Snap-fit assembly for mounting lamps and lamp assembly comprising the same

Abstract

A snap-fit assembly 100 to be latched to a lamp track 300 comprises a housing with a mounting channel 17 formed therein. Elastic members 111, 112 inside the mounting channel 17 resiliently bias slidable snap-fit members 2, 3 towards opposite ends of the mounting channel 17 so as to partially protrude beyond the respective end. The snap-fit members 2, 3 together are configured to latch the snap-fit assembly 100 to the track 300 in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track 300 by engagement with two opposite recesses 304 formed in the track and to be moved in the mounting channel 17 towards each other when subjected to an external force against the resilient force exerted by the elastic members 111, 112, for releasing the latching of the snap-fit assembly 100 to the track 300.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lighting equipment, and more specifically relates to a snap-fit assembly that can be used in particular for mounting a lamp or lamp body to a mounting track to be mounted e.g. to a ceiling. A further aspect relates to a lamp assembly including at least one lamp, such as a downlight or spotlight, comprising such a snap-fit assembly.Background of Invention

[0002] Tracks for lights and brackets with wire channels are one of the more common lighting fixtures on the market. Typically, a track includes a central wire slot, extending in the longitudinal direction of the track, and a wire used for electric power supply of the lamp extends through the wire slot at or near the position where the lamp is held at the track. The lamp housing is usually removably mounted to the track, and for this purpose snap-fit assemblies are known from the prior art that are configured to be latched to the track at a desired position along the axial direction of the track.

[0003] A snap-fit assembly known from the prior art includes a housing, a first snap-fit member and a second snap-fit member slidably set in the housing. A mounting channel is formed in the housing and the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member can be moved or displaced relative to each other, often against the resilient biasing force exerted by a spring provided in the mounting channel. The first and second snap-fit members can partially protrude from the housing due to the resilient biasing exerted by the spring and to be latched at the track, thereby securing the lamp housing to the track. However, the assembly process of such a snap-fit assembly requires first aligning the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member, then installing the spring into the mounting recess, and finally assembling the first snap-fit member, the second snap-fit member and the spring into the housing. During such an installation process, the spring is easily misaligned or falls off from the mounting recess, resulting in a more complicated installation process of the snap-fit assembly and increasing the manufacturing cost of the snap-fit assembly.

[0004] CN 109 282 190 A discloses a snap-fit assembly for a track light according to the preamble of claim 1, which comprises a resilient snapping member and a plate-shaped guiding member. A holding bracket having a housing of generally rectangular shape is not disclosed.

[0005] CN 207 762 650 U discloses a snap-fit assembly for a track light. The lamp is held by a solid guided sliding block that is snap-fitted by means of resilient locking pins to a track. The resilient locking pins are in engagement with apertures formed on the two opposite side-walls of the track. At least the guided sliding block is not made by bending and processing a metal sheet member, and it also does not have a housing of a generally rectangular shape.

[0006] CN 210 241 305 U discloses a snap-fit assembly for a track light, comprising a guided sliding block, which is, however, not made by bending and processing a metal sheet member.

[0007] EP 2086065 A1 discloses snap-fit assembly configured to be latched to a track configured for holding a lamp, which comprises, however, only one elastic member disposed at a central position to resiliently bias and drive two opposite snap-fit members for latching.Summary of invention

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the afore-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, in particular to provide an enhanced snap-fit assembly of a simple and cost-effective configuration that can be mounted quickly, intuitively and in an easy manner, thereby easing the installation of lamps at tracks. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a lamp comprising such a snap-fit assembly.

[0009] This problem is solved by a snap-fit assembly as claimed in claim 1, and by a lamp comprising such a -fit assembly as claimed in claim 14. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject-matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a snap-fit assembly configured to be latched to a track configured for holding a lamp, the track having a planar bottom extending in an axial direction and two side-walls extending perpendicular to the bottom and being disposed opposite to each other at a predetermined distance W, wherein at least one pair of opposite recesses is formed in the side-walls, the snap-fit assembly comprising: a housing of a length that is smaller than the predetermined distance W, the housing comprising a main body portion with a mounting channel formed in the main body portion, a first elastic member and a second elastic member each being provided inside the mounting channel, and a first snap-fit member and a second snap-fit member, each being slidably accommodated in the mounting channel, wherein the first snap-fit member is resiliently biased by the first elastic member towards a first end of the housing so as to partially protrude beyond the first end, the second snap-fit member is resiliently biased by the second elastic member towards a second end of the housing opposite to the first end so as to partially protrude beyond the second end.

