BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention generally relates to improvements in lamps, especially ultraviolet
lamps used in air and water purifiers.
Background
[0002] Ultraviolet air or liquid purifiers are known for disinfecting contaminated air or
water or other liquid for domestic or commercial use. Such purifiers include at least
one lamp for emitting ultraviolet radiation into a chamber filled with contaminated
air liquid to kill microorganisms therein. In a conventional manner, the lamp includes
two electrodes spaced apart and located within an elongated arc tube containing a
gas, particularly mercury vapor with or without additives. A pair of end caps is mounted
at the ends of the tube. Each electrode contains two lead wires from the lamp seal
each of which, or in some instances only one, are electrically connected to respective
contact(s) or terminal pin(s). The lamp is typically inserted endwise into a sleeve
installed in the water, other liquid or air purifier with or without the sleeve. To
simplify insertion and electrical connection, the pins are conveniently mounted on
one of the end caps. When the electrodes are energized by voltage from an electrical
power supply, an electrical discharge is initiated in the gas between the electrodes.
This discharge reacts with a layer of a radiation-emitting material coated on an interior
surface of the arc tube and causes ultraviolet radiation to be emitted from the lamp
in a manner well known in the art.
[0003] There are many different types of lamps that have a base or end cap that can be connected
with a socket to provide electrical connections to the lamps. The end cap and socket
must be constructed to permit replacement of the lamp while securely holding the lamp.
This may be particularly important in certain applications where vibration or movement
of the lamp or lamp fixture could result in unintentional separation between the lamp's
end cap and the socket. Additionally, the electrical connections must remain secure.
[0004] In some applications where a multiplicity of contact pins and/or pin orientations
is utilized, it is often difficult to align the contact pins to make the electrical
connection necessary to operate the lamp. Often, the contact pins may become misaligned
or bent due to their extension or projection from the base of the lamp, preventing
their insertion into a socket. It may also be possible to insert the end cap into
a socket such that the contacts are not connected with the proper terminals in the
socket, resulting in improper operation of the lamp. Also, on a typical "slide into
place" male/female pin connector there is no locking or twist locking and thus the
pins may slide out and become disconnected easily by vibration for example.
[0005] An example of an ultraviolet lamp of the-type described above is disclosed in
U.S. Patent 5,166,527 ('527), which uses a stepped base with a multi-pin connector, and shows well known
water and air purification arrangements using a lamp. The '527 patent discloses a
lamp or bulb, used as an ultraviolet lamp for use in an air or water purifier, comprising
an elongated, hollow arc tube extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite
end regions. The tube contains a gas, preferably mercury vapor with or without additives.
A pair of electrodes is spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The electrodes are
respectively mounted within the arc tube at the end regions thereof. A pair of end
caps is respectively mounted at the end regions of the arc tube. A first electrical
contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal pins extends in mutual parallelism
along the longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to one or both of the electrode
lead wires. A second electrical contact or pair of electrical contacts or terminal
pins extends in mutual parallelism along the longitudinal axis and is electrically
connected to one or both of the other of the electrode lead wires. Both pairs of pins
are mounted on, and extend outwardly along the longitudinal axis of, one of the end
caps. A wire conductor is, or two wire conductors are, located exteriorly of the tube
and electrically connected to one pin or one pair of pins at one end region of the
tube, as well as to the electrode at the other end region of the tube. This design
is mainly designed to prevent electrical arcing and does not lock in place.
[0006] As noted in
WO/2006/136026 to Elku et al. which is a variation of the slide-on pin connector above, a potential problem with
this approach is that in many applications, the radiation lamp is immersed in or near
a flow of air or water and turbulence created within that water treatment system invariably
imparts a vibratory motion to the lamps which frequently results in lamps being vibrated
or shaken loose of its electrical connection base or socket thereby causing the lamps
to be rendered completely or intermittently inoperative. When such an event occurs,
the water being treated may not be fully disinfected. The prior art has attempted
to address this problem by using a relatively complicated mechanical connection (e.g.,
a so-called "push-and-twist" connection) to secure the lamp to the connection base.
See, for example, United States patent
5,422,487 to Sauska et al. and United States patent
6,884,103 to Kovacs. The potential problem with these approaches is the complexity of the mechanical
connection between the lamp and the base unit requiring the use of springs, specialized
connection lugs and the like. Further, a connection system which is predicated on
a dual motion system such that pushing and twisting if used incorrectly for example
may give rise to higher incidents of lamp breakage, electrical shock, and other damage
to the lamp by field personal. Therefore, eliminating a forceful "push" necessary
to deflect a heavy locking spring in a "push and twist" lock would be beneficial because
the typically glass lamp would be subject to reduced force and stress.
