ES2710482T3 - Lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

Lighting device with at least one semiconductor lighting means (30) and a plastic housing (10) in which the at least one semiconductor lighting means (30) is housed, in which the housing (10) comprises a lower casing part (11) and a translucent upper casing part (12) which in a joint area protrudes at least partially in the lower casing part (11), in which the upper casing part (12) and the lower housing part (11) are screwed together, there being in the upper housing part (12) and in the lower housing part (11) retaining means that engage each other in one or more predetermined rotational positions and They prevent the upper housing part (12) from unscrewing from the lower housing part (11), in which one or more threaded sectors (111) are oriented in an upper area of the lower housing part (11). inside, being made in u na zone of the threaded sectors (111) or below the zone of the threaded sectors (111) in the lower part of the casing (11) at least one retention projection (112) facing inward, as retention means, characterized in that - at least one retaining cut (122) open below has been made at the lower edge of the upper casing part (12) as retaining means, one side of the at least one retaining cut (122) being made ) a spring tab (123) protruding from underneath, - the retention projection (112) is adjusted in the retention cut (122) in the retention rotation position, - the spring tab (123) is adjusted with its free end on one side of the retention projection (112) in the retention rotation position.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Lighting device

The invention relates to a lighting device with at least one semiconductor lighting means and a plastic housing, in which the semiconductor lighting means are housed, the housing comprising a lower housing part and a housing upper part. which allows light to pass through, and in which the upper part of the casing projects at least partially over the lower casing part in a connection area.

The lighting devices with semiconductor lighting means are characterized by a high specific brightness and, therefore, a low power consumption, thus! as for a long duration. During operation, the semiconductor lighting means must be cooled, since both the duration and effectiveness achieved decrease with the temperature of the lighting means. With the increase in the luminous power of the semiconductor lighting means and, therefore, also the increase in electrical power consumption, the need for effective cooling of the semiconductor lighting means also increases. In addition to the heat sink and the semiconductor lighting means, an exciter block for the semiconductor lighting means, also referred to as a connection module, is usually arranged in the housing of the lighting device, which provides a suitable current for the actuation of the light source. the means of semiconductor lighting. In addition, optionally, in order to achieve a desired spatial radiation characteristic, an optical element is provided, for example a reflector and / or a lens arrangement.

In particular, in the case of the so-called retrofit lighting devices, which in their form and with respect to the electrical connection are adapted to the known configurations of lighting devices, for example electric bulbs or fluorescent tubes, the lighting and, consequently the casing, in terms of form and appearance must meet stringent specifications. In the semiconductor lighting devices known hitherto, this could only be achieved with a relatively complex and expensive structure to assemble mechanically. Consequently, the manufacturing process of such known lighting devices is complicated, which is reflected, on the one hand, in the price and, on the other hand, in poor quality.

Normally, the casing of the lighting device comprises an upper casing part which allows the light to pass (transparent or translucent) and a lower casing part which does not allow light to pass through. It is also desirable for visual and haptic reasons that the two housing parts link together as smoothly as possible and are joined together so that they can be loaded.

From WO 2012/020366 A1 a semiconductor lighting device with a two-piece housing is known, in which the upper housing part is made semi-spherical and translucent. A smooth transition between the housing parts is achieved by protruding the upper housing part at least partially into the lower housing part and being fixed to the lower housing part in a manner not shown in detail.

The document US 2013/0250583 A1 discloses a semiconductor lighting device with a two-piece housing, the upper housing part being made with a semi-spherical shape and allowing the light to pass through, and is screwed with an external threaded sector to an internal thread of a lower piece of housing. In the lower housing part, peripheral saw teeth are made at the end of the thread, in which a spring tab engages the upper housing part when the two threads are screwed. The serrated teeth make it difficult to unscrew the thread, however, the position of rotation of the two housing parts with respect to each other is not precisely defined. In addition, a complicated assembly process is necessary in order to apply the spring tab defined in the serration.

An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting device of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be assembled easily and cheaply and in which there is a high resistance to rotation and traction between the housing parts. In particular, in the case of a lighting device with a bushing with a screw thread or with a bayonet bushing, it is important that the parts of the housing are joined to each other in a manner resistant to rotation and traction in order to be able to be screwed and unscrewed. or insert the lighting device.

