is receiving in a lamp body 11 in the first direction (i.e. the connection direction, which in this case is along the Z axis represented) and attached thereto; to this end, the lamp body 11 includes the recess 15 for insertion of the protruding element 32.
  • the lighting assembly also includes a holding device 19 insertable in a cavity 18 of the lamp body 11. The holding device 19 maintains the supporting device 21 in place so that the same cannot move in the first direction due to the blocking of the holding device 19, whereas on the opposite side the lamp body is provided with a wall that prevents the supporting device 21 from moving along the Z axis represented.
  • the holding device 19 Upon insertion of the supporting device 21 into the lamp body 11 in the first direction, the holding device 19 is introduced in the cavity 18 and kept therein at least until connection of the connectors is effected, at which point the holding device 19 and the supporting device 21 may both be removed from the automotive lamp if so desired.
  • the supporting device 21 includes arms 36 that operate in a fashion similar to that of arms 35.
  • the connector 60 includes the gripping element 70 for securing the connection, and gripping elements 72 for attaching to the supporting device 21 and enabling movement along a first axis thereof (in the Y axis represented).
  • Figures 5A and 5B show, from two different perspectives, a connecting device 59b comprising a (second) connector 60 in a lamp body 12 with a supporting device 22 of a lighting assembly in accordance with another embodiment, whereas Figure 6 shows said (second) connector 60 already connected to a (first) connector 50 of a lighting module.
  • the second connector 60 is inserted in the supporting device 22 in the first direction by way of teeth 76 that cooperate with grooves 38 of the supporting device 22, thereby attaching the connector 60 to the supporting device 22.
  • the supporting device 22 includes indentations 39 at one or both sides for receiving the second connector 60; the indentations 39 ease the insertion of the connector 60 as the teeth 76 collide with the walls of the supporting device 22 until they are introduced in the grooves 38.
  • the second connector 60 is provided with arms 75 for limiting or even precluding the pitching of the connector 60 such that it eases the movement of the connector 60 in the Y axis represented with no pitching of the connector 60.
  • the arms 37 of the supporting device 22, and the teeth 76 and the grooves 38 make possible the movement of the second connector 60 in the direction corresponding to the Y axis represented so as to allow the compensation for misalignments (between the first connector 50 and the second connector 60) in this direction.
  • the supporting device 22 is provided with arms 37 that operate in a fashion similar to that of arms 35 and 36 of the supporting devices 20 and 21.
  • the supporting device 22 comprises the protruding element 32 for insertion in the recess 15 of the lamp body 12, and the protruding element 31 for insertion in the further recess 16 of the lamp body 12; while the device 22 is inserted, it can be moved along a first axis thereof (along the X axis represented). In this example, due to the shapes and dimensions of these elements, the supporting device 22 supports rotation about a rotation axis.
  • the recess 15 may also be provided with a poka-yoke recess in order to only allow insertion of the supporting device 22 when the latter is correctly oriented.
  • the first connector 50 comprises a hook 55 for mating a projecting element 74 of the second connector 60. Upon connection of the two connectors 50, 60, the hook 55 prevents an accidental connection release between the connectors 50, 60.
  • the first connector 50 also comprises chamfers (not seen due to the perspective of Figure 6 ) that cooperate with chamfers 77 of the second connector 60 for alignment of the two connectors 50, 60.
  • At least one spring element is arranged on a back side 29 of a supporting device (e.g. the supporting device 20 of Figures 1-3 , the supporting device 21 of Figure 4 , the supporting device 22 of Figures 5A-5B and 6 ), i.e. the side opposite to the side facing towards the first connector when the two connectors are to be connected.
  • a supporting device e.g. the supporting device 20 of Figures 1-3 , the supporting device 21 of Figure 4 , the supporting device 22 of Figures 5A-5B and 6
  • the spring element(s) allows the movement of the supporting device in that direction, thereby allowing the movement of the lighting module in the same manner as the supporting device is moved as the spring element(s) compresses.