[0011] According to the present invention the main body portion comprises a top wall, a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall so that the housing is of rectangular shape, the mounting channel being formed by the top wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the main body portion, wherein the first and second snap-fit member together are configured to latch the snap-fit assembly to the track in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track by engagement with the two opposite recesses of the at least one pair of opposite recesses and to be moved in the mounting channel towards each other when subjected to an external force against the resilient force exerted by the first and second elastic member, for releasing the latching of the snap-fit assembly to the track, and at least the housing, the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member are each formed by bending and processing of a metal sheet member.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the first snap-fit member comprises a first pressing portion and a first bending portion, the first pressing portion being adapted to abut against the first elastic member and being located a first side of the first elastic member, the first bending portion extending from a vertical side-wall of the snap-fit member beyond the first elastic member and is bent to a second side of the first elastic member opposite to the first side; and / or the second snap-fit member comprises a second pressing portion and a first bending portion, the second pressing portion being adapted to abut against the second elastic member and being located at a first side of the second elastic member, the first bending portion extending from a vertical side-wall of the snap-fit member beyond the second elastic member and is bent to a second side of the second elastic member opposite to the first side.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the first elastic member is formed on a top wall of the housing and, along its direction of extension, extends first beyond the top wall and then extends into the mounting channel, for exerting a resilient force on the first snap-fit member into a first direction; and the second elastic member is formed on the top wall of the housing and, along its direction of extension, extends first beyond the top wall and then extends into the mounting channel, for exerting a resilient force on the second snap-fit member into a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the snap-fit assembly further comprises a first latching member and a second latching member, wherein the first latching member is configured to pass through a first recess of a pair of recesses formed in a first side wall of the track, for latching the first snap-fit member to the track by engagement, and the second latching member is configured to pass through an opposite second recess of the pair of recesses formed in an opposite second side wall of the track, for latching the second snap-fit member to the track by engagement.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the first latching member is provided separately from the first snap-fit member; and the second latching member is provided separately from the second snap-fit member.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the snap-fit assembly further comprises a first anti-release structure for preventing disengagement of the first latching member with the first snap-fit member, and a second anti-release structure for preventing disengagement of the second latching member with the second snap-fit member.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the first anti-release structure comprises first anti-release notch formed on the first snap-fit member or on the first latching member and a first clamping opening with a first anti-release projection narrowing a width of the first clamping opening formed on the first latching member or on the first snap-fit member, for preventing disengagement of the first latching member with the first snap-fit member by engagement of the first anti-release projection with the first anti-release notch, and the second anti-release structure comprises second anti-release notch formed on the second snap-fit member or on the second latching member and a second clamping opening with a second anti-release projection narrowing a width of the second clamping opening formed on the second latching member or on the second snap-fit member, for preventing disengagement of the second latching member with the second snap-fit member by engagement of the second anti-release projection with the second anti-release notch.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the first clamping opening is further provided with a first anti-slip projection formed at a bottom of the first clamping opening, for pressing against a portion of the first snap-fit member when accommodated in the first clamping opening; and the second clamping opening is further provided with a second anti-slip projection formed at a bottom of the second clamping opening, for pressing against a portion of the second snap-fit member when accommodated in the second clamping opening.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, a third anti-release structure adapted to prevent the first latching member from detaching from the sidewall of the track is formed on the first latching member or the side wall; and a fourth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the second latching member from detaching from the sidewall of the track is formed on the first latching member or the side wall.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the third anti-release structure comprises a resilient clamping protrusion formed on the first latching member, a free end of the resilient clamping protrusion being adapted to press against the sidewall of the track when the first latching member is in engagement with the first snap-fit member; and the fourth anti-release structure comprises a resilient clamping protrusion formed on the second latching member, a free end of the resilient clamping protrusion being adapted to press against the sidewall of the track when the second latching member is in engagement with the second snap-fit member.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the housing is provided with a fifth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the first snap-fit member from detaching from the housing and a sixth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the second snap-fit member from detaching from the housing.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the snap-fit assembly further comprises a mounting plate adapted to be fixed to a base of a lamp to be held by the track, wherein the housing is fixedly coupled with the mounting plate, and the fifth anti-release structure is formed as a first anti-release projection on a top surface of the mounting plate and the sixth anti-release structure is formed as a second anti-release projection formed on the top surface of the mounting plate.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the mounting plate further comprises a guiding structure, the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member are slidingly connected to the guiding structure, respectively, while being accommodated in the mounting channel of the main body portion, and the guiding structure is configured for preventing lifting-off of the first and second snap-fit member from the mounting plate in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting plate.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the mounting plate comprises a base plate and two guiding legs projecting from the base plate and extending parallel to each other, each of said guiding legs having a flange portion extending in parallel with the base plate, the first snap-fit member comprises a first clamping plate and second snap-fit member comprises a second clamping plate and the clamping plates, are accommodated in an interspace between the top surface of the mounting plate and a respective flange portion of the guiding legs.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the first side wall comprises a first mounting flange extending laterally away from the mounting channel, the second side wall comprises a second mounting flange extending laterally away from the mounting channel, and the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange is each adapted to be fixed to a base of a lamp to be held by the track.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the fifth anti-release structure comprises a first guide recess and a first stop tab adapted to slide in the first guide recess, the first guide recess being formed on the first sidewall or on the first snap-fit member, and the first stop tab being formed on the first snap-fit member or on the first sidewall; and / or the sixth anti-release structure comprises a second guide recess and a second stop tab adapted to slide in the second guide recess, the second guide recess being formed on the second sidewall or on the second snap-fit member, and the second stop tab being formed on the second snap-fit member or on the second sidewall.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, a first support flange extends from the first side wall inwardly into the mounting channel, the first snap-fit member being located between the first support flange and the top wall; and a second support flange extends from the second side wall inwardly into the mounting channel, the second snap-fit member being located between the second support flange and the top wall.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the first snap-fit member comprises a first support flange in abutment with the first sidewall; and the second snap-fit member comprises a second holding flange in abutment with the face of the second sidewall.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a lamp assembly, comprising: a track having a planar bottom extending in an axial direction and two side-walls extending perpendicular to the bottom and being disposed opposite to each other at a predetermined distance W, wherein at least one wire channel is formed in the bottom extending in the axial direction and at least one pair of opposite recesses is formed in the side-walls; a lamp having a lamp body; and the snap-fit assembly as outlined above, wherein the snap-fit assembly is fixedly coupled mounted to the lamp body, and the first and second snap-fit member is each biased by the first elastic member and second elastic member, respectively, towards a side-wall of the track, for latching the snap-fit assembly to the track in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track by engagement with the two opposite recesses of the at least one pair of opposite recesses.

[0030] The present invention offers particularly the following advantages: 1. As can be concluded from the above technical solution, according to a first aspect of the present invention the first and second elastic member, such as a spring, is each formed integrally on the housing of the snap-fit assembly. The first and second elastic member is each configured to drive the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member, respectively, to partially disengage from the mounting channel of the housing so as to extend beyond a side-rim of the housing, so that the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member can snap with a corresponding recess formed at the track, to latch the lamp / snap-fit assembly to the track. For the purpose of latching the lamp / snap-fit assembly to the track, the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member, which are firstly pushed inwards into the housing to be compressed a little. And, once the external force, exerted e.g. by the fingers of a user, is released again, the first snap-fit member and the second snap-fit member can perform a relative motion outwards so as to smoothly enter the inner side of the respective recess of the track to thereby perform a relative backward motion to protrude from the sides of the housing and swiftly snap into the respective recess of the track. As compared to the prior art, the snap-fit assembly of the present invention omits the spring and has a more compact structure, and can overcome the defects such as the spring being easily misaligned or falling out from the mounting channel during installation of the spring or mounting the snap-fit assembly to the track. Moreover, the snap-fit assembly has a simple and cost-effective configuration and can be mounted quickly, intuitively and in an easy manner to a track, thereby easing the installation of lamps at tracks. 2. The lamp according to the second aspect of the present invention includes or uses the afore-mentioned snap-fit assembly, so it shares the afore-mentioned beneficial effects of the snap-fit assembly of the first aspect of the present invention. Overview on drawings