This object is achieved by a lighting device with the characteristics of independent revindication. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

An illumination device of the type mentioned at the beginning according to the invention is characterized in that the upper housing part and the lower housing part are screwed together, there being in the upper housing part and in the lower housing part also retaining means which they are applied to each other in one or more predetermined turning positions and prevent the upper housing part from being unscrewed from the lower housing part. According to the invention, it is further provided that the retaining means in the engaged state in the predetermined turning position also prevent the continuation of the screwing of the upper housing part into the workpiece. lower case. The threaded joint represents a sturdy and circumferentially uniform connection of the two housing parts, but does not by itself offer the union resistant to the required rotation. However, this is given by the retention means, so that the combination of the threaded connection and the retention means is here particularly advantageous.

Thus, the lower housing part has one or more threaded sectors facing inward in an upper zone. These are coupled in corresponding threaded sectors, oriented towards the outside, which are made in a lower edge of the upper piece of housing.

In the region of the threaded sectors or below the area of the threaded sectors in the lower part of the housing, at least one retaining projection facing inwards is made as retaining means. This is shaped and arranged so that it cooperates with at least one open cutout below, which is made at the lower edge of the upper casing part as retaining means. In the retention rotation position, the retention protrusion is placed in the retention cut. The retaining means are preferably engaged when the housing parts are completely screwed together.

At the lower edge of the upper housing part, on one side of the at least one detent cut, a spring tab is provided which protrudes below, which is preferably arranged on the side of the more advanced retention cut during the screwing of the upper piece of housing in the lower housing part. During the screwing, shortly before the retention position, the spring tab is pressed by the retaining projection upwards and then re-engaged when the retaining projection has passed through the screwing. In the detent rotation position, the spring tab is fitted with its free end on one side of the retention protrusion and prevents unscrewing of the upper housing part.

By the realization of the spring tab on the upper housing part, an interlock can be made without the lower housing part elastically deforming during the locking. As the material of the upper casing part, for example polycarbonate having a high elongation at break and which in advance is suitable for providing the spring tab as integrally formed retaining means can be used.

Polyamide or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is particularly suitable as the material for the lower housing part, since for a plastic it is relatively resistant to high temperature, it ignites with difficulty and has a good heat conduction capacity. During operation, a large part of the heat produced by the lighting device is transferred through the lower housing part. It is unfavorable in terms of the material a low elongation at break - the material is relatively fragile and can be deformed elastically only to a small extent. The arrangement of a threaded connection engaging with a spring tongue on the upper housing part, in particular integrated into the screw thread, subjects the lower housing part during assembly only to low forces and negligible elastic deformations. The arrangement is, therefore, especially very suitable for a lower housing part of one of the mentioned fragile materials.

In another advantageous embodiment of the lighting device, inside the housing is arranged a metal base body on which the semiconductor lighting means are fixed, so that the metal base body is inserted into the lower housing part and is fixed by the upper piece of housing. The metallic base body serves as a support and at the same time represents a cooling element for the semiconductor lighting means, so that a good dissipation of the heat generated by the semiconductor lighting means is produced during operation. Preferably, the surface of the base body closely matches an interior surface of a wall of the housing to enable a good heat transfer in the best possible way.

The lighting device described can in particular be embodied very well as a retrofit lighting device, in which, for example, an appearance and a connection scheme of a conventional light bulb is imitated.

In the following, embodiments of the lighting device according to the invention will be explained in detail with the help of the figures. The exemplary embodiments illustrate other advantageous embodiments of the lighting device or components of the lighting device. The figures show:

FIGS. 1 to 3: in each case, an example of realization of a lighting device in the style of retrofitting in schematic representations in exploded view; Y

Figures 4a to 4c: in each case, a sectional view of the housing of a lighting device in an exemplary embodiment in different assembly states; Y

Figures 5a to 5c: different views of the upper housing part and the lower housing part of the housing shown in Figure 4.

In Figures 1 to 3 are represented three different embodiments of a lighting device according to the request, in each case in an exploded perspective representation. Identical or equivalent elements are identified in these and in the following figures with the same reference numbers.

In the three illustrated embodiments, the lighting device is designed as a lighting device for retrofitting, that is to say, with respect to the electrical connection and also to the design is adapted to the known lighting means, here bulbs with thread of screw (E14 or E27). It must be taken into account that the characteristics shown in this application can also be implemented in lighting devices with another design and / or other connection sockets or connection possibilities, including lighting devices that are not realized as retrofit lamps. In part, the characteristics presented can also be used in other electronic applications that do not have lighting means.