  • the at least one spring element preferably requires that, for compression thereof, the force that has to be provided is greater than the force necessary for connecting together the first and second connectors. In this way, the supporting element does not move when effecting the connection of the connectors; when the connectors are connected, if the lighting module is still not coupled to the ball joint(s), by providing the force necessary for compressing the spring element(s) the lighting module may reach the ball joint(s).
  • Figure 7 shows a lighting assembly in accordance with another embodiment.
  • the lighting assembly comprises a lighting module 40 for an automotive lamp and a lamp body 13, and also comprises a connecting device 49a, which only comprises a first connector 51 (i.e. the connecting device 49a is the first connector 51), and a second connector 61 that are to be electrically connected.
  • the lighting module 40 comprises both a housing 42 and the connecting device 49a, and also a supporting device 23 for supporting the connecting device 49a attached to the housing 42 in a movable manner (e.g. by means of non-illustrated projecting arms on two opposite sides of the connector 51).
  • the housing 42 is adapted to support the movements of the supporting device 23, for example by means of one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses that cooperate with the supporting device 23.
  • the supporting device 23 either has a shape and dimensions adequate for such movable attachment, or comprises one or more protrusions and/or one or more recesses that cooperate with corresponding elements of the housing 42 (as described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-6 in which the lamp body has a recess and the supporting device is adapted to cooperate with said recess) so that movement along an axis of the supporting device 23 is possible, the axis being perpendicular to the connection direction, i.e. first direction, which in this example coincides with the Z axis represented.
  • the supporting device 23 may move along the X axis represented or the Y axis represented, thereby making possible to compensate for misalignments between the first and second connectors 51, 61 in said direction that would prevent the connectors from being connected until the same are aligned.
  • the connecting device 49a is preferably attached to the supporting device 23 such that movement of the connecting device 49a is possible along an axis thereof (with an attachment like, for example, that described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1-6 in which the supporting device comprises beams or grooves and the connector is adapted to cooperate with said beams or grooves).
  • the axis of the connecting device 49a namely, the axis of the first connector 51
  • the connecting device 49a is perpendicular to both said axis of the supporting device 23 (X axis represented) and the first direction (Z axis represented) as this allows the compensation of misalignments in a further direction (Y axis represented).
  • the connecting device 49a and, thus, the first connector 51
  • the lamp body 13 has the second connector 61 attached to protruding elements 17 of the lamp body 13.
  • the provision of the protruding elements 17 is convenient for avoiding collision between the lamp body 13 and one of the housing 42 and the supporting device 23 before the first and second connectors 51, 61 are fully mated in order to effect the connection.
  • the second connector is not adapted for attachment to the lamp body 13 but is attached to a shell (e.g. a shell similar to the shell 67b of Figure 11 ) adapted for attachment to the lamp body 13, the shell thus effectively attaching the second connector to the lamp body 13.
  • the shell may also be provided with chamfers for easing alignment of the connectors and/or elements for securing the connection between the connectors.
  • Figure 8 shows a connecting device 59c in accordance with an embodiment.
  • the connecting device 59c comprises a connector 63 that is also illustrated in Figure 9B , and a shell 67a attached thereto that is adapted to be attachable to a supporting device (such as supporting device 22 as described with reference to the embodiments of Figures 5A , 5B and 6 ) and which is also illustrated in Figure 9A .
  • the shell 67a may be attached to the connector 63 by means of friction between surfaces thereof, gripping elements or matching geometries between the connector 63 and the surfaces of the shell 67a in an inner region 68 of the latter, where the connector 63 is introduced.
  • the shell 67a comprises gripping elements 72 for movement of the shell 67a (together with the connector 63) along an axis thereof by cooperating with a supporting device.
  • the shell 67a is preferably provided with a projecting element 74 for mating with a hook of the other connector.