[0031] Hereinafter, the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, from which additional features, advantages and problems to be solved may become apparent to the skilled person. In the drawings: Fig. 1shows the snap-fit assembly of a first embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state with details of the track, to which is may be mounted, being omitted; Fig. 2shows the general configuration of the housing of the snap-fit assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention with two elastic members acting in opposite directions; Fig. 3shows the mounting plate of the snap-fit assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4shows details of the snap-fit assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention, with the housing being omitted; Fig. 5shows the second snap-fit member of the snap-fit assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6shows the snap-fit assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7ashows the second latching member for latching the snap-fit assembly of the first or second embodiment of the present invention to a track; Fig. 7bshows the first latching member for latching the snap-fit assembly of the first or second embodiment of the present invention to a track; Fig. 8shows the first snap-fit member of the snap-fit assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9shows the housing of the snap-fit assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10shows a three-dimensional view of the snap-fit assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention from the side of the first snap-fit member; Fig. 11shows a three-dimensional view of the first and second snap-fit member of the second embodiment of the present invention, with the housing being omitted; Fig. 12shows the mounting of a lamp to a track by means of a snap-fit assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13shows the mounting of a lamp to a track by means of a snap-fit assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 14is a perspective view of a track used for holding a lamp using the snap-fit assembly of the first or second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals relate to the same or substantially technically equivalent members or groups of members.Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0033] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and it is clear that these drawings and related description only disclose exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but shall not be construed to delimit the appended claims.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "top", "bottom", "left" , "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended only to facilitate and simplify the description of the invention, but shall not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operate in a particular orientation, and therefore are not to be construed as delimiting the present invention.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it is to be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected" are to be understood in a broad sense, for example, these terms can be used for a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral (one-piece) connection. In particular, these terms may relate to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection, to a direct connection or to an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it may also be a connection within two components. To a person of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention can be understood on a case-by-case basis.

[0036] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not constitute a conflict between them.

[0037] The general configuration of a track for use with the embodiments of the present invention is shown in Fig. 14. The track 300 has a planar bottom 301 extending in an axial direction. Two upright side-walls 302 extend upwards, perpendicular to the bottom 301, and are disposed opposite to each other at a predetermined distance (W). At least one pair of opposite recesses 304 is formed in the side-walls 302. More preferably, a plurality of such pairs of opposite recesses 304 may be formed along the axial direction of the track 300 along the side-walls 302. These pairs of recesses 304 may be formed in particular at equidistant spacings to each other along the axial direction. The recesses 304 may extend through the side-walls 302 so that members extending through such recesses 304 may be used to latch a snap-fit assembly to the track 300. Of course, the recesses 304 may also be formed as grooves that do not extend through the side-walls 302, e.g. as rectangular grooves, so that protrusions or members connected to a snap-fit assembly may be latched to such recesses 304 from inside the track 300, to latch a snap-fit assembly to the track 300.First Embodiment

[0038] As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, a snap-fit assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing 1, a first snap-fit member 2 and a second snap-fit member 3 each being accommodated in the housing 1. The housing 1 is generally of rectangular shape and includes a main body portion of a width (length) that is smaller than the width W of the track (see Fig. 14), to which the snap-fit assembly 100 shall be mounted. A mounting channel 17 (mounting channel) is formed in the main body portion. A first elastic member 111 and a second elastic member 112 each extends into the mounting channel 17, for resiliently biasing the associated first snap-fit member 2 and second snap-fit member 3, respectively, outwards.

[0039] The first and second snap-fit members 3 can move in the mounting channel 17 in opposite directions when subjected to an external force that pushes the first snap-fit member 2 and second snap-fit member 3 inward into the mounting channel 17. When the external force is released, the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3 will move outwards, driven by the resilient force exerted by the first and second elastic member 111, 112, so as to protrude partially from the outer ends of the mounting channel 17. When the first snap-fit member 2 partially protrudes beyond a first end portion of the mounting channel 17 and the second snap-fit member 3 partially protrudes beyond a second, opposite end portion of the mounting channel 17, the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 can then become engaged with a recess 304 of a pair of opposite recesses 304 formed in the side-walls 302 of a track 300 (see Fig. 14), to latch the snap-fit assembly to the track in a positive-fit manner, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13. In the latched state, the snap-fit assembly 100 extends transverse to the axial direction of the track 300 and is supported firmly on the bottom of the track 300. The snap-fit assembly 100 may be connected to the lamp body 200 of a lamp by fasteners, such as bolts. As an alternative, the snap-fit assembly 100 may also be glued or snap-fitted to the lamp body 200 of a lamp.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1, the first and second elastic member 111 and 112 are integrally formed on the housing 1 of the snap-fit assembly 100 of this embodiment, and the first and second elastic member 111 and 112 can drive the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 outwards, into opposite directions, to partially protrude from the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1, so that the first and second snap-fit members 2, 3 can be latched to a track as outlined above. The first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 can perform a relative motion into the mounting channel 17 against the resilient force of the first and second elastic member 111 and 112, and can smoothly enter the inner side of the recesses formed in the side-walls of a track when the external force is released again by moving again outwards, out of the mounting channel 17, driven by the resilient force of the first and second elastic member 111 and 112 so as to partially protrude beyond the opposite ends of the mounting channel 17 and snap to the recess, respectively. As compared to the prior art, the snap-fit assembly 100 of this embodiment omits a separate elastic member, and thus is more compact and can overcome the defects such as the elastic member being easily misaligned or dislodged from the mounting channel due to the installation of the elastic member. Moreover, the structure of the snap-fit assembly 100 of this embodiment is simple, easy to manufacture, safe and reliable to use, and easy to implement and promote the application.

