Safety end cap assembly for a led tube, and LED tube assembly comprising a safety end cap assembly

Abstract

A safety end cap assembly includes an end cap base element to be arranged at one end thereof on an end of the elongate housing, at least one connector pin extending along a longitudinal axis of the end cap base element, an electrical switch electrically connected to the connector pin and switchable between an open state and a closed state, and an end cap cover element arranged slidable on the end cap base element between a protracted position where the switch button is covered by the end cap cover element, and a retracted position, where the switch button is exposed. When protracted, the end cap cover element extends beyond the end of the end cap base element, and for sliding the end cap cover element from its protracted position to its retracted position, the end cap cover element is moved towards the end cap base element.

Claims

1. A safety end cap assembly to be arranged on an end of an elongate housing of a LED tube, comprising an end cap base element, one end of the end cap base element to be arranged on an end of the elongate housing; at least one connector pin extending along a longitudinal axis of the end cap base element; an electrical switch electrically connected to the at least one connector pin and switchable between an open state and a closed state via a switch button arranged on the end cap base element; and an end cap cover element arranged slidable on the end cap base element along said longitudinal axis between a protracted position, in which the switch button is covered by the end cap cover element, and a retracted position, in which the switch button is exposed; wherein in the protracted position the end cap cover element extends beyond the end of the end cap base element opposite the end to be arranged on the end of the elongate housing; and wherein for sliding the end cap cover element from the protracted position to the retracted position, the end cap cover element is moved towards the end cap base element.

2. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connector pin is arranged on the end cap cover element or on the end cap base element.

3. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 2, wherein the switch is embodied as a micro-switch unit that is operated via the switch button.

4. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connector pin is arranged on the end cap base element; and wherein in the retracted position of the end cap cover element, the at least one connector pin is exposed; and in the protracted position of the end cap cover element, the end cap cover element covers the at least one connector pin such that the connector pin is not exposed.

5. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 4, wherein the switch is embodied as a micro-switch unit that is operated via the switch button.

6. The safety end cap assembly according claim 1, wherein the safety end cap assembly further comprises: a spring mechanism configured to urge the end cap cover element toward the protracted position; and a switch opening mechanism configured, in case the switch is in the closed state and the end cap cover element is slid into the protracted position, to switch the switch to the open state.

7. The safety end cap assembly according claim 6, wherein the switch button is displaceable between an open position in which the switch is in the open state and a closed position in which the switch is in the closed state; the switch opening mechanism comprises: a spring mechanism to urge the switch button towards the open position; a switch button arresting mechanism associated with the end cap cover element and the switch button, the switch button arresting mechanism being configured to, in the retracted position of the end cap cover element, arrest the switch button in the closed position, wherein in the protracted position of the end cap cover element, the arresting mechanism cannot arrest the switch button in the closed position.

8. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein the switch button comprises an electrically insulating separation wall and an electrically conductive contact element arranged on one side of the separation wall, the electrically conductive contact element being electrically connected to the at least one connector pin; wherein the separation wall is displaceable together with the switch button; and wherein with the switch button in the open position, the separation wall prevents an electrical connection between the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin and an electrically conductive contact element arranged on the opposite side of the separation wall; and with the switch button in the closed position, the separation wall provides a path for electrically connecting the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin to an electrically conductive contact element arranged on the opposite side of the separation wall.

9. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the separation wall includes an electrically conductive surface arranged on either side of the separation wall, the electrically conductive surfaces being electrically connected; the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin is, at least with the end cap cover element in the retracted position, spring loaded against the separation wall; and wherein with the switch button in the closed position a first of the electrically conductive surfaces is in contact with the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin; and with the switch button in the open position the first of the electrically conductive surface is positioned away from the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin.

10. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 6, wherein the switch is embodied as a micro-switch unit that is operated via the switch button.

11. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the separation wall includes a through hole; and wherein: with the switch button in the closed position the through hole is aligned with the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin to allow the electrically conductive contact element to extend through the through hole; and with the switch button in the open position the through hole is misaligned with the electrically conductive contact element connected to the at least one connector pin.

12. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one connector pin and the electrically conductive contact element electrically connected therewith are arranged on the end cap cover element; and wherein: with the end cap cover element in the protracted position the electrically conductive contact element electrically connected to the at least one connector pin is positioned away from the separation wall; with the end cap cover element in the retracted position and the switch button in the open position the electrically conductive contact element electrically connected to the at least one connector pin is in spring loaded contact with the separation wall; and with the end cap cover element in the retracted position and the switch button in the closed position the electrically conductive contact element electrically connected to the at least one connector pin extends through the through hole in the separation wall.

13. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 12, wherein with the end cap cover element in the retracted position and the switch button in the closed position, the electrically conductive contact element that is electrically connected to the at least one connector pin and that extends through the through hole in the separation wall, arrests the switch button in the closed position.

14. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the arrest mechanism comprises: a protrusion associated with the end cap cover element that is displaceable along a path together with the end cap cover element; and a snap finger associated with the switch button that is displaceable along a path together with the switch button; wherein the path of the snap finger and the path of the protrusion cross; and the snap finger and the protrusion are configured such that: in the retracted position of the end cap cover element the protrusion is in path of the snap finger such that, in case in the retracted position of the end cap cover element the switch button is displaced from the open position in the closed position, the snap finger snaps over the protrusion and the switch button is held the closed position; and that in protracted position of the end cap cover element, the protrusion is not in path of the snap finger.

15. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one connector pin includes two connector pins, the safety end cap assembly further comprising a protrusion extending parallel to the two connector pins and arranged, at least in the retracted position of the end cap cover element, between the two connector pins.

16. The safety end cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein the switch is embodied as a micro-switch unit that is operated via the switch button.

