ARRANGEMENT FOR LIGHT SOURCES OF THE LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE TYPE

Abstract: Arrangement for light sources of the light-emitting diode type executed in the form of a light-emitting body with retaining devices so arranged that the light source can be introduced through a hole (18) in a plate. A reflector component (2) is provided for the reflection of the light emitted from the light-emitting diode, for which purpose the reflector component extends in the form of a bowl around the light source and around an opening, through which the light source extends. The arrangement comprises a peripheral support device (4) situated at a certain distance from the opening and intended to make contact by one of its edges with one side (11) of the plate (6). A securing arrangement (7) located around the opening exhibits one or more flexible elastic devices (20) which permit the light source to be introduced into the opening, but which secure the light source against being withdrawn from the opening.

Description: Title: Arrangement for light sources of the l ght-em tting diode type Technical field: The present invention relates to an arrangement for light sources of the light—emitting diode type executed in the form of a l ght—emitting body with retaining devices so arranged that the light source can be introduced through a hole in a plate in such a way that the light—em tt ng body largely projects through the hole, but that the light source is prevented by said retaining devices from being introduced as a whole through the hole, for which purpose the arrangement comprises a reflector component for the reflection of the light emitted from the light—emitting diode, said reflector component being so arranged as to extend in the form of a bowl around the light source and around an opening through which the light source is intended to extend. Technical problem: Light sources of the light— mitting diode type have found a large number of applications, for instance as points of light in information panels of different kinds, for example advertising signs. It is necessary for this purpose for the light—emitting diodes to be provided each with its own reflector in order to increase the luminous efficiency. ' An essential requirement in this respect is to provide the securing of the reflector and the light—emitting diode in a simple and effective manner without recourse to a large number of special securing elements or connecting means. The object of the present invention is to solve the problems referred to above by means of an arrangement which results in a unit containing a minimum number of elements. The solution: The aforementioned object is achieved by means of an arrangement which is characterized in that the arrangement comprises at least one peripheral support device situated at a certain distance from the opening and intended to make contact by one of its edges with one side of said plate and a securing arrangement arranged around said opening with one or .more flexible elastic devices so arranged as to permit the introduction of the light source into the opening, but as to secure the light source against being withdrawn from the opening. Brief description of drawings: The invention is now described below in more detail as an illustrative embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figs. 1 and 2 show a perspective view of the arrangement in accordance with the invention. Fig. 3 shows a central section through the arrangement, based on a plate for supporting the light—emitting diodes, Fig. 4 is a partially sectioned view of the arrangement in accordance with the invention in its assembled state with a light—emitting diode. Figs. 5 and 6 are a plan view of the arrangement in accordance with the invention, respectively with and without a light—emitting diode, Fig. 7 shows an example of a sign constructed from arrangements in accordance with the invention, and Figs. 8, 9 and 10 show an effective manner of providing the connection of the supply line to the light—em tting diodes. Best mode* of carrying out the invention: As will be appreciated from Figs. 1—6, the arrangement in accordance with the invention consists essentially of a reflector arrangement 1 with a reflector surface 2 executed as a part of a spherical or parabolic generating surface. This surface may be smooth or facetted, that is- to say provided with a large number of small, smooth surfaces which together provide a favourable distribution of the light. The reflector surface is transformed at its peripheral outer edge 3 into a supporting collar 4 which. in the example illustrated here, is executed as the generating surface of a cylinder. The supporting collar exhibits at its base a circular, extending supporting edge 5, by means of which the reflector arrangement is intended to rest against a base in the form of a plate 6, as may be appreciated from Figs. 3 and 4, for example. The reflector surface 2 is transformed on the inside into a securing arrangement 7 for the light source 8 of the light—emitting diode type for which the reflector arrangement is intended. The securing arrangement consists in the example illustrated here of a number of fingers 9 which are directed slightly upwards from the inner, all—around edge 10 of the reflector surface 2. The fingers thus form securing devices for the l ght—emitting diode 8 and form an acute angle with the plane of the plate 6, for example the upper side 11 of the plate. As may be appreciated from Fig. 3, for example, the under side of the edge 10 concerned is situated at a certain distance from the upper side 11 concerned, at least for as long as the reflector arrangement is not combined with the light—emitting diode. The securing arrangement surrounds an opening 12, intended to accommodate the light—emitting diode 8, as may be appreciated from Fig. 4. The light—em tting diode 8 is of a standard design and is also known as an LED element and exhibits a diameter of 5 mm, for example, over most of its height and exhibits an all—around flange 13 at its base. Both the flange and the rest of the l ght—emitting diode exhibit a circular