[0007] Also
US 2006/0186782 A1 discloses an ultraviolet gas discharge lamp with a locking system according to the
preamble of claim 1. The locking system comprises at least one latch of a base cap
which engages with an opening of a socket base.
[0008] Also, it is important for safety that lamps of proper wattage be used for safety,
heat, and fire concerns, thus a unique keying system which only allows lamps of proper
wattage to be inserted into the base will also help safety.
[0009] Accordingly, there remains the need in the art for a safety lamp device, particularly
a radiation lamp, which will provide a reliable, locking, and secure from movement
electric connection, yet be relatively inexpensive, uncomplicated, durable, rugged,
and simple to implement with smooth operation and with reduced force and stress on
the lamp for safety purposes. Also, a lamp that reduces the chance of electrical shock
is needed for safety purposes.
[0010] Thus, there continues to be a need for improved lamp base designs, particularly ultraviolet
lamps.
[0011] The object of the invention is solved by a safety lamp connector assembly for use
with at least one of more lamps comprising an end cap for the lamp and having end
cap clips an intermediate snap action socket body for receiving the end cap; a socket
base comprising resilient clip arms with clip section on their ends which snap clips
to the end cap clips with the intermediate snap action socket body located between
the end cap and the socket base.
[0012] The safety lamp connector assembly of the present invention can comprise an end cap
for the lamp, the end cap comprising a hollow tubular section for receiving the lamp;
at least one outer end cap pin; and at least one inner end cap terminal electrically
connected to the at least one outer end cap pin; resilient end cap clips; and a socket
body for receiving the end cap, the socket body comprising: a plurality of socket
channels cut into the interior socket body; a plurality of interior socket contacts
located in the socket channels; clip slats; and a socket base comprising: resilient
clip arms with clip section on their ends; wherein the resilient end cap clips of
the end cap are structured to be inserted into the socket body in the clip slots,
and the resilient clip arms with clip section on their ends of the socket base are
also structured to be inserted into the socket body in the clip slots such that the
three parts are snapped together and electrically connected.
[0013] The safety lamp connector assembly may further comprise a means for deterring a substitution
of unauthorized parts that may be unsafe. The means for deterring a substitution of
unauthorized parts can comprise a plurality of end cap pins disposed on an outer surface
of the end cap and/or the socket body, the plurality of pins having a predetermined
configuration: a plurality of socket channels cut into the socket body, the plurality
of socket channels having a predetermined configuration complementary to the configuration
of the plurality of end cap pins; wherein the end cap cannot be inserted into the
socket body if the configuration of the plurality end cap pins does not match configuration
of the plurality socket channels.
[0014] The end cap can be structured to accept one or more Ultra-Violet (UV) wavelength
lamps.
[0015] The socket base may be not a separate part but is integrated into the socket body
in one piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like
elements are numbered alike in several Figures, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a disassembled end cap, socket body, and socket base
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a disassembled end cap, socket body, and socket base
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Fig. 3 is a side view of a socket body with broken lines showing interior structure,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Fig. 4 is a top view of a socket body, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] Fig. 5 is a perspective view af a socket body, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0022] Fig. 6 is a side view of a socket body, with broken lines showing interior structure,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] Fig. 7 is a top view of a socket body, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Fig. 8 is a view from the pin end of an end cap, in accordance with one embodiment
af the invention.
