(19)
(11)EP 0 151 598 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
08.06.1988 Bulletin 1988/23

(21)Application number: 84902829.5

(22)Date of filing:  18.07.1984
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC)4H01R 33/08
(86)International application number:
PCT/NL8400/022
(87)International publication number:
WO 8500/700 (14.02.1985 Gazette  1985/04)

(54)

LAMPHOLDER ASSEMBLY FOR LOOP-, U- OR PI-SHAPED GAS DISCHARGE OR FLUORESCENT LAMPS WITH A SINGLE LAMP CAP

HALTERUNG FÜR EINE SCHLINGEN-, U-, ODER PI-FÖRMIGE GASENTLADUNGS- ODER LEUCHTSTOFFLAMPE MIT EINEM EINZIGEN LAMPENFUSS

ASSEMBLAGE PORTE-LAMPE POUR LAMPES FLUORESCENTES OU LUMINESCENTES EN FORME DE BOUCLE, AVEC UN PIED SIMPLE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH DE FR GB LI LU NL SE

(30)Priority: 20.07.1983 NL 8302595
25.06.1984 NL 8402000

(43)Date of publication of application:
21.08.1985 Bulletin 1985/34

(73)Proprietor: KUIPER, Adrianus Maria
NL-1121 AR Landsmeer (NL)

(72)Inventor:
  • KUIPER, Adrianus Maria
    NL-1121 AR Landsmeer (NL)


(56)References cited: : 
DE-B- 1 127 467
FR-A- 1 069 157
GB-A- 2 077 488
US-A- 3 353 140
DE-C- 838 631
GB-A- 1 189 467
US-A- 2 298 824
US-A- 3 582 866
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The invention relates to a lampholder assembly for at least one of a loop-, u- or pi-shaped gas discharge lamp of fluorescent lamp having a single lamp cap, including means for receiving said lamp cap means for electrical connection to a ballast and means for connection to an electrical power supply.

    [0002] Such a lampholder assembly is known from GB-A-2,077,488. The lampholder disclosed in the reference comprises two electrical contacts for giving connection to both a ballast and an electrical power supply. No further information is given as to how such connections should be made and how the external wiring between ballast and electrical power supply should be devised.

    [0003] In the reference cited as pi-shaped gas discharge orfluorescent lamp is in particular described. Such lamp comprises two or more glass fluorescent tubes, located parallel to one another, or in any spatial relationship, and joined together at one or both ends of the glass flurescent tubes, so that one continuous glass fluorescent tube is formed, the ends of which are connected with a single lamp cap, which lamp cap is provided with at least two electrical pin-shaped or similar contacts for fitting into the lampholder.

    [0004] A loop- or u-shaped gas discharge orfluorescent lamp comprises one or more loop- or u-shaped glass fluorescent tubes, of which at least the ends are connected with a single lamp cap, whereby the lamp cap is provided with at least two electrical pin-shaped or similar contacts for fitting into the lampholder.

    [0005] The single lamp cap or base of the loop-, u- or pi-shaped gas discharge or fluorescent lamp may be provided with an integrated starter, as is the case with the lamp disclosed in the reference mentioned hereinabove. However, in case the lamp cap does not have an integrated starter, the loop, u- or pi-shaped gas discharge or fluorescent lamp has to be electrically connected with a separate starter unit, for which purpose the lamp cap is provided with two additional electrical pin-shaped or similar contacts. The invention relates to lampholders for any shape and size of the single lamp can and for any shape and size of the loop-, u- or pi-shaped gas discharge fluorescent tubes.

    [0006] Loop-, u- or pi-shaped lamps with a single lamp cap are nowadays marketed under trade names such as PL, PLC, Dulux and Lynx. In this specification such lamps will also be named PL-lamps.

    [0007] In order to connect the PL lamp, with integrated or separate starter, to the electrical power supply a ballast must be incorporated, in accordance with the relative connecting diagram.

    [0008] In known lampholders, the PL lamps are fitted into the lampholder by means of a lamp cap with electrical pin contacts, whereas the relative connections between PL lamp, or PL lamps, any necessary starters, ballast and electrical power supply are effected by wiring in accordance with the relative connecting diagram.

    [0009] Such method for connecting the PL lamps, ballast and any starters to the electrical power supply provides a problem, in that a certain wiring has to be done in accordance with the relevant connecting diagram.

    [0010] Object of the invention is to provide a lampholder assembly in which the above-mentioned disadvantages do not or hardly occur. This object is achieved with a lampholder assembly characterized by electrical interconnections contained within the lampholder and providing an electrical circuit, the circuit including the means for connection to the lamp cap, the means for connection to the ballast and the means for connection to an electrical power supply, and is further characterised in that said means for connection to the ballast comprises two or more electrical contacts and said means for connection to an electrical power supply comprises two or more electrical contacts.

    [0011] An advantage of the lampholder of the invention is that no external wiring is required, which promotes the ease of handling the PL-iamp system. Furthermore the construction according to the invention makes it possible to combine lampholder and ballast into a more or less integrated structure which looks attractive and can easily be built in into lighting fixtures and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the lampholder of the invention said two or more electrical contacts for connection to said ballast have the form of a female plug for receiving a ballast provided with connecting means having the form of a male plug. In such embodiments the ballast may be attached to a base plate and said base plate and lampholder may comprise means to fixedly connect the lampholder to the base plate in a position wherein the male plug of the ballast is received in the lampholders female plug.

    [0012] The interal electrical interconnections and the electrical contacts in the lampholder may be incorporated into the body of the lampholder, for example by moulding in plastic. However, in a preferred embodiment the lampholder casing may consist of at least two sections, of plastic for example, whether or not hinged together, having at least one common tangent plane, with recesses and protrusions in at least one of said sections in the tagent plane, for fitting the electrical contacts and the internal electrical interconnections into the lampholder, whereby these parts may be integrated or may be spring mounted or constructed as a spring element, so that when the two sections of the lampholder are clamped together an electrical connection is made between those electrical contacts which have to be connected together. For the internal electrical interconnections also a printed circuit may be used with a separate printed circuit board, orthe printed circuit may be attached to at least one internal surface of the lampholder sections, whereby, if the printed circuit is attached on more than one surface, crossing of the interconnections can be realized and parts of the printed circuit can be joined together and, if required, transferred from one surface to another. The printed circuit may be coated completely, or partially with an electrically insulative layer.