cross—sectional form. Two ' connecting limbs 15, 16, the anode and the cathode, project from the flat under side 14 of the light—emitting diode. The light—emitting diode is intended to be introduced from the under side 17 of the plate through a circular hole 18 in the plate, which exhibits a diameter such that it slightly exceeds the diameter of the main part of the light—emitting diode, but is smaller than the diameter of the flange 13. The light—emitting diode and the hole 18 are thus so arranged that the light—emitting diode can be introduced from the under side of the plate, but cannot be passed through the hole 18 and is arrested by contact between the flange 13 and the edge part 19 of the plate 6 around the hole 18. The securing arrangement 7 is so arranged in respect of its fingers that the diametrical distance between the front edge parts 20 of the fingers with the arrangement in its unassembled state, see Fig. 3, is less than the diameter of the body of the light— mitting diode 8, at the same time as which the fingers 9 are so arranged as to be flexible and, as indicated above, as to face upwards at an angle and also towards one another, that is to say towards an axis perpendicular to the plate 6 extending through the centre of the opening 12. This design means that, when the arrangement is assembled on the plate together with the light— mitting diode 8, securing of the arrangement with both the reflector and the light—emitting diode will be achieved without the need for special securing devices or connecting means. The assembly procedure is such that the reflector arrangement 1 is placed on the plate with the opening 12 situated directly in line with the hole 18 in the plate in the manner indicated in Fig. 3, whereupon the light—emitting diode 8 is introduced through the hole 18 from the under side of the plate and through the opening 12 in the reflector arrangement, as a result of which the dome—shaped head 21 of the l ght—em tting diode will make contact with the under side of the fingers 9, thereby providing centering of the reflector arrangement relative to the hole in the plate, at the same time as the fingers are caused to deflect so that the opening 12 is slightly enlarged, enabling the light—emitting diode to be introduced through the opening 12 and into the* position indicated in Fig. 4. Finally, pressure exerted by means of a tubular tool, for example, against the circular edge in a direction from above will cause that area to be depressed slightly in a direction towards the plate through the elasticity of the material in the reflector arrangement, in this way ensuring that both the reflector arrangement and the light—emitting diode are secured to the plate in a solid and clearance—free fashion. The reflector arrangement 2 is, as has already been mentioned, appropriately executed from a somewhat elastic material, for instance pol ' ished stainless steel, chromium-plated brass, chromium-plated or aluminium—coated plastic or similar. In the case of manufacture based on the use of sheet metal, the entire arrangement can be made by a stamping and moulding operation. The securing effect is thus achieved through the light—emitting diode not being able to be introduced through the hole 18 and being prevented by the flange 13 from being introduced through the plate in an upwards direction, at the same time as the reflector arrangement holds the light—emitting diode securely through the effect of the securing arrangement with the surface 22 of the light—emitting diode in the form of the generating surface of a cylinder resulting from the transfer by the securing arrangement of the securing forces via the reflector component 2 and via the supporting edge 5 of the supporting collar 4 onto the upper side 11 of the plate 6. Comparatively high surface pressure is achieved from the relatively small contact surface of the supporting edge 5, whic ensures particularly good s-ecuring. The light—emitting diode 8- at the same time forms a holding device for the reflector arrangement and has the function of a rivet for the reflector arrangement. The securing effect of the securing arrangement is achieved through the oblique contact by the fingers 9 with the generating surface 22 of the light—emitting diode at their front edge part 20, which is relatively sharp due to the thinness of the material and makes contact with the generating surface in such a way that the light—emitting diode is capable, thanks to the sprung effect of the fingers, Of being introduced relatively easily through the hole 12 during assembly, but is practically incapable of- being removed without material damage occurring due to the fact that the contact pressure between the fingers 9 and the light—emitting diode increases when a tractive force is applied to the light— mitting diode in a downward direction with the aim of attempting to remove it. The light—emitting diode is generally made from a plastics material, which provides very good securing between the fingers 9 and the light—emitting diode because of a certain small amount of deformation which easily occurs in the generating surface 22 of " the light—emitting diode at the point where the front edges 20 of the fingers engage. Illustrated in Fig. 7 is an example of a signalling panel constructed from a number of reflector arrangements in accordance with the invention and fitted with light—emitting diodes 8. These are accordingly installed on the board 6, which may either be provided with specially executed holes with selected positions for each particular purpose, or may be a standard board provided with a large number of holes arranged over the entire surface of the board and separated by a particular modular distance. In the last—mentioned case the board may be covered by a film, for instance a tape, which is perforated directly above those holes which are required for the particular sign. Examples are shown in Figs 8, 9 and 10 of a simple method of connecting a supply line 23 to l ght—emitting diodes 8 on signalling panels or information panels of the type in question. Light—emitting diodes can be connected to one another either in series or in