CA2230887A1 - Light emitting device, socket device and lighting device - Google Patents

Light emitting device, socket device and lighting device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2230887A1
CA2230887A1 CA002230887A CA2230887A CA2230887A1 CA 2230887 A1 CA2230887 A1 CA 2230887A1 CA 002230887 A CA002230887 A CA 002230887A CA 2230887 A CA2230887 A CA 2230887A CA 2230887 A1 CA2230887 A1 CA 2230887A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
light emitting
socket
cap
barrel portion
contact
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002230887A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hiroyoshi Nishihara
Masayuki Katougi
Katsunori Sato
Kazuaki Murata
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Moriyama Sangyo KK
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2230887A1 publication Critical patent/CA2230887A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01KELECTRIC INCANDESCENT LAMPS
    • H01K1/00Details
    • H01K1/28Envelopes; Vessels
    • H01K1/34Double wall vessels
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J5/00Details relating to vessels or to leading-in conductors common to two or more basic types of discharge tubes or lamps
    • H01J5/50Means forming part of the tube or lamps for the purpose of providing electrical connection to it
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J61/00Gas-discharge or vapour-discharge lamps
    • H01J61/02Details
    • H01J61/30Vessels; Containers
    • H01J61/34Double-wall vessels or containers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01KELECTRIC INCANDESCENT LAMPS
    • H01K1/00Details
    • H01K1/42Means forming part of the lamp for the purpose of providing electrical connection, or support for, the lamp
    • H01K1/46Means forming part of the lamp for the purpose of providing electrical connection, or support for, the lamp supported by a separate part, e.g. base, cap
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01RELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R33/00Coupling devices specially adapted for supporting apparatus and having one part acting as a holder providing support and electrical connection via a counterpart which is structurally associated with the apparatus, e.g. lamp holders; Separate parts thereof
    • H01R33/05Two-pole devices
    • H01R33/06Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other
    • H01R33/08Two-pole devices with two current-carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts, having their axes parallel to each other for supporting tubular fluorescent lamp
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02BCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B20/00Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps

Abstract

A light emitting device (1) has a tubular light emitting element (11) and a pair of bases (14) provided on both the ends of the tubular light emitting element (11). A contactor (24) which is electrically connected to the tubular light emitting element (11) protrudes from the base main part (22) of the base (14) perpendicularly to the tube axis of the base main part (22). A pair of retaining arms (27) extends from the base main part (22) on both the sides of the contactor (24) approximately parallel to the direction where the contactor (24) protrudes. The pair of the retaining arms (27) of the base (14) also serve as guards to protect the contactor (24) while the base (14) is not attached to a socket device (2), while the contactor (24) is transported and while the contactor (24) is attached to the socket device (2). Further, by engaging the pair of the retaining arms (27) with the socket device (2), the light emitting device (1) is held by the socket device (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

LIGHT EMllYING DEVICE, SOCE~ET DEVICE & LIGHTING DEVICE

Technical Filed The present invention relates to a light emitting device having a tubular light emitter, socket devices to be connected to said light emitting device, and a lighting device including said light emitting device and socket devices.

Background Art An example of conventional light emitting devices is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 195'i57/1986, wherein sequentially arranged light emitting elements are connected in series and inserted into a flexible tube; caps for electrical connection are mounted on the respective two ends of the tube; and this tube is bent into the shape of, for example, a letter of the alphabet so that it can be used for what is generally called decorative illuminations. As the power consumption of the light emitting elements of a light emitting device described above is relatively low and their temperature when lit is low, there will be no problem even if some light emitting elements accidentally touch the inside of the tube. Due to its insufficient luminance, however, a ligllt emitting device structured as above is not suitable to be used as a lighting device.
Another example is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-open No. 117457/1986, wherein sequentially arranged light emitting elements are connected in series and inserted inlo a glass tube, and caps for electrical connection are mounted on the respective two ends of the tube so that it can be used as the light source of a reading lamp. In order to prevent the light emitting elements from touching the inner surface of the glass tube, this device has a support portion which consisting of an outer shell portion and a small coil portion which are integrally connected to each other at a joint portion and welded to lead wires of the light emitting elements.
~,lthough this structure enables the device to use light emitting elements requiring relatively large power consumption, it presents a problem in that it requires a complicated, inconvenient operation of connecting the lead wires of the light emitting elements located at the two ends of the glass tube lo the terminals at the respective ends of the glass tube.
Knou,n among examples of caps to be provided at both ends of a tube having the above configuration is a structure described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 13536/1962 and J~panese Utility Model Public Disclosure No. 126347-1991, wherein each cap includes an insulating cap body to be attached to an end of the tube, and a contact for electrical connection is projected from the cap body at a right angle to the axis of the tube. Each socket device to which a cap structured as above is connected has a socket body provided with a metal fitting for cc)nnecting the contact, a holder for supporting the connected cap, and other necessary members.
When arranging a plurality of light sources along the axis of a tube to produce a line illumination design (illumination formed by straight and/or curved lines rather than planes), the above configuration of a light emitting device and a socket device, wherein the socket devices are not disposed on the axis of the tubc: of the light emitting device, has advantages in that it is free from the problem of a socket devic:e forming an undesirable dark part; the continuity of the luminescent part is ensured; and that the effect of a continuous illumination design can be a, hieved to thc full extent.
In the state where the light emitting device is not connected the socket devices, however, the contacts project from the sides of the respective caps without a cover and prone to be exposed to an external force when transported or connected to a socket device. Should a contact be deformed by such an external force, connection to a socket device may become impossible or, granting that tlhe connection is managed, there is the danger of a failure occurring in electrical connection. The above configuration presents another problem in that a special buffer mech~ni.cm or the like for protecting the contacts is necessary in order to prevent inadvertent deformalion ot the contacts during transportation or in other occasions.
In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a light emitting device which is ensured to be capable of projecting its contacts and be supported in the state when, it is electrically connected to Ihe sockets, a socket device or socket devices to which said light emitting device can be connected, and a lighting device which is provided with said light emitling device and socket device or socket devices.

Disclosure of Invention A light emitting device according to the invention includes a tubular light emitter and a pair of caps, each cap having an insulating cap body to be attached to each end of the tubular light emitter, a contact to be electrically connected to the tubular light emitter and projecting from Ihe cap body at approximately a right angle to the tube axis, and a pair of catching arms respectively disposed at both sides of the contact and extending virtually in the same direction as the contact.
As the pair of catching arms of each cap serve as a protector in the state where the cap is n~)t yet mounled on a socket device, its contact is ensured to be protected when the cap is being transported or mounted on a socket device. Further, even in a configuration where electrical connectioll is achieved simply by forcing or otherwise inserting a contact into a socket device, electrical connection of the light emitting device can be reliably maintained by engaging the pair of catching arms with a receiving member such as a socket device or a lighting fixture.
The tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of the tubular light emitter. Each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of the tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of the barrel por~:ion and permitting the corresponding one of said conductive elements to pass therethrough from the one side to the other side of the partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of the barrel portion, wherein said contact is connected to the conductive element at the other side of the partition and projects from the barrel portion.
By mounting an end of the barrel portion of the cap body over an end of the tubular light emitter and passing a conductive element from the one side to the other side of the partition in the barrel portion of the cap body, assembly of the device becomes easier in that the conductive element can be easily connected to the contact in the section of the barrel portion where the other end is located.
Accolding to another feature of the invention, the tubular light emitter includes conductive elelments led out of the ends of the tubular light emitter, and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of the tubular light emitter, and a partition inte~rally formed with the barrel portion at the middle of the interior of the barrel portion and permitting the corresponding one of said conductive elements to pass therethrough from the one side to the other side of the partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end oE the barrel portion, and a blocking member formed as a separate member and attached to the other end of Ihe barrel portion.
By mounting an end of the barrel portion of the cap body over an end of the tubular light emitter and passing a conductive element from the one side to the other side of the partition in the barrel portion of Ihe cap body, assembly of the device becomes easier in that the conductive element can be easily connected to the contact in the section of the barrel portion where the other end is located. The above configuration has additional benefits in that a partition can be easily provided in a barrel portion by means of integral formation with the barrel portion; the other end of Ihe barrel porlion can be closed by a blocking element after connection of a conductive element; and that the appearance can be improved.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the tubular light emitter includes conductive elemellts led out of the ends of the tubular light emitter, and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of the tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of the barrel portion and having a positioning poltion that positions the conductive element passing from the one side to the other side of the partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of the barrel portion.
By mounting an end of the barrel portion of the cap body over an end of the tubular light emitter and passing a conductive element from the one side to the other side of the partition in thle barrel portion of the cap body, assembly oi' the device becomes easier in that the conductive element can be easily connected to the contact in the section of the barrel portion where the other end is located. In addition, as a conductive element passing through the partition from the one side to the other side Ihereof is position,ed by Means of a posilioning portion of the partition, the above configuration facilitates an connecting operation.
Accortiing to yet another feature of the invention, the tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of the tubular light emitter, and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of the tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of the barrel portion and having a through hole and a positioning portion that positions the conductive element passing therethrough from thle one side to the other side of the partition, said one side and the other side respectively lacing thle one end and the other end of the barrel portion.
By mounting an end of the barr~el portion of the cap body over an end of the tubular light emitter and passing a conductive element from the one side to the other side of the partition in thle barrel portion of the cap body, assembly of the device becomes easier in that the conductive element can be easily connected to the contact in the section of tlle barrel portion where the other end is located. ln ad iition, a through hole i'ormed in each partition makes it easy to pass a conductive element from one side of the partition to the other side, while a positioning portion of each partition enables positioning of the conductive element passed from the one side of the partition to the other side. Thlls, an connecting operation can be simplified.
Accordillg to yet another feature of the invention, each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion having a cap flat portion which is formed on a part of the side face thereof, and said contact projects from the cap flat portion of the barrel portion.
With the configuration as above, when the cap is attached to a socket device, positioning can be done by joining the cap flat portion to the socket device. Furthermore, a waterproof structure can be easily obtained by means of, ior example, disposing a packing between the cap flat portion ancl the socket device.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the tubular light emitter includes a rigid, translucent tube and a light emitting element series which comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and installed in said tube.
The tubular light emitter may be structured by using, for example, small incandescent lamps.
A socket device according to tlne invention is a socket device to be combined with said light emitting device and comprises an insulating socket body, a receiving blade and a lid, said socket body hilving an insertion hole, \,vhich is formed in the end face of the socket body and allows a contact of the light emitting device to be inserted therethrough, slanted surfaces rc:spectively formed on opposite sides of the socket body, catching indentations fornled continuously ~ith the respective slantecl surfaces, and a hollow portion formed inside the socket body; said receiving blade contained in the hollow portion of the socket body and permitting said contact to be electrically connected thert to; and said lid blocking the hollow portion of the socket body.
By inserting a cap of the light emitting device into a socket device, the contact of the cap can be electrically connected to the receiving blade through the insertion hole at the end face of the socket bo-ly. At that time, by in.serting the cap into the socket device with the pair of ci1~chinP arms of the cap positioned at both sicles of the socket, the catching arms can be guided along the respective slanted surfaces of the socket body and easily fitted in the catching indentations. Therefore, the above configuration facilitates fitting of the light emitting device to the socket devices and also ensures l:he light emitting device to be maintained electrically cc)nnected.
According to yet another feature of the invention, a socket body includes a socket flat portion formeli around the insertion hole at the end face of the socket body, an annular circumferentiall groove so formed in the socket flat portion as to surround the insertion hole, and a packing disposed in the circumferential groove.
A waterproof structure can be e asily obtained by disposing a packing between a cap and a socket devicc.
A ligh~ting device according to the invention includes a base; a light emitting device; and a pair of socket devices; said light emitting device including a tubular light emitter and a pair of caps, each cap~ having an insulating cap body to be attached to each end of the tubular light emitter, a contact to be electrically connected to the tubular light emitter and projecting from the cap body at aplproximately a right angle to the tube axis, and a pair of catching arms respectively provided at both sides of the contact and extending virtually in the same direction as the contact;
each of said socket devices including an insulating socket body, a receiving blade and a lid, said socket body having an insertion hole, which is formed in the end face of the socket body and allows a contact of the light emitting device to be inserted therethrough, slanted surfaces respectively formed on opposite sides of the socket body, catching indentations formed continuously with the respective slanted surfaces, and a hollow portion formed inside the socket body; said receiving blade contained in the hollow portion of the socket body and permitting said contact to be electrically connected thereto, and said lid blocking the hollow portion of the socket body; and said pair of socket devices selparately mounted on said base, at opposite locations.
As the pair of catching arms ol-' each cap of the light emitting device serve as a protector hl the state wlhere the cap is not yet mounted on a socket device, its contact is ensured to be protected when the cap is transported or mounted on a socket device, electrical connection of the liight emitting device can be reliably maintained by engaging the pair of catching arms respectively in the catching indentations of the socket device. Further, by inserting a cap of the liight emitling device into a socket ~levice, the contact of the cap can be electrically connected to the receiving blade through the insertion hole at the end face of the socket body. At that time, by inserting the cap into the socket deviice with the pair of catching arms of the cap positioned at bolh sides of llhe socket, the catching arms can be guided along the respective slanted surfaces of the socket body and easily fitted in the catching indentations. Therefore, the above configuration facilitates fitting of the ligllt emitting device to the socket devices and also ensllres the light emitting device to be maintained electrically connected.