[0041] Preferably, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the first snap-fit member 2 may include a first pressing portion 21 and a first bending portion 22. The first pressing portion 21 may be formed as a horizontal leg at the upper end of the first snap-fit member 2 and may abut against the inner surface of the top wall 131 of the housing (see Fig. 1) so that the first snap-fit member 2 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1 basically without play in vertical direction. When mounted in the mounting channel 17, the rear (inward) end of the first pressing portion 21 may abut against the first elastic member 111 and may be located on a first side (front side) of the first elastic member 111. The first bending portion 22 may be bent from a side-wall of the first snap-fit member 2 and project perpendicular to this side-wall. When the first snap-fit member 2 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1, the first bending portion 22 is positioned behind the rear end of the first pressing portion 21 and disposed on a second side of (behind) the first elastic member 111. When the first snap-fit member 2 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1, the first elastic member 111 is thus preferably disposed between the rear end of the first pressing portion 21 and the first bending portion 22, and cannot fall or slide out of the mounting channel 17.

[0042] In a similar manner, as shown in Fig. 5, the second snap-fit member 3 may include a second pressing portion 31 and a second bending portion 32. The second pressing portion 31 may be formed as a horizontal leg at the upper end of the second snap-fit member 3 and may abut against the inner surface of the top wall 131 of the housing (see Fig. 1) so that the second snap-fit member 3 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1 basically without play in vertical direction. When mounted in the mounting channel 17, the rear (inward) end of the second pressing portion 31 may abut against the second elastic member 112 and may be located on a first side (front side) of the second elastic member 112. The second bending portion 32 may be bent from a vertical side-wall 34 of the second snap-fit member 3 and project perpendicular to this side-wall. When the second snap-fit member 3 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1, the second bending portion 32 is positioned behind the rear end of the second pressing portion 31 and disposed on a second side of (behind) the second elastic member 112. When the second snap-fit member 3 is accommodated in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1, the second elastic member 112 is thus preferably disposed between the rear end of the second pressing portion 31 and the second bending portion 32, and cannot fall or slide out of the mounting channel 17.

[0043] The first snap-fit member 2 also includes a first vertical wall 24, and both the first pressing portion 21 and the first bending portion 22 are formed on the first vertical wall 24. The second snap-fit member 3 includes a second support wall 34, which is in abutment (face-to-face contact) with the first vertical wall 24 of the first snap-fit member 2, and the second pressing portion 31 and the second bending portion 32 are both formed on the second support wall 34. When the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 move in opposite directions or backward in the mounting slot 17, the first and second vertical walls 24 and 34 are always in abutment with each other and are thus guided in the mounting channel 17 basically without lateral play.

[0044] The movable end of the first elastic member 111 may be set to be inclined directly toward the inside of the mounting channel 17. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment the first elastic member 111 first protrudes beyond the top wall 131 of the housing outside the mounting channel 17 before extending into the mounting channel 17 in the direction of extension of the first elastic member 111. This can in particular prevent fatigue failure of the first elastic member 111. Also, the movable end of the second elastic member 112 may be set to be inclined directly toward the inside of the mounting channel 17. Preferably, as shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment the second elastic member 112 first protrudes beyond the top wall 131 of the housing outside the mounting channel 17 before extending into the mounting channel 17 in the direction of extension of the second elastic member 112. This can in particular prevent fatigue failure of the second elastic member 112.

[0045] The first and second elastic member may be optionally provided on two opposite side walls of the housing 1. Preferably in this embodiment, the first and second elastic member 111, 112 is each formed on the top surface 131 of the main body portion of the housing 1. When the first elastic member 111 is formed on the top wall 131 of the housing 1, the first elastic member 111 can be set longer due to the larger space along the up and down direction in the housing 1, so it has better elasticity. In addition, the top pressing direction of the first elastic member 111 can always be within the running trajectory of the first snap-fit member 2, so that it cannot easily detach from the first snap-fit member 2 or press the first snap-fit member 2 out of the way, and has a better top pressing effect. When the second elastic member 112 is formed on the top wall 131 of the housing 1, the second elastic member 112 can be set longer due to the larger space along the up and down direction in the housing 1, so it has better elasticity. In addition, the top pressing direction of the second elastic member 112 can always be within the running trajectory of the second snap-fit member 3, so that it cannot easily detach from the second snap-fit member 3 or press the second snap-fit member 3 out of the way, and has a better top pressing effect.

[0046] The housing 1 may be suitable to be set directly on the base of the light body of a lamp and to be connected thereto, e.g. by means of screws or bolts. According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 1 may be suitable to be set directly on the bottom 301 of a track 300 of the kind shown in Fig. 14, transverse to the axial direction of the wire slot 303 formed therein. Latching members of the kind shown in Figs. 7a and 7b and as explained hereinunder may be used to latch the housing 1 to the track 300.

[0047] The first latching member 4 may be removably connected to the first snap-fit member 2 via a recess formed the side wall of the track 300, and the second latching member 5 may be connected to the second snap-fit member 3 via an opposite recess formed in the side-wall of the track 300. When it is necessary to remove the lamp or snap-fit assembly from the track, the operator can then squeeze the first latching member 4 and the second latching member 5 to make both the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 retract into the mounting channel 17 and release the snap-on relationship between the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 and the latching members 4, 5, thereby removing the lamp or snap-fit assembly from the track.

[0048] The first latching member 4 and the first snap-fit member 2 may optionally be provided in one piece. The second latching member 5 and the second snap-fit member 3 may optionally be provided in one piece too.

[0049] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first latching member 4 and the first snap-fit member 2 are formed as separate members in order to facilitate the assembly of the snap-fit assembly 100 to the track or lamp body. Moreover, preferably, in this embodiment, in order to facilitate the assembly of the snap-fit assembly 100 to the track or lamp body, also the second latching member 5 and the second snap-fit member 3 are formed as separate members.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 7a, the second latching member 5 may comprise a horizontal base plate 46 configured for abutment against the bottom 301 of a track (see Fig. 14). An upright vertical side-wall 55 may project perpendicular from this horizontal base plate 56 for abutment against the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300, or a recess 304 or groove formed therein. A resilient clamping protrusion 54 extends from the horizontal base plate 56, slanted towards the vertical side-wall 55. The distance between the vertical side-wall 55 and the free end of the clamping protrusion 54 may correspond to the width of the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300, so that the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300 can be clamped in the gap formed between the vertical side-wall 55 and the free end of the clamping protrusion 54. The horizontal base plate 56 is followed by a slanted transition portion 57, which is followed by another horizontal base plate 58, in which a second clamping opening 51 is formed for accommodating a front end of the vertical side-wall 34 of the second snap-fit member 3, as outlined below in more detail.