17. An LED tube assembly, comprising: an elongate housing having arranged therein LEDs; and a safety end cap assembly on at least one longitudinal end of the elongate housing, the safety end cap assembly comprising: an end cap base element, one end of the end cap base element to be arranged on an end of the elongate housing; at least one connector pin extending along a longitudinal axis of the end cap base element; an electrical switch electrically connected to the at least one connector pin and switchable between an open state and a closed state via a switch button arranged on the end cap base element; and an end cap cover element arranged slidable on the end cap base element along said longitudinal axis between a protracted position, in which the switch button is covered by the end cap cover element, and a retracted position, in which the switch button is exposed; wherein in the protracted position the end cap cover element extends beyond the end of the end cap base element opposite the end to be arranged on the end of the elongate housing; and wherein for sliding the end cap cover element from the protracted position to the retracted position, the end cap cover element is moved towards the end cap base element.

18. The LED tube assembly according to claim 17, configured to be fit in a lamp fixture, wherein with the end cap cover element in the protracted position the LED tube assembly does not fit in said lamp fixture; and with the end cap cover element in the retracted position the LED tube assembly does fit in said lamp fixture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a LED tube having a safety end cap assembly according to the invention in perspective view;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the LED tube of FIG. 1 in exploded view;

(4) FIGS. 3 to 5 show the safety end cap assembly of the LED tube of FIG. 1 in perspective view and in different positions of the end cap cover element;

(5) FIGS. 6 to 11 show the mounting of the LED tube of FIG. 1 in a light fixture in side view in subsequent steps;

(6) FIGS. 12 to 14 show the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 3 to 5 in section view;

(7) FIGS. 15 to 19 show an alternative embodiment of the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 1 to 14;

(8) FIGS. 20 to 24 show an alternative embodiment of the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 15 to 19;

(9) FIGS. 25 and 26 show an alternative embodiment of the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 20 to 24.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (AMENDED VS 1)

(10) In FIGS. 1 and 2 an embodiment of the LED tube assembly 1 according to the invention is shown. In FIG. 1 the LED tube assembly 1 is shown in assembled state, in FIG. 2 in disassembled state, in particular in exploded view.

(11) The LED tube assembly comprises an elongate housing 3 having arranged therein LEDs 5 mounted on a circuit board 7. As shown in FIG. 2 the housing 3 comprises a bottom part 3a embodied by elongate profile that serves as a mounting platform for mounting thereon the circuit board 7, and which serves as a heat sink for transferring heat away from the circuit board 7. The bottom part 3a is preferably made of Aluminum or an Aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the bottom part is made of a synthetic material, for example polymers. The housing 3 further comprises a top part 3b which is translucent or transparent. The top part 3b is in assembled state mounted on the bottom part 3a, for instance by means of a snap fit, or slide-on connection.

(12) A first end cap assembly 9 is arranged at a first longitudinal end 11 of the housing 3. The first end cap assembly 9 includes a molded plastic cup-shaped body 13 that slides over the first longitudinal end 11 of the housing 3 to secure first end cap assembly 9 to the housing 3. The first end cap assembly 9 further includes a circuit board 15 that in assembled state is arranged in the cup-shaped body 13 and is electrically connected by means of electrical leads 17 to the circuit board 7 on which the LEDs are mounted. The circuit board 15 further serves for mounting thereon two connector pins 19, 21, and includes an electrical circuit arranged for connecting the two connector pins 19, 21 to the electrical leads 17. In assembled state the connector pins 19, 21 protrude through the bottom of the cup-shaped body 13, such that the connector pins 19, 21 extend outwardly in longitudinal direction of the LED tube assembly 1. The connector pins 19 and 21 are thus externally exposed for connecting the LED tube assembly 1 mechanically and electrically to a fixture designed to receive standard-sized fluorescent tubes, such as T5, T8, T10, or T12 tubes. The latter will be explained later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. The first end cap assembly 9 is in assembled state secured to the housing 3, in particular the bottom part 3a, by means of a screw 23.

(13) A second end cap assembly 25 is arranged at a second longitudinal end 27 of the housing 3. The second end cap assembly 25 is an embodiment of the safety end cap assembly according to the invention. The safety end cap assembly 25 includes an end cap base element 29. In the shown embodiment the end cap base element 29 has a circumferential wall 29b that encloses a space. The circumferential wall 29b is configured to slide over the second longitudinal end 27 of the housing 3 to secure the safety end cap assembly 25 to the housing 3. The safety end cap assembly 25 further includes a circuit board 31 that in assembled state is arranged in the space enclosed by the circumferential wall 29b of the end cap base element 29 and is electrically connected by means of electrical leads 33 to the circuit board 7 on which the LEDs 5 are mounted. The circuit board 31 further serves for mounting thereon two connector pins 35, 37, and includes an electrical circuit arranged for connecting the two connector pins 35, 37 to the electrical leads 33. In assembled state the connector pins 35,37 protrude from the space enclosed by the circumferential wall 29b at one longitudinal end 29a thereof, such that the connector pins 35, 37 extend outwardly in longitudinal direction of the LED tube assembly 1. The end cap base 29 having arranged therein circuit board 31 is in assembled state secured to the housing 3, in particular the bottom part 3a, by means of a screw 39. Alternatively, the end cap base 29 is in assembled state secured to the housing 3 by using alternative means, such as snap-fit connections or adhesive.