Brief ]Description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a part of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the same taken along the line A-A of Fig. 1;
F'ig. 3 is a top view of a light emitting clevice; Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the lighting device; Fig.
5 is a sectional view of a part of a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the present hlvention; Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the same taken along the line B-B of F'ig. 5; Fig. 7 is a front view of a light emitting device; Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of lhe light emilling device; Fig. 9 is an enlarged front view of a partition; Fig. 10 is an enlarged back view of a partition; Fig. I l is a perspective view of a lighting device according to a third embodiment of lhe present invention; Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a lighting device according to a fourth embo(liment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a part of a light emitting device; Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a part of the lighting device; Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a part of the lighting device; Fig. 16 is a bottom view of a soc~et device; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a light emitting device; and Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the lighting device.

Best Mode for Carrying owt the Invention The configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention is described in the following by n~ferring to Figs. 1 to 4.
In said drawings, a lighting device comprises a light emitting device 1, a pair of socket devices 2, and a base 3.
In Fig. 3, the light emitting device 1 has a tubular light emitter 11 which is comprised of a tube l2 and a light emitting element .series 13. A pair of caps 14 are respectively attached to bottl ends of the tube 12.
The tube 12 of the tubular light emitter 11 is a transparent, straight glass tube having a circular section and open at both ends.
The liight emitting element series 13 consists of a plurality of light emitting elements 15 (for example five light emitting elements) linked by means of conductive wires 16. Each light emitting element 15 is an incandescent lamp having a bulb 17 made of transparent glass. The bulb 17 has a filament 18 contained therein and conducting members respectively led out from sealing portions formed at the two ends of the bulb 17. The bulb 17 is filled with xenon gas.
A ring-shaped position restricting element 20, which also serves as a tension applying element, is integrally coiled around the middle portion of each conductive wire 16.
The caps 14 are attached to the respective two ends of the tube 12.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a conductive element 21 which is a conductive wire or the like and connected to the corresponding conducting member 19 of the light emitting element 15 at each end of the tubular light emitter 11 is led out from the end of the tubular light emitter 11 into the associated cap 14.
Each cap l4 is comprised of a cap body 22, a blocking element 23 and a contact 24.
Said cap body 22 is made of an insulating synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin and includes a barrel portion 25, a palrtition 26 and a pair of catching arms 27. The barrel portion 25 is in a cylindrical shape open at both ends, with one end fitted around the outer surface of the end of the tube 12. An opening 28 to which the blocking element 23 is attached is formed at the other end of the barrel portion 25. A cap flat portion 29 is formed on a part of the wall of th~e barrel portion 25, between the pair of catching arms 27. The partition 26 is hltegrally fornled witll the barrel portion 25, at a location about the middle of the interior of the barrel portion 25. The partition 26 is provided with a generally semi-circular through hole 30 and a shallow, slit-like positioning por~ion 31, which is located at the center of the chord of said semi-circle of the through hole 30.
The blocking element 23 is forrned of an insulating synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin in the shape of a dlisk and brought into engagement with the opening 28 of the cap body 22, thereby blocking the opening 28, by the elastic force of the barrel body 25.
The contact 24 is a conductive hollow pin which is formed at the other end of the barrel portion 25, between the partition 26 and the opening 28, and projects therefrom through the center of llIe cap ~lat portion 29 of the barrel portion 25, at an approximately right angle to the axis of the cap body 22.
Each conductive element 21 led out from an end of the light emitting element series 13 is introduced ~hrough the through hole 30 of the partition 26 of the corresponding cap 14 into the cap 14 and dlopped into the positioning portion 31. Thus, the leading out of the conductive element 21 is completed. Then, the conductive element 21, now bent into an L-shape, is inserted into lhe base end portion of thle contact 24 and electrically and mechanically connected to the contact 24 by means of pressing i'orce or welding.
The pair of catching arms 27 are formed as an integral body with the barrel porlion 25 and respectively extend downward fro,m the lwo opposite sides of the barrel portion 25 so that c:ach catching arm 27 faces a side of the contact 24 that protrudes the barrel portion 25. A
c atching protrusion 32 protruding inward is formed at the end of each catching arm 27.
In order to assemble the light emitthlg device 1 structured as above, the light emitting element series 13 is produced beforehand. The conductive elements 21 led out from both ends of the light emitting element series I3 are bent into an L-shape beforehand. The light emitting element series 13 is inserted into a tube 12, and an end of the barrel portion 25 of each cap 14 is then altac:lled ~o an end of the tube 12. Prior to this attaching operation, an appropriate quantity of an adhesive agent is applied to the iinner surface of the barrel portion 25 Thereafter, a tool such as a pair of tweezers, cutting pliers or the like is inserted from the opening 28 at the other end of cap 14 in order to hold and pull a conductive element 21 of the light emitting element series 13 through the through hole 30 of the partition 26 to the part of the barrel 25 where a contact 24 is located and, while dropping the conductive element 21 into the positioning portion 31 of the partition 26, insert the end of the conductive element 21 into the base end of the contact 24. '[hen, thle contact 24 and the conductive element 21 are electrically and mechanically connecte(l by means of, for example:, pressing them against each other. By blocking the openilIg 28 thereafter with a blocking e lement 23, tlle assembly of the light emitting device 1 is completed.
The socket device 2 basically comprises a socket body 41, a packing 42, a receiving blade 43 and a lid 44.
The socket body 41 is made of an insulating synthetic resin such as polybutyleneterephthalate resin and includes a socket flat portion 45 formed on its upper surface (the end face). An insertion hole 46 that allows the associated contact 24 to be inserted therein is formed at the center of the socket flat portion 45, ancl an circumferential groove 47 for containing the packing 42 therein is formed around the insertion hole 46. A slanted surface 48 and a catching indentation 49 for catching the catching protrusion 32 of the corresponding catching arm 27 therein are folmed on each of the two opposite sides of the socket body 41, each catching indentation 49 located directly under the corresporlding slanted surface 48 as an integral, continuous bocly with the slanted surface 48. The inside of the socket body 41 is formed into a hollow portion 50 which communicates with the insertion hole 46, and an opening 51 communicating with the hollow portion 50 is formed at the bottom of the socket body 41 and blocked by the lid 44. A mounting ba;se 52 is formed in the hollow portion 50, at a side of the zone in which the contact 24 is inserted. Furthermore, an end face portion 53 vertically extending downward is formed on the end face of the socket body 41.
Each packing 42, which may b~e an O--ring or the like, is disposed such that a part of the packing contained in Ihe circumferential groove 47 protrudes above the upper surface of the socket ll~t porlion 45 when no pressure is applied lo the packing 42.
The receiving blade 43 is made of a conductive material such as a leaf spring or the like and is generally formed in the shape of an L, with its base end fastened to the mounting base 52 by means of a screw 54, and its tip so disposed as to be capable of entering sideways into the zone in which l~he contact 24 is inserted and being pressed against the side of the contact 24.
The lid 44 is made of such a mlaterial as flexible silicone rubber or the like and brought into fluid-tight engagement so as to block the opening 51 of the socket body 41.The lid 44 is disposed snugly between the opening 51 and the base 3, and solidly fastened to the base 3 and screwed by means of a screw 55 that is inserted from the back of the base 3 into the socket body 41.
A parl~ of each lid 44 is formed into a protuberant portion 56 communicating with the hollow portion 50 of the socket body 41 and projecting. Referring to Fig. 4, the protuberant portion 56 has an insertion hole (not shown) that is bored lhrougll the side of the protuberant portion facing Ihe cenler of the device and permits a power line 57 to be inserted therein so that the power line 57 can be introduced frorln the oulside through the protuberant portion 56 into the socket 41. l\~ore precisely, when viewed from the point of view of having Fig. 2 directly in front of the viewer, the power line 57 h~oks as if it were introduced from the back of the sheet of paper containing Fig. 2 into the protuberant portion 56, made a U-turn between the sheet and the viewer and were directed onto the upper surface of the base end of the receiving blade 43. Then, by folding core wires 57a of the power line 57, which are exposed from the end of the insulation c:oating of the power line 57, downward along the base of the receiving blade 43 and connecting the core wires, 57a to the back face of the receiving blade 43, the power line 57 is electrically connected to the receiving blade 43 and secured by the tensile force at the same time. The socket body 41 is provided with a tongue 58 extending downward as an integral body with the socket body 4 I so that the protuberant portion 56 and the tongue 58 both press against the power line 57, thereby making the lead-in portion ot' the power line 57 waterproof. If it is necessary, the waterproofing capability may be ensured by filling the space defined by the protuberant portion 56, the ton~ue 58 and the power line 57 with silicone adhesive agent.
The base 3 is made of a metal plate bent inlo the shape of a U open at the bottom, of which both lengthwise ends are respec:tively blocked by the end face portions 53 of the socket bodies 41. ~n insertion hole (not shown) in which a screw 55 is inserted and a cutout portion S9 through which the protuberant portion 56 of a lid 44 is inserted are formed near each end of the base 3, at ~he location where a socket is mounted.
With the configuration as above, each socke~ body 41 and lid 44 are integrally fastened to the base 3 by disposing the socket body 41 and lid 44 at the socket mounting position at each end of the bas, 3 in the state where the lid 44 is engaged in the opening 51 of the socket body 41, and firmly screwing lhe screw 55 from the back of the base 3 into the socket body 41.
Mowlting of the lighting devic:e structured as above can be done by mounting the base 3 at a desired position of a structure such as a building; completing the wiring; and inserting the caps 14 at both ends of the light emitting device into the respective socket devices 2. As a result, the contact 24 of each cap 14 is inserted into the insertion hole 46 of the corresponding socket body 41 so that the contact 24 is electrically connected to the receiving blade 43 while deforming the receiving blade 43 against its elastic force. At the same time, while being deformed against their own elastic force, the two catching arms 27 of the cap 14 become caught in the respective catching indentations 49 by way of the slanted surfaces 48 of the socket body 41.
