An assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (1100) of a first part (100) with a shaft (110) and a second part (200) with an opening (210) for receiving the shaft (110), wherein the shaft (110) and the opening (200) have mating screw threads, wherein the second part (200) is coupled to the first part (100) at a coupling position relative to shaft (110), and wherein the screw thread of both the shaft (110) and the opening (210) are provided with engagement features through which the second part (200) is locked in the coupling position.

Description

[0001] AN ASSEMBLY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to an assembly comprising a first part and a second part that are coupled together by means of mating screw threads. The invention also relates to a luminaire comprising such an assembly. In the luminaire, the assembly can be used to keep an intermediate part in place between the first and second parts, wherein the intermediate part may be a weight that is positioned on a foot of the luminaire. Alternatively, the assembly can be used in a luminaire to connect a lamp mount to a socket.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Free-standing luminaires, such as a table luminaire, have a stand with a foot for placing the luminaire on a support surface. Because many luminaires nowadays consist mainly of low-weight plastic parts, it may be desired for the purpose of stability to include a weight in the stand of the luminaire. Such a weight should then preferably be secured in position, to ensure that it is not loosened due to, for example, vibrations during transport of the luminaire.

[0006] From the perspective of assembly, it is preferred to have as few parts as possible, that can be assembled with as few tools as possible.

[0007] The above was the motivation to design an assembly that on the one hand only has a few parts that can be easily put together, while on the other hand it allows a secure construction that is resistant to loosening due to vibrations.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As mentioned above, the aim of the invention is to provide an assembly of a limited number of parts that can be easily put together, and that at the same time allows a secure construction that is resistant to loosening due to vibrations.

[0010] The aim is achieved by an assembly comprising a first part and a second part.

[0011] The first part has a shaft, and the second part has a second part opening extending into the second part, the second part opening being configured for receiving the shaft. The shaft has an outer screw thread, and the second part opening has an inner screw thread, the outer and inner screw threads being mating screw threads, to allow the second part to be coupled to the first part at a coupling position relative to the shaft.

[0012] The outer screw thread comprises a plurality of outer engagement features, and the inner screw thread comprises a plurality of inner engagement features.

[0013] The plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features do not have to be provided over the full outer screw thread and inner screw thread, respectively, but should at least be provided in a part of it.

[0014] The plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions separated by one or more outer spaces. The plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions separated by one or more inner spaces.

[0015] The plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features have complementary shapes.

[0016] At least one of the shaft and the second part opening is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the second part to be locked in the coupling position.

[0017] The opening of the second part, which is referred to as the second part opening, is an opening that extend into the second part. It may be a through hole (z.e., an opening or hole extending completely through the second part) or a blind hole (z.e., an opening or hole that does not pass completely through the second part).

[0018] The second part opening is for receiving the shaft of the first part. In other words, the second part opening is designed such that the shaft can enter into the opening to assume a position in the opening.

[0019] Each of the shaft and the second part opening has a screw thread. The screw thread of the shaft is referred to as the outer screw thread, and that of the second part opening is referred to as the inner screw thread.

[0020] The outer and inner screw threads are mating screw threads. In other words, the outer screw thread of the shaft and the inner screw thread of the second part opening are a matching pair of screw threads, wherein the outer screw thread of the shaft can be considered an external or male screw thread, and the inner screw thread of the second part opening an internal or female screw thread. The outer and inner screw threads being mating screw threads allows the second part to be coupled to the first part at a coupling position relative to the shaft.

[0021] In the assembly, the shaft of the first part extends into an opening of the second part, and the first and second parts are connected together by means of mating screw treads, similar to a nut-and-bolt construction.

[0022] A screw thread is a structure that can be used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force. It comprises a ridge that is wrapped around a body (typically a cylinder or cone) in the form of a helix. In the assembly according to the invention, the ridges of the outer and inner screw threads are referred to as outer and inner ridges, respectively.

[0023] In between the windings of the helically wrapped ridge is a groove. In the assembly according to the invention, the grooves of the outer and inner screw threads are referred to as outer and inner grooves, respectively.

[0024] The outer screw thread has a plurality of outer engagement features, and the inner screw thread has a plurality of inner engagement features.

[0025] These engagement features can engage with each other through a relative rotational movement between the two. In other words, by rotating the outer and inner screw threads relative to each other, the outer and inner engagement features can interact mechanically with each other, similar to an engagement (or mechanical interaction) of the teeth of one cogwheel with those of another.

[0026] The plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions separated by one or more outer spaces, and the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions separated by one or more inner spaces.

[0027] The plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features have complementary shapes. In other words, the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features have properties that are inversely related to each other. More specifically, the shapes of the outer protrusions and the inner spaces are inversely related to each other, so that the outer protrusions can fit in the inner spaces, and the shapes of the inner protrusions and the outer spaces are inversely related to each other, so that the inner protrusions can fit in the outer spaces.

[0028] The term “plurality” refers to an integer number of two or more. The assembly according to invention is already capable of achieving the aim of the invention with two outer engagement features and two inner engagement features, but the more engagement features the better it will work. For example, each of the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features may have five engagement features, or eight engagement features, or ten engagement features, or twelve engagement features, or fifteen engagement features, or twenty engagement features.

[0029] Furthermore, the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features do not have to consist of the same number of engagement features.

[0030] For example, there may be twenty outer engagement features and only ten inner engagement features.

[0031] The term “protrusion” refers to a structure that protrudes or extends from a surface. In other words, it refers to a structure that bulges outwardly, or that sticks out. In the assembly of the invention, the protrusions are structures that extend in a direction that is perpendicular to an elongation direction of the screw thread, the latter being the direction in which the screw thread is helically wrapped. In other words, the protrusions are structures that extend in a radial direction.

