ES2582659T3 - UV lamp for use in water purifiers - Google Patents

Abstract

Lamp base (200) to be mounted at one end of a lamp bulb and designed to be coupled to a plug (300), lamp base (200) comprising: a cylindrical body having an end surface (202); a first stepped part and a second stepped part, each comprising a flat face (220b, 222b) extending perpendicular to the end surface (202), and an elevated face (220c, 222c) that is perpendicular to the flat face (220b, 222b); a first upper terminal connector (212) provided on the raised face (220c) of the first stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; a second upper terminal connector (214) provided on the raised face (222c) of the second stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; a first (216) and second (218) lower terminal connector provided on the end surface (202) and extending perpendicular to the end surface (202); where the lamp base (200) is configured to be connected to a plug (300) by linearly inserting the terminal connectors (212, 214, 216, 218) into corresponding connectors in the plug, characterized by the fact that the lamp base (300) further comprises a first key recess (240) provided on the flat face (220b) of the first stepped portion, the first key recess (240) being structured such that when the lamp base (200) is engaged With the plug (300), the first key inlet (240) is aligned with a first key protrusion (340) of the plug (300).

Description

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UV lamp for use in water purifiers Background of the invention:

1. Field of the invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to improvements in lamps, especially ultraviolet lamps used in air and water purifiers and in disinfection units.

2. Description of the related technique

[0002] Ultraviolet air and water purifiers or other liquids are known to disinfect the air or water or other contaminated liquid for domestic, industrial, municipal or commercial use.

Such purifiers include at least one lamp for the emission of ultraviolet radiation installed in a chamber through which the air or water or other contaminated liquid passes to kill the microorganisms in them. Conventionally, the lamp includes two electrodes separated from each other within an elongated arc tube containing a gas, particularly a noble gas with or without additives.

A pair of end caps (i.e. bases) are mounted at the ends of the tube.

Each electrode contains two lead wires coming out of the lamp joint, each of which, or in some cases only one, is electrically connected to a respective contact or terminal terminal.

The lamp is typically inserted tip into a sleeve installed in the water purifier, another liquid or air with or without the use of an external quartz sleeve.

To simplify the insertion and electrical connection, the terminals are conveniently mounted on one of the end caps.

When the electrodes are activated by the voltage of an electric power supply, an electric discharge in the gas between the electrodes is initiated.

This discharge is the result of a reaction between electric energy, gas and mercury to produce ultraviolet radiation to be emitted from the lamp in a way widely known in the art.

WO2007 / 098163 A2, US 5 422 487 A, US 2006/186782 reveal a lamp base and a corresponding plug, which has two staggered parts each providing a raised face, while terminal connectors are provided for electrical connections on each of the raised faces.

US 6,634,902 B1 discloses a lamp base and a corresponding plug according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0003] An example of an ultraviolet lamp of the type described above is described in US Patent 5,166,527 (527), all of whose content is incorporated herein by reference.

The '527 patent discloses a lamp, especially useful as an ultraviolet lamp to be used in a water purifier, which includes an elongated and hollow arc tube that extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite end zones.

The tube contains a gas, preferably a noble gas with or without additives.

A pair of electrodes are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis.

The electrodes are mounted respectively inside the arc tube in the areas of the ends thereof.

A pair of end caps are mounted respectively in the end areas of the arc tube.

A first electrical contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals extends parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to one or both of the lead wires of the electrodes.

A second electrical contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals extends parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to one or both of the other lead wires of the electrodes.

Both pairs of terminals are mounted on, and extend outward along the longitudinal axis of, one of the end caps.

A cable conductor, or two cable conductors, are located outside the tube and are electrically connected to a terminal or a pair of terminals in one area of the end of the tube, as well as to the electrode in the area of the other end of the tube .

[0004] Two embodiments of the lamp described in the '527 patent are shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the prior art.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the terminal pairs are offset from each other along the longitudinal axis.

This displacement resists the formation of an electric arc between the pairs of terminals outside the arc tube, especially in the presence of the humid medium loaded with moisture from the water purifier.

[0005] Even with reference to the figures of the state of the art 1 and 2, the end cap has a stepped outer end wall having a pair of mutually parallel wall portions in generally planes

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perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first pair of terminals is supported by, and extends through, one of the end wall portions over a predetermined distance, and the second pair of terminals is supported by, and extends through, the other end wall parts along the same predetermined distance.

The planes of the end wall parts are separated a predetermined space greater than said predetermined distance to further prevent the formation of electric arcs between the pairs of outer terminals of the arc tube.

An inner barrier wall of the end cap physically separates the electrical connections to the two pairs of terminals to resist the formation of an electric arc between the pairs of inner terminals of the end cap. The barrier wall is advantageously made of the same non-conductive material as the end cap.

[0006] In addition to the staggered bases on two levels of the '527 patent, other multiphase bases have been manufactured including the bases shown in Figures 3-7 of the prior art.

