LAMP SCREW CAP

Abstract

The invention provides a lamp screw cap (200) comprising a thread structure (220), wherein the thread structure (220) comprises repetitive elements (225) defining tops (230), valleys (240), and a central plane (250), wherein tops (230) protrude relative to the central plane (250) and wherein the valleys (240) are recessed relative to the central plane (250), wherein: for a plurality of tops (230) applies that each top (230) comprises a first top segment (231), a second top segment (232), and a middle top segment (233), together defining the top (230), wherein the middle top segment (233) is configured most remote from the central plane (250); for a plurality of valleys (240) applies that each valley (240) comprises a first valley segment (241), a second valley segment (242), and a middle valley segment (243), together defining the valley (240), wherein the middle valley segment (243) is configured most remote from the central plane (250); the first top segment (231), the second top segment (232), the first valley segment (241), and the second valley segment (242), have the same first curvature; one or more of the following applies: the plurality of tops (230) have a protruding part (235) protruding relative to the first curvature in a direction away from the central plane (250); and the plurality of valleys (240) have a shallow part (245) receding relative to the first curvature in a direction to the central plane (250).

Claims

1. A lamp screw cap comprising a thread structure wherein the thread structure comprises repetitive elements defining tops, valleys, and a central plane, wherein tops protrude relative to the central plane and wherein the valleys are recessed relative to the central plane, wherein: for a plurality of tops applies that each top comprises a first top segment, a second top segment, and a middle top segment, together defining the top, wherein the middle top segment is configured most remote from the central plane; for a plurality of valleys applies that each valley comprises a first valley segment, a second valley segment, and a middle valley segment, together defining the valley wherein the middle valley segment is configured most remote from the central plane; the first top segment, the second top segment, the first valley segment, and the second valley segment, have the same first curvature; and wherein the following applies: the plurality of tops have a protruding part protruding relative to the first curvature in a direction away from the central plane; and the plurality of valleys have a shallow part receding relative to the first curvature in a direction to the central plane.

2. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the following applies: relative to central points on the central plane for each of the tops of the plurality of tops, the first top segments and the second top segments define (180°-γ1)/2 of the tops, respectively, and the middle top segments define γ1 of the tops, wherein γ1 is selected from the range of up to 90; and relative to central points on the central plane for each of the valleys of the plurality of valleys, the first valley segments and the second valley segments define (180°-γ2)/2 of the valleys, respectively, and the middle valley segments define γ2 of the tops, wherein γ2 is selected from the range of up to 90°.

3. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein one or more protruding parts comprise a top ridge.

4. The lamp screw cap according to claim 2, wherein the one or more protruding part define the one or more middle top segments, wherein γ1 is selected from the range of up to 30°.

5. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein (a) the protruding parts protrude relative to the first curvature with a value selected from the range of 0.1-0.5 mm, or (b) the shallow parts recede relative to the first curvature with a value selected from the range of 0.1-0.5 mm.

6. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the shallow parts comprise a valley ridge, with a valley ridge top directed to the central plane.

7. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the shallow parts; comprise a planar valley part.

8. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein the first curvature is defined by a radius of curvature, wherein the radius of curvature is selected from the range of 1.5-2.5 mm.

9. The lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein the one or more shallow parts define the one or more middle valley segments, wherein γ2 is selected from the range of 10-60°.

10. A lamp comprising a light source and the lamp screw cap according to claim 1.

11. The lamp according to claim 10, wherein the lamp screw cap is an E26 screw cap or larger.

12. The lamp according to claim 10, wherein the lamp comprises a solid state light source and a driver.

13. The lamp according to claim 10, wherein the lamp has a weight of 150 g or more.

14. A street lamp comprising a pole and the lamp according to claim 10 functionally coupled to the pole.

15. A process for the production of the lamp screw cap according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises one or more of: providing the thread structure including the protruding parts; and the receding parts; providing the thread structure including the protruding parts and without the receding parts and applying a force to one or more of the valleys to provide one or more receding parts.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0116] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0117] FIG. 1A-C schematically depict embodiments of the lamp screw cap.