    [0013] In one embodiment of the lampholder assembly of the invention the lampholder is provided with additional internal electrical connections and additional electrical contacts so that a separate starter unit may be connected to or a starter unit may be integrated in the lampholder. This embodiment is to be used in cases that the lamp itself does not contain a starter unit, and thus is different from the lamp disclosed in GB-A-2,077,488.

    [0014] The incorporation of a starter unit in the lampholder for a gas discharge lamp is already known for tubular lamps. Such constructions have been disclosed for instance in DE-C-838,631 and DE-B-1,127,467.

    [0015] The lampholder assembly according to the invention may be constructed such as to accommodate a single lamp. However, it is also possible to devise the assembly in such a way that two or even more lamps can be received.

    [0016] In an assembly for a single PL-lamp the construction may be such that the PL-lamp is located in parallel position relative to the ballast. An assembly for two PL-lamps may be such that the lamps are located parallel to each other above the ballast. Of course other embodiments are possible and any spatial relationship between lamp or lamps and ballast may be devised. In case a starter is to be connected separately to the lampholder the lampholder should be provided with relative additional electrical interconnections. With the design and dimensions of the lamp-holder, the shape and size of the parts to be joined together, namely the PL lamp or PL lamps, the ballast, lighting fixture, any reflecting or backing plate to be applied and any starter to be connected separately, must, of course, be reckoned with. Similarly, the desired spatial relationship of the PL lamp or lamps in respect of each other, the ballast and the surroundings will influence the design and dimensions of the lampholder.

    [0017] The measurements and weight of the available ballasts has a considerable influence on the shape and size of the lampholder and on the method of mounting it. Thus, with the use of the electric ballast at present available, this part is the heaviest and can be fixed to the surroundings so that the lampholder can be connected to the ballast, as will be explained later. In the future there will be electronic ballasts, with smaller dimensions and less weight, through which it will be possible for the lampholder to be connected to the surroundings and to connect the ballast to the lampholder by means of electrical pin, pen, wire, strip of similar contacts.

    [0018] The lampholder offers possibilities for further integration of the lampholder with an electronic ballast, which will be small in size and can have a printed circuit board with the electronic components on it, by directly connecting the printed circuit board of the electronic ballast to the lampholder's electrical contacts for the ballast, and fitting it into the lampholder, which possibility also applies for fitting an electronic starter into the lampholder, if required. In connection with the above, the embodiment of the lampholder with a separate printed circuit board in the lampholder offers the possibility to carry the integration still further, by attaching the electronic components of the ballast and any starter and the relative wiring to the printed circuit board of the lampholder. For manufacturing the different variations of the form and construction of the printed circuit board, a flexible wiring and mounting technique can be applied. The advantage of assembling the electronic components of ballast and any starter with the lampholder, instead of assembling these electronic components into the lamp cap, is, that the number of, so called, burning hours of the lamp is smaller than the working hours of the electronic components.

    [0019] In the drawings of this application, which depicts possible embodiments of the lampholder, the existing shapes and sizes of the available electrical or electronical parts to be connected to the lampholder, such as the ballast and any starter, have always been used as a basis, but however, when smaller electrical or electronic parts are connected with or fitted into the lampholder, these can be located in one or more in- or external recesses in the lampholder, whereby, when the electrical contacts are constructed with spring elements, as described in this application, the electrical contact can be achieved by locking or closing the lampholder, in which case, of course, shape and size of the interior and exterior of the lampholder can be suitably adapted.

    [0020] In the embodiment descriptions and in the claims, the various possible arrangements of the lampholder and the relative spatial relationships of the parts to be connected have not been gone into further, because these are obviously considered as part of the invention.

    [0021] In a lampholder assembly in which the electrical contacts for the ballast and the electrical contacts for the electrical power supply are identical or interchangeable, the lampholder has two possibilities for the positioning of the lampholder, and thus of the lamp, in respect of the ballast and the surroundings; for example, lamp and ballast in alignment or perpendicualr to one another, or in alignment or parallel. For certain purposes, it is prescribed that the non-current carrying metal parts of the lighting installations must be earthed. This can be done by constructing the lampholder in a preferred embodiment, with electrical earthing contacts and metal interconnections for earthing the non-current carrying metal parts of the electrical parts which are to be connected to the lampholder.

    [0022] The electrical interconnections of the lampholder can be made internally in the lampholder or externally on the lampholder, with an electrically insulative layer that may be provided.

    [0023] The electrical contacts of the lampholder, for connecting the electrical parts to the lampholder, are, preferably, made internally. The internal electrical contacts and electrical interconnections in the lampholder can be realised by construction of the lampholder casing by means of an injection moulding process in plastic for example, with the electrical contacts and electrical interconnections, such as wiring or other conductive metal parts, moulded-in. The internal electrical interconnections in the lampholder can also be made of metal parts or strips, which can be connected to the metal electrical contacts inside the lampholder by constructing the lampholder as an injection moulding casing, which can be clamped shut, which casing can be made of non-conductive material, such as plastic, with holes externally in the casing for the electrical connections of the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder, whereby the injection moulding casing can be composed of two or more sections, whether or not hinged together, with a common tangent plane and recesses with protrusions in at least one of the sections, for the electrical contacts and the electrical interconnections which have to be fitted into it. The locking mechanism of the lampholder sections can be moulded in and constructed in such a way, that when the lampholder sections are shut they are interlocked, while also screws can be used to clamp both sections together.

    [0024] The hinged constructions between the lampholder sections can be moulded in with the lampholder sections which can be clamped shut. The common tangent plane of the lampholder sections can be made to overlap each other. As is evident from the above, the lampholder sections can also be manufactured separately, without a moulded hinged connection, or as an open casing with a cover.