[0007] Although they are suitable for their intended purposes, there remains a need for improved lamp base designs, particularly ultraviolet lamps.

[0008] There are many different types of lamps that have a base or end plug that can be connected with a plug to provide electrical connections to the lamps.

The plug and end plug must be constructed to allow easy replacement of the lamp while securely holding the lamp.

This can be particularly important in certain applications where the vibration or movement of the lamp or lamp holder could result in an involuntary separation between the lamp end cap and the plug.

Additionally, electrical connections must remain secure.

[0009] In some applications where a plurality of contact terminals and / or terminal orientations are used, it is often difficult to align the contact terminals to form the electrical connection necessary to make the lamp work.

Frequently, the contact terminals can be misaligned or curved due to their extension or projection of the lamp base, which prevents their insertion into a plug.

It may also be possible to insert the end cap into a socket so that the contacts are not connected to the appropriate terminals in the socket, which results in improper operation of the lamp.

In addition, in a typical connection connector by insertion of male / female terminals there is no closing or turning closure and, thus, the terminals can be slipped out and easily disconnected by vibration, for example.

[0010] An example of an ultraviolet lamp of the type described above is described in US Patent 5,166,527 ('527), which uses a stepped base with terminal connector, all of whose content is incorporated herein by reference.

The '527 patent discloses a lamp or bulb, used as an ultraviolet lamp for use in an air or water purifier, which includes a hollow elongated arc tube that extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite end zones.

The tube contains a gas, preferably a noble gas with or without additives.

A pair of electrodes are separated from each other along the longitudinal axis.

The electrodes are mounted respectively in the arc tube and in the end areas thereof.

A pair of end caps are respectively mounted in the end areas of the arc tube.

A first electrical contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals extends parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to one or both of the lead wires of the electrodes.

A second electrical contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals extends parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to one or both of the other lead wires of the electrodes.

Both pairs of terminals are mounted on, and extend outward along, the longitudinal axis of one of the end caps.

A cable conductor, or two cable conductors, is located outside the tube and is electrically connected to a terminal or pair of terminals at an end zone of the tube, at same as the electrode in the other end zone of the tube.

This design is primarily designed to prevent the formation of electric arcs and does not lock in place.

[0011] As highlighted in WO / 2006/136026 of Elku et al., Which is a variation of the slide terminal connector set forth above, a potential problem with this method is that, in many applications, the radiation lamp is submerged in a flow of water and the turbulence created within that water treatment system invariably imparts a vibratory movement to the lamps.

This frequently causes the lamp to be vibrated or agitated until it is released from its electrical connection base or plug, thus causing the lamp to be completely or intermittently inoperative.

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When such an event occurs, the water being treated may not be completely disinfected.

The prior art has attempted to solve this problem by using a relatively complicated mechanical connection (for example, a connection called "push and turn" or "push-and-twist") to fix the lamp to the connection base.

See, for example, U.S. Patent 5,422,487 to Sauska et al. and U.S. Patent 6,884, 03 of Kovacs.

The potential problem with these methods is the complexity of the mechanical connection between the lamp and the base unit that requires the use of springs, specialized connection tabs and the like.

In addition, a connection system that is based on a double movement system such as thrust and rotation, if used incorrectly, for example, can lead to greater incidents of lamp breakage, electric shock, and other Damage to the lamp by field personnel.

Therefore, the removal of a strong "push" necessary to deflect a heavy lock spring in a "push and twist" lock would be beneficial because typically the glass lamp would be subjected to a reduced force and tension.

[0012] It is also important that appropriate wattage power lamps be used for safety, heat, and fire reasons.

Thus, a single locking system that only allows lamps with adequate wattage power to be inserted into the base will also contribute to safety.

[0013] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a safety lamp device, particularly a radiation lamp, that provides a secure electrical connection, locked and protected against movement, and which in spite of everything is relatively economical, simple, durable, strong, and simple to implement with good performance and reduced strength and tension on the lamp for safety purposes. Likewise, a lamp that reduces the opportunity for electric shock is necessary for safety purposes.

[0014] Thus, there remains a need for improved lamp base designs, particularly ultraviolet lamps.

Summary of the invention:

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a lamp base includes a cylindrical body having an end surface, a stepped part and a second stepped part, a first upper terminal connector provided in the first stepped part, a second upper terminal connector provided on the second stepped part, and a first and second lower terminal connector provided on the end surface.

[0016] The end cap configuration described above for the lamp can be attached to a complementary shaped receptacle known as a plug.

The plug can be connected by cable to a power source.

[0017] The designs will also allow the lamp and the connector to be connected to a specific power supply to reduce the opportunity to connect an ultraviolet lamp to an improperly connected power supply.

[0018] The lamp of this invention is preferably an ultraviolet lamp and finds a particular application for use in a water purifier, another liquid, or air.