[0032] In a plurality of protrusions, every two protrusions are separated by a space. This means that when a plurality of engagement features is said to comprise a plurality of protrusions, it also comprises one or more spaces.

[0033] In the assembly according to the invention, the pluralities of outer engagement features and inner engagement features have complementary shapes, meaning that the outer protrusions can fit in the inner spaces, and the inner protrusions can fit in the outer spaces.

[0034] This complementarity enables the pluralities of outer engagement features and inner engagement features to engage with each other through a relative rotational movement. By rotating the outer and inner screw threads relative to each other, the outer and inner engagement features can mechanically interact.

[0035] An engagement through a relative rotational movement implies that the outer protrusions should be able to pass the inner protrusions to be wedged in the inner spaces (and mutatis mutandis for the inner protrusions). This means that at least one of the shaft (being provided with the outer engagement features) and the second part opening (being provided with the inner engagement features) must be sufficiently flexible, as otherwise such engagement will not be possible.

[0036] As said, the inner and outer protrusions of the inner and outer engagement features, respectively, extend in a direction that is perpendicular to an elongation direction of the screw thread (z.e., in a radial direction). This has several advantages. A first advantage is that the inner and outer grooves of the inner and outer screw threads, respectively, are completely open (z.e., free from any inwardly protruding structures), which allows a tight connection with as little play as possible between the threaded parts. Also, because the grooves are open and not obstructed by any inwardly protruding structures, a part with a regular screw thread can still be connected to each of the first part and the second part. For example, it would still be possible to screw a regular threaded nut onto the shaft of the first part.

[0037] A second advantage is that the required flexibility of the shaft and / or the second part opening should be in the direction that is perpendicular to an elongation direction of the screw thread (z.e., in a radial direction), which is relatively easy to provide, particularly compared to flexibility in a direction that is parallel to an elongation direction of the screw thread. Furthermore, flexibility in the radial direction allows the threaded parts to be screwed together relatively far before no more movement is possible, which improves the reliability of the connection mechanism. The more protrusions of the engagement features interact with each other, the higher the resistance to movement becomes. When the interaction requires flexibility parallel to the elongation direction of the screw thread, the resistance to movement will increase relatively fast, which carries the risk that the parts will not yet be sufficiently firmly connected when the resistance is so high that nu further movement is possible.

[0038] The required flexibility can be achieved when at least one of the shaft and the second part opening is made from plastic. For example, the first part (comprising the shaft) and the second part (comprising the second part opening) may both be plastic parts.

[0039] Other materials besides plastics may also be suitable, as long as at least one of the shaft and the second part opening is flexible to such a degree that the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features can engage with each other through a relative rotational movement between the two.

[0040] The complementary shapes of the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features essentially provide the mating outer and inner screw threads with a kind of snap-fit or clicking mechanism that is superimposed on the screw threads.

[0041] In the absence of the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features, the outer and inner screw threads are regular mating screw threads, but in the presence of these engagement features, the mating screw thread are provided with an additional functionality that allows them to be locked relative to each other. While the mating outer and inner screw threads allow the second part to be coupled to the first part at a coupling position relative to the shaft, the additional snap-fit or clicking mechanism allows the second part to be locked in the coupling position.

[0042] Provided that the requirement on complementarity is met, the outer and inner protrusions, and the outer and inner spaces, may have any suitable shape.

[0043] The protrusions may have curved or rounded contours. Examples of such protrusions are spherical and ellipsoidal caps (being portions of a sphere or ellipsoid, respectively, cut off by a plane), a paraboloid, and a truncated cone.

[0044] The protrusions may also have angled contours. Examples of such protrusions are polygons, such as a truncated pyramid and a trapezoidal prism.

[0045] Irrespective of what contours they may have; the protrusions may have a shape that tapers in a direction away from the screw thread. In other words, the protrusions may have a shape that tapers in a direction wherein they extend, being a direction that is perpendicular to an elongation direction of the screw thread. Such tapered protrusions allow for an easy rotational movement back and forth, while still allowing the second part to be locked in the coupling position.

[0046] Alternatively, the outer engagement features and the inner engagement features may be shaped such that the relative rotational movement through which the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features is a ratchet mechanism.

[0047] A ratchet mechanism allows a continuous rotary motion in only one direction while preventing (or restrain) motion in the opposite direction, which is advantageous when the second part must be permanently locked in the coupling position.

[0048] For a ratchet mechanism, the outer protrusions may be shaped as teeth having relatively moderate slopes on one edge and relatively steep slopes on the other edge, while the inner protrusions are shaped as levers or latches that can engage the outer protrusions at a steep enough angle to restrain them.

[0049] The pluralities of outer and inner engagement features do not have to be provided over the full outer and inner screw threads, respectively, but they should at least be provided in part of them, so that one or more of the outer and inner screw threads has a part that is free from any engagement features, and that is just a regular screw thread.

[0050] For example, the inner screw thread may have an inner screw thread length covering a first inner screw thread portion and a second inner screw thread portion, wherein the plurality of inner engagement features is only provided in the second inner screw thread portion.

[0051] A screw thread is a structure that is helically wrapped around a body. The length of a screw thread is the length of the part of the body that is covered by the screw thread.

[0052] In this example, the inner screw thread (being the screw thread that is provided in the second part opening) has a first portion that comprises protrusions and spaces, and a second portion that is free of such protrusions and spaces.

[0053] For example, the inner screw thread may have a screw thread length of n centimeters, while only m centimeters, terminating at one of the ends of the screw thread, is provided with inner engagement features, the ratio m / n being 0.8 or less, such as 0.5 or less, or 0.2 or less.