At this engagement position, the cap flat portion 29 of the cap 14 comes into contact with the packing 42 and elastically flattens the packing 42 so that the contact between the cap 14 and the socket body 41 becomes watertight.
The liy,l1t emitting device 1 can be removed from a socket device 2 by applying outward pressure to the pair of catching arms 27 of the cap 14 against the elastic force of the catching arms 27 and, while enlarging the catching arms as above, simply by separating the cap 14 from the socket bocly 41 in the state where the catching protrusions 32 of the catching arms 27 are disengaged from the catching indentations 49 of the socket body 41. As a result, the contact 24 is removed from the receiving blade 43 and electrically disconnected.
The structural features, functions and effects according to the first embodiment are explained hereunder.
A feature of the first embodirr~ent lies in inclusion of an elongated tube 12 of which at least lhe light inlet portion is translucent; a light emitting element series 13 inserted in the tube 12, the light emitting element series having a plurality of sequentially connected light emitting elements 15 and conductive elements extended *om the two respective ends; and caps 14 each of which inclu-les a barrel portion 25, a partition 26, a contact 24 and a blocking element 23, said barrel portion 25 having one end fitted over an end of the tube 12 and the other end being open, the partition 26 having a through hole 30 and being located at the middle of the interior of the barrel portion 25 so as to position the corresponding conductive element 21 of the light emitting element series 13 drawn out through the through hole 30, the contact 24 so disposed between the partition 26 and an opening 28 at said other end of the barrel portion 25 as to permit the conductive element 21 of the light ernitting element series 13 to be connected thereto, the operating portion of the contact 24 exposed to the outside, and the blocking element 23 blocking the opening 2~1 of the barrel portion 25. According to the above configuration, the partition 26 is provided in a cap 14, and a conductive element 21 introduced through the through hole 30 is first positioned and then connected to the contact 24. Therefore, the above configuration facilitates the assembly operation in that the conductive elements 21 of the light emitting element series 13 can be takell out and assembled in the state where the caps 14 are already attached to the tube 12.
Each partition 26 is characterized in being formed as an integral body with a barrel portion 25; it rnay be molded together with a barrel portion 25, or it may be bonded, welded or otherwise solidly attached to a barrel portion 25 after being formed separately from the barrel portion. This integration of a partition 26 with a barrel portion 25 eliminates the danger of inadvertent movemellt of partition 26 and consequently prevents the light emitting element series 13 from inadvertently moving from its given position.
Another feature of a partition 26 lies in that its through hole 30 is in an approximately sermi-circular shape. As a result, even when a conductive element 21 introduced from an end of the ligllt emitting element series 13 is already bent into the shape of an L or the like so as to facilitate its connection to a contact 24, it is easier to take out the bent portion of the conductive element 21 throwgh the through hole 30 because the through hole 30 is formed in an approximately semi-circular. In order to facilitate positioning of a conductive element 21, a shallow slit may be formed at the chord of the semi-circle so that the positioning can be done by dropping the conductive element 21 to the bottom of the slit. As the structure described above increases the mechanical strength of paltitions 26, the partitions 26 can be also used to secure the light emitting e lement series 13 by means of tensile force.
The above embodiment is also characterized in that its caps 14 are provided at the respective two ends of the tube 12. Therefore, the embodiment can provide what is generally called a dual-cap type tubular light emitter 11.
Another feature of the embodiment lies in that each contact 24 projects from a cap 14 in a direction intersecting the axis of the tube 12. By a~aching the caps 14 of the tubular light emitter 11 to the respective socket devices 2, the tubular light emitter 11 can be disposed approximately parallel to the mounting surface. Altl-ough the above structure is suitable for a dual-cap type lubular light emitter 11, the light emitter 11 may also be of a single-cap type. In case of a sillgle-cap type tubular light emitter 11, the light emitter 11 may be supported at the proximity of the tube end by a separatel y prepared holder.
Each cap 14 also has a feature of a pair of catching arms 27 flanking a contact 24 and extending in the same direction as the contact 24. Even in case of a structure wherein electrical connec~ l is achieved siml~ly hy insertiing or pressing the contacts 24 of the tubular light emitler 11 into or against the socket devices 2, iinadvertent dislocation and electrical disconnection of the tubular lighl emitter 11 is prevented by providing each cap 14 with the pair of catching arms 27 and bringing these catching arms 27 in catching indentations 49 formed in the socket devices 2, the base 3 or in other appropriate members. The above structure is also convenient to dispose a packing 42 belween the periphery of the contact 24 of a cap 14 and a socket device 2 in order to make the region waterproof, because a sufficient pressure to achieve the waterproof effect can be applied to the area between the cap 14 and the socket device 2 simply by bringing the catching arms 27 into engagement with the desilgnated fixed portions as described above. The catching arms 27 extended from each cap 14 also serve as a protector to mechanically protect the associated contact 24 in the state where the tubular light emitler 11 is not mounted on the socket device 2. Furthermore, even if water iis splashed on the top of a cap 14, the water flows down tlle catchillg arms 27. Thus, the above structure is also capable of improving the waterproof characleristic ot Ihe device.
A light emilling element series 13 according to the embodiment has a feature wherein its light emitting elements 15 are connected to one anolher by means of conducting members 19 led out of the lighlt emitting elerments 15. As conducting members 19 of each light emitting element 15 are used as at least a part of the linking mechanism for linking in a chain-like manner the light emitting elements 15, a number of components necessary for the linkage can be minimized.
Further, this feature is suitable for a configuration wherein light emitting elements 15 are connected in series.
According to another feature of the embodiment, a light emitting element series 13 includes a po;sition restricting elernenl[ 20 disposed between each two adjacent light emitting elements 15 in order to restrict the position of the light emitting element series 13 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube 12. Although it is preferable that each position restricting element 20 has an outline resembling the sectional shape of the interior of the tube 12, a combination of adjacent position restricting elements 20 may form an outline that resembles the internal section of the tube 12. For example, one of a pair of position restricting elements 20 adjacent to each other may be generally in an semi-circular shape when viewed from the axial direc:tion of the tube 12, while the other position restricting element 20 may be in the shape of a semi-circle rotated by 18Cl~ . Such a collfiguration is sufficiently functional for restricting the positions of light emitting element in cases where the light emitting elements are relatively short and arranged at short intervals~ In other words, a position restricting element 20 may have any structure as long as it is effective in restricting the position of the light emitting element series 13 in the tube 12. Providing position restricting elements 20 prevents the light emitting elements 15 from inadvertently touching the inner surface of the tube 12; this is especially effective in cases where the tube 12 is curved.
According to another feature of the embodiment, each position restricting element 20 is formed of a conductive element 21 which connects light emitting elements 15 to each other. By forming position restricting elements 20 of conductive elements 21 which connect light emitting elements 15, the structure is simplified, and it is also become possible to use position restricting elements 20 t~D apply tensile force. I~ore precisely, when tensile force is applied to the light emitting element series 13 by connecting or otherwise affixing the conductive elements 21 drawn out of the respective two ends of the llight emitting element series 13 to the contacts 24 in the state where the conductive elements 21 are pulled, inadvertent movement of the light emitting element series 13 in the tube 12 is reduced, and, therefore, unpleasant scratching noises is minimized.
According to yet another feature of Ihe embodiment, each light emitting element 15 is comprised of an incandescent lamp in,-luding a bulb 17, a filament 18 disposed in the bulb 17 and conducting members 19 respectivehy led out from sealing porlions formed at both ends of the bulb 17. The attached drawings show a preferable configuration in cases where the light emitting elements 15 are incandescent lamps, and especially suitable for serial connection~
because an incandescent lamp has conducting members 19 at both ends. However, the present invention is not limited to electrically serial connection; if necessary, it can be made applicable to parallel connection by separating electrical connection of the light emitting elements 15 from mechanical conneclion thereof or by other suitable ways.
Yet another feature of the embodiment lies in that the embodiment has said lightemitting device 1 and socket devices 25 each socket device 2 including a receiving blade 43 for receiving a contact 24 of the light emitting device 1 so as to permits electrical connection of the contact 24, and an insulating socket body 41 containing said receiving blade 43. A lighting device can be ~ onstructed simply by ~tlaching the light emitting device 1 to the socket devices 2, thereby supporting the light emitting device 1. As a light emitting device 1 can be in an elongated shape and/or have any desirtd length, it can be easily used for lighting fixtures in a store or, if disposed in an elongated groove, for line illumination. Thus, the embodiment facilitates line illumination.
Yet another feature of the embodiment lies in that the embodiment has said lightemitting device 1 and socket devices 2, each socket device 2 including a receiving blade 43 for receiving a contact 24 of the light emitling device ] so as to permits electrical connection of the contact 24, and an insulating socket body 41 containing said receiving blade 43 and having catching indenlations 49 respectively formed at both sides of the socket body so that the catching arms 27 of the light emitting device 1 can be respectively engaged in the catching indentations 49 of the socket bodies 41. By forming catching indentations 49 respectively at the opposite sides of each socket body 41 so as to permit the catching arms 27 of the light emitting device 1 to be enga~ged in the respective catching indentations 49, the light emitting device 1 is prevented from being inadvertently dislocated from the socket devices 2. Furthermore, the above configuration can be made waterproof by providing a packing 42 between the peripheral surface of the contact 24 of each cap 14 and the socket body 41 of the corresponding socket device 2.
Accolding to yet another fealure of the embodiment, the bottom of each insulating socket body 41 is an open end and covered by an insulating, flexible lid 44, through which a power line 57 is introduced into the socket body 41. The attached drawings show a preferable configuration in cases where a power line 57 is introduced into a socket device 2 from the bottom of the socket device 2. According to this configuration, it is easier to form a waterproof structure, because the bottom of a sock~et device is covered by a flexible insulating lid 44, and a 1~