[0019] The characteristics of the lamp base, the plug and the assembly according to the invention are defined in claims 1, 7, and 13 respectively.

[0020] Preferred embodiments are defined in claims 2-6, 8-12 and 14-16.

Brief description of the drawings:

[0021] Next, embodiments will be described, by way of example only, in reference to the accompanying drawings that are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and where each element is numbered with the same number in different figures, where:

Figures 1-7 are respective views of end caps used in ultraviolet lamps according to the prior art;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal axis of a water purifier using the ultraviolet lamp;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional elevation view along line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a perspective elevation view of a first embodiment of an end cap for a lamp;

Figure 10A is a cross-sectional elevation view along line 10A-10A of Figure 10;

Figures 11-14 are perspective elevation views of the second, third, fourth and fifth forms of

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realization of end caps;

Figures 15-19 are perspective elevation views of plugs for the end caps of Figures 10-14, respectively;

Figures 20-24 are perspective elevation views of additional embodiments of end caps with female recesses; Y

Figures 25-29 are perspective elevation views of plugs for the end caps of Figures 20-24, respectively.

Figures 30-31 are perspective views of an embodiment of a usable plug with the base lamp shown in Figures 38-45.

Figures 32-35 are side views of the embodiment shown in Figures 30-31.

Figure 36 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in Figures 30-35

Figure 37 is a plan view from below of the embodiment shown in Figs. 30-35.

Figures 38-39 are perspective views of a lamp base usable with the plug shown in Figures 30-37.

Figures 40-43 are side views of the base shown in Figures 38-39.

Figure 44 is a top plan view of the base shown in Figures 38-43

Figure 45 is a plan view from below of the base shown in Figures 38-44.

Figures 1-45 are not part of the invention as claimed.

Figures 46-48 are several views of a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 49-51 are several views of a plug according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 52-55 are several views of a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 56-59 are several views of a plug according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 60-64 are several views of a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 65-68 are several views of a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 69-73 are several views of a plug according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 74-75 are perspective views of a lamp base and plug assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 76-79 are several views of a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 80-84 are several views of a plug according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 85-92 are plan views showing various possible configurations of terminal connectors, truncated parts, and keys according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 93 shows a lamp base according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 94 is an exploded perspective view of a lamp base and an adapter according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 95 is an assembled perspective view of a lamp base and an adapter according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments:

[0022] Referring now to Figure 8 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 generally identifies a water purifier having a cylindrical housing 12 that extends along a longitudinal axis.

An axially extending hollow sleeve 14 is centrally mounted in the housing 12 between open support walls 18, 20 separated along the longitudinal axis.

The support walls 18, 20, together with the inner wall of the housing 12 and the outer wall of the sleeve 14, limit an interior space 16.

A water inlet 22 admits pressurized water to be purified in space 16.

A water outlet 24 releases purified water from space 16.

The space 16 serves as a flow passage for the water contained therein, which, during the course of its flow, is exposed to ultraviolet radiation as described below.

[0023] A removable cover 26 covers the support wall 18 at one end of the housing 12.

The cover 26 is detachably coupled to the housing 12 by a set of threaded fasteners 28 to allow access to the interior of the sleeve 14 through the opening of the support wall 18.

An electric plug 30 is removably mounted in the opening of the support wall 18.

An ultraviolet lamp 32 is slidably inserted inside the sleeve 14 through the opening of the support wall 18.

An electrical connection, as described below, is made with plug 30.

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During operation, lamp 32 emits ultraviolet radiation of sufficient intensity to kill microorganisms in water, another liquid or air contained in space 16 to purify it for domestic and commercial applications.

[0024] The lamp 32 includes an elongated, hollow and sealed arc tube 34 constituted by a light transmitting material, for example silica quartz or other glass tube of ultraviolet transmission.

The tube 34 has opposite end zones 36, 38 spaced along the longitudinal axis.

A gas, preferably mercury vapor with or without additives, is contained in a sealed form in the tube.

[0025] A pair of electrodes 40, 42 is mounted respectively in the tube at the end zones 36, 38.

A pair of end caps 44, 46 consisting of a non-conductive material, for example ceramic, is mounted respectively in the end areas 36, 38 on the sealed end areas of the tube.

Each end cap has a hole that has a closed base against which a sealed end zone of the tube rests when the sealed end zone is fully inserted into a respective end cap. The end cap 44 (best shown in Figures 10 and 10A) also has a barrier wall 70a, 70b, which extends between the semicircular bases 72, 74 so that the bases 72, 74 are staggered with the base 72 being the upper or distal base and the base 74 being the lower or proximal base.

A male element 75 extends laterally from the barrier wall 70a, 70b, along lower base 74.

The member 75 is centrally positioned along the wall 70a, 70b thus separating the wall into two sections 70a and 70b.

