WO2009117816A1 - Connecteur de néon - Google Patents

Connecteur de néon Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009117816A1
WO2009117816A1 PCT/CA2009/000362 CA2009000362W WO2009117816A1 WO 2009117816 A1 WO2009117816 A1 WO 2009117816A1 CA 2009000362 W CA2009000362 W CA 2009000362W WO 2009117816 A1 WO2009117816 A1 WO 2009117816A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
neon
cable
connector
sleeving
adapter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/000362
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Pierre-André LAROCQUE
Original Assignee
Larocque Pierre-Andre
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Larocque Pierre-Andre filed Critical Larocque Pierre-Andre
Publication of WO2009117816A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009117816A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/52—Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
    • H01R13/5205—Sealing means between cable and housing, e.g. grommet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J5/00—Details relating to vessels or to leading-in conductors common to two or more basic types of discharge tubes or lamps
    • H01J5/50—Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it
    • H01J5/54—Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it supported by a separate part, e.g. base
    • H01J5/56—Shape of the separate part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J5/00—Details relating to vessels or to leading-in conductors common to two or more basic types of discharge tubes or lamps
    • H01J5/50—Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it
    • H01J5/54—Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it supported by a separate part, e.g. base
    • H01J5/62—Connection of wires protruding from the vessel to connectors carried by the separate part
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/04—Electrodes; Screens; Shields
    • H01J61/06—Main electrodes
    • H01J61/067—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps
    • H01J61/0672—Main electrodes for low-pressure discharge lamps characterised by the construction of the electrode
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00—Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02—Details
    • H01J61/36—Seals between parts of vessels; Seals for leading-in conductors; Leading-in conductors
    • H01J61/366—Seals for leading-in conductors
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R33/00—Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
    • H01R33/05—Two-pole devices
    • H01R33/06—Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other
    • H01R33/08—Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other for supporting tubular fluorescent lamp

