FR2806542A1 - Socket for window type fluorescent lamp with two contact pins, comprises tubular body which has elastic electrical contacts within slot which has peripheral entry and is orientated to suit window - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket has a cylindrical body (40) mounted on a bracket (5) and the body has a slot (42) in the plane of the cylinder axis and open from the front cylinder face (41) and one part of the periphery. The lamp contacts (310b,311b) enter the slot sideways one after another and are secured electrically and mechanically by elastic contacts which have indentations to receive the contact pins.

Description

The invention relates to a lampholder of a type powered by pairs of contact pins and a lamp holder comprising such lampholders.

It applies more particularly to fluorescent lamps cylindrical tubular shape, longitudinal axis of symmetry.

In this type of lamp, the light emission is substantially omnidirectional with respect to the aforementioned longitudinal axis of symmetry. The invention more particularly applies to fluorescent lamps of particular configuration, of more recent design, called "aperture" according to the commonly used English name, that is to say comprising a longitudinal light emission window current over most of the length of the tube and of small width, relative to the circumference of the tube. The tube has a reflective surface an inner wall outside the window area. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a luminance in the window area that is typically four to five times greater than the luminance of equivalent conventional lamps. By way of non-limiting example, such lamps are sold by the company "PHILIPS" under the following references : "Range 'TUD Aperture" and "Range' TL 'Thumbnail Aperture", each range comes in various electrical powers.

Whatever the type considered, a fluorescent lamp usually consists of a cylindrical light emitting tube extended at both ends by two pairs of contact pins. Each pair of contacts intended to be inserted in a socket of particular configuration.

In known, these bushings consist essentially of a main body surrounding a cylindrical internal member, rotatable about an axis that will call longitudinal. Two sockets of this type are mounted on a support for receiving a fluorescent tube.

An assembly 1 of this type is illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B appended to this description. FIG. 1A illustrates the assembly 1 in side view and FIG. 1B illustrates one of the sockets in front view (from the inside of the assembly 1).

The distance between the sockets 2a and 2b is slightly greater than the length of the body 30 of the fluorescent tube 3, not including end pin pairs 31a and 31b. As a result, the body 30 of the tube can be inserted between the sockets 2a and 2b.

Each bushing, like bushing 2b shown in FIG. 1B, comprises a main body 20b surrounding an internal member 21b, substantially cylindrical and capable of rotational movement around a longitudinal axis a common to the two bushes 2a and 2b. The main body 20b also comprises a slot 22b, vertical in the example described, extending at 23b in the rotary member 21b.

the initial state, the two slots, 22b and 23b, are aligned. can therefore introduce pin pair 31b (or 31A for socket 2a). the diameter of the member and the length of the slot 23b (or their equivalents for the socket are such that they are greater than the distance between the pins, 31b and b (or 310a and 311a). the slot 23b the central member 21b, the pair of pins 31b can drive the latter in rotation about the axis A. To do this, an operator (not shown) can print with his hand a couple forces on the circumference of the tube 3 which forces it to turn about the axis 0. The possible amplitude of the rotation is limited.On the end of rotation, slot in position 23'b, the pins, Ob and 311b (respectively 31). Oa and 311a), are pressed against a pair of electrical contacts (not shown) internal to the sockets, 2a and 2b, to establish a galvanic contact.The latter are conventionally extended connections that end inside the support 10. This usually includes various circuits electrical and / or electronic, such as light emission initiation control circuits, which are connected to a source of external electrical power (AC or other sector).

In final position, after rotation, the slot 23b is no longer in the extension of the slot 22b which opens on the outside of the sleeve 2b. As a result, the pair of pins is locked in this position until rotation in the opposite direction is made.

In summary, the sockets, 2a and 2b, are given a dual function, on the one hand, that of electrical contact of the end pin pairs, 31a and 31b, with external electric control and power circuits. on the other hand, that of temporary locking, so as to secure tube 3 to the support 10, regardless of the orientation in the space thereof.

Note also that these functions must comply with safety standards, including European standards.

consider the case of a fluorescent tube aperture type "supra window"), the sleeves according to the prior art, whose main features have just been recalled, are no longer suitable.

Indeed, to the two functions "galvanic contact" and "lock" mentioned above, adds a very general requirement that the light emission window is of small width, the emission is more omnidirectional. of light is effected, relatively homogeneously, within a solid angle of small amplitude, for example 15 degrees on either side of a mean plane whose orientation is determined by the angular position of the This plane of emission is generally orthogonal to the plane in which the pairs of pins are included.

One of the possible advantageous applications of this type of lamp is lighting by the slice of illuminated signs, street furniture or similar devices. Such devices include one or more panels, for example acrylic material, illuminated by one or more sides, using one or more fluorescent lamps.

readily conceives that tubes of the type "aperture" above can be used advantageously in the context of these applications, precisely because of the directivity of the light emission.