The member 75 has a height that is equal to the distance between the respective bases 72 and 74.

The member 75 also acts to divide the lower base 74 into two symmetrical sections (each including a quadrant of approximately 90 degrees).

[0026] Still referring to Figure 10, a first pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals 48, 50 extends parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis, and is installed in, and extends outwardly from, the plug of end 44 (through base 72).

A second pair of electrical contacts or terminal terminals 52, 54 also extends in parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis, and is also mounted on, and extends outwardly, from the same end plug 44 (through the base 74).

Terminals 52 and 54 are separated from each other by member 75.

The terminals 48, 50 extend in the inner compartment 76, and the terminals 52, 54 extend in the compartment 78 (see Figure 10A).

[0027] Terminals 48, 50 are electrically connected inside end plug 44 to one end of a cable conductor 56.

The conductor 56 is located outside the tube 34, and extends along the longitudinal axis to the opposite end plug 46 where the other end of the conductor 56 is connected to the electrode 42.

Terminals 52, 54 are electrically connected at end plug 44 to electrode 40.

The barrier wall 70a, 70b physically separates the pairs of terminals.

[0028] Thus, as shown in Figure 10, the terminal plug 44 has a stepped outer end wall having a pair of semicircular end wall portions 72, 74 arranged in parallel to each other in planes generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

As best shown in Figure 15, the plug 30 has a complementary external stepped end wall, together with a centrally located recess 76.

During coupling, terminals 48, 50, 52, 54 will be received in respective sockets 78, 80, 82, 84, while member 75 is received in coupling inlet 76.

[0029] A set of centering rings 62, 64, preferably constituted of a synthetic plastic material, is located in the tube 34, being placed thereon before the end caps are fixed to the end areas of the tube 34.

The rings 62, 64 coaxially surround the tube 34 and cooperate and support the tube by friction, and help center the tube inside the sleeve 14.

[0030] Referring now to Figures 11-14, additional embodiments of the end plug shown in Figure 10 are shown.

All these end caps have a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 10, including a pair of parallel but longitudinally displaced semicircular bases 72 74 having a barrier wall 70a, 70b, which extends between them to form a stepped base.

In addition, a male element or extension extends centrally outward from the barrier wall 70a, 70b. While this male extension has the shape of a relatively thin wall 75 in the end cap 44 of Figure 10, the male extension has a geometric shape that differs in the various embodiments shown in Figures 11-14.

More specifically, the end cap 86 of Figure 11 has a rounded arc-shaped extension 102 (eg, "V" shaped, semi-circular shaped) that extends between the barrier wall sections

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70a and 70b.

The end cap 88 of Figure 12 has an extension 104 in the form of a rectangular box that includes a pair of opposite side walls 106, 108 extending outwardly and perpendicularly to respective barrier wall sections 70a and 70b.

The end cap 90 of Figure 13 also has a box-shaped extension 110 that is similar to extension 104 (of Figure 12); however, extension 112 has a more square cross section relative to the rectangular cross section of extension 104.

Thus, the barrier wall sections 70a and 70b of Figure 13 are relatively larger than the respective barrier wall sections 70a and 70b of Figure 12.

The end cap 92 of Figure 14 is a triangular shaped "V" shaped extension member 112 that forms the spacer between the barrier wall sections 70a and 70b.

[0031] Significantly, all of the additional embodiments of Figures 11-14 have in common the characteristic of Figure 10, in which a male element extends outwardly from the barrier wall 70a, 70b, and is coextensive with staggered base sections (which are displaced longitudinally) 72, 74.

It will be appreciated that, according to this invention, the male element may have any suitable configuration in addition to those shown in Figures 10-14 and that such configuration may be symmetric, asymmetric, spherical, conical, aspheric or any other desired shape.

[0032] As in the receptacle 30 shown in Figure 15 receiving the end cap 44 in Figure 10, the end caps of the embodiments of Figures 11-14 have respective complementary receptacles similarly 94, 96 , 98 and 100 as shown in Figures 16-19, respectively.

Thus, receptacle 94 of Figure 16 has an arched and rounded recess 114 to receive and engage with the rounded or U-shaped extension 102 of Figure 11.

Similarly, receptacle 96 has a rectangular shaped recess 116 that is sized and configured to engage with and be received by rectangular extension 104 of Figure 12.

Receptacle 98 of Figure 18 has a square shaped recess 118 to engage with and be received by the square shaped extension 110 of Figure 13 while Receptacle 100 of Figure 19 has a "V" shaped recess 120 to be coupled with and received by the "V" shaped extension 112 of Figure 14.

Again, it will be appreciated that the receptacles of Figs. 15-19 can include a recess with any desired shape, provided that the shape is complementary to, and can be received by, the shape of the extensions of the coupling end cap.