[0054] In this example, the coupling and locking of the second part to the first part has an initial stage and a final stage.

[0055] In the initial stage, the inner screw thread of the second part that engages the outer screw thread of the first part does not have engagement features and couples to the outer screw thread as two regular mating screw threads, to bring the second part in a position close to the coupling position.

[0056] Just prior to the second part reaching the coupling position, the portion of the inner screw thread that has the inner engagement features starts interacting mechanically with the outer engagement features, so that only the final stage locks the second part in the coupling position.

[0057] Separating the coupling and locking of the second part to the first part in an initial stage and a final stage is advantageous for producing the assembly.

[0058] Compared to merely coupling the second part to the first part by means of a regular screw mechanism, locking the second part to the first part by a combined screw and snap-fit mechanism requires more force and may take more time. For producing the assembly, it is therefore preferred to have an initial stage for bringing the first and second parts close to the coupling position as quickly as possible and with as little effort as possible, so that the final stage for locking the first and second parts in the coupling position can be kept as short as possible.

[0059] In the assembly according to the invention, the first part may have a first marker, while the second part has a second marker. The first and second markers can then be configured to be aligned when the second part is at a certain position relative to the shaft. The position wherein the first and second markers are aligned can be referred to an aligned position of the second part relative to the first part. When the aligned position is the coupling position, the aforementioned markers assist in ascertaining when the coupling position (being the position wherein the second part is locked) has been reached.

[0060] When, next to the first and second parts, the assembly according to the invention further has an intermediate part, the intermediate part can be kept in place by having the second part locked to the first part in the coupling position.

[0061] The intermediate part may be a part that has an opening that extends through it (z.e., a through hole), which is referred to as the intermediate part opening.

[0062] When the intermediate part opening is configured for the shaft of the first part to pass through, the intermediate part can be positioned around the shaft and between the first and second parts. Upon locking the second part in the coupling position, the intermediate part is then kept in place between the first and second parts.

[0063] In such an assembly with a first part, a second part, and an intermediate part, the first part may have a base with a base surface, wherein the shaft extends away from the base surface, and wherein the intermediate part is positioned on the base surface, similar to a washer in a nut-and-bolt construction.

[0064] The second part may be a locking ring having a flange. The flange may be used by a person or machine to apply a force to the locking ring for rotating the locking ring around the shaft.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the locking ring may have an outer surface that allows a person or machine to grab the locking ring and to apply a rotational force to it. For example, the outer surface of the locking ring may have flat sides oriented at angles relative to each other, such as would be the case for a locking ring having a hexagonal shape.

[0066] The aforementioned flange and outer surface, both being examples of features for allowing a person or machine to easily rotate two parts relative to each other, may also be applied, alternatively or additionally, to the first part of the assembly. Next to flanges and outer surface shapes, other features suitable for a similar purpose can also be used.

[0067] As mentioned in the background of the invention, a free-standing luminaire may benefit from the inclusion of a weight in its stand, in which case the weight is then preferably secured in position, to ensure that it is not loosened due to, for example, vibrations during transport of the luminaire. The above described example of an assembly according to the invention, with an intermediate part that is positioned between the first and second parts, and that is kept in place by locking the second part in the coupling position, can be used for this purpose.

[0068] A luminaire comprising such an assembly has a stand with a foot for placing the luminaire on a support surface. The first part of the assembly would then be the stand of the luminaire, while the base of the first part is the foot of the stand.

[0069] The second part of the assembly is a locking ring, and the intermediate part of the assembly is a ring-shaped weight that is kept in place on the foot of the stand by the locking ring.

[0070] The above luminaire may further have a lamp with a lamp mount (such as a light bulb with a screw base), wherein, at a side opposite the base, the shaft of the stand has a socket for receiving the lamp mount.

[0071] Besides for keeping an intermediate part in place between the first and second parts (such as securing a weight in position in a stand of a free-standing luminaire), the assembly according to invention can have other uses in a luminaire.

[0072] For example, the assembly can be used to secure a lamp in a socket. The socket is for receiving a lamp mount of the lamp. The lamp and the socket represent the first and second parts of the assembly, respectively. The lamp mount would then be the shaft of the first part.

[0073] The lamp mount has an outer screw thread. For example, the lamp mount is the screw cap of a light bulb. The outer screw thread of the lamp mount has a plurality of outer engagement features.

[0074] The socket has an inner screw thread with a plurality of inner engagement features.

[0075] The outer screw thread of the lamp mount and the inner screw thread of the socket are mating screw threads, to allow a coupling between the lamp and the socket.

[0076] Next to mechanically supporting the lamp, the socket also has the additional functionality of providing power to the lamp. For this purpose, the socket has first and second socket electrodes, which can be connected to first and second lamp electrodes, respectively.

[0077] When the socket is in the coupling position relative to the lamp mount, the socket electrodes are in electrical contact with the lamp electrodes.

[0078] The engagement of the inner engagement features of the socket with the outer engagement features of the lamp mount, through a relative rotational movement between the outer and inner engagement features, enables the socket to be locked in the coupling position relative to the lamp mount.

[0079] Such locking ensures that the lamp is secured to the socket, resulting in a more reliable mechanical and electrical connection.

[0080] The assembly according to the invention has a first part with a shaft and a second part with an opening for receiving the shaft, wherein the shaft and the opening have mating screw threads, wherein the second part is coupled to the first part at a coupling position relative to shaft, and wherein the screw thread of both the shaft and the opening are provided with engagement features through which the second part is locked in the coupling position.

[0081] A part for use as the first part of the assembly according to the invention comprises a shaft having an outer screw thread, wherein the outer screw thread comprises a plurality of outer engagement features, and wherein the plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions separated by one or more outer spaces.