Illuminated panels are generally slightly thicker than the diameter of the tube. It follows that, if the tubes are properly oriented, the panels capture and guide between their main faces most of the light emitted. Patterns (engravings or the like) placed on these faces rebroadcast the light captured towards the front and / or back of the panel.

By this method, we obtain a better light output and energy savings, compared to the more conventional process called "light box" backlit. In addition, by adopting certain provisions specific to signs, which are outside the scope of invention can also achieve a more homogeneous illumination.

The expected benefits, however, strongly depend on a precise angular positioning of the illumination tube, so that the average plane of emission is substantially perpendicular to the edge of the panels, which is difficult to obtain with the sockets known art, especially because of the rotational movement they involve. In addition, even assuming that said angular positioning can be obtained with sufficient accuracy, reliability over time would be very difficult to guarantee, still due to the presence of moving parts subject to mechanical play.

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of known art devices, some of which have just been recalled, and to meet the needs that are felt.

The object of the invention is to provide a socket allowing at the same time a galvanic contact, in complete safety, of the pairs of end pins with contacts inside the socket and a temporary locking of the tube in the sockets, without having to rotate the latter, which allows precise angular positioning of the tube relative to a longitudinal axis.

To do this, the socket according to the invention comprises a body having no moving parts, contrary to the known art. This body is provided with a linear slot, open on a wall and forming a blind hole into which a pair of contact blades opens. The length of the slot is such that two pins of each end pair fully engage in that "and that, in this position, one of the pins abuts on the bottom of the blind hole, or on a stop, and that the two pins are each in contact with a blade end, In addition, the emerging portion of at least one of said blades is provided with elastic properties and a conformation such that the associated pin snaps onto said blade. As a result, by the combined effects of the elastic properties of the material and the shape of the blade, a temporary locking of the tube in the position reached is obtained.

It is found that the assembly / disassembly of the tube in and out of the socket is performed very simply, exerting a pushing force, or on the contrary, withdrawal. Despite this simplicity, however, as in the prior art, a good galvanic contact and a good lock are obtained, while respecting the safety conditions required by the standards in force.

In addition, according to the main object fixed by the invention, it is possible to obtain a precise angular positioning of the tube relative to its axis of symmetry, since it is only necessary to perform a translational movement, following a fixed direction, parallel to the common direction of the slots of the sockets. These can be accurately oriented once and for all relative to a given direction of space, preferably at the time of manufacture or assembly.

In the context of the preferred application of sockets according to the invention, that is to say the lighting by the panel wafer, this determined direction is orthogonal to the wall forming the wafer. The emission window tube is placed opposite the wafer, so that all the luminous flux emitted, or at least the bulk of it, is captured by the wafer surface and enters the inside the panel. The bushings are secured either directly to the panel or to a support carried by it.

The main object of the invention is therefore a lamp holder socket of the type supplied via contact pin pairs, comprising at least one main body provided inside it with internal electrical contact elements intended to establish a galvanic contact with said contacts. pins, characterized in that said main body comprises a slot on a so-called front face and opening on a so-called peripheral body face, so as to receive one of said pairs of contact pins, that one end of said contact elements internal electrical leads into said slot, in that said slot has a length at least equal to the distance separating these contact pins, and in that said slot comprises elastic means allowing a temporary locking of said pins when they are depressed force in said slot, until a pin reaches the bottom of said slot by translation, and a loosening when subjected to a withdrawal force.

The invention further relates to a lamp holder provided with a pair of such sockets.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which - FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate an example of a support assembly of a fluorescent lamp comprising sockets according to the prior art, and a bushings, respectively; FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in perspective, an example of a socket and support for such a socket, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate an example of practical realization of the socket according to FIG. 2; and FIG. 4 is a figure illustrating a detail of an electrical contact element of the socket of FIG. 3C.

In what follows, without limiting in any way the scope, it will be placed below in the context of the preferred application of the invention, unless otherwise specified, that is to say in the case of an "aperture" type fluorescent lamp used to illuminate a signboard by the wafer.

FIG. 2 is a partial view, in perspective, of an assembly comprising an "aperture" type tube 3, a support 5 and a panel 6 illuminated by the wafer 61. The elements common to the preceding figures bear the same references and do not will be re-described only as needed.

The tube 3 is intended to be inserted in sockets according to the invention, now referenced 4. Although a single socket 4 is shown in Figure 2 to simplify the drawing, it must be clear that the assembly comprises two sockets by tube 3, one at each end. this arrangement is common to the known art.

Sockets 4 are themselves secured to the support 5, may be constituted by a frame, a frame attached to the panel 6, a square or similar member, preferably by their rear faces.