(14) The electrical circuit of the circuit board 15 of the first end cap assembly 9, the electrical circuit of the circuit board 7 having mounted thereon the LEDs 5, and the electrical circuit of the circuit board 31 of the safety end cap assembly 25 are designed and electrically connected together as an electrical circuitry that provides a current path between at least one of the connector pins 19, 21 of the first end cap assembly 9 and at least one of the connector pins 35, 37 of the safety end cap assembly 25. The safety end cap assembly 25 further includes an electrical switch. The electrical switch is switchable by means of a switch button 41 between an open state and a closed state. In assembled state the switch button is arranged at the external surface of the circumferential wall 29b of the end cap base element 29. The electrical switch is associated with the electrical circuitry formed by the electrical circuit of the circuit board 15 of the first end cap assembly 9, the electrical circuit of the circuit board 7 having mounted thereon the LEDs 5, and the electrical circuit of the circuit board 31 of the safety end cap assembly 25. In the open state the switch opens, i.e. breaks, the electrical circuitry such that there is no current path possible between the connector pins 19, 21 of the first end cap assembly 9 and the connector pins 35, 37 of the safety end cap assembly 25 via the circuit board 7 on which the LEDs 5 are mounted. In the closed state the switch closes the electrical circuitry such that there is a current path possible between the connector pins 19, 21 of the first end cap assembly 9 and the connector pins 35, 37 of the safety end cap assembly 25 via the circuit board 7 on which the LEDs 5 are mounted. A preferred embodiment of the switch will be described under reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

(15) The safety end cap assembly 25 further includes an end cap cover element 43. In the shown embodiment the end cap cover element 43 has a circumferential wall 43b that encloses a space. The circumferential wall 43b is configured to slide over the end cap base element 29. In assembled state the end cap cover element 43 is arranged freely slidable between a protracted position and a retracted position along the external surface of the circumferential wall 29b of the end cap base element 29 and along the connector pins 35, 37 that extend outwardly from the end cap base element 29 in longitudinal direction L. To allow the end cap cover element 43 to slide along the connector pins 35, 37 holes are provided in the wall 43a that closes the space enclosed by the circumferential wall 43b at one longitudinal end thereof. A pin shaped protrusion 47 extends outwardly from the bottom wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43. The pin shaped protrusion 47 is located in between the two holes for the connector pins 35, 37, and extends along the central longitudinal axis A of the LED tube assembly 1.

(16) In FIG. 3 the end cap cover element 43 is shown in its protracted position, in which it is urged by means of spring 45, which spring pushes the cap cover 43 in de direction of arrow B. A stop (not shown) is provided that prevents the spring 45 pushing the end cap cover element 43 of the end cap base element 29. In the protracted position the switch button 41 is covered by the circumferential wall 43b of the end cap cover element 43. Consequently, in the protracted position of the end cap cover element 43, the switch of the safety end cap assembly 25 cannot be operated by handling the switch button 41. Furthermore, in the protracted position of the end cap cover element 43 of the shown embodiment, the connector pins 35, 37 are completely covered by the end cap cover element 43. The connector pins 35, 37 do not extend through the holes in the bottom wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43. In the protracted position of the end cap cover element 43 of the shown embodiment, the switch button 41 and the connector pins 35, 37 are not exposed.

(17) By sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the longitudinal direction C, the end cap cover element 43 is slid along the external surface 29b in which the switch button 41 is arranged and along the connector pins 35, 37 from the protracted position shown in FIG. 3 into the retracted position shown in FIG. 4. In the retracted position a slot 49 in the circumferential wall 43b of the end cap cover element 43 is aligned with the switch button 41, such that the switch button 41 is exposed for operation. Furthermore, in the retracted position of the end cap cover element 43, the connector pins 35, 37 extend through the holes in the wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43, such that the connector pins 35, 37 are exposed. The connector pins 35 and 37 are thus externally exposed for connecting the LED tube assembly 1 mechanically and electrically to a fixture designed to receive standard-sized fluorescent tubes, such as T5, T8, T10, or T12 tubes.

(18) In FIG. 4 the switch button 41 is shown in the position wherein the switch is in its open state. By moving the switch button 41 in the direction of arrow D about the central longitudinal axis A of the LED tube assembly 1, the switch button 41 is moved in to a position in which the switch is in its closed state, which is shown in FIG. 5.

(19) In FIGS. 6 to 10, the mounting of the LED tube assembly 1 in a fixture designed to receive standard-sized fluorescent tubes, such as T5, T8, T10, or T12 tubes is shown in steps.

(20) In FIG. 6 a fixture 51 is shown including a fixture base 53 and two spaced apart lamp holders 55 and 57. The lamp holders 55, 57 both include a slot 55a, 57a for receiving the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37 of the LED tube assembly 1. The LED tube assembly 1 is shown with the safety end cap 25 in its protracted position. Since in the protracted position the end cap cover element 43 covers the connector pins 35 and 37, it is not possible to mount the LED tube assembly 1 in the fixture 51 with the end cap cover element 43 in its protracted position. Furthermore, with the end cap cover element 43 in its protracted position the distance a between the end face of the end cap cover element 43 and the end face of the cup-shaped body 13 of the first end cap assembly 9 is larger than the distance b between the lamp holders 55 and 57, such that with the end cap cover element 43 in its protracted position the LED tube assembly 1 does not fit between the lamp holders 55 and 57. By sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the direction of arrow C, the end cap cover element 43 is brought in its retracted position as shown in FIG. 7. By sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the direction of arrow C toward the end cap base element 29 the distance a is reduced such that the distance a is smaller than distance b, and the connector pins 35, 37 are exposed. The distance a is in the present embodiment the relevant length of the LED tube assembly 1, i.e. the distance between elements at the ends of the LED tube assembly 1 that is relevant for fitting the LED tube assembly 1 in the light fixture 51. For sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the direction of arrow C in to its retracted position, the person installing the LED tube assembly 1 can advantageously grab the end cap cover element 43 at its longitudinally extending circumferential wall 43b. The person does not have to push against the bottom wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43. By grabbing the end cap cover element 43 at its longitudinally extending circumferential wall 43b contact with the connector pins 35, 37 is avoided. As shown in FIG. 6 circumferential wall 43b is provided with ribs to enhance the grip on the circumferential wall 43b and stimulate the person to grab the circumferential wall 43b. These ribs are optional.

(21) Subsequently, the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37 can be slid into the slots 55a and 57a by moving the LED tube assembly 1 in direction of arrow E, such that the situation results that is shown in FIG. 8, in which the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37 are fully inserted in a part of the slots 55a, 57a, that is formed in parts 55b and 57b of the lamp holders 55 and 57 that are rotatable in the direction of arrow F. By subsequently rotating the LED tube assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F, the situation as shown in FIG. 9 results, in which the LED tube assembly 1 is mechanically connected to the fixture 51 by means of the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37. In the situation shown in FIG. 9, the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37 are in contact with electrical contacts inside the lamp holders 55, 57, such that the LED tube assembly is also electrically connected to the fixture 51.

(22) In FIG. 10 a situation is shown wherein connector pins 19 and 37 are inserted in the respective rotatable parts 55b, 57b of the lamp holders 55, 57, while the connector pins 21 and 35 are not inserted into the lamp holders 55, 57 at all. In case the person installing the LED tube assembly 1 would try to rotate the LED tube assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F in the shown situation, the pin-shaped protrusion 47 prevents rotation of the LED tube assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F by contacting the stationary part 55c of lamp holder 55. As result it is prevented that the LED tube assembly 1 is rotated in the direction of arrow F in such a way that the connector pins 19 and 37 come into contact with contacts in the lamp holders 55 and 57 that in case the LED tube assembly 1 was fully inserted in the lamp holders would contact the connector pins 21 and 35.

(23) In the situation shown in FIG. 9, in which the LED tube assembly 1 is mechanically and electrically connected to the fixture 51 and in which the end cap cover element 43 is in its retracted position, the exposed switch button 41 can be operated to switch the switch of the safety end cap 25 from its open state to its closed state. The circuitry electrically connecting the connector pins 19, 21, 35, 37 and the LEDs 5 mounted on circuit board 7 is then closed, such that a current path is formed between the connector pins 19, 21, 35, 37, via which the LEDs 5 can be powered by means of a power source connected to the fixture 51 as shown in FIG. 11.

(24) Since the spring 45 urges the end cap cover element 43 in the direction of arrow B towards its protracted position, the end cap cover element 43 is slid in the direction of arrow B when the person mounting the LED assembly 1 in the fixture 51 releases the end cap cover element 43. In the situations shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 11, the end cap cover element 43 can only slide in the direction of arrow B to fill the gab c between the bottom wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43 and the lamp holder 55. As a result, in the situations shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, after releasing the end cap cover element 43, the fixture 51 prevents the end cap cover element 43 reaching its protracted position. In case after mounting of the LED tube assembly 1 in the fixture 51, the LED tube assembly is removed from the fixture 51 by releasing the connector pins 19, 21, 35, and 37 from the lamp holders 55, 57, the fixture 51 does not longer prevent the end cap cover element 43 to be slid in the direction of arrow B. consequently, after removal of the LED tube assembly 1 from the fixture, the end cap cover element 43 is slid into its protracted position under action of spring 45.

(25) The safety end cap assembly 25 further includes a switch opening mechanism configured such that in case the switch is in its closed state and the end cap cover element 43 is slid into its protracted position the switch is automatically switched to its open state. Thus when after removal as described herein above the end cap cover element 43 is slid into its protracted position under action of spring 45, the switch is returned to its open state in which the circuitry electrically connecting the connector pins 19, 21, 35, 37 and the LEDs 5 is open, i.e. broken.

(26) An embodiment of this switch opening mechanism is described under reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, in which the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 3 to 5 is shown in a longitudinal section view.

(27) In FIG. 12 the end cap cover element 43 is shown in its protracted position, in which position it is urged by means of spring 45, which spring 45 pushes the end cap cover element 43 in de direction of arrow B. An inwardly extending protrusion 61 arranged on the internal surface 43c of the circumferential wall of the end cap cover element 43, extends in a recess 63 in the circumferential wall of end cap base 29 to act as a stop for preventing the spring 45 pushing the end cap cover element 43 of the end cap base 29. The switch button 41 is freely slidable mounted on the internal surface 29c of the circumferential wall 29b of the end cap base element 29 and extends through a slot (not shown) in the circumferential wall of the end cap base element 29, such that the switch button 41 is arranged at the external surface of the circumferential wall of the end cap base element 29 to enable operation thereof. The circuit board 31 on which the connector pins 35, 37 are mounted is arranged in the end cap base element 29 and is supported by a stepped portion 67 of the circumferential wall 29b of the end cap base element 29 and is secured by means of inwardly extending noses 69 arranged on the internal surface of the circumferential wall of the end cap base element 29. At one longitudinal end 29a of the end cap base element 29 the connector pins 35 and 37 extend through holes in a bridge shaped bottom wall 29d for support in lateral direction. In the protracted position of the end cap cover element 43 of the shown embodiment, the connector pins 35, 37 are completely covered by the end cap cover element 43. The connector pins 35, 37 do not extend through the holes in the wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43.

(28) On the circuit board 31 two electrode strips 71, 73 are arranged that are part of the switch of the safety end cap assembly 25. The electrode strips 71, 73 are part of the electronic circuit of the circuit board 31. In FIG. 12 the electrode strips 71, 73 are not in contact, such that a current path in the electronic circuit of the circuit board 31 is open, i.e. broken. The switch is in its open state. The electrode strip 73 extends in the path of an inward extending protrusion 75 arranged on the switch button 41. When the switch button 41 is moved in the direction of arrow D the protrusion 75 of switch button 41 is brought into contact with the electrode strip 73 such that the electrode strip 73 is pushed down and brought into contact with electrode strip 71. The opened current path in the electronic circuit of the circuit board 31 is thus closed. The switch is then in its closed state. Operation of the switch button 41 is however not possible in the protracted position of the end cap cover element 43, since the switch button 41 is covered by the end cap cover element 43 and is not externally exposed, as described under reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. In an alternative arrangement, a plurality of electrode strips 71 are arranged next to each other and a plurality of electrode strips 73 are arranged next to each other, and the inward extending protrusion 75 is longer, such that it engages the plurality of electrode strips 73 at the same time. In another alternative arrangement, two electrode strips are arranged beside each other and the inward extending protrusion 75 is of an electrically conductive material, such that when the protrusion 75 is brought in engagement with the electrode strips, the electrode strips are electrically connected. Although in FIG. 12 the electrode strips 71, 73 are arranged on a circuit board that extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the end cap base element, the electrode strips 71, 73 are alternatively arranged on a circuit board that extends in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the end cap base element.

(29) As shown in FIG. 12 a finger 77 is arranged on the internal surface 43d of the wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43, which finger 77 extends in longitudinal direction. By sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the longitudinal direction C, the end cap cover element 43 is slid along the external surface of the circumferential wall 29b in which the switch button 41 is arranged and along the connector pins 35, 37 from the protracted position shown in FIG. 12 into the retracted position shown in FIG. 13. As described under reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 in the retracted position a slot in the circumferential wall 43b of the end cap cover element 43 is aligned with the switch button 41, such that the switch button 41 is externally exposed for operation. By sliding the end cap cover element 43 in the longitudinal direction C the finger 77 that is arranged on the internal surface 43d of the wall 43a of the end cap cover element 43, is also slid in direction of arrow C. As shown in FIG. 13, in the retracted position of the end cap cover element 43 the finger 77 is in the path of a snap element 79 that is arranged on the switch button 41 and that extends inwardly. When sliding the switch button 41 in the direction of arrow D from the situation shown in FIG. 13, the snap element 79 is brought into contact with the finger 77 and snaps over the finger 77. While moving the switch button 41 in the direction of arrow D the protrusion 75 is brought into contact with the electrode strip 73 such that the electrode strip 73 is pushed down and brought into contact with electrode strip 71. The opened current path in the electronic circuit of the circuit board 31 is thus closed. The switch is then in its closed state. The result is the situation shown in FIG. 14.

(30) When pushed down the electrode 73 is bent and as a result of its elastic properties acts as a cantilevered beam pushing the switch button 41 back in the direction of arrow G. Although the electrode strip 73 pushes the switch button 41 back in the direction of arrow G, the snap element 79 and the finger 77 prevent that the switch button 41 moves in the direction of arrow G. Consequently, the switch remains in its closed state even when the person operating the switch button 41 does not hold the switch button in the position shown in FIG. 14. In case the end cap cover element 43 is not held in the retracted position shown in FIG. 14, the spring 45 will push the end cap cover element 43 in the direction of arrow B. As a result the finger 77 will also move in the direction of arrow B. After the end cap cover element 43 has slid in the direction of arrow B over a distance d, the finger 77 and the snap element 79 loose contact and the electrode strip 73 is allowed to push the switch button 41 back in the direction G. The contact between the electrode strips 71 and 73 is then lost, such that the switch is returned in its open state. The result is the situation as shown in FIG. 12, wherein the end cap cover element 43 is in its protracted position, and the switch is in its open state.

(31) Thus in the situation shown in FIG. 11, as long as the distance d as described herein above is larger than the gap c, the switch remains in its closed state while the LED tube assembly 1 is mounted in the fixture 51. Once the LED tube assembly is removed from the fixture 51, the spring 45 is allowed to push the end cap cover element 43 into its retracted position, in which, as shown in FIG. 12 the finger 77 and the snap element 79 are no longer in contact and the switch is in its open state. Consequently, when removing the LED tube assembly from the fixture, the end cap cover element 43 is returned into its protracted position and the switch is returned in its open state.

(32) In FIGS. 15 to 19 an alternative embodiment of the safety end cap assembly of FIGS. 1 to 14 is shown.

(33) The safety end cap assembly 100 includes an end cap base element 101. In the shown embodiment the end cap base element 101 has a circumferential wall 101b that encloses a space. The circumferential wall 101b is configured to slide over the second longitudinal end 27 of the housing 3 shown in FIG. 2 to secure the safety end cap assembly 100 to the housing 3.

(34) The safety end cap assembly 100 further includes an end cap cover element 103. In the shown embodiment the end cap cover element 103 has a circumferential wall 103b that encloses a space. The circumferential wall 103b is configured to slide over the end cap base element 101. In assembled state the end cap cover element 101 is arranged freely slidable along the external surface of the circumferential wall 101b of the end cap base element 101 and along the connector pins 105, 107 that extend outwardly from the end cap base element 101 between a protracted position and a retracted position. To allow the end cap cover element 103 to slide along the connector pins 105, 107 holes are provided in the wall 103a that closes the space enclosed by the circumferential wall 103b at one longitudinal end thereof. A pin shaped protrusion 109 extends outwardly from the bottom wall 103a of the end cap cover element 103. The pin shaped protrusion 109 is located in between the two holes for the connector pins 105, 107, and extends along the central longitudinal axis A of the end cap cover element 103. In FIG. 15A the end cap cover element 103 is shown in its protracted position, in which the connector pins 105, 107 are completely covered by the end cap cover element 103. The connector pins 105, 107 do not extend through the holes in the bottom wall 103a of the end cap cover element 103. Between the end cap cover element 103 and the end cap base element 101 a coil spring 106 is arranged that urges the end cap cover element 103 into its protracted position. By sliding the end cap cover element 103 in the longitudinal direction C against the force exerted by the coil spring 106, the end cap cover element 103 is slid along the external surface 101b of the end cap base element 101 into its retracted position, in which the connector pins 105, 107 extend through the holes in the wall 103a of the end cap cover element 103, such that the connector pins 105, 107 are exposed. In the circumferential wall 103b of the end cap cover element 103 a slot 111 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 15B, in the retracted position, the slot 111 is aligned with a switch button 113, such that the switch button 113 is exposed for operation. As shown in FIG. 15A, in the protracted position of the end cap cover element 103, the slot 111 is not aligned with a switch button 113, such that the switch button 113 is covered by the end cap cover element 103.

(35) So far, the safety end cap assembly 100 corresponds in construction and operation with the safety end cap assembly 25 shown in FIGS. 1 to 14.

(36) In FIGS. 16 to 19 the safety end cap assembly 100 is shown in a sectional view, such that the components inside of the safety end cap assembly 100 are exposed, as well as the arrangement thereof. In particular the electrical switch and the switch opening mechanism are embodied alternatively relative to the safety end cap assembly 25 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14.

(37) In safety end cap assembly 100 the switch button 113 is a disk-shaped element that is mounted on the end cap base element 101 and is rotatable around the central longitudinal axis A of the end cap cover element 103. In particular the switch button 113 is arranged between two parts of the end cap base element, a bottom part 101b.sub.1 and a top part 101b.sub.2. The bottom part and top part are interconnected via connecting members (not shown) that extend through slots 114 in the switch button 113. A torsion spring 115 is mounted on the end cap base element 101 around the central longitudinal axis A and is engaged with the switch button 113 such that the switch button 113 is urged in the direction of arrow H towards the open position of the switch button 113. Connector pins 105 and 107 are arranged on the end wall 101a of the end cap base element 101. Each connector pin 105, 107, is electrically connected to a respective electrically conductive contact element 117, 119. Arranged between each connector pin 105, 107 and the associated contact element 117, 119 is a respective coil spring 121, 123 that urges the associated contact element 117, 119 in the direction of arrow I against the front surface 113a of the switch button 113. On the front surface 113a of the switch button 113 an electrically conductive surface 125 is arranged. As shown in FIG. 16, in the open position of the switch button 113, the electrically conductive surface 125 is not in contact with the contact element 117. A second electrically conductive surface 127 is arranged on the front surface 113a of the switch button 113 on the opposite side of the central longitudinal axis A. In the open position of the switch button 113, the electrically conductive surface 127 is not in contact with the contact element 119.

(38) When the end cap cover element 103 is moved into its retracted position shown in FIG. 15B and FIG. 17, the connector pins 105 and 107 are exposed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15B, a part of the side surface 113b of the switch button 113 is exposed by the slot 111, such that the switch button 113 can be operated by engaging the side surface 113b of the switch button 113 and rotating the switch button 113 in the direction of arrow J against the force exerted by the torsion spring 115 on the switch button 113. As a result the electrically conductive surfaces 125 and 127 on the front surface 113a of the switch button 113 are rotated around the central longitudinal axis A, such that as shown in FIG. 18, the electrically conductive surface 125 comes into contact with the contact element 117 and the electrically conductive surface 127 comes into contact with the contact element 119. In FIG. 18 the switch button 113 is in its closed position.

(39) FIG. 19 shows the rear side of the switch button 113 as shown in FIG. 18, i.e. the rear side of the switch button 113 in its closed position.

(40) As shown in FIG. 19 two electrically conductive surfaces 129, 131 are arranged on the rear surface 113c of the switch button 113. Each electrically conductive surface 129, 131, is electrically connected with a respective electrically conductive surface 125, 127 on the front surface 113a of the switch button 113: electrically conductive surface 129 with electrically conductive surface 125, and electrically conductive surface 131 with electrically conductive surface 127. In particular electrically conductive surfaces 125 and 129 are opposite surfaces of a first electrically conductive element arranged in the switch button 113, and electrically conductive surfaces 127 and 131 are opposite surfaces of a second electrically conductive element arranged in the switch button 113. As shown in FIG. 19 each electrically conductive surface 129, 131, arranged on the rear surface 113c of the switch button 113 is in contact with a respective electrically conductive contact element 133, 135. These electrically conductive contact elements 133, 135 are arranged on the circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 2 as a replacement of electrical leads 33. The electrically conductive contact elements 133, 135 are spring loaded against the rear surface 113c of the switch button 113.

(41) Thus, in the closed position of the switch button 113, shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, connector pin 105 is electrically connected to electrically conductive contact element 133 via electrically conductive coil spring 121, electrically conductive contact element 117, electrically conductive surface 125, and electrically conductive surface 129, while connector pin 107 is electrically connected to electrically conductive contact element 135 via electrically conductive coil spring 123, electrically conductive contact element 119, electrically conductive surface 127, and electrically conductive surface 131. Consequently, in the closed position of the switch button the connector pins 105, 107 are in electrical contact with the circuitry on the circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position of the switch button 113, the electrical switch, of which the switch button 113 is a component, is in its closed state.

(42) The switch button 113 thus provides a separation wall, which in the open position of the switch button 113 electrically separates the contact elements that are arranged on opposite sides thereof.

(43) As shown in FIG. 19, on the outside surface of the switch button 113 an outwardly protruding nose-shaped retention element 137 is arranged, that cooperates with an inwardly protruding nose-shaped retention element 139 arranged on the inner surface of the end cap cover element 103. The two nose-shaped retention elements 137, 139 engage each other to prevent that switch button 113, which is urged in the direction of arrow H towards the open position of the switch button 113 by torsion spring 115, rotates in the direction of arrow H. The nose-shaped retention element 137 is arranged on the free end of a snap-finger 141 formed integrally with the switch button 113 at its circumference. The nose-shaped retention elements 139 is arranged in a slot 143 arranged on de inside of the circumferential wall 103b of the end cap cover element, in which slot 143 the nose-shaped retention elements 137 extends.

(44) As shown, the nose-shaped retention elements 139 extends in longitudinal direction over only a part of the length of the slot 143. As a result, if the end cap cover element 103 is moved in the direction of arrow B towards its protracted position under influence of the coil spring 106, the nose-shaped retention element 139 is moved relative to the nose-shaped retention element 137 in the direction of arrow B. When the nose-shaped retention element 137 has entered the part 143a of the slot in which the nose-shaped retention element 139 does not extend, the nose-shaped retention elements 137, 139 do no longer engage each other and the switch button 113 is no longer retained in its closed position. Under influence of the torsion spring 115, the switch button 113 is then rotated in the direction of arrow H into its open position. As a result the electrically conductive surfaces 125, 127, 129, 131 on the front and rear surfaces of the switch button 113 are also rotated in the direction of arrow H, such that the electrically conductive surfaces 125, 127, 129, 131 are no longer in contact with the respective contact elements 117, 119, 133, 135. The electrical switch of which the switch button 113 is a component is then in its open state in which the connector pins 105 and 107 are no longer electrically connected with the electrically conductive contact elements 133, 135 on the circuit board 7.

(45) With the switch button 113 in its open position and the end cap cover element 103 in its retracted position, the nose-shaped retention elements 137 and 139 are positioned with their respective slanting surfaces facing each other. If starting from that situation the switch button 113 is moved into its closed position, the slanting surface of the nose-shaped retention element 137 is pushed against slanting surface of the nose-shaped retention element 139, such that the nose-shaped retention element 137 at the end of snap finger 141 snaps over the nose-shaped retention element 139. This results in the situation shown in FIG. 19, in which the nose-shaped retention element 137 and 139 engage each other such that the switch button 113 is retained in its closed position.

(46) In FIGS. 20 to 24 an alternative embodiment is shown of the safety end cap assembly 100 as shown in FIGS. 15 to 19. Many of the components of the safety end cap assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 20 to 24 correspond to components of the safety end cap assembly 100, albeit that the arrangement of components is different. In the following description and in the figures of the safety end cap assembly 200 corresponding components have the same reference sign, albeit that the reference sign is in the 200-range instead of the 100-range. Furthermore, the working principle of the safety end cap assembly 200 is essentially the same as the working principle of the safety end cap assembly 100. Therefore, in the following description only the differences between the safety end cap assembly 100 and the safety end cap assembly 200 will be discussed.

(47) One of the main differences between the safety end cap assembly 100 and the safety end cap assembly 200 is that the connector pins 205 and 207 and associated coil springs 221, 223, and contact elements 217, 219 are arranged on the end cap cover element 203 instead of on the end cap base element 201. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B that show safety end cap assembly 200 with its end cap cover element 203 in the protracted and retracted position, respectively, both in the protracted as in the retracted position of the end cap cover element 203, the connector pins 205 and 207 are not covered by the end cap cover element 203 and thus exposed. Although in the protracted position of the end cap cover element 203 the connector pins 205, 207, are exposed, when arranged on the LED-tube 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 instead of safety end cap assembly 25, it remains impossible to fit the LED-tube between the lamp holders 55 and 57 with the end cap cover element 203 in its protracted position since, as shown in FIG. 6, with the end cap cover element 203 in its protracted position the distance a between the end face of the end cap cover element 203 and the end face of the cup-shaped body 13 of the first end cap assembly 9 is larger than the distance b between the lamp holders 55 and 57. The pin shaped protrusion 209 is located in between the two connector pins 205, 207.

(48) In FIGS. 21A and 21B a sectional view of the safety end cap assembly 200 is shown with the end cap cover element 203 in its protracted position and retracted position, respectively. As shown in FIG. 21A the connector pins 205 and 207 are arranged on the end wall 203a of the end cap cover element 203. Connector pin 205 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive contact element 217 that is slidably arranged in a cylindrical housing 245. Arranged between connector pin 205 and the associated contact element 217 is a coil spring 221 that urges a flange on one end of the contact element 217 against an end wall of the cylindrical housing 245 through which end wall the contact element 217 extends. Connector pin 207 is electrically connected to an electrically conductive contact element 219 that is slidably arranged in a cylindrical housing 246. Arranged between connector pin 207 and the associated contact element 219 is a coil spring 223 that urges a flange on one end of the contact element 219 against an end wall of the cylindrical housing 246 through which end wall the contact element 219 extends.

(49) In the protracted position of the end cap cover element 203, shown in FIG. 21A, the contact elements 217 and 219 are not in contact with the front surface 213a of the switch button 213. When the end cap cover element 203 is moved in the direction of arrow C against the force exerted on the end cap cover element 203 by coil spring 206, the contact elements 217 and 219 are brought into contact with the front surface 213a of the switch button 213 and the coil springs 221 and 223 are compressed.

(50) In the front surface 213a of the switch button 213 two holes 247 and 249 are arranged on either side of the central longitudinal axis A. In FIG. 21B only one of the holes is shown. In the position of the switch button 213 shown in FIG. 21B, the switch button 213 is in its open position.

(51) When rotating the switch button 213 in the direction of arrow J by engaging the part of the side surface 213b of the switch button 213 through the slot 211 in the end cap cover element 203 against the force exerted on the switch button 213 by torsion spring 215, the holes 247 and 249 rotate in the direction of arrow J until the holes 247 and 249 are aligned with contact elements 217 and 219, respectively. As shown in FIG. 22, the contact elements 217 and 219 are then pushed through the holes 247 and 249 by the coil springs 221 and 223. The switch button 213 is now in its closed position.

(52) In FIG. 23 the rear side of the switch button 213 is show, with the switch button 213 in its open position. As shown, in this open position, contact elements 251 and 253 that are arranged on the circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 2 as a replacement of electrical leads 33, are not in contact with the contact elements 217, 219. In the open position of the switch button 213 the electrical switch of which the switch button 213 is a component, is thus in its open state.

(53) As shown in FIG. 23, the switch button 213 is provided with a snap finger 241 at its circumference. The snap finger 241 protrudes in a slot 243 in the circumferential wall 201a of the end cap base element 201. A nose-shaped element 239 is arranged on the inside of the circumferential wall 203a of the end cap cover element 203. The nose-shaped retention element 239 is in the path of the snap finger 241 when the switch button 213 is rotated in the direction of arrow J into its closed position, and snaps over the nose-shaped retention element 239.

(54) As shown in FIG. 24, that shows the rear side of the switch button 213 in its closed position, the contact elements 217, 219 extend through the holes 247, 249, and contact the contact elements 251 and 253 that are arranged on the circuit board 7. As a result in the closed position of the switch button 213, connector pin 205 is electrically connected to electrically conductive contact element 251 via electrically conductive coil spring 221 and electrically conductive contact element 217, while connector pin 207 is electrically connected to electrically conductive contact element 253 via electrically conductive coil spring 223 and electrically conductive contact element 219. Consequently, in the closed position of the switch button the connector pins 205, 207 are in electrical contact with the circuitry on the circuit board 7 shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position of the switch button 213, the electrical switch, of which the switch button 213 is a component, is in its closed state.

(55) With the switch button 213 in its closed position, the snap finger 241 and the nose-shaped retention element 239 are in engagement with each other and thus cooperate to prevent torsion spring 215 to force the switch button 213 in the direction of arrow H back into its open position.

(56) If the end cap cover element 203 is moved in the direction of arrow B towards its protracted position under influence of the coil spring 206, the contact elements 217, 219 are moved in the direction of arrow B out of the holes 247, 249. Furthermore, as shown, the nose-shaped retention elements 239 extends in longitudinal direction over only a part of the length of the slot 243. As a result, if the end cap cover element 203 is moved in the direction of arrow B towards its protracted position under influence of the coil spring 206, the nose-shaped retention element 239 is moved relative to the snap finger 241 in the direction of arrow B. When the snap finger 241 has entered the part of the slot 243 in which the nose-shaped retention element 239 does not extend, the nose-shaped retention element 239 and snap finger 241 do no longer engage each other and the switch button 213 is no longer retained in its closed position. Under influence of the torsion spring 215, the switch button 213 is then rotated in the direction of arrow H into its open position. The electrical switch of which the switch button 213 is a component is then in its open state in which the contact elements 217 and 219 are then no longer in electrical contact with the contact elements 251 and 253 that are arranged on the circuit board 7.

(57) In FIGS. 25 and 26 an alternative embodiment is shown of the safety end cap assembly 200 as shown in FIGS. 20 to 24. Many of the components of the safety end cap assembly 300 shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 correspond to components of the safety end cap assembly 200. In the following description and in the figures of the safety end cap assembly 300 corresponding components have the same reference sign, albeit that the reference sign is in the 300-range instead of the 200-range. Furthermore, the working principle of the safety end cap assembly 300 is essentially the same as the working principle of the safety end cap assembly 200. Therefore, in the following description only the differences between the safety end cap assembly 200 and the safety end cap assembly 300 will be discussed.

(58) The main difference between the safety end cap assembly 300 and the safety end cap assembly 200 is that the switch button 213 is not retained in its closed position by means of a snap finger arranged on the switch button 313 and a nose-shaped retention element arranged on the inside of the circumferential wall 303a of the end cap cover element 303. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 that show the switch button in its closed position, the switch button 313 is retained in its closed position by means of the contact elements 317 and 319. Contact element 317 extends through the hole 347 in the switch 313, subsequently through a hole in an additional transverse wall 355 of the end cap base element 301, and finally in a cavity 357 of contact element 351 that is arranged on the circuit board 7. Contact element 319 extends through the hole 349 in the switch 313, subsequently through a hole in an additional transverse wall 355 of the end cap base element 301, and finally in a cavity of contact element 353 that is arranged on the circuit board 7.

(59) If the end cap cover element 303 is moved in the direction of arrow B towards its protracted position under influence of the coil spring 306, the contact elements 317, 319 are moved in the direction of arrow B out of the cavities in the contact elements 351, 353, out of the holes additional transverse wall 355 of the end cap base element 301, and out of the holes 347, 349 in the switch button 313. The switch button 313 is no longer retained in its closed position. Under influence of the torsion spring 315, the switch button 313 is then rotated in the direction of arrow H into its open position. The electrical switch of which the switch button 313 is a component is then in its open state in which the contact elements 317 and 319 are no longer in electrical contact with the contact elements 351 and 353 that are arranged on the circuit board 7.

(60) In the embodiments shown in the figures a LED tube assembly is provided with a safety end cap assembly at one end of the LED tube assembly. It would also be possible to provide a LED tube assembly with a safety end cap according to the invention on either end of the LED tube assembly.

(61) In the embodiments shown in the figures a LED tube assembly is provided with a safety end cap assembly according to the invention. It would also be possible to provide a safety end cap assembly according to the invention on other than tube shaped lights.

(62) In the embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 to 19 the end cap cover element covers the connector pins completely when it is in its protracted position. In the embodiments shown in the FIGS. 20 to 26 the end cap cover element does not cover the connector pins when it is in its protracted position. It would also be possible that the end cap cover element covers only partly the connector pins when it is in its protracted position, as long as with the end cap cover element in its protracted position the LED tube assembly does not fit in a light fixture and with the end cap cover element in its retracted position the LED tube assembly does fit in a light fixture.

(63) In the embodiments shown in the figures a pin shaped protrusion extends outwardly from the bottom wall of the end cap cover element, which in the retracted position of the end cap cover element extends between the connector pins. It would also be possible to omit this protrusion. It would furthermore be possible to provide the end cap at the other end of the LED tube assembly with such a protrusion that extends between the connector pins. Such a protrusion extending between the connector pins of an end cap, preferably in combination with a safety switch that functions separately from the protrusion, as such can be regarded as an invention by means of which possible hazardous situations during the installation of a LED tube assembly in a light fixture can be reduced.

(64) While the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection, which is determined by the appended claims.