  • the shell 67a is provided with chamfers 77 that assist in the alignment of the connectors when the connection is to be effected.
  • the connector 63 may be, for instance but without limitation, a standard and/or a commercially available connector that is introduced in the inner region 68 of the shell 67a so as to make possible the alignment thereof by means of the supporting devices and/or the shell 67a itself as previously described.
  • the shell 67a comprises one or more stops for retaining the movement of the connector 63 within the inner region 68.
  • the connecting device 59a only comprises a connector (i.e. the connecting device 59a is the connector), which is preferably adapted to attach to the supporting device and allow the movement thereof owing to mechanical elements such as body extensions, gripping elements, etc.
  • FIGS 10A and 10B show a connecting device 49b in accordance with another embodiment.
  • the connecting device 49b may replace, for instance, the connector 50 of the embodiment of Figure 6 .
  • the shell 67b for forming the connecting device of this example is based on a same concept as the one described with reference to Figures 8 , 9A-9B .
  • the shell 67b is adapted to be attachable to both the connector 53 and a lighting module so as to make possible the alignment of a connector 53 (that may be standard or commercially available) introduced in an inner region 68 of said shell 67b relative to another connector.
  • any one or both the connector 53 and the shell 67b may be provided with chamfers 77 for connector alignment when the connection between the two connectors is to be effected.
  • the device 67b is preferably chamfered 77 in one side corresponding to the connecting side of the connector 53 so as to ease alignment of the connector that is to mate the connector 53 within the inner region of the shell 67b.
  • a similar shell has a geometry adapted for attachment to a lamp body; for example, in the embodiment of Figure 7 , the second connector 61 may be attached to the lamp body by means of such a shell.
  • Figure 11 shows the shell 67b for forming the connecting device 49b of Figures 10A and 10B .
  • the shell 67b comprises a hook 55 mateable, for instance, with a projecting element such as the projecting element 74 of Figures 5B , 6 and 9A , and the inner region 68 where the connector 63 is to be introduced.
  • first, second, third, etc. have been used herein to describe several devices, elements or parameters, it will be understood that the devices, elements or parameters should not be limited by these terms since the terms are only used to distinguish one device, element or parameter from another.
  • first connector could as well be named second connector
  • second connector could be named first connector without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Verfahren zum Verbinden eines ersten Verbinders (50, 51, 53) mit einem zweiten Verbinder (60, 61, 63) innerhalb einer Autolampe, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:
    Bereitstellen eines Autobeleuchtungsmoduls (40) in der Autolampe, wobei das Autobeleuchtungsmodul (40) Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Gehäuse (41);
    einen ersten Verbinder (50, 53);
    Anbringen einer Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) an einer Stützvorrichtung (20-22) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c), wobei die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) den zweiten Verbinder (60, 63) umfasst;
    Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) an dem Lampenkörper (10-12) der Autolampe; und
    Bewegen in einer ersten Richtung (Z) entweder des Autobeleuchtungsmoduls (40) in Richtung des Lampenkörpers (10-12) oder des Lampenkörpers (10-12) in Richtung des Autobeleuchtungsmoduls (40), wodurch der erste Verbinder (50, 53) mit dem zweiten Verbinder (60, 61, 63) in der ersten Richtung (Z) verbunden wird;
    wobei der Lampenkörper (10-12) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) daran und zum Stützen von Bewegung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) entlang einer ersten Achse (X) davon, während sie angebracht ist, angepasst ist, wobei die erste Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) zu der ersten Richtung (Z) senkrecht ist;
    gekennzeichnet durch:
    die Stützvorrichtung (20-22), die zum lösbaren Anbringen an der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) angepasst ist.
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, das weiter Folgendes umfasst:
    Lösen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) von dem Lampenkörper (10-12) und der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) derart, dass der zweite Verbinder (60, 61, 63) mit dem ersten Verbinder (50, 53) verbunden bleibt; und
    Entfernen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) von der Autolampe.