    [0025] When the electrical contacts and electrical interconnections are fitted into the recesses and between the protrusions, they can be clamped in such a way, that during clamping the lampholder sections together, the electrical contacts and the electrical interconections remain in place. The internal electrical interconnections can be constructed as metal parts in such a way, that they are integrated with the electrical contacts for the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder.

    [0026] The possible external electrical interconnections of the lampholder can be made with insulated wiring or with a printed circuit or circuits with an electrically insulative layer.

    [0027] The internal electrical interconnections of the lampholder can also be realised by producing the lampholder casing in two sections, with recesses and protrusions or with protruding edges in the recesses in the surface or common tanent plane of at least one lampholder section, and fitting or attaching the wiring circuit, whether or not printed, completely or partly, into the recesses or onto each of the respective surfaces or protrusion planes of the section or sections, whereby the tangent plane or surface of at least one section can be provided in such a way with recesses and protrusions that, if necessary, the wiring circuit can be crossed or be transferred at one or more points from one surface to another and so doing make interconnection possible between the relative electrical contacts of the lampholder. When using a printed circuit for the electrical interconnections of the lampholder, a printed circuit board, whether or not provided with the electrical contacts for the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder, can be used and fitted inside the lampholder, by constructing the lampholder with an injection moulding casing which can be opened and shut, whereby the lampholder is externally provided with holes for the electrical contacts of the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder. The internal electrical interconnections of the lampholder can also be realised by wiring. The electrical contacts of the lampholder can each be of another construction or type, and can be made as a spring mounted or constructed metallic element for the resilient contact or clamping of an electrical pin, pen, wire, strip or similar contact of the electrical part to be connected, or of the electrical power supply, whereby the spring mounted or constructed element can be shaped in a such a way, that the electrical contact of the electrical part to be connected can be brought into resilient contact with the spring element and can be disconnected from it by pulling back the pin or similar contact, or can be put into or taken out of the spring or clamping element so that respectively by pressing and sliding or clamping electrical contact is obtained.

    [0028] The resilient electrical contacts of the lampholder, can push back the pin or similar contacts of the electrical part to be connected to the lampholder, for which it may be necessary for the electrical part to be mechanically locked, for which provisions can be made in the lampholder and the ballast. The resilient electrical contacts in the lampholder can be made so that the lampholder can be used for several types of ballasts, with the electrical pin or similar contacts in different sizes, distances, and heights or positions, whereby in the connected situation of ballast and lampholder, the electrical pin or similar contacts of the ballast can be perpendicular to the relative resilient electrical contacts of the lampholder, which contacts can be constructed in the form of a strip.

    [0029] The electrical contacts of the lampholder can be made with a spring element, so that the electrical contacts of the electrical parts to be connected can be inserted into it, but cannot be removed without eliminating the clamping and blocking action of the electrical contacts of the lampholder, for which provisions can be made in the lampholder.

    [0030] The electrical contacts of the lampholder can also be made in such a way that the electrical contacts of the electrical parts to be connected to it, are clamped firmly by means of a screw, or another connecting device, whereby this screw can be fitted into the metal parts of the electrical contact of the lampholder, or can be fitted externally in the lampholder casing, whereby the screw can be made of non-conductive material, such as plastic. The electrical contact with the screw in the metal parts can be constructed in such a way, that the screw can be fitted into the metal parts, either before the electrical contact is fitted into the lampholder, or after the electrical contact has been fitted into the lampholder.

    [0031] The electrical contact of the lampholder with screw clamping can be made in such away that the clamped referred to above is achieved by direct contact between screw and the electricai contactto be connected, or via a sheet as intermedium, which sheet can be a metal sheet and can be a part of the electrical contact of the lampholder. Provisions must, of course, be made in the lampholder so that the screw can be reached, with for example a screwdriver, when the lampholder is closed and when mounted in any lighting unit. The electrical contact of the lampholder can be carried out in such a way that the electrical pin, pen, wire, strip or similar contact is clamped between a metal part of the electrical contact in the lampholder and an inner-wall of the lampholder casing. For a simple fitting of the metal electrical contacts and of the internal metal electrical interconnections into the lampholder casing, which is still open, it is necessary to makethe recesses with protrusions in the lampholder sections in such a way that the metal parts can be fitted into the lampholder sections, preferably, with a perpendicular movement.

    [0032] In according to the principles of the invention, there are various ways of designing and construct- ingthe lampholder, therefore it is essential thatthe embodiments of the electrical contacts and the electrical interconnections should be constructed in such a way that many variations of the design of the lampholder can be realised, and for the manufacture, flexible assembly technique can be used, with the use of simple standard components for the electrical contacts and by using a simple construction with few variations in shape and size for the electrical interconnections.

    [0033] By making the electrical contacts and the electrical interconnections of a spring construction, or providing it with at least one spring element, they can befitted into the lampholder sections in such a way, that when the lampholder sections are clamped together or clamped shut, the electrical contacts to be connected are electrically connected together, whereby the spring action can be achieved by using a spring mould-in constructon element in the moulded sections of the lampholder.

    [0034] The internal electrical interconnections of the lampholder can consist of at least two parts, which can be placed in alignment, at any angle to each other or obliquely, whereby the relative electrical connection of the parts can be achieved by means of a spring element, whether or not fitted separately.

    [0035] For the relative electrical contacts to make a good electrical connection, whether or not through a separate electrical interconnection and with or without the use of spring element as described above, a welded joint can be achieved for example by welding with a laser, which can be carried out after the metal parts are fitted into the lampholder and when the lampholder is in a closed position, which welding technique can be applied through the holes in the lampholder casing for the electrical contacts of the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder.

    [0036] When using a separate printed circuit board, as described above, different variations in the shape of the printed circuit board can be realised by flexible manufacturing with possible use of computer controlled laser beam or water jet cutting systems.

    [0037] When the lampholder casing is manufactured in plastic by injection moulding, an injection moulding technology can be used, with known techniques, for the described spring construction elements to be moulded-in, such as for example by using a screw type or detachable core parts, while a synthetic material can be used, which is technically suitable for the manufacture, construction and application of the lampholder casing.

