Lever-actuated locking mechanism

Abstract

A lever actuated locking mechanism for attaching an optical element to a printed circuit board assembly. The locking mechanism includes a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element. The locking protrusion protrudes from one side of the distal end of the first arm. A first actuation lever arm extends from a middle portion of the first arm. An actuation lever is connected to a distal end of the first actuation lever arm, where pressure is applied to the actuation lever to cause the locking protrusion to pivot about a point at which the first arm is attached to a side edge of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to installing an optical element in a light assembly, and more particularly to a locking mechanism for selectively locking an optical element to a housing of a light assembly and unlocking the optical element from the housing. Background Art

[0002] Light assemblies have particular application in lighting large areas. Some light assemblies are specifically designed to provide lighting in a wide range of harsh and hazardous environments. These light assemblies are designed to include features selected to withstand harsh and hazardous environmental conditions. However, the features used on these light assemblies are often time consuming (during manufacturing) and require an excess of parts, such as fasteners, adhesives, etc. Each of these additional parts must be accounted for, for example, tracked and stored by the manufacturing facility.

[0003] What is needed is a locking mechanism for securing an optical element, such as a reflector or refractor, to a lamp assembly that allows the optical element to be repeatedly and reliably attached to and removed from the housing of the lamp assembly without the use of tools.

[0004] The present invention provides a lever actuated locking mechanism that meets the requirements for use in harsh and hazardous environments while allowing for repeated and reliable attachment and removal without the use of tools. Summary of the invention

[0005] A lever-actuated locking mechanism for attaching an optical element to a printed circuit board assembly is provided. The locking mechanism includes a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element. A locking tab protrudes from a side of a distal end of the first arm. A first actuation lever arm extends from a middle portion of the first arm. An actuation lever is connected to the distal end of the first actuation lever arm, wherein applying pressure to the actuation lever can cause the locking tab to pivot about a point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.

[0006] In the aforementioned mechanism, the second arm extends from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element, and a bridge connects distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.

[0007] In the aforementioned mechanism, the second actuation lever arm extends from a middle portion of the second arm, wherein the actuation lever connects the distal end of the first actuation lever arm to the distal end of the second actuation lever arm.

[0008] In the aforementioned mechanism, the locking protrusion protrudes from one side of the bridge.

[0009] A lamp assembly is also provided, the lamp assembly including a housing defining a receiving cavity. A printed circuit board assembly is attached to a lower surface defining the receiving cavity. An optical element is disposed within the receiving cavity and is connected to the printed circuit board assembly. The optical element includes a lever-actuated locking mechanism including a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element. A locking protrusion protrudes from a side of a distal end of the first arm. A first actuation lever arm extends from a middle portion of the first arm. An actuation lever is connected to the distal end of the first actuation lever arm, wherein applying pressure to the actuation lever can cause the locking protrusion to pivot about a point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.

[0010] In the aforementioned assembly, the second arm extends from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element, and a bridge connects distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.

[0011] In the foregoing assembly, the second actuation lever arm extends from a middle portion of the second arm, wherein the actuation lever connects the distal end of the first actuation lever arm to the distal end of the second actuation lever arm.

[0012] In the aforementioned assembly, the locking protrusion protrudes from one side of the bridge.

[0013] In the foregoing assembly, the housing further comprises a recess sized to receive the distal end of the first arm and the locking projection.

[0014] In the foregoing assembly, the locking protrusion is configured to engage an edge of the printed circuit board assembly for securing the optical element to the printed circuit board assembly.

[0015] In the foregoing assemblies, the optical element includes two or more lever-actuated locking mechanisms.

[0016] In the foregoing assemblies, the lever-actuated locking mechanism is removable from an edge of the printed circuit board assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the lamp assembly;

[0018] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the lever-actuated locking mechanism of the optical element, showing the attachment to Figure 1 an optical element of a housing of a lamp assembly;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged perspective view of a lever-actuated locking mechanism;

[0020] Figure 4A Shown in the unactuated position Figure 2 a lever-actuated locking mechanism; and

[0021] Figure 4B Shown in the actuated position Figure 2 A lever-actuated locking mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following presents a description of the present disclosure; however, various aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In addition, the following examples may be provided alone or in combination with one or any of the embodiments discussed herein.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the lamp assembly 10 includes a housing 12, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 16, an optical element 50, and an outer window 26. The housing 12 includes a cavity 14 configured to receive the PCBA 16 and the optical element 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the PCBA 16 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 18 configured to emit light of a predetermined wavelength. An intermediate plate 20 is located behind the housing 12 and serves as a cover for another housing (not shown).

[0024] The optical element 50 includes a plurality of prismatic recesses 52. Each prismatic recess 52 is sized to be positioned above the LED 18 when the optical element 50 is attached to the PCBA 16. The optical element 50 includes a plurality of lever-actuated locking mechanisms 60, which are described in detail below. Each mechanism 60 is sized and positioned to align with a groove 22 formed in the housing 12.

[0025] An outer window 26 is attached to the housing 12 to enclose the PCBA 16 and the optical element 50 in the cavity 14 of the housing 12. The outer window 26 is made of a translucent material to allow light emitted from the LED 18 to exit the lamp assembly 10. A frame 28 is provided for securing the outer window 26 to the housing 12.

[0026] The optical element 50 includes a plurality of lever-actuated locking mechanisms 60. One locking mechanism 60 will be described below, and the description applies to each locking mechanism 60 of the optical element 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical element 50 includes four lever-actuated locking mechanisms 60.