[0082] A part for use as the second part of the assembly according to the invention comprises a part opening extending into the part, wherein the part opening comprises an inner screw thread, wherein the inner screw thread comprises a plurality of inner engagement features, and wherein the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions separated by one or more inner spaces.

[0083] A key aspect of the invention is the provision of a screw thread with a plurality of engagement features comprising a plurality of protrusions separated by one or more spaces, and each of the above parts is designed based on this aspect.

[0084] The above parts can be both be included in a kit of parts, which kit of parts can then be used to construct the assembly according to the invention.

[0085] In such a kit of parts, the opening of one of the parts is configured for receiving the shaft of the other part, wherein the outer screw thread of the shaft and the inner screw thread of the opening are mating screw threads, to allow one part to be coupled to the other part at a coupling position relative to the shaft, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features, comprised in the outer screw thread of the shaft, and the plurality of inner engagement features, comprised in the inner screw thread of the opening, have complementary shapes, and wherein at least one of the shaft and the part opening is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the one part that is coupled to the other part at the coupling position relative to the shaft to be locked in that coupling position.

[0086] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0088] Figures la to Id show a first part for use in an assembly according to the invention.

[0089] Figure le shows several examples of protrusions.

[0090] Figures 2a to 2c show a second part for use in an assembly according to the invention.

[0091] Figures 3a to 3c show the process of coupling together the first part of Figures la to Id and the second part of Figures 2a to 2c, to thereby form an assembly.

[0092] Figure 4 shows an example of protrusions suitable for use in a ratchet mechanism.

[0093] Figure 5 shows an intermediate part in the form of a ring-shaped weight.

[0094] Figure 6 shows an assembly comprising the first part of Figures la to Id , the second part of Figures 2a to 2c, and the intermediate part of Figure 5.

[0095] Figure 7 shows a luminaire that comprises the assembly of Figure 6.

[0096] Figure 8 shows the luminaire of Figure 7 with a housing.

[0097] Figure 9 shows a lamp with a lamp mount for use as a first part of an assembly according to the invention.

[0098] Figure 10 shows a socket with a cavity for use as a second part of an assembly according to the invention.

[0099] Figures I la and 1 lb show the process of coupling together the lamp of Figure 9 and the socket of Figure 10, to thereby form an assembly according to the invention.

[0100] Figure 12 shows a luminaire that comprises the assembly of Figure 1 lb.

[0101] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0102] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0103] Figures la to Id show a first part 100 for use in an assembly according to the invention. Figure la shows the first part 100 in a side view, and Figure lb shows the first part 100 in a perspective view.

[0104] Figure 1c shows the lower part of the view of Figure la, and Figure Id shows a crop of the view of Figure lb.

[0105] The first part 100 has a first part axis 101. The first part 100 further has a shaft 110 and a base 120, wherein the shaft 110 extends from a base surface 121 of the base 120 in a direction parallel to the first part axis 101.

[0106] The shaft 110 has an outer screw thread 111. The outer screw thread 111 comprises a plurality of outer engagement features, and the plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions 112 separated by one or more outer spaces

[0107] 113.

[0108] The shaft 110 has a lower shaft portion 114, adjacent to the base 120, and an upper shaft portion 115. The outer screw thread 111 is provided in the lower shaft portion

[0109] 114. The upper shaft portion 115 is free of a screw thread.

[0110] As illustrated in Figure lb, the shaft 110 is shaped as a straight hollow cylinder, having a rectangular opening or slot 130 extending along the full length of the shaft 110. These specific design features of the shaft 110 are not essential for the invention. In other words, for the purpose of the invention, the shaft does not have to be hollow, and it may also be solid, or only partly hollow. Also, it is not required that the shaft has any opening or slot, and it may have a fully closed outer surface instead.

[0111] As illustrated in Figure 1c, the outer screw thread 111 has an outer screw thread length Lx, which corresponds to the height of the lower shaft portion 114.

[0112] The outer screw thread length covers a first outer screw thread portion 116 and a second outer screw thread portion 117, the latter being adjacent to the base 120.

[0113] The outer protrusions 112 and outer spaces 113 are only provided in the first outer screw thread portion 116, while the second outer screw thread portion 117 is free of protrusions and spaces and is just a portion of a regular screw thread.

[0114] Any screw thread comprises a ridge that is wrapped around a body in the form of a helix. In the outer screw thread 111, the protrusions 112 and spaces 113 are formed by providing recesses in the ridge of the screw thread 111. The recesses constitute the spaces 113, while the remaining part of the ridge constitutes the protrusions 112.

[0115] The recesses are only provided in the first outer screw thread portion 116. So, in the first and second outer screw thread portions 116 and 117, the outer screw thread 111 has a ridge interrupted with recesses and a regular uninterrupted ridge, respectively. For the purpose of the invention it is only required that a plurality of outer engagement features be provided in at least part of the outer screw thread. The outer engagement features may only be provided in a part of the outer screw thread (as is the case for the first part 100 shown in Figures la to Id), so that the outer screw thread is only partly provided with alternating outer protrusions and outer spaces, but the outer engagement features may also be provided on the full outer screw thread, so that the outer screw thread is fully provided with alternating outer protrusions and outer spaces.

[0116] In case the outer screw thread is only partly provided with outer engagement features, the latter may be present in any portion of the outer screw thread.

[0117] Figure Id shows a crop of the view of Figure lb, zooming in on the outer screw thread 111.

[0118] As can be seen in Figure Id, the outer protrusions 112 have a truncated pyramidal shape, being an example of a polygonal shape, or a shape with angled contours.