    [0038] The relative electrical and mechanical connections between the PL lamp and lampholder can be realised by using the available constructions of the lamp cap of the PL lamp with pin electrical contacts as a basis, in addition to which, by means of any spring construction element in the lampholder cap can, at least in one direction, be single-sidedly clamped in the lampholder, against a, preferable, three point carrying surface of the lampholder in such a way that the PL lamp can be fitted into the lampholder without noticeable play, whereby the spring construction element can be moulded-in the lampholder casing.

    [0039] The relative electrical and mechanical connections between ballast and lampholder can be realised by using the available constructions of the ballasts as a basis, whereby the ballasts are provided with at least two electrical pin, pen, wire, strip or similar contacts for the electrical connection, and possibly a base plate, on which the lampholder an be mechanically connected, for which existing or improved construction or fitting elements, such as one or more lips on the base plate, screws, nails or any clamping construction can be used, through which the lampholder base can be connected to the base plate, which existing construction or fitting element are now being used for mounting an electrical terminal on the ballast for the purpose of making the electrical connections by means of wiring according to the current state of the art, while additionally also the screw for mounting the ballast to the surroundings can be used.

    [0040] The mechanical connection of the lampholderto the base plate of the ballast, serves the purpose of forming a mechanical unit and of protecting the electrical pin, wire, strip or similar contacts of the ballast, from unwanted mechanical stress, for which the mechanical connection can be made in such a way, that at least the rear section of the lampholder casing is mechanically fitted to the base plate, which section preferably is connected to the electrical power supply wires.

    [0041] For making the electrical and mechanical connections of the lampholder to a ballast with base plate, as described above, the electrical contacts of the lampholder to be connected to the ballast can be made in the form of an elongated slotform contact and clamped in such a way that the lampholder can be used for several types of ballasts, with the electrical pin, pen, wire, strip or similar contacts in different sizes and positions.

    [0042] In addition, good electrical contacts can be obtained, in spite of the fact that the electrical pin, pen, wire, strip or similar contacts of the ballasts are often covered with a protective material such as paint or other non conductive material, by realising any scratching action on the electrical contacts of the ballast, from the electrical contact of the lampholder during clamping, either or not achieved by means of any screw pressing force.

    [0043] It will be clear that for any additional function of the ballast like power control additionally one or more electrical contacts on both the ballast and the lampholder can be used.

    [0044] For the benefit of the mechanical connections of the lampholder to the base plate of the ballast as described above, certain provisions can be made in the lampholder base or mounting surfaces of the lampholder casing, so that the lampholder can be connected with one or more types of ballast with certain mechanical provisions.

    [0045] The lampholder can be constructed in such a . way that it serves as the central mounting device for all the parts which have to be connected to it, such as the ballast, the PL lamps with or without any separate starters, a possible reflecting or backing plate and the electrical power supply, in which in principle, only the lampholder needs to be connected to the surroundings.

    [0046] It will be clear that also a ballast with a power control function and a power supply system with a power control function or even a separate power control part can be lampholder connected, whereby for each separate part more than two electrical contacts can be used.

    [0047] The lampholder can be constructed in such a way that the connecting wires of the electrical power supply, namely the neutral wire and current supply wire, can be easily connected at any given but clearly recognisable point of the lampholder, with the aid of the known embodiments and devices for this purpose.

    [0048] When mounting the lampholder into lighting fixtures, it is important to ascertain that the electrical contacts to be connected to the electrical power supply are accessible, whilst for structures of a lighting unit or fixture that are visible or open, however, preference may be given to connecting the electrical power supply wires to the base of the lampholder through an opening in the base plate, so that no wiring at all can be seen on the visible side or sides of a lighting unit, whereby if required, an additional cap can be used for covering the connecting wires or elements.

    [0049] Provisions can be made, either in or on the lampholder, to relieve the pull on the connecting wires of the electrical power supply, for example by using an additional cap with any clamping device. The lighting unit or basic lighting unit, assembled with the aid of the lampholder, can be used for lighting purposes by placing the basic lighting unit in a visible position against a wall, or ceiling, or something similar without an additional covering glass plate or similar element. Alternatively the basic lighting unit could be built into lighting fixtures or parts of the same. The electrical power supply can be a public as well as a local electrical power supply system, or can be an electrical power supply system in a vehicle, or a mobile or static generating system or similar source. For an embodiment of a basic lighting unit with visible structures, as described above, the lampholder can be constructed in such a way, that the lampholder forms an unit with any housing needed for the ballast, which housing can be combined with a reflecting or backing plate and made to fit the lampholder. A preferred embodiment can be used whereby the regulations applicable to lighting fixtures or units are compiled with.

    [0050] The lampholder casing can be provided with at least one external recess so that the ballast, and separately or not any starter which may have to be connected, fit into a recess, and whereby the external recess can be locked. The decribed lampholder can, of course, be applied for connecting any different kinds of electrical parts to each other and to the electrical power supply system, like parts of a power control system.

    [0051] The invention does not, however, relate to the connecting pieces, hubs, blocks or housings, used to connect gas discharge or fluorescent lamps with an Edison screw fitting.

    [0052] The invention will be further explained by means of figures, in which embodiments are illustrated, where in accordance with the invention the figures 3 to 23 inclusive are included in order to illustrate examples of possible embodiments of the invention, and does not have any restrictive character or function according to the invention.

    [0053] In the figures 1 and 2 the current state of the art is illustrated, while these figures also illustrate the relative connecting diagrams.

    Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the electrical parts of a single-type PL lighting system according to the current state of the art, namely, PL lamp 1, the existing lampholder 2 and ballast 3, with the relative connecting diagram.

    Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the electrical parts of a twin-type PL lighting system according to the current state of the art, namely, the two PL lamps 1, two existing lampholders 2 and ballast 3, with the relative connecting digram.

    Fig. 3 is in accordance with the invention and gives a side elevation view showing a possible assembly arrangement with an example of a single-type lampholder for conencting a PL lamp to the electrical power supply and to a ballast accessory, in accordance with the relative connection diagram as given in fig. 1, whereby in this example the PL lamp is located parallel to and above the ballast and whereby the lampholder is constructed in such a way that the electrical parts of the PL lighting unit shown here, namely, PL lamp 1, lampholder 20 and ballast 18 are directly connected to each other by means of electrical pin contacts, and connected to the electrical power supply.