power line 57 is introduced through this lid 44.
According to yet another feature of the embodiment, the embodiment includes an elongated base 3, a pair of socket devices 2 respectively provided at the two opposite ends of the base 3, and said light emitting device 1 so mounted as to be sandwiched between these two socket devices; 2. The base 3 may be formed of metal or synthetic resin. As a pair of socket devices 2 respectively provided at the ~wo opposite ends of the base 3, a lighting device having this feature can be used like a slraight-tube type fluorescent lamp. Mounting and electrical connection of ~he light emitting device I can be simultaneously done by mounting the base 3 on a building or a structure and inserting Ihe contacts 24 of the light emitting device 1 into the respective soclcet devices 2.
In the features described above, definition and technical concepts of the terms are as follows unless specifically described otherwise.
A tube 12 may be in any shape or configuration as long as at least its light inlet portion is translucent. For example, its entire body may be formed of a transparent glass tube with its inner or outer surface made into a light-shielding reflecting mirror by means of vapor deposition of a metal or other appropriate means, except for the light inlet portion or portions where light emitted from the light emitting elemen~: series contained in the tube is directed to the outside of the tube, said light inlet portion or portions remaining translucent in the shape of a slit. The terln "translucent" means having the quality of permitting light to pass through; it may be trallsparellt or light-(liffusing, and may also be colored.
A tube 12 may be rigid or fle~ible. In case of a rigid tube, such a material as glass, polycarbollate resin, acrylic resin or Ihe like may be used. In case of a flexible tube, a material such as nylon, vinyl chloride or the li~ke may be used, but it is necessary to select such light emitting elements 15 as to generate least heat in order to protect the tube 12 from being softened or melted by the heat generated by the light emitting element series 13. In cases where the light emitting element series 13 is incorporated in the tube 12 in the state where tensile force is applied to the light em,itting element series 13 as described later, unpleasant scratching noises resulting from inadvertent contact of the light emitting element series 13 with the tube 12 can be reduced.
However, if the tube 12 is flexible, it is difficult to apply tensile force to the light emitting element series 13.
The tube 12 is "elongated" means that the axial length of the tube is greater than the diameter of the open end or the open ends. Therefore, the tube 12 may have any length as long as the above colldition is satisfied.
Althou~h it is preferable that the tube 12 is open at both ends, this is not an essenlial requirement; it is sufficient that at least one end is opem The tube 12 (loes not have to b~e a straight tube, and any curved shape is permissible; the tube 12 may be curved into the shape olF, for example, an arc of a desired angle, a ring, a U or an L.
The shape of the section of the tube 12 is not limited to a circle but may be of any appropriate shape, such as an ellipse om~ rectangle.
A light emitting element series 13 has to be comprised of a plurality of light emitting elements l5 mechanically arranged in sequence like a chain. This does not mean that they have to be electrically connected in series; they may be connected in parallel as needed, provided that, however, concluctive elements 21 are extended at least from both ends of the light emitting element series 13.
Various elements, such as incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, light emitting diodes, etc., may be used as light emitting ellements 15. Although it is preferable that conducting members 19 of each light emitting element IS are led out from both ends of the light emitting element 15, Ihis is not an essential condition; they may be drawn out together from one end as needed. In cases where the light emitting elements 15 are incandescent lamps, by filling their bulbs 17 with xenon gas or krypton gas at an appropriate pressure, their power consumption density, in other words the amount of generated light, can be increased while the life-span of the lamps can be substantially extended. The structure of a conducting member 19 is not limited to the form of a wire: it may be in any form, including a pin.
The number of light emitting elements 15 is determined primarily by dimensional conditions and electrical conditions of the tube 12 and each light emitting element 15. More precisely, the l;iimensional conditions specifies how rnany light emitting elements 15 having a specified lenglh can be contained in lhe tube 12 that has a given length. As for electrical conditions, in cases where the light emitting elements 15 are connected in series, the number of light emitting elements 15 is determined by a value produced by dividing the power supply voltage by the voltage applied to the light emitting elements 15. Here, if the voltage applied to the light emitling elements 15 is great~er than the nominal rated voltage, which means that an overvoltage is applied to the light emilting elements 15, the amount of generated light may be increased to a certain extent. However, such a higlI voltage is not desirable, because it tends to reduce the life span of the light emitting elements. In contrast to this, when a voltage lower than the nominal rated voltage is applied, the amount of generated light is somewhat reduced, but the life span i~ substantially increased. Therefore, when setting the number of light emitting elements 15 according to the electrical conditions, it is recommended to make the power supply voltage lower than the product of the nominal rated voltage and the number of the light emitting elements. In case of parallel connection, the electrical conditions have virtually no influence in setting the number of light emitting elements 15 to be contained in the tube 12, although relationship between the power supply voltage and the nominal rated voltage of a single light emitting elemc:nt 15 has to be taken into consideration.
Although the conducting members 19 led out of the light emitting elements 15 may be used as a means to link in a chain-like manner light emitting elements 15, other members than the conducting members 19 may be used for that purpose. In cases where the light emitting elements IS are connected in series, a siimplified configuration can be provided by connecting the conducting members 19 of the light emitting elements 15 directly to one another or connecting the conducting~ members 19 through conducting wires 16 which are disposed between each two conducting members 19. In cases where the light emitting elements 15 are connected in parallel, the light emitting elements 15 have to be arranged in the state where they are electrically insulated, though a part of the conducting members 19 can be used.
Further, a cap 14 or caps 14- are attached to one end or both ends of the tube 12 respectively. In case of a single-cap type, where only one end is provided with a cap, the other end is blocked with an appropriate blocking element. The light emitting element series, however, has to be secured in the state where the concluctive element 21 is secured at a specified position at the blocked end of the tube 12 by a suitable means. 1t is also necessary to insulate the conductive element 21 which is located at the blocked end by means of, for example, covering the conductive element 21 with an insulation sleeve, and then folding back the conductor in tlle tube 12 or directing the same along the outer surface of the tube 12 and into the cap 14 at the one end of the tube 12.
On the other hand, in case of a dual-cap type, where both ends are provided with caps, the conductivc-: element 21 drawn out of each end of the light emitting element series 13 is first positivncd by means of the partition 215 of the corresponding cap 14 and then connected to the contact 24.
Each cap 14 is formed of molded synthetic resin. Its barrel portion 25 is structured such that one of its ends is fitted over an end of the tube 12 from outside while the other end is open, and a partition 26 is provided at the micldle of the barrel portion 25. This means that the barrel portion may have any outline shape and outer structure as long as its inside structure is tubular. Means of connecting the barrel portion 25 and the tube 12 together is not limited to one means but various methods are permissible, including bonding by using an adhesive, insertion by force, welding and so on.