[0051] The first latching member 4 may be formed in the same manner, as shown in Fig. 7b, and may comprise a horizontal base plate 46 configured for abutment against the bottom 301 of a track (see Fig. 14). An upright vertical side-wall 45 may project perpendicular from this horizontal base plate 46 for abutment against the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300, or a recess 304 or groove formed therein. A resilient clamping protrusion 44 extends from the horizontal base plate 46, slanted towards the vertical side-wall 45. The distance between the vertical side-wall 45 and the free end of the clamping protrusion 44 may correspond to the width of the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300, so that the vertical side-wall 302 of a track 300 can be clamped in the gap formed between the vertical side-wall 45 and the free end of the clamping protrusion 44. The horizontal base plate 46 is followed by a slanted transition portion 47, which is followed by another horizontal base plate 48, in which a first clamping opening 41 is formed for accommodating a front end of the vertical side-wall 24 of the first snap-fit member 2, as outlined below in more detail.

[0052] When latched to the front end of the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3, respectively, the first latching member 4 and the second latching member 5, respectively, can follow the movement of the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3. By pushing the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 towards each other and into the mounting channel 17, the abutment of the first latching member 4 and the second latching member 5 with the side-walls 302 of the track 300 can be released so that the snap-fit assembly (possibly together with the lamp connected thereto) can be moved in the axial direction along the track 300. When the external force is released again, the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 will move outward again and will finally abut against the side-walls 302 of the track 300 to latch the snap-fit assembly (possibly together with the lamp connected thereto) at a different position to the track.

[0053] The same procedure for adjusting the position of the snap-fit assembly (possibly together with the lamp connected thereto) along the track can also be performed, if the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3 each extends through a relatively long recess formed the side-wall of the track 300.

[0054] Otherwise, it will first be necessary to disconnect the front end of the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3, respectively, from the first latching member 4 and the second latching member 5, respectively, before adjusting the position of the snap-fit assembly (possibly together with the lamp connected thereto) along the track.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7b, the first latching member 4 may be provided with a first anti-release structure between the first latching member 4 and the first snap-fit member 2 to prevent the first latching member 4 from disengaging from the first snap-fit member 2. In the same manner and as shown in Fig. 7a, a second anti-release structure may be formed between the second latching member 5 and the second snap-fit member 3 to prevent the second latching member 5 from disengaging from the second snap-fit member 3.

[0056] For this purpose, the first latching member 4 may be formed with a first clamping opening 41 in the horizontal base plate 48 of the first latching member 4, which is configured for accommodating the front end of the first snap-fit member 2. The first anti-release structure further comprises a first anti-release protrusion 42 and a first anti-release notch (opening) 27 adapted to accommodate the first anti-release protrusion 42, the first anti-release protrusion 42 being formed on the first clamping opening 41 (as shown in Fig. 7b) or the first snap-fit member 2, and the first anti-release opening 27 being formed on the first snap-fit member 2 or first clamping opening 41. When the front end of the vertical side-wall 24 of the first snap-fit member 2 is accommodated in the first clamping opening 41, the first anti-release protrusion 42 can enter the first anti-release opening 27 and be accommodated therein, to prevent an excessive relative movement between the first latching member 4 and the first snap-fit member 2.

[0057] In the same manner, the second latching member 5 may be formed with a second clamping opening 51 in the horizontal base plate 58 of the second latching member 5, which is configured for accommodating the front end of the second snap-fit member 3. The second anti-release structure further comprises a second anti-release protrusion 52 and a second anti-release notch (opening) 37 adapted to accommodate the second anti-release protrusion 52, the second anti-release protrusion 52 being formed on the second clamping opening 51 (as shown in Fig. 7a) or the second snap-fit member 3, and the second anti-release opening 27 being formed on the second snap-fit member 3 or second clamping opening 51. When the front end of the vertical side-wall 34 of the second snap-fit member 3 is accommodated in the second clamping opening 51, the second anti-release protrusion 52 can enter the second anti-release opening 37 and be accommodated therein, to prevent an excessive relative movement between the second latching member 5 and the second snap-fit member 3.

[0058] Preferably, in this embodiment, a first anti-slip projection 43 may formed on the mouth wall of the first clamping opening 41 for pressing against a portion of the first snap-fit member 2, when accommodated in the first clamping opening 41. The first anti-slip projection 43 can increase the clamping force of the first clamping opening 41 on the first snap-fit member 2 and thus prevent the first latching member 4 from swaying relative to the first snap-fit member 2. In the same manner, a second anti-slip projection 53 may formed on the mouth wall of the second clamping opening 51 for pressing against a portion of the second snap-fit member 3, when accommodated in the second clamping opening 51. The second anti-slip projection 53 can increase the clamping force of the second clamping opening 51 on the second snap-fit member 3 and thus prevent the second latching member 5 from swaying relative to the second snap-fit member 3.

[0059] To prevent the first latching member 4 and the second latching member 5 from disengagement from the track 300 of lamp body, a third anti-release structure and a fourth anti-release structure may be provided as follows: The third anti-release structure is preferably, but not limited to, a combination of an anti-release projection and an anti-release groove. In a preferred embodiment as shown in Figs. 7a and 7b, the third anti-release structure may comprise a third tab 44 formed on the horizontal base plate 46 of the first latching member 4, the free end of the third tab 44 being adapted to press against the side wall 302 of the track 400 when the first latching member 4 is connected to the first snap-fit member 2. Moreover, the fourth anti-release structure may comprise a fourth tab 54 formed on the horizontal base plate 56 of the second latching member 5, the free end of the fourth tab 54 being adapted to press against the side wall 302 of the track 400 when the second latching member 5 is connected to the second snap-fit member 3.

[0060] In embodiments, where it is required to insert the latching member 4, 5 from outside the track via a recess formed in a side-wall 302 thereof, the third / fourth tab 44, 54 may be sufficiently resilient so that they can be pushed down toward the horizontal base plate 46 / 56 and then snap upward again to the slanted position shown in Fig. 7a / 7b.

[0061] In a further modification of this embodiment, the housing 1 may be provided additionally with a fifth anti-release structure suitable for preventing the first snap-fit member 2 from detaching from the housing 1, or from a lamp body of a lamp, and with a sixth anti-release structure suitable for preventing the second snap-fit member 3 from detaching from the housing 1, or from a lamp body of a lamp. The fifth anti-release structure and the sixth anti-release structure are configured to restrain the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 in a suitable position, in particular in a longitudinal direction of the housing, thus making the operation of the clamping assembly 100 more reliable, convenient and stable.