  3. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, das mindestens eines der Folgenden umfasst:
    Bewegen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) in Bezug auf den Lampenkörper (10-12) entlang der ersten Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (20-22), während die Stützvorrichtung (20-22) an dem Lampenkörper (10-12) angebracht ist; und
    Drehen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) in Bezug auf den Lampenkörper (10-12) um eine Drehachse (R) senkrecht zu der ersten Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (20-22); und
    wobei der Lampenkörper (10-12) eine oder mehrere Vertiefungen (15, 16) und/oder einen oder mehrere Vorsprünge (14) zum Empfangen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) umfasst, wobei die eine oder die mehreren Vertiefungen (15, 16) und/oder der eine oder die mehreren Vorsprünge (14) dazu angepasst sind, Bewegung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) entlang der ersten Achse (X) davon und/oder Drehung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) um die Drehachse (R) zu stützen.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, das weiter das Bewegen der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) in Bezug auf die Stützvorrichtung (20-22) entlang einer ersten Achse (Y) der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) umfasst, während die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) an der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) angebracht ist; und wobei die Stützvorrichtung (20-22) dazu angepasst ist, Bewegung der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) entlang der ersten Achse (Y) davon zu stützen.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei:
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) eine erste Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) ist; und
    der erste Verbinder (50, 53) an einer Schale (67b) angebracht ist, die zum Anbringen des Beleuchtungsmoduls (40) angepasst ist, wobei sowohl der erste Verbinder (50, 53) als auch die Schale (67b) eine zweite Verbindungsvorrichtung (49b) bilden.
  6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1-4, wobei:
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) der Verbinder (51, 60) davon ist, wobei der Verbinder (51, 60) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-23) angepasst ist; oder
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59c) den Verbinder (53, 63) davon sowie eine Schale (67a, 67b), die daran angebracht ist, umfasst, wobei die Schale (67a, 67b) an der Stützvorrichtung (20-23) anbringbar ist.
  7. Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für eine Autolampe, die Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Autobeleuchtungsmodul (40), das Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Gehäuse (41); und
    einen ersten Verbinder (50, 53) zum Empfangen elektrischer Leistung und/oder elektrische Signale zum Betreiben einer oder mehrerer Lichtquellen;
    einen Lampenkörper (10-12);
    eine Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c), die einen zweiten Verbinder (60, 63) zum Zuführen elektrischer Leistung und/oder elektrischer Signale zum Betreiben der einen oder mehreren Lichtquellen umfasst;
    eine Stützvorrichtung (20-22) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c);
    wobei das Gehäuse (41) in Richtung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) in einer ersten Richtung (Z) derart bewegbar ist, dass der erste Verbinder (50, 53) mit dem zweiten Verbinder (60, 63) in der ersten Richtung (Z) verbindbar ist;
    der Lampenkörper (10-12) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) daran und Stützen von Bewegung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) entlang einer ersten Achse (X) davon, während sie daran angebracht ist, angepasst ist, wobei die erste Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) zu der ersten Richtung (Z) senkrecht ist;
    Beleuchtungsanordnung dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die Stützvorrichtung (20-22) zum lösbaren Anbringen an der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) angepasst ist.
  8. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) derart angepasst ist, dass: die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) mit der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) bewegbar ist, und der zweite Verbinder (60, 63) davon mit dem ersten Verbinder (50, 53) in der ersten Richtung (Z) verbindbar ist.
  9. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 7-8, wobei das Gehäuse (41) dazu angepasst ist, Entfernen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) in der ersten Richtung (Z) zu erlauben, während der erste Verbinder (50, 53) mit dem zweiten Verbinder (60, 63) verbunden ist.