According to a first important aspect of the invention, the sleeve 4 comprises no moving part. In the example described, it comprises a cylindrical body 40, for example, whose diameter is of the same order as that of the body 30 of the tube 3, or lateral caps 33. It also comprises a front flange 41. It finally comprises a slot advantageously linear line 42 open on the front and periphery, on top (in the example described) of the body 40. This slot 42 allows insertion and guiding pins 31 Ob and 311 b, in a precise direction, determined l angular orientation in the space of the body 40, with respect to a longitudinal axis 0 parallel to the edge 61 of the panel 6 and its main faces and 62. This panel 6 is assumed to constitute a rectangular parallelepiped. In the example described, the slot 42 extends in a direction parallel to the plane constituted by the wafer 61.

length of the slot 42 is sufficient for the two pins 310b and 1 to penetrate inside thereof. At the end of insertion (position 3 'of the tube), the emission window 32, which is supposed to be located in the lower zone, comes opposite the slice 61, the two pins, <B> 310b < / B> and 311b, being assumed to be inscribed in a plane also parallel to the slice plane 61. Because the bushings, for example the bushing 4, are subject to a fixed support and the only movement allowed for the pins, 310b and 31, is a translational movement between the flanks of the slot 42, angular positioning of the tube in the 3 'position is very accurate and is not, or at least little, subject to variations in time, especially when possible replacements tube 3 (preventive maintenance, failure, etc.)

It is also necessary that the socket 4, according to the invention, provides good galvanic contacts between the pins, 31 Ob and 311b, and blades of internal electrical contacts (not visible in Figure 2). It is also necessary that a temporary locking of the tube 3 in the position will now show, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D, illustrating an example of a practical embodiment of a socket according to the invention, that this ensures also at best the two functions mentioned above. elements common to the preceding figures bear the same references will be re-described only as necessary.

these figures, the slot 42 has been represented arbitrarily horizontal.

3A illustrates in section the sleeve 4. The body is essentially a housing closed on the front by the flange does not represent in this figure the internal organs to the sleeve 4.

rear face 44 of the housing 40 supports means fixing the socket to an external support, for example the support 5 of Figure 2. In the example described, these fixing means are advantageously constituted by pins, 45a and 45b, ( see figure 3D) placed on a diameter, in peripheral zones. They have a bulge on their free end. pins, 45a and 45b, are intended to be "clipped" force into holes (not shown) made on a support (for example figure: 5) sockets which allows to define a spatial position of the sleeve and so of the slit 42, well defined.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 3B, opposite, in a manner well known per se, there is provided a mouth, flared or beveled slot of the slot, which allows easier introduction of pins, 31 Ob and 1b (Figure 2 ).

3C shows in front view, the inner sleeve 4, the front flange 41 having been removed. It can be seen that the slot 42 comprises a bottom stop, which limits the amplitude of the translation of the pins, and 311 b, towards the inside of the socket 4. When the pins, 31 lb, are fully inserted, the pin 311 b is stopped in its progression by this stopper According to another characteristic, there are provided two contact blades, 7a 7b, of conductive metal, arranged head to tail and secured to the body The first, 7a, opens into the slot 42, in a zone close to the opening 420. The second is disposed in an area near the bottom of the slot, that is to say close to the stop 421. When the pins 310b and penetrate into the slot 42, the first passes all first between the free end the contact blade 7a and the lip 422 (upper in the example described) the slot 42, then between the free end of the contact blade 7b and the lip (lower) of the slot 42 It remains stuck in this position because of the presence of the b 421, or in the absence of abutment itself on a bottom wall in office. The pin 311b enters between the free end of the contact blade 7a and the lip 422 (upper) of the slot 42. It is arranged that the distance between the upper ends of the blades, 7a and 7b, correspond to the distance between the pins, 31 Ob and 311 b. The blade end lengths, 7a and 7b, emerging in the slot 42, must also be determined so that, at no time during the translational movement of the pins, 31b and 311b, two pins are simultaneously put into position. contact with one or other of the ends of the blades, and 7b.

The material composing the blades, 7a and 7b, is provided with elastic properties. Due to this elasticity, the ends of the blades are held firmly against the pins, 31 Ob and 311b, which ensures a good galvanic contact.

It is also arranged so that at least one of the blade ends, or 7b, and preferably both, are endowed with a configuration such that one or both of the pins come ( nen) t snap into it.

3C, it has been assumed that the two pins have snapped between blade ends, 7a and 7b, and the opposite lips, 422 and 423, of the slot To better illustrate this arrangement, two end positions have been shown. of the blade, before (7a) and after (7'a) snapping of the pin 310b. To obtain this final locking position, it is sufficient to exert a thrust on the ends of the tube 3. The withdrawal is carried out just as easily by exerting a force in the opposite direction.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a possible example of blade end configuration 70a, 7a in this case, allowing this snap. The end 70a is in the form of a hemicylindrical recession, dual in shape of the cylindrical wall of the pin Ob.