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to means to provide an insulated connection between the wires of the power supply cable and a neon tube electrode required in the installation of neon tubes and more particularly to a neon connector which is adaptable to a plurality of power supply cable sizes.
  • Neon signs comprise glass tubes which are bent into various configurations and have electrodes sealed into their opposite ends.
  • the color of the light which is emitted when a high electric potential is applied across the electrodes depends on the particular inert gas with which the tube is filled.
  • Argon, krypton and neon are the most commonly used gases, but for the sake of brevity, all light emitting gas filled tubes to which the new connector is applicable will be called 'neon' tubes herein.
  • Wires typically extend from the electrodes through the pinched-off ends of the glass tube and insulated wires in a cable which extend from a high voltage power supply are directly connected to the electrode wires and the connections are wrapped with insulating tape or a heat-shrinkable insulating tube.
  • Fine gauge supply wire is used because the current through a neon tube is relatively small, in the milliampere range, but the power supplies have high output voltage. Voltages may range from about 6,000 volts to 15,000 volts which, needless to say, produces trauma when voltages at that level are accidentally applied to the human body.
  • the lead wires from the power supply to the neon tube are usually covered with a very flexible insulating material such as rubber.
  • a neon tube electrode especially those used in modern advertising signs, often must be mounted outdoors where it is subject to a variety of adverse weather conditions.
  • the electrical connection between each tube electrode and its associated power cable such as GTO cable requires protection from moisture and other adverse components of the environment. If these connections are not properly covered, the useful life of the sign will decrease and hazardous shorts can occur which create a safety hazard at the site of such signage.
  • the voltage necessary to start neon tubes changes depending of the charge needed for a particular neon sign.
  • the cable sizes are thus variables and it is usually necessary to have a plurality of connector parts to adapt to the multiple cable sizes that are used.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a neon connector which is simple to install and which has the versatility for use with straight on or double back installations.
  • the aforesaid and other objectives of the present invention are realized by generally providing a neon connector providing an insulated connection between the neon electrode of a neon tube and the wires of a power supply cable, the neon connector being adaptable to a plurality of cable sizes, the neon connector comprising a cable sleeving adapter portion having a generally cylindrical shape, the cable sleeving adapter portion comprising a cylindrical cavity, and wherein the cylindrical cavity has a plurality of longitudinally extending sections, each section having a predetermined diameter, and a housing portion, the housing portion comprising at least one opening to receive the electrode .
  • the present invention in another embodiment, provides a neon connector providing an insulated connection between the neon electrode of a neon tube and the wires of a power supply cable having a predetermined diameter, the neon connector comprising a cable sleeving adapter element having a generally cylindrical shape, the cable sleeving adapter element comprising a cylindrical cavity having a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter corresponding to the predetermined diameter, and a housing element, the housing element comprising at least one opening to receive the electrode of the neon tube.
  • the neon connector of the present invention is adaptable to the straight on type of installation as well to the double back type of installation.
  • the housing portion is a sleeve portion having a generally cylindrical shape and comprising a first end and a second end.
  • the housing portion is an end cap portion, the cap comprising a first and a second cylindrical cavities.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion is cut prior to the installation at predetermined position, as necessary to accommodate the actual size of the cable to be used.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion is cut at predetermined positions so that is it adapted to receive a particular cable size.
  • the predetermined positions may be indicated by different means, such as for example, a parting line or an arrow.
  • the sleeving adapter element or portion is distinct from the housing portion or element and is available in a plurality of configuration, each designed to be used with a given cable size.
  • the housing portion is a sleeve portion.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion is slid on the cable by inserting the cable into the first extremity of the cable sleeving adapter portion.
  • the sleeve portion is then slid on the cable by inserting the cable into its first extremity.
  • the wires of the power supply cable are connected to the electrode of the neon tube, and the cable sleeving adapter portion is then inserted into the sleeve portion through its first extremity and the electrode of the neon tube is inserted into the sleeve portion through its second extremity.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion is slid on the cable as mentioned previously, through the first extremity.
  • the connection is made between the wires of the power supply cable and the electrode of the neon tube.
  • the neon electrode is then inserted into the first cavity of the end cap portion and the cable sleeving adapter portion into the second cavity of the end cap portion.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion is preferably designed so that a force is necessary to remove the power supply cable. This force is typically of three pounds but it may vary. Each portion of the cable sleeving adapter having a particular diameter has a minimal length which is chosen so it is possible to have the desired friction to obtain the retention force for each diameter.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion and the housing portion are made of a material which is prefererably slightly resilient and which is preferably also flame retardant, such as, for example, PyroleneTM.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the cable sleeving adapter portion.
  • Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the cable sleeving adapter portion shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3a is a cross-side view of the embodiment of the cable sleeving adapter portion shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3b is a cross-side view of another embodiment of the cable sleeving adapter portion.
  • Figure 4a is a partially exploded front view showing the installation process to connect the neon connector to a neon tube.
  • Figure 4b is a cross-side view showing the neon connector as connected to a neon tube electrode.
  • Figures 5a to 5d are cross-side views of the neon connector as used with four different cable sizes with a straight on housing portion.
  • Figures 6a to 6d are cross-side views of the neon connector as used with four different cable sizes with a double back housing portion.
  • Figure 7 is a partially exploded front view showing the installation process to connect another embodiment of the neon connector, wherein the cable sleeving adapter portion and the housing portion are unitary, to a neon tube.
  • Figure 8 is a cross-side view showing the embodiment of Figure 7 as connected to a neon tube electrode.
  • Figure 9 is cross-side view of a further embodiment of the neon connector, wherein the cable sleeving adapter portion and the housing portion are unitary, as connected to a neon tube electrode.
  • Figures 1, 2 and 3a illustrate the cable sleeving adapter portion 100.
  • Figure 3b show a second embodiment of the cable sleeving adapter portion.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 has a generally cylindrical shape.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion of Figure 3a comprises two cylindrical cavities, a first cylindrical cavity 110 and a second cylindrical cavity 115 each one having different diameters to accommodate two sizes of cable (not shown).
  • the parting line 120 indicates where the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 has to be cut when a cable having a size corresponding to the second cylindrical cavity 115 is used.
  • a portion of the second cylindrical cavity 115, the longer portion, is slightly tapered to facilitate the insertion or the removal of the cable.
  • the second embodiment of Figure 3b comprises four cylindrical cavities 160, 162, 164 and 166.
  • a portion of the fourth cylindrical 166, the longer portion, is slightly tapered.
  • Figures 4a and 4b show the connection between a neon tube 430 and a cable 405.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 410 is cut if necessary to correspond to the cable size to be used.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 410 is slid over the cable 405 followed by the housing portion 415.
  • the wires 420 are then connected to the electrode 425 of the neon tube 430.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 410 is inserted into the first end 442 of the housing portion 415 and the neon 430 is inserted into the second end 444 of the housing portion 415.
  • Figures 5a to 5d show the neon connector, comprising a housing portion 140 and the cable sleeving adapter portion 100, as used with four sizes of cable (the wires of the electrode and of the cable are not shown in some of the figures).
  • the housing portion shown in these figures is of the straight on type, also called a sleeve portion.
  • the neon electrode 225 of the neon tube 220 is inserted into the sleeve portion 140 through the second end 144 and the cable sleeving adapter portion through the first end 142.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is used as is, the cable 210 corresponding to the first diameter 230.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is cut so that a cable 212 corresponding to diameter of the second cylindrical cavity 232 may be used.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is cut to accommodate cable 214 and 216 having diameters corresponding to the third cylindrical cavity 234 and the fourth cylindrical cavity 236 respectively.
  • a double back type of housing portion is shown, also referred as an end cap portion.
  • the end cap portion 310 comprises a first cylindrical cavity 350 and a second cylindrical cavity 355 that are adapted to receive the neon electrode 335 of the neon tube 320 and the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 respectively. It is possible to see the utility of the flat section 130 in these picture; indeed, it allows the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 to be closer to the neon tube 320.
  • the neon electrode 335 of the neon tube 320 is inserted into the electrode cavity 350 of the end cap portion 310 and the cable sleeving adapter portion into the cavity 355.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is used as is, the cable 210 corresponding to the first cylindrical cavity 230.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is cut so that a cable 212 corresponding to the second cylindrical cavity 232 may be used.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 100 is cut to accommodate cable 214 and 216 having diameters corresponding to the third cylindrical cavity 234 and the fourth cylindrical cavity 236 respectively.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show the connection between a neon tube 730 and a cable 705 wherein the cable sleeving adapter portion and the housing portion are unitary.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 710 is cut if necessary corresponding to the cable size to be used.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 710 is slid over the cable 705 until the cable exits at the opposite end of the housing portion so that the wires of the cable are accessible.
  • the wires 720 are then connected to the electrode 725 of the neon tube 730. When this connection is made, the neon 730 is inserted into the housing portion 715.
  • FIG. 9 a double back type of housing portion and a cable sleeving adapter portion that are unitary.
  • the end cap portion 910 comprises a first cylindrical cavity 950 and a second cylindrical cavity 955 that are adapted to receive the neon electrode 935 of the neon tube 920.
  • the cable sleeving adapter portion 900 is connected to the housing portion
  • the cable 920 is inserted into the cable sleeving adapter portion 900 and the wires of the cable 920 are pull out of the cavity 950 to be connected to the neon electrode 935.
  • the neon electrode 935 of the neon tube 920 is then inserted into the electrode cavity 950 of the end cap portion 910.