[0027] refer to Figure 2 , the lever-actuated locking mechanism 60 is shown as an integrally formed feature of the optical element 50. In particular, it is contemplated that the locking mechanism 60 can be formed using a single core, such as injection molding. It is contemplated that the locking mechanism 60 can be sized based on the PCBA 16 to which the optical element 50 is attached.

[0028] The locking mechanism 60 is positioned within a cavity 54 formed in the optical element 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 54 is generally rectangular. Connecting arms 62 extend from the side edges of the cavity 54. The connecting arms 62 have an optimal level of material stiffness, allowing for repeated installation and removal without breaking or deformation. In the illustrated embodiment, two connecting arms 62 extend downwardly into the cavity 54 and protrude from the lower surface of the optical element 50. A bridge 64 connects the distal ends of the connecting arms 62 to each other. A locking protrusion 66 extends from one side of the bridge 64, and the location and size of the locking protrusion are designed to engage the PCBA 16 ( Figure 1 ) as described in detail below.

[0029] An actuation lever arm 68 extends from each connecting arm 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation lever arm 68 extends from a middle portion of the connecting arm 62. An actuation lever 72 connects the distal ends of the actuation lever arms 68 to each other.

[0030] The lever-actuated locking mechanism 60 will now be described with respect to its operation. Figure 3 , PCBA 16 is disposed in the cavity 14 of the housing 12. Figure 3 4 , PCBA 16 can rest on the bottom surface of cavity 14. Optical element 50 is then positioned adjacent PCBA 16 so that each lever-actuated locking mechanism 60 is aligned with recess 22 of housing 12. As optical element 50 approaches recess 22 and PCBA 16, pressure is applied to actuating lever 72, causing locking protrusion 66 to pivot to an insertion angle, as shown in FIG. 4 . In particular, locking mechanism 60 pivots about the point where connecting arm 62 attaches to the edge of optical element 50 defining cavity 54. As locking mechanism 60 pivots, locking protrusion 66 moves away from the edge of PCBA 16 until locking protrusion 66 passes the edge of PCBA 16. When locking mechanism 60 is in this pivoted position, it is said to be in an unlocked position.

[0031] Once the locking tab 66 is positioned below the edge of the PCBA 16, the pressure on the actuating lever 72 is released to allow the locking mechanism 60 to pivot to the locked position. In the locked position, the upper surface of the tab 66 is positioned below and adjacent to the lower surface of the PCBA 16. In this position, the locking tab 66 prevents the optical element 50 from being disconnected from the PCBA 16.

[0032] In order for a user to remove the optical component 50 from the PCBA 16 , each lever-actuated locking mechanism 60 must be forced to its unlocked position at a retracted angle so that the corresponding tab 66 can pass over the edge of the PCBA 16 as the optical component 50 is moved away from the PCBA 16 .

[0033] The present device thus provides a lever-actuated locking mechanism that allows the optical element to be easily and repeatedly attached to and detached from the PCBA. The locking mechanism is integrally formed with the optical element and does not require additional fasteners to secure the optical element to the PCBA. In contrast to other conventional optical elements that utilize fasteners to attach the optical element to the PCBA, the present device does not require such fasteners.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A lever-actuated locking mechanism for attaching an optical component to a printed circuit board assembly, the lever-actuated locking mechanism comprising: a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element; a locking protrusion protruding from one side of the distal end of the first arm; a first actuating lever arm extending from a middle portion of the first arm; as well as an actuating lever connected to the distal end of the first actuating lever arm, Wherein, applying pressure to the actuation lever can cause the locking projection to pivot about the point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.

2. The lever-actuated locking mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising: a second arm extending from the side edge of the opening formed in the optical element; and a bridge connecting the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.

3. The lever-actuated locking mechanism of claim 2, further comprising a second actuation lever arm extending from a middle portion of the second arm, wherein: The actuation lever connects a distal end of the first actuation lever arm to a distal end of the second actuation lever arm.

4. The lever-actuated locking mechanism of claim 2, wherein: The locking protrusion protrudes from one side of the bridge.

5. A lamp assembly comprising: a housing defining a receiving cavity; a printed circuit board assembly attached to the lower surface defining the receiving cavity; as well as an optical element disposed within the receiving cavity and connected to the printed circuit board assembly, wherein the optical element includes a lever-actuated locking mechanism, the lever-actuated locking mechanism comprising: a first arm extending from a side edge of an opening formed in the optical element; a locking protrusion protruding from one side of the distal end of the first arm; a first actuation lever arm extending from a mid-portion of the first arm; and an actuating lever connected to the distal end of the first actuating lever arm, Wherein, applying pressure to the actuation lever can cause the locking projection to pivot about the point where the first arm is attached to the side edge of the opening.

6. The lamp assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a second arm extending from the side edge of the opening formed in the optical element; and a bridge connecting the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm to each other.

7. The lamp assembly of claim 6, further comprising a second actuation lever arm extending from a middle portion of the second arm, wherein: The actuation lever connects a distal end of the first actuation lever arm to a distal end of the second actuation lever arm.

8. The lamp assembly of claim 6, wherein: The locking protrusion protrudes from one side of the bridge.

9. The light assembly of claim 5, the housing further comprising a recess sized to receive the distal end of the first arm and the locking tab.

10. The lamp assembly of claim 5, wherein: The locking tab is configured to engage an edge of the PCB assembly for securing the optical element to the PCB assembly.

11. The light assembly of claim 10, the optical element comprising two or more lever-actuated locking mechanisms.

12. The lamp assembly of claim 10, wherein: The lever-actuated locking mechanism is removable from the edge of the printed circuit board assembly.

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