Although it is preferable that a partition 26 is integrally formed with a cap 14, it may be formed separately as needed. While the distance between the partition 26 in a barrel portion 25 and the tube 12 is limited, there is no limitation in the distance between the partition 26 and the open end of the barrel portion. Further, a partition 26 is a member whose principal object is positioning of the light emitting element series 13 near the corresponding end of the tube 12 so as to position the light emitting element series 13 virtually at, for example, the center of the tube 12.
If it is necess~ry, however, a partition 26 may have a function of securing the light emitting element series 13 by means of tensile force.
In order to bring out a conductive element 21 of the light emitting element series 13, a through hole 30 in the shape of, for example, a semi-circle is formed in a partition 26 so that a conductive element 21 is brought out of the through hole 30 to the other side of the partition 26 and is then positioned and electrically connected to the contact 24. In case of a single-cap type, the conductive element 21 at the other end, which has been folded, should also be brought out through said through hole 30 or, in the same manner as above, through another through hole 30, which is forme d separately from said through hole 30, and connected to another contact 24 which, too, is fonned separately from said contact 24.
A contact 24 is disposed in a cap 24 so as to feed electric power from a power source to the light emiltling element series 13. ('onnection of a contact 24 to a conductive element 21 can be simplified by disposing the contact in such a way that its base end is located between the partition 26 and the opening 28 inside l:he barrel portion 25 of a cap 14, but this configuration is not an essentiii,l condition. However, the operating portion, i. e. the tip, of a contact 24 has to be exposed to the outside of the cap 14 and inserted into a socket device for electrical connection to the power source. A contact 24 may have a desired structure and a shape. In other words, its structure or a shape may be freely selected from among various existing means, such as a contact pin, a plug-in blade, a contact point, etc.
Although the typical numbers of contacts 24 to be provided in case of a single-cap type and a dual-cap type are one and two respectively, a desired number of contacts may be provided in cases, for example, where it is necess'ary to selectively turn some of the light emitting elements 15 of a light emitting element series 13 on and off.
The direction in which a contact 24 is disposed with respect to a cap 14 is not specifically lirnited, but it is typically disposed perpendicular to the axis of the twbe 12. With the contacts thus disposed, it is easier to mount the light ermitting device 1 virtually parallel to the mounting surface.
An opening 28 at the other end of a barrel portion 25 is useful for an assembly operation such as taking out through the through hole 30 of a partition 26 a conductive element 21 of the lighl emitling element series 13, which is in the state inserted in the tube 12, and connecting said conductive element 21 to a contact 24. That is, a conductive element 21 can be easily pulled out by inserting a cutting pliers, a pair of tweezers, or any other manipulating tool through the opening 28, and it is also possible to insert a conductive element 21 into a contact 24 and bonding them with pressure by means of inserting a crimping device through the opening 28 or spot-welding them to each other by inserting electrodes of a spot-welding device through the same.
A blocking element 23 is provided in order to cover an opening 28 at the other end of a barrel portion 25 so as to protect a conductive element 21 and a battery portion of a contact 24 disposed in a cap 14, and may have any structure. Also, it is possible to provide a way to prevent the blocking element 23 from inadvertently slipping off the opening 28 of the cap 14 by using the elastic force of the material of a cap 14 and/or the blocking element 23 to fit, press or bond a blocking element 23 to an opening 28.
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is explained hereunder referring to Figs. S to 1(). In the explanation, the components having the same structures or the functions as those in the first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.
In sai,d drawings, a lighting device comprises a light emitting device 1, a pair of socket devices 2 and a base which is not showm In Fig. 7, the light emitting device 1 has a tubular light emitter 11 which is comprised of a tube 12 and a light emitting element series 13. A pair of caps 14 (shown in Figs. S and 6) are respectively ati~ached to the two ends of the tube 12.
The tube 12 of the tubular light emitter 11 is a transparent, straight glass tube having a circular section and open at both ends.
The light emitting element series 13 consists of a plurality of light emitting elements 15 (for example five light emitting elements) linked by means of conductive wires 16. Each light emitting element 15 is an incandescenl: lamp having an elongated bulb 17 made of transparent glass. The bulb 17 has a filament 1,B contained therein and generally U-shaped conducting members 19 which are respectively led out from pinched sealing portions formed at the two ends of the bulb 17. The bulb 17 is filled with xenon gas. A ring-shaped position restricting element 20, which serves as a tension applying element, a position restricting element for restring the position with respect to the inner surface of the tube 12 and also as a vibration prevenlion means, is integrally coiled around the middle portion of each conductive wire 16. The light emitting element series 13 is formed as an integral body, with the conducting members 19 of the light emitting e lements 15 welded to the conductive wires 16.
A parl[ition (end member) 26 is attached to each one of the two open ends of the tube 12.
Hooking elements 61 are formed by bending the end of each respective conductive wire 16 at both ends of the light emitting element series 13, and hooking elements 61 formed as above are engaged with the respective partitions 26.
The light emitting element series 13 is so arranged in the tube 12 as to be virtually coaxial with the tube, with the hooking elements 61 at both ends thereof engaged with the respective parlitions 26 under the tensile force of the conductive wires 16. As a result, an appropriate tensile force applied by the conductive wires 16 constantly pulls and supports the light emitting element series 13 at a position where the light emitting elements are regularly arranged. As tensile force is also applied to the partitions 26, the partitions 26 can be attached to Ihe tube 12 simply by filthlg them to the open ends of the tube wilhout the danger of inadvertent dislocation.
The assembly operation is done by engaging one of the hooking elements 61 of the light emitting element series 13 with one of the partitions 26; inserting the light emitting element series 13 into an end of the tube 12 with the other hooking element 61 head-first; and then, in the state where the other partition 26 is fitted to the other end of the tube 12, inserting a jig through said other partition 26 into the tube 12 so as to draw out the other hooking portion 61 and engage it with the partition 26.
Referlring to Figs. 8 to 10, each partition 26 is provided with a through hole 30 having an area approximately a half of the ~ertical cross section of the tube 12 and a groove-like posiliolling portion 3l, which is located at the cerlter of the chord (the straight-line portion) of the outline of the through hole 30. Each partition 26 is also provided with a hooking element abutting portion 62, a hooking element catching hole 63, a cylindrical portion 64 and a brim 65, the hooking element abutting portion 6,2 and the hooking element catching hole 63 serving for engagement of the hooking element 61, and the cylindrical portion 64 and the brim 65 serving for attaching the partition 26 to an end of the tube 12. The cylindrical portion 64 is fitted into the tube 12, thereby preventing the partition 26 from shifting sideways, while the brim 65 is in abutment with the end of the tube 12 so as to restrict movement of the partition 26 in the axial direction of the tube 12.
Each cap 14 is comprised of a cap body 22 and a contact 24.
Said cap body 22 is made of an insulating synthetic resin such as polycarbonate resin and includes a barrel portion 25 and a pair of catching arms 27. The barrel portion 25 is in a cylindrical shape open at one end only, which is fitted around the outer surface of the end of the tube 12. A cap flat portion 29 is formed on a part of the wall of the barrel portion 25, between lhe pair of catching arms 27. A slep porlion 66 for catching the parlition 26 at the corresponding end of the tube 12 is formed on the inner wall of the barrel portion 25, at about the midpoint along the axial direction of the tube. Therefore, each partition 26 is positioned at the midLlle of lhe inside of a barrel porlion 25 and lhus constitutes a part of a cap body 22. Further, the tube 12 is bonded to a cap body or cap bodies 22 at need.
The cDntact 24 is a conductive pin which is formed at a location closer to the other end of the barrel portion 25 than is the partition 26 and projects tllrough the center of the cap flat portion 29 of tlhe barrel portion 25, at an approximately right angle to the axis of the cap body 22.
Thus structured contact 24 is electrically connected to the corresponding hooking portion 61 through the conductive element 21.
The pair of catching arms 27 are formed as an integral body with the barrel portion 25 and project downward respectively from the two opposite sides of the barrel portion 25 so that the catching alrms 27 respectively face the sides of the contact 24 that projects from the barrel portion 25. A catching protrusion 32 protrucling inward is formed at the end of each catching arm 27.
Each socket device 2 basically comprises a socket body 41, a packing 42, a receiving l)lade 43 and a lid 44.
The socket body 41 is made of an insulating synthetic resin such as polybutyleneterephthalate l~resjn and includes a socket flat portion 45 formed on its upper surface (the end face). An insertion hole 46 that allows the corresponding contact 24 to be inserted therein is formed at the center of the socket flat portion 45, and an annular circumferential groove 47 for housing the packing 42 therein is forme~d around the insertion hole 46. A slanted surface 48 and a catching indentation 49 for catching l~he catching protrusion 32 of the corresponding catching arm 27 therein are formed on each o~F the two opposite sides of the socket body 41. Each catching indentation 49 is located directly under the corresponding slanted surface 48 as an integral, continuous body with the slanted surface 48. The inside of the socket body 41 is formed into a hollow portion 50 which communicates with the insertion hole 46, and an opening 51 communicating with the hollow portion SO is formed at the bottom of the socket body 41 and blocked by the lid 44.
The packing 42, which may be an O-ring, is so disposed that a part of the packing contained in Ille circumferential groove 47 protrudes above the upper surface of the socket flat portion 45 when no pressure is applied to the packing 42.
The receiving Iblade 43 is made of a conductive metal, has a tubular shape, and is disposed in the insertion hole 46 so as to permit the contact 24 to be inserted therein and removed therefrom.
The receiving blade 43 is integrally provided with a terminal portion 67, which is disposed along the bottom surface of the socket body 41. A power line 57 is connected to said terminal portion 67.
A power line insertion hole 68 t'or disposition of a power line 57 is formed between the socket body 4~ and the lid 44.
Tlle second embodiment described above has the same functions and effects as those of the aforementioned first embodiment.
The structural features, functions and effects according to the second embodiment are explained hereunder.
A feature of the second emlbodiment lies in inclusion of a translucent, rigid and elongated tube 12 of which at least one end is open; a light emitting element series 13 comprised of a plurality of light emitting elemenlts 15 connected to one another; conductive wires 16 for applying tensile force to the light emitting element series 13; a partition 26 or partitions 26 to be removably attached to the open end or the open ends of the tube 12; and hooking elements 61 respectively disposed at opposite ends of tlle light emitting element series in such a manner that at least one of the hooking elements is hooked to a partition 26 while the other hooking element is hooked to eilher the corresponding partition 26 or the end of tube 12, the hooking elements 61 thus suspending the light emitting element series that extends in the tube 12, along the axis of the tube 12, under the tensile force applied by the conductive wires 16. As this configuration calls for suspendin~s a light emitting element series 13 in a tube 12 by providing the light emitting element series 13 with conductive wirc:s 16, disposing a hooking element 61 at each end of the conductive wires 16 and hooking the hooking elements 61 to the partitions 26, assembly of the light emitting element series 13 is easy. As the light emitting element series 13 is suspended under its tensile force, the structure prc:sents additional effects in that the light emitting element series 13 is arranged in a more orderly fashion and is less affected by vibration. l~urthermore, as the tensile force also works on the partitions 26, it is possible to attach the partitions 26 to the tube 12 witlloLIt the need of a bonding operation.
Another feature of the seconcl embodiment lies in inclusion of an elongated tube 12 which is heat resistant, translucent, rigid and open at bolh ends; a light emitting element series 13 comprised of a plurality of light emitting elements 15 connected to one another; conductive wires 16 for applying tensile force to the light emilting element series 13; partitions 26 to be respectively altached to the open ends of the tube 12; and hooking elements 61 respectively disposed at both ends of the light emitting element series and hooked to the respective partitions 26 so as to suspend along the axis of the tube 12 the light emitting element series 13 that extends in the tube 12, under the tensile force applied by the conductive wires 16. The tube 12 is heat resistant and open at both ends. Therefore, it is possible to use incandescent lamps requiring a relatively high power consumption, suclh as high output lamps filled with xenon gas, can be used as light emitting elements lS. One pair of parlitions 26 are used so that each open end of the tube 12 is provided with a partition 26.
A light emitting element series 13 according to the embodiment has a feature wherein its light emitling elements 15 are connected to one another by means of conducting members 19.
This feature is suitable for a configuralion wherein light emitting elements 15 are connected in series. As conducting members 19 also serve as the connecting means, the structure is simplified.
Conductive wires 16 according to the embodiment has a feature wherein they are respectively disposed at both ends of each light emitting element 15 and restrict positions of the light emitting elements 15 with respl ct to the tube 12. As the conductive wires 16 are respectively disposed at both ends of each light emitting element 15 regardless of a total number of light emitling elements 15 provided, it is easier for the tensile force to be applied to the light emitting elements 15 evenly. In addition, the conductive wires 16 restrict the position of each respective light emitting element 15 on a plane perpendicular to the length of the tube 12 so as to prevent the li~,ht emitting elements 1S from touching or approaching too close to the inner surface of the lube 12. Therefore, the above feature makes it easy to arrange the light emitting elements 15 a]ong the axis of the tube 12. As a result of the positional restriction described above, the light emitting elements 15 can be made more vibration-proof.
Yet another feature of the emb~odiment lies in that each partition 26 has a through hole 30, a hooking element abutting portion 62 and a hooking element catching hole 63. As a through hole 30 is formed in a partition 26, an assembly operation in cases where the tube 12 is open at both e nds can be executed by engaging one of the hooking elements 61 of the light emitting element series 13 with one of the partitions 26; then, inserting the light emitting element series 13 into Ihe tube 12 and fitthlg the one partition 26 to one of the open ends of the tube 12;
then, from the direction of the other end, fitting the other partition 26 to the other open end; and inserting a jig from the outside of Ihe pa~rlition 26 Ihrough the through hole 30 into the tube l2 so as to draw out the other hooking portion 61 against the tensile force of the conductive wires 16 and en~age it wilh the hooking element catching hole 63. At that time, the hooking element 6]
comes intO contact wilh the hooking element abutting portion 62 of the partition 26. As a result of this engagement of the hooking portion 61 with the hooking element catching hole 63, the position of the light emitting element series 13 is restricted to a specified direction with respect to the tube 12. In cases where the tube 12 is open only at one end with its other end virtually closed, too, it is possible to engage one of the hooking elements 61 of the light emitting element series 13 with the catching portion of the closed end at first, and then insert a jig through the through hole 30 of the partition 26 at thle other end so as to draw out the hooking portion 61 and engage it with the hooking element catching hole 63. Thus, an assembly operation can be done by following a procedure similar to the one for a tube open at both ends.
AccordilIg to yet another feature of the embodiment, each light emitting element 15 is comprised of an incandescent lamp inc:luding a bulb 17, a filament 18 disposed in the bulb 17 and conducting members 19 respectively led out from sealing portions formed at both ends of the bulb 17. ïhe drawings show a preferable configuration in cases where the light emitting elements 15 are incandescent lamps, and especially suitable for serial connection, because an incandescent lamp has conducting members 19 at both ends. However, the present invention is not limited to electrically serial connection; if necessary, it can be made applicable to parallel connection by achieving electrical connection and mechanical connection of the light emitting elements 15 respectively through separate mech~ni.~m.~.
Yet another feature of the embodiment lies in that the embodiment has said tubular light emitter l1, an~d a cap 14 or caps 14 for enclosing at least the end of the tube 12 which has a partition 26, the cap 14 including a contact 24 electrically connected to a light emitting element 15. Lamps of a both dual-cap type alnd a single-cap type can be provided according to this feature; in case of a dual-cap type, two caps 14 are respectively provided at both ends of the tube 12 so as to enclose both parlitions 26, and, in case of a single-cap type, a cap 14 is provided at one end of the tube 12 in the same manner. In the latter case, another capping member may be provided at the other end as needed. In cases where said other end, too, has a partition 26, said other cappillg member may be mounted in such a way as to enclose this partition 26 in order to modify the appearance. Each cap 14 includes a contact 24. The direction in which the contact 24 is connected to a socket device 2 may be the axial direction of the tube 12, perpendicular to the same or at an angle mi(lpoint between Ihese lwo directions, or the direction may be changeable instead of being oriented in a fixed direction.
Yet another feature of the embodiment lies in that the embodiment has said lightemitting device 1, and a socket device or socket devices 2 which function together with the cap(s) 14 of the light emitting device 1 in order to mec:hanically support the light emitting device 1 and supply power to the light emitting device 1. Either or both cap(s) 14 and socket body (bodies) 4l may be provided with fallout prevention means. At need, this means may be 2~