[0119] For the purpose of the invention, the outer protrusions may have any suitable shape, of which a truncated pyramidal shape and other polygonal shapes are merely examples.

[0120] Other suitable shapes are those with curved or rounded contours. Examples of such shapes are spherical and ellipsoidal caps, being portions of a sphere or ellipsoid, respectively, cut off by a plane. Other examples of such shapes are protrusions with a paraboloidal shape, and protrusions with a (truncated) conical shape.

[0121] Under (I), Figure le again shows the outer protrusions 112 with truncated pyramidal shapes, and the outer spaces 113 between them, both in a top view and in a side view.

[0122] Under (II), Figure le shows outer protrusions 112 with trapezoidal prismatic shapes, and the outer spaces 113 between them, both in a top view and in a side view.

[0123] Under (III), Figure le shows outer protrusions 112 with shapes of ellipsoidal caps, and the outer spaces 113 between them, both in a top view and in a side view.

[0124] Figures 2a to 2c show a second part 200 for use in an assembly according to the invention.

[0125] Figure 2a shows the second part 200 in a side view, Figure 2b shows the second part 200 in a perspective view, and Figure 2c shows the second part 200 in a top view.

[0126] The second part 200 has a second part axis 201. The second part 200 further has a second part opening 210 extending into the second part 200 in a direction parallel to the second part axis 201. In fact, the second part opening 210 is a through hole, as it extends completely through the second part 200.

[0127] The second part opening 210 of the second part 200 is configured for receiving the shaft 110 of the first part 100. In other words, the second part opening 210 is designed such that the shaft 110 can enter into the second part opening 210 to assume a position therein. Or put differently, the second part opening 210 is designed such that the second part 200 can be slid over the shaft 110 in a direction parallel to the first part axis 101.

[0128] The second part opening 210 has an inner screw thread 211. The inner screw thread 211 comprises a plurality of inner engagement features, and the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions 212 separated by one or more inner spaces 213.

[0129] The second part opening 210 is completely threaded. In other words, the inner screw thread 211 extends along the full length of the second part opening 210. The inner screw thread 211 has an inner screw thread length L2, which corresponds to the full length of the second part opening 210.

[0130] For the purpose of the invention, the second part opening only has to extend into the second part. It may extend completely through the second part (forming a through hole, as is the case for the second part 200), but it may also only extend partially into the second part (forming a blind hole).

[0131] The inner screw thread length L2covers a first inner screw thread portion 214 and a second inner screw thread portion 215. The first inner screw thread portion 214 is adjacent to a first side of the second part opening 210, and the second inner screw thread portion 215 is adjacent to an opposite second side of the second part opening 210.

[0132] The plurality of inner engagement features is only provided in the second inner screw thread portion 215, while the first inner screw thread portion 214 is free of engagement features and is just a portion of a regular screw thread.

[0133] For the purpose of the invention it is only required that a plurality of inner engagement features be provided in at least part of the inner screw thread. The inner engagement features may only be provided in a part of the inner screw thread (as is the case for the second part 200 shown in Figures 2a to 2c), so that the inner screw thread is only partly provided with alternating inner protrusions and inner spaces, but the inner engagement features may also be provided on the full inner screw thread, so that the inner screw thread is fully provided with alternating inner protrusions and inner spaces. In case the inner screw thread is only partly provided with inner engagement features, the latter may be present in any portion of the inner screw thread.

[0134] As illustrated in Figure 2b and 2c, the inner protrusions 212 are shaped as spherical caps, being an example of a shape with rounded contours.

[0135] For the purpose of the invention, the inner protrusions may have any suitable shape, of which a spherical cap and other rounded or curved shapes are merely examples.

[0136] Other suitable shapes are polygonal shapes, or shapes with angled contours, such as polygonal shapes.

[0137] The plurality of inner engagement features of the second part 200 is complementary to the plurality of outer engagement features of the first part 100. In other words, the inner protrusions 212 can fit in the spaces 113 between the outer protrusions 112, while the outer protrusions 112 can fit in the inner spaces 213 between the inner protrusions 212.

[0138] The second part 200 has three flanges 220 that are positioned at the vertices of an imaginary equilateral triangle. These three flanges 220 may be used by a person or machine to apply a force to the second part 200 for rotating the second part 200 around the second part axis 201.

[0139] Another number of flanges (or similar structures) may be used, in any suitable arrangement. Also, the second part may have an outer surface that allows a person or machine to grab the second part and to apply a rotational force to it.

[0140] The second part 200 further has a bulge 230, which extends from the second part 200 in a direction perpendicular to the second part axis 201. The function of the bulge 230 will be further described in the context of Figures 3a to 3c.

[0141] Figures 3a to 3c show the process of coupling the first part 100 and the second part 200 together, to thereby form an assembly 1100.

[0142] The second part opening 210 being configured for receiving the shaft 110 of the first part 100 allows the second part 200 to move relative to the shaft 110 in a direction parallel to the first part axis 101. This is schematically shown in Figure 3a.

[0143] The second part 200 first moves over the upper shaft portion 115. Because the latter does not have a screw thread, the second part 200 can easily slide along the upper shaft portion 115, towards the lower shaft portion 114.

[0144] In Figure 3b, the second part 200 has reached the lower shaft portion 114, being the portion of the shaft 110 where the outer screw thread 111 is provided. Because the inner screw thread 211 and the outer screw thread 111 are mating screw threads, the second part 200 can now couple to the first part 100.

[0145] During an initial coupling stage, it is only the first inner screw thread portion 214 that couples to the first outer screw thread portion 116. Because the first inner screw thread portion 214 is free of engagement features, and is just portion of a regular screw thread, the initial coupling stage follows a standard screw mechanism.