[0062] As shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, according to such a modification, the main body portion is further provided with a mounting plate 121 and the housing 1. The mounting plate 121 and the housing 1 are optionally connected by means of fasteners. Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting plate 121 and the housing 1 are connected by latching members, screws of bolts. The mounting plate 121 is adapted to be fixed on the base 201 of the lamp body 200. For this purpose, the mounting plate 121 may be connected to the base 201 of the lamp body 200 by means of screws or bolts. The housing 1 is fixed to the mounting plate 121 and together with the mounting plate 121 form (or enclose) the mounting channel 17.

[0063] Preferably, in this embodiment, the fifth anti-release structure is provided as a first anti-release projection 124 formed on the mounting plate 121 and projection perpendicular upwards from a top surface thereof. As shown in Fig. 3, the first anti-release projection 124 is preferably provided outside the mounting channel 17 and is configured to abut against a front end of the first snap-fit member 2 when the first snap-fit member 2 is partially exposed from the mounting channel 17, to thereby delimit the axial displacement of the first snap-fit member 2 out of the mounting channel 17. Moreover, the second anti-release projection 125 is preferably provided outside the mounting channel 17 and is configured to abut against a front end of the second snap-fit member 3 when the second snap-fit member 3 is partially exposed from the mounting channel 17, to thereby delimit the axial displacement of the second snap-fit member 3 out of the mounting channel 17. As the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3 are accommodated side-by-side in the mounting channel 17, the two anti-release projections 124, 125 are correspondingly offset in a direction perpendicular to the direction of axial displacement of the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3 in the mounting channel 17.

[0064] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the mounting plate 121 may be further provided with a guiding structure to which the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 respectively are slidingly connected while being accommodated and guided in the mounting channel 17 of the housing 1. The guiding structure 121 is configured to restrain the trajectory of the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3, and in particular to prevent lifting-off of the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of mounting plate 121, thus avoiding the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 from jamming or colliding with each other and helping to extend the service life of the clamping assembly 100.

[0065] The guiding structure may be formed as to mate to the lateral guiding flange of the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3, for retaining the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 to the mounting plate 121 by positive-fit. Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting plate 121 includes a base plate 123 and two guiding legs 122 projecting from the base plate 123 and extending parallel to each other, each of said guiding legs 122 having a flange portion extending in parallel with the base plate 123. The first snap-fit member 2 comprises a first clamping plate 23 and second snap-fit member 3 comprises a second clamping plate 33. The clamping plates 23, 33 are accommodated in an interspace between the top surface of the mounting plate 121 and a respective flange portion of the guiding legs 122. The first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3 and the housing 1 can thus not be lifted off in vertical direction from the mounting plate 121.

[0066] As will become apparent to the skilled person from the above description, the main members of the snap-fit assembly 100 according to the present invention, in particular the first and second snap-fit members 2 and 3, the housing 1 and the latching members 4, 5 can each be manufactured at low costs from a metal sheet material, in particular by punching and bending. The material of the sheet is preferably, but not limited to, galvanized sheet, copper, stainless steel or carbon steel, etc.Second Embodiment

[0067] Figs. 8 to 11 show details of a snap-fit assembly 101 of a second embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in Figs. 8 to 11, the snap-fit assembly 101 according to the second embodiment is formed like the snap-fit assembly 100 of the first embodiment in that the main body portion includes a top wall 131, a first sidewall 132 and a second sidewall 133 each connected to a respective side of the top wall 131. The rectangular mounting channel 17 is formed by the top wall 131, the first sidewall 132 and the second sidewall 133. The first side wall 132 comprises a first mounting flange 141 extending laterally away from the mounting channel 17, and the second side wall 133 comprises a second mounting flange 142 extending laterally away from the mounting channel 17. The first mounting flange 141 and the second mounting flange 142 is each adapted to be fixed to a base 201 of a lamp body 200 of a lamp to be held by the track.

[0068] For this purpose, the length of the housing / main body portion may be less than the width of the wire slot 303 of the track 300 (see Fig. 14), so that the housing / main body portion may first be connected to the lamp body 200 of the lamp to be held, and the first and second snap-fit members 2, 3 together with the latching members 4, 5 are mounted only later to the housing / main body portion to complete the snap-fit assembly 100 and latch it to the track in the manner as outlined above.

[0069] Of course, the length of the housing / main body portion may also be larger than the width of the wire slot 303 of the track 300 (see Fig. 14), so that first snap-fit assembly 100 is completed and latched to the track in the manner as outlined above in a first step, and the housing / main body portion may be connected to the lamp body 200 of the lamp to be held in a final step.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the fifth anti-release structure comprises a first guide recess 151 and a first stop tab 26 adapted to slide in the first guide recess 151, the first guide recess 151 being formed on the first sidewall 132 or on the first snap-fit member 2, and the first stop tab 26 being formed on the first snap-fit member 2 or on the first sidewall 132. Moreover, the sixth anti-release structure comprises a second guide recess 152 and a second stop tab 36 adapted to slide in the second guide recess 152, the second guide recess 152 being formed on the second sidewall 133 or on the second snap-fit member 3, and the second stop tab 36 being formed on the second snap-fit member 3 or on the second sidewall 133.

[0071] The first stop tab 26 is configured to prevent the first snap-fit member 2 from continuing to move outwardly when it abuts against the sidewall of the first guide recess 151 and is accommodated in a recess formed therein. Moreover, the second stop tab 36 is configured to prevent the second snap-fit member 3 from continuing to move outwardly when it abuts against the sidewall of the second guide recess 152 and is accommodated in a recess formed therein.

[0072] Preferably, in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the first mounting flange 141 is formed with a first support flange 161 that is bent inwardly to project into the mounting channel 17, and the first snap-fit member 2 is located between the first support flange 161 and the top wall 131. The first support flange 161 is configured to restrain the first snap-fit member 2 in the vertical direction. The second mounting flange 142 is formed with a second support flange 162 that is bent inwardly to project into the mounting channel 17, and the second snap-fit member 3 is located between the second support flange 162 and the top wall 131. The second snap-fit member 3 is located between the second support flange 162 and the top wall 131. The second support flange 162 is configured to vertically constrain the second snap-fit member 3. In a more preferred embodiment, the first snap-fit member 2 includes a first support flange 25 in contact with the first side wall 132. The first support flange 25 is configured to restrain the first snap-fit member 2 horizontally. The second retaining flange 35 is formed on the second snap-fit member 3 in contact with the second side wall 133, and the second retaining flange 35 is configured to restrain the second snap-fit member 3 in the horizontal direction.

