Lens and retainer combination

摘要

A retainer (23) includes two retainer portions (20, 21) surrounding lens (2). Lens (2) has a bearing surface (14) and an abutment surface (12), preferably two of each. In an intermediate stage of assembly, retainer portions when placed in confronting relation to each other around the lens are undersized in a lateral direction relative a principal dimension of lens (2). A projection (22) from a retainer portion (20, 21) bears against lens bearing surface (14), and an abutment-receiving structure (24), such as an aperture, bears against lens abutment (12). When the retainer portions (20, 21) are squeezed together and permanently connected, such as by weldment (40), projection (22) is urged more firmly against lens bearing surface (14) and lens abutment surface (12) is urged against lens aperture (24). Retainer portions (20, 21) are symmetric, and formed of sheet steel.

主权项

1. A lens (2) and retainer (23) combination, comprising:
a lens (2) having a light entrance surface (4), a light exit surface (6); a first retainer portion (20) and a second retainer portion (21); said lens (2) comprising at least one lens bearing surface (14) and at least one lens abutment surface (12) and having a lens width dimension (W), said bearing surface disposed along said width dimension; at least one of said first and second retainer portions (20, 21) being formed of resilient sheet material and comprising at least one projection (22) adapted to bear against said lens bearing surface (14) and an abutment-receiving structure (24) adapted to bear against said lens abutment surface (12); wherein said first and second retainer portions (20, 21), when placed in unassembled mating, confronting relation to each other, together define a retainer (23) having a lens-receiving region (60) having an internal width (B) slightly less than said lens width dimension (W); wherein when said first and second retainer portions (20, 21) are in confronting relation with said lens (2) disposed therebetween, said at least one retainer projection (22) abuts against said lens bearing surface (14) and said abutment-receiving structure (24) bears against said lens abutment surface (12); and wherein when said first and second retainer portions (20, 21) are fixedly joined to one another, said at least one projection (22) is urged against said lens bearing surface (14), whereby said lens abutment surface (12) is urged against said lens abutment-receiving surface (24).