Landscapes

  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Abstract

Le connecteur de néon décrit dans l'invention comprend une protection isolante pour le raccordement entre l'électrode d'un tube au néon et les fils du câble d'alimentation électrique, le connecteur de néon étant conçu pour s'adapter à plusieurs tailles de câbles. Le connecteur comprend un partie logement et une partie adaptateur de gaine de câble- La partie adaptateur de gaine de câble comprend une cavité cylindrique présentant un diamètre qui correspond à la taille de câble sélectionnée. Dans un mode de réalisation privilégié, une partie de la partie adaptateur de gaine de câble est coupée de manière à exposer la taille de câble souhaitée. La partie logement permet l'isolation du raccordement entre les électrodes du tube au néon et le câble haute tension. Le connecteur de néon peut s'adapter à une installation directe ainsi qu'à une double installation arrière.
PCT/CA2009/000362 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Connecteur de néon WO2009117816A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2,627,236 2008-03-26
CA 2627236 CA2627236A1 (fr) 2008-03-26 2008-03-26 Connecteur de tube fluorescent

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009117816A1 true WO2009117816A1 (fr) 2009-10-01

Family

ID=41111079

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2009/000362 WO2009117816A1 (fr) 2008-03-26 2009-03-26 Connecteur de néon

Country Status (2)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2627236A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009117816A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5483124A (en) * 1994-04-26 1996-01-09 Spencer Gifts, Inc. Neon illumination system
US5838860A (en) * 1993-05-21 1998-11-17 Super Vision International, Inc. Fiber optic light source apparatus and method
US6638088B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2003-10-28 Anthony, Inc. Lighting circuit, lighting system method and apparatus, socket assembly, lamp insulator assembly and components thereof
US7270555B2 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-09-18 Chih Hsien Wu Car interior LED lamp adapter electrical connector structure

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5838860A (en) * 1993-05-21 1998-11-17 Super Vision International, Inc. Fiber optic light source apparatus and method
US5483124A (en) * 1994-04-26 1996-01-09 Spencer Gifts, Inc. Neon illumination system
US6638088B1 (en) * 1997-04-23 2003-10-28 Anthony, Inc. Lighting circuit, lighting system method and apparatus, socket assembly, lamp insulator assembly and components thereof
US7270555B2 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-09-18 Chih Hsien Wu Car interior LED lamp adapter electrical connector structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2627236A1 (fr) 2009-09-26

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