[0118] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of a lamp.

[0119] FIG. 3A-B schematically depict embodiments of a street lamp. The schematic drawings are not necessarily on scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0120] FIG. 1A-C schematically depicts embodiments of a lamp screw cap 200 comprising a thread structure 220.

[0121] In particular, FIG. 1A schematically depicts an outline of the thread structure 220 of an embodiment of the lamp screw cap 200. In the depicted embodiment, the thread structure 220 comprises repetitive elements 225 defining tops 230, valleys 240, and a central plane 250, wherein tops 230 protrude relative to the central plane 250 and wherein the valleys 240 are recessed relative to the central plane 250 (also see FIG. 1B). For a plurality of tops 230 applies that each top 230 may comprise a first top segment 231, a second top segment 232, and a middle top segment 233, wherein the middle top segment 233 is configured most remote from the central plane 250. The first top segment 231, the second top segment 232 and the middle top segment 233 may together define the top 230. Similarly, for a plurality of valleys 240 applies that each valley 240 may comprise a first valley segment 241, a second valley segment 242, and a middle valley segment 243, wherein the middle valley segment 243 is configured most remote from the central plane 250. The first valley segment 241, the second valley segment 242, and the middle valley segment 243 may together define the valley 240. In the depicted embodiment, the first top segment 231, the second top segment 232, the first valley segment 241, and the second valley segment 242, have the same first curvature.

[0122] In embodiments, the plurality of tops 230 may have a protruding part 235 protruding relative to the first curvature in a direction away from the central plane 250.

[0123] In further embodiments, the plurality of valleys 240 may have a shallow part 245 receding relative to the first curvature in a direction to the central plane 250.

[0124] For visualizational purposes, the radius of curvature r that corresponds to the first curvature is schematically depicted. Specifically, the first curvature may be defined by a radius of curvature r, i.e., the (value of the) first curvature may be the reciprocal of the radius r of the circle that best approximates the curve of the thread structure (at a specific point).

[0125] In the depicted embodiment, the plurality of tops 230 have a protruding part 235 protruding relative to the first curvature in a direction away from the central plane 250, and the plurality of valleys 240 have a shallow part 245 receding relative to the first curvature in a direction to the central plane 250.

[0126] In the depicted embodiment, the thread structure 220 has a shape defined by a plurality of connected semicircles with (equal) curvature, especially a continuous plurality of semicircles with curvature, wherein adjacent semicircles are arranged at opposite sides of the central plane 250.

[0127] In the depicted embodiment, relative to central points 251 on the central plane 250 for each of the tops 230 of the plurality of tops 230, the first top segments 231 and the second top segments 232 define 180°-γ1/2 of the tops 230, respectively, and the middle top segments 233 define γ1 of the tops 230, wherein γ1 is selected from the range of up to 90°.

[0128] The central points 251 of the central plane 250 may especially be—as depicted in FIG. 1A—the points along the central plane having the highest (local) distance between the central plane and the thread structure. In particular, the central points 251 of the central plane 250 may especially be the centers of the circular arcs, especially the centers of the semicircles.

[0129] Further, in the depicted embodiment, relative to central points 251 on the central plane 250 for each of the valleys 240 of the plurality of valleys 240, the first valley segments 241 and the second valley segments 242 define 180°-γ2/2 of the valleys 240, respectively, and the middle valley segments 243 define γ2 of the tops 230, wherein γ2 is selected from the range of up to 90°.

[0130] In the depicted embodiment, one of the protruding parts 235 comprises a top ridge 235a, wherein the top ridge 235a is directed away from the central plane 250. Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, one of the shallow elements 245 comprises a valley ridge 245a, wherein the valley ridge 245a is directed to the central plane 250.

[0131] Further, in the depicted embodiment, one or the shallow parts 245 comprises a planar valley part 245b. In embodiments, the planar valley part 245b may (essentially) be parallel to the central plane 250.