[0146] After the second part 200 has moved further down the lower shaft portion 114, the coupling between the second part 200 and the first part 100 enters a final coupling stage wherein the second inner screw thread portion 215, being the portion that is provided with the plurality of inner engagement features, couples to the second outer screw thread portion 117, being the portion that is provided with the plurality of outer engagement features.

[0147] During the final coupling stage, the plurality of outer engagement features engages with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the two.

[0148] As said, the plurality of inner engagement features is complementary to the plurality of outer engagement features, meaning that the inner protrusions 212 can fit in the outer spaces 113, while the outer protrusions 112 can fit in the inner spaces 213.

[0149] Furthermore, at least one of the shaft 110 and the second part opening 210 is flexible to such a degree that the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features can engage with each other through a relative rotational movement between the two.

[0150] The required degree of flexibility may be obtained by letting the first part 100 and the second part 200 both be made from plastic, and by providing the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features at locations where the first part 100 and the second part 200, respectively, have a relatively thin wall.

[0151] For the purpose of the invention, the first and second parts may be designed in any suitable way, and be made from any suitable material, as long as at least one of the shaft and the second part opening has the required flexibility to allow the aforementioned engagement between the pluralities of outer and of inner engagement features.

[0152] The complementarity of the outer and inner engagement features, combined with the flexibility to allow them to engage with each other through a relative rotational movement, enables the second part 200 to be locked in the coupling position.

[0153] The final coupling stage combines a standard screw mechanism with a kind of snap-fit or clicking mechanism, thereby enabling the second part 200 to be coupled to the first part 100 at a coupling position relative to the shaft 110, and to be locked in the coupling position.

[0154] In Figure 3c, the final coupling stage is completed, and the second part 200 is locked in the coupling position relative to the shaft 110. The configuration shown in Figure 3c is therefore that of the assembly 1100.

[0155] To assist in determining whether the desired coupling position is reached, alignment markers may be used.

[0156] In the assembly 1100, the slot 130 of the first part 100 represents a first marker, while the bulge 230 of the second part 200 represents a second marker.

[0157] During the final coupling stage, the second part 200 can be rotated around the shaft 110 until the bulge 230 is in front of the slot 130. At this point, the slot 130 and the bulge 230 are aligned, and the second part 200 and the shaft 110 are in an aligned position, which marks the desired coupling position.

[0158] The slot 130 and the bulge 230 are but two examples of suitable alignment markers. Other suitable alignment markers may be used instead.

[0159] In the assembly 1100, the outer protrusions 112 and the inner protrusions 212 are shaped such that the engagement between the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features can take place in a back-and-forth rotational movement. This is because the outer and inner protrusions all have a shape that tapers in the direction wherein the protrusions extend.

[0160] This not only enables the second part 200 to reach and be locked in the coupling position, but it also enables the second part 200 to be decoupled again.

[0161] In an alternative construction of the assembly, the outer protrusions and / or the inner protrusions may be shaped differently, for example such that the engagement between the outer and inner engagement features can only take place via a rotary motion in one direction.

[0162] For this purpose, the protrusions may have prismatic shapes with relatively moderate slopes on one side and relatively steep slopes on the opposing other side, such as illustrated in Figure 4 for a plurality of outer engagement features comprising outer protrusions 112 separated by outer spaces 113.

[0163] When the plurality of outer engagement features illustrated in Figure 4 engages a plurality of inner engagement features, the inner protrusions of the latter can engage the outer protrusions 112 at a steep enough angle to restrain them. For such a combination of complementary outer and inner engagement features, the engagement features mechanically interact with each other according to a ratchet mechanism.

[0164] As can be seen in Figure 3c, wherein the second part 200 is locked in the coupling position relative to the shaft 110, there is still a space left open between the first part 100 and the second part 200, or actually between the base 120 and the second part 200.

[0165] When an intermediate part is provided in the space left open between the first part 100 and the second part 200, the intermediate part can be kept in place by locking the second part 200 in the coupling position.

[0166] Figure 5 shows an intermediate part 300. The intermediate part 300 has an intermediate part opening 310 extending through the intermediate part 300. The intermediate part opening 310 is configured for the shaft 110 to pass through.

[0167] The intermediate part 300 shown in Figure 5 is a ring-shaped weight, such as a metal washer. Other intermediate parts may also be suitable, as long as they can be positioned between the first part and the second part, to be kept in place by locking the second part in the coupling position.

[0168] Figure 6 again shows the assembly 1100, but now with intermediate part 300 of Figure 5 being positioned on the base surface 121, and between the first part 100 and the second part 200, wherein the locking of the second part 200 in the coupling position keeps the intermediate part 300 in place.

[0169] The assembly 1100 as shown in Figure 3a (with a second part that is locked in a coupling position relative to a first part), and the assembly 1100 as shown in Figure 6 (with an additional intermediate part that is kept in place between the first and second parts) can be used in various applications wherein two parts should be locked in position relative to each other, and / or where an additional part should be kept in place between such locked parts.

[0170] One such potential application of the assembly 1100 is in a luminaire.

[0171] Figure 7 shows a luminaire 2100 that comprises the assembly 1100.

[0172] The luminaire 2100 has a lamp 400 with a lamp mount 410. The lamp mount 410 is inserted into a socket 500, which socket 500 is provided on the shaft 110, at a side opposite the base 120.

[0173] The first part 100 represents a stand of the luminaire 2100, wherein the base 120 represents a foot of the stand. The foot can be used to place the luminaire 2100 on a surface, such as a floor or a table. In the luminaire 2100, the intermediate part 300 is a ring-shaped weight, and the second part 200 is a locking ring for keeping the ring-shaped weight in place on the foot of the stand.