    Fig. 4 is in accordance with the invention and gives a top plan view showing a possible assembly arrangement with an example of a twin-type lampholder for connecting two PL lamps to the electrical power supply and to a ballast accessory, in accordance with the relative connection diagram as given in fig. 2, whereby in this example both the PL lamps are located parallel to each other above the ballast and whereby the lampholder is constructed in such a way that the electrical parts of the PL lighting unit shown here, namely, the two PL lamps 1, lampholder 21 and ballast 18 directly connected to each other by means of electrical pin contacts, and to the electrical power supply.

    Fig. 5 is in accordance with the invention and gives a possible back view of an example of a twin-type lampholder 21 as given in fig. 4, whereby the lampholder is connected to the ballast 18.

    Fig. 6 is in accordance with the invention and gives a possible back view of an example of a single-type lampholder 20 as given in fig. 3, whereby the lampholder is connected to the ballast 18.

    Fig. 7 is in accordance with the invention and gives a perspective view of a possible assembly arrangement of a PL lighting unit, and of a transparent schematic digram of a possible lampholder 20, projecting how the internal electrical interconnections can for example by brought into the interior of the single-type lampholder 20, which interconnections are in accordance with the connecting diagram of fig. 1. The possible assembly arrangement shown in fig. 7, also clearly illustrates, how the various electrical parts can be electrically and mechanically connected to each other, namely, lampholder 20 to ballast 18, and PL lamp 1 to lampholder 20.

    Fig. 8 is in accordance with the invention and gives a transparent perspective view of a possible schematic diagram, projecting how the internal electrical interconnections can for example be brought into the interior of the twin-type lampholder 21 also shown in figs. 4 and 5, whereby the interconnections are in accordance with the connecting diagram of fig. 2. Lampholder 21 in the example of fig. 8 can be electrically and mechanically connected to the ballast 18 in fig. 7, in a similar manner to that of lampholder 20 and ballast 18, as illustrated in the example of fig. 7.

    Fig. 9 is in accordance with the invention and gives a transparent perspective view of a possible embodiment of the lampholder 20, and gives a perspective view of a possible assembly arrangement, projecting a posible single-type lampholder 20, which is provided with an additional electrical connection, so that the lampholder 20 is adapted for connecting a PL Imap 1 without an integrated starter in the lamp cap, whilst a separate starter 38 can be connected to the lampholder at the additional electrical connection.

    Fig. 10 is in accordance with the invention and gives a transparent perspective view of a possible embodiment of the lampholder, and gives a persepctive view of a possible assembly arrangement, projecting a possible single-type lampholder 20 which is suitable for a more compact arrangement of the PL lamp 1, whereby the PL lamp, when fitted into the lampholder is perpendicular to the ballast 18. The transparent perspective view of the possible lampholders 20 given in figs. 9 and 10, illustrates how, by incorporating principles of the invention, the electrical interconnections can be carried out in accordance with the relative connecting diagrams.



    [0054] With regard to the possible assembly arrangements of the electrical parts to be connected, figs. 7 and 9 show two different embodiments. Fig. 7 shows 'a possible embodiment in which the ballast 18 has a base plate 54 with possible mechanical provisions 55 for connecting lampholder 20 mechanically to the ballast 18, so that the possible basic lighting unit thus formed, comprising 20 and ballast 18, can for example be built into a lighting fixture, for example, by means of the base plate of the ballast. Fig. 9 shows a possible embodiment in which the lampholder 20 forms the central device and all the other electrical parts, namely, PL lamp 1, ballast 53 and starter 38 can be connected to it by means of, for example, electric plug or similar contacts, whereby the possible lampholder 20 can also be connected to a possible base plate 54 or a part of a lighting fixture, for the benefit of creating a basic lighting unit, which can be built into a lighting fixture if required.

    [0055] In conjunction with both the schematic electrical connection diagram of figures 1 and 2, according to the current state of the art, and the possible embodiments of the lampholder in the figures 3 to 10 inclusive, according to the invention, an explanation of the various internal electrical interconnections and the electrical contacts of some possible lampholder embodiments will be given below.

    [0056] According to the relative connecting diagram for connecting one PL lamp to the electric power supply, the ballast and PL lamp are connected in series to the electrical power supply, and according to the relative connecting digram for two PL lamps, both of the PL lamps and the relative ballast are connected in series to the electric power supply. A separate starter, if required, is connected in parallel to the lamp. Indeed, it makes no difference to the basic principles of the invention if the connections are made in series, parallel, or a combination of both.

    [0057] Because PL lamp and ballast are connected in series, the functioning of the lamp is not influenced if the current supply wire is connected to point 10 or 11 in figs. 1 and 2, and correspondingly to point 32 or 33 in figs. 5 to 10 inclusive.

    [0058] Functionally the connecting points of the current supply wire and the neutral wire are normally interchangeable. For safety reasons it is most important how the interconnections and electrical contacts are carried out. This will be explained at a later stage.

    [0059] A more detailed description of the various interconnections and electrical contacts now follows, from which the relationship between the various components in the various drawings will be apparent.

    [0060] According to the current state of the art, when connecting a PL lamp to a ballast as in fig. 1, after the PL lamp 1 has been fitted into the existing lampholder 2 arrow 19, the electric circuit is closed by means of the following components in succession, namely, connecting point 10, connecting wire 12, two-sided electrical clamp contact 6 in the existing lampholder 2, electrical pin contact 4 of the PL lamp 1, by way of lamp 1 from electrical pin contact 4 to electrical pin contact 5, electrical pin contact 5, two-sided electrical clamp contact 7 in the existing lampholder 2, connecting wire 13, electrical terminal contact 8, form electrical terminal contact 8 to electrical terminal contact 9 by way of the winding of ballast 3, electrical terminal contact 9, connecting wire 14, connecting point 11.

    [0061] According to the current state of the art, when connecting two PL lamps and a ballast to the electrical power supply as in fig. 2, the electric circuit between connecting points 11 and 10 and the electrical parts connected in series are formed by attaching the connecting wires 14, 17, 16 and 15.