released from the function of preventing inadvertent dislocation so as to accommodate such purposes or operations as changing lamps, maintenance or the like.
According to yet another feature of the embodiment, the embodiment includes a base 3, a socket device or socket devices 2 provided on the base 3, and said light emitting device 1 removably attached to the socket device(s) 2. The base 3 may be formed of metal or synthetic resin. This feature provides a lighting device which can be used in the same manner as a normal lightinjg device for general illumination.
Next, the third embodiment of the present invention is explained hereunder referring to Fig. 11. In thle explanation, the components having the same structures or the functions as those in the first eml)o(liment are identified with the same reference numerals.
According to this embodiment, a light emitting device 1 is the same as those in the other embodiments explained above, and each socket device 2 has a structure wherein a power line 57 is introduced l~rom the top of the base 3. Base 3 is formed of a metal plate bent into a shape having an L-shaped cross section. Holders 71 are mounted on tlle base 3 in order to prevent the light emitting device l from inadvertent falling off. A connector 72 for connection of a power line 57 is connected to the end of each power line 57.
The third embodiment described above, too, has the same functions and effects as those in any one of the foregoing embodiments.
- Further, the base may have a box-like case and/or a light projecting cover at need.
Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention is explained hereunder referring to Figs. 12 to 18 In the explanation, the components having the same structures or the functions as those in the first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.
In Figs. 17 and 18, numeral 1 denotes a light emitting device. Said light emitting device 1 includes a tubular light emitter 11 having caps 14 respectively attached to both ends of the light emitter. 1'he axial length of the tubuJar light emitter 11 virtually corresponds to the length of a 20~ straight-tube fluorescent lamp.
The tubular Jight emitter 11 has a cylindricaJ tube 12 made of transparent glass or plastic and containing a plurality of light emitting elements 15 connected to one another along the axis of the tube.
Each light emitting element 15 is an incandescent lamp wherein a filament 18 extending along the axis of the tube is disposed al: the center of Ihe inner space of a transparent, cylindrical bulb 17, and a conducting member 19 connected to each end of the filament 18 is projected from each end of the bulb 17. Each end c~f the bulb 17 is sealed by a flat sealing portion 17a, to which the middle portion of the ccrresponding conducting member 19 is affixed. The conducting member 19 protruding from each sealing portion 17a is bent into a U-like shape parallel to the flat surface of the sealing portion 17a.
Adjacent light emitting elements 15 are electrically and mechanically connected to each other through conductive wires 16. As shown in Fig. 13, each conductive wire 16 is formed of a wire which iis electrically conductive with each end connected to a conducting member 19 of the light emitting element 15 adjacent thereto, and has at its middle portion a position restricting element 20 selving as an abutment portion which comes into contact with or comes close to the inner wall of ~he tube 2. Each conductive wire 16 has elasticity in such a direction as to bring both light emitting elements 15 connected to the wire 16 closer to each other. The engaging point of each conductive wire 16 may be secured by means of welding or soldering. These light emitting elements 15 and conductive wires 16 constitute a light emitting element series 13.
As shown in Figs. 12 and 14, a partition 26 is attached to each end of the tube 12.
Each partition 26 is formed of an insulating material, such as synthetic resin, into a disk having nearly the same diameter as that of the tube 12. Folmed on the inner side of each partition 26 are a cylindrical portion 64 to be fitted in the tube 12, and a hook 81 located at the center of the partition. Also, a slit-like through hole 30 is formed at the region from the center, at the location facingr the hook 81, to the lower edge of the partition.
While one end of a conduc~:ive wire member 82 is securely hooked to the outer conducting member 19 of each outernlost light emitling element 15, the other end of the wire member 82 is securely hooked to the corresponding hook 81 so that the partitions 26 are supported at such a state as to be fitted to the ends of the tube 12 by the elasticity of the conductive wires 16 that connect the light emitting elements 15 to one another.
Each cap 14 is provided with a socket 41 which is formed of an insulating material, SUCll as synthetic resin, and includes a cylindrical barrel portion 25 open at one end. A step portion 66 J'or catclling an end of lhe tube 12 with a partition 26 therebetween is formed in the barrel portion 25, and a groove 83 extending along the axis of the tube 12 is formed in the lower part of the interior of the barrel portion 25. A fixing hole 84 extending perpendicular to the axis of the tube is vertically bored through the b~ottom of the groove 83, and an annular protrusion 85 protruding from the lower surface of the barrel portion 25 is formed around the fixing hole 84.
A cap flat portion 29 is formed on the lower surface of the annular protrusion 85.
The blarrel portion 25 has a pair of catching arms 27 respectively projecting downward from the two opposite sides (the sides aligned perpendicularly to the axis of the tube) of the barrel portion 25, and a catching protrusion 32 protruding inward is formed at the inner end of each catching arm 27, the two catching protrusions 32 positioned so as to face each other.