[0025] Fig. 9 is a side view of an end cap, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Fig. 10 is a view looking down into an end cap in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0027] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an end cap and an assembled socket assembly in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Fig. 12 is a side view of an end cap inserted and locked into an assembled socket
assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an end cap inserted and locked into an assembled
socket assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Fig. 14 is a view from the socket base plate end of an assembled socket assembly
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Fig. 15 is a side view of an assembled socket assembly showing a profile view of
the clip arm pressure area, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0032] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a disassembled end cap and socket housing in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0033] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a disassembled end cap and socket housing in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0034] Fig. 18 is a view from the base end of a socket housing in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0035] Fig. 19 is a side view of a socket housing in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0036] Fig. 20 is a view from the insertion end of a socket housing in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0037] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a disassembled end cap and socket housing in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0038] Fig. 22 is a view from the base end of a socket housing in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0039] Fig. 23 is a side view of an assembled end cap and socket housing, shown with lamps,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0040] Fig. 24 is a side view of an assembled end cap and socket housing, shown with lamps,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0041] Fig. 25 is a view from the lamp end of an assembled end cap an socket housing with
lamps, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0042] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of an end cap with lamps, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0043] Fig. 27 is a side view of an end cap with lamps, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0044] Fig. 28 is a side view of an end cap with lamps, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0045] Fig. 29 is a view from the end cap pin end of an end cap, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0046] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a socket housing, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
[0047] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of a socket housing, in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] As used herein, the word "terminal" can mean, but is not limited to, an active terminal
or a passive "dummy" terminal. Additionally, the term "lamp" can refer to compact
fluorescent lamps, or Ultra Violet(UV) lamps, among other lamps suitable for the claimed
apparatus.
[0049] The apparatus described herein is useful in air and water purification systems, along
other applications.
[0050] Figure 1 shows one possible embodiment of the claimed apparatus disassembled into
its constituent parts. In this embodiment, the snap lock connector can include an
end cap 100, a socket body 200, and a socket base 300.
[0051] As seen in Figures 1-2, end cap 100 in this embodiment can have a hollow tubular
body into which a lamp can be inserted. As seen in Figure 10, end cap 100 can have
a number of interior contacts 122. These contacts are electrically connected to end
cap pins 120, shown in Figures 1 and 2. End cap pins 120 extend from closed end 102
of end cap 100 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of end cap 100. End
cap 100 can also have end cap hole 130 for receiving a socket pin 230, as described
below.
[0052] Additionally, end cap 100 can have at least one end cap clip 110. In the particular
embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, end cap 100 has two end cap clips 110 disposed
opposite of each other on the outer circumference of closed end 102. However, one
can easily conceive how either more or less than two clips can be used. Furthermore,
the clips do not have to be located opposite each other or symmetrically disposed;
one can easily conceive of alternatives in which the clips are asymmetrically disposed
on closed end 102 of end cap 100.
[0053] End cap clips 110 comprise three main parts, the clip leg 116, a slanted pushing
face 112, and a flat locking face 114. Clip legs 116 extend from the closed end 102
in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the end cap 100. Flat locking
face 114 extends perpendicular from clip leg 116. Slanted pushing face 112 extends
from the end of flat locking face 114 to the terminal end of clip leg 116.
[0054] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, in this particular embodiment, socket body 200 is a generally
cylindrical body. Socket body 200 has two ends, an insertion end 202 and a base end
204. Socket body 200 also has a number of socket channels 210 running through the
entire length of a socket body 200. Socket channels 210 are lined with electrically
conductive material or otherwise configured so that a pin or wire contacting one end
of socket channel 210 will automatically be in electrical contact with the other end
of socket channels 210.
[0055] End cap pins 120 can be inserted into socket channels 210 at the insertion end 202
of socket body 200. Because socket channels 210 are electrically conductive as described
above, inserting end cap pins 120 into socket channels 210 will make end cap pins
120 electrically connected to the end of socket channels 210 opening on the base end
204 of socket body 200.
[0056] Socket body 200 may also include a socket pin 230. Socket pin 230 can insert into
end cap hole 130 at the same time that end cap pins 120 are inserted into socket channels
210. Socket pin 230 can be used as a guide for proper insertion of end cap pins 120
into socket chanced 210, or as a means of deterring the use of counterfeit, copied,
or generic parts which may be unsafe. For example, authorized parts may be of the
wrong or excessive wattage rating and/or manufactured poorly.
[0057] Socket body 200 can also include at least one clip slot 220. Clip slot 220 is a groove
cut into the side of socket body 200 and extends from insertion end 202 to base end
204. Generally, the number of clip slots 220 will correspond to the number of end
cap clips 110. Clips slots 220 are aligned with end cap clips 110.
[0058] As seen particularly in Figure 1, socket body 200 can also include a screw hole 214.
Screw hole 214 receives a screw that attaches socket base 300 to socket body 200,
as described below.
[0059] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, in this particular embodiment, socket base 300 comprises
two main parts, a socket base plate 302 and clip arms 320. Socket base 300 can be
attached to base end 204 of socket body 200.
[0060] Socket base plate 302 can be round in shape and having a certain thickness dimension.