[0033] In yet another alternative embodiment, it will be appreciated that the male extension in the lamp with a lid at its end and the female inlet in the complementary receptacle can be reversed so that the lamp cover will have the recess while the Receptacle will have the complementary male extension for coupling with the recess in the lid. Such alternative configurations are shown in the end caps of Figures 20-24 and also in Figures 38-45.

The end caps of Figures 20-24 and 38-45 are similar to the respective end caps shown in Figures 10-14 with the only difference that the male extension has been replaced with the female inlet in Figures 20- 24.

Thus, end cap 44 'includes a narrow recess 122 (similar to recess 76 shown in Figure 15), end caps 86' and 86a include an arcuate shaped recess 124, 124a (similar to recess 114 of Figure 16), the end cap 88 'includes a rectangular shaped recess 126 (similar to recess 116 of Figure 17), end cap 90' of Figure 23 includes a square shaped recess 128 (similar to recess 118 of Figure 18) and the end cap 9 of Figure 24 includes a "V" shaped recess 130 (similar to the "V" shaped recess 120 of Figure 19).

[0034] Similarly, with reference to Figures 25-29 and 30-37, receptacles or bases are shown that are configured to engage with the end caps of Figures 20-24 and 38-45, respectively.

Thus, the receptacle 30 'of Figure 25 includes a male extension 132 that is sized and configured to be received by the recess 122 of Figure 20.

The receptacle 30a of Figures 30-37 includes a male extension 134a that is sized and configured to be received by the recess 124a of Figure 38.

Fig. 38 also shows how the semicircular bases 72a may contain an asymmetric section 72b that can be added to help ensure that unauthorized parts cannot be used.

This is a safety feature, because you can usually try to replace lamps with inappropriate wattage or inappropriate lamp designs, so asymmetric section 72b helps prevent this unsafe event.

The plugs shown in Figures 30-37 can be used with the corresponding end caps or bases shown in Figures 38-45 or the designs can be exchanged, that is, the end cap may resemble the receptacle or base or vice versa.

The receptacle 94 'of Figure 26 includes an arc-shaped male extension 134 that is sized and configured to be received by the arched recess 124 in Figure 21.

Similarly, receptacle 96 'of Figure 27 includes a rectangular extension 136 that is sized and configured to be received by rectangular recess 126 of Figure 22, receptacle 98' of Figure 28 includes

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a square-shaped extension 138 that is sized and configured to be received by the square-shaped recess 128 of Figure 23, and receptacle 10 of Figure 29 includes a triangular-shaped extension 140 that is sized and configured to be received by the rectangular shaped entree 130 of figure 24.

[0035] It will be appreciated that all embodiments of the present invention represent an advance over the stepped cap configuration of the aforementioned patent '527 in that the use of the extension (or, alternatively, the inlet) positioned centrally along the barrier wall it will provide an improved blockage between the lamp and the receptacle and also ensure the proper orientation of the respective terminals in the receptacle recesses.

[0036] During operation, the cover 26 is removed, and a lamp 32 is inserted into the sleeve 14 through the opening in the support wall 18.

After insertion, the plug 30 is connected to terminals 48, 50, 52, 54.

Then, the cover 26 is installed in the housing 12.

The electric cables 66, 68 extend outside the plug to an electric power supply not shown.

A voltage difference across the wires 66, 68 is applied to both electrodes 40, 42 causing an electrical discharge in the tube.

This discharge causes ultraviolet radiation to be emitted.

This radiation passes through the light transmitting wall of the sleeve 14 to radiate the water contained in space 16.

[0037] The above-mentioned barrier wall 70a, 70b prevents arcing inside the end cover 44 by physically separating the electrical connections between terminals 48, 50 and the cable conductor, on the one hand, and the electrical connections between terminals 52, 54 and electrode 40, on the other hand.

In this way, the pairs of terminals are effectively isolated.

[0038] It is understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, can also find a useful application in other types of constructions that differ from the types described above.

[0039] According to the invention, a lamp base 200 includes at least a first stepped part and a second stepped part, as seen in Figures 46-48.

[0040] For example, Figures 46-48 illustrate several views of a lamp base 200 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

The lamp base 200 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an end surface 202.

Additionally, a first stepped part and a second stepped part may extend outward from end surface 202 of lamp base 200.

[0041] As also seen in Figures 46-48, the first stepped portion includes a curved face 220a, a flat face 220b, and an elevated face 220c.

Similarly, the second stepped part includes a curved face 222a, a flat face 222b and an elevated face 222c.

The curved faces 220a, 222a and the flat faces 220b, 222b extend perpendicularly to the end surface.

The raised faces 220c, 222c are perpendicular to the curved faces 220a, 222a and the flat faces 220b, 222b, respectively.

[0042] Lamp base 200 also includes a number of terminal connectors.

For example, as seen in Figures 47-48 (see also Figure 75), a first upper terminal connector 212 extends from the raised face 220c of the first stepped part, a second upper terminal connector 214 extends from the raised face 222c of the second stepped part, and a first lower terminal connector 216 and a second lower terminal connector 218 extend from the end surface.

