Illuminator for a signal lamp

• US 6,572,242 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2001
• Issued: 06/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: WERMA Holding GmbH + Co. KG
• Original Assignee: Werma Signaltechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
• Inventors: Marquardt, Erich, Neumann, Siegfried, Marquardt, Juergen, Rothhaas, Dirk
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cranson, Jr., James W
• Application Number:
  US09/832,801
• Publication Number:
  US 20010040804A1
• Time in Patent Office: 782 Days
• Field of Search: 362/240, 362/244, 362/545, 362/800, 362/812, 362/254, 439/336, 439/332, 439/335, 439/611, 439/613, 439/615, 439/616, 439/76.1, 439/733.1
• US Class Current: 362/240
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/00 Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for signalling, marking or indicating, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 33/465 secured to structure or printed circuit board
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

An illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp, having at least one LED which is mounted on an LED printed circuit board is provided which permits uncomplicated and flexible production. A base housing of the illuminator is produced from plastic. The base housing is penetrated by at least two contact elements.

Claims

1. An illuminator, comprising:

an LED printed circuit board;

at least one LED mounted on an LED printed circuit board;

a base on which the LED printed circuit board is mounted;

wherein a base housing of said base is plastic and has a bottom plate, and wherein at least two contact elements extend from the printed circuit board through the base housing; and

further wherein each contact element forms a contact plate, via a fold in the contact element, which contact plate attaches to an exterior of the bottom plate of the base housing.

2. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein the contact elements penetrate the bottom plate of the base housing.

3. The illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of cutting and latching elements that fix the contact elements in the base housing.

4. The illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising a base plate arranged transverse to the LED printed circuit board, the base plate being connected to the LED printed circuit board and to the contact elements.

5. The illuminator according to claim 4, further comprising at least one of a plug-in, soldered and compression connection for connecting the contact elements to the base plate.

6. The illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising electronic components arranged in the base.

7. The illuminator according to claim 4, further comprising electronic components arranged on the base plate.

8. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of LED printed circuit boards are provided.

9. The illuminator according to claim 4, wherein a solderless connection is provided between the base plate and the LED printed circuit board.

10. The illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising fastening elements for additional components, said fastening elements being integrally formed into the base housing.

11. The illuminator according to claim 10, wherein the fastening elements are constructed as latching elements.

12. The illuminator according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent spherical cap for the base housing.

13. The illuminator according to claim 12, wherein the spherical cap encompasses light-guiding elements.

14. The illuminator according to claim 12, wherein the spherical cap comprises a guiding element for the LED printed circuit board.

15. The illuminator according to claim 12, further comprising a seal arranged between the spherical cap and the base housing.

16. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein said illuminator forms a signal lamp.

21. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein the contact plate bears flat against the exterior side of the bottom plate of the base housing.

17. An illuminator assembly, comprising:

an illuminator, said illuminator including an LED printed circuit board, at least one LED mounted on an LED printed circuit board, a base on which the LED printed circuit board is mounted, and

wherein a base housing of said base is plastic and has a bottom plate, and wherein at least two contact elements extend from the printed circuit board through the base housing, each contact element forming a contact plate, via a fold in the contact element, which contact plate attaches to an exterior of the bottom plate of the base housing,

a holder adapted for mounting at a place of use, and

wherein the holder holds the base of the illuminator.

18. The illuminator assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a seal arranged between the holder and the base of the illuminator.

19. The illuminator assembly according to claim 17, wherein the bottom plate of the base housing is penetrated by the contact elements.

20. The illuminator assembly according to claim 17, wherein the illuminator further comprises at least one of cutting and latching elements for fixing the contact elements in the base housing.

22. The illuminator according to claim 17, wherein the contact plate bears flat against the exterior side of the bottom plate of the base housing.