A screw 304 can extend through socket base plate 302 for attaching the socket base
300 to the socket body 200. Socket base plate 302 also has a number of socket base
holes 306 that align with socket channels 210 of socket body 200. As shown in Fig.
1, "wires" or other power source connections can be inserted through socket base holes
306, and then can be electrically connected to socket channels 210. Therefore, "wires"
can be electrically connected to end cap pins 120 through socket channels 210.
[0061] Clip arms 320 are disposed along the outer circumference socket base plate 302 and
extend generally perpendicular to socket base plate 302. Clip arms 320 are aligned
with clips slots 220 when socket base 300 is attached to socket body 200. Clip arms
320 can include a pressure area 322 and a clip section 310. Clip arms 320 are flexible
and resilient and flex inward toward a longitudinal axis of socket base 300 when pressure
is applied to pressure areas 322.
[0062] Clip section 310 is similar in structure to end cap clips 110. Clip section 310 includes
a clip leg 316, flat locking face 314, and slanted pushing face 312. Flat locking
face extends perpendicular to clip legs 316. Slanted pushing face 312 extends from
the end of flat locking face 314 to the terminal end of clip leg 316.
[0063] As noted above, socket base 300 can be attached to socket body 200, creating socket
assembly 400 and attached with a screw, as seen in Figure 11. When assembled as indicated
in Figure 11, socket clip sections 310 are hidden inside of clip slots 220. Pressure
areas 322 remain outside the circumference of the socket body 200.
[0064] Now the insertion and locking of end cap 100 into socket assembly 400 will be described
as shown in Figure 11. As described above, end cap pins 120 can be inserted Into socket
channels 210. As the end cap pins 120 are being inserted, slanted pushing face 112
of end cap clip 110 enters the clips slot 220 and comes into contact with slanted
pushing face 312 of clip section 310. As the end cap 100 and end cap pins 120 are
pushed further into socket assembly 400, the slanted pushing face 112 pushes against
slanted pushing face 312, causing the clip arm 320 to displace inward towards a longitudinal
axis of socket assembly 400.
[0065] As the clips are pushed farther in, slanted pushing face 112 will clear slanted pushing
face 312. At this point, the elasticity of clip arm 320 will snap the clip section
310 back to its original position. At this point, flat locking face 114 and flat locking
face 314 will be in contact with each other. The contact between flat locking face
114 and flat locking face 314 will prevent end cap 100 from being removed from socket
assembly 400. Figures 12-15 illustrate one embodiment of the end cap 100 inserted
into socket assembly 400.
[0066] To release end cap 100 from socket assembly 400. one would press on pressure areas
322. This would displace clip section 310 such that flat locking face 314 would no
longer be in contact with flat locking face 114. With nothing to press against flat
locking face 114, end cap 100 can be removed from socket assembly 400 very easily.
After removing end cap 100, pressure on pressure areas 322 can be released, and clip
section 310 will return to its original position.
[0067] Thus, this present snap locking operation apparatus overcomes the problems of the
prior art discussed in the background at least because the lamp may be easily secured
with minimal force, i.e., a "snap action" in contrast to a much more "difficult depress
with more force and turn" two step motion of
US 6,334,902, or harder torque force required of
6,884,103, and will lock into place and remain secure even under vibration, such as vibration
from water or air flowing through a disinfection apparatus to be disinfected even
when hung vertically. It is also much smoother to operate than
WO 2006/136026 for example and does not require to be inserted at an odd an awkward angle like
WO 2006/136026. Thus, the present invention is also not merely a common sense improvement of the
prior art at least because it requires many subtle features to be recognized and used
in harmony, as described herein, which the prior art has not recognized to date, and
has also not obviously been led to perform by common sense.
[0068] The present invention also is very safe because the electrical contacts 210 in the
socket are difficult to reach with a finger, i.e., they are tucked away in a safe
position from the user. Also, another safety problem with the prior art approaches
is the complexity of the mechanical connection between the lamp and the base unit
requiring the use of complex shaped springs, specialized connection lugs and the like.
Further, a connection system that is predicated on a dual motion system such that
if hard force pushing and twisting if used incorrectly for example may give rise to
higher incidents of lamp breakage, electrical shock, and other damage to the lamp
by field personal. Therefore, eliminating a forceful "push" necessary to deflect a
heavy locking spring in a "push and twist" lock would be beneficial because the typically
fragile glass lamp would then be subject to reduced force and stress. Thus, the present
invention with its "snap action" is much safer and easier to use than the prior art.