[0043] The first and second lower terminal connectors 216, 218 are arranged in a variety of configurations.

For example, the first and second lower terminal connectors 216, 218 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a center of the end surface, as seen in Figures 85-88.

Additionally, the first and second lower terminal connectors 216, 218 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to a center of the end surface, as seen in Figures 89-92.

These arrangements of the lower terminal connectors 216, 218 are helpful to ensure proper alignment when a lamp base is coupled with a plug, as explained in detail below.

[0044] Additionally, key recesses 240 are provided in the base of the lamp 200 to aid in alignment during coupling with a plug, as explained in more detail below.

As seen in Fig. 48, for example, key recesses 240 are provided on flat faces 220b,

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222b of the first and second staggered parts.

[0045] There are many different possible configurations of key recesses, as seen in Figure 85, for example.

Figure 85 shows how a key inlet can be in one of at least four positions (key # 1, key # 2, key # 3, key # 4) in the plane in front of the stepped part.

Additionally, Figure 85 shows how a key inlet can be found in one of at least four positions (key # 5, key # 6, key # 7, key # 8).

It is important to note that the keys can be placed independently of each other, and thus many possible combinations of key positions can be achieved.

It will also be appreciated that the key positions are not limited only to the positions shown in Figure 85, and that other suitable positions are also possible.

[0046] As seen in Figure 48, the first stepped part also includes a first truncated part 232 and a second truncated part 234.

When compared to the second stepped part, the truncated parts 232, 234 are flat surfaces where it appears that the stepped part has been truncated, or "trimmed." In at least the embodiment shown in Figure 48, the truncated portions 232, 234 are provided at a first and second end of the first stepped part.

However, other configurations are possible.

For example, as seen in Figure 86, the first truncated part 232 can be provided at a first end of a first stepped part, and a second truncated part 234 can be provided at a first end of a second truncated part.

The truncated parts help ensure proper alignment when a lamp base is attached to a plug, as explained in more detail below.

[0047] Figures 49-51 illustrate at least one possible embodiment of a plug 300.

The plug 300 is generally cylindrical in shape and has an end surface.

Additionally, a central stepped portion 310 extends perpendicularly to the end surface of the plug 300.

The central stepped portion 310 may include a first flat face 314 extending perpendicular to the end surface and a second flat face 316 extending perpendicular to the end surface.

[0048] Additionally, as seen in Figures 50 and 51, the plug 300 includes a first upper connector 326 provided within a recess formed in the central stepped portion 310 and a second upper connector 328 provided within a recess formed in the central stepped part 310.

The plug 300 also includes a first lower connector 322 provided within a recess formed on the end surface, and a second lower connector 324 provided within a recess formed on the end surface.

The first and second upper connectors 326, 328 may be positioned either symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to a center of the end surface of the plug 300.

[0049] Figures 50-51 also illustrate that the plug 300 includes key protuberances 340 that exit outward from the first flat face 314 and the second flat face 316.

These key protrusions 340 can be positioned in a wide variety of configurations, complementing the wide variety of configurations possible for key recesses 240.

[0050] Additionally, Figures 50-51 show that the plug 300 also includes a first conical part 312a and a second conical part 312b.

The conical parts 312a, 312b extend outwardly from the first and second end of the first flat face 314, as seen in Figure 51, for example, or a first conical part 312a extends outwardly from a first end of the first flat face 314 while the second conical part 312b extends outward from a first end of the second flat face 316.

[0051] Figures 52-73 and 76-93 show several additional views of at least some possible embodiments and possible configurations of lamp bases 200 and sockets 300.

[0052] Figures 74 and 75 show how a lamp base 200 and a plug 300 according to at least one embodiment of the present invention can be coupled together.

The lamp base 200 and the plug 300 are structured so that the first upper terminal connector 212 is coupled with the first lower connector 322, the second upper terminal connector 214 is coupled with the second lower terminal connector 324, the first lower terminal connector 216 is coupled with the first upper connector 326, and the second lower terminal connector 218 is coupled with the second upper connector 328.

[0053] Additionally, it can be seen in Figures 74 and 75 that the key recesses 240 of the lamp base 200 are structured to align with the key protrusions 340 of the plug 300 when the base

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of lamp and plug are attached.

In other words, when the lamp base 200 is coupled to the plug 300 in the proper alignment, the key protrusions 340 will slide into the key recesses 240.

If the lamp base 200 is misaligned with the plug 300, then the key protuberances 340 will not align with the key recess 240.

[0054] Additionally, as another method of ensuring proper alignment, it can be seen from Figures 74 and 75 that the first conical part 3l2a will be aligned with the first truncated part 232, and the second conical part 312b will be aligned with the second truncated part 2. 3. 4.