2~

A contact 24 projects from the lower surface of each cap 14. Said contact 24 is made of a conducti~le material, such as metal. An annular rib 24a is formed at the middle of each contact 24 so ~hat the contact 24 can be forced into the fixing hole 84 of a cap 14 and secured therein with the upper surface of the rib 24a engaged in the fixing hole 84.
Then, the assembly of the light emitting device 1 is completed by connecting each wire member 82 hooked to the hook 81 of the corresponding partition 26 of the tube 12 to the contact 24 affixed to a cap 14 by means of a conductive element 21 made of a lead wire or the like and then snugly inserting both ends of the tube 12 into the respective cap 14 so as to secure the tube 12.
Next, referring to Fig. 12 and Figs. 14 to 16, the socket body 41 of each socket device 2 is made of an insulating material, such as transparent, semi-transparent or milky white synthetic resin, and a socket flat portion 45 to which a cap 14 is to be connected is formed on the upper surface of the socket body. An insertion hole 46 that allows a contact 24 to be inserted therein is vertically bc,red through the socket fliat portion 45, and an annular circumferential groove 47 is formed around the insertion hole 46. The insertion hole 46 is a hole elongated parallel to the direction of the axis of the light emitting device 1.
Each socket body 41 is provided with a slanted surface 48, which is formed at the upper corner of each side (each one of the two opposite sides aligned perpendicularly to the axis of the light emitling device 1) of the socket body 41, and a catching indentation 49 formed under the slanted surface 48 in such a mannel that the catching indentations 49 allow the catching protrusions 32 of the respective catching arms 27 of a cap 14 to be removably fitted therein.
A supporting plate 86 protrudiing upward is formed along the outer end of each socket body 4l, the upper end of the supporting plate 86 formed into an arc-shaped fitting surface 87 for fittingly receh/ing the bottom edge of the outer end of the barrel portion 25 of a cap 14.
Sandwiching protrusions 88,89 are also formed on the outer end face of each socket body 41, the two sandwiching protrusions 88,89 at ~ertically separated locations. Further, a mounting piece 91 having a mounting hole 90 protrudes from the inner end face of each socket body 41.
The center part of the inside of the socket body 41 is formed into a hollow portion 5() which communicates with the insertion hole 46 and is flanked by a pair of terminal housing portions 92. The hollow portion 50 and the terminal housing portions 92 are all open at the bottom of the socket body 41.
Eacll terminal housing portion 92 houses a lerminal 93, which includes a base plate 95 to be fastened lo the top of the terminal housing portion 92 by means of a screw 94. Connecting pieces 96,97 are formed by bending each side of the base plate 95 downward, the lower part of each connecting piece 97 is divided into two portions. A pair of locking pieces 98 extending diagonally upvvard are formed by bending the two lower portions of each connecting piece 97 that is adjacenl to an inner wall of the socket body 41. A receiving blade 43 which is formed on one of the pair of terminals 93 is capable of entering into the hollow portion and coming into contact wilh a contact 24 inserted througll the insertion hole 46.
Each terminal housing portion 92 is provided with a release button 99 disposed in the space defined by the connecting pieces 96,97 and the pair of locking pieces 98 of the terminal 93 in such a way as to be vertically slidable. Release portions 100 to be positioned under the pair of locking pieces 98 are respectively formed on opposite sides of each release button 99.
A lid 44 is attached to the lower end of each socket body 41 so as to close the bottom of the socket body. Said lid 44 is formecl of an insulating material such as synthetic resin and has raised portions 101 respectively formedl on the four corners of the upper surface of the lid, each raised portion 101 having a wire inseltion hole 102 vertically bored therethrough. A release hole 103 whicln permits the bottom of the corresponding release button 99 to be fitted therein is forllle(l in each side of the lid 44, while a catching tooth 104 to be caught against the inner wall of the socket body 41 is formed on each end of the lid 44.
I~ach circumferential groove 4,7 houses a packing 42, wllich may be an O-ring or the like, and is dispost:d in Ihe circumferentiall groove 47 in such a way that a part of the packing protrudes above the upper surface of the socket flat portion 45 when no pressure is applied to the packing 42.
Nexl, referrillg lo Figs. l2 and 18, lhe base 3, which may be a trough, has a generally U-shaped cross section and has virtually the same length as the light emitting device 1. Formed at each end of the base 3 are a plug-in hole 105 in which the lower part of the corresponding socket body 41 is snugly inserted, a mounting hole 106 and a fastening hole 107, the mounting hole 106 and the fastening hole 107 located closer to the center of the base 3 than is the plug-in hole 105.
With the configuration as above, a socket device 2 can be mounted on each end of the base 3 by inserting the lower portion of its socket body 41 into a plug-in hole 105 of the base 3, catching the ledge of the plug-in hole 105 between the vertically arranged sandwiching protrusions 88,89 while bringing the mounting piece 91 into contact with the upper surface of the base 3, and inserting a fastening screw 108 through the mounting hole 90 of the mounting piece 91 and screwing the same into the mourlting hole 106 of the base 3.
Then, as shown in Fig. 12, two pairs of core wires 57a, which have been formed by removing the insulation coating from an end of each power line 57, are inserted into the corresponding wire insertion holes 102 of a socket device 2. Each core wire 57a is inserted between the inner connecting piece 96 and the corresponding locking piece 98 of each respective terminal 93 so that the locking piece 98 bites into the core wire 57a, thereby electrically connecting an,~ preventing the core wire 57a from slipping off. The power lines 57 are so attached as to extend along the back of lhe base 3.
Then, the caps 14 at both ends of the light emitting device 1 are respectively connected to the socket devices 2 at both ends of the base 3, by bringing each cap 14 towards a socket device 2 from above as shown in Fig. 12, positioning the two catching arms 27 to both sides of the socket device 2, and pushing the cap 14 from above into the socket device 2. As a result, the cap 14 is forced into the socket device 2 while the pair of catching arms 27 are being elastically warped outward until the cap 14 is engaged in the socket device 2 with the catching protrusions 32 at the ends of the respective catching arms 27 fitted in the catching indentations 49 of the socket 2.
In the state where said cap 14 of the light en-itting device 1 is connected to the socket device 2, the c:ontact 24 of the cap 14 is inserted in the insertion hole 46 of the socket device 2, the contact 24 coming into contact with the receiving blade 43. The annular protrusion 85 of the cap 14 comes into contact with the packing 42 of the socket device 2, while the bottom edge of the outer end of the barrel portion 25 of the cap 14 fits onto the fitting surface 87 of the supporting plate 86.
The insertion hole 47 of each socket device 2 is elongated in the direction parallel to the axis of the tube. Therefore, when the light emitting device I is connected, the contacts 24 can be inserted in lhe respective insertion holes 46 even if there is a discrepancy between the distance between the contacts 24 at both ends of the light emitting device 1 and the distance between the socket devices 2 at both ends of the base 3. Furthermore, in cases where a cap 14 at an end of the light emitting device 1 is connectecl to a socket device 1 after the cap 14 at the other end of the light emitl:ing device 1 is connected to the other socket device 2, the contacts 24 can be inserted in the insertion holes 46 even i F the light emitting device 1 is at an inclined position with respect to the base 3 so that the contact 24 have to be diagonally inserted into the insertion holes.
A cornmercially available AC power source is connected to one of the power lines 57.
When electric power is supplied through the power Jine 57, AC current flows between the pair of contacts 24 through the terminals 93 of the socket devices 2 at both ends, and, as a result, the light emittil1g elerl1ents 15 connected in series between the two contacts 24 emit light.
'I'his e mbodiment described above, too, has the same functions and effects as those of Ihe aforementioned other embodiments.
Of the conductive wires 16 disposed between the respective light emitting elements 15 of a light emitlting device according to any one of the embodiments described above, conductive wires 16 whicln have position restricting elements 20 may be disposed at intervals of a plurality of light emitting elements 15.
The length of a light emitting device 1 in the axial direction of the tube is not limited to the length of a 20W straight-tube fluorescent lamp but it may be so structured as to have a length corresponding to that of a straight-tube fluorescent lamp of 10W, 15W, 40W or 100W (a 110W-type). In that case, the number of ligh~ emitting elements 15 should be adjusted according to the length of the light emitting device.
Furthermore, a light emitting device 1 according to any one of the embodiments described above can be used like a straight-tube fluorescent lamp, its usage including an under-shelf light, indirect lighting, a showcase or a display window lighting, a billboard lighting and so forth.

Industrial Applicability As described above, a light emitting device, a socket device and a lighting device according to the present invention can not only be used for lighting in a similar way as a straight-tube fluorescent lamp but also for a line illumination, wherein a plurality of illuminating devices along the axis of a tube in order to achieve continuity of the light emitting parts, decorative illumination or the like.

Claims (10)

Claims
1. A light emitting device including:
a tubular light emitter; and a pair of caps, each cap having an insulating cap body to be attached to each end of said tubular light emitter, a contact to be electrically connected to said tubular light emitter and projecting from said cap body at approximately a right angle to the tube axis, and a pair of catching arms respectively provided at both sides of said contact and extending virtually in the same direction as the contact.
2. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of said tubular light emitter;
each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of said tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of said barrel portion and permitting the corresponding one of said conductive elements to pass therethrough from the one side to the other side of the partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of the barrel portion; and said contact is connected to said conductive element at the other side of said partition and projects from said barrel portion.
3. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of said tubular light emitter; and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, a partition and a blocking member, one end of said barrel portion mounted over an end of said tubular light emitter, said partition integrally formed with said barrel portion at the middle of the interior of the barrel portion and permitting the corresponding one of said conductive elements to pass therethrough from the one side to the other side of the partition said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of the barrel portion, and said blocking member formed as a separate member and attached to the other end of said barrel portion.
4. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of said tubular light emitter; and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of said tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of said barrel portion and having a positioning portion that positions said conductive element passing from the one side to the other side of said partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of said barrel portion.
5. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said tubular light emitter includes conductive elements led out of the ends of said tubular light emitter; and each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion, of which one end is mounted over an end of said tubular light emitter, and a partition provided at the middle of the interior of said barrel portion and having a through hole and a positioning portion that positions said conductive element passing through said through hole from the one side to the other side of said partition, said one side and the other side respectively facing the one end and the other end of said barrel portion .
6. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
each cap body includes a cylindrical barrel portion having a cap flat portion which is formed on a part of the side face thereof, and said contact projects from said cap flat portion of said barrel portion.
7. A light emitting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said tubular light emitter includes a rigid, translucent tube, and a light emitting element series which comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and installed in said tube.
8. A socket device to be combined with a light emitting device as claimed in any one of the claims from claim 1 to claim 7, said socket device including:
an insulating socket body having an insertion hole, which is formed in the end face of the socket body and allows a contact of the light emitting device to be inserted therethrough, slanted surfaces respectively formed on opposite sides of said socket body, catching indentations formed continuously with the respective slanted surfaces, and a hollow portion formed inside the socket body;
a receiving blade contained in said hollow portion of the socket body and permitting said contact to be electrically connected thereto; and a lid blocking said hollow portion of the socket body.
9. A socket device as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
said socket body includes a socket flat portion formed around the insertion hole at the end face of the socket body, an annular circumferential groove so formed in said socket flat portion as to surround said insertion hole, and a packing disposed in said circumferential groove.
10. A lighting device including:

a base;
a light emitting device including a tubular light emitter, and a pair of caps each of which has an insulating cap body to be attached to each end of said tubular light emitter, a contact to be electrically connected to said tubular light emitter and projecting from said cap body at approximately a right angle to the tube axis, and a pair of catching arms respectively provided at both sides of said contact and extending virtually in the same direction as the contact; and a pair of socket devices separately mounted on said base, at opposite locations, each socket device including an insulating socket body, a receiving blade and a lid, said socket body having an insertion hole, which is formed in the end face of said socket body and allows a contact of said light emitting device to be inserted therethrough, slanted surfaces respectively formed on opposite sides of the socket body, catching indentations formed continuously with the respective slanted surfaces, and a hollow portion formed inside the socket body; said receiving blade contained in the hollow portion of the socket body and permitting said contact to be electrically connected thereto; and said lid blocking said hollow portion of the socket body.
CA002230887A 1996-07-27 1997-03-31 Light emitting device, socket device and lighting device Abandoned CA2230887A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP8/245496 1996-07-27
JP24549696 1996-07-27
JP8/286338 1996-10-29
JP28633896 1996-10-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2230887A1 true CA2230887A1 (en) 1998-02-05

Family

ID=26537258

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002230887A Abandoned CA2230887A1 (en) 1996-07-27 1997-03-31 Light emitting device, socket device and lighting device