[0174] Because of the ring-shaped weight, the luminaire 2100 has an improved stability when placed on a surface. This is particularly relevant when the luminaire 2100 is built from light-weight components, such as plastic parts.

[0175] The locking ring ensures that the ring-shaped weight is kept in place. This is particularly relevant during transport of the luminaire 2100, as otherwise vibrations may cause the weight to become loose, so that it can move in the stand of the luminaire 2100.

[0176] Figure 8 again shows the luminaire 2100, but now with a housing 500, having a first housing part 510 that, together with the first part 100, constitutes the stand of the luminaire, and a second housing part 520 that forms a shade around the lamp 400.

[0177] In Figures 7 and 8, the assembly according to the invention is part of a luminaire 2100 and used to lock a ring-shaped weight in position on a foot of the luminaire 2100.

[0178] As said, the assembly according to the invention can be used for various applications.

[0179] Another example of a potential application of the assembly according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 9 to 11.

[0180] Figure 9 shows a lamp 400 with a lamp mount 410, in the form of a light bulb with a screw base. Such a lamp can be the first part of the assembly according to the invention, wherein the lamp mount represents the shaft of the first part.

[0181] Similar to what is illustrated in Figure Id, the lamp mount 410 has an outer screw thread 411 with a plurality of outer engagement features, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions 412 separated by one of more outer spaces 413.

[0182] Figure 10 shows a socket 500 with a cavity 510 capable of receiving the lamp mount 410 of the lamp 400 illustrated in Figure 9. Such a socket can be the second part of the assembly according to the invention, wherein the cavity represents the second part opening.

[0183] Similar to what is illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c, the cavity 510 of the socket 500 has an inner screw thread 511 with a plurality of inner engagement features, wherein the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions 512 separated by one or more inner spaces 513. Figures I la and 1 lb show the process of coupling the lamp 400 and the socket 500 together, to thereby form an assembly 1200.

[0184] Figure I la shows an initial coupling stage, which follows a standard screw mechanism, because the portion of the outer screw thread 411 on the lamp mount 410 that first engages with the inner screw thread 511 in the cavity 510 of the socket 500 is free from engagement features.

[0185] During a final coupling stage, the outer engagement features of the lamp 400 engage with the inner engagement features of the socket 500 through a relative rotational movement between the two, until the coupling position is reached.

[0186] In the assembly 1200, the coupling position is the position wherein the lamp 400 is not only mechanically connected to the socket 500, but also electrically. In other words, in the coupling position, the socket electrodes are in electrical contact with the lamp electrodes.

[0187] The lamp 400 is the first part of the assembly 1200, wherein the lamp mount 410 is the shaft of the first part. The socket 500 is the second part of the assembly 1200, which is locked in the coupling position relative to the lamp mount.

[0188] Figure 12 shows a luminaire 2200 comprising the assembly 1200. The luminaire 2200 is a pendant luminaire that hangs from a mounting surface, such as a ceiling.

[0189] The assembly 1200 may be used in other types of luminaires as well, such as any luminaire wherein a lamp with a screw base must be connected into a socket.

[0190] Because in the assembly 1200 the lamp 400 is locked in the coupling position, a more reliable mechanical and electrical connection is obtained. This is particularly relevant when the assembly 1200 would be part of a luminaire that is intended to be used under operating conditions wherein, for example, vibrations may otherwise result in the connection becoming loose.

[0191] As said, the assembly according to the invention can be used in various applications wherein two parts should be locked in position relative to each other, and / or where an additional part should be kept in place between such locked parts. Such applications are not limited to luminaires, nor to any other lighting or light-emitting devices.

[0192] The first and second parts of the assembly according to the invention can be made by any suitable manufacturing method, as long as at least one of the shaft and the second part opening is flexible to such a degree that the pluralities of outer and inner engagement features can engage with each other through a relative rotational movement between the two, to enable the second part to be locked in the coupling position. Such required flexibility can be obtained when one or both of the first and second parts is wholly or partly made from plastic.

[0193] A suitable method for manufacturing the first and second parts of the assembly according to the invention is an additive manufacturing method, such as 3D printing.

[0194] An example of a suitable 3D printing method is fused deposition modelling (FDM), also called fused filament fabrication (FFF) or filament 3D printing (FDP), one of the most commonly used forms of 3D printing.

[0195] In an FDM process, a 3D printer creates an object in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a printable material (typically a filament of a thermoplastic material) along tool paths that are generated from a digital representation of the object. The printable material is heated just beyond solidification and extruded through a nozzle of a print head of the 3D printer. The extruded printable material fuses to previously deposited material and solidifies upon a reduction in temperature. In a typical 3D printer, the printable material is deposited as a sequence of planar layers onto a substrate that defines a build plane. The position of the print head relative to the substrate is then incremented along a print axis (perpendicular to the build plane), and the process is repeated until the object is complete.

[0196] FDM printers are relatively fast, low cost and can be used for printing complicated three-dimensional objects. Such printers are used in printing various shapes using various 3D printable materials.

[0197] 3D printing, and especially FDM, is particularly suitable for manufacturing plastic parts that are provided with complementary engagement structures, such as required for the assembly according to the invention.

[0198] It should be noted that the embodiments described herein illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0199] The various aspects discussed herein can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined.

