Apparatus and method for improving assembly of leadless ballasts into fluorescent luminaires
US5405271A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53257
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An assembly tool helps connect an electrical external half-connector to an internal half-connector at an aperture in a ballast case. The tool includes a fulcrum for stabilizing the tool against the case, and tongue for pushing the external half-connector into engagement while clearing the connector wires, to avoid damage. A handle of the tool is used to rotate the tool about the fulcrum. If the connector has a latch to deter pull-out, the tool also preactuates or depresses the latch to eliminate frictional resistance to inserting the latch--and so reduce the required engagement force. Latch depression is simultaneous with the point in the insertion process where the latch hook passes its mating engagement member. The tool dimensions provide a high mechanical advantage to help push the two connector halves together against friction. The tool converts the connector-engaging task from wrist action to a stress-free upper-body movement. Various fulcrum configurations are preferred for engaging existing features of the ballast case or luminaire, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.