The lighting device has a housing 10 that has a lower housing part 11 and a upper housing part 12 placed on it, so! as a bushing 13 placed in the lower housing part 11 facing the upper housing part 12, which serves to hold the lighting device in a lamp holder and for electrical contact. A threaded connection is provided with additional retention means for the connection of the lower housing part 11 and the upper housing part 12. For this purpose, the parts in the joining area are designed to be correspondingly coupled to each other. By the retention it is avoided that during the transmission of a turning moment the screwing can be unscrewed between the upper piece of casing 12 and the lower piece of casing 11. In this way, the two casing parts 11, 12 are fixed to each other safe against the turn. The joining of the two housing parts 11, 12 is described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Except for the contact surfaces in the bushing 13 the individual parts of the housing 10 are made of plastic, preferably in an injection molding process. At least the upper piece of housing 12 remains translucent, for example transparent or opaque, to supply the light emitted by the lighting device. The upper piece of housing 12 can be advantageously manufactured in a process of injection molding and blowing.

In the housing 10 is inserted a base body 20, which in the cases shown here is formed, respectively, by two pieces and has a lower capsule 21 and an upper capsule 22 joined thereto. The base body 20 has a multiple function. It serves, for example, for the support of semiconductor lighting means 30, hereinafter referred to as lighting means 30, which are fixed to the upper capsule 22. The fixing of the lighting means 30 can be carried out in different ways, for example by gluing, screwing or riveting. In the embodiment examples shown in FIGS. 1-3, the upper capsule 22 on its upper side, on which the illumination means 30 are mounted, has an integrally formed sleeve 221. The sleeve 221 constitutes a piece of tube open on both sides, which at the lower end is fixedly attached to the upper capsule 22. The sleeve 221 can be flared like a rivet after placing the lighting means 30 for fixing the lighting means 30. Alternatively, it is also possible to introduce into the sleeve 221 a screw, preferably self-tapping, with which the lighting means 30 are fixed. The sleeve 221 allows the use of a screw even in case of very thin material thicknesses of the capsule 22. It can also be provided before tightening the screw from above to exert force with a punch on the sleeve 221, whereby the environment of the sleeve 221 is ablated on the upper side of the upper capsule 22. The dent in the upper capsule 22 has an elastic effect and ensures a durable elastic fixation of the lighting means 30.

Furthermore, the base body 20 is made of a good thermal conductor material, preferably a metal such as aluminum, and therefore serves to dissipate the heat produced by the lighting means 30. Both the lower capsule 21, and the upper capsule 22 , they are preferably manufactured in a deep drawing process, which allows a cheap manufacture in case of minimum wall thicknesses. In a particularly preferred manner, the sleeve 221 is formed together in the deep-drawing process. The sleeve 221 is thus realized in the original molding process, with which the upper capsule 22 is brought to its basic shape. In this way, the sleeve 221 is not only integrally formed with the upper capsule 22, but also in a manufacturing step.

The lower capsule 21 and the upper capsule 22 are joined together so that they can be loaded mechanically, so that there is also a good conduction of heat from the upper capsule 22 to the lower capsule 21, so that also the lower capsule 21 can absorb and redirect or emit heat from the lighting means 30. Both elements, the lower capsule 21 and the upper capsule 22, are essentially rotationally symmetrical, so that the joining of the two elements to each other is carried out by means of an adjustment coupling, possibly favored by means of retention in the area of union, for example a thickening or circumferential notch made in the area of union.

When mounted, the base body 20 is essentially capsule shaped, a connection module 40 being housed in its internal cavity. The connection module 40 serves for the conversion of the alternating current of the domestic electric light network supplied through of the bushing 13, for example in the voltage range of 110 volts to 230 volts, in a direct current suitable for supplying the lighting means 30.

According to the invention, the base body 20 and the lower housing part 11 are interlocked with each other. For the interlock, for example, circumferentially in the lower housing part 11 is formed a thickening 211 which fits under the retaining projections of the lower housing part 11. Likewise, the locking is carried out in such a way that a thermal expansion of the housing body is achieved. base 20, in particular of the lower capsule 21 of the base body 20, does not exert any unauthorized load and destroy or fatigue the material on the lower housing part 11. As! there is a good thermal contact between the lower capsule 21 and the lower housing part 11, so that the heat that is produced inside the lighting device is transferred, among other places, through the lower housing part 11. openings 212 through which protruding ribs protrude to receive the connection module 40 (see Figure 5b).