[0132] In the depicted embodiment, a shallow part 245 may define the (respective) middle valley segment 243. In particular, a valley ridge 245a may define the (respective) middle valley segment 243, or a planar valley part 245b may define the middle valley segment 243.

[0133] FIG. 1B schematically depicts (part of) a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a lamp screw cap 200.

[0134] In the depicted embodiment, the thread structure 220 comprises a top 230 having a protruding part 235 as well as a smooth top 238, wherein the smooth top 238 has a constant first curvature. Similarly, the thread structure 220 comprises a valley 230 having a shallow part 245 as well as a smooth valley 248, wherein the smooth valley 248 has a constant first curvature.

[0135] In the depicted embodiment, the thread structure 220 further comprises a top 230 having a protruding part 235, wherein the protruding part is a top ridge 235,235a, wherein the top ridge 235, 235a has a top ridge top 236 directed away from the central plane 250.

[0136] Similarly, one or more of the shallow parts 245 may comprise a valley ridge 245a, wherein the valley ridge 245a has a (valley) ridge top 246 directed to the central plane 250.

[0137] In the depicted embodiment, the thread structure has a shape approximating a periodic structure 221, wherein the periodic structure 221 is defined by connected semicircles, wherein adjacent semicircles are arranged at opposite sides of the central plane 250. In particular, the periodic structure 221 may have a constant amplitude a1, and a constant periodicity (here provided by the repeating elements 225). In further embodiments, the periodic structure 221 may be defined by a sine wave.

[0138] In the depicted embodiment, the amplitude a1 may be equal to the radius of curvature r as the depicted thread structure 220 approximates a periodic structure 221 defined by semicircles. In further embodiments the thread structure may approximate a periodic structure defined by circular segments having an arc <180°, i.e., in further embodiments a1<r.

[0139] FIG. 1B further schematically depicts a longitudinal axis A of the lamp screw cap 200.

[0140] FIG. 1B schematically depicts two periodic structures 221 arranged at opposite sides of the lamp screw cap 200. In the depicted embodiment, the two opposite periodic structures 221 are depicted slightly “out of phase”, in order to stress the helical arrangement of the repetitive structures. Hence, in embodiments, the two opposite periodic structures 221 may be out of phase (also see FIG. 2), especially 180° out of phase. However, in further embodiments, the opposite periodic structures may also be in phase.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 1B, the central plane 250 may essentially divide the valleys 240 and the tops 230, with the former at one side of the central plane 250, and the latter at the other side of the central plane. In particular, with respect to a lamp screw cap 200, the different cross-sections may each provide a respective central plane 250, wherein the central planes 250 may together define a virtual cylinder from which the tops 230 of the thread structure 220 protrude and into which the valleys 240 of the thread structure 220 recess.

[0142] FIG. 1B further schematically depicts that the protruding parts 235 may protrude relative to the periodic structure 220, especially relative to the first curvature, or especially relative to the semicircle, for a protrusion length l.sub.p, wherein the protrusion length l.sub.p is selected from the range of 0.05-1.0 mm, such as from the range of 0.1-0.5 mm, especially from the range of 0.2-0.4 mm. Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the shallow parts 245 may recede relative to the periodic structure 220, especially relative to the first curvature, or especially relative to the semicircle, for a recession length l.sub.r, wherein the recession length is selected from the range of 0.05-1.0 mm, such as from the range of 0.1-0.5 mm, especially from the range of 0.2-0.4 mm.

[0143] FIG. 1C schematically depicts an embodiment of the lamp screw cap 200. In the depicted embodiment, the outline of a periodic structure 221 defined by circular segments with radius of curvature r is drawn. In particular, the depicted thread structure 220 approximates a periodic structure 221 defined by circular segments having an arc <180°. FIG. 1C further schematically depicts a protruding part 235 protruding relative to the first curvature in a direction away from the central plane 250, wherein the protruding part comprises a top ridge 235a. FIG. 1C further schematically depicts a shallow part 245 receding relative to the first curvature in a direction to the central plane 250, wherein the shallow part 245 comprises a planar valley part 245b.

[0144] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of the lamp 1 of the invention. The lamp may comprise a light source 10 and the lamp screw cap 200 according to the invention.