[0069] Figures 16-31 show an alternative possible embodiment of a amp-lock connector for
use with bulbs wherein the socket base 620 and the socket housing 600 or socket body
may integrated into one overall piece. In this particular embodiment, a socket housing
600 has a receiving section 602 defined by receiving wall 604. This is a variation
of the above embodiment and also shows an example of one way of how multiple lamps
650 or bulbs can also be implemented.
[0070] End cap 500 can be inserted into the receiving section 602, such that end cap 500
is at least partially surrounded by receiving wall 604 and so that clip notch 502
is engaged by clip 606 in a "snap-lock" manner. Other parts include:
[0074] 520 stepped portion
[0075] 600 socket housing
[0076] 602 receiving area
[0077] 604 receiving wall
[0080] 616 exterior wiring holes
1. Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau für den Einsatz mit wenigstens einer oder mehrerer
Lampen, umfassend:
eine Endkappe (100) für die Lampe und aufweisend Endkappenklammerrasten (110);
einen einrastenden Zwischenfassungskörper (200) zur Aufnahme der Endkappe (100):
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
der Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau einen Fassungsgrundkörper (300) umfasst, welcher
umfasst:
elastische Klammerarme (320) mit Rastenabschnitt (310) an ihren Enden, welcher in
den Endkappenklammerrastan (110) einrastet, wobei der einrastende Zwischenfassungskörper
(200) zwischen der Endkappe (100) und dem Fassungsgrundkörper (300) angeordnet ist.
2. Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
die Endkappe (100) umfasst:
einen hohlen rohrförmigen Abschnitt zur Aufnahme der Lampe;
wenigstens einen äußeren Endkappenstift (120); und
wenigstens eine innere Endkappenklemme (122), welche elektrisch mit dem wenigstens
einen äußeren Endkappenstift (120) verbunden ist;
wobei der Fassungskörper (200) umfasst:
eine Mehrzahl von Fassungskanälen (210), welche in den inneren Fassungskörper geschnitten
sind;
eine Mehrzahl von inneren Fassungskontakten, welche in den Fassungskanälen angeordnet
sind;
Klammerschlitze (220); und
wobei die elastischen Endkappenklammern (110) der Endkappe (100) so strukturiert sind,
um in den Fassungskörper (200) in die Klammerschiltze (220) eingeschoben zu werden,
und die elastischen Klammerarme (320) mit den Rastenabschnitten (310) an ihren Enden,
die zum Fassungsgrundkörper (300) gehören, ebenfalls so strukturiert sind, um in den
Fassungskörper (200) in die Klammerschlitze (220) so eingeschoben zu werden, dass
die drei Teile ineinander eingerastet und elektrisch verbunden sind.
3. Lampenverbinderaufbau nach Anspruch 1, des Weiteren umfassend ein Mittel zum Verhindern
eines Austausches mit einem nicht genehmigten Teil, welcher nicht sicher sein kann,
wobei das Mittel umfasst:
eine Mehrzahl von Endkappenstiften (120), welche auf einer äußeren Fläche der Endkappe
(100) und/oder des Fassungskörpers (200) angeordnet sind, wobei die Mehrzahl der Stifte
(120) eine vorbestimmte Konfiguration aufweist;
eine Mehrzahl von Fassungskanälen (210), welche in den Fassungskörper (200) eingeschnitten
sind, wobei die Mehrzahl der Fassungskanäle (210) eine vorbestimmte Konfiguration
aufweist, welche komplementär zur Konfiguration der Mehrzahl von Endkappenstiften
(120) ist;
wobei die Endkappe (100) nicht in den Fassungskörper (200) eingeschoben werden kann,
wenn die Konfiguration der Mehrzahl von Endkappenstiften (120) nicht mit der Konfiguration
der Mehrzahl von Fassungskanälen (210) zusammenpasst.
4. Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Endkappe (100) strukturiert
ist, um eine oder mehrere Ultraviolettlampen (UV-Lampen) aufzunehmen.
5. Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau nach Anspruch 1 , wobei der Fassungsgrundkörper (300)
kein eigener Teil ist, sondern im Fassungskörper (200) in einem Stück integriert ist.
6. Sicherheitslampenverbinderaufbau nach Anspruch 2, wobei der Fassungsgrundkörper (300)
kein eigener Teil ist, sondern im Fassungskörper (200) in einem Stück integriert ist.