Furthermore, below, in the direction of the bushing 13, there are provided in the lower capsule 21 openings through which the connection cables 41 of the connection module 40 are led towards the bushing 13. In the upper capsule 22 it is also realized an opening, through which an electrical connection of the lighting means 30 is made to the connection module 40. This can be done, for example, through a plug plug 42 preassembled in the semiconductor lighting means 30 , for example welded.

As the embodiment examples of FIGS. 1 to 3 show, the lighting means 30 can have a flat support plate 31, on which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged, here light-emitting diodes 32 (LED-emitting diodes). light). Illumination means 30 configured in this way radiate substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the support plate 31, ie in the direction of the symmetry axis (screw axis) of the lighting device. In order to achieve a radiation also perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, an optical element 50 is provided which, seen in the direction of radiation, is arranged behind the lighting means 30 and influences the radiation characteristics of the lighting device. In the embodiment examples shown, the optical element 50 is mounted on the upper capsule 22.

The optical element 50 is preferably a metal element also manufactured in a deep-drawing process, which due to the fixation to the upper capsule 22 or directly to the supporting plate 31 can also absorb and release heat. Alternatively, the optical element 50 can also be made of plastic, and transparent and / or reflective components can be used.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the optical element 50 has reflective surfaces 51 that are configured in a rotationally symmetric funnel shape. The reflecting surfaces 51 deflect a large part of the radiation emitted by the light emitting diodes 32 radially outwards. In the center the optical element 50 is open, so that another part of the radiation exits axially. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, the optical element 50 comprises a lens 52, which is arranged axially in front of the light diodes 32. The lens 52 is here a dispersing lens, which amps the radiation beam emitted by the light-emitting diodes 32 and, so! It amplifies the radiation characteristic in the radial direction. Due to its flat construction, the lens 52 can advantageously be made as a Fresnel lens. Optical elements 50 having both reflective surfaces 51 and lenses 52 can also be used. The components of the lighting device are made taking into account a possible automation of the manufacturing process, in particular of the assembly process of the lighting device. This includes, for example, that the parts are easily accessible and orientable. In addition, the joints between the parts are preferably quick-clamping and / or retaining links and / or coupling joints, which can be assembled particularly preferably in a common coupling or interlocking direction, particularly preferably along the length of the joint. symmetry axis of the lighting device, which in the case of the sockets 13 shown is also the direction in which the lighting device is screwed into a lamp holder. In the framework of the application, this address is also called axial direction.

The three lighting devices shown in Figures 1 to 3 differ in the exact conformation of their components, the external dimensions and the light output. However, they all have a comparable basic structure. This allows to manufacture in an automated way a plurality of different lighting devices in the same production lines, without requiring significant variations in the production line or in the manufacturing process when changing the model. It creates ace! a type of modular system of construction solutions with which you can respond quickly to market requirements and small changes in components, for example new lighting means. New developments can be integrated flexibly and quickly into new products.

In Figures 4 and 5, the connection between the lower housing part 11 and the upper housing part 12 is shown in more detail. It is understood that an assembly of the housing parts 11, 12 takes place first of all in the manufacturing process when internal construction groups, such as the base body 20, are introduced into the lower housing part 20 with the housing module. 40 built-in connection and lighting means 30 mounted on top. These construction groups are not represented in Figures 4 and 5 for reasons of clarity.

Figure 4 shows the joining process in three representations in section, so that in Figure 4a the lower housing part 11 and the upper housing part 12 are initially separated one from the other. For the connection of the two parts of the housing 10, the lower housing part 11 has threaded sectors 111 facing inwards in the region of its upper open edge. From these threaded sectors 111 along the inner contour of the lower housing part 11 in the illustrated embodiment three threaded sectors 111 are arranged slightly overlapping along the contour. The number of threaded sectors 111 may alternatively also be greater or less than that represented here. Below the area in which the threaded sectors 111 are made, two retaining projections 112 are respectively oriented inwards in this case. Also here the number of retention protrusions 112 may vary in alternative embodiments.

The upper piece of casing 12 is open below and has a circumferential edge in which threaded sectors 121. Also are realized. Threaded sectors 121 are shaped in the upper casing part as short ribs, as can be clearly seen in particular in the Figure 5a. The threaded sectors 121 of the upper housing part are applied in the threaded sectors 111 of the lower housing part so that the upper housing part 12 and the lower housing part 11 can be screwed together. In FIG. 4b, the upper part of casing 12 is placed on the lower piece of casing 11, so that the threaded sectors 111, 121 are coupled to each other for screwing. In the screwed state, which is shown in Figure 4c, the upper housing part 12 is seated with a supporting edge 124 on a region of the thickened upper edge 113 of the lower housing part 11. The supporting edge 124 and the thickened edge area 113 are adapted to each other, so that the transition between the two parts of the housing is as smooth as possible.