[0055] As indicated above, there are many alignment elements designed to ensure that the lamp base 200 is properly aligned with the plug 300 when coupled, for example, the key protuberances 340 and the key recesses 240 and the truncated parts 232, 234 and conical parts 312a, 312b.

These alignment elements represent significant and not insignificant benefits with respect to conventional devices.

[0056] For example, it will be appreciated that the alignment elements described above can ensure that there is only one possible way for a lamp base to fit into the plug.

In other words, the alignment elements ensure that the first upper terminal connector 212 always mates with the first lower connector 322, the second upper terminal connector 214 always mates with the second lower connector 324, etc. This is an important safety feature because it prevents the terminal connectors from being wrongly connected to the wrong pole of a power source, for example, which could damage the lamp.

Thus, the alignment elements described above can help prevent damage to the lamps by ensuring proper coupling.

[0057] Additionally, the alignment elements described above can help ensure that a lamp is only fitted with an appropriate plug.

For example, an appropriate plug may have a given configuration of key protuberances 340 and / or conical parts 312a, 312b and, unless the lamp base is a properly corresponding lamp base having complementary key recesses 240 and / or truncated parts 232, 234, the lamp base cannot be attached to the plug.

[0058] Additionally, these features also provide important security benefits.

For example, if the connector terminals are improperly connected to the wrong poles, sparks can be generated that pose a fire hazard, or the user may be exposed to an electric shock.

Each of the alignment elements mentioned above helps to ensure proper coupling of lamp bases and plugs, thereby reducing the risk of these hazards and protecting user safety.

[0059] Additionally, in at least one other embodiment of the present invention, as seen in Figures 94 and 95, an adapter can be provided so that lamp bases can be updated to attach to new plugs.

For example, in Figure 94, the lamp base 400 is a single lamp base with four terminal connectors 450, 452.

The adapter 410 can be mounted on the end of the lamp base 400.

The adapter 410 has a flat face 415, and an end face 410 that is perpendicular to the flat face 415, and a key recess 440.

After the adapter 410 is mounted on the lamp base 400, the adapter 410 simulates a stepped part and the terminal connector 450 extends through the adapter 410.

A second adapter 410 may also be equipped so that the lamp base 400 has two stepped parts.

Key recesses 440 and adapters can be configured to match the key protrusions of a corresponding plug.

In this way, it is possible to achieve the benefits of ensuring proper alignment by attaching a lamp base and a plug, as described above, simply by improving the existing lamp bases with adapters 410.

[0060] The presently described embodiments, therefore, should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the preceding description and, therefore, Therefore, it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims be included in these.