[0145] In embodiments, the lamp 1, especially the light source 10, may comprise a solid state light source 10 and a driver 15 (here depicted arranged inside the lamp screw cap 200).

[0146] In the depicted embodiment, the lamp screw cap 200, especially the thread structure, comprises a plurality of top helices 290 and valley helices 280. The top helices 290 and the valley helices 280 may especially spiral along a longitudinal axis A of the lamp screw cap 200 (See FIG. 1B).

[0147] In particular, a top helix 290 may define tops 230 along the length of the top helix 290, especially wherein along at least 30% of the (length of the) top helix 290 the tops 230 have protruding parts 235, such as along least 50% of the top helix 290, especially along at least 80% of the top helix 290, such as along at least 99% of the top helix 290, including along 100% of the top helix 290.

[0148] Similarly, in further embodiments, a smooth top helix may define smooth tops 238 along the length of the smooth top helix, especially along at least 80% of the smooth top helix, such as along at least 99% of the smooth top helix, including along 100% of the smooth top helix.

[0149] Hence, in further embodiments, the thread structure 220 may comprise a top helix 290 and a smooth top helix.

[0150] Similarly, in embodiments, a valley helix 280 may define valleys along the length of the valley helix 280, especially wherein along at least 30% of the (length of the) valley helix 280 the valleys 240 have shallow parts 245, such as along least 50% of the valley helix 280, especially along at least 80% of the valley helix 280, such as along at least 99% of the valley helix 280, including along 100% of the valley helix 280.

[0151] In further embodiments, a smooth valley helix may define smooth valleys 248 along the length of the smooth valley helix, especially along at least 80% of the smooth valley helix, such as along at least 99% of the smooth valley helix, including along 100% of the smooth valley helix.

[0152] Hence, in further embodiments, the thread structure 220 may comprise a valley helix 280 and a smooth valley helix.

[0153] In embodiments, the lamp screw cap 200 may be an E26 screw cap or larger. In further embodiments, the lamp may have a weight of 150 g or more.

[0154] FIG. 3A-B schematically depict embodiments of a street lamp 5 comprising a pole 6 and the lamp 1 according to the invention.

[0155] The term “plurality” refers to two or more. Furthermore, the terms “a plurality of” and “a number of” may be used interchangeably.

[0156] The terms “substantially” or “essentially” herein, and similar terms, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The terms “substantially” or “essentially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”, “completely”, “all”, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially or essentially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term “substantially” or the term “essentially” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. Moreover, the terms “about” and “approximately” may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. For numerical values it is to be understood that the terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “about”, and “approximately” may also relate to the range of 90%-110%, such as 95%-105%, especially 99%-101% of the values(s) it refers to.

[0157] The term “comprise” also includes embodiments wherein the term “comprises” means “consists of”.

[0158] The term “and/or” especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after “and/or”. For instance, a phrase “item 1 and/or item 2” and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term “comprising” may in an embodiment refer to “consisting of” but may in another embodiment also refer to “containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species”.

[0159] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0160] The devices, apparatus, or systems may herein amongst others be described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation, or devices, apparatus, or systems in operation.

[0161] The term “further embodiment” and similar terms may refer to an embodiment comprising the features of the previously discussed embodiment, but may also refer to an alternative embodiment.

[0162] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0163] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0164] Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “include”, “including”, “contain”, “containing” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0165] The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0166] The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a device claim, or an apparatus claim, or a system claim, enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0167] The invention also provides a control system that may control the device, apparatus, or system, or that may execute the herein described method or process. Yet further, the invention also provides a computer program product, when running on a computer which is functionally coupled to or comprised by the device, apparatus, or system, controls one or more controllable elements of such device, apparatus, or system.

[0168] The invention further applies to a device, apparatus, or system comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. Moreover, if a method or an embodiment of the method is described being executed in a device, apparatus, or system, it will be understood that the device, apparatus, or system is suitable for or configured for (executing) the method or the embodiment of the method respectively.

[0169] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.