At the lower edge of the upper piece of casing 12 two opposing retention cuts 122 are made which are open below. The retention cuts are essentially rectangular, with a spring tab 123 protruding slightly below it on one side. By screwing the upper piece of housing 12 to the lower part of the housing 11, the spring tab 123 passes in front of the retention cut 122. Shortly before the state shown in Figure 4c has been reached during screwing, the spring tongue 123 is placed on retaining projection 112 of the lower housing part 11. As the rotation of the upper housing part 12 with respect to the lower housing part 11 continues, the spring tab 123 curves upwards , before in the turning position shown in Figure 4c, it has reached the upper rear corner of the retaining projection 112 (seen during the rotational movement from the spring tab 123) and bounces downwards. Then it meets its free end on one side of the retaining projection 112. A counterclockwise rotation of the upper housing part with respect to the lower housing part 11 in the retention state of Figure 4c is no longer possible.

In addition, the side of the retention cut 122 opposite the spring tab 123 is located on the other side edge of the retention protrusion 112 or is located at least shortly before this side edge. In the retention position shown in FIG. 4c, it is prevented that the upper casing part 12 is screwed more into the lower casing part 11 by the interlock. In this way, in addition to the collocation of the supporting edge 124 in the thickened upper edge region 113, a connection between the two parts of the housing resistant to rotation in this direction of rotation is also achieved.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, guide ribs 114 can also be seen, which are made in the lower area of the lower housing part 11. These guide ribs 114 serve for housing the connection module 40, which can be inserted with a printed circuit board in these guide ribs 114. To allow insertion, the metal base body 20, which houses the connection module 40 and carries the semiconductor illumination means 30 on its upper side, has corresponding recesses in its side walls. Furthermore, in FIG. 5b, openings 115 can be recognized for the passage of the connection cables 41 of the connection module 40.

List of reference symbols

10 housing

11 lower housing part

111 threaded sector

112 outgoing retention

113 edge support

114 nerve of gluttony

115 opening

12 upper piece of housing

121 threaded sector

122 retention cut

123 spring tongue

13 cap

20 base body

21 lower capsule

211 retention thickening

opening

upper capsule

sleeve

semiconductor lighting means bracket plate

LED (LED)

Connection module

connection cable

plug plug

optical element

reflective surface

lens

Claims (6)

Illumination device with at least one semiconductor lighting means (30) and a plastic housing (10) in which are housed the at least one semiconductor lighting means (30), in which the housing (10) ) comprises a lower casing part (11) and a translucent upper casing part (12) which, in a connection region, projects at least partially into the lower casing part (11), in which the upper casing part (12) ) and the lower casing part (11) are screwed together, there being in the upper casing part (12) and in the lower casing part (11) retaining means that are applied to each other in one or several turning positions. predetermined and prevent the upper casing part (12) from unscrewing from the lower casing part (11), in which one or more threaded sections (111) are made in an upper area of the lower casing part (11) oriented inward, being made in an area of e the threaded sectors (111) or below the area of the threaded sectors (111) in the lower housing part (11) at least one retaining projection (112) facing inward, as retaining means, characterized in that - at the lower edge of the upper casing part (12) at least one retention cut (122) open below it has been made as retention means, one side of the at least one retention cut (122) being made spring tab (123) protruding below, - the retaining projection (112) is adjusted in the retention cut (122) in the detent rotation position, - the spring tab (123) is fitted with its free end on one side of the retaining projection (112) in the position of rotation of retention. Illumination device according to claim 1, in which the retaining means in the engaged state in the predetermined turning position also prevent the screwing of the upper housing part (12) into the lower housing part (11). ). Illumination device according to Claim 1 or 2, in which one or more threaded sectors (121) facing outwards are formed on a lower edge of the upper housing part (12). Illumination device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the spring tab (123) is arranged on the side of the retention cut (122) which is in front during the screwing of the upper housing part ( 12) on the lower housing part (11). Illumination device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which a metal base body (20) on which the semiconductor lighting means (30) are fixed is arranged inside the housing (10), the metal base body (20) being placed on the lower housing part (11) and being fixed by the upper housing part (12). Illumination device according to one of claims 1 to 5, which is embodied as a lighting device for retrofitting.