parallel. The latter are relatively common and are illustrated in this example. The supply line 23 consists of an electrically insulating sleeve 24 and two multi—strand conductors 25, 26 intended to be connected electrically to the cathode 15 and the anode 16 respectively of the light—emitting diodes. Thus, in the case of parallel connection, all the cathodes 15 must be connected to one of the conductors 25, and all the anodes 16 to the other conductor 26. The connection procedure is as follows. The limbs of the light—emitting diodes 8, that is to say the cathodes 15 and the anodes 16, are provided at their free end 27 with a pointed section, for example by cutting off the limbs at an angle and by shortening them ..in the same operation to a suitable length, whereupon the connection is made by pushing the supply line 23 against the pointed ends of the limbs 15, 16, which then penetrate the insulating sleeve and also pass through the two conductors 25, 26 in the manner illustrated in Fig. 9, and may, in order to ensure that a proper connection is made, also be allowed to pass out through the insulating sleeve below the conductors. The connection can then be secured by means of a combined insulating and connecting means, which thus insulates the limbs 15, 16 both above and below the conductor 23 and further ensures that the line 23 does not slide off the limbs. This means may be sprayed on, for example, so as to form a coating. The line is secured relatively well, however, due to the fact that the electrical insulation 24 possesses a certain amount of elasticity and surrounds the limbs at the points where they pass through in such a way as to ensure both securing and sealing against the ingress of moisture. The friction against the wires in the multi-strand conductors also ensures securing and good electrical contact. Fig. 10 presents a side view of the information panel in accordance with Fig. 7 using the method of electrical connection described above. If so desired, the projecting ends of the limbs beneath the electrical conductor 23 may be clipped off as an operation after the line has been applied and before the spraying operation. An electrical connection is achieved in this way in a very simple and effective manner without the need to strip the insulation on the supply line 23 and without the need for soldering. It should be pointed out that the electrical supply voltages concerned are of the low-voltage type and are of the order of 5-24 V. The invention is not restricted to the illustrative embodiment referred to above and described in the drawings, but may be modified within the scope of the following Patent Claims. The securing arrangement may be designed in a different manner, for example, and instead of fingers with interjacent openings may consist of radially .arranged slots or a continuous edge material which is flexible and elastic, for example a pressed—up circular inner edge of the reflector surface.

Claims: Patent Claims: 1. Arrangement for light sources of the I ight—emitting diode type executed in the form of a light—emitting body with retaining devices (13) so arranged that the light source can be introduced through a hole (18) in a plate in such a way that the light-emitting body largely projects through the hole, but that the light source is prevented by said retaining device from being introduced as a whole through the hole, for which purpose the arrangement comprises a reflector component (2) for the reflection of the light emitted from the light—emitting diode, said reflector component being so arranged as to extend in the form of a bowl around the light source and around an opening (12), through which the light source is intended to extend, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the arrangement comprises at least one peripheral support device (4) situated at a certain distance from the opening (12) and intended to make contact by one of its edges (5) with one side (11) of said plate (6) and a securing arrangement (7) arranged around said opening (12) with one or more flexible elastic devices (20) so arranged as to permit the introduction of the light source into the.-opening, but as to secure the light source against being withdrawn from the opening. 2. Arrangement according to Patent Claim 1, c h a r a c t e r¬ i z e d in that said supporting device (4) consists of a peripheral, all—around supporting collar produced as a single unit together with the reflector component (2). 3. Arrangement according to Patent Claim ^ c h a r a c t e r¬ i z e d in that the arrangement is executed in .an appropriate flexible elastic material, and in that said supporting device (4) is so arranged that the reflector device component (2) is so arranged, with the securing arrangement (7) in a state in which it is not combined with the light source, as to be situated at a certain distance from the plate (6), that is to say on a level situated slightly above the supporting edge (5) of the supporting device. 4. Arrangement according to any of the preceding Patent Claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the securing arrangement (7 ) consists of a number of elastic fingers (9) facing radially inwards from the radial inner edge (10) of the reflector component (2) towards the opening (12). 5. Arrangement according to Patent Claim 4, c h a r a c t e r¬ i z e d in that said fingers (9) face at an acute angle away from a plane passing through the supporting edge (5). 6. Arrangement according to Patent Claim 5, c h a r a c t e r¬ i z e d in that said fingers (9) exhibit an inner edge part (-20) by means of which the fingers are intended to be in engagement with the generating surface (22) of the light source, which exhibits essentially circular cross—sectional form, and in that the diametrical distance between the inner edge parts of the fingers is less than the diameter of the light—emitting body, considered before the arrangement has been assembled with the light source.

Inventors: LINDBLAD STIG, LINDBLAD, STIG
Applicants: LINDBLAD S M, LINDBLAD, STIG
Application year: 1985
Main classification: F21V19
IPC codes: F21V19, F21V21, G09F9, H01L25, H01L33