Despite the simplicity of implementation, the provision just described makes it possible to achieve the desired function of temporary locking very reliably.

As illustrated more particularly by FIG. 3D, which represents the socket in rear view, the contact blades, 7a and 7b, are finally electrically connected to external connections 8a and 8b (or spring themselves from the body of the socket 4, by a second end), which makes it possible to bring any useful supply voltage.

For the sake of clarity, in a practical example, the tube body 3 has a typical diameter of 16 mm in the useful central area (light emitter) 19 mm at the ends (base supporting the pins).

body 40 of the sleeve 4 is cylindrical in shape with a typical diameter of between 16 and 19 mm. The length of the slot 42 is typically equal to the two-thirds diameter of the body 40. The material making up the body 40 is usually an insulating plastic and may be selected from the materials used in the known art.

Reading of the foregoing, it is easy to see how the invention achieves the goals it has set for itself.

It must be clear, however, that the invention is not limited to the only examples of embodiments explicitly described, especially in relation to FIGS. 2 to 4.

In particular, although the bushing 4 has been assumed to have a substantially cylinder structure, the body 40 can take different configurations: square or rectangular section for example, without departing from the scope of the invention. The contact blades can be placed even on the slot side. It is also possible to provide two sets of contact blades facing each other between which the pins slide until they lock on the bottom of the slot.

Of course, the scope of application is not limited to lamps only type "aperture" above, although in this case the implementation of bushings according to the invention is particularly advantageous.They can indeed serve as support for any lamp type fluorescent or not, tubular or non-tubular, with pairs of lateral pins.

Claims (1)

<B> <U> CLAIMS </ U> <B> </ B> </ B> </ B> </ B> 1. Support socket for a lamp of the type supplied via pairs of contact pins, comprising at least one main body provided with its bosom of internal electrical contact elements intended to establish a galvanic contact with one of said pins, characterized in that said main body (40) comprises a slot (42) on a so-called front face (41) and opening on a so-called peripheral face (43) of said body (40) to receive one of said pairs of contact pins <B> (310b, </ b> 311b), that one end of said internal electrical contact elements (7a , 7b) opens into said slot (42), in that said slot has a length at least equal to the distance separating these contact pins <B> (310b, </ b> 311b), and in that said slot (42) comprises resilient means for temporarily locking said pins (310b, 311b) when they are depressed by force in said slot (42), until a pin (311b) reaches the bottom of said slot (42) by translation, and a release when subjected to a withdrawal force. 2. Bushing according to claim 1, characterized in that, said internal contact elements <I> (7a, 7b) </ I> being constituted by blades of conductive material with elastic properties, said elastic means are constituted by ends of these blades (7a, 7b) opening into said slot (42), and in that, when said pins (31 Ob, 311b) are in said locking position, said blade ends (7a, 7b) exert a pressing force on said pins (31 Ob, 311b) so as to press them against an opposite lip (421, 422) of said slot (42). <B> 3. </ B> Lampholder according to claim 2, characterized in that said blade ends (7a, 7b) are provided with recessions (70a) of dual shape of that of the wall of said contact pins <B> (310b, </ b> 311b), in which these latch. <B> 4. </ B> Socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a so-called rear face (44), opposite said front face (41 carrying said slot (42), is provided with fastening means (45a, 45b) to a support (5), for orienting said slot (42) in a determined spatial direction and for said pairs of contact pins (31,311 b) to be aligned in that determined spatial direction when in said locked position. <B> 5. </ B> Lampholder according to claim 4, characterized in that said main body (40) is in the form of a cylinder and in that said fixing means are constituted by two spikes (45a, 45b) placed on a diameter of said cylinder, in peripheral zones, and in that said spikes (45a, 45b) are provided, on their free ends, with protrusions intended to be driven by force, by snapping, in orifices placed on said support (5), of to define said determined direction. <B> 6. </ B> Socket according to claim 5, characterized in that the length of said slot (42) is equal to two-thirds of said diameter. <B> 7. </ B> Lamp holder characterized in that it comprises a pair of sockets according to any one of claims 1 to 6, each sleeve being disposed at one end of said support (5). <B> 8. </ B> Support according to claim 7, characterized in that said lamp is fluorescent lamp (3) said window, comprising a tube (30) provided at two ends with a pair of contact pins ( 310b, 31 and in central part of a longitudinal light emitting window (32), in that the light emitted is circumscribed in a solid angle around the mean plane of emission and in that said slots (42) of the socket are arranged in a determined common spatial direction, so as to orient said average transmission plane in this common determined spatial direction, when said pairs of contact pins Ob, 1b) are in said locked position.