    [0062] To connect the connecting wires to the electrical terminal contacts 8 and 9 of bllast 3 in figs. 1 and 2, the ballast in the current state of the art normally is provided with a terminal block. With the principles of the invention incorporated in the lampholder as in figs. 3 and 4, the wires 24 and 25, namely the current supply wire and the neutral wire, form the connection to the electrical power supply, whereby the ballast is connected to the lampholder, as an example, by means of electrical pin contacts 22 and 23.

    [0063] In the embodiments in figs. 3 and 10 inclusive, the connecting wires 24 and 25 of the electrical power supply in figs. 3 and 4, are connected to the electrical contacts 32 and 33 of the lampholder in figs. 5 to 10 inclusive, and the electrical pin contacts 22 and 23 of the ballast in figs. 7, 9 and 10, arrow 27 in figs. 7 to 10 inclusive, are connected to electrical contacts 30 and 31 of the lampholder in figs. 7 to 10 inclusive.

    [0064] The embodiments in figs. 7 to 10 inclusive, also show how the PL lamp can be fitted into the lampholders 20 and 21, see arrow 26, whereby the electrical pin contacts 4 and 5 of the PL lamp 1 in figs. 7, 9 and 10 form a connection with the relative electrical contacts 28 and 29 of the lampholder in figs. 7 to 10 inclusive.

    [0065] Because, functionally, the current supply wire of the electrical power supply can be connected to electrical contact 32 as well as electrical contact 33, for reasons of safety, however, it is better for the electrical contacts 30 and 31 to have a two point connector in the form of any electric clamp or similar contacts, for connecting the ballast, whereby for the corresponding electrical contacts on the ballast, a two point plug connection in the form of electrical pins, pens, wires, strips or similar contacts should be provided.

    [0066] Because the lampholder's electrical connections for the electrial power supply and the ballast are part of a connection in series, it is in principle possible in the lampholder 20 in fig. 9, to connect ballast 53 to electrical contacts 32 and 33, and the electrical power supply to electrical contact 30 and 31, through which there are, thus, two possibilities for connecting the ballast to the lampholder, which can be advantageous when mounting the lampholder in lighting fixtures.

    [0067] In the possible embodiments of single type lampholders in figs. 7, 9 and 10, the connection between the electrical contacts. 28 and 31 is for example, made by the internal electrical interconnection 35, between electrical contacts 29 and 33, for example, by the internal electrical interconection 34 and between electrical contacts 30 and 32, for example by the internal electrical interconnection 36. In the possible embodiment of the twin-type lampholder in fig. 8, the connections in the lampholder with the electrical contacts 32 and 33 and the electrical contacts 30, 31, 28 and 29 for the electrical parts to be connected to the lampholder, namely ballast and PL lamps, are, for example, made by the internal electrical interconnections 41, 39, 37 and 40, whereby correspondingly, interconection 41 forms the connection between the electrical contacts 32 and 30, interconnection 39 forms the connection between electrical contact 31 and one of the electrical contacts 28, interconnection 37 forms the connection between both the electrical contacts 29, and interconnection 40 forms the connection between the electrical contacts 28 and 33. The above description also indicate how, with the use of the invention, the electric circuits of the PL lighting units in figs. 3 to 10 inclusive, are closed.

    [0068] In the embodiment in fig. 9, for example, the lampholder 20 is provided with additional internal electrical interconnections 50 and 51 and electrical contacts 46, 37, 48 and 49, so that by means of for example electrical pin or similar contacts 44 and 45, the separate starter 38 can be connected through lampholder 20 to the additional electrical pin or similar contacts 42 and 43 on the relative PL lamp 1, without integrated starter in the lamp cap.

    [0069] The single and twin-type lampholders 20 and 21, shown in perspective in figs. 7 to 10 inclusive, can, with the exception of the internal electrical interconnections and the electrical contacts, be completely, or partly, made of plastic or something similar.

    [0070] In-conjunction with the possible example of the single-type lampholder in fig. 7, and in conjunction with the possible embodiments of the lampholder in figs. 11 to 23 inclusive, in accordance with the invention, an explanation will be given below, of possible embodiments and constructions of the lampholder assembly and their posible electrical contacts and internal electrical interconnections.

    [0071] Figs. 11 and 12 are in accordance with the invention and gives, respectively, a transparent perspective view, and a cross-section of the lampholder in fig. 7, showing that the recesses and such can be constructed so that as little as possible material is used, whereby space is created for fitting the possible electrical contacts 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 and the possible internal electrical interconnections 34, 35 and 36 in the interior of the lampholder, whereby the lampholder comprises, for example, of two sections 55 and 56, with a common tangent plane 57.

    [0072] The internal electrical interconnections 34, 35 and 36 are, in principle, made of an electrically conductive material and can be constructed as metal wires, strips or similar, or as a printed circuit.

    [0073] Fig. 13 is in accordance with the invention and shows a possible embodiment of the internal electrical interconnections in which the metal parts 34, 35 and 36 are connected to or integrated with the relative electrical clamp contacts, which integrated parts thus formed can be fitted into the recesses of the lampholder shown in figs. 11 and 12.

    [0074] Fig. 14 is in accordance with the invention and shows a possible embodiment in which the electrical clamp contacts 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 are mounted on a printed circuit board 58, which can be fitted into the interior of the lampholder shown in figs. 11 and 12.

    [0075] Fig. 15 is in accordance with the invention and shows a possible embodiment comprising two sections 55 and 56, which are hinged together, can be clamped together and can be constructed as injection moulded plastic lampholder casing, whereby a separate printed circuit board 58 is applied with attached electrical contacts and electrical interconnections, whereby arrow 71 indicates how the printed circuit board 58 can be fitted into lampholder section 55, whereafter the lampholder casing can be clamped shut, as indicated by arrow 72, at the common tangent plane 57, whereby the lampholder sections can be interlocked by the hook shaped moulded-in locking mechanism 72.