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US6325651B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3575769B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2230887A1 (en)
TW (1) TW374195B (en)
WO (1) WO1998005055A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (52)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8093823B1 (en) 2000-02-11 2012-01-10 Altair Engineering, Inc. Light sources incorporating light emitting diodes
US7049761B2 (en) 2000-02-11 2006-05-23 Altair Engineering, Inc. Light tube and power supply circuit
JP3704465B2 (en) * 2000-10-31 2005-10-12 Nec液晶テクノロジー株式会社 Cable mounting method to fluorescent tube, fluorescent tube with cable, surface illumination device and liquid crystal display device
WO2006003601A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-01-12 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Electric lamp and method for mounting a lamp vessel in an outer bulb
US20060193131A1 (en) * 2005-02-28 2006-08-31 Mcgrath William R Circuit devices which include light emitting diodes, assemblies which include such circuit devices, and methods for directly replacing fluorescent tubes
CN101064403B (en) * 2006-04-27 2010-08-11 光阳工业股份有限公司 LED positioning device
ITMI20061648A1 (en) * 2006-08-29 2008-02-29 Star Progetti Tecnologie Applicate Spa HEAT IRRADIATION DEVICE THROUGH INFRARED
JP5038779B2 (en) * 2007-01-26 2012-10-03 パナソニック株式会社 Lamp socket device and lighting fixture provided with the same
US8118447B2 (en) 2007-12-20 2012-02-21 Altair Engineering, Inc. LED lighting apparatus with swivel connection
US7712918B2 (en) 2007-12-21 2010-05-11 Altair Engineering , Inc. Light distribution using a light emitting diode assembly
US8360599B2 (en) 2008-05-23 2013-01-29 Ilumisys, Inc. Electric shock resistant L.E.D. based light
US7976196B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2011-07-12 Altair Engineering, Inc. Method of forming LED-based light and resulting LED-based light
US7946729B2 (en) 2008-07-31 2011-05-24 Altair Engineering, Inc. Fluorescent tube replacement having longitudinally oriented LEDs
US8674626B2 (en) 2008-09-02 2014-03-18 Ilumisys, Inc. LED lamp failure alerting system
US8256924B2 (en) 2008-09-15 2012-09-04 Ilumisys, Inc. LED-based light having rapidly oscillating LEDs
US8444292B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2013-05-21 Ilumisys, Inc. End cap substitute for LED-based tube replacement light
US7938562B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2011-05-10 Altair Engineering, Inc. Lighting including integral communication apparatus
US8214084B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2012-07-03 Ilumisys, Inc. Integration of LED lighting with building controls
US8324817B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2012-12-04 Ilumisys, Inc. Light and light sensor
US8653984B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2014-02-18 Ilumisys, Inc. Integration of LED lighting control with emergency notification systems
US8901823B2 (en) 2008-10-24 2014-12-02 Ilumisys, Inc. Light and light sensor
US8556452B2 (en) 2009-01-15 2013-10-15 Ilumisys, Inc. LED lens
US8362710B2 (en) 2009-01-21 2013-01-29 Ilumisys, Inc. Direct AC-to-DC converter for passive component minimization and universal operation of LED arrays
US8664880B2 (en) 2009-01-21 2014-03-04 Ilumisys, Inc. Ballast/line detection circuit for fluorescent replacement lamps
US8414155B2 (en) * 2009-03-18 2013-04-09 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. LED luminaire
US8376582B2 (en) * 2009-03-18 2013-02-19 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. LED luminaire
US8330381B2 (en) 2009-05-14 2012-12-11 Ilumisys, Inc. Electronic circuit for DC conversion of fluorescent lighting ballast
US8123378B1 (en) 2009-05-15 2012-02-28 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Heatsink for cooling at least one LED
US8299695B2 (en) 2009-06-02 2012-10-30 Ilumisys, Inc. Screw-in LED bulb comprising a base having outwardly projecting nodes
US8421366B2 (en) 2009-06-23 2013-04-16 Ilumisys, Inc. Illumination device including LEDs and a switching power control system
US8896207B2 (en) * 2009-11-19 2014-11-25 ElectraLED Inc. Fluorescent light fixture assembly with LED lighting element and converter modules
US8506127B2 (en) * 2009-12-11 2013-08-13 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Lens frame with a LED support surface and heat dissipating structure
CA2794512A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 David L. Simon Led light tube with dual sided light distribution
US8540401B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-09-24 Ilumisys, Inc. LED bulb with internal heat dissipating structures
EP2553320A4 (en) 2010-03-26 2014-06-18 Ilumisys Inc Led light with thermoelectric generator
US8454193B2 (en) 2010-07-08 2013-06-04 Ilumisys, Inc. Independent modules for LED fluorescent light tube replacement
WO2012009260A2 (en) 2010-07-12 2012-01-19 Altair Engineering, Inc. Circuit board mount for led light tube
US8523394B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2013-09-03 Ilumisys, Inc. Mechanisms for reducing risk of shock during installation of light tube
US8870415B2 (en) 2010-12-09 2014-10-28 Ilumisys, Inc. LED fluorescent tube replacement light with reduced shock hazard
US9072171B2 (en) 2011-08-24 2015-06-30 Ilumisys, Inc. Circuit board mount for LED light
US8491324B1 (en) * 2012-01-06 2013-07-23 Proconn Technology Co., Ltd. Lamp holder connector
US9184518B2 (en) 2012-03-02 2015-11-10 Ilumisys, Inc. Electrical connector header for an LED-based light
US9228727B2 (en) * 2012-04-05 2016-01-05 Michael W. May Lighting assembly
US9163794B2 (en) 2012-07-06 2015-10-20 Ilumisys, Inc. Power supply assembly for LED-based light tube
US9271367B2 (en) 2012-07-09 2016-02-23 Ilumisys, Inc. System and method for controlling operation of an LED-based light
US9285084B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2016-03-15 Ilumisys, Inc. Diffusers for LED-based lights
US9267650B2 (en) 2013-10-09 2016-02-23 Ilumisys, Inc. Lens for an LED-based light
WO2015112437A1 (en) 2014-01-22 2015-07-30 Ilumisys, Inc. Led-based light with addressed leds
EP3132194A4 (en) * 2014-04-18 2018-02-21 May, Michael, W. Lighting assembly
US9510400B2 (en) 2014-05-13 2016-11-29 Ilumisys, Inc. User input systems for an LED-based light
US10161568B2 (en) 2015-06-01 2018-12-25 Ilumisys, Inc. LED-based light with canted outer walls
US10234123B1 (en) * 2018-04-25 2019-03-19 Xiamen Eco Lighting Co. Ltd. LED tube apparatus equipped to effectively dissipate heat in abnormal situations

Family Cites Families (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2366252A (en) * 1941-10-18 1945-01-02 Gen Electric Circular electric lamp
US2401228A (en) * 1945-02-12 1946-05-28 Gen Electric Base for electric lamps and similar devices
GB630143A (en) * 1946-11-05 1949-10-06 George Rigby Mason Improvements relating to electric lamp holders and fittings
US2642521A (en) * 1949-05-26 1953-06-16 Ozalid Co Ltd End connection for tubular lamps
AT176255B (en) * 1951-10-16 1953-10-10 Busch Jaeger Luedenscheid Waterproof socket for fluorescent tubes with a housing divided in the longitudinal direction of the tube
US2942227A (en) * 1958-05-02 1960-06-21 Gadget Of The Month Club Inc Electric clock mounting apparatus
JPS3713536Y1 (en) * 1961-01-10 1962-06-12
US3633023A (en) * 1968-10-09 1972-01-04 Livio Castiglioni Electric lighting apparatus, particularly for decorative uses
US4080030A (en) * 1977-01-17 1978-03-21 North American Philips Corporation Lampholder seal
US4108522A (en) * 1977-05-24 1978-08-22 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Jumper plug and socket
US4211461A (en) * 1978-11-27 1980-07-08 Industrial Electronic Hardware Corp. Axially mating cable connector
US4769320A (en) * 1982-07-27 1988-09-06 New England Medical Center Hospitals, Inc. Immunoassay means and methods useful in human native prothrombin and human abnormal prothorombin determinations
US4521839A (en) * 1984-02-09 1985-06-04 Cook Brian A Strip lighting system
US4687965A (en) * 1985-03-07 1987-08-18 U.S. Philips Corporation Capped electric lamp
US4713019A (en) * 1986-09-17 1987-12-15 Edwin Gaynor Sockets for compact fluorescent lamps
EP0281079A3 (en) * 1987-03-05 1990-06-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Low pressure discharge lamp
JPS63186046U (en) * 1987-05-25 1988-11-29
JPH0196651U (en) * 1987-12-21 1989-06-27
JPH03126347U (en) * 1990-04-05 1991-12-19
US5340327A (en) * 1991-04-23 1994-08-23 Kabushiki Kaisha Denkosha Sockets for discharge lamp

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW374195B (en) 1999-11-11
US6325651B1 (en) 2001-12-04
JP3575769B2 (en) 2004-10-13
WO1998005055A1 (en) 1998-02-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2230887A1 (en) Light emitting device, socket device and lighting device
JP4153935B2 (en) Display / lighting device
US7401942B1 (en) Female electric connector plug apparatus for and method of attachment to flourescent tube luminaire fixture assembly
CN107120549A (en) Light fixture and lamp string
JP2006012860A (en) Displaying/lighting system
JP4153870B2 (en) Display / lighting device and display / lighting system
JPH07169313A (en) Lamp holder
US4385257A (en) Lamp base
US6129443A (en) Waterproof cover mechanism for belt-like lighting fitting, illuminator, and outdoor lighting system
US6157117A (en) Tube lamp
JP5787609B2 (en) Lighting device
CN213272551U (en) Connector, light emitting module and strip lamp
CN215294639U (en) Waterproof bar lamp convenient to automated production
JP3233052U (en) Flexible filament light
CN218993311U (en) Welding-free lamp strip
CN211118841U (en) Assembled lamp
CN210921265U (en) Lamp fitting
CN215411612U (en) Acupuncture of centre gripping connection power cord connects electric formula lamp holder seat
JP2776015B2 (en) Fluorescent lamp equipment
CN211502566U (en) LED fixing frame and lamp
JP3986115B2 (en) Light bulb device and lighting device
CN108954023B (en) LED lamp
CN217737028U (en) Concatenation formula ceiling lamp
CN213723705U (en) Sterilizing lighting lamp
CN210128259U (en) Strip-shaped lamp and strip-shaped lamp combination

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued