Connector socket and connector system for mounting external component or protective cover to luminaire

Abstract

The connector receptacle has a cylindrical head having a substantially flat end face and a substantially cylindrical side wall. The end face has slots, each slot for receiving an electrical connector pin, and the sidewall includes a set of locking channels, each locking channel for receiving a locking lug. The locking channels each include an access channel having a first end open at the end face and a second end opposite the first end. Two side channels extend laterally in opposite directions from the second end of the access channel. Thus, the locking channel enables the attachment (e.g., an outer component or a protective cover) to rotate in both directions during coupling. This reduces wear of the wall defining the locking channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the connection between an external component and a lamp, for example, the connection between a light sensor or a wireless communication module and the lamp. Background Art

[0002] As is known, a luminaire can be connected to an external component by providing a mechanical and electrical connector at the outer surface of the luminaire housing. The external component may be, for example, a sensor (such as a PIR sensor) to detect movement and thereby determine when lighting is required, or the external component may be a wireless communication module that is capable of wireless communication with the luminaire. The wireless communication may use coded light or may use RF signal transmission.

[0003] External sensing functionality or wireless communication functionality, for example, are optional features such that a standard fixture design may have an external connector receptacle that can be used to enable the additional functionality, or the external connector receptacle may simply be covered if the additional functionality is not required.

[0004] FIG. 1 shows a luminaire 10 in the form of an LED streetlight. The luminaire is mounted on a lamp post 12. The luminaire 10 has a connector socket 14 on the upper surface of an outer housing. A light engine, i.e., an LED light source and an LED driver, is mounted within the outer housing. As shown in FIG. 1 , a protective cover 16 may be attached to the connector socket 14, or an external component 18 may be attached to the connector socket. Thus, there are two (or more) types of external devices that can be connected to the socket.

[0005] One example of a standardized connector design is the so-called Zhaga system as defined in Zhaga Interface Specification Book 18. This is a twist-lock electrical and mechanical connector design that uses a locking channel formed around a socket and lugs formed in an external device.

[0006] Zhaga is a global association of lighting companies that standardizes interfaces for components of LED luminaires, including LED light engines, LED modules, LED arrays, holders, electronic control gear (LED drivers), sensors, communication modules, and connected assembly systems. The book 18 defines a standardized interface between an LED luminaire and a sensing / communication module (luminaire extension module, LEX-M) that can be attached to the luminaire. The interface is intended for use in outdoor applications with a high IP rating. The LEX-M can provide, for example, a sensory input to the luminaire or provide communication between the luminaire and a network. To attach the LEX-M to the luminaire, the luminaire features one or two luminaire extension receptacles (LEX-R) and the LEX-M features a baseplate.

[0007] A luminaire extension housing is mounted on the outside of the luminaire and its contacts are usually connected to the internal electronics of the luminaire. A luminaire extension module is a separate unit that can be easily attached to the luminaire extension housing by twist locking. Usually, it has additional functions to enrich the functionality of the entire system. The LEX-M base plate (LEX-BP) is intended to be integrated in the LEX-M and offers all the features for cooperation with the LEX-R. The LEX-BP can be Zhaga certified independently. The luminaire extension cover (LEX-C) is a separate unit that can also be easily attached to the luminaire extension housing by twist locking. It does not have any function and is used to cover the housing when the LEX-M is not used.

[0008] The specification of the book 18 defines the following elements:

[0009] Mechanical interface between LEX-R and LEX-BP.

[0010] Mechanical interface between LEX-R and LEX-C.

[0011] ·The area within which LEX-M is kept.

[0012] An area of ​​the luminaire that remains outside to allow for the installation of a LEX-M or LEX-C.

[0013] · Electrical and communication interface between the LEX-R and one or two LEX-M in a luminaire.

[0014] 2 shows an example of a connector socket 14 of the Zhaga system. The socket has a cylindrical head 20 with a substantially flat end face 22 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 24.

[0015] The end face has slots 25, each for receiving an electrical connector pin. The slots 26 are arcuate so that after the connector pins (or blades) are inserted, rotation of the external device is still possible. The side wall 24 includes a set of locking channels 26, each for receiving a locking lug.

[0016] Each locking channel 26 includes an entry channel 30 having a first end 32 open at the end face 22 and a second end 34 opposite the first end.

[0017] The side channel 36 extends laterally from the second end of the entry channel. The side channel has a narrower section 40 that leads to a wider retention section 42. The locking channel thus enables a bayonet connection during which the lug is inserted into the entry channel in an axial direction and then rotated once the lug reaches the base (second end) of the entry channel. The arcuate slot enables such rotation while maintaining (or making) electrical contact with the connector pins of the external device.

[0018] The protective cover does not have connector pins as no electrical connection is required.

[0019] The protective cover and the alternative external device have lugs of the same design, so they fit to the connector socket in exactly the same way. They are specifically applied to and removed from luminaires having the same type of rotation. FIG1 shows a counterclockwise rotation of the protective cover to remove the protective cover from the luminaire, and a clockwise rotation of the external part 18 to connect the external part to the luminaire. Thus, the protective cover is applied by a clockwise rotation, and the external part is removed by a counterclockwise rotation.

[0020] The problem with this design is that the assembly of the external device causes wear, particularly wear of the wall 50 forming the narrower section of the side channel 36. If such wear is present, the connection of the external device to the socket is less mechanically secure and the closure formed by the attachment of the external device may be less effective.

[0021] There is a need to reduce wear on the socket so that it can be used for more attachment and detachment of external devices.

[0022] US20170373420A1 discloses an electrical connector for a Christmas light tree.

[0023] DE 202021103399U1 discloses a connector socket for a lamp.

[0024] DE 202021104462 U1 discloses a connector socket for a lamp, in particular a street lamp and a street lamp. Summary of the invention

[0025] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0026] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector socket for mounting to a lamp housing to enable electrical and mechanical connection of an external component to the lamp, and alternatively to enable mechanical connection of a protective cover for the connector socket, wherein the connector socket comprises a cylindrical head having a substantially flat end face and a substantially cylindrical side wall, wherein:

[0027] The end face includes a plurality of slots, each slot being adapted to receive an electrical connector pin; and

[0028] The side wall includes a set of locking channels, each of which is configured to receive a locking lug, wherein each of the locking channels includes:

[0029] an entry passage having a first end open at the end surface and a second end opposite the first end; and

[0030] two side channels extending laterally in opposite directions from the second end of the entry channel, each side channel having a narrower section leading to a wider retaining section;

[0031] According to Zhaga interface specification book 18, the connector socket is compatible with the luminaire extension module (LEX-M), the luminaire extension module base plate (LEX-BP) and the luminaire extension cover (LEX-C).

[0032] The connector socket has a locking channel that enables the attachment (e.g., an external component or a protective cover) to rotate during coupling so that the lug moves into the retaining section in one of two possible directions. The locking channel is recessed radially inward at the cylindrical sidewall. The design enables one direction to be used for one type of component (e.g., an external electrical component) and another direction to be used for another type of component (e.g., a protective cover). The walls of the narrower sections defining these side channels are particularly prone to wear and tear (as described above) in use. By providing two narrower sections leading to two retaining sections, wear and tear are shared in terms of the number of times the protective cover can be removed and the external component can be connected (or the external component can be removed and the protective cover can be connected), thereby giving the connector a longer life.

[0033] For example, the set of slots includes four slots, and for example, the set of channels includes three channels.

[0034] The present invention also provides a connector system, the connector system comprising:

[0035] A connector socket as defined above; and

[0036] A protective cover for assembly to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises:

[0037] a cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and

[0038] A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel.

[0039] This defines a combination of the connector socket and a protective cover to be attached to the socket. The protective cover is designed to be rotated in one direction to lock the heads of the locking lugs into the retaining sections, and the protective cover thus engages through only one of the narrower sections. The locking lugs extend radially inwardly, for example, from an outer surface defining a void.

[0040] The present invention also provides a connector system, the connector system comprising:

[0041] A connector socket as defined above; and

[0042] A component connector for assembling an external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises:

[0043] a cover defining a void for receiving a head of the connector receptacle;

[0044] a set of electrical connector pins received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and

[0045] A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel.

[0046] This defines a combination of a connector socket and a connector for attaching an external component to the socket. The component connector is designed to be rotated in one direction to lock the locking lugs into the retaining sections, and thus the component connector engages through only one of the narrower sections. The component connector is, for example, part of an external component such as a sensor or a wireless communication device.

[0047] The present invention also provides a connector system, the connector system comprising:

[0048] A connector socket as defined above;

[0049] A protective cover for assembly to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises:

[0050] a first cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and

[0051] a first set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug in the first set of locking lugs includes a head to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel; and

[0052] A component connector for assembling an external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises:

[0053] a second cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle;

[0054] a set of electrical connector pins to be received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and

[0055] a second set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug of the second set of locking lugs includes a head that is to be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel,

[0056] The head of the locking lug of the protective cover is used to rotate in one direction to fit into the first retaining section of the locking channel, and the head of the locking lug of the component connector is used to rotate in the opposite direction to fit into the different second retaining section of the locking channel.

[0057] This defines the combination of the connector socket, the protective cover to be attached to the socket, and the connector for attaching the external component to the socket. Thus, in a system with a socket for a luminaire and connectors for the protective cover and for the external component, the protective cover and the external component are assembled using rotation in different (opposite) directions, subjecting different narrower sections to wear and tear.

[0058] The present invention also provides a lamp, comprising:

[0059] Lamp housing;

[0060] A light engine within the lamp housing; and

[0061] A connector socket as defined above is mounted over the lamp housing.

[0062] The connector socket is, for example, integrated into the luminaire housing and thus defines an external interface for external components or a protective cover.

[0063] The present invention also provides a lighting system, the lighting system comprising:

[0064] The lamps defined above; and

[0065] A protective cover for assembling to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises:

[0066] a cover defining a void for receiving a head of the connector receptacle; and

[0067] A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle.

[0068] This defines a luminaire with an associated protective cover.

[0069] The present invention also provides a lighting system, the lighting system comprising:

[0070] The lamps defined above; and

[0071] An external component for connecting to the lamp housing, wherein the external component includes a component connector for fitting the external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector includes:

[0072] a cover defining a void for receiving a head of the connector receptacle;

[0073] a set of electrical connector pins received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and

[0074] A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle.

[0075] This defines a luminaire with associated external components.

[0076] The external components include, for example, sensors or wireless communication devices.

[0077] The present invention also provides a lighting system, the lighting system comprising:

[0078] The above-defined lamps;

[0079] a protective cover for fitting to the connector socket;

[0080] an external component for connection to the lamp housing,

[0081] Wherein, the protective cover comprises:

[0082] a first cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and

[0083] a first set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug of the first set of locking lugs includes a head to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle,

[0084] Wherein, the external component comprises a component connector, and the component connector is used to assemble the external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises:

[0085] a second cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle;

[0086] a set of electrical connector pins to be received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and

[0087] a second set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle,

[0088] And wherein the head of the locking lug of the protective cover is for rotating in one direction to fit into a first retaining section of the locking channel, and the head of the locking lug of the component connector is for rotating in an opposite direction to fit into a different second retaining section of the locking channel.

[0089] This defines a luminaire with an associated protective cover and an external component. Likewise, the external component may include a sensor or a wireless communication device.

[0090] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] For a better understanding of the invention, and in order to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0092] Figure 1 shows a luminaire in the form of an LED street lamp;

[0093] FIG. 2 shows an example of a known connector socket for the Zhaga system;

[0094] Figure 3 A connector socket according to the present invention is shown;

[0095] Figure 4 shows a protective cover to be mounted to a connector socket;

[0096] Figure 5 The underside of the protective cover is shown;

[0097] Figure 6 shows the protective cover after being installed to the connector socket;

[0098] Figure 7 An electrical component is shown to be mounted to a connector socket;

[0099] Figure 8 The underside of the electrical component is shown; and

[0100] Fig. 9 The electrical component is shown after being mounted to the connector socket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of the device, system and method, are intended only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the device, system and method of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to represent the same or similar parts.

[0103] The present invention provides a connector socket having a cylindrical head with a substantially flat end face and a substantially cylindrical side wall. The end face has a groove, each groove is used to receive an electrical connector pin, and the side wall includes a set of locking channels, each locking channel is used to receive a locking lug. Each locking channel includes an entry channel having a first end open at the end face and a second end opposite to the first end. Two side channels extend laterally in opposite directions from the second end of the entry channel. The locking channel thereby enables an attachment (e.g., an external component or a protective cover) to rotate in two directions during coupling. This reduces wear on the walls defining the locking channel.

[0104] Figure 3 A connector socket 14 according to the invention is shown. It is shown as a modification of the design of FIG. 2 and like parts are given like reference numerals as in FIG. 2 .

[0105] The connector socket 14 is used to be mounted on a lamp housing to enable electrical and mechanical connection of external components to the lamp, and alternatively to enable mechanical connection of a protective cover of the connector socket.

[0106] For the design of FIG. 2 , the connector socket 14 includes a cylindrical head 20 having a substantially flat end face 22 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 24 , and the end face includes a set of slots 25 each for receiving an electrical connector pin.

[0107] The side wall 24 also includes a set of locking channels 26 each for receiving a locking lug and each including an entry channel 30 having a first end 32 open at the end face 22 and a second end 34 opposite the first end.

[0108] In the design of the present invention, there are two side channels 36a, 36b extending laterally in opposite directions from the second end 34 of the entry channel 30. Thus, they extend in opposite rotational directions around the head 20. Each side channel has a narrower section (only one is marked 40a), thereby creating a wider retaining section (only one is marked 42a). The locking channel is radially recessed inwardly at the cylindrical head, and the channel shape is defined by the channel sidewall, which includes a portion defining the narrower section (such a portion 50a is at Figure 3 (marked in ).

[0109] The locking channel is used to receive and retain the lug of the connector of the attachment. The attachment can be an external electrical component or a protective cover as described above. The attachment is a push-and-twist bayonet-type coupling. The connection of the attachment applies a force to compress the closure 51, for example.

[0110] By having two side channels, appropriately designed lugs can be provided for movement in one or the other of the two possible rotational directions. In this way, one direction can be used for one type of component (e.g., an external electrical component) and the other direction can be used for another type of component (e.g., a protective cover). Walls defining narrower sections (such as 50a) are susceptible to wear and tear in use, so by providing two narrower sections leading to two retaining sections, the wear and tear is shared, thereby giving the connector socket a longer life in terms of the number of times the protective cover can be removed and the external component can be connected, or the number of times the external component can be removed and the protective cover can be connected.

[0111] The example shown has four slots 25 and three channels 26. However, the same concepts can be applied to different numbers of channels and different electrical connector designs.

[0112] In a preferred example, the connector socket is compatible with existing Zhaga external components and existing Zhaga protective covers. Even if these existing components are designed for connection in the same rotational direction, they can be used.

[0113] Instead, by providing a different design of the protective cover, the socket can be used with the existing outer component and with the new design of the protective cover so that they are applied in opposite directions of rotation, thus using different side channels. In this way, the wear is shared.

[0114] Figure 4 A protective cover 16 is shown which is to be mounted on the connector socket 14. The connector socket is closedly integrated into the lamp housing 15.

[0115] Figure 5 There is shown the underside of the protective cover 16. The protective cover 16 comprises a (first) cover 52 defining a (first) void 54 for receiving a head of a connector socket.

[0116] A (first) set of locking lugs 56 radially protrude toward the void 54 to be received in the locking channel. Each locking lug 56 of the (first) set includes a head 58 that is rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into the associated retaining section of the locking channel.

[0117] In this example, the head 58 is at the counterclockwise end of the lug 56 when looking down from above the protective cover 16. Thus, the lug is designed to be rotated counterclockwise into the side channel, i.e., rotated into the side channel. Figure 3 Once rotated, the head 58 is held in the holding section of the side channel 36b after passing through the narrower section. The head is located at the closed end of the side channel 36b.

[0118] Figure 6 The protective cover 16 is shown after being mounted to the connector socket. The protective cover provides a closure over the socket.

[0119] Figure 7 An electrical component 18 is shown to be mounted to the connector receptacle 14 .

[0120] Figure 8 The underside of the electrical component 18 is shown. It comprises a central component connector 60 held by a main housing 62 of the electrical component. The component connector 60 comprises a (second) cover 64 defining a (second) void 66 for receiving a header of the connector socket. A set of electrical connector pins 68 protrude into the void 66 to be received in the set of slots of the connector socket. A protective cover is not required for any such electrical connector pins.

[0121] A (second) set of locking lugs 70 radially protrude toward the gap 66 to be received in the locking channel. Each locking lug 70 of the (second) set of locking lugs includes a head 72 that will be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into the associated retaining section of the locking channel.

[0122] In this example, the head 72 is at the clockwise end of the lug 70 when looking down from above the component 18. Thus, the lug is designed to be rotated clockwise into the side channel, i.e., rotated into the side channel. Figure 3 Once rotated, the head 72 is retained in the retaining section 42a after passing through the narrower section 40a.

[0123] Fig. 9 The electrical component 18 is shown after being mounted to the connector socket. The mounting of the electrical component is closed on the housing.

[0124] The first possible connector system comprises, for example, a connector socket 14 and a protective cover 18 for fitting to the connector socket. The second possible connector system comprises, for example, a connector socket 14 and a component connector 60 for fitting an external component to the connector socket. The complete connector system comprises, for example, a connector socket 14, a protective cover 18 for fitting to the connector socket, and a component connector 60 for fitting the external component to the connector socket. The head of the locking lug of the protective cover is then used to rotate in one direction to fit into the first retaining section of the locking channel, and the head of the locking lug of the component connector is used to rotate in the opposite direction to fit into the different second retaining sections of the locking channel. For this purpose, these heads are at the opposite ends of these lugs, that is, the first lug has a head at the end in the clockwise direction and the second lug has a head at the end in the counterclockwise direction.

[0125] The present invention is focused on outdoor luminaires, such as street lamps, for example. For example, there is increasing interest in using street lamp infrastructure to create a wireless communication mesh by providing luminaires with wireless communication capabilities.

[0126] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and effect various variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0127] 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.

[0128] If the term "suitable for" is used in the claims or the description, it is noted that the term "suitable for" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to". If the term "arranged" is used in the claims or the description, it is noted that the term "arranged" is intended to be equivalent to the term "system" and vice versa.

[0129] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A connector socket (14) for mounting to a lamp housing to enable electrical and mechanical connection of an external component (18) to the lamp, and alternatively to enable mechanical connection of a protective cover (16) of the connector socket, wherein the connector socket comprises a cylindrical head (20) having a substantially flat end face (22) and a substantially cylindrical side wall (24), wherein: The end surface (22) includes a plurality of slots (25), each of the slots being adapted to receive an electrical connector pin (68); and The side wall (24) includes a plurality of locking channels (26), each of the locking channels being adapted to receive a locking lug (56, 70), wherein each of the locking channels includes: an entry passage (30) having a first end (32) open at the end surface (22) and a second end (34) opposite the first end; and two side channels (36a, 36b) extending laterally in opposite directions from the second end of the entry channel, each side channel having a narrower section (40a) leading to a wider retaining section (42a); According to Zhaga interface specification book 18, the connector socket is compatible with the luminaire extension module (LEX-M), the luminaire extension module base plate (LEX-BP) and the luminaire extension cover (LEX-C).

2. The connector socket according to claim 1, wherein: The set of slots (25) comprises four slots.

3. The connector socket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The set of channels (26) includes three channels.

4. A connector system, comprising: A connector socket (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; as well as A protective cover (16) for being assembled to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises: a cover (52) defining a void (54) for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and A set of locking lugs (56) are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head (58) which is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel.

5. A connector system, comprising: A connector socket (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; as well as A component connector (60) for assembling an external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises: a cover (64) defining a void (66) for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; a set of electrical connector pins (68) to be received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and A set of locking lugs (70) are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug (70) includes a head (72) which is to be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections and into an associated retaining section of the locking channel.

6. A connector system, comprising: A connector socket (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3; A protective cover (16) for being assembled to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises: a first cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and a first set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug in the first set of locking lugs includes a head to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel; and A component connector (18) for assembling an external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises: a second cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; a set of electrical connector pins to be received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and a second set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug of the second set of locking lugs includes a head that is to be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel, The head of the locking lug of the protective cover is used to rotate in one direction to fit into the first retaining section of the locking channel, and the head of the locking lug of the component connector is used to rotate in the opposite direction to fit into the different second retaining section of the locking channel.

7. A lamp, comprising: Lamp housing (15); a light engine located inside the lamp housing; as well as A connector socket (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 mounted to the lamp housing.

8. A lighting system, comprising: The lamp according to claim 7; as well as A protective cover (16) for being assembled to the connector socket, wherein the protective cover comprises: a cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle.

9. A lighting system, comprising: The lamp according to claim 7; as well as An external component (18) for connection to the lamp housing, wherein the external component comprises a component connector for assembling the external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises: a cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; a set of electrical connector pins received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and A set of locking lugs are to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle.

10. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein: The external component (18) includes a sensor or a wireless communication device.

11. A lighting system, comprising: The lamp according to claim 7; as well as a protective cover (16) for fitting to the connector socket; an external component (18) for connection to the lamp housing, Wherein, the protective cover comprises: a first cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; and a first set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug of the first set of locking lugs includes a head to be rotated through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle, Wherein, the external component comprises a component connector, and the component connector is used to assemble the external component to the connector socket, wherein the component connector comprises: a second cover defining a void for receiving the head of the connector receptacle; a set of electrical connector pins to be received in the set of slots of the connector receptacle; and a second set of locking lugs to be received in the locking channel, wherein each locking lug includes a head that is to be rotated to pass through one of the narrower sections into an associated retaining section of the locking channel of the connector receptacle, And wherein the head of the locking lug of the protective cover is for rotating in one direction to fit into the first retaining section of the locking channel, and the head of the locking lug of the component connector is for rotating in the opposite direction to fit into the different second retaining section of the locking channel.

12. The lighting system of claim 11, wherein the external component comprises a sensor or a wireless communication device.

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