    [0076] Fig. 16 is in accordance with the invention and shows three examples of embodiments a, b and c, of the internal electrical interconnections 34, 36 and 35 in the form of spring-mounted, straight, flat metal strips, whereby the lampholdersections 56 and 55 have moulded-in protrusions 59, so that when these sections 56 and 55 are clamped together or shut, the electrical metal spring interconnections make good electrical contact with the electrical clamp contacts that are to be electrically connected together, whereby however, it is also possible to make the protrusions of a mould-in or separate spring constructiona, that can locate in recesses opposite the relative electrical clamp contacts.

    [0077] Fig. 17 is in accordance with the invention and shows an example of an embodiment similar to fig. 15, comprising two hinged sections, constructed as an injection moulding casing in plastics which can be clamped together, whereby the electrical contacts, 28, 29, 20, 31, 32 and 33 are fitted in the recesses with protrusions in the lampholder sections, as indicated by arrow 74, whereafter the electrical interconnections 34, 35 and 36, here shown as metal strips, can be fitted into the recesses with protrusions, as illustrated by arrow 75, after which the lampholder can be clamped shut to realise the relating electrical connections in the lampholder.

    [0078] Figs. 18 a, b, ca and d are in accordance with the invention and show examples of embodiments whereby the electrical interconnections 35, 34 and 36 are integrated with the electrical clamp contacts to be connected together electrically. An electrical interconnection can also be integrated with an electrical contact by means of for example welding or other joining techniques.

    [0079] Fig. 19 is in accordance with the invention and shows a possible embodiment of the electrical interconnections between two electrical clamp contacts, whereby the electrical conection is achieved by providing at least one of the clamp contacts with a spring construction element 60, so that when the lampholder sections 56 and 55 are clamped, together, both clamp contacts will be electrical connected by means of, for example, the spring construction element 60 and through pressure from the protrusions 59. In fact the electrical interconnection of the example of fig. 19 is split into two parts, which parts are integrated with their relative electrical clamp contacts.

    [0080] Figs. 20 a and b are in accordance with the invention and give examples of embodiments, showing an electrical connection between an electrical clamp contact and the internal electrical interconnection 62, whereby the clamp contact is provided with a spring construction element 61, so that when the lampholder sections 56 and 55 with protrusions 59 are clamped together or shut, the electrical clamp contact will be electrical connected with the electrical interconnection 62 by means of the spring construction element 61, whereby for the electrical interconnection 62 on one of the lampholder sections, a metal strip, a conductive layer or a printed circuit for example can be used.

    [0081] Fig. 21 is in accordance with the invention and gives an example of another embodiment in accordance with the principles of fig. 20, whereby the electrical contacts are provided with spring construction elements 61, which make the electrical connection with the electrical interconnection 62, when the lampholder sections 55 and 56 are in the locked position.

    [0082] Figs. 22a and 22b are in accordance with the invention, where fig. 22a ilustrates how the internal electrical interconnection 62, attached to a protruding edge of one lampholder section 55, can cross the internal electrical interconnection 64, attached to a protruding edge of the other lampholder section 56, and fig. 22b illustrates how the internal electrical interconnection 62 on protruding edge of the one lampholder section 55, can be connected to the internal interconnection 63 on the protruding edge of the other lampholder section 56 by means of a spring construction element or device 65.

    [0083] Figs. 23a and 23b are in accordance with the invention and give a possible embodiment of the mechanical fitting construction of the lampholder for fitting the PL lamp into the lampholder, whereby the lampholder in fig. 23a is provided with a mould-in spring construction element 66, so that when the lamp cap in fig. 23b is fitted into the lampholder, the surface of the lamp cap with the three points 69 is pressed againt the opposite surface of the lampholder with the three points 70, by means of a press-force on the lamp cap at the point 68, generated by spring construction element 66 in the direction of arrow 67, which results in a free of play fitting in one direction, which is important for the correct positioning of the PL lamp in relation to a reflecting or backing plate which can be part of the lighting unit, as in fig. 3 in which the reflecting or backing plate 52 is connected to the lampholder 20.


    Claims

    1. A lampholder assembly for at least one of a loop-, u- or pi-shaped gas dicharge or flouores- cent lamp having a single lamp cap, including means for electrical connection to said lamp cap, means for electrical connection to a ballast (18) and means for connection to an electrical power supply, characterized by electrical interconnections (34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41) contained within the lampholder and providing an electrical circuit, the circuit including said means for connection to said lamp cap, said means for connection to said ballast (18) and said means for connection to an electrical power supply, and further characterised in that said means for connection to said ballast comprises two or more electrical contacts (30, 31) and said means for connection to an electrical power supply comprises two or more electrical contacts (32, 33).
     
    2. A lampholder assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said two or more electrical contacts (30, 31) for connection to said ballast (18) have the form of a female plug for receiving a ballast provided with connecting means (22, 23) having the form of a male plug.
     
    3. A lampholder assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said ballast (18) is attached to a base plate (54, Fig. 7) and that said base plate and said (20, 21) comprise means (55, Fig. 7) to fixedly connect said lampholder to said plate in a position wherein the male plug (22, 23) of said ballast (18) is received in the female plug (30, 31) of said lampholder (20, 21).
     
    4. A lampholder assembly according to any of the claims 1-3, characterized in that the lampholder (20, 21) is provided with additional internal electrical connections (50, 51) and additional electrical contacts (46, 47, 48, 49) so that a separate starter unit (38) may be connected to or a starter unit may be integrated in the lampholder.
     
    5. A lampholder assembly according to any of the claims 1-4, characterized in that said lampholder (21) comprises means for receiving at least two lamp caps together.
     
    6. lampholder assembly according to any of the claims 1-5, characterized in that the housing of said lampholder (20, 21) comprises two sections (55, 56, Fig. 11 ff.) having a common tangent plane (57), said sections being provided with means for clamping said sections together to form said housing.
     