[0073] Preferably, also in this embodiment, the housing 1, the first snap-fit member 2 and the second snap-fit member 3 are each formed by a metal sheet, in particular by punching and bending, without adding new structures on the metal sheet, which can make the structure of the snap-fit assembly 100 according to the present invention simple and light, and help reduce the manufacturing costs thereof. The material of the metal sheet is preferably, but not limited to, galvanized sheet, copper, stainless steel or carbon steel, etc.Third Embodiment

[0074] The third embodiment 3 relates to a lamp assembly, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13, comprising at least one lamp having a lamp body 200, which is removably mounted to a track 300 as outlined above with reference to Fig. 14, which includes at least one wire slot 303 extending in an axial direction of the track 300 and at least one snap-fit assembly 100 as outlined above. Each snap-fit assembly 100 is fixedly coupled mounted to an associated lamp body 200, and the first and second snap-fit member 2, 3 of a respective snap-fit assembly 100 is each biased by the first elastic member 111 and second elastic member 112, respectively, towards a side-wall 302 of the track 300, for latching the snap-fit assembly 100 to the track 300 in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track 300 by engagement with the two opposite recesses 304 of the at least one pair of opposite recesses 304, as outlined above.

[0075] The housing / main body portion or mounting plate 121 can first be connected to the lamp body 200 of the lamp, and the snap-fit assembly 100 then be completed and latched to the track 300 at a suitable position. According to an alternative procedure, the snap-fit assembly 100 can first be completed and latched to the track 300 at a suitable position and then the housing / main body portion or mounting plate 121 is connected to the lamp body 200 of the lamp in a subsequent step.

[0076] A snap-fit assembly 100 according to the present invention has a very compact structure, because separate elastic members to be accommodated in the mounting channel can be omitted. Moreover, the afore-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, such as the elastic member being easily misaligned or falling out of the mounting channel due to the installation of the elastic member, can be overcome. Moreover, the overall structure of the lamp assembly is simple, easy to manufacture, safe and reliable to use, and easy to implement.

Claims

1. A snap-fit assembly (100; 101) configured to be latched to a track (300) configured for holding a lamp (200), the track (300) having a planar bottom (301) extending in an axial direction and two side-walls (302) extending perpendicular to the bottom (301) and being disposed opposite to each other at a predetermined distance (W), wherein at least one pair of opposite recesses (304) is formed in the side-walls (302), the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) comprising: a housing (1) of a length that is smaller than the predetermined distance (W), the housing (1) comprising a main body portion with a mounting channel (17) formed in the main body portion, a first elastic member (111) and a second elastic member (112) each being provided inside the mounting channel (17), and a first snap-fit member (2) and a second snap-fit member (3), each being slidably accommodated in the mounting channel (17), wherein the first snap-fit member (2) is resiliently biased by the first elastic member (111) towards a first end of the housing (1) so as to partially protrude beyond the first end, and the second snap-fit member (3) is resiliently biased by the second elastic member (112) towards a second end of the housing (1) opposite to the first end so as to partially protrude beyond the second end; wherein the main body portion comprises a top wall (131), a first side wall (132) and a second side wall (133) opposite to the first side wall (132) so that the housing (1) is of rectangular shape, the mounting channel (17) being formed by the top wall (131), the first side wall (132) and the second side wall (133) of the main body portion, wherein the first and second snap-fit member (2, 3) together are configured to latch the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) to the track (300) in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track (300) by engagement with the two opposite recesses (304) of the at least one pair of opposite recesses (304) and to be moved in the mounting channel (17) towards each other when subjected to an external force against the resilient force exerted by the first and second elastic member (111, 112), for releasing the latching of the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) to the track (300), and at least the housing (1), the first snap-fit member (2) and the second snap-fit member (3) are each formed by bending and processing of a metal sheet member.

2. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first snap-fit member (2) comprises a first pressing portion (21) and a first bending portion (22), the first pressing portion (21) being adapted to abut against the first elastic member (111) and being located at a first side of the first elastic member (111), the first bending portion (22) extending from a vertical side-wall (24) of the first snap-fit member (2) beyond the first elastic member (111) and is bent to a second side of the first elastic member (111) opposite to the first side; and / or the second snap-fit member (3) comprises a second pressing portion (31) and a second bending portion (32), the second pressing portion (31) being adapted to abut against the second elastic member (112) and being located at a first side of the second elastic member (112), the first bending portion (32) extending from a vertical side-wall (34) of the second snap-fit member (3) beyond the second elastic member (112) and is bent to a second side of the second elastic member (112) opposite to the first side.

3. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first pressing portion (21) and the first bending portion (22) are formed on the vertical side-wall (24) of the first snap-fit member (2), and the second pressing portion (31) and the second bending portion (32) are formed on the vertical side-wall (34) of the second snap-fit member (3), wherein the vertical side-wall (24) of the first snap-fit member (2) and the vertical side-wall (34) of the second snap-fit member (3) face each other and are preferably abutted against each other.

4. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first elastic member (111) is formed on a top wall (131) of the housing (1) and, along its direction of extension, extends first beyond the top wall (131) and then extends into the mounting channel (17), for exerting a resilient force on the first snap-fit member (2) into a first direction; and the second elastic member (112) is formed on the top wall (131) of the housing (1) and, along its direction of extension, extends first beyond the top wall (131) and then extends into the mounting channel (17), for exerting a resilient force on the second snap-fit member (3) into a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first latching member (4) and a second latching member (5), wherein the first latching member (4) is configured to pass through a first recess (304) of a pair of recesses formed in a first side wall (302) of the track (300), for latching the first snap-fit member (2) to the track (300) by engagement, and the second latching member (5) is configured to pass through an opposite second recess (304) of the pair of recesses formed in an opposite second side wall (302) of the track (300), for latching the second snap-fit member (3) to the track (300) by engagement.

6. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first latching member (4) is provided separately from the first snap-fit member (2); and the second latching member (5) is provided separately from the second snap-fit member (3).

7. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a first anti-release structure (27, 41, 42) for preventing disengagement of the first latching member (4) with the first snap-fit member (2), and a second anti-release structure (37, 51, 52) for preventing disengagement of the second latching member (5) with the second snap-fit member (3); wherein the first anti-release structure comprises first anti-release notch (27) formed on the first snap-fit member (2) or on the first latching member (4) and a first clamping opening (41) with a first anti-release projection (42) narrowing a width of the first clamping opening (41) formed on the first latching member (4) or on the first snap-fit member (2), for preventing disengagement of the first latching member (4) with the first snap-fit member (2) by engagement of the first anti-release projection (42) with the first anti-release notch (27), and the second anti-release structure comprises second anti-release notch (37) formed on the second snap-fit member (3) or on the second latching member (5) and a second clamping opening (51) with a second anti-release projection (52) narrowing a width of the second clamping opening (51) formed on the second latching member (5) or on the second snap-fit member (3), for preventing disengagement of the second latching member (5) with the second snap-fit member (3) by engagement of the second anti-release projection (52) with the second anti-release notch (37).

8. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first clamping opening (41) is further provided with a first anti-slip projection (43) formed at a bottom of the first clamping opening (41), for pressing against a portion of the first snap-fit member (2) when accommodated in the first clamping opening (41); and the second clamping opening (51) is further provided with a second anti-slip projection (53) formed at a bottom of the second clamping opening (51), for pressing against a portion of the second snap-fit member (3) when accommodated in the second clamping opening (51).

9. The snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein a third anti-release structure adapted to prevent the first latching member (4) from detaching from the sidewall (301) of the track (300) is formed on the first latching member; and a fourth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the second latching member (5) from detaching from the sidewall (301) of the track (300) is formed on the first latching member; wherein the third anti-release structure comprises a resilient clamping protrusion (44) formed on the first latching member (4), a free end of the resilient clamping protrusion (44) being adapted to press against the sidewall (301) of the track (300) when the first latching member (4) is in engagement with the first snap-fit member (2); and the fourth anti-release structure comprises a resilient clamping protrusion (54) formed on the second latching member (5), a free end of the resilient clamping protrusion (54) being adapted to press against the sidewall (301) of the track (300) when the second latching member (5) is in engagement with the second snap-fit member (3).

10. The snap-fit assembly (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, said snap-fit assembly further comprising a mounting plate (121) adapted to be fixed to a base (201) of a lamp (200) to be held by the track (300) wherein the housing (1) is provided with a fifth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the first snap-fit member (2) from detaching from the housing (1) and a sixth anti-release structure adapted to prevent the second snap-fit member (3) from detaching from the housing (1); and the housing is fixedly coupled with the mounting plate (121).

11. The snap-fit assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fifth anti-release structure is formed as a first anti-release projection (124) on a top surface of the mounting plate (121) and the sixth anti-release structure is formed as a second anti-release projection (125) formed on the top surface of the mounting plate (121) and the mounting plate (121) further comprises a guiding structure (122), the first snap-fit member (2) and the second snap-fit member (3) are slidingly connected to the guiding structure, respectively, while being accommodated in the mounting channel (17) of the main body portion, and the guiding structure (122) is configured for preventing lifting-off of the first and second snap-fit member (2, 3) from the mounting plate (121) in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting plate (121); wherein the mounting plate (121) comprises a base plate (123) and two guiding legs (122) projecting from the base plate (123) and extending parallel to each other, each of said guiding legs (122) having a flange portion extending in parallel with the base plate (123), the first snap-fit member (2) comprises a first clamping plate (23) and second snap-fit member (3) comprises a second clamping plate (33) and the clamping plates (23, 33) are accommodated in an interspace between the top surface of the mounting plate (121) and a respective flange portion of the guiding legs (122).

12. The snap-fit assembly (101) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first side wall (132) comprises a first mounting flange (141) extending laterally away from the mounting channel (17), the second side wall (133) comprises a second mounting flange (142) extending laterally away from the mounting channel (17), and the first mounting flange (141) and the second mounting flange (142) is each adapted to be fixed to a base (201) of a lamp (200) to be held by the track (300); wherein a fifth anti-release structure is provided comprising a first guide recess (151) and a first stop tab (26) adapted to slide in the first guide recess (151), the first guide recess (151) being formed on the first sidewall (132) or on the first snap-fit member (2), and the first stop tab (26) being formed on the first snap-fit member (2) or on the first sidewall (132); and / or a sixth anti-release structure is provided comprising a second guide recess (152) and a second stop tab (36) adapted to slide in the second guide recess (152), the second guide recess (152) being formed on the second sidewall (133) or on the second snap-fit member (3), and the second stop tab (36) being formed on the second snap-fit member (3) or on the second sidewall (133).

13. The snap-fit assembly (101) as claimed in claim 12, wherein a first support flange (161) extends from the first side wall (132) inwardly into the mounting channel (17), the first snap-fit member (2) being located between the first support flange (161) and the top wall (131); and a second support flange (162) extends from the second side wall (133) inwardly into the mounting channel (17), the second snap-fit member (3) being located between the second support flange (162) and the top wall (131); wherein the first snap-fit member (2) preferably comprises a first support flange (25) in abutment with the first sidewall (132); and the second snap-fit member (3) preferably comprises a second holding flange (35) in abutment with the face of the second sidewall (133).

14. A lamp assembly, wherein it comprises: a track (300) having a planar bottom (301) extending in an axial direction and two side-walls (302) extending perpendicular to the bottom (301) and being disposed opposite to each other at a predetermined distance (W), wherein at least one wire channel (303) is formed in the bottom (301) extending in the axial direction and at least one pair of opposite recesses (304) is formed in the side-walls (302); a lamp having a lamp body (200); the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) is fixedly coupled mounted to the lamp body (200), and the first and second snap-fit member (2, 3) is each biased by the first elastic member (111) and second elastic member (112), respectively, towards a side-wall (302) of the track, for latching the snap-fit assembly (100; 101) to the track (300) in a positive-fit manner and transverse to the axial direction of the track (300) by engagement with the two opposite recesses (304) of the at least one pair of opposite recesses (304).

Images