Electric lamp and discharge devices – With envelope – Having base and connector
Patent
1997-04-18
1999-05-18
O'Shea, Sandra
Electric lamp and discharge devices
With envelope
Having base and connector
362221, 362 833, H01J5/60
Patent
active
059053291
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application discloses information claimed in Attorney's Docket Nos. 96-1-328 and 96-1-319, filed concurrently herewith.
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a lamp assembly useful with a display device such as, for example, an automobile instrument cluster panel.
2. Background Art
A lamp assembly has various uses in various industries. For example, a lamp assembly may be provided which includes a display device. Without limitation, an example of such a display device is an automobile instrument cluster panel. Such a panel typically contains 13 to 28 wedge base incandescent automotive lamps which serve as light sources for the panel. The bases of such lamps cause many problems. For example, typically such wedge base incandescent automotive lamps are made by one manufacturer and the sockets into which such lamps are inserted are made by another. When assembled, this can result in questionable reliability, varying coil robustness and limited life. In addition, there is a tendency for the contact wires of wedge base incandescent automotive lamps to flatten when subjected to vibration such as that normally incurred, for example, in an automotive environment. This can lead to intermittent or total lamp failure. In some automotive applications, such a wedge base lamp will actually inadvertently fall out of its socket and lay visible in the instrument cluster panel.
A further shortcoming is that such wedge base lamps operate at current levels of about 3.5 amps to 7.5 amps (50 to 105 watts), at temperature levels above 200.degree. C. and provide only 5 to 8 lumens per watt. Such levels limit the design of the lamp envelopes available and the materials used in the fabrication thereof. Further, such hot lamps typically have a life expectancy of only 500 to 2500 hours at best. Such a limited lamp life expectancy is not consistent with present automotive warranties of 10 years/100,000 miles.
Incandescent lamps have been the primary light source for automotive lighting due to their ability to light in cold conditions. However, the use of a fluorescent lamp is known in the automotive art. For example, it is known to use a subminiature fluorescent U-shaped lamp as a light source in an automotive instrument cluster panel. A single insulative plastic base is used to house both ends of such U-shaped lamp as well as a header-type electrical connector provided for attachment to a controller circuit board. One disadvantage of such a base is that the electrical connections between the lamp and the connector, and the electrical connections between the connector and the circuit board, are typically effected by soldering. Such fluorescent lamps are also difficult to operate in cold environments.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an enhanced lamp assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lamp base housing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a lamp base housing which may be readily attached to the end of an elongated tubular lamp.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a lamp base housing for use with a tubular lamp wherein the lamp base housing supports each end of the lamp and provides axial and rotational orientation of the lamp relative to the lamp base housing.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such a lamp base housing for use with a tubular lamp wherein identical base halves assemble together and are reversible for use at each lamp end.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a lamp base housing for use with a lamp assembly wherein the lamp base housing provides a pocket for locating and retaining a thermal breaker associated with the lamp assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a lamp base housing for use with a lamp assembly wherein the lamp base housing provides paths and strain relief for conductors associated with the lamp assembly.
Still another object of t
REFERENCES:
patent: 3898495 (1975-08-01), Livera
Bonavita Michael J.
Boyd Steven M.
Thomas Ronald E.
Gerike Matthew J.
McNeill William H.
O'shea Sandra
Osram Sylvania Inc.
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