  10. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 7-9, wobei der Lampenkörper (10-12) eine oder mehrere Vertiefungen (15, 16) und/oder einen oder mehrere Vorsprünge (14) zum Empfangen der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) in der ersten Richtung (Z) umfasst, wobei die eine oder mehreren Vertiefungen (15, 16) und/oder der eine oder die mehreren Vorsprünge (14) dazu angepasst sind, mindestens eines zu stützen von: Bewegung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) entlang der ersten Achse (X) davon, und Drehung der Stützvorrichtung (20-22) in Bezug auf den Lampenkörper (10-12) um die Drehachse (R) senkrecht zu der ersten Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (20-22).
  11. Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für eine Autolampe, die Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Autobeleuchtungsmodul (40), das Folgendes umfasst: ein Gehäuse (42); und
    eine Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a), die einen ersten Verbinder (51, 53) zum Empfang elektrischer Leistung und/oder elektrischer Signale zum Betreiben einer oder mehrerer Lichtquellen umfasst;
    einen Lampenkörper (13);
    eine Stützvorrichtung (23) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a); und
    einen zweiten Verbinder (61) zum Zuführen elektrischer Leistung und/oder elektrischer Signale zum Betreiben der einen oder mehreren Lichtquellen, wobei der zweite Verbinder (61) an dem Lampenkörper (13) angebracht ist;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass:
    das Gehäuse (42) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (23) für die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) daran und Stützen von Bewegung der Stützvorrichtung (23) einer ersten Achse (X) davon, während sie angebracht ist, zu stützen, wobei die erste Achse (X) der Stützvorrichtung (23) zu einer ersten Richtung (Z) senkrecht ist.
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) zum Anbringen an der Stützvorrichtung (23) derart angepasst ist, dass: die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) mit der Stützvorrichtung (23) bewegbar ist, und der zweite Verbinder davon (51, 53) mit dem zweiten Verbinder (61) in der ersten Richtung (Z) verbindbar ist; und
    die Stützvorrichtung (23) dazu angepasst ist, lösbar an der Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) angebracht zu sein.
  12. Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8-10, wobei die Stützvorrichtung (20-22) dazu angepasst ist, Bewegung der Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) entlang einer ersten Achse (Y) davon zu stützen.
  13. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 8-10, wobei:
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) eine erste Verbindungsvorrichtung (59a-59c) ist; und
    der erste Verbinder (50, 53) an einer Schale (67b) angebracht ist, die zum Anbringen des Beleuchtungsmoduls (40) angepasst ist, wobei sowohl der erste Verbinder (50, 53) als auch die Schale (67b) eine zweite Verbindungsvorrichtung (49b) bilden.
  14. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach Anspruch 11, wobei:
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) eine erste Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a) ist; und
    der zweite Verbinder (61, 63) an einer Schale angebracht ist, die zum Anbringen des Beleuchtungsmoduls (13) angepasst ist, wobei sowohl der erste Verbinder (61, 63) als auch die Schale eine zweite Verbindungsvorrichtung bilden.
  15. Beleuchtungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 7-14, wobei:
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49a, 59a, 59c) der Verbinder (51, 60) davon ist, wobei der Verbinder (51, 60) zum Anbringen der Stützvorrichtung (20-23) angepasst ist; oder
    die Verbindungsvorrichtung (49b, 59c) den Verbinder (53, 63) davon sowie eine Schale (67a, 67b), die daran angebracht ist, umfasst, wobei die Schale (67a, 67b) an der Stützvorrichtung (20-23) anbringbar ist.
EP19382739.1A 2019-05-23 2019-08-30 Verfahren und beleuchtungsanordnung zur verbindung von verbindern in einer autolampe Active EP3742045B1 (de)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0527814Y2 (de) * 1988-02-09 1993-07-15
US6217363B1 (en) 1998-06-26 2001-04-17 Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. Connector and connector attachment structure
JP2017120735A (ja) * 2015-12-28 2017-07-06 株式会社小糸製作所 車輌用灯具
EP3431865B1 (de) 2017-07-21 2022-09-07 Gureak Lanean S.A. Beleuchtungsvorrichtung für ein fahrzeug

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