Claims (15)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Lamp base (200) to be mounted at one end of a lamp bulb and designed to be connected to a plug (300), lamp base (200) comprising: a cylindrical body having an end surface (202); a first stepped part and a second stepped part, each comprising a flat face (220b, 222b) extending perpendicular to the end surface (202), and an elevated face (220c, 222c) that is perpendicular to the flat face (220b, 222b); a first upper terminal connector (212) provided on the raised face (220c) of the first stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; a second upper terminal connector (214) provided on the raised face (222c) of the second stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; a first (216) and second (218) lower terminal connector provided on the end surface (202) and extending perpendicular to the end surface (202); where the lamp base (200) is configured to be connected to a plug (300) by linearly inserting the terminal connectors (212, 214, 216, 218) into corresponding connectors in the plug, characterized by the fact that The lamp base (300) further comprises a first key recess (240) provided on the flat face (220b) of the first stepped part, the first key recess (240) being structured such that when the lamp base ( 200) is coupled with the plug (300), the first key inlet (240) is aligned with a first key protrusion (340) of the plug (300). 2. Lamp base (200) according to claim 1, further comprising a second key recess (240) provided on the flat face (222b) of the second stepped part. 3. Lamp base (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first (216) and second (218) connector of lower terminals are symmetrically positioned relative to a center of the end surface (202). 4. Lamp base (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first (216) and second (218) connector of lower terminals are positioned asymmetrically with respect to a center of the end surface (202). 5. Lamp base (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first stepped part further comprises: a truncated first part (232) provided at a first end of the first stepped part; and a truncated second part (234) provided at a second end of the first stepped part. 6. Lamp base (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first stepped part comprises a first truncated part (232) provided at a first end of the first stepped part; Y The second stepped part comprises a first truncated second part (234) provided at a first end of the first second stepped part. 7. Plug (300) designed to engage with a lamp base (200) comprising: a cylindrical body having an end surface; a central stepped part (310) extending perpendicular to the end surface, central stepped part (310) comprising: a first flat face (314) extending perpendicular to the end surface; and a second flat face (316) extending perpendicular to the end surface; a first upper connector (326) provided within a recess formed in the central stepped portion (310); a second upper connector (328) provided within a recess formed in the central stepped portion (310); a first bottom connector (322) provided within a recess formed in the end surface; a second lower connector (324) provided within a recess formed in the end surface; and where the plug (300) is configured to be connected to the lamp base (200) to receive linearly terminal connectors (212, 214, 216, 218) of the lamp base (200) in the corresponding connectors (322, 324 , 326, 328), characterized in that the plug (300) comprises a first key boss (340) protruding from the first flat face (314), the first key boss (340) being structured such that when the plug (300) is coupled to the lamp base (200), the first key boss (340) is aligned with a first key inlet (240) of the lamp base (200). 8. Plug (300) according to claim 7, further comprising a second key protrusion (340) protruding from the second flat face (316). 9. Plug (300) according to claim 7, wherein the first upper connector (326) and the second upper connector (328) are symmetrically positioned relative to a center of the end surface. 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 10. Plug (300) according to claim 7, wherein the first upper connector (326) and the second upper connector (328) are positioned asymmetrically with respect to a center of the end surface. 11. Plug (300) according to claim 7, further comprising: a first conical part (312a) extending outward from a first end of the first flat face (314); Y a second conical part (312b) extending outward from a second end of the first flat face (314). 12. Plug (300) according to claim 7, further comprising: a first conical part (312a) extending outward from a first end of the first flat face (314); Y a second conical part (312b) extending outward from a first end of the second flat face (316). 13. Lamp base assembly (200) and plug (300) for use with a lamp bulb, assembly comprising: a lamp base (200) structured to be mounted at one end of a lamp bulb, lamp bulb base (200) comprising: a cylindrical lamp base body having a base end surface (202); a first stepped part and a second stepped part, each of which comprises a flat face (220b, 222b) extending perpendicular to the end surface of the base (202), and an elevated face (220c, 222c) which is perpendicular to the flat face (220b, 222b); a first upper terminal connector (212) provided on the raised face (220c) of the first stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; a second upper terminal connector (214) provided on the raised face (222c) of the second stepped part and extending perpendicular to the first stepped part; Y a first (216) and second (218) lower terminal connector provided on the end surface of the base (202) and extending perpendicular to the end surface (202); and a plug (300) structured to engage the lamp base, plug (300) comprising: a cylindrical plug body having a plug end surface; a central stepped portion (310) extending perpendicular to the plug end surface, central stepped portion (310) comprising a first flat face (314) extending perpendicular to the end surface; and a second flat face (316) extending perpendicular to the end surface; a first upper connector (326) provided within a recess formed in the central stepped portion (310); a second upper connector (328) provided within a recess formed in the central stepped portion (310); a first bottom connector (322) provided within a recess formed in the end surface; Y a second lower connector (324) provided within a recess formed in the end surface; where the first lower connector (322) and the second lower connector (324) are structured to engage the first upper terminal connector (212) and the second upper terminal connector (214), linearly inserting the first upper terminal connector (212 ) and the second upper terminal connector (214) on the first lower connector (322) and the second lower connector (324), respectively; the first upper connector (326) and the second upper connector (328) are structured to engage the first lower terminal connector (216) and the second lower terminal connector (218) linearly inserting the first lower terminal connector (216) and the second lower terminal connector (218) in the first upper connector (326) and the second upper connector (328), respectively; the central stepped part (310) is structured to be mounted between the first stepped part and the second stepped part when the plug (300) and the lamp base (200) are coupled; and the assembly is also characterized by a first key recess (240) provided on the flat face (220b) of the first stepped portion and a first key protrusion (340) protruding from the first flat face (314); and by the fact that the first key protuberance (340) is structured to align with the first key recess (240) when the plug (300) and the lamp base (200) are coupled. 14. Assembly according to claim 13, further comprising: a second key recess (240) provided on the flat surface (222b) of the second stepped part; a second key protrusion (340) protruding from the second flat face (316); where the second key protuberance (340) is structured to align with the second key recess (240) when the plug (300) and the lamp base (200) are coupled. 15. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first stepped part further comprises a first truncated part (232) provided in the first end of the first stepped part, and a truncated second part (234) provided at a second end of the first stepped part; a first conical part (312a) extends outwardly from a first end of the first flat face (314); 5 a second conical part (312b) extends outward from a second end of the first flat face (314); Y the first conical part (312a) is aligned with the first truncated part (232) and the second conical part (312b) is aligned with the second truncated part (234) when the plug (300) is coupled with the lamp base (200 ). 10 16. Assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first stepped part further comprises a first truncated part (232) provided at a first end of the first stepped part; the second stepped part further comprises a second truncated part (234) provided at a first end of the second first stepped part; a first conical part (312a) extends outward from a first end of the first flat face; 15 a second conical part (312b) extends outward from a first end of the second flat face; and the first conical part (312a) is aligned with the first truncated part (232) and the second conical part (312b) is aligned with the second truncated part (234) when the plug (300) is coupled with the lamp base ( 200).