[0200] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0201] Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

[0202] The article “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An assembly (1100, 1200) comprising a first part (100, 400) and a second part(200, 500), wherein the first part (100, 400) has a shaft (110, 410), wherein the second part (200, 500) has a second part opening (210, 510) extending into the second part (200, 500), the second part opening (210, 510) being configured for receiving the shaft (110, 410), wherein the shaft (110, 410) comprises an outer screw thread (111, 411) having an outer screw thread elongation direction, and the second part opening (210, 510) comprises an inner screw thread (211, 511) having an inner screw thread elongation direction, wherein the outer screw thread (111, 411) and the inner screw thread (211, 511) are mating screw threads, to allow the second part (200, 500) to be coupled to the first part (100, 400) at a coupling position relative to the shaft (110, 410), wherein the outer screw thread (111, 411) comprises a plurality of outer engagement features, and the inner screw thread (211, 511) comprises a plurality of inner engagement features, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions (112, 412) separated by one or more outer spaces (113, 413), and the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions (212, 512) separated by one or more inner spaces (213, 513), the plurality of outer protrusions (112, 412) extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the outer screw thread elongation direction, and the plurality of inner protrusions (212, 512) extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the inner screw thread elongation direction, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features have complementary shapes, and wherein at least one of the shaft (110, 410) and the second part opening (210, 510) is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movementbetween the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the second part (200, 500) to be locked in the coupling position.

2. The assembly (1100, 1200) according to claim 1, wherein each of the outer protrusions (112, 412) has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the outer screw thread (111, 411), and wherein each of the inner protrusions (212, 512) has a shape that tapers in a direction away from the inner screw thread (211, 511).

3. The assembly (1100, 1200) according to claim 1, wherein the outer engagement features and the inner engagement features are shaped such that the relative rotational movement through which the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features is a ratchet mechanism.

4. The assembly (1100, 1200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner screw thread (211, 511) has an inner screw thread length covering a first inner screw thread portion (214) and a second inner screw thread portion (215), and wherein the plurality of inner engagement features is only provided in the second inner screw thread portion (215).

5. The assembly (1100, 1200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100) has a first marker (130), and the second part (200) has a second marker (230), wherein the first marker (130) and the second marker (230) are configured to be aligned when the second part (200) is at an aligned position relative to the shaft (110), and wherein the aligned position is the coupling position.

6. The assembly (1100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly (1100) further comprises an intermediate part (300), wherein the intermediate part (300) has an intermediate part opening (310) extending through the intermediate part (300), the intermediate part opening (310) being configured for the shaft (110) to pass through, wherein the intermediate part (300) is positioned between the first part (100) and the second part (200), and wherein the locking of the second part (200) in the coupling position keeps the intermediate part (300) in place.

7. The assembly (1100) according to claim 6, wherein the first part (100) has a base (120) with a base surface (121), the shaft (110) extending away from the base surface (121), and wherein the intermediate part (300) is positioned on the base surface (121).

8. The assembly (1100) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the second part (200) is a locking ring having a flange (220) for rotating the locking ring around the shaft (110).

9. A luminaire (2100) comprising the assembly (1100) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the luminaire (2100) has a stand with a foot for placing the luminaire (2100) on a support surface, the first part (100) of the assembly (1100) being the stand of the luminaire, and the base (120) of the first part (100) being the foot of the stand, wherein the luminaire (2100) has a ring-shaped weight, the ring-shaped weight being the intermediate part (300) of the assembly (1100), and wherein the luminaire (2100) has a locking ring for keeping the ring-shaped weight in place on the foot of the stand, the locking ring being the second part (200) of the assembly (1100).

10. The luminaire (2100) according to claim 9, wherein the luminaire (2100) has a lamp (400) with a lamp mount (410), and wherein, at a side opposite the base (120), the shaft (110) of the stand has a socket (500) for receiving the lamp mount (410).

11. A luminaire (2200) comprising the assembly (1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the luminaire (2200) has a lamp (400) with a lamp mount (410), and a socket (500) for receiving the lamp mount (410), wherein the lamp (400) is the first part of the assembly (1200), the lamp mount (410) being the shaft of the first part, and wherein the socket (500) is the second part of the assembly (1200).

12. A part for use in the assembly (1100, 1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the part is the first part (100, 400), and wherein the shaft (110, 410) is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the second part (200, 500) to be locked in the coupling position.

13. A part for use in the assembly (1100, 1200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the part is the second part (200, 500), and wherein the second part opening (210, 510) is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with the plurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the second part (200, 500) to be locked in the coupling position.

14. A kit of parts comprising a first part (100) and a second part (200), wherein the first part (100) has a shaft (110, 410) wherein the second part (200) has a second part opening (210, 510) extending into the second part (200), the second part opening (210) being configured for receiving the shaft (110), wherein the shaft (110, 410) comprises an outer screw thread (111, 411) having an outer screw thread elongation direction, and the second part opening (210, 510) comprises an inner screw thread (211, 511) having an inner screw thread elongation direction, wherein the outer screw thread (111, 411) and the inner screw thread (211, 511) are mating screw threads, to allow the second part (200) to be coupled to the first part (100) at a coupling position relative to the shaft (110, 410), wherein the outer screw thread (111, 411) comprises a plurality of outer engagement features, and the inner screw thread (211, 511) comprises a plurality of inner engagement features, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features comprises a plurality of outer protrusions (112, 412) separated by one or more outer spaces (113, 413), and the plurality of inner engagement features comprises a plurality of inner protrusions (212, 512) separated by one or more inner spaces (213, 513), the plurality of outer protrusions (112, 412) extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the outer screw thread elongation direction, and the plurality of inner protrusions (212, 512) extending in a direction that is perpendicular to the inner screw thread elongation direction, wherein the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features have complementary shapes, and wherein at least one of the shaft (110, 410) and the part opening (210, 510) is flexible to such a degree that the plurality of outer engagement features can engage with theplurality of inner engagement features through a relative rotational movement between the plurality of outer engagement features and the plurality of inner engagement features, thereby enabling the second part (200) to be locked in the coupling position.

Images