    7. A lampholder assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said sections (55, 56, Fig. 11 ff.) are provided with recesses and protusions (59) and that parts of the internal electrical connections have the form of spring elements fitting into said recesses.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Halterung für eine Schlingen-, U- oder Plförmige Gasentladungs- oder Leuchstofflampe mit einem einzigen Lampenfuß, enthaltend eine Einrichtung für die elektrische Verbindung mit dem Lampenfuß, eine Einrichtung für die elektrische Verbindung mit einem Vorschaltgerät (18) und mit einer Einrichtung für die Verbindung mit einer elektrischen Stromquelle, gekennzeichnet durch elektrische Verbindungen, (34, 35, 36, 37, 39,40,41) innerhalb des Lampenhalters und zum Herstellen eines elektrischen Schaltkreises, wobei der Schaltkreis die genannten Einrichtungen für die Verbindung mit dem Lampenfuß, die Einrichtungen für die Verbindung mit dem Vorschaltgerät (18) und die Einrichtungen für die Verbindung mit einer elektrischen Stromquelle enthält, un weiterhin dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Einrichtung für die Verbindung mit dem Vorschaltgerät zwei oder mehr elektrische Kontakte (30, 31 ) aufwesit und die Einrichtung für die Verbindung mit einer elektrischen Stromquelle zwei oder mehr elektrische Kontakte (32, 33) enthält.
     
    2. Lampenhalterung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die genannten zwei oder mehr elektrischen Kontakte (30, 31) für die Verbindung mit dem Vorschaltgerät (18) die Form einer Buchsenkupplung zur Aufnahme eines Vorschaltgerätes haben, das mit Verbindungseinrichtungen (22, 23) vershen ist, die die Form einer Steckerkupplung haben.
     
    3. Lampenhalterung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Vorschltgerät (18) an einer Basisplatte (54, Fig. 7) befestigt ist, und daß die Basisplatte und der Lampenhalter (20, 21 ) Einrichtungen (55, Fig. 7) aufweisen, um den Lampenhalter mit der Basisplatte in einer Stellung fest zu verbinden, in der die Steckerkupplung (20, 23) des Vorschaltgeräts (18) in der Buchsenkupplung (30, 31) des Lampenhalters (20, 21) sitzt.
     
    4. Lampenhalterung nach einem der Ansprüch 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Lampenhalter (20, 21) mit zusätzlichen inneren elektrischen Verbindungen (50, 51) und zusätzlichen elektrischen Kontakten (46, 47, 48, 49) vershen ist, so daß eine getrennte Startereinheit (38) angeschlossen werden kann oder eine Startereinheit in den Lampenhalter integriert werden kann.
     
    5. Lampenhalterung nach einem der Ansprüch 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Lampenhalter (21) Einrichtungen zur gemeinsamen Aufnahme wenigstens zweier Lampenfüße aufweist.
     
    6. Lampenhalterung nach einem der Ansprüch 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse des Lampenhalters (20, 21) zwei Sektionen (55, 56, Fig. 11 ff) aufweist, die eine gemeinsame Tangentialbene (57) aufweisen, die mit Einrichtungen versehen sind, um die Sektionen zusammenzuhalten, um das Gehäuse zu bilden.
     
    7. Lampenhalterung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die genannten Sektionen (55, 56, Fig. 11 ff) mit Vertiefungen und Vorsprüngen (59) versehen sind, und daß Teile der inneren elektrischen Verbindungen die Form von Federelementen aufweisen, die in die genannten Vertiefugen eingepaßt sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Ensemble support de lampe pour au moins une lampe à décharge dans les gaz ou à fluorescence, en forme de boucle en U ou en Pl, et possèdent un seul culot, ensemble qui comprend des moyens servant à établir la connexion életri- que avec ce culot de lampe, des moyens servant à établir la connexion électrique avec un régulateur (18) et des moyens servant à établir la connexion avec une alimentation en énergie électrique, caractérisé par des connexions électriques (34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41) contenues dans le support de lampe et servant à former un circuit électrique, le circuit comprenant lesdits moyens servant à établir la connexion électrique avec ledit culot de lampe, lesdits moyens servant à établir la connexion avec ledit régulateur (18) et lesdits moyens servant à établir la connexion avec une alimentation en énergie électrique, et caractérisé en outre par le fait que lesdits moyens servant à établir la connexion avec ledit régulateur comprennent deux on plus de deux contacts électriques (30, 31) et que lesdits moyens servant à établir la connexion avec une alimentation en énergié électrique comprennent deux ou plus de deux contacts électriques (32, 33).
     
    2. Ensemble support de lampe selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que lesdits deux ou plus de deux contacts électriques (30, 31) servant à établir la connexion avec ledit régulateur (18) présentent la forme d'une fiche femelle destinée à recevoir un régulateur muni de moyens de connexion (22, 23) présentant la forme d'une fiche mâle.
     
    3. Ensemble support de lampe selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que ledit régulateur (18) est fixé à une plaque de base (54, figure 7) et en ce que ladite plaque de base et ledit support de lampe (20, 21) comprennent des moyens (55, figure 7) servant à fixer rigidement ledit support de lampe à ladite plaque de base dans une position dans laquelle la fiche mâle (22, 23) dudit régulateur (18) est emmanchée dans la fiche femelle (30, 31) dudit support de lampe (20, 21).
     
    4. Ensemble support de lampe selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé par le fait que le support de lampe (20, 21) est muni de connexions électriques internes additionnelles (50, 51) et de contacts électriques additionnels (46, 47, 48, 49), de telle sorte qu'une unité starter séparée (38) peut être reliée au support de lampe ou qu'une unité starter peut être intégrée dans le support de lampe.
     
    5. Ensemble support de lampe selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé par le fait que ledit support de lampe (21) comprend des moyens destinés à recevoir au moins deux culots de lampe ensemble.
     
    6. Ensemble support de lampe selon une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé par le fait que le boîtier dudit support de lampe (20, 21) comprend deux sections (55, 56, figures 11 et suivantes) présentant un plan tangent commun (57), lesdites sections étant équipées de moyens servant à maintenir lesdites sections assemblées pour former ledit boîtier.
     
    7. Ensemble support de lampe selon la revendication 6, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites sections (55, 56, figures 11 et suivantes) sont munies de cavités et de saillies (59) et en ce que des parties des connexions électriques internes ont la forme d'éléments élastiques qui se logent dans lesdites cavités.
     




    Drawing